bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Vascular Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Numajiri Toshiaki , Morita Daiki , Tsujiko Shoko , Nakamura Hiroko , Sowa Yoshihiro , Arai Akihito , Masahiro Matsui , Nakano Hiroshi , Hirano Shigeru
Published: August 2017

Background:

The optimum number of microvascular anastomoses for safe free tissue transfer is controversial. Although the case for 2 venous anastomoses versus 1 anastomosis has been argued, the use of an additional arterial anastomosis has not been examined in detail.

Methods:

Twelve patients who underwent 2 arterial anastomoses for a free flap transfer were identified retrospectively from the medical records of patients undergoing reconstruction for head and neck cancer. The free flaps were limited to anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps.

Results:

All flaps survived. Complications included venous thrombosis (n = 1), reexploration (n = 1), and leakage (n = 3). The vascular patterns of dual-arterialized ALT flaps were classified into 3 groups. Types 1 and 2 were ALT flaps that had 2 vascular sources from the descending and lateral branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. The number of accompanying veins differed between type 1 (3 veins) and type 2 (2 veins). Type 3 differed from a conventional ALT flap nourished by the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (1 vein) by the addition of anastomosis of an artery branching from the descending branch to the vastus medialis muscle. The total operation times for these 3 types of ALT were similar.

Conclusions:

An additional arterial anastomosis to the free cutaneous flap did not cause any congestion or disturb the balance between inflow and outflow. If the surgeon considers that the first arterial anastomosis is unreliable, an additional anastomosis might be an option in ALT transfer.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Setting of Mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter Syndrome)
Authors: Argenta Anne E. , Davit Alexander
Published: August 2017

Background:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a rare finding in children, but heavily represented in pediatric patients with mucopolysaccharidoses. Diagnosis is a challenge due to lack of the stereotypical symptomatic complaints and relies on examination and objective nerve conduction studies.

Methods:

We present a case of delayed presentation of CTS in a 12-year-old boy with Hunter syndrome, followed by a review of the literature.

Results:

Patient Z.D. presented with minimal reported CTS symptoms but advanced median nerve damage on electromyography. He underwent bilateral carpal tunnel release with median nerve neurolysis and flexor tenosynovectomies. Intraoperative examination demonstrated the presence of a “waist sign” of the median nerve and moderate flexor tenosynovial hypertrophy bilaterally. Parents reported mild subjective improvement of dexterity and fine motor skills postoperatively.

Conclusion:

To optimize functional outcome, routine screening for CTS and intervention at an early age are emphasized in the mucopolysaccharidoses population.
MACULAR HOLE IN A YOUNG PATIENT AFFECTED BY FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY
Authors: Bochicchio Sara , Pellegrini Marco , Cereda Matteo , Oldani Marta , Staurenghi Giovanni
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

To report a case of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in which genetic testing was used to confirm the diagnosis with a new mutation identified in FZD4 gene.

Methods:

A 28-year-old girl was addressed to our clinic for surgical management of a macular hole possibly associated with Coats disease. Multimodal imaging was performed including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein, and indocyanine green angiography.

Results:

On examination, visual acuity was light perception secondary to previous retinal detachment and 20/32, respectively, in her right and left eye. Clinical and imaging evaluations showed findings suggestive for familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography study of the macula showed a macular pucker with lamellar macular hole and a conservative approach was preferred. After 18 months of observation, the patient underwent surgery secondary to the onset of a full thickness macular hole. After 24 months, the patient’s vision was 20/32. Genetic testing was used to confirm the diagnosis demonstrating 2 new mutations in FZD4 gene.

Conclusion:

Our case emphasizes the importance of a prompt recognition of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy disease also using gene testing and a close follow-up to prevent and manage possible complications.
EXOGENOUS MENINGOCOCCAL ENDOPHTHALMITIS: A CASE REVIEW
Authors: Goh Rachel L. Z. , Sandhu Sukhpal S. , Allen Penelope J.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

We describe a rare case of exogenous endophthalmitis due to Neisseria meningitidis, of which only two have previously been published.

Methods:

Retrospective audit of patient's medical notes.

Patients:

An 82-year-old man from The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, a tertiary ophthalmic service in Melbourne, Australia.

Results:

Found to have exogenous endophthalmitis from a leaking, filtering bleb.

