bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instabilities of SWCNT conveying laminar, incompressible and viscous fluid flow
Authors: Oveissi Soheil , Toghraie Davood , Eftekhari S. Ali , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This study aims to study the transverse vibration and instabilities of the fluid-conveying single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To this purpose, the Euler–Bernoulli beam model is used. Also, the surface effects, small-size effects of the both fluid and structure and two different elastic mediums viscoelastic and Pasternak elastic are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

To consider the nano-scale for the CNT, the strain-inertia gradient theory is used and to solve the governing equation of motion for the system, the Galerkin’s method is used. The effect of the flow velocity, aspect ratio, characteristic lengths of the mentioned theory, effects of Knudsen number and effects of the Winkler, the Pasternak elastic and the viscoelastic medium on the frequencies and stabilities of the system are studied. The effects of the above parameters on the vibrational behavior are investigated both separately and simultaneously.

Findings

The results show that the critical flow velocity value is increased as the aspect ratio, characteristic lengths, Winkler modulus, shear and damping factors increase. Also, the critical flow velocity is increased by considering the surface effects. In addition, the consequence of increase in the nano-flow-size effects (Knudsen number) is decreasing the critical flow velocity. Moreover, it can be observed that the effect of the shear factor on increasing the critical flow velocity is different from the rest of parameters.

Originality/value

Use of Timoshenko and modified couple stress theories and taking into account Von-Karman expressions for investigating the nonlinear vibrations of triple-walled CNTs buried within Pasternak foundation.
Effect of long-term orientation on voluntary security actions
Authors: Aurigemma Salvatore , Mattson Thomas
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact an individual’s long-term orientation (a cultural dimension) has on their attitude, behavioral intention and actual voluntary security actions taken in the context of the dangers related to poor account access management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relied upon survey data and actual usage information from a culturally diverse sample of 227 individuals who were introduced to the specific security problem and the accepted solution of using a password manager application.

Findings

The paper provides empirical evidence that the effect of positive attitudes increased when individuals were more long-term oriented, but the effect was reversed for average/negative attitudes toward the voluntary security behavior. Furthermore, participants with high long-term orientation and strong positive attitudes toward the security action actually adopted password manager applications 57 per cent more than the average adoption rate across the sample.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the research approach (survey data), security context and sample population, the research results may lack generalizability.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that security awareness messaging and training should account for differences in long-term orientation of the target audience and integrate the distinctly different types of messages that have been shown to improve an individual’s participation in voluntary security actions.

Originality/value

The paper addresses previous research calls for examining possible cultural differences that impact security behaviors and is the only study that has focused on the impact of long-term orientation, specifically on voluntary security actions.
Monitoring performance indicators in the Portuguese hospitality sector
Authors: Ribeiro Maria Luísa , Vasconcelos Maria Luísa , Rocha Fátima
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This article aims to analyze performance evaluation in the Portuguese hospitality sector. It assesses the frequency with which performance indicators are monitored, the relevance assigned to them and how the two are related. It further evaluates whether performance evaluation practices in the Portuguese hospitality sector are based on the balanced scorecard (BSC) philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds upon a doctoral research addressing the hospitality sector in Portugal. Theoretically, it resorts to a literature review on performance indicators and the Portuguese hospitality sector. Empirically, it looks at a sample of four- and five-star hotels operating in Portugal in 2012. A questionnaire addressing the four perspectives of BSC was applied, and a descriptive analysis was developed.

Findings

Performance indicators cover the four perspectives of BSC in a balanced way, which confirms its relevance as a strategic management tool. However, there is no coincidence between the performance indicators most frequently monitored and those considered to be most relevant.

Practical implications

The study reviews/identifies performance indicators suitable for the hospitality sector and highlights ways to improve their use in the Portuguese hospitality sector.

Social implications

Redirecting the use of performance indicators to long-term objectives will benefit the financial results of the hospitality industry, with positive impacts on employment. This is particularly relevant as the hospitality industry is an activity strongly characterized by seasonality.

Originality/value

This is a descriptive study related to the use of indicators in the Portuguese hotel sector, to this date inexistent/innovative. It highlights the need for changes in the choice of performance indicators in the Portuguese hospitality sector and offers suggestions for future performance evaluation frameworks.
Determinants of consumers’ participation in the sharing economy
Authors: Boateng Henry , Kosiba John Paul Basewe , Okoe Abednego Feehi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Consumers’ intentions to participate in the sharing economy have received much attention from researchers in recent times. However, little attention has been paid to consumers’ actual participation in the sharing economy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that drive customers in Ghana to use Uber.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used surveys as the research design. There were 500 participants who were users of Uber. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires.

