bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feather pecking in laying hens: why they do it, and welfare implications.
Authors: Nicol C. J.
Published: March 2019

Severe feather pecking in laying hens is a significant welfare problem, causing pain, increased susceptibility to infection and an increased risk of premature death. Severe feather pecking is strongly related to absent, inadequate or insufficient foraging opportunities or to dietary deficiencies. Management practices that acknowledge the importance of foraging and dietary factors have been shown to be protective against feather pecking in commercial flocks. Further progress in prevention and control will depend on a greater understanding of the causal basis of feather pecking, and differences in individual bird propensity to peck.
Revisiting governance principles for effective Remedial Action Plan implementation and capacity building
Authors: Krantzberg Gail
Published: March 2019

The creation of Remedial Action Plans for the Great Lakes Areas of Concern was an experiment in addressing anthropogenic stress on human and nonhuman uses of the nearshore zones, invoking new governance paradigms. This article examines how positive governance attributes and negative governance deficits can benefit from an adaptive governance approach. More specifically, it explores best practises in governance for environmental management and suggests a framework in which Areas of Concern approaches can achieve adaptive capacity. This research also aims to identify gaps in current governance arrangements in the ongoing effort to regenerate excellence in the Areas of Concern, with a view forward to nearshore governance frameworks under both Annex 1 and Annex 2 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Protocol of 2012.
Mitoflash biogenesis and its role in the autoregulation of mitochondrial proton electrochemical potential
Authors: Feng Gaomin , Liu Beibei , Li Jinghang , Cheng Tianlei , Huang Zhanglong , Wang Xianhua , Cheng Heping (Peace)
Published: March 2019

Respiring mitochondria undergo an intermittent electrical and chemical excitation called mitochondrial flash (mitoflash), which transiently uncouples mitochondrial respiration from ATP production. How a mitoflash is generated and what specific role it plays in bioenergetics remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigate mitoflash biogenesis in isolated cardiac mitochondria by varying the respiratory states and substrate supply and by dissecting the involvement of different electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes. We find that robust mitoflash activity occurs once mitochondria are electrochemically charged by state II/IV respiration (i.e., no ATP synthesis at Complex V), regardless of the substrate entry site (Complex I, Complex II, or Complex IV). Inhibiting forward electron transfer abolishes, while blocking reverse electron transfer generally augments, mitoflash production. Switching from state II/IV to state III respiration, to allow for ATP synthesis at Complex V, markedly diminishes mitoflash activity. Intriguingly, when mitochondria are electrochemically charged by the ATPase activity of Complex V, mitoflashes are generated independently of ETC activity. These findings suggest that mitoflash biogenesis is mechanistically linked to the build up of mitochondrial electrochemical potential rather than ETC activity alone, and may functionally counteract overcharging of the mitochondria and hence serve as an autoregulator of mitochondrial proton electrochemical potential.
Comparing models with one versus multiple myosin-binding sites per actin target zone: The power of simplicity
Authors: Månsson Alf
Published: March 2019

Mechanokinetic statistical models describe the mechanisms of muscle contraction on the basis of the average behavior of a large ensemble of actin–myosin motors. Such models often assume that myosin II motor domains bind to regularly spaced, discrete target zones along the actin-based thin filaments and develop force in a series of strain-dependent transitions under the turnover of ATP. The simplest models assume that there is just one myosin-binding site per target zone and a uniform spatial distribution of the myosin motor domains in relation to each site. However, most of the recently developed models assume three myosin-binding sites per target zone, and some models include a spatially explicit 3-D treatment of the myofilament lattice and thereby of the geometry of the actin–myosin contact points. Here, I show that the predictions for steady-state contractile behavior of muscle are very similar whether one or three myosin-binding sites per target zone is assumed, provided that the model responses are appropriately scaled to the number of sites. Comparison of the model predictions for isometrically contracting mammalian muscle cells suggests that each target zone contains three or more myosin-binding sites. Finally, I discuss the strengths and weaknesses of one-site spatially inexplicit models in relation to three-site models, including those that take into account the detailed 3-D geometry of the myofilament lattice. The results of this study suggest that single-site models, with reduced computational cost compared with multisite models, are useful for several purposes, e.g., facilitated molecular mechanistic insights.
Fixed Costs and Recreation Value
Authors: English Eric , Herriges Joseph A , Lupi Frank , McConnell Kenneth , von Haefen Roger H
Published: March 2019

