bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Pisa Syndrome Induced by Rivastigmine in a Patient With Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Hsu Chih-Wei , Lee Yu , Lee Chun-Yi , Lin Pao-Yen
Published: April 2017

Pisa syndrome (PS) is a state of dystonic muscle contraction with a marked truncal deviation to one side. It is an uncommon adverse effect of antipsychotic drugs, but is rarely reported in patients receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, especially rivastigmine. We present a 57-year-old female patient with Alzheimer disease who began to develop symptoms of dementia at the age of 51 years. She was observed to have symptoms of PS after continuous use of rivastigmine (9 mg/d) for nearly 2 years. The PS symptoms improved after the dose of rivastigmine was reduced but recurred when the dose was added back to 9 mg/d. Finally, after we decreased the dose to 4.5 mg/d, her PS symptoms were remitted. This report reminds us that clinicians need to be cautious about the risk of PS when prescribing rivastigmine in a patient with early-onset Alzheimer disease.
Duodenal Levodopa Infusion for Long-Term Deep Brain Stimulation–Refractory Symptoms in Advanced Parkinson Disease
Authors: Regidor Ignacio , Benita Vicente , del Álamo de Pedro Marta , Ley Luis , Martinez Castrillo Juan Carlos
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study assesses the effect of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal infusion gel (LCIIG) as an additional treatment in patients with advanced idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) previously treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods

Prospective study of advanced PD patients, satisfactorily treated with bilateral DBS of the subthalamic nucleus, who had developed refractory symptoms and LCIIG was added. Controls were advanced PD patients treated with LCIIG. Measurements included the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III and the UPDRS axial compound.

Results

There were 19 patients in the DBS-LCIIG therapy group and 21 in the control group. The DBS-LCIIG patients were younger and had disease duration longer than controls. The median time from DBS to gastrostomy was 7.8 years (range, 2–12 years). In both study groups, the mean scores of the UPDRS-III and UPDRS axial subscales improved significantly after LCIIG treatment (DBS-LCIIG group: UPDRS-III, 62.0 [15.7] vs 30.9 [12.1]; UPDRS axial, 24.7 [4.9] vs 10.2 [2.7]; P < 0.0005 for all comparisons). There were no differences in adverse events between the groups. In the follow-up of the DBS-LCIIG group. 5 patients discontinued DBS-LCIIG therapy and returned to DBS, 5 discontinued DBS and were maintained with LCIIG, and the remaining 9 continued with DBS-LCIIG therapy. Mean time until discontinuation in the double DBS-LCIIG group was 891 days. The main risk factors for discontinuation were age at the beginning of LCIIG and severity of the UPDRS axial subscale.

Conclusions

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal infusion gel therapy may be a valuable option in selected patients with advanced PD who develop refractory symptoms after long-term subthalamic nucleus–DBS.
Zonisamide in Brain Tumor–Related Epilepsy: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Maschio Marta , Dinapoli Loredana , Zarabla Alessia , Maialetti Andrea , Giannarelli Diana , Fabi Alessandra , Vidiri Antonello , Cantelmi Tonino
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Epilepsy heavily affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients with brain tumor because in addition to taking treatments for the oncological illness, patients are required to live with the long-term taking of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The AEDs' adverse effects are common in these patients and can negatively influence their perceptions of their QoL.

We conducted an observational pilot study in patients with brain tumor–related epilepsy to verify efficacy, tolerability, and impact on QoL and global neurocognitive performances of zonisamide (ZNS) in add-on.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 13 patients (5 females, 8 males; mean age, 49.6 years) presenting uncontrolled seizures. At first visit and at final follow-up at 6 months, patients underwent neurological examination, evaluation of adverse events, and cognitive and QoL tests. A seizure diary was given.

Results

Eight patients underwent chemotherapy, 3 underwent radiotherapy, and 5 had disease progression. Mean dosage of ZNS at final follow-up was 300 mg/d.

Of 9 patients who reached the sixth month follow-up, the mean weekly seizure number before ZNS had been 3.2 ± 5.0, and at final follow-up, the mean weekly seizure number was 0.18 ± 0.41 (P = 0.05).

Compared with baseline, we observed stability in all cognitive domains, except for verbal fluency that significantly worsened.

Results on QoL tests showed that QoL remained unchanged over time, which could indicate that ZNS did not influence the patients' perceived QoL.