Findings

The findings of this study show that trust, customer return on investment and search convenience are the key factors that contribute to riders’ usage of Uber service. Furthermore, this study shows that consumers’ need for prestige and social connection do not play a significant role in consumers’ (riders’) usage of Uber services.

Originality/value

Studies investigating consumers’ participation in the sharing economy from an emerging economy context using the social exchange theory is limited. This study identifies elements of the economic and socio-emotional dimensions of the social exchange theory and the strength of their impact on people’s participation in the sharing economy.
The celebrity chef phenomenon: a (reflective) commentary
Authors: Zopiatis Anastasios , Melanthiou Yioula
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the nature of the celebrity chef phenomenon and its impact on the contemporary hospitality industry, to both enrich current knowledge on the topic, as well as inform future research endeavors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a narrative literature review of secondary data sources, namely, academic literature and industry-related articles, and video data collected from popular video-hosting websites.

Findings

Despite the vast popularity of celebrity chefs, the phenomenon remains underexplored, with limited coverage given to it by hospitality-related literature. Prior investigations primarily focused on celebrity chefs’ commercial influence and power of advocacy, with little reference to their impact on the next generation of culinary professionals and on the sustainability of the profession.

Research limitations/implications

This commentary has numerous theoretical and practical implications for industry stakeholders who wish to explore this phenomenon beyond the limited confinements of its commercial impact. In particular, the study explores the nature of the phenomenon, where television, social media and the celebrity status of chefs influence both the values and norms surrounding the profession, and individuals’ vocational choices. That said, findings suggest that additional research is required on this topic.

Originality/value

The exploration of celebrity chefs as a topic has so far been limited and has leaned toward one dimension in hospitality literature, despite its interesting scope. This critical overview provides conceptual clarity on issues such as the phenomenon’s commercial and vocational impact and highlights areas of concern and opportunity. Moreover, the study sets a clear pathway for further research.
Practicing lesson study in a Turkish education context
Authors: Karabuğa Ferhan , Ilin Gülden
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to touch upon the unaddressed points regarding the practice of lesson study (LS) in the field of language teacher development in a Turkish education context by considering the challenges faced and observed by the EFL teachers, their suggestions to design a process like LS practice and benefits that LS practice could provide them in terms of teaching and professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the data from five EFL teachers’ collaborative work in an arrangement of lesson and learning study and from the researcher’s observations during meetings and discussions throughout the process. The data consist of interviews with participant teachers (pre and post), video recordings of the teacher workshops, field notes of the researcher and video recordings of the research lessons. The analysis was carried out through content analysis beginning with listing the responses of participants, identifying the frequency of citations, collecting similar responses under a common category to determine the categories and at last placing codes into the related categories.

Findings

The results show that the teachers had some concerns about LS practice both before and after practicing the model in the study context. They stated their concerns mostly about time, increasing responsibility and effort, being a demanding process. However, the practice seemed to meet their expectations, lead to improvements in knowledge, teaching practices and perspectives, contribute to the personal and professional development of teachers and triggered enthusiasm and a desire for students to participate actively in learning process.

Originality/value

This paper serves as an explicit example of LS practice with its plus and minuses in a Turkish education context as teachers’ views and the researcher’s personal reflections in the current study can guide the process of change and provide evidence and practical suggestions on the feasibility of the program for the ones attempting to experience it. Besides, the teachers’ perceptions and suggestions regarding LS practice in the present study can enable other teachers, organizers of professional development programs and the researchers an opportunity to lead future practices.
Lean and Six Sigma practices in the public sector: a review
Authors: Rodgers Bryan , Antony Jiju
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of publications relating to the use of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma over a 17-year period, to identify the themes and gaps, while informing the development of a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review identified 121 papers published between 2000 and 2017 from searches of over 1,400 peer-reviewed academic journals and also identified the application of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma across the public sector.

Findings

This research compares the scale and breadth of the public sector with the application of CI methodologies and finds that such application is unstructured and, in some areas, sporadic. The research identifies common themes and research gaps including areas such as lack of shared understanding of Lean, gaps in strategy development and leadership and an overfocus on tools alone.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology is focussed on the journals rated in the ABS Journal Guide 2015, which allowed manual searches for accuracy and relevance to the area of investigation. It is recognised that this may exclude some articles which have been published in other journals but allowed for a structured and detailed investigation. The research identifies some very clear gaps which can inform future research agendas.

