bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scarless Breast Reconstruction: Indications and Techniques for Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Dec Wojciech
Published: February 2018

Breast reconstruction that leaves no visible scars on the breast is possible for a subset of patients. This article reviews a cohort of 10 patients who underwent 14 autologous breast reconstructions. To achieve a reconstruction without visible breast scars, the mastectomy and autologous reconstruction are carried out through a periareolar incision. At the completion of the reconstruction, a small skin paddle is externalized through the mastectomy incision and in a subsequent stage entirely incorporated into a nipple areola reconstruction. Following completion of the breast and nipple areola reconstruction, a tattoo is performed that extends beyond the perimeter of the reconstructed areola and conceals all scars on the breast mound. The ideal candidate for this technique has a small or medium size breast, which is non- or minimally ptotic, and a donor site that can yield a flap larger than the volume of the native breast. In properly selected patients, this technique consistently yields high-quality results, which match or even surpass the aesthetics of the original breast.
What Does the Implementation of Peer Care Training in a U.K. Prison Reveal About Prisoner Engagement in Peer Caregiving?
Authors: Stewart Warren
Published: February 2018

The number of aging and chronically ill prisoners continues to rise within the United Kingdom prison demography; consequentially, many institutions face health and social care crises of immense proportions. The needs of this group are both complex and costly, and in the United Kingdom, this is set to a backdrop of overcrowding, increasing violence, and public spending cuts in line with government austerity targets. In this context, the development of prisoner peer caregiving is proposed as an approach to mitigating the effects of aging, disability, and illness. A qualitative study was implemented to design, deliver, and evaluate a peer care training intervention within a U.K. prison. The perceptions of six prisoner peer caregivers are represented in this article. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified challenges experienced by peer caregivers in practice as well as recommended practical solutions. The social processes underpinning prisoner peer caregiving are discussed, including individual and organizational impediments to the fulfillment of their role. Practice theory, social learning theory, and criminological sensitivities were used as theoretical lenses to analyze the findings.
Similarities and Differences Between Physician Assistant Program and Medical School Mission Statement Themes
Authors: Orcutt Venetia L. , James Kassidy , Bradley-Guidry Carolyn , Jones P. Eugene
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the concordance of US physician assistant (PA) program mission statements with those of US public- and private-sponsored medical schools. With the exception of a broader medical school focus on research, the authors hypothesized that little difference in mission statement congruence would be found in a comparison of medical schools and PA programs.

Methods

Mission statements of 209 of the 210 accredited US PA programs as of May 2016 were obtained and analyzed. Keywords and phrases were identified, coded, and analyzed using NVivo. Themes that previously reported medical school mission statement analyses (including education, research, service, primary care, diversity, prevention, provider distribution, and cost control) were examined. Additional themes of evidence-based medicine (EBM), interprofessional care, patient safety, and quality improvement were included in the analyses.

Results

Analyses revealed similar emphasis in both PA programs and medical schools on themes of education, prevention, and cost control, with dissimilar emphases on themes of research, service, primary care, diversity, and provider distribution. Physician assistant programs were more likely to emphasize interprofessional care than EBM, patient safety, or quality improvement.

Conclusions

In the comparison of mission statements of medical schools and PA programs, much less congruence was found than had been hypothesized. Although this study examined the similarities and differences between the mission statements of US medical schools and PA programs, it did not examine the extent to which programs succeeded in meeting the stated missions. Additional research is necessary to understand the factors that determine whether mission statements are actualized in measurable deliverables.
Reading Among Nursing and Nonnursing Students in Undergraduate Education
Authors: Kohtz Cindy , McCoy Larisa , Klimala Emma , Gray Pennie
Published: February 2018

Promoting reading compliance is a common concern in undergraduate education. This study described the reading behaviors, preferences, and perceptions of 519 undergraduate nursing and nonnursing students concerning course-related reading assignments. Mean time completing assigned course readings for nursing students was 6.63 hours per week; it was similar for other majors (6.73 hours). Nonnursing majors read a greater percentage of their assigned readings than nursing students (t= −6.59,P< .01). Implications highlight strategies faculty can implement to facilitate student reading.
Safety Outcomes in Endoscopic Versus Open Repair of Metopic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Braun Tara L. , Eisemann Bradley S. , Olorunnipa Olushola , Buchanan Edward P. , Monson Laura A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Premature fusion of the metopic suture leads to a range of clinical presentations, with more severe patients presenting characteristically with trigonocephaly. Endoscopic-assisted correction of craniosynostosis is emerging as an alternative to the gold-standard open cranial vault remodeling. While there are several documented benefits of endoscopic correction, the management of craniosynostosis varies widely in the literature with little consensus as to the preferred timing and surgical technique for repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety outcomes of endoscopic versus open surgery at our institution.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included all patients diagnosed with metopic craniosynostosis who underwent open or closed surgical management and received at least 6 months of follow-up. Data extraction was performed via chart review and included demographic information and safety outcome variables.