Conclusions

Zonisamide as add-on in our patients seems to be well tolerated and efficacious in controlling seizures. Despite having limitations represented by the fact that our study is observational, with a small study population and a short follow-up period, our results confirm that when choosing an AED, in addition to efficacy, the drug's effect on patients' QoL also needs to be considered, especially for patients facing many psychosocial challenges, such as those with brain tumor–related epilepsy.
Genome-scale mutational signatures of aflatoxin in cells, mice and human tumors
Authors: Huang Mi Ni , Yu Willie , Teoh Wei Wei , Ardin Maude , Jusakul Apinya , Ng Alvin , Boot Arnoud , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Villar Stephanie , Myint Swe Swe , Othman Rashidah , Poon Song Ling , Heguy Adriana , Olivier Magali , Hollstein Monica , Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Sabapathy Kanaga , Zavadil Jiri , Rozen Steven G.
Published: April 2017

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we present the first whole genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of > 40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, and in liver tumors in wild-type mice and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene – this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly-sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.
The evolutionary dynamics of the odorant receptor gene family in corbiculate bees
Authors: Brand Philipp , Ramírez Santiago R.
Published: April 2017

Insects rely on chemical information to locate food, choose mates, and detect potential predators. It has been hypothesized that adaptive changes in the olfactory system facilitated the diversification of numerous insect lineages. For instance, evolutionary changes of Odorant Receptor (OR) genes often occur in parallel with modifications in life history strategies. Corbiculate bees display a diverse array of behaviors that are controlled through olfaction, including varying degrees of social organization, and manifold associations with floral resources. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of the OR gene family in corbiculate bees in comparison to other chemosensory gene families. Our results indicate that the genomic organization of the OR gene family has remained highly conserved for approximately 80 million years, despite exhibiting major changes in repertoire size among bee lineages. Moreover, the evolution of OR genes appears to be driven mostly by lineage-specific gene duplications in few genomic regions that harbor large numbers of OR genes. A selection analysis revealed that OR genes evolve under positive selection, with the strongest signals detected in recently duplicated copies. Our results indicate that chromosomal translocations had a minimal impact on OR evolution, and instead local molecular mechanisms appear to be main drivers of OR repertoire size. Our results provide empirical support to the longstanding hypothesis that positive selection shaped the diversification of the OR gene family. Together, our results shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of olfaction in insects.
A dry method for preserving tear protein samples
Authors: Qin Weiwei , Zhao Chan , Zhang Linpei , Wang Ting , Gao Youhe
Published: April 2017

Tears covering the ocular surface is an important bio-fluid containing thousands of molecules, including proteins, lipids, metabolites, nucleic acids, and electrolytes. Tears are valuable resources for biomarker research of ocular and even systemic diseases. For application in biomarker studies, tear samples should ideally be stored using a simple, low-cost, and efficient method along with the patient’s medical records. For this purpose, we developed a novel Schirmer’s strip-based dry method that allows for storage of tear samples in vacuum bags at room temperature. Using this method, tear protein patterns can also be preserved. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of proteins recovered from the dry method and traditional wet method showed no significant difference. Some tissue/organ enriched proteins were identified in tear, thus tear might be a good window for monitoring the change of these tissues or organs. This dry method facilitates sample transportation and enables the storage of tear samples on a large scale, increasing the availability of samples for studying disease biomarkers in tears.
A lncRNA/Lin28/Mirlet7axis coupled to DNA methylation fine tunes the dynamics of a cell state transition
Authors: Li Meng Amy , Amaral Paulo P. , Cheung Priscilla , Bergmann Jan H. , Kinoshita Masaki , Kalkan Tüzer , Ralser Meryem , Robson Sam , Meyenn Ferdinand von , Paramor Maike , Yang Fengtang , Chen Caifu , Nichols Jennifer , Spector David L. , Kouzarides Tony , He Lin , Smith Austin
Published: April 2017

Execution of pluripotency requires progression from the naïve status represented by mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to a condition poised for lineage specification. This process is controlled at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels and non-coding RNAs are contributors to this regulation complexity. Here we identify a molecular cascade initiated by a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA),Ephemeron(Epn), that modulates the dynamics of exit from naïve pluripotency.Epndeletion delays the extinction of ESC identity, an effect mediated by perduring expression of the pivotal transcription factor Nanog. In the absence ofEpn, Lin28a expression is reduced, resulting in an elevated level ofMirlet7gthat suppressesde novomethyltransferases Dnmt3a/b.Dnmt3a/bdeletion also retards exit from the ESC state, and is associated with delayed promoter methylation and slower down-regulation ofNanog.Altogether, our findings reveal a lncRNA/miRNA/DNA methylation axis that facilitates a timely stem cell state transition.
Assortment of flowering time and immunity alleles in natural Arabidopsis thaliana populations suggests immunity and vegetative lifespan strategies coevolve
Authors: Glander Shirin , He Fei , Schmitz Gregor , Witten Anika , Telschow Arndt , de Meaux J.
Published: April 2017