Practical implications

The paper details the implications and challenges to the public sector, generally, and to executive leadership, specifically, and, in particular, covers the common issues and concerns, which in turn will assist public sector organisations in implementing, reviewing or refreshing their CI initiatives.

Originality/value

No similar work has been conducted and while some individual areas such as health and education have been the subject of more focus, this research explores the public sector as a whole and considers the patterns of research in that context.
Lean Six Sigma for small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a systematic review
Authors: Alexander Paul , Antony Jiju , Rodgers Bryan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common themes within Lean Six Sigma (LSS) relating to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within manufacturing organisations and to identify the research gaps in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Tranfield et al.’s (2003) systematic review methodology was utilised encompassing three stages: planning, conducting and reporting/dissemination.

Findings

The literature revealed that there are many areas in which LSS has been utilised with varying successes. In total, 52 journals have been reviewed and it has been concluded that although LSS is a powerful methodology, there are many gaps that exist in the literature and further research is needed to address these in the field of LSS.

Research limitations/implications

The papers included in the systematic review were peer-reviewed papers available in English. Due to these limitations, relevant papers may have been excluded. Moreover, the authors have excluded all conference and white papers for their inclusion in this study.

Practical implications

It is vital that LSS practitioners are fully aware of the benefits, limitations and impeding factors when implementing a LSS initiative. Therefore, this paper could provide valuable insights to ensuring maximum value, is obtained from LSS implementation in SMEs.

Originality/value

This systematic review identifies research gaps in the current literature and highlighting areas of future research which will be beneficial to many SMEs in their pursuit of value optimisation.
Factors affecting employee performance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Atatsi Eli Ayawo , Stoffers Jol , Kil Ad
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the fragmented literature on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), leader–member exchange (LMX), learning, innovative work behavior (IWB) and employee performance across different countries, disciplines and organizations, thereby broadening the literature breath and making gap identification comprehensive. Second, it provides information on how much studies have been concentrated on Africa with the goal of provoking scholarly work in a unique cultural setting on the interrelatedness of these concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature search was undertaken using key search terms, “employee performance,” “OCB,” “LMX,” “IWB,” “individual learning” and “team learning.”

Findings

The findings show positive relationships between the behaviors and employee performance. They also reveal an interesting diversity in the study across multidisciplinary fields holding both cultural and contextual significance for academia and practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of literature to peer-reviewed journals from the authors’ university library might have missed important information not in this domain. Further studies must make use of additional search terms and engines excluded from this study to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

Practical implications

The paper has important managerial implications for practitioners. The analysis can support the understanding of employee performance from a broader and more diverse view points; and help in providing insight into real-life opportunities, constraints and solutions in enhancing performance management.

Originality/value

This systematic literature review highlights important knowledge gaps which need to be explored especially in the African and Ghanaian contexts.
What makes a glamping experience great?
Authors: Brochado Ana , Brochado Fernando
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The concept of camping has changed over time, with new niche markets appealing to sustainable tourists. Glamping – short for “glamorous camping” – offers a way to experience the positive aspects of camping while minimising the negatives. This paper aims to present the empirical findings of an exploratory study that examined tourists’ Web-reviews to identify the expressive dimensions that describe these travellers’ experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of Web reviews provided by tourists on glamping booking websites produced a battery of concepts used to assess glamping experiences from the guests’ perspective. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used.

Findings

The analysis identified 11 themes: experience, hotel, learn, host, camping, nature, food, ingredients, different, eco and yoga. The results reveal that, when quality of experience is evaluated through user-generated content, two attributes appear to be involved – functional elements offered by service providers and consumers’ emotional elements.

Originality/value

Web-reviews clearly offer important information to managers in the glamping sector. The present study’s analysis revealed that different market segments (i.e. couples, visitors with families or friends and those travelling alone) share certain aspects of glamping experiences.
Reduction clause in an advance payment guarantee (AP-bond) under an overseas construction contract
Authors: Kim Sang Man
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review characteristics and functions of an advance payment guarantee (AP-Bond), and to analyse some legal and practical issues concerning a “reduction clause” in an AP-Bond under an overseas construction contract.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares relevant provisions of the URDG 758, the UN Convention, the ISP 98, and the FIDIC Silver Book, and also cites relevant case laws of the USA, UK and Korea. This paper also refers many Korean scholars’ views on characteristics of an independent guarantee including an AP-Bond.

