bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and experimental investigations on corrosion control of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution by 4-aminothiophenol
Authors: Yildiz Resit , Dogru Mert Basak
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study inhibitory effect of 4-aminothiophenol on the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M HCl.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, electrochemical experiments, quantum chemical calculations, potentiodynamic measurements, linear polarization resistance and scanning electron microscopy were used.

Findings

The experimental results suggest that this compound is efficient corrosion inhibitor and the inhibition efficiencies increase with increasing their (from 0.5 to 10.0 mM.) concentrations. This reveals that inhibitive actions of inhibitors were mainly due to adsorption on mild steel surface. The adsorption of these inhibitors was found to obey Langmuir adsorption model. The computed quantum chemical features show good correlation with empirical inhibition efficiencies.

Originality/value

The 4-aminothiophenol is suitable inhibitor for application in closed-circuit systems against corrosion. The study is original and has great impact in industrial area. The obtained theoretical results have been adapted with the experimental data.
Effect of pH and NaCl concentration on the hydrogen evolution reaction of X60 steel
Authors: Li Zili , Yang Chao , Cui Gan , Zhang Shouxin , Zhang Chengbin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

When hydrogen evolution reaction occurs on a metal surface, on the one hand, the generated hydrogen atom may penetrate into the metal that causes the hydrogen embrittlement failure of materials; on the other hand, the hydrogen generation may increase the local pressure in the coating and cause coating blistering. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of NaCl concentration and pH on hydrogen evolution reaction of X60 steel.

Design/methodology/approach

A cathodic polarization curve 257E-2V vs OCP and EIS was obtained by conventional three-electrode system in different NaCl concentrations, 257E3.5 and pH. Second, various parameters such as hydrogen evolution, over-potential current–density polarization resistance and capacitance of double electric layer were obtained based on fitting of the experimental data. Finally, the reaction mechanism was determined by Tafel curves.

Findings

It was concluded that in different NaCl concentrations, diffusion layer induced by concentration polarization affects the diffusion process of H+ ions, which makes over-potential increase. Under great effect of concentration polarization, the reaction is different in acid and alkaline environments, and the dielectric layer shows the characteristic of meta-alkaline adsorption, which makes difference in mechanism.

Originality/value

This research not only has theoretical significance but also gains utilization prospect. Ultimately, this research could be applied to clear hydrogen evolution process and protect long-distance pipeline against delamination.
Aircraft runway excursion features: a multiple correspondence analysis
Authors: Distefano Natalia , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The risk of aircraft runway excursion, dependent on multiple factors, is related to operating conditions. The purpose of this paper is to identify the correspondence between features belonging to different aspects that occur in runway excursion events, distinguishing between take-off and landing phases.

Design/methodology/approach

To define the correspondence between the characteristic features of runway excursions, this study has applied multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). MCA is used to represent and model data sets as “clouds” of points in a multi-dimensional Euclidean space. There are five variables used in MCA: geographical region, potential cause, aircraft class, flight nature and aircraft damages. For the purpose of this research, the database contains only runway excursion accidents that took place between 2006 and 2016 among all categories of aircraft in all world regions. The events contained in the database were analyzed by separating those that occurred during take-off and those that occurred during landing.

Findings

With this method, this study identified a few particularly interesting variable combinations. Generally, the consequence of an aircraft runway excursion is substantial aircraft damage. Also, the most common cause of runway excursion during take-off is aircraft system faults, while during landing, it is weather conditions. Furthermore, the destruction of an aircraft is a result of a runway excursion due to bad weather conditions, both during take-off and landing.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be used by a broad range of civil aviation organizations for runway risk assessment and to select the most effective safety countermeasures for runway excursions.

Originality/value

The authors believe this study is original, especially for the statistical analysis method used.
The nature of crowdfunding in China: initial evidence
Authors: Huang Zaiyu , Chiu Candy Lim , Mo Sha , Marjerison Rob
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop initial evidence about the nature and features of crowdfunding in China, given it is largely unregulated regulatory frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used extensive desk research using data collected from the public and private sectors, after which the data was analyzed parallel to existing academic literature, that is, institutional context by Brutonet al.(2014). This paper uncovered patterns of development, profiling crowdfunding platforms, examining the regulatory landscape and providing antecedents of successful crowdfunding projects in China.