The selective impact of pathogen epidemics on host defenses can be strong but remains transient. By contrast, life-history shifts can durably and continuously modify the balance between costs and benefits of immunity, which arbitrates the evolution of host defenses. Their impact on the evolutionary dynamics of host immunity, however, has seldom been documented. Optimal investment into immunity is expected to decrease with shortening lifespan, because a shorter life decreases the probability to encounter pathogens or enemies. Here, we document that in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression levels of immunity genes correlate positively with flowering time, which in annual species is a proxy for lifespan. Using a novel genetic strategy based on bulk-segregants, we partitioned flowering time-dependent from – independent immunity genes and could demonstrate that this positive co-variation can be genetically separated. It is therefore not explained by the pleiotropic action of some major regulatory genes controlling both immunity and lifespan. Moreover, we find that immunity genes containing variants reported to impact fitness in natural field conditions are among the genes whose expression co-varies most strongly with flowering time. Taken together, these analyses reveal that natural selection has likely assorted alleles promoting lower expression of immunity genes with alleles that decrease the duration of vegetative lifespan in A. thaliana and vice versa. This is the first study documenting a pattern of variation consistent with the impact that selection on flowering time is predicted to have on diversity in host immunity.
The threshold of binocularity: natural image statistics explain the reduction of visual acuity in peripheral vision
Authors: Hunter David W. , Hibbard Paul B.
Published: April 2017

Visual acuity is greatest in the centre of the visual field, peaking in the fovea and degrading significantly towards the periphery. The rate of decay of visual performance with eccentricity depends strongly on the stimuli and task used in measurement. While detailed measures of this decay have been made across a broad range of tasks, a comprehensive theoretical account of this phenomenon is lacking. We demonstrate that the decay in visual performance can be attributed to the efficient encoding of binocular information in natural scenes. The efficient coding hypothesis holds that the early stages of visual processing attempt to form an efficient coding of ecologically valid stimuli. Using Independent Component Analysis to learn an efficient coding of stereoscopic images, we show that the ratio of binocular to monocular components varied with eccentricity at the same rate as human stereo acuity and Vernier acuity. Our results demonstrate that the organisation of the visual cortex is dependent on the underlying statistics of binocular scenes and, strikingly, that monocular acuity depends on the mechanisms by which the visual cortex processes binocular information. This result has important theoretical implications for understanding the encoding of visual information in the brain.
Fused dorsal-ventral cerebral organoids model human cortical interneuron migration
Authors: Bagley Joshua A , Reumann Daniel , Bian Shan , Knoblich Juergen A
Published: April 2017

Development of the forebrain involves the migration of GABAergic interneurons over long distances from ventral into dorsal regions. Although defects in interneuron migration are implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases such as Epilepsy, Autism, and Schizophrenia, model systems to study this process in humans are currently lacking. Here, we describe a method for analyzing human interneuron migration using 3D organoid culture. By fusing cerebral organoids specified toward dorsal and ventral forebrain, we generate a continuous dorsal-ventral axis. Using fluorescent reporters, we demonstrate robust directional GABAergic interneuron migration from ventral into dorsal forebrain. We describe methodology for time lapse imaging of human interneuron migration that is inhibited by the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. Our results demonstrate that cerebral organoid fusion cultures can model complex interactions between different brain regions. Combined with reprogramming technology, fusions offer a possibility to analyze complex neurodevelopmental defects using cells from neuropsychiatric disease patients, and to test potential therapeutic compounds.
Growth of a bulk-size single crystal of sulphamic acid by an in-house developed seed rotation solution growth technique and its characterization
Authors: Sonia  , Vijayan N. , Bhushan Medha , Thukral Kanika , Raj Rishabh , Maurya K. K. , Haranath D. , Martin Britto Dhas S. A.
Published: April 2017