Conclusion:

This seems to be the first case in which a conjunctival swab was diagnostic. These cases demonstrate that it is reasonable to consider meningococcal endophthalmitis in systemically well patients with leaky filtering blebs. Of note for occupational health and safety, prophylaxis is not required for staff contacts treating these patients.
SIMULTANEOUS CHOROIDAL AND RETINAL METASTASES FROM LUNG CARCINOMA
Authors: Jorge Danilo M. , Labarrere Marina , Rodrigues Murilo W. , Shields Carol L. , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: August 2017

Background:

Intraocular metastasis is most commonly found within the choroid because of its luxurious blood supply, whereas metastasis to the retina, from a separate blood supply, is very rare. We report a rare case of synchronous metastases from lung carcinoma to the choroid of the right eye and the retina of the left eye and a complaint of low vision in the right eye.

Methods:

We report a 63-year-old woman with progressive reduction of vision in her right eye for 1 year without previous history of cancer. The patient underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination that included a multimodal evaluation: near-infrared reflectance scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, blue autofluorescence, and enhanced-depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).

Results:

Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a yellow choroidal mass measuring 6 × 6 mm with overlying subretinal fluid and involving the macular area in the right eye. In the left eye, there was a superior juxtapapillary yellow-colored mass involving the retina and measuring 1 × 1 mm. Optical coherence tomography revealed the subretinal fluid contouring a dome-shaped choroidal mass in the right eye and intraretinal nodular tumor superior to the optic disk of the left eye. Chest computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule measuring 2.5 mm × 1.4 mm, and biopsy of the liver metastasis confirmed the diagnosis of mucinous lung carcinoma.

Conclusion:

The final diagnosis was presumed choroidal metastasis in the right eye and retinal metastasis in the left eye from underlying mucinous carcinoma of the lung.
Persistent Gram-negative Neurosurgical Meningitis in a Neonate, Successfully Treated With Intraventricular Colistin: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Al Yazidi Laila S. , McMullan Brendan , Kohan Saeed , Palasanthiran Pamela
Published: August 2017

We present a case of Gram-negative neurosurgical meningitis in a neonate, refractory to optimal intravenous therapy and removal of ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Cerebrospinal fluid was sterilized within 24 hours using intraventricular colistin. This is the first report of intraventricular colistin use in neonatal meningitis caused by Enterobacter cloacae.
Virologic Response to Early Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-infected Infants
Authors: Ateba Ndongo Francis , Texier Gaetan , Ida Penda Calixte , Tejiokem Mathurin Cyrille , Tetang Ndiang Suzie , Ndongo Jean-Audrey , Guemkam Georgette , Sofeu Casimir Ledoux , Kfutwah Anfumbom , Faye Albert , Msellati Philippe , Warszawski Josiane
Published: August 2017

Introduction:

Little is known about virologic responses to early antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected infants in resource-limited settings. We estimated the probability of achieving viral suppression within 2 years of ART initiation and investigated the factors associated with success.

Methods:

We analyzed all 190 infants from the Cameroon Pediacam who initiated ART by 12 months of age. The main outcome measure was viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL) on at least 1 occasion; the other outcome measures considered were viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) on at least 1 occasion and confirmed viral suppression (both thresholds) on 2 consecutive occasions. We used competing-risks regression for a time-to-event analysis to estimate the cumulative incidence of outcomes and univariate and multivariate models to identify risk factors.

Results:

During the first 24 months of ART, 20.0% (38) of the infants died, giving a mortality rate of 11.9 deaths per 100 infant-years (95% confidence interval: 8.1–15.7). The probability of achieving a viral load below 1000 or 400 copies/mL was 80.0% (69.0–81.0) and 78.0% (66.0–79.0), respectively. The probability of virologic suppression (with these 2 thresholds) on 2 consecutive occasions was 67.0% (56.0–70.0) and 60.0% (49.0–64.0), respectively. Virologic success was associated with not having missed any doses of treatment before the visit, but not with socioeconomic and living conditions.

Conclusion:

Many early treated children failed to achieve virologic suppression, likely due to a combination of adherence difficulties, drug dosing and viral resistance, which highlights the need for routine viral load monitoring. The high infant mortality despite early ART initiation needs to be addressed in sub-Saharan countries.
Retrospective Evaluation of the Use of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Sacha Gretchen L. , Neuner Elizabeth A. , Athans Vasilios , Bass Stephanie N. , Pallotta Andrea , Rivard Kaitlyn R. , Bauer Seth R. , Brizendine Kyle D.
Published: August 2017

Background

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is currently Food and Drug Administration–approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections; however, it is often used in clinical practice for nosocomial pneumonia, particularly due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previous data in this area are limited to small case studies.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of all patients receiving ceftolozane/tazobactam for a variety of infectious indications at a large academic medical center.