Welfare measures from travel cost models net out variable costs such as travel expenses specific to each trip. Costs that are fixed in the short run, such as expenses for equipment that is used over multiple trips, are typically ignored and implicitly netted out. The resulting net value of recreation trips, or consumer surplus, is appropriate for long‐run analysis when consumers can fully adjust their expenditures. However, in cases where some costs are difficult to adjust in the short run, such as when boat owners do not sell their boats in response to the transient effects of an oil spill, traditional consumer surplus measures underestimate the total welfare change. We explain this underestimation and show how to correct for it by adjusting traditional consumer surplus estimates upward. We illustrate our procedure using a model of recreational boating developed to assess damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In that case, accounting for boating fixed costs resulted in a 50% increase in estimated value relative to estimates of consumer surplus alone.
Molecular Alterations in Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma of African Americans
Authors: Rodriguez Erika F , Jones Robert , Morris C Paul , Ettinger David , Chowsilpa Sayanan , Maleki Zahra
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Identify molecular alterations in pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC) in African American (AA) patients diagnosed on cytology specimens.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, we searched our database from 2013 to 2017 for AA patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary ADC. Molecular and clinical data were reviewed. White patients also diagnosed with pulmonary ADC on cytology samples formed a control group.

Results

A total of 113 patients were identified. Mean age was 63.4 years. Molecular tests were available for 91 patients. Mutations were identified in 53 (58.2%) cases. The most common mutations were EGFR (n = 19 cases, 36%) and KRAS (n = 24 cases, 45%). When compared with whites, AA patients were diagnosed at higher stages (P = .045) and demonstrated shorter overall survival (17 vs 47 months, P = .0150). No differences were noted regarding distribution of molecular alterations.

Conclusion

AA patients have similar molecular alterations in ADCs as their white counterparts. However, they have worse outcomes.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey
Authors: Kandathil Cherian K , Saltychev Mikhail , Abdelwahab Mohamed , Spataro Emily A , Moubayed Sami P , Most Sam P
Published: March 2019

Background

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) has not been determined.

Objectives

The authors sought to define the MCID for both domains of the SCHNOS questionnaire.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included patients who underwent functional, cosmetic, or combined rhinoplasty operation from June 2017 to June 2018 at a tertiary referral center. The average preoperative, postoperative, and change in scores were calculated for the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale (NOSE) and SCHNOS. Anchor-based MCIDs were estimated for both SCHNOS subscales to define change in obstruction and cosmesis perceived after the rhinoplasty.

Results

Eighty-seven patients (69% women, 31% males) with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 38 years (14.7) at the time of surgery were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period (SD) was 145 days (117). The mean preoperative score (SD) for the NOSE was 52 (32), SCHNOS for nasal obstruction (SCHNOS-O) score was 55 (33), and SCHNOS for nasal cosmesis (SCHNOS-C) score was 50 (26) points. Postoperatively, the NOSE score was 23 (22), SCHNOS-O score was 24 (23), and SCHNOS-C score was 13 (18) points. The mean change in scores (SD) for NOSE, SCHNOS-O, and SCHNOS-C was −29 (37), −31 (38), and −37 (28), respectively. The calculated MCID for SCHNOS-O was 26 (16) and for SCHNOS-C was 22 (15) points. The MCID for NOSE was 24 (13) points. A sensitivity test for the patients with a follow-up ≥3 months showed only slightly different MCID estimates: 28 (17) for SCHNOS-O, 18 (13) for SCHNOS-C, and 24 (15) points for NOSE.

Conclusions

For the obstruction domain SCHNOS-O, the MCID was 28 points. For the cosmetic domain SCHNOS-C, the MCID was 18 points.
Aortic growth rates are not increased in Turner syndrome—a prospective CMR study
Authors: Mortensen Kristian H , Wen Jan , Erlandsen Mogens , Trolle Christian , Ringgaard Steffen , Gutmark Ephraim J , Gutmark-Little Iris , Andersen Niels H , Gravholt Claus H
Published: March 2019

Background

Aortic disease is a key determinant of outcomes in Turner syndrome (TS). The present study characterized aortic growth rates and outcomes over nearly a decade in adult women with TS.