A bulk sulphamic acid single crystal has been grown by a modified seed rotation technique. The lattice dimensions of the grown single crystal were confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction, and it was found that it crystallized in an orthorhombic structure with space group Pbca. The strain in the lattice was calculated by the Williamson–Hall equation. The crystalline perfection was examined by high-resolution X-ray diffraction and found to be extremely good (the single peak of the rocking curve having an FWHM of ∼8.0′′). The luminescence behaviour was recorded in the wavelength region between 400 and 630 nm using an Xe flash lamp which acts as an excitation source. The shock damage threshold was measured for the grown crystal in order to determine the mechanical capability of the title compound. The thermal parameter of sulphamic acid was calculated by photoacoustic spectroscopy.
Bayesian approach to powder phase identification
Authors: Mikhalychev Alexander , Ulyanenkov Alex
Published: April 2017

Identification of unknown materials using X-ray powder diffraction patterns is a commonly used and well established technique with a number of proved implementations. Generally, qualitative phase analysis of X-ray diffraction data includes ranking of candidate phases on the basis of similarity of their diffraction patterns to the measured one. A standard strategy of such a ranking by algorithmization of manual search criteria may become inconvenient for modification and adaptation for problems that are not supported by our intuition. Here, the problem of providing physically grounded expressions for candidate phase ranking is addressed. The approach is based on calculation of Bayesian posterior probabilities of the phases' presence in the sample. The choice of the expressions for the prior probabilities for deviations of phases' diffraction patterns from database entries determines the degree of physical detailing and may be made according to the specifics of the problem being solved. It is shown that even for simple exponential expressions for prior probabilities the approach identifies the phases for IUCr round robin cases correctly, as well as ensuring sufficient robustness of the results with respect to diffraction peak shifts and intensity variations.
Investigations into the phase composition of zirconia-based sinters with an axial texture
Authors: Podwórny J. , Staszewski M. , Wojsa Józef
Published: April 2017

Owing to the phase transition of the tetragonal form of ZrO2into the monoclinic one, caused by mechanical stresses, preparation of powder samples for quantitative phase analysis by the X-ray diffraction method should be avoided. The process of grinding of zirconia sinters leads to considerable changes in their phase composition. For this reason, a quantitative phase analysis should be conducted on solid samples not subjected to mechanical stresses, irrespective of problems appearing during experiments and analysis. One such problem is preferred crystallographic orientation (texture). This paper describes the influence of a preferred crystallographic orientation on the quantitative phase analysis conducted on solid samples and presents the results of an analysis in which corrections for uniaxial and multiaxial textures were applied. It was found that the examined samples had a very weak but nonzero multiaxial texture. The share of the randomly oriented fraction in the examined sinters was determined to beca94 vol.% and the share of the textured fractionca6 vol.%. From the statistical point of view, in the case of small amounts of the textured fraction, a correction on one distinguished crystallographic plane can overcome this problem. In the case of the slightly textured sinters of metering nozzles subjected to investigation here, the correction related to all the unique directions was statistically insignificant because the textured part corresponds to only a small volume fraction. However, corrections related to all texture axes considerably improve the fit of the calculated X-ray pattern with the experimental one and help to better characterize the examined materials.
Ethyl 2-[9-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-1,8-dioxo-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-decahydroacridin-10-yl]acetate
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Dege Necmi , Akkurt Mehmet , Allah Omyma A. Abd , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: April 2017

In the title compound, C27H32BrNO5, the central 1,4-dihydropyridine ring adopts a shallow sofa conformation (with the C atom bearing the bromophenol ring as the flap), whereas the pendant cyclohexene rings both have twisted-boat conformations. The molecule features an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond, which closes anS(8) ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions, formingC(12) chains along thec-axis direction. The ethyl acetate grouping is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.719 (11):0.281 (11) ratio.
3-(2-Chloropyridin-3-yl)quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione chloroform monosolvate
Authors: Riad Noura M. , Zlotos Darius P. , Holzgrabe Ulrike
Published: April 2017

The solvated title compound, C13H8ClN3O2·CHCl3, is a product of a condensation reaction between 2-amino-N-(2-chloropyridin-3-yl)benzamide and phosgene. The presence of the chlorine substituent in the pyridine ring forces the latter to adopt a nearly perpendicular orientation relative to the planar quinazoline ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.04 Å), the two ring systems being inclined to one another by 84.28 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons propagating along thea-axis direction. The chloroform solvent molecules are linked to the organic molecule by C—H...N hydrogen bonds.
3,3′-(Hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-vinyl-4-imidazoline-2-thione)
Authors: Partl Gabriel , Laus Gerhard , Kahlenberg Volker , Huppertz Hubert , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: April 2017