Results:

During the study period, 17 patients who met our inclusion criteria were treated by the multidisciplinary craniofacial team at our institution. Eight patients underwent endoscopic surgery and 9 underwent open surgery. The mean age at surgery was significantly higher in the open surgery group than the endoscopic surgery group (13.7 months versus 2.3 months, respectively). Estimated blood loss, percent estimated blood volume lost, transfusion volume, procedure length, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were all significantly higher in the open surgery group compared with the endoscopic group.

Conclusions:

In our patient population, endoscopic surgery for metopic craniosynostosis had an improved safety profile versus open surgery based on reduced procedure length, estimated blood loss, volume of blood transfusion, and length of stay in the ICU and hospital.
Facial Artery as a Recipient Vessel for Extensive Scalp Reconstruction With Free Omental Flap Without Vein Graft
Authors: Kim Jin Woo , Woo Soo Hyun , Jang Suk Yoon , Kim Woo Seob , Bae Tae Hui , Kim Han Koo
Published: February 2018

Most patients with reconstruction for extensive scalp defects require the use of a free flap. The suitability of the recipient vessel has a major impact on the surgery and postoperative outcome. Flaps that can be used to reconstruct the total scalp with a single flap include the latissimus dorsi (LD) and omental flaps; the LD flap is generally preferred since the omental flap results in relatively larger donor site morbidity. The recipient vessel most commonly used for scalp defect reconstruction is the superficial temporal vessel. The authors report a patient with successful total scalp reconstruction using a free omental flap on a patient whose bilateral superficial temporal arteries could not be used and who did not have available LD on both sides due to previous LD free flap surgeries for recurrent scalp angiosarcoma. In this patient, direct anastomosis of the flap to the right facial artery was performed without pedicle lengthening, such as vein graft or arteriovenous loops, and favorable outcome was achieved in terms of facial contour after recovery. The free omental flap is useful for reconstruction of extensive scalp defects without additional complex surgical procedures when other flaps are not viable or when the recipient vessel is located at a far distance.
The Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Hypoperfusion in Psychotic Bipolar Depression
Authors: De Smet Céline Julie , Sabbe Bernard , Oldenburg J.F.E.
Published: February 2018

The pharmacological treatment of bipolar depression has low response rates. Twenty percent to 30% of patients have an insufficient response to medication. The guidelines suggest that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the next step. The aim of this case study is to evaluate the effect of ECT on the perfusion of the brain in bipolar depression, while monitoring effects on mood and cognition. We present a case study of 56-year-old female patient who suffered from a psychotic depression and cognitive impairment. Before ECT, she took several antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics, but there was no improvement in her symptoms. By using single-photon emission computed tomography, we obtained the status of the regional cerebral blood flow and found a decreased perfusion in the anterior part of the left temporal lobe, the posterior part of the right temporal lobe, and in the left gyrus frontalis inferior. This is consistent with previous findings. Electroconvulsive therapy resulted in a resolution of the patient's depression and an improvement in her neurocognitive performance. Markedly, this was only in visual learning and working memory, domains in which the patient was already relatively stronger pre-ECT treatment. A new single-photon emission computed tomography, 4 weeks after the last ECT course, showed normalization of the regional cerebral blood flow.
Frequency selective encoding of substrate vibrations in the somatosensory cortex
Authors: Prsa Mario , Huber Daniel
Published: February 2018

Sensing vibrations that propagate through solid substrates conveys fundamental information about moving objects and other nearby dynamic events. Here we report that neurons responsive to substrate vibrations applied to the mouse forelimb reveal a new way of representing frequency information in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). In contrast to vibrotactile stimulation of primate glabrous skin, which produces temporally entrained spiking and frequency independent firing rates, we found that mouse S1 neurons rely on a different coding scheme: their spike rates are conspicuously tuned to a preferred frequency of the stimulus. Histology, peripheral nerve block and optogenetic tagging experiments furthermore reveal that these responses are associated with the activation of mechanoreceptors located in deep subdermal tissue of the distal forelimb. We conclude that the encoding of frequency information of substrate-borne vibrations in the mouse S1 might be analogous to the representation of pitch of airborne sound in auditory cortex.
Competence Inhibition by the XrpA Peptide Encoded Within thecomXGene ofStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Kaspar Justin , Shields Robert C. , Burne Robert A.
Published: February 2018

Streptococcus mutansdisplays complex regulation of natural genetic competence. Competence development inS. mutansis controlled by a peptide derived from ComS (XIP); which along with the cytosolic regulator ComR controls the expression of the alternative sigma factorcomX, the master regulator of competence development. Recently, a gene embedded within the coding region ofcomXwas discovered and designatedxrpA(comXregulatorypeptideA). XrpA was found to be an antagonist of ComX, but the mechanism was not established. In this study, we reveal through both genomic and proteomic techniques that XrpA is the first describe negative regulator of ComRS systems in streptococci. Transcriptomic and promoter activity assays in the ΔxrpAstrain revealed an up-regulation of genes controlled by both the ComR- and ComX-regulons. Anin vivoprotein crosslinking andin vitrofluorescent polarization assays confirmed that the N-terminal region of XrpA were found to be sufficient in inhibiting ComR-XIP complex binding to ECom-box located within thecomXpromoter. This inhibitory activity was sufficient for decreases in PcomXactivity, transformability and ComX accumulation. XrpA serving as a modulator of ComRS activity ultimately results in changes to subpopulation behaviors and cell fate during competence activation.

ABBREVIATED SUMMARY

Streptococcus mutansdisplays complex regulation of natural genetic competence, highlighted by a novel gene,xrpA, embedded within the coding region for the master regulator ComX. We show that XrpA modulates ComRS-dependent activation ofcomXexpression, resulting in changes to sub-population behaviors, including cell lysis. XrpA is the first described inhibitor of a ComRS system and, because it is unique toS. mutansit may be targetable to prevent diseases caused by this pathogen.
Convergence in form and function overcomes non-parallel evolutionary histories in a Holarctic fish
Authors: Jacobs Arne , Carruthers Madeleine , Yurchenko Andrey , Gordeeva Natalia V. , Alekseyev Sergei S. , Hooker Oliver , Leong Jong S. , Minkley David R. , Rondeau Eric B. , Koop Ben F. , Adams Colin E. , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: February 2018

Understanding the extent to which evolution is predictable under multifarious selection is a longstanding question in evolutionary biology. However, the interplay of stochastic and contingent factors influencing the extent of parallelism in nature is not well understood. To test the predictability of evolution, we studied a ‘natural experiment’ on different organismal levels across lakes and evolutionary lineages of a freshwater salmonid fish, Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). We identified significant phenotypic parallelism between Arctic charr ecotype pairs within a continuum of parallel evolution and highly parallel adaptive morphological traits. Variability in phenotypic predictability was explained by complex demographic histories, differing genomic backgrounds and genomic responses to selection, variable genetic associations with ecotype, and environmental variation. Remarkably, gene expression was highly similar across ecotype replicates, and explained the observed parallelism continuum. Our findings suggest that parallel evolution by non-parallel evolutionary routes is possible when the regulatory molecular phenotype compensates for divergent histories.
Integrative proteomics and bioinformatic prediction enable a high-confidence apicoplast proteome in malaria parasites
Authors: Boucher Michael J. , Ghosh Sreejoyee , Zhang Lichao , Lal Avantika , Jang Se Won , Ju An , Zhang Shuying , Wang Xinzi , Ralph Stuart A. , Zou James , Elias Joshua E. , Yeh Ellen
Published: February 2018

Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and related apicomplexan pathogens contain a non-photosynthetic plastid called the apicoplast. Derived from an unusual secondary eukaryote-eukaryote endosymbiosis, the apicoplast is a fascinating organelle whose function and biogenesis rely on a complex amalgamation of bacterial and algal pathways. Because these pathways are distinct from the human host, the apicoplast is an excellent source of novel antimalarial targets. Despite its biomedical importance and evolutionary significance, the absence of a reliable apicoplast proteome has limited most studies to the handful of pathways identified by homology to bacteria or primary chloroplasts, precluding our ability to study the most novel apicoplast pathways. Here we combine proximity biotinylation-based proteomics (BioID) and a new machine learning algorithm to generate a high-confidence apicoplast proteome consisting of 346 proteins. Critically, the high accuracy of this proteome significantly outperforms previous prediction-based methods and extends beyond other BioID studies of unique parasite compartments. Half of identified proteins have unknown function, and 77% are predicted to be important for normal blood-stage growth. We validate the apicoplast localization of a subset of novel proteins and show that an ATP-binding cassette protein ABCF1 is essential for blood-stage survival and plays a previously unknown role in apicoplast biogenesis. These findings indicate critical organellar functions for newly discovered apicoplast proteins. The apicoplast proteome will be an important resource for elucidating unique pathways derived from secondary endosymbiosis and prioritizing antimalarial drug targets.
Enhancer RNA profiling predicts transcription factor activity
Authors: Azofeifa Joseph G. , Allen Mary A. , Hendrix Josephina R. , Read Timothy , Rubin Jonathan D. , Dowell Robin D.
Published: February 2018