Results

There were 60 cases included in this evaluation. Most patients were treated for pneumonia (34 [56.7%]), followed by intra-abdominal infection (11 [18.3%]), skin and soft tissue infection (3 [5%]), primary bacteremia (4 [6.7%]), bone and joint infection (2 [3.3%]), and pleural space infection (2 [3.3%]); 12 patient encounters (20%) had a concomitant bacteremia. Most patients had P. aeruginosa isolated (86.7%): 18 (34.6%) of these were non–multidrug resistant (MDR), 21 MDR (40.4%), and 13 extensively drug resistant (25%). The overall ceftolozane/tazobactam susceptibility rate was 83% with rates of 94.1%, 94.7%, and 45.5%, respectively, for non-MDR, MDR, and extensively drug-resistant isolates. Clinical cure was achieved in 25 (64.1%), clinical failure occurred in 10 (25.6%), and clinical status was unable to be determined in 4 cases (10.3%). Ten patients died in the hospital while on ceftolozane/tazobactam.

Conclusions

It seems that ceftolozane/tazobactam is a reasonable option for P. aeruginosa infections, yet prospective analyses are needed to further guide dosing recommendations and provide additional insight into patient outcomes associated with the use of this agent.
Protective Effect of Hydrogen Gas Inhalation on Muscular Damage Using a Mouse Hindlimb Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model
Authors: Watanabe Mai , Kamimura Naomi , Iuchi Katsuya , Nishimaki Kiyomi , Yokota Takashi , Ogawa Rei , Ohta Shigeo
Published: August 2017

Background:

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is one of the leading causes of tissue damage and dysfunction, in particular, free tissue transfer, traumatically amputated extremity, and prolonged tourniquet application during extremity surgery. In this study, the authors investigated the therapeutic effects of hydrogen gas on skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Methods:

The authors compared the concentration of hydrogen in a muscle on intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline and on inhalation of hydrogen gas. Animals were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. Mice were treated with inhalation of hydrogen gas, and the hind gastrocnemius muscle was collected. Muscle morphology and inflammatory change were evaluated after ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, a footprint test was performed to assess the functional effect of hydrogen.

Results:

Hydrogen concentration of tissue was significantly higher, and the elevated level was maintained longer by hydrogen gas inhalation than by intraperitoneal administration of hydrogen-rich saline. Infarct zone and area with loss of tissue structure and marked cellular infiltration were significantly decreased in groups treated by hydrogen gas inhalation during ischemia-reperfusion; however, these effects were not observed by posttreatment of hydrogen. One week after ischemia-reperfusion, mice that had been pretreated with hydrogen gas recovered faster and achieved smoother walking in appearance compared with mice in the other groups as assessed by the footprint test.

Conclusions:

Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates muscle damage, inhibits inflammatory response, and enhances functional recovery. These findings suggest that the optimal route for hydrogen delivery is continuous inhalation of hydrogen gas, which could be a novel clinical mode of treatment in ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Evolutionary genetics of cytoplasmic incompatibility genescifAandcifBin prophage WO ofWolbachia
Authors: Lindsey Amelia R. I. , Rice Danny W. , Bordenstein Sarah R. , Brooks Andrew W. , Bordenstein Seth R. , Newton Irene L. G.
Published: August 2017

The bacterial endosymbiontWolbachiamanipulates arthropod reproduction to facilitate its maternal spread through populations. The most common manipulation is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI):Wolbachia-infected males produce modified sperm that cause embryonic mortality, unless rescued by eggs harboring the sameWolbachia. The genes underlying CI,cifAandcifB,were recently identified in the eukaryotic association module ofWolbachia’s prophage WO. Here, we use transcriptomic and genomic approaches to address three important evolutionary facets of these genes. First, we assess whether or notcifAandcifBcomprise a classic toxin-antitoxin operon, and show they do not form an operon in strainwMel. They coevolve but exhibit strikingly distinct expression across host development. Second, we provide new domain and functional predictions across homologs withinWolbachia, and we show amino acid sequences vary substantially across the genus. Lastly, we investigate conservation ofcifAandcifBand find degradation and loss of the genes is common in strains that no longer induce CI. Taken together, we find no evidence for the operon hypothesis inwMel, provide functional annotations that broaden the potential mechanisms of CI induction, illuminate recurrent erosion ofcifAandcifBin non-CI strains, and advance an understanding of the most widespread form of reproductive parasitism.
Signal complexity of human intracranial EEG tracks successful associative memory formation across individuals
Authors: Sheehan Timothy C. , Sreekumar Vishnu , Inati Sara K. , Zaghloul Kareem A.
Published: August 2017

Memory performance is highly variable between individuals. Most studies examining human memory, however, have largely focused on the neural correlates of successful memory formation within individuals, rather than the differences between them. As such, what gives rise to this variability is poorly understood. Here, we examined intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings captured from 43 participants (23 male) implanted with subdural electrodes for seizure monitoring as they performed a paired-associates verbal memory task. We identified three separate but related signatures of neural activity that tracked differences in successful memory formation across individuals. High performing individuals consistently exhibited less broadband power, flatter power spectral density (PSD) slopes, and greater complexity in their iEEG signals. Furthermore, within individuals across three separate time scales ranging from seconds to days, successful recall was positively associated with these same metrics. Our data therefore suggest that memory ability across individuals can be indexed by increased neural signal complexity.

Significance Statement

We show that participants whose intracranial EEG exhibits less low frequency power, flatter power spectrums, and greater sample entropy overall are better able to memorize associations, and that the same metrics track fluctuations in memory performance across time within individuals. These metrics together signify greater neural signal complexity which may index the brain’s ability to flexibly engage with information and generate separable memory representations. Critically, the current set of results provide a unique window into the neural markers of individual differences in memory performance which have hitherto been underexplored.
cytoNet: Spatiotemporal Network Analysis of Cell Communities
Authors: Mahadevan Arun S. , Long Byron L. , Hu Chenyue W. , Ryan David T. , Grandel Nicolas E. , Maloney Zacharie , Britton George L. , Gonzalez Porras Maria A. , Stojkova Katerina , Ligeralde Andrew , Son Hyeonwi , Shannonhouse John , Robinson Jacob T. , Warmflash Aryeh , Brey Eric , Kim Yu Shin , Qutub Amina A.
Published: August 2017

We introduce cytoNet, a cloud-based tool to characterize cell populations from microscopy images. cytoNet quantifies spatial topology and functional relationships in cell communities using principles of network science. Capturing multicellular dynamics through graph features, cytoNet also evaluates the effect of cell-cell interactions on individual cell phenotypes. We demonstrate cytoNet’s capabilities in four case studies: 1) characterizing the temporal dynamics of neural progenitor cell communities during neural differentiation, 2) identifying communities of pain-sensing neuronsin vivo, 3) capturing the effect of cell community on endothelial cell morphology, and 4) investigating the effect of laminin α4 on perivascular niches in adipose tissue. The analytical framework introduced here can be used to study the dynamics of complex cell communities in a quantitative manner, leading to a deeper understanding of environmental effects on cellular behavior. The versatile, cloud-based format of cytoNet makes the image analysis framework accessible to researchers across domains.

Availability and Implementation

QutubLab.org/how | cytoNet contact:cytoNetProject@gmail.comBrain Initiative Alliance Toolmaker cytoNet site:https://www.braininitiative.org/toolmakers/resources/cytonet/

Author / Lay Summary

cytoNet provides an online tool to rapidly characterize relationships between objects within images and video frames. To study complex tissue, cell and subcellular topologies, cytoNet integrates vision science with the mathematical technique of graph theory. This allows the method to simultaneously identify environmental effects on single cells and on network topology. cytoNet has versatile use across neuroscience, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. cytoNet applications described in this study include: (1) characterizing how sensing pain alters neural circuit activity, (2) quantifying how vascular cells respond to neurotrophic stimuli overexpressed in the brain after injury or exercise, (3) delineating features of fat tissue that may confer resistance to obesity and (4) uncovering structure-function relationships of human stem cells as they transform into neurons.
Beyond thermodynamic constraints: Evolutionary sampling generates realistic protein sequence variation
Authors: Jiang Qian , Teufel Ashley I. , Jackson Eleisha L. , Wilke Claus O.
Published: August 2017

Biological evolution generates a surprising amount of site-specific variability in protein sequences. Yet attempts at modeling this process have been only moderately successful, and current models based on protein structural metrics explain, at best, 60% of the observed variation. Surprisingly, simple measures of protein structure, such as solvent accessibility, are often better predictors of site-specific variability than more complex models employing all-atom energy functions and detailed structural modeling. We suggest here that these more complex models perform poorly because they lack consideration of the evolutionary process that is in part captured by the simpler metrics. We compare protein sequences that are computationally designed to sequences that are computationally evolved using the same protein-design energy function and to homologous natural sequences. We find that by a wide variety of metrics, evolved sequences are much more similar to natural sequences than are designed sequences. In particular, designed sequences are too conserved on the protein surface relative to natural sequences whereas evolved sequences are not. Our results suggest that evolutionary simulation produces a realistic sampling of sequence space. By contrast, protein design—at least as currently implemented—does not. Existing energy functions seem to be sufficiently accurate to correctly describe the key thermodynamic constraints acting on protein sequences, but they need to be paired with realistic sampling schemes to generate realistic sequence alignments.
Crystal structure of dipotassiumN-carbodithioato-L-prolinate trihydrate
Authors: Liebing Phil
Published: August 2017

The molecular and crystal structure of the L-proline-derived dithiocarbamate–carboxylate compound poly[tri-μ-aqua-(μ-2-carboxylatopyrrolidine-1-carbodithioato)dipotassium], [K2(C6H7NO2S2)(H2O)3]nor K2(SSC–NC4H7–COO)·3H2O, has been determined. The dithiocarbamate moiety displays a unique coordination mode, comprising a `side-on' π-coordinated K+cation besides a commonly σ-chelated K+cation. By bridging coordination of the CSS group, COO group and water molecules, the K+cations are linked into a two-dimensional coordination polymer extending parallel to theabplane. These layers are again interconnected by O—H...S hydrogen bonds.
Analysis of potential wake vortex encounters at a major European airport
Authors: Holzäpfel Frank
Published: August 2017

Purpose

In this study, 12 potential wake vortex encounters that were reported at a major European airport have been investigated. Because almost all encounters occurred in ground proximity, most pilots conducted a go-around. The primary purpose of this study is to discriminate between incidents caused by wake vortices or rather by effects like wind shear or turbulence. Detailed knowledge of real-world encounter scenarios and identification of worst-case conditions during the final approach constitute highly relevant background information to assess the standard scenario used for the definition of revised wake turbulence separations.

Design/methodology/approach

Wake vortex predictions using the probabilistic two-phase wake vortex model (P2P) are used to investigate the incidents in detail by using data from the flight data recorder, meteorological instrumentation at the airport and numerical weather prediction.

Findings

In the best documented cases, the flight tracks through the vortices could be reconstructed in good agreement with wake vortex predictions and recorded aircraft reactions. Out of the eight plausible wake vortex encounters, five were characterized by weak crosswinds below 1.5 m/s combined with tailwinds. This meteorological situation appears favourable for encounters because, on the one hand, weak crosswinds may compensate the self-induced lateral propagation of the upwind vortex, such that it may hover over the runway directly in the flight path of the following aircraft. On the other hand, tailwinds limit the propagation of the so-called end effects caused by the breakdown of lift during touchdown.

Practical implications

The installation of plate lines beyond the runway tails may improve safety by reducing the number of wake vortex encounters.

Originality/value

The conducted investigations provide high originality and value for both science and operational application.
Aerodynamics analysis of the main rotor influence on the static stability of the gyroplane
Authors: Figat Marcin
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of aerodynamic calculation of impact the main rotor on the fuselage and the tail of a light gyroplane. This kind of vehicle is a type of rotorcraft which uses a non-powered rotor in autorotation to develop lift and engine-powered propeller to provide the thrust. Both of them disturb the flow around the gyroplane body (gyroplane fuselage and tail) and influence on its static stability. The main goal of the presented research was to find the magnitude of this influence. To measure this effect, the main stability derivatives changes of gyroplane body were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The CFD analysis of the complete gyroplane was made. Computation was performed for the model of gyroplane which was equipped with the two sub-models of the main rotor and the engine-powered propeller. Both of them were modelled as the actuator discs. This method allows to compute the aerodynamic impact of rotating components on the gyroplane body. All aerodynamic analysis was made by the MGAERO software. The numerical code of the software bases on the Euler flow model. Next, the resulting aerodynamic coefficients were used to calculate the most important stability derivatives of the gyroplane body.

Findings

The result obtained by computation presents the change in the most important aerodynamic coefficients and stability derivatives of the gyroplane body caused by the impact of its main rotor. Moreover, the result includes the change of the aerodynamic coefficients and stability derivatives caused by change of the main rotor configuration (change of rotation rate and angle of incidence) and change of the flight condition (gyroplane angle of attack sideslip angle and flight speed).

Practical implications

Analysis of the main rotor impact will be very useful for evaluation of dynamic stability of the light gyroplane. Moreover, the results will be helpful to design the horizontal and vertical tail for the light gyroplane.

Originality/value

This paper presents the method of the numerical analysis of the static stability of the light gyroplane’s body. The results of analysis present the impact of disturbance generated by the rotating main rotor on the static stability of the gyroplane body. Moreover, the impact of the main rotor configuration change and the flight condition change on the static stability were investigated too. The evaluation of the gyroplane’s body static stability was made by the stability derivatives. The methodology and obtained result will be very useful for analysis of the dynamic stability of the light gyroplanes. Moreover, the results will be helpful during design the main components of the gyroplane like vertical and horizontal tail.
Institutional research as a bridge
Authors: Haskell Chester D.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper explores the roles of institutional research (IR) units in higher education, examining both internal and external responsibilities and demands. The purpose of this paper is to encourage a broader strategic discussion of the missions and capacities of such academic institutional entities.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed begins with a review of relevant literature, followed by critical observations of an experienced reflective practitioner. Beginning with the premise that academic institutions are central, the paper discusses the external environment of institutions and the requirements placed on their internal IR operations. A core question is presented: research for whom? Both traditional and alternative organizational models are discussed in this light. The paper then explores ways in which data needs might be aligned in order to provide accountable, useful and transparent information to all stakeholders, internal and external.

Findings

Findings show that the linking of internal information needs with those of external actors is key to effective operations; that IR units should seek to be a bridge between their institution and its environment so that effective information can be provided to all who need it. The paper is not designed as a detailed operational roadmap, but rather to highlight issues for examination within the context of specific institutional and agency situations.

Originality/value

Its originality stems from the focus on such linkages and the call for organizational leaders to recognize the full value of IR both within and across organizational boundaries.
A comparative study of student mobility programs in SEAMEO-RIHED, UMAP, and Campus Asia
Authors: Chi Hou Angela Yung , Hill Christopher , Chen Karen Hui-Jung , Tsai Sandy , Chen Vivian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the student mobility programs of the three initiatives – in Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization-Regional Institution of Higher Education and Development, University Mobility in Asia and Pacific (UMAP), and Campus Asia – and provide a comparative analysis of the respective programs in terms of the role of government, institutional involvement, quality assurance, and challenges. In addition, the paper will assess their impacts on higher education regionalization by regulatory models toward the end of the paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts qualitative document analysis as a major research method to explore the developmental models of three student mobility programs. Document analysis is an approach used to gather and review the content of existing written documentation related to the study in order to extract pieces of information in a rigorous and systematic manner.

Findings

ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS), Collective Action for Mobility Program of University Student in Asia (CAMPUS Asia), and UMAP student mobility schemes have a shared purpose in higher education regionalization, but with different regulatory frameworks and Functional, Organizational, and Political approach models. AIMS and CAMPUS Asia as a strong network and government-led initiatives adopt a combination of functional, organizational, and political approaches; UMAP provides university-driven regional mobility programs with a hybridized force. However, all three of them face the same challenges at regional and national levels, such as different national regulation, coordination among participants, and implementation of credit transfer schemes.

Practical implications

The scale of three student mobility programs is still low, which results in limited impact on higher education regionalization in Asia. However, a stronger decision-making model and increased financial support to universities and students are desirable for the creation of a sustainable and effective network.

Originality/value

This is an original research and makes a great contribution to Asian nations.
Gender and succession planning: opportunities for females to lead Indonesian family businesses
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Hisrich Robert D. , Anggadwita Grisna , Alamanda Dini Turipanam
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the opportunities for them to manage this type of company within the Indonesian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper features descriptive multi-case analyses with a qualitative approach being used to gather and analyze data through in-depth interviews with several Indonesian family business owners having experience of succession.

Findings

The participation of women in family business management in several major Indonesian cities is quite extensive, especially for those who are highly educated. Similarly, the benefits of involving women in the management of family businesses are quite high because of their personal traits of patience, fastidiousness, tenacity and thriftiness. What is required is to provide wider access for Indonesian women to corporate management positions, broaden their participation in family businesses, secure a controlling role for women and increase women’s knowledge and skills so as to increase the benefit to family company management and its ability to face global competition.

Originality/value

A conceptual framework demonstrating the various stages of succession planning related to gender equality, which provide women with an opportunity to form the next generation of family business leaders is provided.
Integrated technology-organization-environment (T-O-E) taxonomies for technology adoption
Authors: Awa Hart O. , Ojiabo Ojiabo Ukoha , Orokor Longlife E.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The T-O-E framework enjoys robust scholarly accolade but it rarely espouses clearly task and individual factors. Although task and individual contexts had been separately addressed by task-technology-fit (TTF) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), respectively, the purpose of this paper is to complement and/or extend the T-O-E’s insights by integrating TTF and UTAUT frameworks, and developing and empirically testing a 12-factor framework that spans five contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were proportionally collected from six groups of small service enterprises with strong operations in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and the mode of sampling was purposive and snow-ball while analysis involved logistic likelihood regression.

Findings

The relationship between adoption and the factors within the contexts of technology, organization, environment and task were statistically supported though some had negative coefficients. For individual context, social factor had a statistically significant negative coefficient but hedonistic drive was not statistically supported.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its scope of coverage; therefore, extended data are needed to apply the findings to other sectors/industries and to factor in the implementation and post-adoption phases and business-to-business adoption in order to forge a more integrated and holistic adoption framework.