Methods and results

Prospective observational study assessing aortic diameters twice with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in women with TS [N = 91; mean follow-up 8.8 ± 3.3 (range 1.6–12.6) years] and healthy age-matched female controls [N = 37; mean follow-up 6.7 ± 0.5 (range 5.9–8.1) years]. Follow-up also included aortic outcomes and mortality, antihypertensive treatment and ambulatory blood pressure. Aortic growth rates were similar or smaller in TS, but the variation was larger. The proximal aorta in TS grew by 0.20 ± 0.26 (mid-ascending) to 0.32 ± 0.36 (sinuses) mm/year. This compared to 0.26 ± 0.14 (mid-ascending) and 0.32 ± 0.17 (sinuses) mm/year in the controls. During 799 years at risk, 7 suffered an aortic outcome (1 aortic death, 2 aortic dissections, 2 aortic interventions, 2 surgical aortic listings) with further 2 aortic valve replacements. At baseline, two women were excluded. One died during subacute aortic surgery (severe dilatation) and one had a previously undetected type A dissection. The combined aortic outcome rate was 1126 per 100 000 observation years. The aortic and all-cause mortality rates were 1 per 799 years (125 deaths per 100 000 observation years) and 9 per 799 years (1126 deaths per 100 000 observation years). Aortic growth patterns were particularly perturbed in bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and aortic coarctation (CoA).

Conclusion

Aortic growth rates in TS are not increased. BAVs and CoA are major factors that impact aortic growth. Aortic outcomes remain a concern.
Anti-anginal medication titration among patients with residual angina 6-months after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: insights from OPEN CTO registry
Authors: Sheehy Justin P , Qintar Mohammed , Arnold Suzanne V , Hirai Taishi , Sapontis James , Jones Philip G , Tang Yuanyuan , Lombardi William , Karmpaliotis Dimitiri , Moses Jeffrey W , Patterson Christian , Cohen David J , Amin Amit P , Nicholson William J , Spertus John A , Grantham James Aaron , Salisbury Adam C
Published: March 2019

Aims

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to reduce angina and improve quality of life, but the frequency of new or residual angina after CTO PCI and its relationship with titration of anti-anginal medications (AAMs) has not been described.

Methods and results

Among consecutive CTO PCI patients treated at 12 US centres in the OPEN CTO registry, angina was assessed 6 months after the index PCI using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) Angina Frequency scale (a score <100 defined new or residual angina). We then compared the proportion of patients with AAM escalation (defined as an increase in the number or dosage of AAMs between discharge and follow-up) between those with and without 6-month angina. Of 901 patients who underwent CTO PCI, 197 (21.9%) reported angina at 6-months, of whom 80 (40.6%) had de-escalation, 66 (33.5%) had no change, and only 51 (25.9%) had escalation of their AAM by the 6-month follow-up. Rates of AAM escalation were similar when stratifying patients by the ultimate success of the CTO PCI, completeness of physiologic revascularization, presence or absence of angina at baseline, history of heart failure, and by degree of symptomatic improvement after CTO PCI.

Conclusions

One in five patients reported angina 6 months after CTO PCI. Although patients with new or residual angina were more likely to have escalation of AAMs in follow-up compared with those without residual symptoms, only one in four patients with residual angina had escalation of AAMs. Although it is unclear whether this finding reflects maximal tolerated therapy at baseline or therapeutic inertia, these findings suggest an important potential opportunity to further improve symptom control in patients with complex stable ischaemic heart disease.
Stability and Hydrolysis of Desomorphine-Glucuronide
Authors: Winborn Jessica , Kerrigan Sarah
Published: March 2019

Desomorphine, the principal opioid in Krokodil, has an analgesic potency approximately ten-times that of morphine. Similar to other opioids, during phase II metabolism it undergoes conjugation with glucuronic acid to form desomorphine-glucuronide. Although hydrolysis of conjugated species is sometimes required prior to analysis, desomorphine-glucuronide has not been fully investigated. In this study, six hydrolysis procedures were optimized and evaluated. Deconjugation efficiencies using chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis were evaluated and stability in aqueous solution was assessed. Acid hydrolysis was compared with five β-glucuronidase sources (BGTurbo™, IMCSzyme™, Escherichia coli, Helix pomatia and Patella vulgata). At optimal conditions, each hydrolysis method produced complete hydrolysis (≥96%). However, under simulated challenging conditions, P. vulgata was the most efficient β-glucuronidase for the hydrolysis of desomorphine-glucuronide. Both BGTurbo™ and IMCSzyme™ offered fast hydrolysis with no need for sample cleanup prior to liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q/TOF-MS) analysis. Hydrolysates using E. coli, H. pomatia and P. vulgata underwent additional sample treatment using β-Gone™ cartridges. Additionally, the stability of free and conjugated drug was evaluated at elevated temperature (60°C) in aqueous solutions between pH 4 and 10. No degradation was observed for either desomorphine or desomorphine-glucuronide under any of the conditions tested.
Unexpected-Framing Effect: Impact of Framing a Product Benefit as Unexpected on Product Desire
Authors: Wadhwa Monica , Kim Jeehye Christine , Chattopadhyay Amitava , Wang Wenbo
Published: March 2019