Findings

A demand for payment under an AP-Bond shall not be honoured in the event that an employer wrongfully refuses to issue documents required for reduction of an AP-Bond. A beneficiary shall not be favoured by independence nature of an AP-Bond in case of fraud or abuse of right.

Originality/value

This paper originally analyzes a “reduction clause” in an AP-Bond. This paper provides logics that a demand for payment shall not be honoured in the event that a beneficiary wrongfully refuses to issue documents required for reduction of an AP-Bond.
The market discount of property developers’ shares and accounting policies
Authors: Lau Chee Kwong , Wong Li Li
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the fundamental question about why the shares of property developers are traded at market discounts by focusing on property developers from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

It measures market discount using market-to-book ratio (MTB) and specifies the relations between MTB and the hypothetical determining factors (revenue recognition policy, investment property measurement policy, related party (RP) transaction disclosures and economic rent) in the presence of relevant control variables.

Findings

This study finds that aggressive revenue recognition and investment property measurement policies increase market discounts, but that RP transactions generally contribute positively to reduce the market discounts of property developer shares. Specifically, RP transactions are value-enhancing only if property developers adopt a conservative revenue recognition policy, because markets sensibly see RP transactions that are part of an aggressive revenue recognition policy as earnings management for tunnelling by controlling shareholders, and hence react with discounts. It is also observed that when property developers generate insufficient profit to cover their cost of equity, this generally leads to their shares being traded at market discounts. However, an aggressive revenue recognition policy can reduce market discount if early recognition contributes positively to economic rent.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable evidence of the economic consequences (market discounts) of accounting choices on recognition and measurement, and the disclosure of accounting information. This is crucial to managers of property developers in managing their firm values when exercising accounting discretion.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on market discounts as they relate to property developers, which has been limited (past studies focus on property investment companies and real estate investment trusts).
The emergence of data centres as an innovative alternative property sector
Authors: Marzuki Muhammad Jufri , Newell Graeme
Published: February 2019

Purpose

As one of the increasingly important alternative property sectors, data centres are a technology-focused property sector that is taking advantage of the growing investment intensity in technology-related infrastructure, against the backdrop of constant innovation and advancement in technology. The purpose of this paper is to assess the preliminary risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of data centre Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in the USA, Australia and Singapore. The strategic implications going forward for data centres as an innovative property sector in the property investment space are also highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

Using monthly total returns, the average annual return, annual risk, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of data centre REITs in the USA, Australia and Singapore over 2016–2018 are assessed. Optimal asset allocation analysis is performed to investigate the value-added role of data centre REITs in a mixed-asset portfolio.

Findings

Data centre REITs delivered strong average annual return performance, outperforming the composite REITs in all three markets. This also sees data centre REITs being riskier than the overall REIT sector due to the non-traditional and maturing status of the data centre property sector. On a risk-adjusted basis, competitive performance was recorded for data centre REITs, with data centre REITs in the USA and Singapore outperforming their respective composite REITs. This performance is also delivered with significant portfolio diversification benefits with the stock market, resulting in data centre REITs contributing to the US mixed-asset portfolios across a diverse risk spectrum.

Practical implications

Institutional investors are now giving increased emphasis to alternative property sectors with better risk-return trade-offs. Improved performance and diversification benefits are achieved by supplementing existing property portfolios with non-traditional property sectors with counter-cyclical risk-return profiles, one of which is the data centre property sector. This sees data centres as an important alternative property sector, having technology-based drivers and being recognised as having a clear path towards institutionalisation with the major investors in the near future.

Originality/value

This paper is the first published empirical research analysis that specifically assessed the preliminary performance and diversification benefits of data centre REITs in the USA, Australia and Singapore. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making by institutional investors regarding the future strategic role of the data centre property sector as an innovative sector in the institutional property investment space.
The joint effects of bilingualism, DLD and item frequency on children's lexical‐retrieval performance
Authors: Degani Tamar , Kreiser Varda , Novogrodsky Rama
Published: February 2019

Background

Bilingual children and children diagnosed with developmental language disorder (DLD) are characterized by reduced lexical‐retrieval abilities. Few studies examined their joint contribution and the mechanisms underlying these effects in the lexical domain.

Aims

To explore the joint effects of bilingualism and DLD by adopting a four‐group comparison in which the difference between bi‐ and monolingual children with DLD is directly compared with that of bi‐ and monolingual children with typical language development (TLD). In addition, to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of bilingualism and DLD on children's lexical‐retrieval abilities, we tested how item's characteristics (frequency of use) modulate the effects of bilingualism and DLD.