Practical implications

The findings encourage vendors and policy makers to place more premiums on organizational and task factors than on technological, environmental and individual factors and to craft informed marketing programs that would appeal to actual and potential adopters and cause them to progress in the loyalty ladder.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing research on technology adoption; it uses factors within the T-O-E, TTF and UTAUT frameworks to explain adoption of technologies and to establish the underlying relationships amongst T-O-E factors through integrating other useful frameworks.
Flexible work practices and the firm’s need for external orientation
Authors: Neirotti Paolo , Raguseo Elisabetta , Paolucci Emilio
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Literature on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has so far produced limited evidence on how these firms pursue their organizational flexibility with information and communication technology (ICT) and ad hoc work practices. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the extant literature by focusing on how SMEs use flexible work practices that provide latitude with respect to when employees work, where they work and via which communication medium. Specifically, the authors analyze how such practices are related to the conditions that SMEs face in reference to their competitive environment and their patterns of ICT usage.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on 304 Italian SMEs, with the aim of identifying the contextual dimensions where flexible work is chosen and the different typologies of flexible work implemented by companies.

Findings

Flexible work in SMEs is chosen for different reasons associated to different conditions in the competitive environments and in ICT usage where SMEs operate. In general, SMEs use flexible work when they are more capable of improving their external orientation toward suppliers, customers, and the entrance in new markets with ICT. This duality is more likely in the competitive environments where external orientation and information processing is more needed, namely, environments that are uncertain and complex for product and breadth of the geographical complexity (scope) covered.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the authors offer an analysis on the contextual characterizations of flexible work practices. Future studies should disentangle more in depth the ways these characterizations are related to different ICT usages.

Practical implications

In uncertain and complex environments, SMEs should increase their external information processing with ICT and organizational practices that support the latitude of employees involved in boundary spanning with respect to where, when, and how they work.

Originality/value

This paper offers an interpretation of flexible work as an organizational mechanism used to cope with uncertain and complex environments where more external orientation is needed. This paper also shows that there are four different typologies of flexible work implemented by companies, namely, flexible work for cheaper input costs, flexible work for operational drivers, flexible work for strategic drivers, and flexible work for individual motivations, and that in some cases the conditions under which they are chosen are different.
Decision-making and satisfaction in campus e-voting: moderating effect of trust in the system
Authors: Mohd. Suki Norazah , Mohd. Suki Norbayah
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants that influence students’ decision-making and satisfaction in campus e-voting, and to investigate the moderating effect on students’ decision-making and satisfaction in campus e-voting between students with different levels of trust in the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative method and applied the use of self-administered questionnaires among university students who have at least experienced once in casting votes electronically in the past year during the campus e-voting period. The data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Findings

The PLS-SEM approach revealed that voters’ commitment to vote was the strongest determinant of students’ decision-making and satisfaction in campus e-voting. Voters’ high satisfaction with campus e-voting was based on the commitment and requirement of students of the university to vote. Compulsory voting was not a hassle for them in order to achieve campus development and sustainability. A moderation analysis revealed that the relative influence of commitment to vote on students’ satisfaction in campus e-voting was higher in the group with medium level of trust than among the group with high level of trust.

Practical implications

The election commission of the university and the university management should increase students’ turnout and commitment to vote during campus e-voting by outlining effective marketing strategies, campaigns and promotions across a number of digital platforms, including mobile SNS. They need to ensure that voters can sense their involvement is warranted and will continue to vote electronically in the next campus election.

Originality/value

The research yielded an exclusive perspective into students’ decision-making and satisfaction in campus e-voting. It also uncovered the influence of moderating effect of trust in the system in developing countries which is marginally concealed in the literature. The measurements produced can be used as a research tool for more exploratory and explanatory research related to political marketing among young adult voters.
Differences in adoption of global spare parts management in autonomous service units
Authors: Kauremaa Jouni , Holmström Jan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption and motivation to adopt global spare parts practices in autonomous units servicing the products of an original equipment manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is case study investigating the reasons for different levels of use and the perceptions regarding the benefits of a centralized supply chain management in four representative service units.

Findings

Autonomous spare part units often source locally because local suppliers are easy to work with in terms of purchasing processes and have no requirements for systematic planning and control of spare parts purchases and inventory management. However, increasing the share of centrally sourced and managed spare parts in the supply chain brings advantages in terms of lower total cost and higher availability. From the perspective of individual subunits engaged in providing product support services, this advantage of relying on a centrally managed spare parts supply chain of an original equipment manufacturer is not self-evident. Autonomous units frequently choose to continue sourcing spare parts from alternative sources, undermining the economies of scale attainable through the original equipment manufacturer’s supply chain. Higher levels of use are facilitated by back-office purchasing management at the unit level. The positive perceptions of centralized supply management in general – including the relationship between the supply unit and the service unit – further facilitate adoption, while local requirements and practices inhibit it.

Research limitations/implications

The study is a single case study and presents proposals requiring further study of the reasons for the observed differences in use of centralized supply chain management.

Practical implications

Centralized spare parts management service requires investment in back-office resources at the service unit level.

Originality/value

The research increases the practical relevance of existing research through an empirical investigation on the autonomous units’ motivations for and perceived benefits of centralized spare parts supply.
Bridging the gap between employers and students
Authors: Uffindell James
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The paper explores how to bridge the gap between graduates/students and employers.

Design/methodology/approach

Industry experience “What do the brightest graduates want?”, Bright Network Research Report 2017/18.

Findings

A concerning divide between what students believe employers are looking for in employees and what employers are actually looking for. Need for better communication between graduate employers and graduates.

Originality/value

With the job market rapidly changing and a growing disconnect between employers and graduates, this paper looks at how employers can better engage with graduates to bridge this gap and attract and retain bright recruits.
Mechanical Models of Compression and Impact on Fresh Fruits
Authors: Li Zhiguo , Miao Fengli , Andrews James
Published: August 2017

Well‐designed and well‐operated postharvest mechanical handling processes are vital if fresh fruits are to enter markets with minimal damage. The susceptibility of fruit to quality loss during handling is largely determined by mechanical contact and damage. This article reviews current understanding concerning the effect of impact and other mechanical contacts on fruits. It also discusses the major mechanical models that represent the interaction between fruits or a fruit and a surface. In total, 25 mechanical models associated with compression and impact behaviors of fresh fruits, mainly characterizing such behavior between 2 deformable spherical bodies and between a deformable spherical body and a rigid plate are reviewed. Finally, possible future research directions are discussed. The main challenge in fruit handling is to recognize and prevent microscopic damage to fruits, especially internal tissue/cell damage and microcracks resulting from multiple/repetitive impacts and compressions.
Design of a tailor‐made platform for syngas bioconversion into polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: Narancic Tanja , O'Connor Kevin E.
Published: August 2017

Biodegradable polymers such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are part of the emerging portfolio of renewable materials, which are addressing the issue of plastic waste. Syngas, as a cheap, renewable and sustainable resource that can be obtained from biomass or waste, is viewed as an excellent feedstock for different bioprocesses, including syngas to PHB bioconversion. However, due to the hazardous nature of syngas, it is of utmost importance to consider safety aspects of the process. This recently developed tailor‐made platform for safe syngas fermentation and PHB production addresses safety aspects and demonstrates the importance of robust online and in‐line analytical tools allowing for monitoring and controlling of this bioprocess.
Non‐medical use of psychoactive prescription drugs is associated with fatal poisoning
Authors: Haukka Jari , Kriikku Pirkko , Mariottini Claudia , Partonen Timo , Ojanperä Ilkka
Published: August 2017

Aims

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence and predictors of non‐medical substance use, and to assess the association between non‐medical substance use and fatal poisoning or history of drug abuse in Finland.

Design and setting

Retrospective cohort study of all medico‐legally investigated death cases in Finland. The postmortem toxicology database was linked together with the register on reimbursed prescription medicines.

Participants and cases

All postmortem cases between 2011 and 2013 positive for one or more of the following drugs: oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol, clonazepam, gabapentin, pregabalin, tizanidine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, alprazolam, zolpidem, mirtazapine and bupropion, n = 2974.

Measurements

Non‐medical use of substance was the outcome variable. Predictors were the following: gender, residence at the time of death, place of death, blood alcohol concentration, age, drug abuse, number of prescriptions of any psychoactive drugs in last year and proportion of prescriptions issued by psychiatrist in last year.

Findings

In 50.4% of the studied cases, at least one drug was detected without a prescription. Clonazepam, alprazolam and tramadol were the most prevalent non‐medical findings in these cases (6.6, 6.1 and 5.6%, respectively). The risk of non‐medical use of prescription drugs was especially high in cases with history of drug abuse (88.5%) and in fatal poisonings (71.0%). The proportion of non‐medical use of the studied substances varied between 5.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.1–10.1%)] for risperidone and 55.7% for fentanyl (95% CI = 44.1–66.9%).

Valid prescription for one or more of any psychoactive drug was associated with lower odds for non‐medical use of the studied substances. Additionally, the higher the proportion of psychoactive drugs prescribed by a psychiatrist, the lower the probability of non‐medical use.

Conclusions

Non‐prescribed psychoactive drugs are found commonly at postmortem in drug poisoning deaths in Finland, with history of drug abuse being a major contributing factor.