bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness of Australian health educators and health promotion officers to conduct rapid HIV testing
Authors: Santella Anthony J. , Fraser Jacquie , Prehn Angela W. , Boye‐Codjoe Eugenia
Published: April 2016

Issue addressed

Rapid HIV tests were recently approved by the Australian government. This paper examines the attitudes and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing (RHT) of Australian health educators and health promotion officers (HE/HPO) from various settings and disciplines.

Methods

The aim of the Promoting Research on Methods in Screening Expertise study was to explore knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people living with HIV, and willingness to conduct RHT among HE/HPO in Australia; this information was attained via an online survey of HE/HPO. Descriptive statistics, c2 tests, t‐tests, and multivariate logistic regression were then conducted.

Results

Data from 156 HE/HPOs were analysed. Overall, 60% of participants believed that HE/HPO should offer RHT. Additionally, 70% were personally willing to undergo training in conducting RHT. Fifty‐nine percent of participants scored as having ‘high’ HIV knowledge (at least 12 out of 13 correct answers), with 32% answering all questions correctly. Knowledge was strongly associated with willingness to be trained to conduct RHT.

Conclusions

HE/HPO with advanced training in developing evidence‐based approaches to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalised and disadvantaged groups may be an appropriate workforce to train to conduct RHT and counselling.

So what?

As government agencies and community‐based organisations plan to expand RHT, HE/HPO, including those who work outside of sexual health, should be considered as a viable workforce to upskill.
Health literacy of mothers accessing child development services: a model of information use
Authors: Cheung Winnie , Davey Jeanette , St John Winsome , Bydeveldt Carmen , Forsingdal Shareen
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to explore how mothers use information in home therapy programs within child development services. A grounded theory study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 14 mothers of children aged 3–6 years accessing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology services for developmental needs. A conceptual model of mothers’ information use was developed. Findings showed that the mothers went through a cyclical process of information use and decision making: acquisition (collaboration, learning preferences), appraisal (understanding, relevance), application (capacity, resourcefulness) and review (evaluation, modification), with contextual factors including information characteristics, environment, personal characteristics and relationships. Mothers who used information effectively had a sense of confidence, control and mastery, and were empowered to apply information to make decisions and adapt their child’s home therapy. This study adds to knowledge about health literacy, specifically how mothers interpret and use health-related information at home. Findings will enable health professionals to address families’ unique health literacy needs and empower them to support their child’s optimal development, functioning and participation at their stage of life.
Prevention of cardiovascular disease in rural Australian primary care: an exploratory study of the perspectives of clinicians and high-risk men
Authors: Kinsman Leigh , Tham Rachel , Symons Julie , Jones Mike , Campbell Stephen , Allenby Ann
Published: April 2016

Rural primary care services have the potential to play a major role in reducing the gap in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes between rural and metropolitan Australians, particularly in men at high risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to explore the self-reported behaviours and satisfaction with their general practice/practitioner of men at high risk of CVD, and attitudes of rural primary care clinicians regarding the role of primary care in CVD prevention. This observational research was addressed through survey questionnaires with rural men at high risk of CVD and semi-structured interviews with rural primary care clinicians. Fourteen rural primary care practices from towns with populations less than 25000 participated. One hundred and fifty-eight high-risk men completed the questionnaire. Their responses demonstrated poorly controlled risk factors despite a willingness to change. Alternatively, rural primary care clinicians (n=20) reported that patients were unlikely to change and that illness-based funding models inhibited cardiovascular preventive activities. Australians living in rural areas have worse CVD outcomes. In addition, there is a disparity in the assumptions of health providers and male patients at high risk of CVD in rural areas. This necessitates innovative rural primary care models that include a blended payment system that incentivises or funds preventive care alongside an emphasis on lifestyle advice, as well as an explicit strategy to influence clinician and patient behaviour to help address the disparity.
A topologically driven glass in ring polymers
Authors: Michieletto Davide , Turner Matthew S.
Published: April 2016

Significance

The glass transition is commonly associated with a reduction in the temperature of liquids or by an increase in density of granular materials. In this work, we propose a radically different approach to study dynamical arrest that relies on the topology of the components. We find that a concentrated solution of ring polymers can be driven to a kinetically arrested state by randomly pinning a small fraction of rings, a transition not observed in linear polymers. We attribute this jamming to topological interactions, called “threadings,” that populate solutions of rings. Our work provides the first evidence for these threadings and suggests that very long rings may be expected to be kinetically arrested even as the fraction of pinned rings approaches zero.
Justice and Health Care: When “Ordinary” is Extraordinary
Authors: McTavish James
Published: April 2016