Product tests are a common feature before any product launch. During product tests, marketers might discover that the product can deliver additional unintended benefits to the users. Should marketers communicate such unexpectedly found benefits to their potential customers as an unexpectedly discovered benefit or as an intended benefit? Across six experiments, including a field experiment, the current research shows that framing a product benefit as unexpected increases desire for the product, when consumers have a heightened motivation to seek rewards. However, framing an undesirable product feature (e.g., a side effect) as unexpected can negatively impact product desirability for consumers, who have a heightened motivation to avoid losses. Finally, highlighting another managerially important boundary condition, our findings show that the unexpected-framing effect is attenuated when the benefit framed as unexpected is incongruent with the product category. Theoretical and managerial implications of unexpected framing are discussed.
General Obligations
Authors: Broderick Andrea
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 4 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The article sets out the general obligations under the CRPD with a view to encouraging national legal and policy reform and guiding domestic implementation of the Convention. The content of Article 4 is of cross-cutting application, since it contains overarching principles that permeate the text of the Convention as a whole. The obligations contained in the article thus seek to contextualize the interpretation of the substantive provisions of the Convention. Article 4 enumerates both general obligations and specific obligations. This distinguishes it from similar provisions in other human rights treaties, which are more in the nature of general obligations of compliance.
Women with Disabilities
Authors: Mykitiuk Roxanne , Chadha Ena
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which speaks directly to the unique experiences of gender and disability-based discrimination. The chapter begins by canvassing the historical background and travaux préparatoires on Article 6. It then reviews the text of the article and discusses the interaction between Article 6 and other substantive articles of the CRPD. It considers how Article 6 and related articles have been interpreted by the CRPD Committee in its Concluding Observations to date and in General Comment No 3 on Article 6. As is often the case with gender and disability achievements, the progress effectuated by Article 6 was realized after decades of work and the success, while meaningful on paper, remains to be accomplished in reality.
Habilitation and Rehabilitation
Authors: Bickenbach Jerome , Skempes Dimitrios
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 26 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which reaffirms the relevance of rehabilitation as a means for the full enjoyment of the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, the right to employment, the right to education, and the right to independent living of persons with disability. The focus of the article is on access to rehabilitation services and programmes. Article 26 addresses both rehabilitation and habilitation to mark the distinction between services and supports that return an individual to a situation of independence, ability, inclusion, and participation—such as would be experienced prior to an injury or the onset of a health condition—as well as services and supports that bring the individual to maximal independence—in the case of children born with congenital impairments.
Consideration of Reports
Authors: Combrinck Helene
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 36 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which sets out one of the CRPD’s international monitoring mechanisms, viz the consideration of state reports by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Every human rights treaty contains certain ‘directives’ for the treaty monitoring body on how to respond to reports from member states. The notion of monitoring human rights implementation through the review of periodic reports had its origins in a 1956 resolution of the United Nations Economic and Social Council which requested states to submit, every three years, reports on progress achieved in advancing the rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By 1977, a reporting requirement had been included into each of the ‘core’ international human rights treaties. This has become a standard feature of all subsequent human rights treaties, including the CRPD.
Denunciation
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines Article 48 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). A state may express its consent to no longer be bound by a treaty to which it is a party by way of denunciation, withdrawal, or suspension of the treaty in question. Article 48 CRPD does not expressly allow states to withdraw from or suspend the operation of the Convention. Although it only provides for denunciation through a written notification the effect of which commences a year after it is received by the depositary, Article 48 CRPD is silent as to whether a state may denounce the entire Convention or also parts of it. This matter is dealt with under the general provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which reflect customary international law.
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Stavrinaki Tina
Published: March 2019

