bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascertaining the impact of contractors pre-qualification criteria on project success criteria
Authors: Acheamfour Victor Karikari , Kissi Ernest , Adjei-Kumi Theophilus
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The selection of a suitable contractor for a project has a significant impact on project success. In order to avoid the selection of an incapable contractor, the capabilities of contractors must be assessed prior to tendering through pre-qualification. However, the pre-qualification process is characterized by partiality and ambiguity. In view of this, numerous models have been developed to solve the pre-qualification problems. Prior to the development of such models, it is very important to assess how the pre-qualification criteria impact project success criteria so as to aid in the selection of pre-qualification criteria while considering the project and client’s objectives. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain the relationship between contractors’ pre-qualification criteria and project success criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized explanatory research design in testing 35 hypotheses. The views of 121 practising quantity surveyors were solicited using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling to validate the hypothesis.

Findings

In all, 13 of the 35 hypotheses were not supported. The findings indicated a clear relationship between contractors’ pre-qualification and project success.

Practical implications

Therefore, it is evident that the practice of lowest evaluate bidder is not adequate for providing a satisfactory project outcome. It is, therefore, suggested that more emphasis should be placed on contractor’s technical abilities, health and safety and management capabilities as they have proven to have a significant correlation with the project success.

Originality/value

This study provides insights to the how various pre-qualification criteria can impact the project success criteria and further contributes to the symbiotic that exist in the literature on pre-qualification and project success.
Exploring sustainable post-end-of-life of building operations
Authors: Jayasinghe Ruchini Senarath , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergies between post-end-of-life of building (PEoLB) concepts and operations to achieve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using 65 articles published between 2006 and 2017, and it has been subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis.

Findings

The descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of the articles were about (60 per cent) PEoLB operations, followed by (23 per cent) PEoLB concepts. Only 17 per cent of the articles have dealt with PEoLB-related strategic approaches. The thematic analysis elaborated on the literature development; interrelationships between PEoLB concepts and operations; impediments of introducing sustainability on these operations, remedial measures and information-based strategic approaches to achieve sustainability. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework for sustainable PEoLB operations is proposed. Furthermore, four areas of potential future research are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents a future research agenda including best practices to plan PEoLB operations and the development of optimisation models, risk management and information-based strategic approaches.

Practical implications

The proposed conceptual research framework triggers and nurtures potential pathways to introduce sustainable PEoLB operations under sound information flow. This could create a basis for future empirical studies in filling the identified gaps in literature. The framework could also assist practitioners in mitigating risks associated with transportation, storing and contamination of salvaged materials through enhanced information flow. In addition, the framework provides some managerial guidance to organisations seeking ways of establishing sustainability during reverse logistics (RL) operations.

Originality/value

This paper presents an SLR of an emerging area of research that encapsulates closed-loop supply chain through sustainable RL operations. The study highlights the interrelationships between PEoLB concepts and operations. It develops a robust approach to effectively manage the PEoLB operations underpinned by a sound information flow to facilitate sustainability.
Hybrid fuzzy-system dynamics approach for quantification of the impacts of construction claims
Authors: Nasirzadeh Farnad , Carmichael David G. , Jarban Mohammad Jafar , Rostamnezhad Mozhdeh
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel hybrid fuzzy-system dynamics (SD) approach for the quantification of the impacts of construction claims.

Design/methodology/approach

The most significant claims affecting a project are identified. The various factors affecting the impacts of claims are identified. Then, the qualitative model of construction claims is constructed considering the complex inter-related structure of the influencing factors. The mathematical relationships among the variables are determined and the quantitative model of claims is built. Finally, fuzzy logic is integrated into the proposed model to take into account the existing uncertainties.

Findings

To show the capabilities of the proposed simulation model, it is implemented on a real project and the impacts of the identified claims on the project cost are quantified. It is shown that the external interactions among different claims can intensify their overall impact.

Research limitations/implications

Identification of interactions among various influencing factors is not an easy job when there are a large number of claims in a project. Well-qualified experts and the existence of historical data may limit the application of the proposed method in projects with limited data and/or qualified experts.

Practical implications

The proposed hybrid fuzzy-SD approach provides a practical and flexible tool that can be used in various construction projects to assess the cost impacts of construction claims taking into account their complex interactions. Using the proposed method, the accuracy of achieved results is increased compared to conventional methods that are used for the quantification of claims since the complex inter-related structure of influencing factors and the claims interactions are taken into account. One of the capabilities of the proposed hybrid fuzzy-SD method is its flexibility. Depending on the type of contract and the parties involved in the project, the proposed hybrid fuzzy-SD method can be used during different stages of the project life cycle to model and quantify claims.