Transcription factors (TFs) exert their regulatory influence through the binding of enhancers, resulting in coordination of gene expression programs. Active enhancers are often characterized by the presence of short, unstable transcripts termed enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). While their function remains unclear, we demonstrate that eRNAs are a powerful readout of TF activity. We infer sites of eRNA origination across hundreds of publicly available nascent transcription data sets and show that eRNAs initiate from sites of TF binding. By quantifying the colocalization of TF binding motif instances and eRNA origins, we derive a simple statistic capable of inferring TF activity. In doing so, we uncover dozens of previously unexplored links between diverse stimuli and the TFs they affect.
A human-specific switch of alternatively spliced AFMID isoforms contributes to TP53 mutations and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Kuan-Ting , Ma Wai Kit , Scharner Juergen , Liu Yun-Ru , Krainer Adrian R.
Published: February 2018

Pre-mRNA splicing can contribute to the switch of cell identity that occurs in carcinogenesis. Here, we analyze a large collection of RNA-seq data sets and report that splicing changes in hepatocyte-specific enzymes, such as AFMID and KHK, are associated with HCC patients’ survival and relapse. The switch of AFMID isoforms is an early event in HCC development and is associated with driver mutations in TP53 and ARID1A. The switch of AFMID isoforms is human-specific and not detectable in other species, including primates. Finally, we show that overexpression of the full-length AFMID isoform leads to a higher NAD+ level, lower DNA-damage response, and slower cell growth in HepG2 cells. The integrative analysis uncovered a mechanistic link between splicing switches, de novo NAD+ biosynthesis, driver mutations, and HCC recurrence.
The activity of thalamic nucleus reuniens is critical for memory retrieval, but not essential for the early phase of “off-line” consolidation
Authors: Mei Hao , Logothetis Nikos K. , Eschenko Oxana
Published: February 2018

Spatial navigation depends on the hippocampal function, but also requires bidirectional interactions between the hippocampus (HPC) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The cross-regional communication is typically regulated by critical nodes of a distributed brain network. The thalamic nucleus reuniens (RE) is reciprocally connected to both HPC and PFC and may coordinate the information flow within the HPC–PFC pathway. Here we examined if RE activity contributes to the spatial memory consolidation. Rats were trained to find reward following a complex trajectory on a crossword-like maze. Immediately after each of the five daily learning sessions the RE was reversibly inactivated by local injection of muscimol. The post-training RE inactivation affected neither the spatial task acquisition nor the memory retention, which was tested after a 20-d “forgetting” period. In contrast, the RE inactivation in well-trained rats prior to the maze exposure impaired the task performance without affecting locomotion or appetitive motivation. Our results support the role of the RE in memory retrieval and/or “online” processing of spatial information, but do not provide evidence for its engagement in “off-line” processing, at least within a time window immediately following learning experience.
Salary or job interest? How salary and job interest moderates the willingness to apply for a job
Authors: Chi Hsingkuang , Yeh Hueryren , Guo Tingwei
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether salary and job interest moderates the relationship between corporate image and willingness to apply for a job and to examine that salary or job interest has a stronger influence on willingness to apply for a job.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were obtained through questionnaires by the method of convenience sampling, distributed in employment expos and career guidance centers in Taichung and Chiayi area, Taiwan. In total, 300 questionnaires were collected. Excluding the invalid questionnaires, there were 285 valid questionnaires. Then, the study applied hierarchical regressions to test moderating effects and each hypothesis.

Findings

The study found that corporate image, salary, and job interest have significant positive effects on willingness to apply. In order of level of influence on willingness to apply, the factors successively are job interest, salary, and corporate image. Both salary and job interest will exert moderating effects on willingness to apply, and job interest has a stronger influence than salary.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited on sample selection from only two regions, in addition to time and space restrictions. However, the research results still help an employer to understand the priority factors that may influence a job seeker’s decision to apply for a job.