This chapter examines the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Optional Protocol was adopted along with the CRPD on 13 December 2006 by the United Nations General Assembly, and entered into force on 3 May 2008. The Optional Protocol establishes the competence of the Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities to examine individual complaints with regard to alleged violations of the Convention by states parties to the Optional Protocol, and to undertake inquiries in case of reliable evidence of grave and systematic violations of the Convention. To date, among 175 parties to the Convention, ninety-two states have ratified the Optional Protocol.
Cortico-basal white matter alterations occurring in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Isaacs Bethany. R. , Trutti Anne. C. , Pelzer Esther , Tittgemeyer Marc , Temel Yasin , Forstmann Birte. U. , Keuken Max. C.
Published: March 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging studies typically use standard anatomical atlases for identification and analyses of (patho-)physiological effects on specific brain areas; these atlases often fail to incorporate neuroanatomical alterations that may occur with both age and disease. The present study utilizes Parkinson’s disease and age-specific anatomical atlases of the subthalamic nucleus for diffusion tractography, assessing tracts that run between the subthalamic nucleus anda-prioridefined cortical areas known to be affected by Parkinson’s disease. The results show that the strength of white matter fiber tracts appear to remain structurally unaffected by disease. Contrary to that, Fractional Anisotropy values were shown to decrease in Parkinson’s disease patients for connections between the subthalamic nucleus and the pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the pre-supplementary motor, collectively involved in preparatory motor control, decision making and task monitoring. While the biological underpinnings of fractional anisotropy alterations remain elusive, they may nonetheless be used as an index of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, we find that failing to account for structural changes occurring in the subthalamic nucleus with age and disease reduce the accuracy and influence the results of tractography, highlighting the importance of using appropriate atlases for tractography.
Liver X Receptor β Controls Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Zhong Li , Huang Shengjie , Du Xuan , Cai Can , Zhou Youping , Shen Wei , Deng Liang , Ning Bo
Published: March 2019

Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β serve important roles in cholesterol homeostasis, anti-inflammatory processes and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the development of therapies for liver fibrosis based on LXR agonists have been hampered due to side-effects such as liver steatosis. In this study, we demonstrated that HSCs expressed high levels of LXRβ, but not LXRα, and that overexpression of LXRβ suppressed fibrosis and HSC activation in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis mouse model, without resulting in liver steatosis. Furthermore, Hedgehog (Hh)-regulated proteins, markedly increased in the CCl4-affected liver and mainly expressed in activated HSCs, were repressed under conditions of LXRβ overexpression. In addition, LXRβ knockout led to activation of Hh signaling and triggering of HSC activation, while overexpression of LXRβ led to the inhibition of the Hh pathway and suppression of HSC activation. These results suggest that LXRβ suppresses the activation mechanism of HSCs by inhibiting Hh signaling. In conclusion, LXRβ, by restoring the differentiation of HSCs, may be a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis without the adverse side-effects of LXRα activation.
The “sewing machine” for minimally invasive neural recording
Authors: Hanson Timothy L , Diaz-Botia Camilo A , Kharazia Viktor , Maharbiz Michel M , Sabes Philip N
Published: March 2019

We present a system for scalable and customizable recording and stimulation of neural activity. In large animals and humans, the current benchmark for high spatial and temporal resolution neural interfaces are fixed arrays of wire or silicon electrodes inserted into the parenchyma of the brain. However, probes that are large and stiff enough to penetrate the brain have been shown to cause acute and chronic damage and inflammation, which limits their longevity, stability, and yield. One approach to this problem is to separate the requirements of the insertion device, which should to be as stiff as possible, with the implanted device, which should be as small and flexible as possible. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of this approach with a system incorporating fine and flexible thin-film polymer probes, a fine and stiff insertion needle, and a robotic insertion machine. Together the system permits rapid and precise implantation of probes, each individually targeted to avoid observable vasculature and to attain diverse anatomical targets. As an initial demonstration of this system, we implanted arrays of electrodes in rat somatosensory cortex, recorded extracellular action potentials from them, and obtained histological images of the tissue response. This approach points the way toward a new generation of scaleable, stable, and safe neural interfaces, both for the basic scientific study of brain function and for clinical applications.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanaminium acetate hemihydrate
Authors: Rajeswari Balakrishnan , Santhi Radhakrishnan , Sivajeyanthi Palaniyappan , Balasubramani Kasthuri
Published: March 2019