Originality/value

The proposed approach may present a flexible and robust method for quantification of construction claims. The novelty aspects of this paper are as follows: the extensively complex structure of claims arising from both internal and external interactions is accounted for using SD. The existing uncertainties affecting the impacts of a claim are taken into account.
Designing with pixels: parametric thinking for patterning dynamic building facades
Authors: Mallasi Zaki
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Advances in digital design tools enable exploration and generation of dynamic building facades. However, some processes are formally prescribed and manually driven to only visualize the design concepts. The purpose of this paper is to present a proactive framework for integrating parametric design thinking, paying particular attention to building facade patterning.

Design/methodology/approach

This work developed the PatternGen© add-on in Autodesk® Revit which utilizes an analytical image data (AID) overlay approach as a data source to dynamically pattern the building facade. The add-on was used to manipulate the placement rules of curtain panels on facade surface geometry. As means of validating this research model, a real-life design project has been chosen to illustrate the practical application of this approach. Feedback and observations from a short end-user questionnaire assessed qualitatively the facade patterning and panelization approach.

Findings

The proposed merge (or overlay) of AID images can be used as a parametric thinking method rather than just theory to generate and articulate dynamic facade design. The facade panelization responds to an AID that resembles design-performance data (e.g. solar exposure, interior privacy importance and aesthetics).

Originality/value

This work identifies a form of parametric thinking defined as the expression of geometrical relationships and its configuration dependent on the AID pixel Red Green Blue color source values. In this type of thinking, it explores the impact of the digital process and parametric thinking utility when driven by an AID overlay. The framework highlighted the practical application of AID pixel approach within a digital process to benefit both designers and computational tools developer on emerging design innovations.
Leveraging culture and leadership in crisis management
Authors: Bhaduri Raka M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship of organizational culture, leadership and crisis management through exploration of these three constructs with respect to crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a conceptual framework has been proposed that is based on the literature findings of organizational culture, leadership and crisis management. Two types of cultural elements are used; internal versus external focus and low versus high flexibility. Organizational crisis management process is explained through the five-stage life cycle, including signal detection, prevention, damage containment, recovery and learning. Four types of leadership are included; directive, transactional, cognitive and transformational that are critical during crisis management. Five research propositions have been proposed for each stage of crisis management.

Findings

Five research propositions have been proposed based on the stages of crisis management.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual framework needs to be tested for validity. More research is needed on how changing demographics and technology affect these constructs. Organizations need to develop through reflective practices that focus on leadership competencies and crisis-prone culture to tackle any crisis event.

Practical implications

Organizations need to develop leadership competencies and crisis-prone culture. Organizations needs to be reflective on their practices.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual framework is an expanded version of the crisis response leadership matrix (CRLM) model of Bowers et al. (2017). In this paper, an unique concept is presented by aligning leadership, culture and crisis management with respect to each stage of crisis management and types of crisis.
An investigation on performance optimization of r-PET/cotton and v-PET/cotton knitted fabric
Authors: Sarıoğlu Esin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the bursting strength, bursting distension, air permeability and wale wise wicking rate properties of recycled polyester (r-PET) and virgin polyester (v-PET) raw materials from which single jersey knitted fabric samples are manufactured. Meanwhile, numerical optimization method was used in predetermined parameters to determine the optimum r-PET and v-PET blend ratio and yarn manufacturing technology. In the optimization analysis, the average values of the important yarn and fabric properties inspected were taken as a target according to the 50 percent proportion of r-PET and v-PET fiber for both compact and ring yarn manufacturing technology.

Design/methodology/approach

To encourage the use of value-added textile products produced from recycling PET bottle with the focus of social responsibility is a condition that should be evaluated within the scope of waste management. The recycling of PET bottles and finding new opportunities for the uses in different field are crucial for both contributing environmental economy and conserving natural energy resources. The most important alternative ways is to use the r-PET fiber from recycling PET bottle in textile industry. In this study, 19.7 tex r-PET/cotton and v-PET/cotton-blended compact and ring spun yarns were produced at different blending ratios at the same production parameters.

Findings

Results showed that blend type, blend ratio and yarn manufacturing technology have statistical significance effect on bursting strength and air permeability. Besides, it was found that blend type has no significance on wale wise wicking rate unlike other parameters. Optimization analysis indicated that single jersey knitted fabric with v-PET/CO 58.62/41.38 percent compact yarn had higher desirability with the value of 0.72.