In some Asian countries, the poor are often denied access to health care. In the Philippines, we have thousands of Catholic doctors, Catholic nurses, even Catholic administrators, but not a Catholic, understood as “universal,” healthcare system available to all. This is a scandal and places heavy emotional and financial burdens on many families who need to pay the healthcare costs of sick loved ones. The Church teaches the principles of ordinary and extraordinary care, with only the former being morally obligatory. Extraordinary care, that involving excessive burden or cost may be foregone. Many families and healthcare professionals are uncertain about these principles and their application in practice. It would be helpful to more widely disseminate the Catholic Church teaching regarding ordinary and extraordinary care, especially in poor countries, to also avoid unnecessary or futile treatments, especially in critical or end-of-life situations.

Lay Summary: The poor have limited access to health care in many countries. Even one episode of sickness often places the patient and their family under considerable financial strain. Many times they simply cannot afford even basic treatments. This is a scandal and an injustice which is the concern of us all. The Church teaches that when a treatment becomes very expensive it may be considered “extraordinary care” and not morally obligatory. It would be helpful to more widely disseminate this Catholic Church teaching, helping families to avoid unnecessary treatments especially in critical or end-of-life situations.
Effect of linker length between variable domains of single chain variable fragment antibody against daidzin on its reactivity
Authors: Yusakul Gorawit , Sakamoto Seiichi , Pongkitwitoon Benyakan , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi
Published: April 2016

The peptide linker between variable domains of heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains is one of important factors that influence the characteristics of scFv, including binding activity and specificity against target antigen. The scFvs against daidzin (DZ-scFvs) with different linker lengths were constructed in the format of VH-(GGGGS)n-VL (n = 1, 3, 5, and 7). They were expressed in the hemolymph of silkworm larvae using the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid DNA system, and their reactivity against daidzin and related compounds were evaluated using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA), which is applicable for quantitative analysis of daidzin. The results showed that the reactivity of scFvs against daidzin was increased, whereas specificity slightly decreased when their peptide linker was lengthened. These results suggested that the linker length of DZ-scFvs contributes to its reactivity. In addition, the results emphasize that the linker length could control the reactivity of DZ-scFvs.
Location of the first plasma response to resonant magnetic perturbations in DIII-D H-mode plasmas
Authors: Xiao W.W. , Evans T.E. , Tynan G.R. , Eldon D.
Published: April 2016

The resonant location of the first plasma response to periodic toroidal phase flips of a resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) field is experimentally identified in the DIII-D tokamak using phase minima of the modulated plasma density and toroidal rotation relative to the RMP field. The plasma response coincides with the q  =  3 rational surface and electron fluid velocity null, which is consistent with simulations of the plasma response to the RMP field from resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) modeling. An asymmetric propagation of the particle and the momentum transport from the resonant location of the plasma response to the RMP into the core and into the plasma edge is observed.
Combenefit: an interactive platform for the analysis and visualization of drug combinations
Authors: Di Veroli Giovanni Y. , Fornari Chiara , Wang Dennis , Mollard Séverine , Bramhall Jo L. , Richards Frances M. , Jodrell Duncan I.
Published: April 2016

Motivation: Many drug combinations are routinely assessed to identify synergistic interactions in the attempt to develop novel treatment strategies. Appropriate software is required to analyze the results of these studies.

Results: We present Combenefit, new free software tool that enables the visualization, analysis and quantification of drug combination effects in terms of synergy and/or antagonism. Data from combinations assays can be processed using classical Synergy models (Loewe, Bliss, HSA), as single experiments or in batch for High Throughput Screens. This user-friendly tool provides laboratory scientists with an easy and systematic way to analyze their data. The companion package provides bioinformaticians with critical implementations of routines enabling the processing of combination data.

Availability and Implementation: Combenefit is provided as a Matlab package but also as standalone software for Windows (http://sourceforge.net/projects/combenefit/).