The title molecular salt, C10H13N2
+·C2H3O2
−·0.5H2O, crystallized with four 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanaminium cations (A, B, C and D) and four acetate anions in the asymmetric unit, together with two water molecules of crystallization. Each cation is linked to an anion by a C—H...π interaction. The alkylaminium side chains have folded conformations, with N—C—C—C torsion angles of −58.5 (3), 59.5 (3), −64.6 (3) and −56.0 (3)° for cations A, B, C and D, respectively. In the crystal, the cations and anions are liked by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the b-axis direction. The chains are linked by the water molecules via Owater—H...O and N—H...Owater hydrogen bonds, forming layers lying parallel to the bc plane. The overall intermolecular interactions were investigated using Hirshfeld surfaces analysis.
Chloridobis(ethane-1,2-diamine)(4-fluoroaniline)cobalt(III) dichloride monohydrate
Authors: SubbiahPandi A. , AaminaNaaz Y. , Mahalakshmi C. Maharaja , Anbalagan K.
Published: March 2019

The hydrated title salt, [CoCl(C6H6FN)(C2H8N2)2]Cl2·H2O, comprises of one chloridobis(ethane-1,2-diamine)(4-fluoroaniline)cobalt(III) cation, two chloride counter-anions and a water molecule of crystallization. The CoIIIion has a distorted octahedral environment and is surrounded by four N atoms in the equatorial plane, with a fifth N atom and one Cl−ligand occupying the axial positions. One of the methylene C groups in one of the ethane-1,2-diamine ligands is disordered over two set of sites in a 0.832 (10):0.168 (10) ratio. In the crystal, the complex cation, the two counter-anions and the water molecule of crystallization are linkedviaN—H...Cl, O—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, generating rings withR42(8),R21(6),R42(10) andR22(6) graph-set motifs within a three-dimensional network.
Perceptions of independent directors about their roles of and challenges on corporate boards
Authors: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai , Evans Elaine , Lu Meiting
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of independent directors in Vietnam about their roles and challenges when sitting on the boards of listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses mailed questionnaires to collect data. The authors sent surveys to 810 independent directors from 354 listed companies and received feedback from 170 respondents.

Findings

The authors examine several aspects of independent directors’ work on the board (such as the roles of and challenges for independent directors) as well as board environment (such as information provision or board interaction). Findings suggest that independent directors in Vietnam place more emphasis on their advisory role than their monitoring role. In addition, they also point out their challenges including information asymmetries and the influence of controlling shareholders. These challenges are significant and they prevent independent directors to properly execute their independent role on the board. These findings reflect the unique features of corporate governance in transition economies.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature through providing an insightful view about the nature of the work performed by this type of director in a transition economy. The study is also one of the first studies to use a qualitative instrument to provide an explanation of how controlling shareholders influence independent directors on boards of directors.
Methodological research in architecture and allied disciplines
Authors: Salama Ashraf M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute an inclusive insight into methodological research in architecture and allied disciplines and unravel aspects that include philosophical positions, frames of reference and spheres of inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

Following ontological and epistemological interpretations, the adopted methodology involves conceptual and critical analysis which is based on reviewing and categorising classical literature and more than hundred contributions in architectural and design research developed over the past five decades which were classified under the perspectives of inquiry and frames of reference.

Findings

Postulated through three philosophical positions – positivism, anti-positivism and emancipationist – six frames of reference were identified: systematic, computational, managerial, psychological, person–environment type-A and person–environment type-B. Technically oriented research and conceptually driven research were categorised as the perspectives of inquiry and were scrutinised together with their developmental aspects. By mapping the philosophical positions to the frames of reference, various characteristics and spheres of inquiry within each frame of reference were revealed.

Research limitations/implications

Further detailed examples can be developed to offer discerning elucidations relevant to each frame of reference.

Practical implications

The study is viewed as an enabling mechanism for researchers to identify the unique particularities of their research and the way in which it is pursued.

Originality/value

The study is a response to a glaring dearth of cognisance and a reaction to a growing but confusing body of knowledge that does not offer a clear picture of what research in architecture is. By identifying key characteristics, philosophical positions and frames of reference that pertain to the research in architecture and associated disciplines, the findings represent a scholastic endeavour in its field.
Residential satisfaction in formal and informal neighborhoods: the case of Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Türkoğlu Handan , Terzi Fatih , Salihoğlu Tayfun , Bölen Fulin , Okumuş Gökçer
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Residential satisfaction can be viewed as a part of life satisfaction. There are many studies related to the relationship between residents’ satisfaction with their environments and the quality of those environments. The purpose of this paper is to examine how this satisfaction differs according to the type of residential environment.

Design/methodology/approach

It is based on empirical data on the quality of life in the different residential environments of the Istanbul Metropolitan Area. The primary source of information was a household survey.