Originality/value

A company with a good corporate image and generous salary system can enhance the interest of job seekers. At the same time, if the job content is consistent with the interest of the job seekers, they will be more eager to apply. It would be beneficial for both enterprises and applicants when the right candidate in the sea of job seekers is chosen for the right job.
Tit for tat: burnout as a mediator between workplace incivility and instigated workplace incivility
Authors: Loh Jennifer M.I. , Loi Natasha
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of burnout as a mediator in the relationship between workplace incivility (WI) and instigated WI.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 303 white collar employees from small- to medium-size industries in Australia was conducted. Self-reported measures were used to obtain data on WI, burnout, and instigated WI. Mediation analyses with bootstrap via PROCESS was used ascertain the proposed relationship.

Findings

Results indicated that WI was positively linked to instigated WI. Importantly, results indicated that burnout fully mediated the relationship between WI and instigated WI.

Research limitations/implications

The correlational and self-report nature of the study exclude inference about causality between variables and may be more prone to bias. However, despite these limitations, pre- and post-cautionary steps were taken to ensure that these biases were kept at bay as much as is possible.

Practical implications

The study highlights that burnout may be an important underlying mechanism responsible for target’s and perpetrator’s uncivil relationships toward each other. Management should be cognizant of possible burnout among employees who experienced WI and to take appropriate training as preventive measures for WI.

Originality/value

This study responded to the call for more empirical investigation of WI. This study also integrated conservation of resources and the spiral of incivility theories to develop a theoretical model which linked WI to instigated WI.
A new coupled ARMA-FGM model and its application in the internet third-party payment forecasting in China
Authors: Mao Shuhua , Wang Xianpeng , Zhu Min
Published: February 2018

Purpose

With the rapid development of e-commerce in China, the third-party payment system greatly improved the efficiency and volume of the entire trading market. The purpose of this paper is to put forward a suitable prediction model to analyse its development trend.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse internet third-party payments in China, taking into account online payment transaction values coupled with an ARMA model and the fractional grey model (FGM). First, the rolling FGM model is applied in order to characterise the trends of the transaction volume. The influence of the initial value change on the FGM model is analysed. The optimisation mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) model is constructed to determine the optimal translational values, the corresponding optimal accumulation order and optimal inverse accumulation order.

Findings

This paper uses China’s recent third-party online payment data to quantify its development trend. The authors find the coupling model suitable for the development trend of third-party online payment transaction. The results show that the model is suitable to quantify its development trend of China’s recent third-party online payment.

Originality/value

Considering the complex influence factors that lead to the third-party online payment volume data of time-varying grey feature, this paper combines the FGM with ARMA model to describe the development of third-party payment mode.
Sleepwear with lateralized thermal properties for the treatment of sleep disturbance in women
Authors: Glovinsky Paul , Zavrel Erik
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The authors’ innovation is specially constructed sleepwear – which the authors have dubbed “Janus Sleepwear” – for the treatment of sleep disturbance caused by thermal dysregulation, a problem most often seen in women. The authors have designed and tested a simple and comfortable garment with lateralized thermal properties that promotes either thermal conduction or thermal insulation depending upon body position. This innovation will allow sleepers to auto-regulate proximal skin temperature through subtle movements during brief transient arousals, preserving overall sleep architecture. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have constructed several prototypes of sleepwear with lateralized thermal properties and conducted small-scale piloting of the garment. Volunteers wore the special sleepwear while awake and performed a series of controlled body position changes. Temperature at several proximal anatomical sites was monitored using temperature sensors known as iButtons.

Findings

Janus Sleepwear can facilitate more rapid cooling, compared to control sleepwear, when the conductive side faces the ambient environment and can maintain temperature with less loss of heat when the insulating side faces the ambient environment.

Originality/value

Thermoregulation plays a key role in promoting and maintaining sleep. Thermal dysregulation and sleep disturbance most commonly occur in women. Sensitivity to ambient temperature stressors suggests it may prove beneficial for such women to maintain as narrow a temperature range as possible during sleep. A person wearing Janus Sleepwear will be able to effectively “steer” her body in response to subjective and subconscious perceptions of thermal discomfort to maintain optimal conditions while asleep.
What price a welcome? Understanding structure agency in the delivery of respectful midwifery care in Uganda
Authors: Ackers Louise , Webster Hannah , Mugahi Richard , Namiiro Rachel
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of research on mothers and midwives’ understanding of the concept of respectful care in the Ugandan public health settings. It focusses on one aspect of respect; namely communication that is perhaps least resource-dependent. The research found endemic levels of disrespect and tries to understand the reasons behind these organisational cultures and the role that governance could play in improving respect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a combination of in-depth qualitative interviews with mothers and midwives together with focus groups with a cohort of midwives registered for a degree.