Findings

When the traditional financial markets are hard to reach, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were starved for capital. Crowdfunding can play a major role in funding and risk sharing. It is an innovative and dynamic vehicle for MSMEs as well as enthusiastic investors in China. Since its initial introduction to China in 2009, crowdfunding has gained substantial popularity in a relatively short period. Currently, there is still not an identifiable guideline on how to delineate the significance of the crowdfunding platform. The development of crowdfunding in China faces a few unresolved key issues. As researchers exploring this phenomenon in new ways, crowdfunding platforms can be enhanced in a manner that benefits the capital seeker, investors and society as a whole.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of information on start-up crowdfunding in Asia. With little data available to analyze, so this paper hopes to contribute to knowledge and provide valuable information to researchers and industry representations. Crowdfunding represents a potentially disruptive change in the way that new ventures are funded. This paper represents an initial analysis in the study of new ventures in China. Finally, the authors provide recommendations for entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers as well as researchers and practitioners with suggestions about yet unexplored avenues of research.
Who are the future seaweed consumers in a Western society? Insights from Australia
Authors: Birch Dawn , Skallerud Kåre , Paul Nicholas A.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to profile the consumers who are likely to eat seaweed products in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as an online survey among 521 Australian consumers. Binary logistic regression modelling was used to profile the consumers.

Findings

The paper identifies education, familiarity, food neophobia (FNeo), symbolic value of food consumption, health consciousness, as well as snacking behaviour as significant predictors of likelihood to eat seaweed products. Consumers with a university degree (i.e. undergraduates and postgraduates) are four times more likely to eat seaweed products, and those familiar with seaweed products have a 7.6 higher likelihood to eat seaweed products. FNeo makes the largest contribution to the consumer’s likelihood to eat seaweed. A one unit increase in the FNeo score is associated with a 77 per cent decrease in the predicted odds of eating seaweed products in the next 12 months. The symbolic value of food consumption and health consciousness both doubled the likelihood of eating seaweed products. Snacking behaviour increases the likelihood by 185 per cent. The study reveals that early adopters of seaweed food products in western societies are people with higher educational levels, who are adventurous in their food choices and perceive seaweed consumption to have symbolic value. They are also health conscious “snackers”.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to provide insights about consumption of seaweed products; and also reveals the consumer groups in western societies that are most likely to eat seaweed products and who can be targeted as potential early adopters.
Investigation of heat transfer in irregular porous cavity subjected to various boundary conditions
Authors: Badruddin Irfan Anjum
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the heat transfer in an arbitrary cavity filled with porous medium. The geometry of the cavity is such that an isothermal heating source is placed centrally at the bottom of the cavity. The height and width of the heating source is varied to analyses its effect on the heat transfer characteristics. The investigation is carried out for three different cases of outer boundary conditions such as two outside vertical walls being maintained at cold temperature To, two vertical and top horizontal surface being heated to. To and the third case with top surface kept at To but other surfaces being adiabatic.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method is used to solve the governing equations.

Findings

It is observed that the cavity exhibits unique heat transfer behavior as compared to regular cavity. The cases of boundary conditions are found to affect the heat transfer rate in the porous cavity.

Originality/value

This is original work representing the heat transfer in irregular porous cavity with various boundary conditions. This work is neither being published nor under review in any other journal.
Stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of upper-convected Oldroyd-B MHD nanofluid with Cattaneo–Christov double-diffusion model
Authors: Bai Yu , Xie Bo , Zhang Yan , Cao Yingjian , Shen Yunpeng
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the two-dimensional stagnation-point flow, heat and mass transfer of an incompressible upper-convected Oldroyd-B MHD nanofluid over a stretching surface with convective heat transfer boundary condition in the presence of thermal radiation, Brownian motion, thermophoresis and chemical reaction. The process of heat and mass transfer based on Cattaneo–Christov double-diffusion model is studied, which can characterize the features of thermal and concentration relaxations factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are developed and similarly transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations, which are solved by a newly approximate analytical method combining the double-parameter transformation expansion method with the base function method (DPTEM-BF).

Findings

An interesting phenomenon can be found that all the velocity profiles first enhance up to a maximal value and then gradually drop to the value of the stagnation parameter, which indicates the viscoelastic memory characteristic of Oldroyd-B fluid. Moreover, it is revealed that the thickness of the thermal and mass boundary layer is increasing with larger values of thermal and concentration relaxation parameters, which indicates that Cattaneo–Christov double-diffusion model restricts the heat and mass transfer comparing with classical Fourier’s law and Fick’s law.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on stagnation-point flow, heat and mass transfer combining the constitutive relation of upper-convected Oldroyd-B fluid and Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion model.
Capital endowment and race to the bottom in a federation
Authors: Chel Moumita , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the phenomenon of race to the bottom in a federation and provides answer to the question why developing countries are more prone to race to the bottom competition than developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers a two-stage game where, in the first stage, two regional governments in a federation choose tax rate on mobile capital employed in its own region by maximising its regional per capita income, and in the second stage, a representative firm chooses capital and labour employment in the two regions by maximising total profit. As capital is mobile across regions, tax policy chosen by any region affects other region. From strategic interaction between the regional governments, the authors derive Nash equilibrium tax rates. Comparing Nash equilibrium with Pareto optimum outcome, race to the bottom is characterised.