Findings

In an attempt to find solutions to problems with the quality of residential environments, the data were analyzed through several variables related to the subjective perceptions of residential satisfaction. According to the results of the research, residents living in planned neighborhoods in the city are more satisfied than those living in unplanned neighborhoods. The residents who live in the planned sections of the city are satisfied with the attractiveness and accessibility of their neighborhoods, while those who live in unplanned sections of the city are satisfied with their level of attachment to their neighborhoods.

Practical implications

The study was designed to produce baseline data so that future changes in residential conditions as perceived by the residents of Istanbul could be monitored to support decisions for residential areas.

Originality/value

Comparative case studies, especially on planned vs unplanned environments, are relatively limited in number. Therefore, there is a need for new researches examining differences between different residential settings within cities. This study adds value to the field of comparative studies on residential environments.
Rediscovering the essence in a classical order through analysis and deconstruction
Authors: Charalambides Jason E.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expose a classical Vitruvian archetype and subject it to the logic of deconstruction. The process engages two opposing camps and mindsets, and, through analysis, reaches a point that allows the reader to make assessments on how the archetype fulfills the perceived objectives of its time and how it can be assessed through a more contemporary methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs two methodologies in the analysis of an architectural model that became a reference point in the evolution of Western Architecture. A traditional approach similar to Ruskin’s Victorian-style analysis and criticism builds the study’s foundations. That is followed by the method of deconstructivism, challenging the traditional thought, resurfacing of the duality of every attribute assigned to the initial datum. Initially, the study brings to the proscenium the nature of this classical order as a sui generis archetype, defining the engendered properties that describe it. That is followed by an inverse process as applied by the twentieth-century deconstructivist movement.

Findings

The paper finds the dichotomy of perception of a classical archetype based upon the methods applied.

Practical implications

Recognition of a dichotomy of perception of a classical architectural archetype becomes overture toward a number of well-defined archetypes based on what could be considered Cartesian non-complex architectural archetypes.

Originality/value

This paper offers a Gestalt-based reflection on the nature of the Doric order.
The impact of digital technologies on vocational education and training needs
Authors: Achtenhagen Claudia , Achtenhagen Leona
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Currently, the hype surrounding digitalization proclaims that the way in which companies create and capture value will change dramatically. Companies that adjust their business models to embrace digital technologies will need different skill sets and competences. Current research tends to focus on the impact of digital technologies on corporations or more generally the labor market, but the authors lack detailed insights into how companies perceive this development to influence their needs regarding employee qualifications. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how companies perceive the impact of digital technologies on the education and training needs of current and future employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on eight case studies from the food industry. It focuses on one occupation certified within the German “dual system” of vocational education and training (VET), the machine and plant operator with focus on food technology.

Findings

The findings suggest that the impact of different digital technologies on employees’ job positions, working tasks and training needs is carefully considered in decisions regarding the implementation of digital technologies. Despite some company-specific contingencies, the perceived implications for VET needs are largely similar across the sample.

Originality/value

This study draws attention to the importance of reviewing VET needs in relation to the decision of implementing digital technologies.
Engagement as a moderator on the embeddedness-deviance relationship
Authors: Singh Riann
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to suggest that organizational embeddedness can predict workplace deviance and employee work engagement can moderate the relationship between organizational embeddedness and workplace deviance such that when employee work engagement is higher, the relationship between organizational embeddedness and workplace deviance is weaker.

Design/methodology/approach

Employee data were collected from 465 frontline employees across the financial services sector in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad. A three-step multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the research relationships.

Findings

The findings provided support for the propositions that organizational embeddedness predicts workplace deviance and that employee work engagement moderates the organizational embeddedness–workplace deviance relationship.

Originality/value

This study addresses a clear gap as limited studies have explored the association of embeddedness with negative work behaviours, such as deviance, and no study have examined the moderating role of engagement in this relationship.
Influence as the key to consent? Swedish director generals’ perceptions of reporting requirements
Authors: de Fine Licht Jenny , Pierre Jon
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Performance measurements have become a prominent part of government steering of public agencies. At the same time, they are increasingly criticized for creating heavy administrative burdens. The purpose of this paper is to argue that consent on part of the heads of agencies is vital for making performance measurement an efficient tool for not only control but also organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports a survey with a nearly total sample of Swedish Director Generals.