Originality/value

At the present time, r-PET fiber is blended in small amount (approximately 5–15 percent blend ratio) with both cotton and polyester together. In addition, it is possible using different fiber blend types instead of cotton and polyester according to the usage area. The most important question is to determine the amount of r-PET proportion. In other words, both optimum yarn/fabric quality parameters should be ensured and at the same time life cycle of the apparels should not be short when the optimum r-PET proportion is taken into consideration.
The value of liberal arts education for finding professional employment
Authors: Cameron John , Tiessen Rebecca , Grantham Kate , Husband-Ceperkovic Taryn
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Debates about the role of liberal arts education in finding employment highlight both its benefits and the challenges of finding work after graduation – debates that are now well-documented and outlined in this paper. Adding to these debates, the purpose of this paper is to bring in the voices of recent graduates from social sciences and humanities programs who have firsthand and recent experience as they enter the professional job market. Their experiences guide our understanding of the nature of liberal arts programs and shed light on areas of improvement in line with improved career paths and employment outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involved a quantitative data study using an online survey completed by 1,901 graduates.

Findings

A survey completed by 1,901 graduates of IDS programs in Canada provided rich data about the challenges and opportunities of their education in relation to professional employment. Additional follow-up qualitative data provided by survey participants was also analyzed.

Practical implications

From these findings, several implications for curriculum design are highlighted to strengthen (not replace or alter) existing program offerings. Implications for curriculum design: The quantitative data and narrative responses from the survey of IDS graduates on their career paths highlight several important considerations for IDS and other liberal arts programs that are grappling with questions about whether and how to redesign curricula to better address concerns about the employability of students.

Social implications

The central lesson from this research is that the perspectives of university graduates can provide valuable insights for debates about the roles of universities and the design of university curricula. While the voices of university administrators, professors, politicians, industry leaders and media pundits are all prominent in these debates, the perspectives of graduates are often left out, despite their firsthand experience in making the transition from campus to career.

Originality/value

This research project offers one model that other fields of study could follow to learn more from their graduates about the competencies and skills which they most value in navigating complex career paths and overcoming barriers to professional employment.
Sensing opportunities in dynamic markets: how to encourage all employees to take part
Authors: Evans Klavdia Markelova , Salaiz Ashley
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how companies can retain their ability to recognize, seize and maintain opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual work is built on existing research about an organization’s dynamic capabilities and literature on judgment under uncertainty.

Findings

This study offers specific ways in which companies can develop the dynamic capability of identifying new opportunities and, most importantly, how firms can maintain this rare dynamic capability for significant periods, so that they can harvest the benefits offered by owning this capability.

Practical implications

This study’s specific insights equip practitioners with turn-key information on how to build or maintain a firm’s unique ability to sense and capture an opportunity via the enhancement of the firm’s portfolio of simple rules.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel idea about micro-foundations of a firm’s dynamic capabilities and theoretically argues that a favorable organizational culture and individuals’ rules of thumb can form a company’s dynamic ability to sense and seize an opportunity in high-velocity markets.
Does capital structure mediate the link between CEO characteristics and firm performance?
Authors: Naseem Muhammad Akram , Lin Jun , Rehman Ramiz ur , Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq , Ali Rizwan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically capture the impact of a chief executive officer’s (CEO) personal and organizational characteristics on firm performance in the context of a developing country and to explore whether capital structure mediates the relationship between CEO characteristics and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the hypothesized model, CEO duality, tenure and personal characteristics (age, gender and education) were taken as explanatory variables to study their impact on firm performance. Data were collected from 179 Pakistani companies from 2009–2015. The collected data were processed via panel data regression analysis under fixed effect assumptions.

Findings

Results show that CEO duality has a negative impact on firm performance and that a CEO with a dual role is more inclined toward debt financing. Moreover, a CEO with a longer tenure tends to be opportunistic and prioritize his/her personal interest while making strategic financial decisions, thus creating agency costs for the firm. Furthermore, CEO characteristics like age, gender and education have significant effects on firm financial decisions and firm performance. Finally, the debt and equity ratio partially mediates the link between CEO characteristics and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have limited generalizability due to the specific nature of the sample characteristics.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first to explore the impact of CEO characteristics on capital structure and firm performance. This work is also the first to explore the mediating role of capital structure in the relationship between CEO characteristics and firm performance by using Pakistani data.
Challenges with big data analytics in service supply chains in the UAE
Authors: Khan Mehmood
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the challenges associated with big data analytics (BDA) in service supply chains in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive questionnaire has been developed based on semi-structured interviews with different administrators and IT experts. In the second phase, data (n=164) are collected from procurement, operations, administration and customer service staff in the UAE. In the third phase, responses are examined using principal component analysis to identify eight major challenges for big data. A structural model is developed to examine the significance of these dimensions to the notion of big data challenges in supply chains.