Findings

The findings highlight an alarming level of verbal abuse and poor communication that both deter women from attending public health facilities and, when they have to attend, reduces their willingness to disclose information about their health status. Respect is a major factor reducing the engagement of those women unable to afford private care, with health facilities in Uganda.

Research limitations/implications

Access to quality care provided by skilled birth attendants (midwives) is known to be the major factor preventing improvements in maternal mortality and morbidity in low income settings. Although communication lies at the agency end of the structure-agency continuum, important aspects of governance contribute to high levels of disrespect.

Originality/value

Whilst there is a lot of research on the concept of respectful care in high income settings applying this to the care environment in low resource settings is highly problematic. The findings presented here generate a more contextualised analysis generating important new insights which we hope will improve the quality of care in Uganda health facilities.
The trickle-down effect of psycho-social constructs and knowledge deficiencies as organizational barriers to cost performance on highway projects
Authors: Amadi Alolote Ibim , Higham Anthony
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to proffer a theoretical narrative explaining the poor financial performance of public highway agencies in Nigeria. This study critically spotlights seminal works in the literature offering theoretical narratives on the poor financial performance of public infrastructure projects, to discuss whether they adequately capture the relationship between psychological factors, project governance/leadership issues and knowledge/skill deficiencies related to the cost performance of infrastructure projects in the developing world. The evaluation reveals the predominant contextual exclusivity of these theoretical narratives to the developed world, which tend to under-represent developing countries, such as those on the African continent.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study research strategy, longitudinal documentary/archival data for 61 highway projects were analyzed. In total, 16 interviews were also conducted with highway officials from the three highway agencies responsible for the execution of the projects. A two-stage deductive-inductive thematic analysis of the collated data was carried out to identify barriers to the financial management of public highway projects, the result of which is cognitively mapped out.

Findings

The study showcases empirical insight on cost overruns experienced in Nigerian public projects, because of the trickle-down effect of human and organizational environment, as well as because of workers’ knowledge/skill deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

The developed theory is contextual to Nigeria, and there is scope for testing its generalisability to other developing nations.

Originality/value

The in-depth trajectory provided uncovers an intricate web of technical and psycho-social, organizational and institutional issues, which have not been identified and explained by previous theoretical narratives.
Coping behaviors to deal with stress and stressor consequences among construction professionals
Authors: Enshassi Adnan , Al-Swaity Eman , Abdul Aziz Abdul Rashid , Choudhry Rafiq
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Construction experts face several types of stresses at construction sites. The purpose of this study is to recognize and investigate dominant coping behaviors to overcome stress among construction professionals at the Gaza Strip.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this paper, a survey which used self-administrative questionnaires was conducted. A total of 320 questionnaires were distributed randomly to construction professionals working at the Gaza Strip. From the total questionnaires that were distributed, 183 were returned. This shows a 51 per cent response rate. Relative importance index and principal component analysis were applied to examine the responses. This study explored two central coping behaviors, namely, problem-focused and emotion-focused behaviors.

Findings

In relation to the problem-focused behaviors, a factor analysis revealed three underlying factors, namely, planned and constructive review problem-solving, need for social contributory support and confronted coping mechanism. As for emotion-focused coping behavior strategy, three principal factors were identified and named in order of their significance. These three principal factors include accepting responsibility, avoidance and seeking emotional support.

Originality/value

There is limited attention from researchers with regard to coping behaviors so as to deal with stress and stressors in the Palestinian construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to fill the gap for stress-related issues in the construction sector of Palestine. The outcomes of this study will be valuable for construction companies which pursue improvements in human resources, productivity and future strategy.
Creativity and innovation through LMX and personal initiative
Authors: Khalili Ashkan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine empirically the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) on employees’ creativity and innovation. In addition, this study investigated the moderating role of employees’ personal initiative on the associations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 1,221 employees working in organizations across various industries in Australia.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed positive and significant relationships between LMX and employees’ creativity and innovation. Also, the findings indicated employees’ personal initiative moderated the LMX-employees’ creativity and LMX-employees’ innovation relationships.

Practical implications

Organizations should invest in LMX training and in the selection of leaders with this leadership style if their aim is to nurture and intensify employees’ creativity and innovation. They also should invest in personal initiative training in order to amplify the effect of LMX on creativity and innovation in organization.

Originality/value

This study makes vital theoretical contributions in different ways. In the domain of creativity and innovation, it addresses factors that impact employees’ creativity and innovation. It expands knowledge about organizational resources that nurture and enhance the creativity and innovation of employees. For LMX, this study supplements existing research by examining employees’ creativity and innovation as outcomes. Also, identifying personal initiative as an amplifier of the LMX-employees’ creativity and innovation relationships extends research in that domain. This study is also a rare investigation of the Australian context.
The mediating effect of service quality and organizational commitment on the effect of management process alignment on higher education performance in Makassar, Indonesia
Authors: Fernandes Sumardi , Adji Achmad Rinaldo Adji Achmad Rinaldo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between management process alignment, service quality, organizational commitment and high educational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this study was all higher education institutions which provide undergraduate program and operate in Makassar. This study included a total sample of 312 respondents.

Findings

There is significant effects of mediation variables of service quality (M1) and organizational commitment (M2) on the relationship between management process alignment (X) and high educational performance (Y) in Makassar, Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

For this study, cross-sectional data are used considering only one point of time due to which it is harder to see developments. There is a diversity of the characteristics of respondents, especially in terms of age, education, and status, so there is a possibility of a different perception of the content of the questionnaire that affected the selected answer.

Originality/value

This study considered the significant effects of mediation variables of service quality (M1) and organizational commitment on the relationship between management process alignment (X) and high educational performance. Previously, no research has been undertaken to examine the relationship between the location of the study and higher education institutions in the context of Makassar, Indonesia.
Impact of vapor polishing on surface quality and mechanical properties of extruded ABS
Authors: Neff Clayton , Trapuzzano Matthew , Crane Nathan B.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) is readily capable of producing models and prototypes of complex geometry and is advancing in creating functional parts. However, AM processes typically underperform traditional manufacturing methods in mechanical properties, surface roughness and hermeticity. Solvent vapor treatments (vapor polishing) are commonly used to improve surface quality in thermoplastic parts, but the results are poorly characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

This work quantifies the surface roughness change and also evaluates the effect on hermeticity and mechanical property impacts for “as-printed” and acetone vapor-polished ABS tensile specimens of 1-, 2- and 4-mm thicknesses produced by material extrusion (FDM).

Findings

Vapor polishing proves to decrease the power spectral density for surface roughness features larger than 20 µm by a factor of 10× and shows significant improvement in hermeticity based on both perfluorocarbon gross leak and pressure leak tests. However, there is minimal impact on mechanical properties with the thin specimens showing a slight increase in elongation at break but decreased elastic modulus. A bi-exponential diffusion decay model for solvent evaporation suggest a thickness-independent and thickness-dependent time constant with the latter supporting a plasticizing effect on mechanical properties.

Originality/value

The contributions of this work show vapor polishing can have a substantial impact on the performance for end-use application of ABS FDM components.
The effect of different build orientations on the consolidation, tensile and fracture toughness properties of direct metal laser sintering Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Alsalla Hamza Hassn , Smith Christopher , Hao Liang
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study new process parameters which were selected to achieve the full density of Ti-6Al-4V samples in different building orientations and investigate fracture toughness property and its relation to the microstructure, an area which has not previously been reported in full detail and which may offer information to a designer. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing technique that directly manufactures three-dimensional parts, layer-by-layer, to scan and melt metal powders for aerospace applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Hardness and tensile tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of consolidation on the mechanical performance of specimens made at three different building directions. Optical and electron microscopy were used to characterise the microstructure of the DMLS specimens and their effects on the fractures and mechanical properties.

Findings

It was found that the built samples have an excellent density at 4.5 g/cm, and the sample surfaces parallel to the building direction are rougher than the perpendicular surfaces. The fracture toughness result was higher than that of the cast material for the same alloy and higher than the Ti-6Al-4V parts fabricated by electron beam melting. This results in the superior mechanical properties of DMLS, while slightly lower in the zy direction owing to cracks, porosity and surface finish.

Research limitations/implications

The tensile strength was found to be higher than the wrought material, and the samples exhibited brittle fractures owing to the martensitic phase, which is caused by a high temperature gradient, and the mechanical properties change with the change in the microstructures at different building directions.

Originality/value

This paper contains original research.
Shear band propagation in honeycombs: numerical and experimental
Authors: Goodarzi Hosseinabadi Hossein , Bagheri Reza , Altstädt Volker
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Hexagonal honeycombs with meso-metric cell size show excellent load bearing and energy absorption potential, which make them attractive in many applications. However, owing to their bend-dominated structure, honeycombs are susceptible to deformation localization. The purpose of this study is to provide insight about shear band propagation in struts of 3D-printed honeycombs and its relation to the achieved macroscopic mechanical behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Hexagonal honeycombs and unit cell models are 3D-printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM). The samples are exposed to compression loading and digital image correlation technique and finite element analyses are incorporated.

Findings

It is found that the strain contours, which are obtained by finite element, are in agreement with experimental measurements made by DIC. In addition, three stages of shear band propagation in struts of 3D-printed honeycombs are illustrated. Then the correlation between shear band propagation stages and the achieved macroscopic mechanical responses is discussed in detail.

Originality/value

For the first time, a hierarchical activation of different modes of shear band propagation in struts of a 3D-printed honeycomb is reported. This information can be of use for designing a new generation of honeycombs with tailor-made localization and energy absorption potential.
Factors affecting the food security and community welfare of farmer households in Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Srinita Srinita
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze the factors of availability, access, and absorption affecting the level of food security and its impact on the community welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on food security and community welfare in all provinces in Sumatra. Available data are obtained from sustainable development goals (SDGs) data in 2015 (Badan Pusat Statistik, 2016), with the district/city in Sumatra as unit analysis, with the number of samples 152 districts/cities. The causal relations between variables (the relationship between availability (X1), accessibility (X2), and absorption (X3) and effect of food security (Y1), and the relationship between food security (Y1) and community welfare (Y2)) were examined using covariance-based structural equation modeling using WarpPLS.

Findings

The conclusion of this study shows that the availability, accessibility, and absorption statistically influence the food security. On the other hand, the food security statistically influences the community welfare.

Originality/value

Until now there is no previous research that brings food security factors integrated with the community welfare, and no one has studied the full modeling on the Sumatra, Indonesia, and the use of SDGs data intact considering the new data of 2015 SDGs collected replacing the millennium development goals data.
Speech understanding in noise in elderly adults: the effect of inhibitory control and syntactic complexity
Authors: van Knijff Eline C. , Coene Martine , Govaerts Paul J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Previous research has suggested that speech perception in elderly adults is influenced not only by age‐related hearing loss or presbycusis but also by declines in cognitive abilities, by background noise and by the syntactic complexity of the message.

Aims

To gain further insight into the influence of these cognitive as well as acoustic and linguistic factors on speech perception in elderly adults by investigating inhibitory control as a listener characteristic and background noise type and syntactic complexity as input characteristics.

Methods & Procedures

Phoneme identification was measured in different noise conditions and in different linguistic contexts (single words, sentences with varying syntactic complexity). Additionally, inhibitory control was measured using a visual stimulus–response matching task. Fifty‐one adults participated in this study, including elderly adults with age‐related hearing loss (n = 9) and with normal hearing (n = 17), and a control group of normal hearing younger adults (n = 25).

Outcomes & Results

The analysis revealed that elderly adults with normal hearing and with hearing loss were less likely to identify successfully phonemes in single words than younger normal hearing controls. In the context of sentences, only elderly adults with hearing loss had a lower odds of correct phoneme perception than the control group. Additionally, in elderly adults with hearing loss, phoneme‐in‐sentence perception was linked to age‐related declines in inhibitory control. In all participants, phoneme identification in sentences was influenced by both noise type and syntactic complexity.

Conclusions & Implications

Inhibitory control and syntactic complexity might play a significant role in speech perception, especially in elderly listeners. These factors might also influence the results of clinical assessments of speech perception. Testing procedures thus need to be selected and their results interpreted carefully with these influences in mind.
Unconventional monetary policy in the Asian financial crisis
Authors: Bayoumi Tamim , Gagnon Joseph
Published: February 2018

Some of the policies central banks used during the Asian Financial Crisis had elements of unconventional monetary policy in that they involved the government buying assets that the private sector was unwilling to hold. We focus on public funding of bank recapitalizations in Thailand and the extraordinary purchase of equities in Hong Kong. Although it is important to calibrate these policies appropriately, we believe they helped to stabilize economies through channels that were not well understood at the time of the Asian crisis.
Is it time to move towards non‐invasive prenatal screening for Down syndrome and screening for pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Wang Rui , Chien Patrick , Leung Tak Yeung
Published: February 2018

Trainee Scientific Editor, Rui Wang, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/march-editors-choice-2018