Findings

Findings suggest that Director Generals who feel that they are able to influence the goals and indicators of their agencies are significantly more willing to consent to the government’s reporting requirements.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that a more encompassing, interactive and participatory process might increase agency consent with reporting requirements.
Healthcare indicators and firearm homicide: an ecologic study
Authors: Formica Margaret K. , Rajan Sonali , Simons Nicholas
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between rates of firearm homicide in New York State (NYS) and indicators of access to and quality of healthcare from 2011 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing data from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Uniform Crime Reporting Supplemental Homicide Reports and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings Program, a county-level ecologic study was conducted, descriptive statistics provided and multivariable analyses conducted to determine the associations between critical indicators of county health and firearm homicide.

Findings

The majority of firearm homicide victims (n=2,619) were young, Black, men and the highest rates of firearm homicide were situated in urban centers. Subgroup analyses excluding large urban centers and controlling for key demographics illustrated that those counties with lower rates of clinicians were significantly associated with higher rates of firearm homicide.

Research limitations/implications

Despite challenges integrating two large data sets, the present findings were able to illustrate the critical relationship between access to healthcare and prevalence of firearm homicide.

Practical implications

The results of this study reinforce the importance of access to primary healthcare services and its relationship to critical health outcomes.

Social implications

In urban settings, firearm homicides disproportionately impact young Black men, who are among the least likely to have access to healthcare. In more rural areas, access to healthcare is related directly to improved health outcomes, including reduced rates of firearm homicides.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore and subsequently establish the relationship between indicators of community health and firearm homicide in NYS.
The financial returns from buying versus renting
Authors: Mostafa Abdulkader , Jones Colin Anthony
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The UK experienced a substantial rise in owner occupation over the twentieth century, and many tenants still aspire to homeownership. These strong aspirations to own are attributed to a set of financial and non-financial benefits. This paper aims to calculate, for the first time, the financial returns from buying versus renting in Britain for first-time buyers in 11 regions.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies a DCF approach based on historical housing and mortgage market data from 1975 to 2012.

Findings

The paper finds strong evidence that, in purely financial terms, buying has been always superior to renting in all regions of the UK over the period.

Practical implications

It gives a clear message of the financial benefits of homeownership over renting in Britain, even over very short time periods.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to apply a comprehensive DCF model to the choice between renting and owning.
Webcare’s effect on constructive and vindictive complainants
Authors: Weitzl Wolfgang J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate that online complainants’ reactions to a company’s service recovery attempts (webcare) can significantly vary across two different types of dissatisfied customers (“vindictives” vs “constructives”), who have dramatically diverging complaint goal orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Online multi-country survey among 812 adult consumers who recently had a dissatisfying brand experience and turned to a marketer-generated social media site to voice an online complaint for achieving their ultimate complaining goals. Scenario-based online experiment for cross-validating the survey findings.

Findings

Results suggest that “vindictive complainants” – driven dominantly by brand-adverse motives – are immune to any form of webcare, while “constructive complainants” – interested in restoring the customer-brand relationship – react more sensitively. For the latter, “no-responses” often trigger detrimental brand-related reactions (e.g. unfavorable brand image), whereas “defensive responses” are likely to stimulate post-webcare negative word-of-mouth.

Research limitations/implications

This research identifies the gains and harms of (un-)desired webcare. By doing so, it not only sheds light on the circumstances when marketers have to fear negative effects (e.g. negative word-of-mouth) but also provides insights into the conditions when such effects are unlikely. While the findings of the cross-sectional survey are validated with an online experiment, findings should be interpreted with care as other complaining contexts should be further investigated.

Practical implications

Marketers have to expect a serious “backfiring effect” from an unexpected source, namely, consumers who were initially benevolent toward the involved brand but who received an inappropriate response.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first research studies that enables marketers to identify situations when webcare is likely to backfire on the brand after a service failure.
“Almost there”: sonically controlled vibrators, sound, and emotions
Authors: Anderson-Kunert Todd
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how practice-led research within the sonic practice references what Smith and Dean (2009) describe as the “The Iterative Cyclic Web,” and oscillations between different modes of research and practice throughout the methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses this process to document the construction of a sonically based erotic artwork, “Almost there,” which used sonically controlled vibrators in order to generate vocal content.

Findings

The paper found that it was important to oscillate between modes of research and practice in order to create a conceptually concise artwork that functioned as a Gestalt of both practice and research.

Originality/value

The unique approach to audio collection within this sonic artwork, and the time taken to collect this source material, makes it a unique vehicle for the consideration of “The iterative Cyclic Web.”