Findings

The paper finds that federations with poorer endowment of capital are more prone to the race to the bottom outcome. The result is robust to the introduction of different types of asymmetries between the regions and a centrally executed revenue equalisation scheme. Whilst it hints at the fact that capital accumulation can naturally solve the race to the bottom problem, it identifies the presence of an equalisation scheme and equity concern at the regions to weaken the impact of capital accumulation in achieving such an outcome.

Originality/value

The role of capital endowment in the race to the bottom literature in fiscal federalism has previously been ignored. This has serious implications for developing countries like China and India where states compete with each other for attracting private capital in their own jurisdictions.
Effects of service experience on customer responses to a hotel chain
Authors: Bravo Rafael , Martinez Eva , Pina Jose M.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse customer experience in a hotel and its impact on customer attitudes to both the individual hotel and the hotel chain. Specifically, the study focuses on the effects of service perceptions on emotions, satisfaction, attitude to hotel chain, intention to return, scepticism towards negative information and Word of Mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out on a sample of 300 individuals. Data were analysed through structural equation modelling.

Findings

Service perceptions and emotions elicited by an individual hotel influence the customer response towards the hotel chain. Among all the outcomes considered, the strongest effects are found on WOM.

Originality/value

This paper develops and empirically tests an original model that integrates the customer experience in an individual hotel and the customer response to the hotel chain. This model includes variables that have recently been considered in the literature, such as scepticism towards negative information, in combination with more traditional outcomes such as intention to return or WOM.
Evaluation of a new recovery college: delivering health outcomes and cost efficiencies via an educational approach
Authors: Kay Katie , Edgley George
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate cost efficiencies and health outcomes after one academic year of course delivery, in a recovery college.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used service evaluation and review of data.

Findings

There is significant impact on health outcomes when standardised measures of Patient Activation Measure and Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale were completed pre- and post-intervention, with indications of possible financial efficiencies identified within secondary care mental health pathways.

Research limitations/implications

The current evaluation sample is only representative of community mental health populations rather than broader communities. However, indications are that the model is effective from a wider public health perspective (early intervention/prevention) in producing significant health outcomes in terms of improved wellbeing and increased levels of activation/self-management. More in-depth research collaboration with an academic institution is now required.

Practical implications

There is an implication that the recovery college needs to be fully embedded within the mental health pathway as part of the core offer. This would require significant service redesign and culture change within the organisation.

Social implications

There is a need to continue to work with other statutory service providers, key stakeholders, voluntary and community sectors to embed the college with wider public health services and ensure a holistic approach across local communities and the whole health pathway.

Originality/value

Although the model is based on the widely recognised national recovery college model, it has moved away from the usual boundaries of access only being for those attached to secondary care mental health services to a more holistic and integrative approach of offering access to the whole population. Social value is indicated in the ownership and co-production of the model by the collaboration of student expertise, experts by experience and experts by expertise. The co-produced integrated volunteering and work pathway offers positive and cost-efficient health outcomes from a co-designed and co-delivered educational approach.
A study on the effectiveness of aesthetically appealing print recruitment advertisement
Authors: Ganesan Muruganantham , George Esther Princess
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the nature of intervention of job seeker’s perception of organizational attraction and attitude toward ad and organization in the application intention produced by aesthetics of print job ads.

Design/methodology/approach

An aesthetically appealing faculty-opening job advertisement was used as stimuli and around 250 responses to an administered questionnaire were collected from among job seekers in the academic domain. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

According to the results of the study, aesthetic features of print recruitment ad, even though insignificant in directly inducing job seeker intention to apply, significantly enhanced their organizational attraction and attitudes, and thereby, their application intention. Therefore, job seeker’s perception of organizational attractiveness and attitude were found to full mediate this relationship, regardless of the job seekers’ degree of familiarity with the organization.

Practical implications

This study encourages recruiters in the academic job sectors to design and administer aesthetically appealing job advertisements to maximize the high talent pool of applicants from which to choose.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind in the Indian context in terms of print recruitment advertising. This study is also original in reporting organizational attraction and attitude towards ad and organization as mediators of application intention produced by ad aesthetics.
The riddle of self-centered leadership in Arab organizations: a measurement scale
Authors: Hawass Hisham Hamid
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale to empirically measure the self-centered leadership SCL pattern in Arab organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper depends on two Egyptian samples. It has conducted exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression analyses to generate the proposed SCL measurement scale.

Findings

The analyses have revealed that the new measurement scale is valid and reliable. They have also confirmed the multidimensional structure of the self-centered leadership construct.

Originality/value

The Arab leadership literature is in short of scales which take into consideration the specialties of the Arab cultures. Therefore, this study fills a lacuna in international research which examines Arab leadership behaviors from a culture-bound perspective.
Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among adolescents attending independent schools in Qatar
Authors: Kerkadi Abdelhamid , Hassan Abdelmonem Sadig , Al Thani Al Anoud Mohammed , Al Chetachi Walaa , Akram Hammad , Bawadi Hiba , Vinodson Benjamin , Risk Nassar Moustafa Ragheb
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among adolescents attending independent schools in Qatar.

Design/methodology/approaches

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in November-December 2013 in 23 secondary schools. A total of 1,161 students aged 14 to 19 year olds were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling technique. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured using standard protocol. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) reference were used to define overweight and obesity. Abdominal obesity (AO) was defined by waist to height ratio (WHtR ≥ 0.5) and by sex- and age-specific WC cut-off values.

Findings

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study population was 20.6 and 20.7%, respectively. The highest rate of overweight and obesity was observed among boys, and the youngest age group. The rate of obesity defined by either WC/or WHtR was higher than that assessed by BMI. The prevalence of AO assessed by WC and WHtR was 48.8 and 46.9%, respectively. The rate of AO was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among boys compared to girls for both assessment criteria. The proportion of adolescents with AO (WHtR ≥ 0.5) according to BMI was 17.3%, 80.8% and 97.1% for adolescents with normal, overweight and obesity had AO, respectively. Being male was significantly associated with higher odds of having both general obesity and AO.

Originality/value

The study revealed a high prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in adolescents in Qatar. Waist measures appear to be an important indicator in identifying adolescents at risk and should be included as screening tools for cardiometabolic risk.
Computerised Handwriting Speed Test System (CHSTS): Validation of a handwriting assessment for Chinese secondary students
Authors: Li‐Tsang Cecilia W. P. , Li Tim M. H. , Lau Mandy S. W. , Lo Amy G. W. , Ho Choco H. Y. , Leung Howard W. H.
Published: December 2018

Background/aim

Handwriting difficulties can be detrimental to students’ performance in school tests and even in public examinations. It is crucial for school‐based occupational therapists to identify students with handwriting difficulties and support them with appropriate adaptive strategies. The purpose of this study is to validate a computerised assessment – the Computerised Handwriting Speed Test System (CHSTS) of both Chinese and English handwriting for Chinese secondary students and provide an objective reference for extra time allowance in paper‐based examinations.

Methods

The internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity of CHSTS were examined using the data from 512 typically developing students and 64 students with special educational needs (SEN) in Hong Kong mainstream secondary schools.

Results

Handwriting performance of senior students was better than that of junior students. High internal consistency was shown by over 0.80 Cronbach's α in all measurement items and over 0.90 item‐total correlations in temporal domain items. Intra‐class correlation indicated good to excellent test–retest reliability of CHSTS (all P < 0.0001). Principal Component Analysis revealed that four components in CHSTS accounted for over 80% of the variance. Handwriting performance was positively associated with manual coordination, automaticity and oculomotor control (all P < 0.05) in linear regression analyses. Students with SEN could be effectively differentiated from typically developing students (over 75% sensitivity and specificity) based on the CHSTS items.

Conclusion

Validation of CHSTS is the groundwork for identifying students with handwriting difficulties and providing adaptive strategies including fair special examination arrangements for these students.
New graduate occupational therapists’ narratives of ethical tensions encountered in practice
Authors: Hazelwood Tori , Baker Amy , Murray Carolyn M. , Stanley Mandy
Published: December 2018

Background/aim

Professionals in health and social care have high workloads and are working with diverse populations in hierarchical and complicated service delivery systems. There is increasing pressure on new graduates because they are expected to be immediately work ready and may not receive adequate support or supervision. It is well known that there can be issues with satisfaction and retention rates of new graduates due to the challenges they experience. Ethical tensions are an unavoidable part of occupational therapy practice and may contribute to unique challenges for new graduates who may not yet have the personal resources to make sense of these independently. New graduate occupational therapy perceptions of ethical tensions have not yet been explored and this study sought to fill this gap. Exploring the ethical tensions experienced by new graduates can inform appropriate policies, procedures, preparedness and standards.

Methods

A qualitative study using narrative enquiry was undertaken in which stories were gathered from eight new graduate occupational therapists who had been working for 6–24 months. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were used to gather data. Transcripts were analysed following narrative analysis guidelines. Member checking, reflexivity and keeping an audit trail of methodological and analytical decisions were employed to strengthen the rigour of the study.

Results

Analysis revealed six predominant themes: working in a business model, respecting client choice, dealing with aggression and death, mandatory reporting is hard to do, differing team values, and feeling devalued and unsupported.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of understanding the ethical tensions faced by new graduates and of exploring ways to assist new graduates to respond constructively to ethical dilemmas, distress and uncertainties. To address the risk of attrition, graduates need systems in place for accessing support to increase preparedness to respond to ethical tensions when they do arise.
Immediate versus delayed removal of urinary catheter after laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sandberg EM , Twijnstra ARH , van Meir CA , Kok HS , van Geloven N , Gludovacz K , Kolkman W , Nagel HTC , Haans LCF , Kapiteijn K , Jansen FW
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate if immediate catheter removal (ICR) after laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with similar retention outcomes compared with delayed removal (DCR).

Study design

Non‐inferiority randomised controlled trial.

Population

Women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in six hospitals in the Netherlands.

Methods

Women were randomised to ICR or DCR (between 18 and 24 hours after surgery).

Primary outcome

The inability to void within 6 hours after catheter removal.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐five women were randomised to ICR (n = 74) and DCR (n = 81). The intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analysis could not demonstrate the non‐inferiority of ICR: ten women with ICR could not urinate spontaneously within 6 hours compared with none in the delayed group (risk difference 13.5%, 5.6–24.8, P = 0.88). However, seven of these women could void spontaneously within 9 hours without additional intervention. Regarding the secondary outcomes, eight women from the delayed group requested earlier catheter removal because of complaints (9.9%). Three women with ICR (4.1%) had a urinary tract infection postoperatively versus eight with DCR (9.9%, risk difference −5.8%, −15.1 to 3.5, P = 0.215). Women with ICR mobilised significantly earlier (5.7 hours, 0.8–23.3 versus 21.0 hours, 1.4–29.9; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

The non‐inferiority of ICR could not be demonstrated in terms of urinary retention 6 hours after procedure. However, 70% of the women with voiding difficulties could void spontaneously within 9 hours after laparoscopic hysterectomy. It is therefore questionable if all observed urinary retention cases were clinically relevant. As a result, the clinical advantages of ICR may still outweigh the risk of bladder retention and it should therefore be considered after uncomplicated laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Tweetable abstract

The advantages of immediate catheter removal after laparoscopic hysterectomy seem to outweigh the risk of bladder retention.
Impact of Cereal Seed Sprouting on Its Nutritional and Technological Properties: A Critical Review
Authors: Lemmens Elien , Moroni Alice V. , Pagand Jennifer , Heirbaut Pieter , Ritala Anneli , Karlen Yann , Lê Kim‐Anne , Van den Broeck Hetty C. , Brouns Fred J.P.H. , De Brier Niels , Delcour Jan A.
Published: December 2018

Sprouting induces activation and de novo synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes that make nutrients available for plant growth and development. Consumption of sprouted grains is suggested to be beneficial for human health. Positive consumer perceptions about sprouted cereals have resulted in new food and beverage product launches. However, because there is no generally accepted definition of “sprouting,” it is unclear when grains are to be called sprouted. Moreover, guidelines about how much sprouted grain material food products should contain to exert health benefits are currently lacking. Accordingly, there is no regulatory base to develop appropriate food labeling for “sprouted foods.” This review describes the nutritional and technological properties of sprouted grains in relation to processing conditions and provides guidelines to optimize sprouting practices in order to maximize nutritive value. Relatively long sprouting times (3 to 5 days) and/or high processing temperatures (25 to 35 °C) are needed to maximize the de novo synthesis and/or release of plant bioactive compounds. Nutrient compositional changes resulting from sprouting are often associated with health benefits. However, supportive data from clinical studies are very scarce, and at present it is impossible to draw any conclusion on health benefits of sprouted cereals. Finally, grains sprouted under the above‐mentioned conditions are generally unfit for use in traditional food processing and it is challenging to use sprouted grains as ingredients without compromising their nutrient content. The present review provides a basis for better defining what “sprouting” is, and to help further research and development efforts in this field as well as future food regulations development.
Genetic variation of COI gene of the Korean medicinal centipede Scolopendra mutilans Koch, 1878 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)
Authors: Han Taeman , Lee Young Bo , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Yoon Hyung Joo , Park In Gyun , Park Haechul
Published: December 2018

In Korea, the centipede called “Wang‐ji‐ne” or “O‐gong” is used as an important medicinal resource. This centipede has been known as Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans Koch 1878. Recent studies have assessed its taxonomic treatment in several geographical populations from China, Japan and Taiwan, but not Korea. We therefore attempted to assess exact species status for the Korean population of this subspecies using both morphological and DNA barcode methods. The result inferred from DNA barcoding showed that the Korean population is S. mutilans explicitly separated from S. subspinipes. Within S. mutilans, the Korean population is morphologically identical and genetically closer to the Chinese population rather than island populations of Japan and Taiwan. Particularly, the mainland populations from Korea and China share six haplotypes from 17 despite being far apart geographically.
The effects of cold treatment on the pupal period, emergence rate, and number of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae spawned
Authors: Jang Heeseung , Choi Moon Bo , Lee Hyoki , Kim Yeongbu , Kwon Ohseok
Published: December 2018

To develop a system for the mass production of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (Pbl), this study analyzed the oviposition characteristics of third instar Pbl through successive rearing and cold treatments. In the first generation, females laid 50 eggs each on average, and spawned higher numbers of eggs for the first 5 days but then fewer after this. However, all of the 2nd‐generation females that were produced through the successive rearing of eggs from the 1st generation did not spawn. When test insects (TI) were raised at 32°C, their mean ± SE pupal period and emergence rate were 28.4 ± 1.9 days and 87%, respectively. However, most individuals raised in cold treatments (5°C and − 5°C) without a pre‐cooling period did not survive. Individuals exposed to a pre‐cooling period, however, had a 7–10 days longer pupal period than those raised at 32°C, and their emergence rate (90%) was slightly higher. Different cold treatment temperatures (0°C, 3°C, or 5°C) and periods (30 or 60 days) were tested in further experiments. The experimental group kept for 30 days at 0°C and 3°C had the shortest pupal period of all, and emergence rates exceeded 90% in most groups. With respect to the number of eggs spawned by the second generation females after cold treatments, the experimental groups held in cold treatments at 5°C for 30 and 60 days were found to spawn the most eggs. Consequently, the experimental group kept at 5°C for 30 days was the most effective set of conditions tested during the entire breeding period.
Research Progress on Flavor Compounds and Microorganisms of Maotai Flavor Baijiu
Authors: Wang Ming‐Yao , Yang Jian‐Gang , Zhao Qing‐Song , Zhang Kai‐Zheng , Su Chang
Published: December 2018

Maotai‐flavor liquor is one of the three basic traditional Chinese baijiu and is also the most famous baijiu in the world. Guizhou Maotai baijiu is the representative of Maotai‐flavor liquor, which has a long history of culture and is prepared using unique brewing methods. However, the main flavor of Maotai‐flavor liquor as well as the mechanism by which its aroma is produced is unclear. In this review, the Da‐qu production and fermentation processes for Maotai‐flavor liquor are briefly described along with the flavoring constituents of Maotai‐flavor liquor that have been recently reported. In addition, the volatile compounds and the aroma derived from Maotai‐flavor liquor are discussed. Finally, the microorganisms for the high‐temperature Daqu and fermentation processes of Maotai‐flavor liquor are discussed.

Practical Application

Maotai is one of the most famous baijiu in China and the most valuable in the market. However, it is unclear what is the key flavor of Maotai and what microbial metabolism is produced. So, if we can figure out the key flavor substances of Maotai baijiu, we can use the various technology to explore the microbes that produce this flavor to understand the mechanism of the production of Maotai. This will not only achieve breakthroughs in academic value, but also bring higher value to Maotai. On this basis, we can brew Maotai baijiu with better quality according to the fermentation mechanism of Maotai.
Application and preliminary validation of the hip inflammation MRI scoring system (HIMRISS) in spondyloarthritis
Authors: Zheng Yan , Zhang Kui , Han Qing , Hao Yuewen , Liu Ying , Yin Hong , Ding Jin , Zheng Zhaohui , Leng Nan , Jia Junfeng , Wu Zhenbiao , Zhu Ping
Published: December 2018

Aims

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease and hip involvement often results in severe deformities and functional impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful imaging tool for detecting early hip lesions in SpA. The aims of this study are to apply the hip inflammation MRI scoring system (HIMRISS) in SpA patients and to evaluate its reproducibility and validity.

Methods

Four readers new to HIMRISS (two radiologists and two rheumatologists) scored the MRI scans obtained from a total of 55 SpA patients with hip lesions in two separate exercises (33 patients in exercise 1 and 22 patients in exercise 2). After the training and review process for exercise 1, these well‐trained readers with expertise in the HIMRISS method scored the scans obtained from 22 patients and evaluated the association between HIMRISS and clinical activity of SpA, including Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), laboratory features, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Harris hip scores.

Results

HIMRISS is a reliable MRI scoring method for bone merrow lesions (BML) and synovitis in SpA. After 2 training exercises, the reliability improved from 0.67 to 0.90. The reliability for detecting femoral BML, acetabular BML, and synovitis effusion was very good after the 2 exercises (overall intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.73, 0.84 and 0.88, respectively). The clinical correlations between HIMRISS and ASDAS were most significant, and the correlations were closer to summed bilateral HIMRISS scores than just the worse side. HIMRISS was found to be an excellent tool for the early diagnosis of inflammation before the occurrence of structural damage, which was not significantly reflected in the systemic diagnosis.

Conclusion

HIMRISS offers a reliable MRI scoring method for hip joint in SpA, and it is beneficial for early detection and fast quantification in disease activity assessment.
Raynaud’s phenomenon and anti‐nuclear antibody are associated with pulmonary function decline in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis
Authors: Park Eun Hye , Hwang Woo Chang , Lee Youngjo , Lee Eun Young , Lee Eun Bong , Song Yeong Wook , Park Jin Kyun
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To identify factors associated with deterioration of pulmonary function with disproportional decline in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) relative to forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with DM and PM, in whom serial pulmonary function tests were available. Changes in FVC and DLCO over time were estimated using a linear mixed‐effects model.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included. During follow‐up, 31 (30.1%) and 37 (35.9%) had a disproportionally better (ΔDLCO/ΔFVC>mean slope + 95% CI) or a disproportionally worse (ΔDLCO/ΔFVC <mean slope – 95% CI) DLCO change relative to FVC change. After adjusting for age, gender and diagnosis, Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and anti‐nuclear antibodies (ANA) increased the risk of disproportional DLCO decline (odds ratio [OR]: 6.32, 95% CI: 1.34‐29.81, P = 0.022; OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.21‐12.67, P = 0.020, respectively). Patients with ANA and RP tended to deteriorate, whereas those without ANA and RP improved (FVC: −4.5 ± 14.4 vs 11.1% ± 27.5%/y, P = 0.38; DLCO: −17.0 ± 24.9 vs 9.8% ± 25.4%/year, P = 0.015). More patients with ANA and RP tended to reach progressive DLCO decline (DLCO <40%) than ANA/RP‐negative patients (P = 0.05). Trends toward higher rates of pulmonary hypertension and higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure were observed in those with both ANA and RP.

Conclusion

This study identifies RP and ANA as risk factors for the deterioration of pulmonary function with disproportional DLCO decline relative to FVC.
Alcohol consumption and hospitalization burden in an adult Italian population: prospective results from the Moli‐sani study
Authors: Costanzo Simona , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Bonaccio Marialaura , Olivieri Marco , Persichillo Mariarosaria , De Curtis Amalia , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia ,   on behalf of the Moli‐sani Study Investigators
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

Epidemiological evidence on the impact of different alcohol drinking patterns on health‐care systems or hospitalizations is sparse. We investigated how the different average volumes of alcohol consumed relate to all‐cause and cause‐specific hospitalizations.

Design

Prospective cohort study (baseline 2005–10) linked to a registry of hospital discharge records to identify hospitalizations at follow‐up (December 2013).

Setting

Molise region, Italy.

Participants

A total of 20 682 individuals (48% men, age ≥ 35 years) who participated in the Moli‐sani Study and were free from cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline.

Measurements

The alcohol volume consumed in the year before enrolment was classified as: life‐time abstainers, former drinkers, occasional drinkers and current drinkers who drank 1–12 (referent), 12.1–24, 24.1–48 and > 48 g/day of alcohol. Cause‐specific hospitalizations were assigned by Italian Diagnosis Related Groups classification or by ICD‐9 code of main admission diagnoses. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of hospitalization were estimated by Poisson regression, taking into account the total number of admissions that occurred during the follow‐up per person.

Findings

During a median follow‐up of 6.3 years, 12 996 multiple hospital admissions occurred. In multivariable analyses, life‐time abstainers and former drinkers had higher rates of all‐cause [IRR = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.17 and IRR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.31, respectively] and vascular (IRR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02–1.27 and IRR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.24–1.76, respectively) hospitalizations compared with light alcohol consumers. Alcohol consumption > 48 g/day was associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for both alcohol‐related diseases (IRR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.32–2.29) and cancer (IRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.12–1.65). The magnitude of the association between heavier alcohol intake and hospitalization tended to be greater in smokers than non‐smokers. No associations were observed with hospitalization for trauma or neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions

Moderate alcohol consumption appears to have a modest but complex impact on global hospitalization burden. Heavier drinkers have a higher rate of hospitalization for all causes, including alcohol‐related diseases and cancer, a risk that appears to be further magnified by concurrent smoking.
Methods of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey, wave 1 (2016)
Authors: Thompson Mary E. , Fong Geoffrey T. , Boudreau Christian , Driezen Pete , Li Grace , Gravely Shannon , Cummings K. Michael , Heckman Bryan W. , O'Connor Richard , Thrasher James F. , Nahhas Georges , Borland Ron , Yong Hua‐Hie , McNeill Ann , Hitchman Sara C. , Quah Anne C. K.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To describe the methods of the 2016 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping (4CV) Survey, conducted in 2016 in Australia (AU), Canada (CA), England (EN) and the United States (US).

Methods

The respondents were cigarette smokers, former smokers (quit within the previous 2 years), and at‐least‐weekly vapers, aged 18 years and older. Eligible cohort members from the ITC Four Country Survey (4C) were retained. New respondents were sampled by commercial firms from their panels. Where possible, ages 18–24 and vapers were oversampled. Data were collected online, and respondents were remunerated. Survey weights were calibrated to benchmarks from nationally representative surveys.

Results

Response rates by country for new recruits once invited ranged from 15.2 to 49.6%. Sample sizes for smokers/former smokers were 1504 in AU, 3006 in CA, 3773 in EN and 2239 in the US. Sample sizes for additional vapers were 727 in CA, 551 in EN and 494 in the US.

Conclusion

The International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey design and data collection methods allow analyses to examine prospectively the use of cigarettes and nicotine vaping products in jurisdictions with different regulatory policies. The effects on the sampling designs and response quality of recruiting the respondents from commercial panels are mitigated by the use of demographic and geographic quotas in sampling; by quality control measures; and by the construction of survey weights taking into account smoking/vaping status, sex, age, education and geography.
The Australian Trauma Registry
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark C. , Curtis Kate , Cameron Peter A. , Ford Jane E. , Howard Teresa S. , Crozier John A. , Fitzgerald Ailene , Gruen Russell L. , Pollard Clifford ,   on behalf of the AusTQIP Consortium
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Injuries are a major cause of disability and lost productivity. The case for a national trauma registry has been recognized by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and at a policy level.

Background

The need was flagged in 1993 by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australasian Trauma Society. In 2003, the Centre of National Research and Disability funded the Australian and New Zealand National Trauma Registry Consortium, which produced three consecutive annual reports. The bi‐national trauma minimum dataset was also developed during this time. Operations were suspended thereafter.

Method

In response to sustained lobbying the Australian Trauma Quality Improvement Program including the Australian Trauma Registry (ATR) commenced in 2012, with data collection from 26 major trauma centres. An inaugural report was released in late 2014.

Result

The Federal Government provided funding in December 2016 enabling the work of the ATR to continue. Data are currently being collected for cases that meet inclusion criteria with dates of injury in the 2017–2018 financial year. Since implementation, the number of submitted records has been increased from fewer than 7000 per year to over 8000 as completeness has improved. Four reports have been released and are available to stakeholders.

Conclusion

The commitment shown by the College, other organizations and individuals to the vision of a national trauma registry has been consistent since 1993. The ATR is now well placed to improve the care of injured people.
Russia’s Pivot to Asia: Situational Interest or Strategic Necessity?
Authors: Bratersky Maxim
Published: December 2018

The pivot to the Asia‐Pacific region is Russia’s strategic response to existential challenges such as the threat of losing great power status, and the need to maintain territorial integrity and independence. This strategy should not be viewed as meant only to ameliorate the economic and demographic situation in the Russian Far East and Eastern Siberia. Instead, it should be interpreted as an opportunity for Russia to break out of the economic, security, and geographic traps she finds herself in within the Western‐dominated international order. The emerging Asia‐Pacific regional order may develop into a new international order that will be more competitive; it will not be dominated by a single power or ideology but will instead rest on multiple centers of power. This order will be more favorable to Russia than the unipolar Atlantic one, helping Russia utilize her comparative advantages in territory, resources, hard power, political organization, and ability to mobilize resources for strategic goals.