Findings

The statistical model shows 66 percent variance of response to BDA, which is caused by technical, cultural, ethical, operational, tactical, procedural, functional and organizational challenges. These are positively correlated measurement challenges with BDA in service supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

Service supply chain professionals and stakeholders believe that catering to the challenges with BDA must be a multi-faceted approach and not limited to specific practices.

Practical implications

The challenges with BDA should be taken into planning and implementation from a holistic perspective. The framework in this paper can have both theoretical and practical implications.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is to advance the understanding of BDA in service sector by viewing it from the perspective of different stakeholders.
Collaborative carbon emission reduction in supply chains: an evolutionary game-theoretic study
Authors: Zhi Bangdong , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Junlin , Jia Fu
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ an emerging phenomenon in China concerning collaborative carbon emission reduction (CCER) to investigate: first, the coordination of suppliers and manufacturers within supply chains to reduce carbon emissions, and second, the role of governmental policy in facilitating this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon evolutionary game theory to develop an evolutionary game model for CCER for suppliers and manufacturers within supply chains. This includes a detailed analysis of the evolutionary direction and process in different areas, both with, and in the absence of, governmental subsidies.

Findings

The results demonstrate that CCER is path dependent and that its evolutionary process is influenced by the following four factors: the initial status within supply chains; the cost; the additional benefit; and the investment risk related to CCER. The research also reveals that the reward provided by manufacturers is rational over the long term, due to the excessive cost of incentives potentially preventing the implementation of CCER.

Originality/value

This study represents the first attempt to investigate CCER within supply chains through the application of an evolutionary game-theoretic model. The investigation of multiple factors in the model will deepen understanding of the collaborative role required for the carbon emission reduction.
A novel insurance system for associated loans: the realization of reducing bankruptcy cost
Authors: Zhang Yaojie , Liang Chao , Jin Daxiang
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The assets of bankrupt firms are usually sold to unsuitable buyers at an extremely discounted price. Aiming to reduce the bankruptcy cost, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel insurance system for associated loans.

Design/methodology/approach

In this insurance system, the joined firms are from the same industry and have a responsibility to buy the assets of potentially bankrupt firms at a relatively high price, because they could make better use of the assets than the buyers outside the industry. Further, the authors use the Shapley value to address the problem of bankruptcy cost allocation and additionally employ the method of Monte Carlo simulation to derive the numerical solution of the insurance premium of bankruptcy cost.

Findings

First, the relatively healthy and solvent firms in the insurance system could gain a larger proportion of benefits derived from the reduced cost of default, interestingly, the more so when the external cost of default is larger. Second, given the positive relationship between bankruptcy cost and asset correlation in practice, lenders and insurers face a trade-off to balance the cost against the benefit of asset correlation. Third, insurance premiums and bankruptcy costs decrease with the number of firms participating in this insurance system.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel insurance for associated loans, in which joined firms can pay a relatively low insurance premium due to the realization of reducing bankruptcy cost.
Flood risk insurance, mitigation and commercial property valuation
Authors: Lamond Jessica Elizabeth , Bhattacharya-Mis Namrata , Chan Faith Ka Shun , Kreibich Heidi , Montz Burrell , Proverbs David G. , Wilkinson Sara
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how built environment professionals approach the valuation of flood risk in commercial property markets and whether insurance promotes mitigation in different insurance and risk management regimes, draw common conclusions and highlight opportunities to transfer learning.

Design/methodology/approach

An illustrative case study approach involving literature search and 72 interviews with built environment professionals, across five countries in four continents.

Findings

Common difficulties arise in availability, reliability and interpretation of risk information, and in evaluating the impact of mitigation. These factors, coupled with the heterogeneous nature of commercial property, lack of transactional data and remote investors, make valuation of risk particularly challenging in the sector. Insurance incentives for risk mitigation are somewhat effective where employed and could be further developed, however, the influence of insurance is hampered by lack of insurance penetration and underinsurance.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation of the means to improve uptake of insurance and to develop insurance incentives for mitigation is recommended.

Practical implications

Flood risk is inconsistently reflected in commercial property values leading to lack of mitigation and vulnerability of investments to future flooding. Improvements are needed in: access to adequate risk information; professional skills in valuing risk; guidance on valuation of flood risk; and regulation to ensure adequate consideration of risk and mitigation options.