Methods & Procedures

Fifty‐eight children (aged 9–14 years) participated in the current study. They were either Hebrew monolingual or Hebrew–English bilinguals and were either diagnosed with DLD or had TLD. Children completed a Hebrew picture‐naming task and verbal short‐term memory tests. The influence of participants’ characteristics, including bilingualism, DLD and verbal short‐term memory, as well as item's characteristics (frequency of use) were tested.

Outcomes & Results

Accuracy analysis revealed that bilingual children scored lower than monolingual children and that children with DLD scored lower than children with TLD. Critically, the two factors interacted such that their joint presence resulted in less‐than‐additive effects. Specifically, although bilingual children with DLD performed worse than all other groups, they performed better than expected under an additive model. Interestingly, monolingual children with DLD performed similarly to bilingual children with TLD. Increased verbal short‐term memory was associated with better performance across the four groups. Finally, bilingualism and DLD interacted with item frequency, such that being bilingual, having DLD, or both, resulted in increased sensitivity to item frequency manifested in exceptionally lower performance on low‐frequency items.

Conclusions & Implications

The findings suggest that the strength of linguistic representations contribute to the effects of bilingualism and DLD. Further, the presence of bilingualism in the context of DLD does not exaggerate the impact of DLD. Clinically, this suggests that differences between bi‐ and monolingual children with DLD must be considered in reference to the gap in lexical‐retrieval performance observed between bi‐ and monolingual children with TLD. Finally, because monolingual children with DLD and bilingual children with TLD performed similarly, sensitive diagnostic tools and intervention programmes should be adopted to allow correct identification and treatment of bilingual children with DLD.
Downside risk in reservoir management
Authors: Roseta‐Palma Catarina , Sağlam Yiğit
Published: February 2019

Downside risk, which refers to deviations below a threshold, is often important in water management decisions, especially in areas with large and skewed variations in precipitation patterns. In this paper, we present a model for a reservoir manager who is downside risk averse and who performs a dynamic allocation of irrigation water, taking into account the negative effects of droughts on farm profits and different environmental constraints. We analyse the water stock, flows and agricultural profits for alternative environmental restrictions and thresholds for irrigation levels and find that stricter environmental constraints increase total water supply and carryover stock, while higher penalty thresholds lead to their overall decrease. Furthermore, increasing penalty thresholds leads to a higher emphasis on avoiding shortages, at the expense of lower average profits.
Good Samaritan harm reduction policy and drug overdose deaths
Authors: Atkins Danielle N. , Durrance Christine Piette , Kim Yuna
Published: February 2019

Objective

To examine the effects of a harm reduction policy, specifically Good Samaritan (GS) policy, on overdose deaths.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Secondary data from multiple cause of death, mortality records paired with state harm reduction and substance use prevention policy.

Study Design

We estimate fixed effects Poisson count models to model the effect of GS policy on overdose deaths for all, prescription, and illicit drugs, controlled substances, and opioids, while controlling for other harm reduction and substance use prevention policies.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We merge secondary data sources by state and year between 1999 and 2016.

Principal findings

We fail to identify a statistically significant effect of GS policy in reducing overdose deaths broadly.

Conclusions

While we are unable to identify an effect of GS policy on overdose deaths, GS policy may have important effects on first‐stage outcomes not investigated in this paper. Given recent state policy changes and rapid increase in many categories of overdose deaths, additional research should continue to examine the implementation and effects of harm reduction policy specifically and substance use prevention policy broadly.
Hot Off the Press: Hospital Observation Upon Reversal (HOUR) With Naloxone: A Prospective Clinical Prediction Rule Validation Study
Authors: Morgenstern Justin , Heitz Corey , Bond Chris , Milne William K.
Published: February 2019

This is a prospective observational study looking to validate a previously derived decision rule designed to help safely discharge opioid overdose patients from the emergency department after 1 hour. They included a convenience sample of 538 adult patients who had received naloxone pre‐hospital and compared the Hospital Observation Upon Reversal (HOUR) rule with clinical judgement. The primary outcome of interest was a broadly defined composite of adverse events. The HOUR rule had a sensitivity of 84.1% (95% CI 76.2‐92.1%) and a specificity of 62.1% (95% CI 57.6‐66.5%), which was very similar to clinical judgement. Clinical judgement would have missed 12 adverse events, while the HOUR rule would have missed 13, although most of those adverse events were probably minor.
The effect of erector spinae plane block on respiratory and analgesic outcomes in multiple rib fractures: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Adhikary S. D. , Liu W. M. , Fuller E. , Cruz‐Eng H. , Chin K. J.
Published: February 2019

