bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem gambling and support preferences among Finnish prisoners: a pilot study in an adult correctional population
Authors: Lind Kalle , Salonen Anne H. , Järvinen-Tassopoulos Johanna , Alho Hannu , Castrén Sari
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of potential problem gambling among Finnish prisoners; the associations between problem gambling and demographics, substance use and crime-related factors; and problem gamblers’ support preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Prisoners (n=96) from two Finnish prisons were recruited between December 2017 and January 2018. The estimated response rate was 31 percent. Gambling problems were measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen. The participants were asked to report their gambling both for one year prior to their incarceration and for the past year. The independent variables were demographics (age, gender and marital status), substance use (alcohol, smoking and narcotics) and crime-related factors (crime type, prison type and previous sentence). Statistical significance (p) was determined using Fischer’s exact test.

Findings

Past-year pre-conviction problem gambling prevalence was 16.3 percent and past-year prevalence 15 percent. Age, gender, smoking, alcohol or illicit drug use were not associated with past-year problem gambling before sentencing. One-third of the prisoners (33.3 percent) who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime or robbery were problem gamblers. One-quarter (24 percent) of all participants showed an interest in receiving support by identifying one or more support preferences. The most preferred type of support was group support in its all forms.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that correctional institutions undertake systematic screening for potential problem gambling, and implement tailored intervention programs for inmates with gambling problems.

Originality/value

This study provides a deeper understanding of problem gambling in prisons. Problem gambling is associated with crime and also seems to be linked with serving a previous sentence. Early detection and tailored interventions for problem gambling may help to reduce reoffending rates.
Static analysis of thermoset-thermoplastic-based hybrid composite
Authors: Chitturi Sai Krishna , Shaikh A.A. , Makwana Alpesh H.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

A growing response in the development of hybrid composites to conquer the deficiency of neat composites has provoked doing this work. Thermoplastic Polycarbonate material offers better impact toughness with low structural weight. There is a little/no information available over the selected sandwich hybrid composite prepared from woven E-Glass and polycarbonate sheet. The purpose of this paper is to understand the response of the novel hybrid structure under tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear and impact loading conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand-layup technique is used for fabricating the hybrid composites in the laminate configuration. The hybrid composites are prepared with a total fiber content of 70 percent weight fractions. The effect of the percentage of reinforcement on mechanical properties is evaluated experimentally as per American society for testing materials standard test methods. The damaged mechanisms of failed samples and fractured surfaces are well analyzed using vision measuring system and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

A decline in densities of hybrid composites up to 22.5 percent is noticed with reference to neat composite. An increase in impact toughness up to 40.73 percent is marked for hybrid laminates owing to the ductile nature of PC. Delamination is identified to be the major mode of failure apart from fiber fracture/pull-out, matrix cracking in all the static loading conditions.

Originality/value

The response of novel hybrid composite reported has been explored for the first time in this paper. The outcome of experimental work revealed that hybridization offered lightweight structures with improved transverse impact toughness as compared to conventional composite.
A comparative analysis of instructional course themes in LIS and museum studies programs in the USA
Authors: Lund Brady , Wang Ting
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Considerable overlap exists between the disciplines of library and information science and museum studies. Exploiting the overlap and examining those areas were library/museum instruction courses diverge may provide valuable insights for how to improve the quality of these courses and better prepare students for instructional roles in both disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

Word frequency and thematic analysis of the instructional course descriptions for all 52 American Library Association-accredited Master of Library and Information Science programs in the USA and 49 museum studies and affiliated (e.g. MA in anthropology with museum studies concentration) programs is performed.

Findings

Each discipline has some specific language to describe tasks specific to itself (e.g. museums), but these comprise a small percentage of the total language usage. Among other terms and themes, overlap occurs at a rate of about 50%. The remaining 35-45% of terms and themes reveal areas that are emphasized in only one discipline, but could be beneficial to incorporate in the curriculum/content in both disciplines.

Research limitations/implications

This research builds on a growing corpus of work demonstrating relations between museum studies and library and information science, and their status within a metadiscipline of information; this research presents a comparison of course content that may inform future curriculum/content development.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study of this type has been performed with museum studies courses, nor has a comparison between the two disciplines been investigated at this level.
Using educational data mining techniques to increase the prediction accuracy of student academic performance
Authors: Ramaswami Gomathy , Susnjak Teo , Mathrani Anuradha , Lim James , Garcia Pablo
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate educational data mining methods to increase the predictive accuracy of student academic performance for a university course setting. Student engagement data collected in real time and over self-paced activities assisted this investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

Classification data mining techniques have been adapted to predict students’ academic performance. Four algorithms, Naïve Bayes, Logistic Regression, k-Nearest Neighbour and Random Forest, were used to generate predictive models. Process mining features have also been integrated to determine their effectiveness in improving the accuracy of predictions.

Findings

The results show that when general features derived from student activities are combined with process mining features, there is some improvement in the accuracy of the predictions. Of the four algorithms, the study finds Random Forest to be more accurate than the other three algorithms in a statistically significant way. The validation of the best-known classifier model is then tested by predicting students’ final-year academic performance for the subsequent year.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was limited to datasets gathered over one semester and for one course. The outcomes would be more promising if the dataset comprised more courses. Moreover, the addition of demographic information could have provided further representations of students’ performance. Future work will address some of these limitations.

Originality/value

The model developed from this research can provide value to institutions in making process- and data-driven predictions on students’ academic performances.
A novel reduced order dynamic model of axial piston motors with compression flow losses and Coulomb friction losses
Authors: Gu Lichen , Xu Rui , Wang Nan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the energy losses factors during the hydro-mechanical conversion process at high pressure via a novel reduced order dynamic model.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel reduced order dynamic model of the axial piston motor was proposed, which provides an explicit insight to the compression flow losses and the Coulomb friction losses. A fully coupled dynamic model of the piston motor was obtained based on the array bond graph method. And then, a reduced order model was obtained by the composition analysis of flow and torque of the axial piston motor. After that, the energy losses estimation model was presented to predict the energy loss of the piston motor under a wide range of working conditions. The model was verified by comparing the experimental and simulation results.

Findings

The simulation result indicates that the flow loss caused by oil compression accounts for 59 per cent of the total flow loss, and the Coulomb friction torque accounts for 40 per cent of the total torque loss under a specific working condition. The compression flow loss and Coulomb friction torque are the major factors that lead to the aggravation of energy loss under extreme working conditions of the piston motor.

Originality/value

At high-pressure condition, the compression flow losses due to fluid compressibility cannot be neglected, and the hydro-mechanical losses in varies friction pairs should involve Coulomb friction losses. Flow and torque loss analytical expression in the model involve the design and control parameters of the piston equipment, which can realize the parameter optimization of the piston equipment for the purpose of energy-saving.
Performance studies of textured race ball bearing
Authors: Bhardwaj Vivek , Pandey R.K. , Agarwal V.K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an energy-efficient and dynamically improved thrust ball bearing using textured race. A texture has been used on the stationary race of the test bearing to conduct the long-duration experiment for exploring its tribological and vibrational behaviours under starved lubricating condition using micro size MoS2 blended grease. The performance behaviours of the textured race bearing have been compared with conventional bearing (i.e. having both races without textures) under the identical operating conditions for demonstrating the advantages of textured race.

Design/methodology/approach

Texture was created on stationary race of the test ball bearing (51308) using nano-second pulsed Nd: YAG laser. Performance parameters (frictional torque, temperature rise and vibrations) of textured ball bearings were measured under severe starved lubricating conditions for understanding the critical role of texture in the long duration of the test. S-type load cell and miniature accelerometer were used for measuring the frictional torque and vibration, respectively. Bulk temperature at stationary races (at the back side) of test bearings was measured in operating conditions using a non-contact infrared thermometer.

Findings

Significant reduction in frictional torque and decrease in amplitude of vibration with textured ball bearing were found even under the severe starved lubricating condition in comparison to conventional bearing.

Originality/value

There is dearth of research pertaining to the performance behaviours of ball bearings using textures on the races. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this study to explore the tribo-dynamic performance behaviours of a thrust ball bearing using a texture on its stationary race under severe starved lubricating condition for the longer duration of the test.
Influence of rotational speed of a heavy-duty hydrostatic turret on bearing performance under tilt
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Guo Junyuan , Wang Yumo , Xiangmin Dong , Wu Yue , Yan Zhijie , Jinlong Gong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a method for finding the maximum rotational speed of an inclined turntable at which the stability of the bearing oil film is maintained.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite difference method was used to solve the Reynolds equation. Variation of bearing capacity of a tilted hydrostatic turret over time was determined. The combined effect of tilt and rotational speed of the turret on the oil film stability was also analyzed.

Findings

When the turntable is operated at low speeds with only small angle of tilt, stability of the oil film is maintained. At lower rotational speeds, a smaller angle of tilt improves the bearing capacity and ensures stability of the oil film. Whereas, higher rotational speeds can have a considerable influence on the bearing capacity.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate that the inclination or tilt of the turntable significantly affects the stability of the oil film.
Investigating the principal factors impacting knowledge management implementation in construction organisations
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Toh Hui Min
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Knowledge management (KM) is crucial to ensure construction organisations effectively take advantage of existing expertise, engendering faster and more effective decision-making. Most importantly, it helps organisations to learn from past experiences. Despite its increasing academic attention, the implementation of KM is still relatively slow across the construction industry. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to gain a renewed understanding of the extent of KM practices in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey was used to prioritise the 15 critical factors and 9 enables of knowledge creation. Finally, an exploratory factor analysis is used to determine the principal elements of successful KM implementation in construction.

Findings

KM in a construction organisation is significantly influenced by knowledge sharing, collaboration, learning from mistakes, employee training and knowledge strategy. On the other hand, knowledge is created mostly through project mistakes, individual constant self-improvement, challenging barrier, review session and brainstorming discussion. With factor analysis technique, three underlying factors impacting KM practices are capacity and capability improvement, long-term commitment and innovation and synergetic working culture.

Research limitations/implications

Questionnaire survey was used as the single data collection instrument. The findings of the current study shed light on the salient issues affecting KM practices in construction but may not generalise to organisations operating in other industries.

Practical implications

These findings can support first-order KM implementation decision-making and enable the exploitation of existing knowledge assets towards achieving sustainable development and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

Effective KM practices are about finding the best ways to deliver the right knowledge to the right person at the right time, enabling informed decision-making and improving operational efficiencies. The contribution of this study is built upon the examination of the underlying factors of KM implementation; the findings provide insights into the core aspects of KM practices, facilitating managers in prioritising KM strategies that are really going to make a difference.
Facility management demand theory
Authors: Che-Ani Adi Irfan , Ali Roslan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to confirm the inverse relationship between scheduled corrective maintenance (SCM) and corrective maintenance (CM) in health-care facility management. That is, the higher the SCM, the lower the demand for CM, and the lower the SCM, the higher the demand for CM. Furthermore, the study shows the importance of SCM as compared with CM in healthcare facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated 28 services in facility engineering services for an exploratory study by using the open-ended approach of the grounded theory. Five years of data with a total of 20,480 SCM work orders and 84,837 CM work orders were extracted from the central management information system database. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program. Data were presented in the form of mathematical scores using descriptive statistics and correlation test to elaborate the variable characteristics and make conclusions.

Findings

This study provides empirical insights about the effectiveness of proactive maintenance in reducing breakdowns for systems or equipment in health-care facilities. Findings suggest that increasing SCM will reduce CM demands.

Research limitations/implications

The location approach, with restrictions to the comparison between CM and SCM, still allows for exploration, especially on the factors that can reduce the demand for correction. These factors include planned preventive maintenance, work flow process, level of competency of maintenance workers and health-care maintenance strategic planning.

Practical implications

Proactive maintenance is important in preventing dangerous occurrences in hospitals. Reducing breakdowns increases customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study shows implications to health-care maintenance organizations in the context of business strategic development.

Originality/value

Data are crucial in proving a hypothesis. This study confirms the evidence of facility management demand theory and highlights the inverse relationship between SCM and CM.
The transformative community-based humanitarian service ecosystem
Authors: Obaze Yolanda
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the humanitarian service management categories that influence long-term transformation within complex community-based service ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes mixed methods to present a dynamic model that provides insight into the complexities of supplying, distributing and transporting charitable resources to underserved communities. The interdisciplinary study draws on the theory of service-dominant logic and service science, presents critical elements of transformative service research and uses system dynamics approach to propose a visual causal loop model.

Findings

This study develops a dynamic model for studying humanitarian service and value propositions in underserved communities. This paper combines the extant literature to emphasize key humanitarian service categories that influence, and are influenced by, service exchanges within community-based contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited in providing quantitative methods in analyzing the case study data. However, the research is still helpful in providing acumen via the causal loop diagram to specifically look into each variable and see their cause and effect relationships in the community-based ecosystem. The research represents an opportunity to model the humanitarian aid and relief scenarios to help make more effective decision-making interventions.

Practical implications

The model serves as a managerial tool to determine critical services that optimize resource utilization within the community-based service ecosystems. Insights from this research are broadly applicable to the contexts of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management (HLSCM) solutions for community-based ventures.

Originality/value

This paper conceptualizes how the management of service-for-service exchanges, logistics services and charitable donation management provides transformational humanitarian services and value propositions within underserved communities. This study further provides fundamental contributions by addressing research gaps in the HLSCM domain by supporting service research and the community-based context.
Shaping innovation and coordination of healthcare delivery across boundaries and borders
Authors: Hollick Rosemary J. , Black Alison J. , Reid David M. , McKee Lorna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Using a complexity-informed approach, we aim to understand why introduction of a mobile service delivery model for osteoporosis across diverse organisational and country contexts in the UK National Health Service (NHS) met with variable success.

Design/methodology/approach

Six comparative case studies; three prospectively in Scotland using an action research-informed approach; and three retrospectively in England with variable degrees of success. The Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability framework explored interactions between multi-level contextual factors and their influence on efforts to introduce and sustain services.

Findings

Cross-boundary service development was a continuous process of adaptation and evolution in rapidly shifting healthcare context. Whilst the outer healthcare policy context differed significantly across cases, inner contextual features predominated in shaping the success or otherwise of service innovations. Technical and logistical issues, organisational resources, patient and staff actions combined in unpredictable ways to shape the lifecycle of service change. Patient and staff thoughts about place and access to services actively shaped service development. The use of tacit “soft intelligence” and a sense of “chronic unease” emerged as important in successfully navigating around awkward people and places.

Practical implications

“Chronic unease” and “soft intelligence” can be used to help individuals and organisations “tame” complexity, identify hidden threats and opportunities to achieving change in a particular context, and anticipate how these may change over time. Understanding how patients think and feel about where, when and how care is delivered provides unique insights into previously unseen aspects of context, and can usefully inform development and sustainability of patient-centred healthcare services.

Originality/value

This study has uniquely traced the fortunes of a single service innovation across diverse organisational and country contexts. Novel application of the NASSS framework enabled comparative analysis across real-time service change and historical failures. This study also adds to theories of context and complexity by surfacing the neglected role of patients in shaping healthcare context.
A tourism inflex: Generation Z travel experiences
Authors: Robinson Victor Mueke , Schänzel Heike A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it highlights the emergence of Generation Z and the interface of its members with the tourism system. Second, by way of a theoretical model, the paper provides a more holistic approach to understanding Generation Z travel experiences in which the emphasis is shifted from the destination to the traveller. This is in keeping with the trend which lays more emphasis on people rather than landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

This is qualitative research founded on an interpretive (constructivist) paradigm. Selecting Generation Z as the subject locates this study under generational theory and assumesprima faciea socially constructed reality. The paper is based on research conducted in New Zealand aimed at understanding the travel experiences of inbound Generation Z travellers. Data were collected from 12 semi-structured interviews lasting about 30 min each and from 5 blogs. Nvivo 11 programme was used in analysing data and developing themes. Core categories and related themes were generated forming building blocks of a theoretical model.

Findings

Findings revealed interplay of multiple factors in Generation Z’s travel experiences at a destination. The factors are global in nature, destination centric and those which are immediate or proximate to the individual. To fully grasp the notion of experience requires the gestalt of the three as well as pre-trip, during-trip and post-trip factors.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of significant events upon participants is assumed. A specific analysis of the events and the magnitude of their influence on the individual participants may be necessary.

Practical implications

Destination marketers tend to concentrate on psychological aspects to appeal to the traveller. The focus, in this case, is creating an attractive image in the mind of travellers to get them to come to the destination. This research suggests shifting the focus to understanding the evolving traveller.

Social implications

Governments and tourism purveyors may require an ever-increasing budget to map out strategies to meet the continuously morphing needs of the future traveller. The constantly evolving global environment necessitates greater flexibility in institutional framework with less bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Originality/value

Generation Z is a relatively new entrant into the tourism market which makes this research relevant and timely. The paucity of academic literature on a generation which is contemporaneously in its “highly influenceable” period of life and entering adulthood in an increasingly changing world is further credence for this research. A more holistic theoretical model to understanding Generation Z travel experience is proposed.
Characteristics of organizational culture in stimulating service innovation and performance
Authors: Taghizadeh Seyedeh Khadijeh , Rahman Syed Abidur , Hossain Md Mosharref , Haque Md Masudul
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of four organizational culture traits, consistency, cooperativeness, effectiveness and innovativeness, on radical and incremental type of service innovations, which leads to new service market performance (NSMP).

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected through a cross-sectional survey of 171 bank managers in Bangladesh and analyzed through structural equation modelling using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results reveal no impact of “consistency” as a cultural trait on “radical” and “incremental” service innovations. “Cooperativeness” and “innovativeness” impact incremental and radical service innovations positively. “Effectiveness” impacts radical service innovations positively. Radical and incremental service innovations impact NSMP significantly.

Practical implications

These findings add to the knowledge in terms of how organizational culture can make service innovations happen in the growing banking industry in a developing market.

Originality/value

The model links organizational culture traits (internal/external and flexibility/control focussed) with radical and incremental service innovation.
Walking together to create harmony in research
Authors: Coombes Julieann , Ryder Courtney
Published: August 2019

Purpose

One’s standpoint and consequent research paradigm impacts how we conduct research, including study design, analyses interpretation and dissemination of results. In 2017, the authors began PhD, studying the potential barriers to aftercare treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 16 who had sustained a burn injury in one of five major hospitals in Australia. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

As Aboriginal PhD students, the authors are conducting research using Aboriginal ontology as a framework, which is based on a holistic framework with interconnectedness, person-centred care and Aboriginal ways of knowing as the foundation. The framework has been shaped by the first author’s knowing, being and doing, and the authors’ worldview has informed and shaped the standpoint and the way the research has been developed and conducted.

Findings

It was important for the authors to have a connectedness to each aspect of the research and to each individual person that shared their story: this was paramount to the ways of being.

Originality/value

This connectedness stems from growing up on the authors’ country and learning from elders, from the connection to all entities living around, within and with the authors. The Indigenous research methodology was used throughout the study, including yarning and Dadirri, a way of deep listening and learning, as the basis for interviewing.
Inventing the enemy
Authors: Abramovitch Yehuda
Published: August 2019

The following article elaborates on the need for the Other in order to delineate the self and one's identity, and the eternal psychological process of turning the Other into an enemy. A parallel process, which can be observed nowadays, leads to a disregard for the otherness of the Other that results in the blurring of identity and an internal loss of the differentiation of intrapsychic structures. Both psychological processes share a dehumanizing approach which leads to neurosis and alienation. In order to withstand these tendencies, a revision of analytical psychology's view of the psyche and of the practice of Jungian analysis is warranted: an alternative to the ‘Fear of the Feminine’ described by Erich Neumann in 1959. It is suggested that consciousness and unconsciousness intertwine but from a position of equality and reciprocity. Such an attitude does not inspire fear. Rather, it recognizes the need of one for the Other and the inevitability of this situation. Moreover, this need and interdependence on equal grounds nourish the wish to know the Other, to be aware of the differences, and yet, at the same time, to acknowledge how close the Other really is. Analytical psychological therapy based on this model stresses the power of the ego while also strengthening its capacity for introspection.
No one here gets out alive: the Bluebeard story in therapy and in the culture
Authors: Tsivinsky Vladimir
Published: August 2019

In this paper, the Bluebeard story is used to highlight mechanisms underlying an individual analytic case and some cultural phenomena from a Jungian perspective. I describe a patient whose psyche was dissociated into a tormenting monstrous figure and a regressed childish self, which Kalsched explains as activation of the archetypal defence system. As her analyst, I had to survive attacks of the patient's persecuting inner object, which she related to Bluebeard as a representation of relentless murderousness. At the cultural level, Bluebeard pertains to the concept of the totalitarian object (Sebek 1996) and to the pole of grandiosity of the Russian cultural complex.
Feasibility of using electrodialysis with bipolar membranes to deacidify acid whey
Authors: Kravtsov Vitalii A , Kulikova Irina K , Bessonov Artem S , Evdokimov Ivan A
Published: August 2019

A nonreagent method for the regulation of the pH of acid whey was investigated at a laboratory scale. Acid whey and concentrated acid whey were subjected to electrodialysis with bipolar membranes in order to raise the pH value to 6.5. Demineralised whey underwent identical processing. The deacidification rate as per tonne of a dry matter was similar for acid whey and concentrated acid whey treatment at 70% and 90% degrees of demineralisation. We estimated the energy consumption of electrodialysis. The preliminary demineralisation of whey significantly increased the energy efficiency of whey pH correction. Additionally, we observed substantial fouling on the diluate side of bipolar membranes after whey treatment.
Does Conservation Agriculture Change Labour Requirements? Evidence of Sustainable Intensification in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Montt Guillermo , Luu Trang
Published: August 2019

Population growth, increasing wealth and changing diets require agriculture in Sub‐Saharan Africa to intensify to meet future food demand and ensure food security in the region. Conservation agriculture can increase yields in the long run and reduce the negative environmental impacts of intensive farming. In changing the mix of resources used and how they are managed, the adoption of conservation agriculture can have a direct impact on farm labour. We study the relationship between conservation agriculture and labour input requirements as observed in five Sub‐Saharan African countries. We focus on the amount of work required and the source of the work employed (household or hired, by gender, by children and by production stage). We apply multinomial endogenous switching regression models on a panel of household and farm data from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. We find that conservation agriculture increases farms’ labour input requirements. Higher demand is driven by more work during the harvesting and threshing stages. Increases in labour requirements are usually met by household labour, not paid work. The workload change is also higher for women than for men, and, in certain cases, is met by children.
Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2018 workforce census
Authors: Leung John , Forstner Dion , Chee Raph , James Melissa , Que Eddy , Begum Shahin
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This paper reports the key findings of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2018 workforce census and compares results with previous studies.

Methods

The census was conducted in mid‐2018 with distribution to all radiation oncologists and trainees listed on the college database in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and overseas. There were new questions about hours spent on multidisciplinary meetings (MDTS), leadership positions held, management of inpatients, hypofractionation, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), income type and gynae‐oncology work for radiation oncologists. Trainees were asked about time spent on planning and contouring.

Results

The overall response rate was 69.9% with 67.7% of radiation oncologists and 77.9% of trainees responding. There were 514 radiation oncologists with 60% male and a mean age of 49 years (median = 46 years, range 31–91). The majority of respondents were Caucasian (57.7%) and from New South Wales (29.4%). Sixty‐one per cent were subspecialists with breast, SBRT and urological cancers, the most popular areas of interest, and 56% held leadership positions. The majority worked in the public sector (55.7%), but 31.7% worked solely in the private sector with an average working week of 43.4 hours (h) (median = 44, range 2–110). Radiation oncologists spent an average of 3.6 h on MDTS (median = 4 h), 2.2h (median = 2 h) on simulation and 8 h (median = 5 h) on contouring per week. They averaged 245 new patients (median = 250, range 30–695) and 25 inpatients (median = 20) per year. Hypofractionation was used for radical treatment of breast (75%) and prostate cancer (49%). Radiation oncologists were mainly remunerated with a fixed income (53%) with 40% having some incentive‐based income. There were 140 trainees with an equal male and female distribution. The large majority (88%) were satisfied with their career and network (83%). Most trainees worked between 36 and 55h per week with 15% having no protected time. Most trainees spent less than 5 hours on planning each week and job availability remained a major concern (90%).

Conclusions

The radiation oncologist numbers have increased significantly, but unemployment remains low. Many parameters remain similar to the 2014 census, but new information has been obtained on special interest areas, leadership positions, gynae‐oncology, inpatients, hypofractionation use, remuneration and contouring. Trainee numbers remain stable with an increased percentage satisfied with their career with much less concern about oversupply. Protected time remains an issue with contouring time and teaching emerging as a potential issue.
Plasma α‐L‐fucosidase‐1 in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and other rheumatic disorders
Authors: Endreffy Ildikó , Bjørklund Geir , Bartha Attila , Chirumbolo Salvatore , Dadar Maryam , Fényi Ágnes
Published: August 2019

Background

Human α‐fucosidase (EC 3.2.1.51) is a hydrolase the importance of which has been increasing in the latest years. However, data about its plasma level in children with autoimmune disorders, particularly Sjögren's syndrome (SS), are lacking. In this study, the plasma activity of L‐α‐fucosidase‐1 (α‐L‐FUCA‐1) was assayed in hospitalized children and adults and its association with SS and other rheumatic disorders further evaluated.

Methods

In total 73 Hungarian hospitalized patients, 32 children (2.5‐10 years) and 41 adults (32‐68 years), were enrolled in the study and underwent plasma assay of α‐L‐FUCA1 activity. Linear regression, Durbin‐Watson (DW), and Pearson tests were evaluated to investigate the relationship between α‐L‐FUCA‐1 plasma levels and autoimmune manifestations.

Results

α‐L‐FUCA‐1 correlated with SS both in children (2‐sided t test, P = 0.0023) and in adults (2‐sided t test, P = 0.00035). Linear regressions showed that in other rheumatic disorders, α‐L‐FUCA1 did not show any differential distribution related to the particular pathology (r = 0.2042, P = 0.1531, DW test = 2.2139 positive), while this trend was radically opposite for patients with SS (r = 0.1462, P = 0.0032, DW test = 1.3664, negative).

Conclusions

Alterations in plasma level of α‐L‐FUCA‐1 were significantly associated with SS. This preliminary result should encourage further research on α‐L‐FUCA‐1 as a possible differential serological marker of SS.
Warehouse receipt financing for smallholders in developing countries: Challenges and limitations
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Mulangu Francis M. , Kemeze Francis H.
Published: August 2019

A warehouse receipt is a document issued by a warehouse operator as evidence that a specified commodity of stated quantity and quality has been deposited at a particular warehouse by a named depositor. When backed by an appropriate legal and regulatory framework, a warehouse receipt becomes a formal financial instrument that allows the depositor to confer a security interest in the stored commodity to another party without requiring physical delivery, allowing the warehouse receipt to serve as possessory collateral for a loan. Warehouse receipt financing, in theory, permits smallholders farmers in developing countries to store their surplus safely in a modern warehouse to sell at a later date when prices are higher, while allowing them to use the stored commodity as collateral to secure a loan to finance household consumption and investment needs in the interim. However, in practice, warehouse receipt financing generally has not been embraced by smallholders in developing countries in which it is available. Here, we develop and analyze a formal stochastic dynamic model of seasonal commodity marketing that exposes the transaction cost and risk reallocation problems that undermine the benefits of warehouse receipt financing to smallholders.
Subgaleal haematoma due to hair pulling: Review of the literature
Authors: Scheier Eric , Guri Alex , Balla Uri
Published: August 2019

Aim

To identify all cases of subgaleal haematoma (SGH) as a result of non‐abusive hair straightening or pulling without evidence of blunt trauma or coagulopathy.

Methods

We conducted a search in the English‐language literature of all cases of SGH in children. We excluded those in neonates, those in which the child was abused by a caregiver, those in which blunt trauma was not excluded, and those in which a coagulopathy or other blood dyscrasia was found.

Results

Sixteen cases were identified in children from a range of ages. Time to presentation ranged from several days to a week and a half. In most cases, management is conservative, though SGH can cause fever, symptomatic anaemia and can threaten vision.

Conclusion

Subgaleal haematoma can occur in otherwise healthy children, can accumulate slowly and can result in sequelae. However, most cases of SGH are managed conservatively.
Fatty infiltration of a stenotic aortic valve: an unusual histopathologic finding
Authors: Nakanishi Amelia K. , Farag Rosemary , Medalion Benjamin , Sekulic Miroslav
Published: August 2019

Aortic valve tissue excised during stenotic valve replacement surgery commonly exhibits histopathologic changes including prominent calcification of variable severity. We present briefly a case of a 78‐year‐old man with aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease undergoing aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. After pathologic examination of excised tissue, the aortic valve was determined to have nodular calcification and myxoid degeneration, as well as evidence of prominent, contiguous fatty infiltration of the valve's spongiosa layer. Although osseous and chondroid metaplasia have been described within excised cardiac valves, a significant constituent of adipose tissue contiguous through the length of a valve and not representing a discrete mass‐forming, neoplastic lesion has been only described in isolated case reports.
Efficacy of THN102 (a combination of modafinil and flecainide) on vigilance and cognition during 40‐hour total sleep deprivation in healthy subjects: Glial connexins as a therapeutic target
Authors: Sauvet Fabien , Erblang Mégane , Gomez‐Merino Danielle , Rabat Arnaud , Guillard Mathias , Dubourdieu Dominique , Lefloch Hervé , Drogou Catherine , Van Beers Pascal , Bougard Clément , Bourrrilhon Cyprien , Arnal Pierrick , Rein Werner , Mouthon Franck , Brunner‐Ferber Francoise , Leger Damien , Dauvilliers Yves , Chennaoui Mounir , Charvériat Mathieu
Published: August 2019

Aims

THN102 is a novel combination of modafinil and low‐dose flecainide, targeting glial connexin activity to modulate modafinil effects. We investigated THN102 efficacy compared to modafinil and to placebo on vigilance and cognitive function during 40‐hour total sleep deprivation (TSD).

Methods

Twenty healthy men participated in a double‐blind, randomized, incomplete‐block 3‐period cross‐over trial with 5 treatments (n = 12 per group): placebo (PBO), modafinil 100 mg (MOD100), THN102 100/1, 100/3, 100/9 (modafinil 100 mg and flecainide 1, 3 or 9 mg). Each period included a baseline day and a TSD day with treatments administered 3 times (01:00, 09:00 and 19:00). Reaction time in psychomotor vigilance test, subjective somnolence and vital signs were assessed before and during treatment. Working memory (2‐Back) and executive processes (Go/noGo for vigilance and inhibition, Wisconsin card sorting task for mental flexibility, and Tower of London test for planning) were evaluated at 16:30.

Results

At 5 hours postdose−1 (after 23 hours TSD, primary endpoint), THN102 100/1 resulted in statistically higher psychomotor vigilance test speed vs MOD100 (3.97 ± 0.09 vs 3.74 ± 0.14, P < .05). No increase in effect was observed with higher flecainide doses in combinations. Most THN102 doses vs MOD100 also improved the number of correct responses in 2‐Back and Go errors in Go/noGo (P < .05 for all doses), and perseverative responses in Wisconsin card sorting task (for 100/1 and 100/9). No impact on cardiac conduction was noted with THN102, and safety was similar to MOD100.

Conclusions

THN102 seems more efficient than modafinil on vigilance, working memory and executive functions, opening new perspectives in management of hypersomnolence disorders.
Revisiting dispersion in count data item response theory models: The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson counts model
Authors: Forthmann Boris , Gühne Daniela , Doebler Philipp
Published: August 2019

Count data naturally arise in several areas of cognitive ability testing, such as processing speed, memory, verbal fluency, and divergent thinking. Contemporary count data item response theory models, however, are not flexible enough, especially to account for over‐ and underdispersion at the same time. For example, the Rasch Poisson counts model (RPCM) assumes equidispersion (conditional mean and variance coincide) which is often violated in empirical data. This work introduces the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson counts model (CMPCM) that can handle underdispersion (variance lower than the mean), equidispersion, and overdispersion (variance larger than the mean) in general and specifically at the item level. A simulation study revealed satisfactory parameter recovery at moderate sample sizes and mostly unbiased standard errors for the proposed estimation approach. In addition, plausible empirical reliability estimates resulted, while those based on the RPCM were biased downwards (underdispersion) and biased upwards (overdispersion) when the simulation model deviated from equidispersion. Finally, verbal fluency data were analysed and the CMPCM with item‐specific dispersion parameters fitted the data best. Dispersion parameter estimates indicated underdispersion for three out of four items. Overall, these findings indicate the feasibility and importance of the suggested flexible count data modelling approach.
Optimism and Wishful Thinking: Consistency Across Populations in Children’s Expectations for the Future
Authors: Bamford Christi , Lagattuta Kristin Hansen
Published: August 2019

Two studies investigated 5‐ to 10‐year‐olds’ (N = 194) positivity bias when forecasting the future. Children from two geographic locations (mostly Caucasian, higher income college town; mostly African American, lower income urban community) completed a future expectations task (FET). For multiple scenarios, children predicted whether a positive versus negative (optimism items) or a positive versus extraordinary positive (wishful thinking items) outcome would occur, including its likelihood. In both samples, optimism and wishful thinking decreased with age, optimism was higher than wishful thinking, children did not show a comparative self‐optimism bias, and individual differences in the FET optimism score correlated with self‐reported dispositional optimism and hope. Exploratory comparisons revealed between‐sample equivalence in responses to all measures, except for less tempered wishful thinking in the urban community.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity: A descriptive analysis of cases from the head and neck 5000 study
Authors: Dale Oliver T. , Pring Miranda , Davies Amy , Leary Sam , Ingarfield Kate , Toms Stu , Waterboer Tim , Pawlita Michael , Ness Andy R. , Thomas Steve J.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This paper aims to provide contemporary epidemiological data on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity, which represents a rare type of head and neck cancer.

Design, Setting & Participants

A descriptive analysis of people with nasal cavity SCC treated with curative intent from the Head and Neck 5000 study; a multicentre clinical cohort study of people from the UK with head and neck cancer. People with tumours of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses and other sub‐sites of the head and neck were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Demographic data and treatment details are presented for all participants. The main outcomes were overall survival and survival according to categories of characteristics (eg, smoker vs non‐smoker); these were explored using Kaplan‐Meier plots.

Results

Thirty people with nasal cavity SCC were included in the study, of which most were male (67%) and current or ex‐smokers (70%). The majority (70%) presented with early‐stage (T1/2, N0) tumours. Cervical lymph node metastases at presentation were rare, occurring in only one person. Nine people died during the follow‐up period (30%). Worse survival outcomes were seen in people with moderate or severe co‐morbidities.

Conclusions

This paper provides epidemiological data on nasal cavity SCC in the UK. Patterns of disease and survival outcomes are described, identifying high‐risk groups. Further studies should explore whether primary treatment modality alters survival.