Originality/value

The research addresses a global issue that threatens local, and regional economies through loss of utility, business profitability and commercial property value. It is unique in consulting professionals across international markets.
Investigation on Magneto Eyring-Powell nanofluid flow over inclined stretching cylinder with nolinear thermal radiation and Joule heating effect
Authors: Ghadikolaei S.S. , Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Ganji D.D.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is, mixed convection on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Eyring–Powell nanofluid over a stretching cylindrical surface in the presence of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, heat generation and Joule heating effect is investigated and analyzed. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis phenomenon are used to model nanoparticles (Buongiorno’s model).

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical method is applied to solve the governing equations. Obtained results from the effects of different parameters changes on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are reported as diagrams.

Findings

As a result, velocity profile has been reduced by increasing the Hartman number (magnetic field parameter) because of the existence of Lorentz force and increasing Eyring–Powell fluid parameter. In addition, the nanoparticle concentration profile has been reduced because of increase in chemical reaction parameter. At the end, the effects of different parameters on skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are investigated.

Originality/value

Eyring–Powell nanofluid and MHD have significant influence on flow profile.
A review of field methods for suspended and bedload sediment measurement
Authors: Muhammad Nda , Adnan Mohd Shalahuddin , Mohd Yosuff Mohd Azlan , Ahmad Kabiru Abdullahi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Sediment measurement is usually accessible on a periodic or distinct basis. The measurement of sediment (suspended and bedload), especially in the field, is vital in keeping essential data of sediment transport and deposition. Various techniques for measuring sediment have been used over time each with its merits and demerits. The techniques discussed in this paper for suspended sediment include bottle, acoustic, pump, laser diffraction, nuclear and optical. Other techniques for bedload measurement are; River bedload trap (RBT), CSU/FU bedload trap, Helley–Smith, Polish Hydrological Services (PIHM) device, pit and trough, vortex tube, radioactive traces and bedload–surrogate technologies. However, the choice of technique depends on multiple factors ranging from budget constraint, availability of equipment, manpower and data requirement. The purpose of this paper is to present valuable information on selected techniques used in sediment measurement, to aid researchers/practitioners in the choice of sediment measurement technique.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a general review of selected field techniques used in sediment measurement (suspended and bedload). Each techniques mode of operation, merits and demerits are discussed.

Findings

This paper highlights that each technique has its peculiar merits and demerits. However, two techniques are generally preferred over others; the bottle sampling and the Helley–Smith sampler for measuring suspended and bedload sediment. This is because the applicability of these techniques is quite widespread and time-tested.

Originality/value

This review paper provides an in-depth description and comparison of selected existing field sediment measurement techniques. The objective is to ease decision-making about the choice of technique, as well as to identify the suitability and applicability of the chosen technique.
Physiology of Acetic Acid Bacteria and Their Role in Vinegar and Fermented Beverages
Authors: Lynch Kieran M. , Zannini Emanuele , Wilkinson Stuart , Daenen Luk , Arendt Elke K.
Published: April 2019

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) have, for centuries, been important microorganisms in the production of fermented foods and beverages such as vinegar, kombucha, (water) kefir, and lambic beer. Their unique form of metabolism, known as “oxidative” fermentation, mediates the transformation of a variety of substrates into products, which are of importance in the food and beverage industry and beyond; the most well‐known of which is the oxidation of ethanol into acetic acid. Here, a comprehensive review of the physiology of AAB is presented, with particular emphasis on their importance in the production of vinegar and fermented beverages. In addition, particular reference is addressed toward Gluconobacter oxydans due to its biotechnological applications, such as its role in vitamin C production. The production of vinegar and fermented beverages in which AAB play an important role is discussed, followed by an examination of the literature relating to the health benefits associated with consumption of these products. AAB hold great promise for future exploitation, both due to increased consumer demand for traditional fermented beverages such as kombucha, and for the development of new types of products. Further studies on the health benefits related to the consumption of these fermented products and guidelines on assessing the safety of AAB for use as microbial food cultures (starter cultures) are, however, necessary in order to take full advantage of this important group of microorganisms.
Vertical relations, opportunism, and welfare
Authors: Gaudin Germain
Published: April 2019

This article revisits the opportunism problem faced by an upstream monopolist contracting with several retailers over secret agreements, when contracts are linear. We characterize the equilibrium under secret contracts and compare it to that under public contracts in a setting allowing for general forms of demand and retail competition. Market distortions are more severe under secret contracts if and only if retailers' instruments are strategic complements. We also investigate the effect of opportunism on firms' profits. Our results remain robust whether retailers hold passive or wary beliefs. We derive some implications for the antitrust analysis of information exchange between firms.
Associations of the melanocortin 3 receptor C17A + G241A haplotype with body composition and inflammation in African‐American adults
Authors: Demidowich Andrew P. , Parikh Viraj J. , Dedhia Nicket , Branham Rachel E. , Madi Samar A. , Marwitz Shannon E. , Roberson Robin B. , Uhlman Andrew J. , Levi Noah J. , Mi Sarah J. , Jun Joo Yun , Broadney Miranda M. , Brady Sheila M. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: April 2019

Background

The MC3R haplotype C17A + G241A, which encodes a partially inactivated receptor, has high prevalence in individuals of predominately African ancestry. In pediatric cohorts, homozygosity for this common variant has been associated with obesity, reduced lean mass, and greater fasting insulin. However, metabolic and body composition measures have not been well studied in adults with this haplotype.

Methods

A convenience sample of 237 healthy African‐American adult volunteers was studied. TaqMan assays were used to genotype MC3R variants. Labs were drawn in the morning in the fasted state. Body composition data was obtained via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. An analysis of covariance was used to examine the associations of genotype with metabolic and body composition measures controlling for age and sex.

Results

Individuals homozygous for the MC3R C17A + G241A haplotype had significantly greater body mass index, fat mass, fat mass percentage, and C‐reactive protein, with reduced lean mass percentage as compared to heterozygous and wild‐type participants (all ps < 0.05); fasting insulin was marginally nonsignificant between groups (p = 0.053). After adjusting for fat mass, laboratory differences no longer remained significant.

Conclusions

Homozygosity for MC3R C17A + G241A is associated with increased adiposity in African‐American adults. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these associations.
Re‐evaluating the electro‐vectorcardiographic criteria for left bundle branch block
Authors: Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo , Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Daminello‐Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , de Almeida Marcos Célio , Rankinen Jani , Baeub Soler Fabio , Nikus Kjell
Published: April 2019

The criteria for left bundle branch block have gained growing interest in the last few years. In this overview, we discuss diagnostic and prognostic aspects of different criteria. It was already shown that stricter criteria, including longer QRS duration and slurring/notching of the QRS, better identify responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We also include aspects of ST/T concordance and discordance and vectorcardiography, which could further improve in the fine‐tuning of the left bundle branch criteria.
Increase in muscle endurance in mice by dietary Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) possibly via activation of PPARδ
Authors: Komiya Yusuke , Nakamura Toshiya , Ishii Momoko , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Hiraki Eri , Kawabata Fuminori , Nakamura Mako , Tatsumi Ryuichi , Ikeuchi Yoshihide , Mizunoya Wataru
Published: April 2019

Skeletal muscle fiber is largely classified into two types: type 1 (slow‐twitch) and type 2 (fast‐twitch) fibers. Meat quality and composition of fiber types are thought to be closely related. Previous research showed that overexpression of constitutively active peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)δ, a nuclear receptor present in skeletal muscle, increased type 1 fibers in mice. In this study, we found that hexane extracts of Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) showed PPARδ agonistic activity in vitro. Eight‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice were fed a diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) freeze‐dried Yamabushitake mushroom for 24 hr. After the treatment period, the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were excised. The Yamabushitake‐supplemented diet up‐regulated the PPARδ target genes Pdk4 and Ucp3 in mouse skeletal muscles in vivo. Furthermore, feeding the Yamabushitake‐supplemented diet to mice for 8 weeks resulted in a significant increase in muscle endurance. These results indicate that Yamabushitake mushroom contains PPARδ agonistic ligands and that dietary intake of Yamabushitake mushroom could activate PPARδ in skeletal muscle of mice. Unexpectedly, we observed no significant alterations in composition of muscle fiber types between the mice fed control and Yamabushitake‐supplemented diets.
Family support services delivered using a restorative approach: A framework for relationship and strengths‐based whole‐family practice
Authors: Williams Annie
Published: April 2019

Family support services, an integral part of many welfare systems across the developed world, have witnessed a growing demand for the use of relationship and strengths‐based whole‐family approaches in the belief that this increases service engagement and effect. Despite this, knowledge that delivering services using such approaches can be challenging and calls for the identification and exploration of methods likely to promote and sustain their use. Restorative approach is an ethos and method centred on building and sustaining positive relationships, which is increasingly being adopted in family and children's services in the United Kingdom. Despite this, the scarcity of research conducted in this area as yet, means little is known of its use and effect in this context. This article draws on empirical data collected in a wider study exploring the efficacy of different family service delivery models to describe the use of restorative approach in family service provision and determine whether its adoption promotes sustained use of strengths and relationship‐based whole‐family approaches when working with families. Furthermore, it explores whether the process incorporates wider evidence‐based methods of change.
A retrospective study on ultra‐wide diameter dental implants for immediate molar replacement
Authors: Hattingh André , De Bruyn Hugo , Vandeweghe Stefan
Published: April 2019

Background

Although immediate implant placement for single rooted teeth is well documented, the prognosis of ultra‐wide implants in molar sockets lacks data.

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of ultra‐wide implants, immediately placed in molar sockets.

Materials and Methods

Patients treated with immediate ultra‐wide diameter implants that have been in function for at least 40 months, were invited for a clinical evaluation. A radiograph was taken to measure marginal bone loss. Probing depths as well as plaque and bleeding scores were recorded at the implant and contralateral tooth. Crown and soft tissue dimensions were measured, and patients filled out an OHIP‐14 questionnaire.

Results

Eighty‐five out of 230 patients (37%) were evaluated. Twenty‐eight implants received a bone graft to fill the residual space. Average bone loss was 0.19 mm after a mean follow‐up of 67 months, with no significant changes over time (P = 0.170). There was no significant difference in bone loss between the maxilla and mandible (P = 0.797), male or female (P = 0.128), smoking and nonsmoking (P = 0.219), grafted and nongrafted sites (P = 0.098), or the different bio‐types (P = 0.404). The distal papillae were significantly higher if a contact point was present (P = 0.002). Plaque was more frequent at the contralateral tooth (P < 0.001), but more bleeding on probing was observed around the implants (P = 0.021). Overall, 63.5% of the patients experienced no problems at all.

Conclusion

Ultra‐wide diameter implants for immediate molar replacement demonstrate little bone loss and stable soft tissue conditions over a 4 to 7‐year period.
Clinical outcomes of polyvalent immunoglobulin use in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bourassa‐Blanchette Samuel , Knoll Greg A. , Hutton Brian , Fergusson Nicholas , Bennett Alexandria , Tay Jason , Cameron D. William , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: April 2019

Polyvalent immunoglobulin is commonly used for desensitization and treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection in kidney transplantation but its impact on other outcomes is not known. This systematic review investigated the impact of immunoglobulin prophylaxis on infection, rejection, graft loss, and death following kidney transplantation. A comprehensive literature search located 18 studies (n = 8 randomized controlled trials). None examined the effect of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in transplant recipients with hypogammaglobulinemia. Quality of included studies was variable with high to very high risk of bias. In the randomized trials, immunoglobulin use did not reduce cytomegalovirus infection (OR 0.68 [0.39, 1.21]; 6 studies, n = 295), rejection (OR 0.96 [0.50, 1.82]; 4 studies, n = 187), or graft loss (OR 1.03 [0.46, 2.30]; 6 studies, n = 265). In non‐randomized studies, immunoglobulin did not reduce cytomegalovirus infection (OR 0.63 [0.20, 1.94]; 6 studies, n = 361) or death (OR 1.32 [0.05, 38.79]; 3 studies, n = 222) but reduce rejection (OR 0.47 [0.24, 0.94]; 4 studies, n = 268) and graft loss (OR 0.15 [0.05, 0.43]; 2 studies, n = 118). Data were scarce and sample size of current evidence was small. Adequately powered randomized trials are needed to determine if immunoglobulin is an effective intervention to reduce infection, rejection, graft loss, or death following kidney transplantation with and without hypogammaglobulinemia.
First assessment of the performance of an implantable continuous glucose monitoring system through 180 days in a primarily adolescent population with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Aronson Ronnie , Abitbol Alexander , Tweden Katherine S.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To investigate the performance of the Eversense XL implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system through 180 days in a primarily adolescent population with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and methods

This prospective, single‐centre, single‐arm, 180‐day study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the implantable CGM system in Canadian adolescent and adult subjects with T1D. Accuracy measures included mean absolute relative difference (MARD), 15/15% agreement between CGM glucose and blood glucose measured by Yellow Springs Instruments and surveillance error grid analysis. Adolescent subjects received one sensor in the upper arm and adult subjects received one sensor in each upper arm. In‐clinic CGM system accuracy studies were performed every 30 days. The safety assessment included the incidence of adverse events related to either device or the insertion/removal procedure through 180 days.