Regional anaesthesia is often helpful in improving respiratory function and analgesia following multiple rib fractures. The erector spinae plane block has become the technique of choice in our institution due to its relative simplicity and purported safety. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine its effectiveness in improving respiratory and analgesic outcomes. We reviewed electronic medical records of patients with traumatic rib fractures admitted to a level‐one trauma centre between January 2016 and July 2017, who also received erector spinae plane blocks. We analysed the following outcomes before and up to 72 h after erector spinae plane blockade: incentive spirometry volume; maximum numerical rating scale static pain scores; and 12‐h opioid consumption. Pre‐ and post‐block data were compared. We included 79 patients, 77% of whom received continuous erector spinae plane block for a mean (SD) of 3.7 (1.9) days. The majority (85%) had other associated injuries. Incentive spirometry volumes improved from 784 (694) to 1375 (667) ml (p < 0.01) during the first 24 h following erector spinae plane blockade. Pain scores were reduced from 7.7 (2.5) to 4.7 (3.2) in the first three hours (p < 0.01). Reductions in opioid consumption were observed but did not achieve statistical significance. These improvements were largely sustained for up to 72 h. Mean arterial blood pressure remained unchanged from baseline. In conclusion, erector spinae plane blocks were associated with improved inspiratory capacity and analgesic outcomes following rib fracture, without haemodynamic instability. We propose that it should be considered to be a viable alternative to other regional analgesic techniques when these are not feasible.
Home‐based training using neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A pilot study
Authors: Palanova Petra , Mrkvicova Veronika , Nedbalkova Marta , Sosikova Michaela , Konecny Petr , Jarkovsky Jiri , Marques Emanuel , Novakova Marie , Pohanka Michal , Soucek Miroslav , Dobsak Petr
Published: February 2019

There is ample evidence that maintenance of basic physical fitness through exercise training is crucial for patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Rehabilitation based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of thigh muscles has been shown to have many beneficial effects in patients with chronic diseases. It is likely that NMES could have beneficial effects also in patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). NMES was applied for 20 weeks to 14 patients on CAPD, mean age 61.9 (8.7) years, using battery‐powered stimulators (CEFAR‐REHAB X2; Sweden) and self‐adhesive electrodes 80 × 130 mm (PALS Platinum; Denmark). Stimulation characteristics: biphasic current, pulse width 400 μs, 8 seconds contraction‐12 seconds relaxation, frequency modulation 40‐60 Hz, and maximal intensity 60 mA. NMES was home‐based and applied simultaneously to quadriceps muscles of both legs (2 × 30 min/day). Functional performance, muscle power (Fmax), arterial stiffness (assessed by cardio‐ankle vascular index‐CAVI), and quality of life by KDQOL‐SF evaluation was done at baseline and at the end of program. Home NMES improved significantly the main functional parameters: VO2peak/kg increased by +2.2 (1.6) mL O2/kg/min (P < 0.002), peak workload by +0.1 (0.1) W/kg (P < 0.005), and distance walked in 6 MWT by +44.7 (58.4) m (P < 0.008). Only insignificant changes were observed in CAVI and Fmax. KDQOL‐SF analysis showed significant improvement in seven parameters of QoL (P < 0.012‐0.049). This pilot study is the first clinical report dealing with the use of NMES in patients on CAPD. The results demonstrate that an improvement of exercise capacity and QoL can be achieved by home‐based NMES in CAPD patients.
Scleral buckling versus vitrectomy for young japanese patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the era of microincision surgery: real‐world evidence from a multicentre study in Japan
Authors: Shu Ingen , Ishikawa Hiroto , Nishikawa Hiroki , Morikawa Shohei , Okamoto Fumiki , Sakamoto Taiji , Sugimoto Masahiko , Kondo Mineo , Iwasaki Masanori , Kinoshita Takamasa , Toibana Toshi , Mitamura Yoshinori , Takamura Yoshihiro , Motohashi Ryosuke , Shimura Masahiko , Sakurai Yutaka , Takeuchi Masaru , Gomi Fumi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To evaluate real‐world evidence for young Japanese patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) by retrospectively examining surgical procedures and clinical outcomes in the Japan Clinical Retina Study group.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study of the medical records of 562 young patients (384 males and 178 females; mean age: 33.0 ± 11.8 years) who had been diagnosed with RRD and who underwent surgical procedures in participating centres during the period between April 2013 and August 2016.