The title compound, C16H22N4S2, was obtained by the reaction of sulfur with the corresponding quaternary salt in the presence of K2CO3. It crystallizes with two half-molecules in the asymmetric unit; the complete molecules are generated by inversion symmetry with the central CH2—CH2bonds of the hexane bridges being located on inversion centres. In each molecule, the C6-alkyl chain adopts a typical antiperiplanar conformation and the two heterocyclic rings are oriented antiparallel to each other. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming layers lying parallel to theacplane.
Price discounts in rights issues: why do managers insist on what investors hate?
Authors: Mateus Cesario , Farinha Jorge , Soares Nuno
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the causes and impact of the significant mean price discounts (25 per cent for financial and 29 per cent for non-financial firms) in rights issues in the UK using a sample of 268 observations for the period of 1994 to 2012. It is observed that for non-financial companies, the issue terms announcement returns are negatively affected by the discount size, while firm size, growth prospects and good previous stock performance have a positive impact. It is also investigated which factors seem to influence managers to engage in deeper discounts when these are so disliked by investors. Evidence is provided that firms with more leverage, larger bid-ask spreads or suffering losses tend to choose deeper discounts. The authors conclude that managers balance the expected negative reaction of the market to a price discount with the risks of a costly issue failure, with these being higher when the firm experiences losses, has a higher volatility and also when the stock market climate is more adverse.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is divided in two stages. In a first step (thereafter pre-announcement), the authors evaluate the firm’s and market conditions that determine the price discount. In a second stage (post-announcement), the authors measure the market reaction to the rights issues announcement by calculating the abnormal announcement returns by cumulating the difference between daily returns (R) and expected market returns (ER) for the period of −2 to 2 relative to the announcement day.

Findings

The authors document that price discounts in right issues for non-financial and financial firms are determined by a set of firm-characteristics and market sentiment. They also bring evidence that price discounts are not arbitrarily determined by firm managers.

Originality/value

The results are consistent with the idea that despite the negative signal to investors conveyed by a significant price discount in the new shares, managers of non-financial companies still engage in substantially price-cutting.
Functions of law in the sustainable development of China and a model for environmental legislation
Authors: Keller Werner Hans , Zhang Xia
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a discussion to stimulate interest in further research by highlighting aspects of Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights and exploring whether parts can be transplanted to improve sustainability in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors trace the evolution of environmental law in China after 1978, identify increased citizen participation as a path to improvement and provide an overview of purposes and means in Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights which may be a model to consider.

Findings

Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights may have aspects to be added to China’s legal toolbox warranting further research.

Research limitations/implications

While this descriptive review identifies possibilities, further work is required to apply legal concepts from one jurisdiction to another. Context and details of implementation warrant further attention.

Originality/value

This paper provides a platform from which further more detailed research may advance sustainability in China by considering a legal framework used by others to integrate the development of society, economy and environment.
Dynamic stability of viscoelastic plates under axial flow by differential quadrature method
Authors: Armand Robinson Mouafo Teifouet , Adali Sarp
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Cantilever plates subject to axial flow can lose stability by flutter and properties such as viscoelasticity and laminar friction affect dynamic stability. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the dynamic stability of viscoelastic cantilever plates subject to axial flow by using the differential quadrature method.

Design/methodology/approach

Equation of motion of the viscoelastic plate is derived by implementing Kelvin-Voigt model of viscoelasticity and applying inverse Laplace transformation. The differential quadrature method is employed to discretize the equation of motion and the boundary conditions leading to a generalized eigenvalue problem. The solution is verified using the existing results in the literature and numerical results are given for critical flow velocities

Findings

It is observed that higher aspect ratios lead to imaginary part of third frequency becoming negative and causing single-mode flutter instability. It was found that flutter instability does not occur at low aspect ratios. Moreover the friction coefficient is found to affect the magnitude of critical flow velocity, however, its effect on the stability behaviour is minor.

Originality/value

The effects of various problem parameters on the dynamic stability of a viscoelastic plate subject to axial flow were established. It was shown that laminar friction coefficient of the flowing fluid increases the critical fluid velocity and higher aspect ratios lead to single-mode flutter instability. The effect of increasing damping of viscoelastic material on the flutter instability was quantified and it was found that increasing viscoelasticity can lead to divergence instability.
A numerical algorithm based on modified cubic trigonometric B-spline functions for computational modelling of hyperbolic-type wave equations
Authors: Alshomrani Ali Saleh , Pandit Sapna , Alzahrani Abdullah K. , Alghamdi Metib Said , Jiwari Ram
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this work is the development of a numerical algorithm based on modified cubic trigonometric B-spline functions for computational modelling of hyperbolic-type wave equations. These types of equations describe a variety of physical models in the vibrations of structures, nonlinear optics, quantum field theory and solid-state physics, etc.

Design/methodology/approach

Dirichlet boundary conditions cannot be handled easily by cubic trigonometric B-spline functions. Then, a modification is made in cubic trigonometric B-spline functions to handle the Dirichlet boundary conditions and a numerical algorithm is developed. The proposed algorithm reduced the hyperbolic-type wave equations into a system of first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in time variable. Then, stability-preserving SSP-RK54 scheme and the Thomas algorithm are used to solve the obtained system. The stability of the algorithm is also discussed.

Findings

A different technique based on modified cubic trigonometric B-spline functions is proposed which is quite different from the schemes developed (Abbas et al., 2014; Nazir et al., 2016) and depicts the computational modelling of hyperbolic-type wave equations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this technique is novel for solving hyperbolic-type wave equations and the developed algorithm is free from quasi-linearization process and finite difference operators for time derivatives. This algorithm gives better results than the results discussed in literature (Dehghan and Shokri, 2008; Batiha et al., 2007; Mittal and Bhatia, 2013; Jiwari, 2015).
Interface modelling between CFD and FEM analysis: the dual-layer post-processing model
Authors: Pantousa Daphne , Mistakidis Euripidis
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is the development of a fire–structure interface (FSI) model, which is referred in this study as a simplified “dual-layer” model. It is oriented for design purposes, in the cases where fire-compartments exceed the “regular” dimensions, as they are defined by the guidelines of the codes (EN 1991-1-2).

Design/methodology/approach

The model can be used at the post-processing stage of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and it is based on the gas-temperature field (spatial and temporal) of the fire-compartment. To use the “dual-layer” model, first the gas-temperature (discrete) function along the height of the fire-compartment, at discrete plan–view points should be determined through the output of the CFD analysis. The model “compresses” the point data to (spatial) virtual zones, which are divided into two layers (with respect to the height of the fire-compartment) of uniform temperature: the upper (hot) layer and the lower (cold) layer.

Findings

The model calculates the temporal evolution of the gas-temperature in the fire compartment in every virtual zone which is divided in two layers (hot and cold layer).

Originality/value

The main advantage of this methodology is that actually only three different variables (height of interface upper-layer temperature and lower-layer temperature) are exported during the post-processing stage of the CFD analysis, for every virtual zone. Next, the gas-temperature can be used for the determination of the temperature profile of structural members using simple models that are proposed in EN 1993-1-2.
Uncertainty quantification/propagation in nonlinear models
Authors: Chikhaoui Khaoula , Bouhaddi Noureddine , Kacem Najib , Guedri Mohamed , Soula Mohamed
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop robust metamodels, which allow propagating parametric uncertainties, in the presence of localized nonlinearities, with reduced cost and without significant loss of accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed metamodels combine the generalized polynomial chaos expansion (gPCE) for the uncertainty propagation and reduced order models (ROMs). Based on the computation of deterministic responses, the gPCE requires prohibitive computational time for large-size finite element models, large number of uncertain parameters and presence of nonlinearities. To overcome this issue, a first metamodel is created by combining the gPCE and a ROM based on the enrichment of the truncated Ritz basis using static residuals taking into account the stochastic and nonlinear effects. The extension to the Craig–Bampton approach leads to a second metamodel.

Findings

Implementing the metamodels to approximate the time responses of a frame and a coupled micro-beams structure containing localized nonlinearities and stochastic parameters permits to significantly reduce computation cost with acceptable loss of accuracy, with respect to the reference Latin Hypercube Sampling method.

Originality/value

The proposed combination of the gPCE and the ROMs leads to a computationally efficient and accurate tool for robust design in the presence of parametric uncertainties and localized nonlinearities.
A tensor-based modelling and simulation method for multibody system
Authors: Shen Fan , Rong Siyuan , Cui Naigang , Kong Xianren
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a method with convenient modelling as well as precise computation to the research of complex multi-body system, such as robot arms and solar power satellite. Classical modelling method does not always fit these two requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, tensor coordinates (TC) and homogeneous tensor coordinates (HTC) method with gradient components are developed, which also have a convenient interface with classical theory.

Findings

The HTC proved its precision and effectiveness by two examples. In HTC model, equations have a more convenient form as matrix and the results coincide well with classical one.

Research limitations/implications

There is no plenty detailed operations supported in mathematics yet, which may be developed in further research.

Practical implications

With TC/HTC method, the research work can be separated more thoroughly: a simpler modelling work is left to scientists, when more computing work is handed to the computers. It may ease scientists’ brains in multibody modelling.

Originality/value

The HTC method has the advantages of absolute nodal coordinate formulations, tensor and homogeneous coordinate (HC) and it may be used in multibody mechanics, or other related engineerings.
Service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty in the Bangladesh healthcare sector
Authors: Ahmed Selim , Tarique Kazi Md. , Arif Ishtiaque
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. It identifies healthcare quality conformance, patient satisfaction and loyalty based on demographics such as gender, age and marital status. It examines the differences between public and private healthcare sectors regarding service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors distributed 450 self-administered questionnaires to hospital patients resulting in 204 useful responses (45.3 per cent response rate). Data were analysed based on reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA and discriminant analysis using SPSS version 23.

Findings

Findings indicate that single patients perceive tangibles, reliability, empathy and loyalty higher compared to married patients. Young patients (⩽20 years) have a higher tangibles, empathy and loyalty scores compared to other age groups. The authors observed that private hospital patients perceive healthcare service quality performance higher compared to patients in public hospitals.

Research limitations/implications

The authors focussed solely on the Bangladesh health sector, so the results might not be applicable to other countries.

Originality/value

The findings provide guidelines for enhancing service quality, patient satisfaction and loyalty in the Bangladesh healthcare sector and other countries.
Innovating product appearance within brand identity
Authors: Ondra Martin , Škaroupka David , Rajlich Jan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study the appearance of drills from one brand by using currently available design tools. It aims to find and discuss the relationship between appearance innovation and maintaining key design features.

Design/methodology/approach

The innovation process is studied on drills of a Czech power tool maker and a previously created concept of a new drill. First, the authors explore the similarities between the designed concept and previous models of the brand by calculating the degree of similarity of given shape features. Second, they capture the drills simple shape grammar and strive to generate a sketch of the concept.

Findings

Results show the use of several similar shape features from previous models in the innovated design. Shape grammar can create a principally similar concept, but some innovations cannot be achieved this way. A description of appearance innovation within brand identity in terms of shape grammar is given.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited mainly to a small group of previous products that can be analyzed. It is done only for one particular brand identity. When used with the shape grammars, design generation is limited.

Practical implications

Better understanding of the innovative process aids designers in working with designs for brand identity and may serve to shape grammar enhancement.

Originality/value

The paper describes what happens during the innovation of product appearance and implicates enhancement and meaning of design analysis done by shape grammars and exploring similarities.
Prisoners perceptions of a mental health wellness workshop
Authors: Keogh Brian , McBennett Padraig , deVries Jan , Higgins Agnes , O’Shea Marie , Doyle Louise
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the evaluation of a one-day mental health wellness workshop which was delivered to male prisoners in an urban prison in the Republic of Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the workshop. This paper presents the findings of the qualitative arm of the evaluation. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews with ten participants who had completed the programme.

Findings

The participants were overwhelmingly positive about the wellness workshop and the qualitative interviews articulated the ways that the workshop impacted on their ability to manage their own and other peoples mental health.

Originality/value

As prisons attempt to limit the negative impact of prison life, implementing recovery orientated approaches such as the wellness workshop can have a positive impact on prisoners’ mental health as well as raising their awareness and improving their attitudes towards mental distress and suicide. The concepts of self-help and peer support, espoused by the workshop offer a real opportunity to equip interested prisoners with skills to support themselves and other prisoners who are in distress.
Teledentistry, new oral care tool for prisoners
Authors: Giraudeau Nicolas , Inquimbert Camille , Delafoy Robin , Tramini Paul , Valcarcel Jean , Meroueh Fadi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In France, all incarcerated prisoners are required to undergo a dental examination (Ministère de la santé et de la protection sociale, 2004 and Ministère de la justice, 2004). However, only one in two prisoners benefits from this oral health check-up. Oral teleconsultation could improve the quality of oral care in prisons. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus of this study was therefore to apply oral teleconsultation as an experiment. Using an oral teleconsultation system, a dentist and a nurse were separately asked to give patients a score, according to how urgently their dental issue needed to be treated. This score will henceforth be referred to as the “dental emergency scores given”.

Findings

The separate dental emergency scores given by the dentist and the nurse were compared and the results demonstrate the following: – 36.7 per cent (11) of the two scores were equal – 53.3 per cent (16) of the two scores differed by 1 point – 10 per cent (3) of the two scores differed by 2 points. The average score of the nurse was 2.23 and that of the dentist was 2.13. The small disparity should not obscure the fact that 63 per cent of the diagnoses turned out to be incorrect.

Practical implications

Dental care could easily be improved with oral teleconsultation as a care plan could be developed for each patient.

Social implications

The condition of one’s dental health is, of course, very important for general health, but it also affects social aspects. Good oral hygiene and health are very important when looking for a job after having been released from prison.

Originality/value

This is the first study on oral teleconsultation in prisons. Dental care is rarely studied on prisoners. Telemedicine in dentistry is just beginning all over the world. This study is the first step of an extensive project in the University Hospital of Montpellier and the Villeneuve-les-Maguelone prison.
Fear of rape from behind prison walls
Authors: Shermer Lauren O’Neill , Sudo Heather
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The Prison Rape Elimination Act has brought significant attention to the issue of sexual victimization within correctional institutions. While the actual risk of sexual victimization remains low, the perception of rape among inmates is high. Given how one’s fear can translate into behavior, understanding how institutions impact the culture surrounding prison rape highlights areas for reducing violence within prisons. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes secondary analysis of a quantitative database created from semi-structured interviews with 564 high security, general population inmates. Using fear of rape as the outcome of interest, bivariate and logistic regression analyses are used to comment on the impact of individual and facility level characteristics on this outcome.

Findings

In general, the results from this study suggest that the greatest risk factors for fearing rape while in prison are being male, having a mental health issue, and hearing about rape within the institution. From these specific findings a few general lessons can be learned with the hope that practitioners can translate these lessons into policy initiatives in order to combat fear of rape among our inmate population.

Originality/value

This paper aims to fill a gap in the research on how the facility contributes to the fear of rape within prison. The end goal is to inform policy makers so that suggestions can be made to combat this problem and prevent further misconduct within these facilities.
What do we know about consumer m-shopping behaviour?
Authors: Marriott Hannah R. , Williams Michael D. , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the mobile shopping (m-shopping) acceptance literature to bring international marketing and consumer research attention to m-shopping acceptance factors and limitations in current understandings to propose recommendations for further academic and retailing attention.

Design/methodology/approach

Keyword searches identified the consumer-focused literature across mobile commerce, m-shopping, mobile browsing and mobile purchasing, published in English language journals. A classification framework is created and a time frame is established to provide a more focused direction for research.

Findings

Despite the growing popularity of consumers adopting m-shopping activities and the increasing academic attention, consumer m-shopping utilisation remains low and research into its causes remains in its infancy. This paper has subsequently identified a variety of recommendations for further research, including further insights into perceived risk, user vs non-user behaviours, the multi-stage shopping process, incorporation of time considerations and theoretical development.

Originality/value

There has yet been a review of the m-shopping literature collaborating literary findings and limitations in the consumer m-shopping environment. Three major themes arise in this paper. First, there are a variety of factors affecting consumer willingness to accept m-shopping which are often incorporated in existing theory in a sporadic manner. Second, factors can create positive and/or negative consumer perceptions, requiring further insight. Finally, research limitations predominantly surround theoretical and methodological constraints, prompting for wider geographical and more longitudinal approaches to research.
The role of perceived brand personality in promotion effectiveness and brand equity development of professional sports teams
Authors: Giroux Marilyn , Pons Frank , Maltese Lionel
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In the highly saturated sports industry where sport teams represent a complex offering loaded with intangible and tangible attributes, it is important to implement appropriate marketing strategies that will ultimately contribute to the development of strong brand equity. In this paper, the authors focused on the relationship between brand variables and marketing activities on the development of brand equity. More specifically, the purpose of this paper is to study the impact of brand personality on the evaluation of marketing promotional activities and the impact on the brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents (2,400) were recruited through an online survey and data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The survey revealed that the congruence between the brand personality and the promotional activities has a positive impact on its evaluation and on brand equity. In addition, the results showed that consumers who consider the financial strength of the team as an important factor evaluate more positively the value of congruent and incongruent promotional activities.

Practical implications

Brand managers should maintain consistency between their brand personality and their promotional activities in order to maintain and increase their brand equity.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the literature by investigating the impact of brand personality on the evaluation of promotional activities. Also, it examines an important factor (financial consciousness) that could influence how fans react in front of an incongruent promotional activity. This research brings a better understanding of the impact of brand personality on marketing strategies and brand equity.