Results

Thirty‐six subjects (30 adolescent/6 adult, 13 female/23 male, mean age 17 ± 9.2 years, mean body mass index 22 ± 4 kg/m2) received the CGM system. Overall MARD was 9.4% (95% CI: 8.6%‐10.5%). CGM system agreement at 15/15% (N = 7163) through 60, 120 and 180 days was 82.9% (95% CI: 78.4%‐86.1%), 83.6% (95% CI: 80.4%‐85.7%) and 83.4% (95% CI: 79.7%‐85.5%), respectively. Surveillance error grid analysis showed 98.4% of paired values in clinically acceptable error zones A and B. No insertion/removal or device‐related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The Eversense XL CGM system is safe and accurate through 180 days in a primarily adolescent population of subjects with T1D.
Kleptocracy and tax evasion under resource abundance
Authors: Mohtadi Hamid , Ross Michael L. , Jarrett Uchechukwu , Ruediger Stefan
Published: April 2019

Evidence has shown that petroleum wealth is associated with less transparency and at the same time less tax collection. In this paper, we find that the two issues are linked through the citizens’ tax evasion behavior. We develop a model to explain this link and conduct extensive empirical tests of its validity. The explanation is that officials tradeoff greater transparency to improve tax compliance against less transparency to increase gains from corruption. Oil windfalls diminish tax revenue needs, causing officials to optimize on less transparency. Seeing this, citizens optimize on a lower level of tax compliance. At equilibrium, both decline with a positive oil shock. We also study the alternative channel in which tax compliance responds to enforcement. Transparency is found to be the more robust channel. Ignoring citizens’ strategic behavior would lead to predicting suboptimal investment in state capacity for tax enforcement. Using giant oil discoveries data combined with oil price data, we develop a dynamic composite instrument and estimate the model with a dynamic panel system generalized method of moments. We find robust support for our explanation and the model's deep structure for 130+ countries and the 1980–2010 period.
The Educator's Diary: Arendt and Kierkegaard on Progressivism and the Educational Relation
Authors: Korsgaard Morten Timmermann , Aldinger Mathias Mogensen
Published: April 2019

In this article, Morten Korsgaard and Mathias Aldinger examine the educational thinking of Hannah Arendt and accompany their analysis with an educational reading of Søren Kierkegaard's “The Seducer's Diary.” The authors argue that their readings of Arendt and Kierkegaard point us to a pitfall in how we often approach the educational process: expecting the generation that is coming of age to satisfy the desires of the older generation. This expectation, which pervades present educational reform efforts, undercuts the possibility of education for (existential) freedom and, indeed, serves to manipulate the young into adopting the ideals and desires of the older generation. Reading “The Seducer's Diary” educationally allows us to interpret Johannes as a (mis)educator of Cordelia in the mold of the progressive and instrumental educators that Arendt critiques in “The Crisis in Education.” In this way, Arendt and Kierkegaard alert us to the perennial paradox of educating for freedom without attempting to determine how this freedom is to be lived out and thus undermining the endeavor in advance.
Scaling issues of neutral theory reveal violations of ecological equivalence for dominant Amazonian tree species
Authors: Pos Edwin , Guevara Juan Ernesto , Molino Jean‐François , Sabatier Daniel , Bánki Olaf S. , Pitman Nigel C.A. , Mogollón Hugo F. , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Neill David , Phillips Oliver L. , Cerón Carlos , Ríos Paredes Marcos , Núñez Vargas Percy , Dávila Nállarett , Fiore Anthony Di , Rivas‐Torres Gonzalo , Thomas‐Caesar Raquel , Vriesendorp Corine , Young Kenneth R. , Tirado Milton , Wang Ophelia , Sierra Rodrigo , Mesones Italo , Zagt Roderick , Vasquez Rodolfo , Ahuite Reategui Manuel A. , Palacios Cuenca Walter , Valderrama Sandoval Elvis H. , ter Steege Hans
Published: April 2019

Neutral models are often used as null models, testing the relative importance of niche versus neutral processes in shaping diversity. Most versions, however, focus only on regional scale predictions and neglect local level contributions. Recently, a new formulation of spatial neutral theory was published showing an incompatibility between regional and local scale fits where especially the number of rare species was dramatically under‐predicted. Using a forward in time semi‐spatially explicit neutral model and a unique large‐scale Amazonian tree inventory data set, we show that neutral theory not only underestimates the number of rare species but also fails in predicting the excessive dominance of species on both regional and local levels. We show that although there are clear relationships between species composition, spatial and environmental distances, there is also a clear differentiation between species able to attain dominance with and without restriction to specific habitats. We conclude therefore that the apparent dominance of these species is real, and that their excessive abundance can be attributed to fitness differences in different ways, a clear violation of the ecological equivalence assumption of neutral theory.