Results

The selected surgeries were scleral buckling (SB) for 295 eyes (49.7%) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for 262 eyes (44.1%). Between the two surgical procedures, there was no significant difference in the primary anatomical reattachment rate (PARR, SB = 92.2%, PPV = 93.9%); improvements in vision were noted in both groups. The incidences of proliferative vitreoretinopathy and cataract formation within 1 year of PPV were 2.3% (p = 0.0047) and 6.5% (p = 0.0005), whereas they were 0% and 1.0% in the SB group, respectively.

Conclusion

Scleral buckling (SB) and PPV were chosen with almost equal frequency for young patients with RRD. Clinical outcomes for SB and PPV exhibited a similar PARR. The incidence of cataract formation after PPV may constitute an important limitation of the procedure.
Shutting Down the Kaesong Industrial Complex: A “Coalitional Bargaining” Framework
Authors: Kim In Seong , Cho Hyun Koo
Published: February 2019

The South Korean government unexpectedly shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) on February 10, 2016. This article seeks to explain why the KIC shutdown happened when it did. It argues, using a Coalition Bargaining framework, that is, a combination of financial regulatory harmonization against Weapons of Mass Destruction and the U.S.‐ROK‐Japan alliance politics, led to the shutdown. According to our framework, the timing of the KIC shutdown has to be seen in light of the emerging trilateral coordination after the December 28 Accord on the issue of comfort women and the introduction of much stronger secondary sanctions on North Korea by the United States. Together, these two initiatives forced South Korea’s Park Geun Hye administration to choose the KIC shutdown in return for higher political legitimacy offered by the Accord. In our view, the coalitional dynamic leading up to the KIC shutdown would have been unlikely under other administrations or with different sequencing of events.
Optimizing outcomes for children with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in low‐ and middle‐income countries by early correct diagnosis, reducing toxic death and preventing abandonment
Authors: Chantada Guillermo , Lam Catherine G. , Howard Scott C.
Published: February 2019

In high‐income countries, more than 90% of children with mature B‐cell lymphomas are cured with frontline therapy. However, cure requires prompt and correct diagnosis, careful risk stratification, very intense chemotherapy and meticulous supportive care, together with logistical support for patients who live far from the cancer centre or face financial barriers to receiving care. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), cure rates range from 20% to 70% because of lack of diagnosis, misdiagnosis, abandonment of treatment, toxic death and excess relapse with reduced‐intensity regimens. Fortunately, a wide range of successful interventions in LMIC have reduced these causes of avoidable treatment failure. Public awareness campaigns have led to societal awareness of childhood cancer; telepathology has improved diagnosis, even in remote areas; subsidized chemotherapy, transportation, housing and food have reduced abandonment; and hand hygiene, nurse training programmes and health system improvements have reduced toxic death. These interventions can be deployed everywhere and at low cost, so are highly scalable. Children and adolescents with Burkitt lymphoma can be cured in all countries by making a timely correct diagnosis, applying protocols adapted to the local context, preventing abandonment of therapy and avoiding toxic death. Reducing these causes of treatment failure is feasible and highly cost‐effective everywhere.
Use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in prostate cancer active surveillance
Authors: Glass Allison S. , Dall'Era Marc A.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To review the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for active surveillance (AS) of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of Medline and Embase databases for relevant articles in the English language. Search terms included ‘prostate cancer', ‘active surveillance' or ‘monitoring', ‘expectant management', and ‘MRI'. We also reviewed practice guidelines from recognized international associations or societies involved in prostate cancer care. Articles were selected by both authors for relevance to the subject matter.

Results

The ability of mpMRI to visualize primarily high‐grade tumours within the prostate may improve risk stratification for men considering AS for prostate cancer. Multiple mostly single‐institution studies have found that the addition of mpMRI and a targeted biopsy strategy can improve AS patient selection over standard TRUS biopsy alone. The high negative predictive value of mpMRI may allow men to avoid early repeat biopsy and may offer the possibility to tailor biopsy strategies. The presence of a radiographically positive lesion on mpMRI at baseline is predictive of higher likelihood of radiographic progression over time while on AS.