Contact:  Giovanni.DiVeroli@cruk.cam.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Terminal speed of a gaseous stratus with finite optical depth over a luminous flat source
Authors: Masuda Takao , Fukue Jun
Published: April 2016

We reexamine the terminal speed of a moving stratus irradiated by an infinite flat source, considering relativistic radiative transfer in the stratus. For the case of a particle, V. Icke (1989, A&A, 216, 294) analytically derived the terminal speed of $(4-\sqrt{7})c/3 \sim 0.45\,c$, whereas the terminal speed of a stratus with finite optical depth is calculated under the Eddington approximation (J. Fukue, 2014, PASJ, 66, 13), and becomes larger up to 0.7 c in the optically thin limit. In this paper, we numerically calculate radiative transfer in the stratus without the Eddington approximation, and obtain the terminal speed. In the optically thick limit the terminal speed approaches 0.47 c. In the optically thin limit, in contrast to the previous analytical study, it becomes small as the optical depth decreases, and approaches 0.26 c. This is due to the anisotropic effect of the radiation field in the optically thin regime.
Helping Basic Scientists Engage With Community Partners to Enrich and Accelerate Translational Research
Authors: Kost Rhonda G. , Leinberger-Jabari Andrea , Evering Teresa H. , Holt Peter R. , Neville-Williams Maija , Vasquez Kimberly S. , Coller Barry S. , Tobin Jonathan N.
Published: April 2016

Problem

Engaging basic scientists in community-based translational research is challenging but has great potential for improving health.

Approach

In 2009, The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science partnered with Clinical Directors Network, a practice-based research network (PBRN), to create a community-engaged research navigation (CEnR-Nav) program to foster research pairing basic science and community-driven scientific aims. The program is led by an academic navigator and a PBRN navigator. Through meetings and joint activities, the program facilitates basic science–community partnerships and the development and conduct of joint research protocols.

Outcomes

From 2009–2014, 39 investigators pursued 44 preliminary projects through the CEnR-Nav program; 25 of those became 23 approved protocols and 2 substudies. They involved clinical scholar trainees, early-career physician–scientists, faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and others. Nineteen (of 25; 76%) identified community partners, of which 9 (47%) named them as coinvestigators. Nine (of 25; 36%) included T3–T4 translational aims. Seven (of 25; 28%) secured external funding, 11 (of 25; 44%) disseminated results through presentations or publications, and 5 (71%) of 7 projects publishing results included a community partner as a coauthor. Of projects with long-term navigator participation, 9 (of 19; 47%) incorporated T3–T4 aims and 7 (of 19; 37%) secured external funding.

Next Steps

The CEnR-Nav program provides a model for successfully engaging basic scientists with communities to advance and accelerate translational science. This model's durability and generalizability have not been determined, but it achieves valuable short-term goals and facilitates scientifically meaningful community–academic partnerships.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Prednisolone in Relation to Clinical Outcome in Children With Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Teeninga Nynke , Guan Zheng , Stevens Jasper , Kist-van Holthe Joana E. , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , van der Heijden Albert J. , van Schaik Ron H. N. , van Gelder Teun , Nauta Jeroen
Published: April 2016

Background:

The relapse frequency in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is highly variable despite standardized prednisolone treatment regimens. Existing evidence on the relationship between prednisolone pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical response in children with NS is scarce and limited. The aim of this study was to develop a pediatric popPK model for prednisolone based on our previous model based on healthy adults using salivary measurements in children with NS and to correlate clinical outcome with between-subject variability in prednisolone exposure.

Methods:

The pharmacokinetics of prednisolone in a well-defined, prospective cohort consisting of 104 children with NS while in remission was determined. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in relation to relapse patterns and side effects. Noninvasive salivary prednisolone measurements were performed using a sparse sampling strategy. A population pharmacokinetic approach was used to derive individual estimates of apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) from the salivary concentration–time curve, followed by calculation of the area under the curve (AUC) of free prednisolone. The individual free serum prednisolone exposure from prednisolone in saliva was derived from the salivary concentration–time curves. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, ABCB1, NR1L2, and POR were explored in relation to between-subject variability of CL/F.

Results:

Moderate interindividual variability was found for CL/F (CV, 44.7%). Unexplained random between-subject variability (eta) of CL/F was lower in patients carrying 1 or 2 ABCB1 3435C>T alleles compared to wild type: median −0.04 (interquartile range, −0.17 to 0.21) and 0.00 (−0.11 to 0.16) versus 0.17 (−0.08 to 0.47), P = 0.046. Exposure to free prednisolone was not associated with frequent relapses or adverse effects.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence for the possibility of prednisolone drug monitoring through salivary measurements and this may be of particular usefulness in pediatric patients. However, the observed variability in prednisolone exposure, in the therapeutic dose range studied, is not considered to be a major determinant of clinical outcome in children with NS.
Oxygen Uptake Attenuation at Ventilatory Threshold in Men With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Uliari Simone , Myers Jonathan , Bernardi Eva , Chiaranda Giorgio , Conconi Francesco , Terranova Francesco , Mazzoni Gianni , Grazzi Giovanni
Published: April 2016

PURPOSE:

Maximal oxygen uptake (

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o
2) and ventilatory threshold (VT) are widely used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy people, as well as in patients with various clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to determine whether an attenuation of

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o
2 occurs above the VT in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

METHODS:

A total of 33 male patients participating in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention program underwent maximal incremental cycle ergometry at increasing pedaling cadences up to the limit of tolerance. Ventilatory gas-exchange variables were measured breath by breath while work rate was recorded continuously. Ventilatory threshold was determined by a dual linear regression model (V-slope analysis).

RESULTS:

Four patients were excluded from the analysis because they were unable to pedal at the increasing cadences required by the protocol. The remaining 29 patients successfully completed the test without complications or evidence of significant ST segment depression. The slope of the

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o
2/work rate relationship above the VT decreased significantly (−44.6% on average) in 23 of the 26 patients in which VT was able to be determined.

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o
2 at the start of

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2 attenuation (

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o
2
att) and at VT were highly correlated and in strong agreement (1637 ± 451 mL/min vs 1650 ± 473 mL/min, r
2 = 0.96, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

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o
2att does occur and coincides with the VT in the majority of patients tested with stable coronary artery disease.
Management of Spasticity in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Pattuwage Loyal , Olver John , Martin Caius , Lai Francis , Piccenna Loretta , Gruen Russell , Bragge Peter
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in development of spasticity, which adversely affects function and quality of life. Given the foundation of optimal clinical practice is use of the best available evidence, we aimed to identify, describe, and evaluate methodological quality of evidence-based spasticity clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

Methods:

A comprehensive search for CPGs encompassed electronic databases and online sources. Eligible CPGs were evaluated using the validated Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

Results:

Five CPGs were eligible for review; 2 were specific to acquired brain injury and 1 to TBI. The 3 brain injury-specific CPGs contained 423 recommendations overall, but only 8 spasticity recommendations. On the basis of AGREE appraisals, all CPGs performed well in the areas of reporting scope and purpose; clearly presenting recommendations; including various stakeholders in the CPG development process; and reporting conflict of interest. However, only one CPG performed adequately on describing facilitators and barriers to implementation, advice, and tools on how to implement recommendations and provision of audit criteria. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for agreement between raters showed high agreement (ICC > 0.80) for most guidelines.

Conclusion:

Given the unique etiological features and treatment challenges associated with managing spasticity after TBI, more TBI-specific spasticity CPGs are required. These should incorporate information on the facilitators and barriers to implementation, advice on implementing recommendations, and audit criteria.
AN ATYPICAL CASE OF SYMPATHETIC OPHTHALMIA AFTER LIMBAL CORNEAL LACERATION
Authors: Subudhi Praveen , Kanungo Sanghamitra , Subudhi B. Nageswar Rao
Published: April 2016

Background/Purpose:

To report a case of atypical sympathetic ophthalmia after limbal corneal laceration.

Methods and Results:

An 11-year-old child had a successful left eye corneal laceration repair at the temporal limbus with excision of exposed nonnecrotic iris tissue, resulting in good visual acuity of 20/80 and 20/25 on postoperative Days 1 and 7, respectively. The patient was prescribed 1 mg/kg oral prednisolone in a tapering dose as prophylaxis. On postoperative Day 21, the patient presented with acute onset decreased vision in both eyes. Visual acuity was counting fingers 3 feet in both eyes. On examination, anterior segment examination was quiet without any inflammation, anterior vitreous face showed 1+ cells, and dilated funduscopy revealed bilateral symmetrical serous retinal detachments along the posterior pole. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated separation and elevation of inner neurosensory layers from the outer segment marking presence of hyperreflective material along with subretinal fluid between detached surfaces. There was stippled hyperfluorescence along the posterior pole as seen in fluorescein angiography. With a diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia confirmed, oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg body weight) was instituted after which, there was gradual decrease in macular elevation with corresponding improvement in visual acuity with no recurrence for the last 6 months.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first reported instance of an atypical presentation of sympathetic ophthalmia, and antecedent corticosteroid therapy would have mitigated robust anterior segment findings usually associated with the condition.
MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND HISTOLOGIC CORRELATION OF ISOLATED METASTASIS OF PROSTATE ADENOCARCINOMA TO THE CHOROID
Authors: Cheung Albert Y. , Yonekawa Yoshihiro , Balaraman Savitha , Thomas Benjamin J. , Xi Alan M. , Folberg Robert , Amin Mitual , Miller Kay T. , Faia Lisa J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To provide correlative clinical-multimodal imaging-histopathologic findings of isolated prostatic choroidal metastasis.

Methods:

Ophthalmologic examination, fluorescein angiogram, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positive emission tomography, CSF analysis, serologies, tissue pathology with immunohistochemistry, and examination of relevant literature.

Results:

A 76-year-old man with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma was referred for 2 months of unilateral blurry vision. Fundus examination revealed elevated deep orange choroidal lesions in the macula with overlying retinal pigment epithelium mottling and subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiogram demonstrated alternating areas of hypofluorescence and hyperfluorescence (staining) without leakage. Optical coherence tomography revealed dome-shaped and lumpy choroidal lesions with surrounding undulating “lumpy bumpy” and “rippled/seasick” patterns. Workup for a primary or additional metastatic lesion including computerized tomography of head/chest/abdomen/pelvis, lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging brain, and whole-body positive emission tomography scan was negative. Full-thickness excisional chorioretinal biopsy was obtained through pars plana vitrectomy with diathermy and vertical scissors. Histologic examination revealed adenocarcinoma with weak positive staining for prostate specific antigen, moderate positive staining for P501S (prostein), and strong positive staining for prostatic acid phosphatase, consistent with metastasis from a prostate primary. Treatment consisted of local radiation with regression of the metastatic tumor. The patient is also on concomitant androgen deprivation treatment because there is a very high incidence of systemic recurrence due to hematogenous involvement. The patient's vision has continued to improve 6 months past treatment.

Conclusion:

The authors present a unique case to highlight the multimodal imaging and histology of a rare presentation of biopsy-proven, isolated metastasis of prostate adenocarcinoma to the choroid. Systemic workup is required, and if unrevealing of a primary or metastatic lesion, full-thickness chorioretinal biopsy and histopathology can provide a definitive diagnosis, allowing optimal treatment. Chorioretinal biopsy is a useful technique and may allow for visual preservation while also giving superior histologic quality.
PERIPHERAL RETINAL VASCULOPATHY IN COCKAYNE SYNDROME
Authors: Trese Matthew G. J. , Nudleman Eric D. , Besirli Cagri G.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

To present peripheral retinal vasculopathy and foveal ellipsoid zone abnormalities as novel fundus manifestations of Cockayne syndrome (CS), a rare autosomal recessive condition with well-described ophthalmic associations.

Methods:

Clinical examination, wide-field fundus photography, wide-field fundus autofluorescence, wide-field fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to diagnose and document the patient's clinical presentation.

Results:

Our patient presented with postnatal growth delay, neurologic dysfunction, premature aging, dental anomalies, sensory neural hearing loss, and pigmentary retinopathy. This constellation of clinical features satisfies the clinical diagnostic criteria of CS Type 1. In addition to these well-known features, we used multimodal retinal imaging to perform an in-depth analysis of the retinal manifestations of CS and report peripheral vasculopathy and ellipsoid zone abnormality as two novel features which have not previously been described in conjunction with CS.

Conclusion:

This case report is intended to assist physicians in making the correct diagnosis of this rare condition by reviewing the clinical diagnostic criteria and providing the most comprehensive fundus imaging of CS available in the literature to date.
The Role of Registered Dietitians in Patient Education and Counseling About Physical Activity
Authors: George Valerie , Fineberg Marisa , Marin Vanessa , Rosen Alison
Published: April 2016

Registered dietitians (RDs) can be role models and educate and counsel patients about physical activity (PA). An online questionnaire was sent to RDs practicing in the United States to determine current practices about PA. On the basis of responses from approximately 13 000 RDs, 81% reported counseling on PA in some fashion but only 30% reported assessing PA readiness and fewer than half of the RDs met current recommendations for aerobic PA. Further curriculum development and continuing education are needed so that RDs can effectively use the nutrition care process when they counsel their patients about PA.
Alpha Phase Dynamics Predict Age-Related Visual Working Memory Decline
Authors: Tran Tam T. , Hoffner Nicole C. , LaHue Sara C. , Tseng Lisa , Voytek Bradley
Published: April 2016

Alpha oscillations are modulated in response to visual temporal and spatial cues, However, the neural response to alerting cues is less explored, as is how this response is affected by healthy aging. Using scalp EEG, we examined how visual cortical alpha activity relates to working memory performance. Younger (20-30 years) and older (60-70 years) participants were presented with a visual alerting cue uninformative of the position or size of a lateralized working memory array. Older adults showed longer response times overall, and reduced accuracy when memory load was high. Older adults had less consistent cue-evoked phase resetting than younger adults, which predicted worse performance. Alpha phase prior to memory array presentation predicted response time, but the relationship between phase and response time was weaker in older adults. These results suggest that changes in alpha phase dynamics, especially prior to presentation of task-relevant stimuli, potentially contribute to age-related cognitive decline.
Influence of operational parameters on performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover – CFD studies
Authors: P Jabbar , N.M Hariharan , Sivashanmugam Palani , Kasthurirengan S.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The present investigation deals with the analysis of the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover (TAPM) which are measured in terms of frequency and pressure amplitude by varying the parameters such as temperature gradient along the length of stack and the operating pressures of fluid medium argon using CFD simulation. With the help of CFD researchers and Engineers can evaluate the performance of a wide range of thermoacoustic systems on the computer without the time, expense, and disruption required to make actual changes onsite (stack) which is tedious to fabricate.

Design/methodology/approach

For the present simulation, the operating pressures of argon such as 1bar, 3bar and 5bar, and the temperature gradient is varied from 600K to 1400K with the regular intervals of each 200K. The geometry of twin TAPM is created using GAMBIT processor, and the simulation is carried out using FLUENT. The geometrical parameters of twin TAPM are kept constant throughout the simulation. The results for frequency and pressure amplitude obtained from the CFD simulation of twin TAPM for various temperature gradient and operating pressures are analysed and reported.

Findings

The computational results of twin thermoacoustic prime mover shows an increase in pressure amplitude with an increase in the temperature gradient and also it increases with an increase in operating pressures of the fluid medium. The parameter operating pressures of the working fluid medium and the stack hot end temperature has no significant effect on the output, frequency.

Originality/value

Though several experimental works had been published based on the twin thermoacoustic prime mover, an attempt has been made in the present investigation for the first time to estimate the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover using CFD package (ANSYS-FLUENT) by varying temperature gradient. The temperature gradient and operating pressures were varied and the performance of twin thermoacoustic prime mover was measured in terms of frequency and pressure amplitude.
Nonlinear dynamic co-rotational formulation for membrane elements with in-plane drilling rotational degree of freedom
Authors: Boutagouga Djamel , Djeghaba Kamel
Published: April 2016

Purpose

nonlinear dynamic analysis of triangular and quadrilateral membrane elements with in-plane drilling rotational degree of freedom.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear analysis is carried out using the updated co-rotational Lagrangian description. In this purpose, in-plane co-rotational formulation that considers the in-plane drilling rotation is developed and presented for triangular and quadrilateral elements, and a tangent stiffness matrix is derived. Furthermore, a simple and effective in-plane mass matrix that takes into account the in-plane rotational inertia, which permit true representation of in-plane vibrational modes is adopted for dynamic analysis, which is carried out using the Newmark direct time integration method.

Findings

The proposed numerical tests show that the presented elements exhibit very good performances and could return true in-plane rotational vibrational modes. Also, when using a well-chosen co-rotational formulation these elements shows good results for nonlinear static and dynamic analysis.

Originality/value

Publications that describe geometrical nonlinearity of the in-plane behaviour of membrane element with rotational d.o.f are few, and often they are based on the total Lagrangian formulation or on the rate form. Also these elements, at the author knowledge, have not been extended to the nonlinear dynamic analysis. Thus, an appropriate extension of triangular and quadrilateral membrane elements with drilling rotation to nonlinear dynamic analysis is required.
Hydrodynamic mechanism analysis of the pump hump district for a pump-turbine
Authors: Xiao Yexiang , Yao Yangyang , Wang Zhengwei , zhang jin , Luo Yongyao , Zeng Chongji , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Numerically analyzed the flow characteristic and explored the hydrodynamic mechanism of the pump mode hump district formation of a Francis pump-turbine.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations were conducted of the entire pump-turbine flow passage under different discharge conditions by adopting the SST-CC turbulence model. The internal flow at hump district has been explained in detail combined with the model test in this paper. The unsteady flow and pressure fluctuation characteristics are analysed under five different discharge conditions in the hump and nearby region. The reason of the hump district formation is explored combined with the flow components hydraulic loss.

Findings

The large hydraulic loss, high relative peak-to-peak amplitudes and low dominant frequencies are on account of the disorganized internal flow condition. The formation of the hump district is concerned with the large hydraulic loss inside the draft tube, runner and guide vanes as there occurs secondary flow, backflow even vortex in the hump district. In addition, the low dominant frequencies at recording points inside the flow passage are always accompanied with the change of flow patterns and the spreading of the pressure fluctuations.

Originality/value

The analysis method of each flow components hydraulic loss combined with internal flow structure is adopted to explore the mechanism of pump mode hump characteristic. The flow characteristic and pressure pulse characteristics all correspond to the flow components hydraulic loss.
Thermal creep transition stresses and strain rates in a circular disc with shaft having variable density
Authors: Pankaj Thakur Dr , Kaur Jatinder , Bir Singh Satya
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present study of thermal creep stresses and strain rates in a circular disc with shaft having variable density by using Seth’s transition theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Seth’s transition theory is applied to the problem of thermal creep transition stresses and strain rates in a thin rotating disc with shaft having variable density by finite deformation. Neither the yield criterion nor the associated flow rule is assumed here. The results obtained here are applicable to compressible materials. If the additional condition of incompressibility is imposed, then the expression for stresses corresponds to those arising from Tresca yield condition.

Findings

Thermal effect increased value of radial stress at the internal surface of the rotating disc made of incompressible material as compared to tangential stress and this value of radial stress further much increases with the increase in angular speed as compared to without thermal effect. Strain rates have maximum values at the internal surface for compressible material.

Originality/value

The model proposed in this paper is used in mechanical and electronic devices. They have extensive practical engineering application such as in steam and gas turbines, turbo generators, flywheel of internal combustion engines, turbojet engines, reciprocating engines, centrifugal compressors and brake disks.
Reduced time from diagnosis to stone-free status in patients with ureteral calculi – a quantitative study
Authors: Khatami Annelie , Rosengren Kristina
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Purpose - The aim was to describe an improvement project and its effects on decreasing the time from diagnosis to treatment for patients with kidney stones and to reduce the negative effects related to untreated stones at one hospital in western Sweden

Design/methodology/approach

Design and methodology - A quantitative descriptive study based on Nolan’s improvement model was used. The quality improvement effects were evaluated using statistical process control (SPC).

Findings

Findings – Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy ESWL treatment’s positive effects within 48 hours were described as efficiency (decreased waiting time) from diagnosis to treatment, even if a re-treatment was necessary. The results also showed a reduction in the usage of percutaneous nephropyelostomies as a treatment option.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations - This study includes data from one department at one hospital in one country. Comparative data include the time from acute radiological examination to final treatment but not total re-treatments, complications or time to up following radiological examination. However, the study was performed over one year and analyzed data from medical records in a systematic way.

Practical implications

Practical implications - This study may inspire measuring and developing routines from diagnosis to treatment for patients who are transferred within different departments at one hospital.

Originality/value

Originality - Studies in improvement projects considering ureteral or kidney stones are generally lacking; thus, this study is important for improving the care of patients with this diagnose.
Do migrants pass their work ethic to their children? Evidence from the Honduran national household survey
Authors: Chen Xudong , Lin Yingge , Noiset Luc P
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The scholarly literature that examines the economic assimilation of migrant families has focussed on the educational and economic achievements of the children of international migrants relative to the children of native born parents. Lower relative incomes of the children of immigrants might be attributable to discrimination, while higher relative incomes could be attributable to ambitious parents who produce more ambitious children. These potential effects have been difficult to disentangle. The purpose of this paper is to control for discrimination by examining internal migration in Honduras, allowing us to isolate evidence for or against the “ambition” effect.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique to ask if the children of migrants are similar or different than their parents in their attitudes toward work and economic advancement.

Findings

– This study finds that migrants are relatively hard workers in the sense that they experience relatively high marginal effects on earnings from improved socio-economic characteristics, such as years of schooling. The study also finds that these migrants do not pass on this hard-work ethic to their children, who experience much smaller marginal effects from increased years of schooling and other socio-economic characteristics.

Originality/value

– This study demonstrates that the children of migrants do not necessarily inherit the ambitious work ethic characteristic of their migrant parents. This result has important implications for studies that examine the assimilation and economic progress of migrant families, particularly those studies that use second-generation earnings as a measure of assimilation and economic progress.
Benefits and risks of shared services in healthcare
Authors: Kennewell Suzanne , Baker Laura
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of staff in a large, public health service involved in transitioning support services to a shared services model. It aims to understand their perceptions of the benefits and risks arising from this change.

Design/methodology/approach

– Thematic analysis of qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with both service provider and customer agency staff was used to identify, analyze and report patterns of benefits and risks within data.

Findings

– Staff expressed the need for relevant subject-matter-experts to work within customer agencies to facilitate effective communication between the customer agency and shared services provider, reflecting observations found in out-sourcing literature.

Research limitations/implications

– Results point to significant challenges continuing to occur for shared services in healthcare. Risks identified suggest a more intimate relationship between clinical and support services than previously discussed.

Originality/value

– Previous discussion of the shared services model has not considered the skills, knowledge and ability required by staff in the customer agency. This research indicates that in the absence of such consideration, the concepts of the shared services model are weakened.
Implementing a new governance model
Authors: Stanley-Clarke Nicky , Sanders Jackie , Munford Robyn
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the lessons learnt from the process of implementing a new model of governance within Living Well, a New Zealand statutory mental health agency.

Design/methodology/approach

– It presents the findings from an organisational case study that involved qualitative interviews, meeting observations and document analysis. Archetype theory provided the analytical framework for the research enabling an analysis of both the formal structures and informal value systems that influenced the implementation of the governance model.

Findings

– The research found that the move to a new governance model did not proceed as planned. It highlighted the importance of staff commitment, the complexity of adopting a new philosophical approach and the undue influence of key personalities as key determining factors in the implementation process. The findings suggest that planners and managers within statutory mental health agencies need to consider the implications of any proposed governance change on existing roles and relationships, thinking strategically about how to secure professional commitment to change.

Practical implications

– There are ongoing pressures within statutory mental health agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organisational structures and systems. This paper has implications for how planners and managers think about the process of implementing new governance models within the statutory mental health environment in order to increase the likelihood of sustaining and embedding new approaches to service delivery.

Originality/value

– The paper presents insights into the process of implementing new governance models within a statutory mental health agency in New Zealand that has relevance for other jurisdictions.
Analysis of introducing e-services: a case study of Health Insurance Fund of Macedonia
Authors: Gavrilov Goce , Vlahu- Gjorgievska Elena , Trajkovik Vladimir
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Information systems play a significant role in the improving of health and healthcare, as well as in the planning and financing of health services. Fund’s Information System is an essential component of the information infrastructure that allows assessment of the impact of changes in health insurance and healthcare for the population. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of the affection of e-services and electronic data exchange (between Fund’s information systems and other IT systems) at the quality of service for insured people and savings funds.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors opted for an exploratory study using the e-services implemented in Health Insurance Fund (HIF) of Macedonia and data which were complemented by documentary analysis, including brand documents and descriptions of internal processes. In this paper is presented an analysis of the financial aspects of some e-services in HIF of Macedonia by using computer-based information systems and calculating the financial implications on insured people, companies and healthcare providers.

Findings

– The analysis conducted in this paper shows that the HIF’s e-services would have a positive impact for the insured people, healthcare providers and companies when fulfilling their administrative obligations and exercising their rights.

Originality/value

– The analysis presented in this paper can serve as a valuable input for the healthcare authorities in making decisions related to introducing e-services in healthcare. These enhanced e-services will improve the quality service of the HIF.
A LBV perspective on political risk management in a multinational bank during the First World War
Authors: Smith Andrew
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to apply the Legitimacy-Based View (LBV) of political risk to the experience of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in the First World War. The paper shows that HSBC’s ability to survive this conflict was due, in part, to its ability to manage political risk by maintaining legitimacy in the eyes of stakeholders in its home market(s), Hong Kong and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the surviving internal correspondence from this period in the HSBC Group archives in London and other primary sources.

Findings

This paper suggests that maintaining legitimacy in the home market is crucial to firm survival and profitability. Managers’ efforts to bolster firm legitimacy should ensure that individuals in all of the relevant government departments continue to regard the multinational enterprise (MNE) as legitimate.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows that the LBV is a potentially powerful analytical tool, but it also argues that the LBV must be modified so as to incorporate insights from the theoretical literature on ethnic and national identities, particularly the insight that such identities are culturally constructed and malleable.

Practical implications

Warfare tends to increase the degree to which a MNE’s stakeholders feel emotional bonds to their respective nations. HSBC’s experience in the First World War suggests that continued profitability in wartime may depend on the firm’s ability to shed its peacetime “world citizen” identity in favour of one that is more closely aligned with that of its home nation. Preserving political capital in wartime may require the ruthless termination of relationships with clients and employees who are associated with the enemy nation. Another lesson that MNE managers can derive from this paper is that preserving legitimacy in the home country may require the head office to exert more control over overseas managers, than would be the case in peace. A MNE in wartime that is concerned about the loss of legitimacy in the home country should consider adopting an organizational architecture that temporarily reduces subsidiary autonomy.

Originality/value

Buckley (2009) called for the re-integration of business history in International Business research. This paper is part of the ongoing historic turn in International Business and other management disciplines. This paper also argues that International Business scholars need to consider the impact of past wars on contemporary multinationals as we may witness the re-emergence of Great Power rivalries similar to those that led to the First World War. This paper proceeds on the assumption the probabilities of a war between two major capitalist economies are non-trivial and that additional investigation of the impact of major interstate warfare on MNEs is therefore merited. Historical research can help us to think about what a war between capitalist countries would mean for today’s MNEs.