Conclusions

MRI has shown promise in both patient selection and monitoring for men who undergo AS for prostate cancer. There are multiple barriers to the widespread use of mpMRI for AS including quality, cost and access to care.
Best practice in active surveillance for men with prostate cancer: a Prostate Cancer UK consensus statement
Authors: Merriel Samuel W.D. , Hetherington Liz , Seggie Andrew , Castle Joanna T. , Cross William , Roobol Monique J. , Gnanapragasam Vincent , Moore Caroline M. ,   the Prostate Cancer UK Expert Reference Group on Active Surveillance
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To develop a consensus statement on current best practice of active surveillance (AS) in the UK, informed by patients and clinical experts.

Subjects and Methods

A consensus statement was drafted on the basis of three sources of data: systematic literature search of national and international guidelines; data arising from a Freedom of Information Act request to UK urology departments regarding their current practice of AS; and survey and interview responses from men with localized prostate cancer regarding their experiences and views of AS. The Prostate Cancer UK Expert Reference Group (ERG) on AS was then convened to discuss and refine the statement.

Results

Guidelines and protocols for AS varied significantly in terms of risk stratification, criteria for offering AS, and protocols for AS between and within countries. Patients and healthcare professionals identified clinical, emotional and process needs for AS to be effective. Men with prostate cancer wanted more information and psychological support at the time of discussing AS with the treating team and in the first 2 years of AS, and a named healthcare professional to discuss any questions or concerns they had. The ERG agreed 30 consensus statements regarding best practice for AS. Statements were grouped under headings: ‘Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria’; ‘AS follow‐up protocol’ and ‘When to stop AS’.

Conclusion

Significant variation currently exists in the practice of AS in the UK and internationally. Men have clear views on the level of involvement in treatment decisions and support from their treating professionals when receiving AS. The Prostate Cancer UK AS ERG has developed a set of consensus statements for best practice in AS. Evidence for best practice in AS, and the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in AS, is still evolving, and further studies are needed to determine how to optimize AS outcomes.
Adrenoceptor regulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin in muscle and adipose tissue
Authors: Chia Ling Yeong , Evans Bronwyn A. , Mukaida Saori , Bengtsson Tore , Hutchinson Dana S. , Sato Masaaki
Published: February 2019

A vital role of adrenoceptors in metabolism and energy balance has been well documented in the heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. It has been only recently demonstrated, however, that activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) makes a significant contribution to various metabolic and physiological responses to adrenoceptor agonists. mTOR exists as two distinct complexes named mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) and has been shown to play a critical role in protein synthesis, cell proliferation, hypertrophy, mitochondrial function, and glucose uptake. This review will describe the physiological significance of mTORC1 and 2 as a novel paradigm of adrenoceptor signalling in the heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Understanding the detailed signalling cascades of adrenoceptors and how they regulate physiological responses is important for identifying new therapeutic targets and identifying novel therapeutic interventions.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Updates in the function and regulation of α1‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Akinaga Juliana , García‐Sáinz J. Adolfo , S. Pupo André
Published: February 2019

α1‐Adrenoceptors are seven transmembrane domain GPCRs involved in numerous physiological functions controlled by the endogenous catecholamines, noradrenaline and adrenaline, and targeted by drugs useful in therapeutics. Three separate genes, whose products are named α1A‐, α1B‐, and α1D‐ adrenoceptors, encode these receptors. Although the existence of multiple α1‐adrenoceptors has been acknowledged for almost 25 years, the specific functions regulated by each subtype are still largely unknown. Despite the limited comprehension, the identification of a single class of subtype‐selective ligands for the α1A‐ adrenoceptors, the so‐called α‐blockers for prostate dysfunction, has led to major improvement in therapeutics, demonstrating the need for continued efforts in the field. This review article surveys the tissue distribution of the three α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes in the cardiovascular system, genitourinary system, and CNS, highlighting the functions already identified as mediated by the predominant activation of specific subtypes. In addition, this review covers the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of each of the α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes by phosphorylation and interaction with proteins involved in their desensitization and internalization.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Microglial inflammation and phagocytosis in Alzheimer's disease: Potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Nizami Sohaib , Hall‐Roberts Hazel , Warrier Sharat , Cowley Sally A. , Di Daniel Elena
Published: February 2019

One of the largest unmet medical needs is a disease‐modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, the role of microglia in disease, particularly AD, has gained great interest, following the identification of several disease risk‐associated genes that are highly expressed in microglia. Microglia play a critical homeostatic role in the brain, with neuroinflammatory and phagocytic mechanisms being of particular importance. Here, we review the role of NLRP3, the complement system, and the triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) in modulating microglial functions. We have reviewed the targets, their molecular pathways and the therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating these targets, in the hope of discovering a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc