bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method for evaluation via benchmarking of the lean product development process
Authors: Dal Forno Ana Julia , Forcellini Fernando Antonio , Kipper Liane Mählmann , Pereira Fernando Augusto
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe benchmarking to evaluate the product development process (PDP) from a lean perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The work was conducted by means of case studies at large companies in Brazil that develop products, based on a gap in the literature involving a lack of indicators to diagnose how lean are PDPs considering the principles and practices of the lean approach.

Findings

– The results indicate in a quantitative manner that the 12 companies of the multiple case study are implementing the lean approach in their PDPs in an isolated or systematic manner through the categories – process, management, structure, people, product, client, supplier and waste.

Research limitations/implications

– The large companies in the case studies are located in different positions of the supply chain and the year that the company began introducing lean manufacturing was not considered, or the maturity of each firm.

Practical implications

– Based on the diagnosis, it was possible to propose a set of actions so that the PDP at each company can be structured in a lean manner, improving competitiveness.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of the study is a simple, useful and reproducible method that has a set of measurable indicators and graphic representation identifying the lean product development practices, as well as a structured guide to the implementation of improvements that allow companies from different sectors to be compared at a national level and also in the international market.
Construction disputes in small to medium enterprise’s in Ireland during recession
Authors: Treacy David , Spillane John P. , Tansey Paul
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the critical factors causing construction disputes in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland during the recent recession period from 2007 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-method approach incorporating a literature review, case studies and questionnaire survey, with results analysed using exploratory (data reduction) factor analysis.

Findings

The results indicate seven core critical factors which result in construction disputes in SMEs in Ireland during a recession: payment and extras; physical work conditions; poor financial/legal practise; changes to the agreed scope of works; time overrun; defects; and requests for increase in speed of project and long-term defects.

Research Limitations/implications

With Ireland emerging from the current economic recession and the prevalence of SMEs in the construction sector, it is essential to document the core critical factors of construction disputes which emerge within this particular segment of the built environment.

Practical Implications

To address the adversarial nature of the construction sector and the prevalence of SMEs, it is essential to identify and document the critical factors of construction disputes within this remit. It is envisaged that the results of this research will be acknowledged, and the recommendations adopted, by construction SMEs, particularly within Ireland, as they emerge from the economic recession.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a gap in knowledge with the emergence of the economic recession and the identification of critical factors of construction dispute within SMEs in the Irish construction industry.
The role of prior experience and goal orientation in individual absorptive capacity
Authors: Ojo Adedapo Oluwaseyi , Raman Murali
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– International joint ventures offer the appropriate platform for the host partners in an emerging economy to access the external knowledge embedded in the expatriate from foreign partners. However several factors could constrain the acquisition of this knowledge by the local employees who are engaged in the former. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying differences for the individual’s knowledge acquisition capability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Individual’s knowledge acquisition capability was conceptualized as the individual dimension of absorptive capacity (ACAP). Given the engagement of employees in joint project teams, the team members are expected to differ in their experience and disposition to task. Thus, these differences are considered as predictors of the local team members ACAP, i.e., abilities to: recognize the value of; and assimilate the external knowledge embedded in the foreign partners. The hypothesized model was validated through the results of structural equation modeling on a cross sectional survey of 248 local team members of joint projects in the Nigerian upstream oil industry.

Findings

– All the hypothesized relationships were supported, with the exception of that between prior experience and ability to recognize the value of knowledge.

Originality/value

– This study offers empirical clarification on the underlying differences for individual ACAP within the context of asymmetric joint project teams set up to facilitate knowledge transfer. The findings have implications for academic and practical understanding on the role of individuals in the acquisition of external knowledge.
Benefiting from external knowledge? A study of telecommunications industry cluster in Shenzhen, China
Authors: AI Chi-Han , Wu Hung-Che
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– External knowledge should not be limited in one zone or level. Researchers have paid more attention to the perspective of multilevel cluster networks. However, little research has empirically studied the various dimensions of external knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to study different levels of external knowledge, their relation with trade and non-trade interdependence and their relation with different kinds of innovations, namely, exploitation and exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted in this study. In terms of the quantitative research method, data were collected from 168 companies in the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Park of China using convenience sampling. As for the qualitative research method, a total of 35 interviews were carried out in this study.

Findings

– The quantitative results indicate that different levels of external knowledge in the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Park have different effects. First of all, the results indicate that cross-national connections have a positive influence on trade interdependence, which helps firms to produce exploration. Second, cross-regional connections have a positive influence on both trade and non-trade interdependence, which further help firms to create innovative exploitation and exploration. Third, inter-regional connections have a positive influence on non-trade interdependence, which helps firms to increase innovative exploitation. The qualitative result makes a plausible explanation for the quantitative results. The interview results indicate that as the telecommunications industry has so much to do with China’s national security, there are several initiatives of market protection strategies and political interventions, which help firms to form different levels of knowledge flow in Shenzhen.

Research limitations/implications

– There are several limitations of this study which primarily relate to the case study method. The results can be contextually generalized to the domestic-oriented cluster in developing countries.

Practical implications

– This study has several managerial implications. First, this research ensures that it is important to consider the multilevel nature of external knowledge before starting with the decision-making process of a firm in a cluster. Second, all levels of administrators and managers in a company should investigate what kinds of involvement and innovation are needed and most highly valued for organizational development. Third, the research framework of this study can be applied to understand which level of external knowledge influences organizational performance.

Originality/value

– This study is an initial attempt to provide an examination of external knowledge, organizational involvement and innovation performance of an industrial cluster via a mixed method.
Sales effort deployment in decentralized dual-channel distribution
Authors: Liu Chengli , Lee C.K.M. , Choy K.L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal sale effort deployment under dual-channel distribution which combines a traditional brick and mortar retail channel from the partner retailer and an online direct channel from the manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sales effort competition game is set up in the dual-channel distribution between the manufacturer and the retailer. Demand under sales efforts is determined based on the consumer valuation, consumer’s channel preference and sales efforts. Then, the optimal sales effort deployment is studied with a game theory approach which allow the retailer and the manufacturer to maximize their own profit.

Findings

– Consumer’s channel preference is a key parameter of the demand assignment in the dual-channel distribution. Interestingly, the optimal sales effort and the profit of the manufacturer and the retailer can be limited by the other’s efficiency of sales effort. The finding suggests that the manufacturer and the retailer should collaborate to enhance the efficiency of the sales effort. It also shows that the manufacturer can utilize the direct channel as an important marketing channel even though no profit is obtained through the direct channel.

Research limitations/implications

– This research provides a new method to model the sales effort in the dual-channel distribution. The optimal sales efforts based on the consumer behavior are determined. However, since this study assumes a consistent product price across channels, the results is not applicable for a retailer who can set their own price.

Practical implications

– It is a win-win situation for adoption of the dual-channel distribution although the manufacturer can benefit more. Additionally, direct channel can be used as an effective marketing channel.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to a better understanding of demands in dual-channel distribution under sales efforts. Additionally, the research results provide a useful framework of sales effort deployment under different consumers’ channel preferences in the dual-channel distribution.
Contribution of vanity to consumer apparel advertising perception
Authors: Wong Winifred , Malone Timothy
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– A recent marketing trend is sending short message service (SMS) apparel advertisements to capture young adult consumers’ attention. These targeted consumers are reluctant to view SMS advertisements due to perceived irrelevant advertising content. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumer vanity trait and perceived SMS apparel advertising values for 291 college-aged Generation Y consumers (aged between 18 and 24) from the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study opted for a quantitative, correlational design to investigate the relationships among vanity traits and perceived SMS apparel advertising values. An internet-based survey collected vanity trait attributes, perceived SMS apparel advertising values, and demographics from the participant. Correlation and multiple regression analyses tested the degree of association and measured the strength of predictive relationships among the said variables.

Findings

– Empirical findings of this study reveal a positive, predictive relationship between vanity traits and perceived SMS apparel advertising values. Symbols of success is the most dominant vanity trait for males and ethnic minorities.

Research limitations/implications

– Excluded from the present study was investigating the relationship between personality and consumer vanity trait. Personality evolves with the individual’s worldview and lived experience. It would be interesting to explore achievement-vanity through the consumers’ life story.

Practical implications

– Consumer adoption and abandonment of the latest fashion trends can occur quickly. The timing of an SMS apparel advertising campaign and advertising content relevancy are critical to initiate the targeted consumers’ interest.

Originality/value

– This paper sheds some lights on the contribution of psychological predispositions to apparel consumption-related situations for consumers.
Clothing consumption culture of a neo-tribe
Authors: Aung May , Sha Ou
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– A number of postmodern consumer scholars have their attention on the consumption behaviour of neo-tribes. Changing gender roles and households’ consumption practices have also shaped new sets of cultural manifestations for the clothing consumption milieu. The purpose of this paper is to explore the clothing consumption culture of a neo-tribe, gay professionals within the subculture of gay consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– An extended conceptual framework built upon Ajzen and Fishbein’s (1980) theory of “reasoned action” served as the conceptual guideline for this study. Specifically, the attitude-behaviour framework is proposed and employed to better understand the clothing consumption behaviour of a neo-tribe consisting of gay professionals. Personal in-depth interviews were conducted in a metropolitan city as well as two small towns in Canada.

Findings

– Stereotypical as well as non-stereotypical understandings are offered. The findings from this study portrayed the gay professions of this neo-tribe as rational and practical. Personal psychological factors, social factors and marketplace factors relevant to a neo-tribe of gay professionals are documented and deeper insights are presented.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings challenge the existing understanding of fashion manifestation for this consumers group. However, this study may be of limited scope. Future studies should further examine the clothing consumption cultural manifestations of other neo-tribes within the gay community.

Practical implications

– The interviewees consistently demonstrated their positive attitudes towards quality, stylish and conservative clothing. For marketers it is crucial to perceive the gay community as a non-homogeneous market segment. There is a need to understand different consumption practices within this community and to tailor marketing mix elements accordingly.

Originality/value

– This study has extended the understanding of the neo-tribes of gay consumers. In addition, this study offers the clothing consumption reality of a neo-tribe encompassing gay professionals. This study illuminates their rational and practical clothing consumption cultural manifestations and clothing consumption behaviour. These insights further enrich the general understandings that exist in the area of consumer research.
Role of personal cultural orientations in intercultural service encounters
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Wu Zhan , Su Yong
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address a long-standing gap in current research on intercultural service encounters, by exploring the direct and indirect roles of four personal cultural orientations (PCOs) [independence, interdependence (INT), risk aversion (RSK) and ambiguity intolerance (AMB)].

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design with customers in two countries (Australia and China) using scenarios to manipulate service outcome (failure or success) and photos of foreigners as customer or employee to prime perceived cultural distance (PCD).

Findings

Customers with higher (vs lower) independence perceive greater interaction comfort, service quality and satisfaction (SAT) and are affected to a lesser extent by PCD and service outcome, but those with higher (vs lower) RSK or AMB perceive lower interaction comfort, service quality and SAT and are affected more strongly by PCD and service outcome.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used an “experimental” design with “imaginary” service scenarios to collect data in “two” countries using “four” PCOs for greater control in this paper, but all of these choices may restrict the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Service managers need to look beyond visible cultural differences, such as ethnicity, nationality and language, and focus more on the invisible cultural differences in customs, values and norms, as reflected by the four PCOs in this paper.

Originality/value

The authors extend prior research on intercultural service encounters by exploring the moderating effects of PCOs on the influence of service outcome and PCD on interaction comfort, service quality and SAT.
Does relationship communication matter in B2C service relationships?
Authors: Balaji M.S. , Kumar Roy Sanjit , Kok Wei Khong
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Given the role of communication in relationship development and maintenance, the purpose of this study is to examine the multidimensional nature of relationship communication and examine its association with customers’ cognitive and affective states (consisting of trust, intimacy and image) and relationship commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of hypotheses is developed based on review of the literature. The hypotheses are tested empirically using partial least square path modelling on survey data collected from users of retail banking services.

Findings

Results show that relationship communication is a second-order construct consisting of the first-order factors of clarity, pleasantness, responsiveness and language. The findings suggest that service firm’s communications influence customers’ cognitive and affective states, which, in turn, affects customer’s commitment towards the firm.

Practical implications

The study provides useful insights to both researchers and practitioners on the role of relationship communication in relationship development and maintenance. Through investigation of the relationship communication dimensions, an optimum communication mix can be achieved to deliver messages in an effective way to the customers.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study lies in proposing and testing relationship communication as a higher-order construct and explicating its role in developing committed customers.
What does Life‐Cycle Assessment of agricultural products need for more meaningful inclusion of biodiversity?
Authors: Teillard Félix , Maia de Souza Danielle , Thoma Greg , Gerber Pierre J. , Finn John A.
Published: May 2016

Decision‐makers increasingly use life‐cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool to measure the environmental sustainability of products. LCA is of particular importance in globalized agricultural supply chains, which have environmental effects in multiple and spatially dispersed locations.

Incorporation of impacts on biodiversity that arise from agricultural production systems into environmental assessment methods is an emerging area of work in LCA, and current approaches have limitations, including the need for (i) improved assessment of impacts to biodiversity associated with agricultural production, (ii) inclusion of new biodiversity indicators (e.g. conservation value, functional diversity, ecosystem services) and (iii) inclusion of previously unaccounted modelling variables that go beyond land‐use impacts (e.g. climate change, water and soil quality).

Synthesis and applications. Ecological models and understanding can contribute to address the limitations of current life‐cycle assessment (LCA) methods in agricultural production systems and to make them more ecologically relevant. This will be necessary to ensure that biodiversity is not neglected in decision‐making that relies on LCA.
Potato virus Y (PVY) detection in a single aphid by one‐step RT‐PCR with boiling technique
Authors: Kim Juil , Cha Deok Jea , Kwon Min , Maharjan Rameswor
Published: May 2016

Potato virus Y (PVY) (Potyviridae: potyvirus) is a serious emerging virus affecting seed potato worldwide. It affects the seed potato by transmitting non‐persistently via aphids. Sometimes this virus induces symptomless infection and is hard to detect in potato. So, it requires a specific and quick diagnosis for efficient examination. Recently, a reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐based PVY detection method has been developed from plant as well as insect vectors. However, it is a complex and time consuming method. Here, we developed a simple PVY detection method that uses boiling for releasing the viral RNA from aphid stylets, and amplification by PVY‐specific primers located in the viral coat protein gene. The method is suitable for various strains. This simplified method could save time compared to earlier detection methods because of the simplified RNA extraction step. Following this procedure, we tested this one‐step RT‐PCR‐based PVY detection method by using three PVY vectoring aphid species (Myzus persicae, Aphis gossypii and Macrosiphum euphorbiae) as well as other sucking insects such as thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. The reliability of a newly developed primer set was suitable for RT‐PCR and procedures were successfully demonstrated for virus detection. This PVY detection method is rapid, easy to use and suitable for large‐scale testing in laboratories of seed potato, and could potentially be applied to virus‐free seed potato production.
BORIS: a free, versatile open‐source event‐logging software for video/audio coding and live observations
Authors: Friard Olivier , Gamba Marco
Published: May 2016

Quantitative aspects of the study of animal and human behaviour are increasingly relevant to test hypotheses and find empirical support for them. At the same time, photo and video cameras can store a large number of video recordings and are often used to monitor the subjects remotely. Researchers frequently face the need to code considerable quantities of video recordings with relatively flexible software, often constrained by species‐specific options or exact settings.

BORIS is a free, open‐source and multiplatform standalone program that allows a user‐specific coding environment to be set for a computer‐based review of previously recorded videos or live observations. Being open to user‐specific settings, the program allows a project‐based ethogram to be defined that can then be shared with collaborators, or can be imported or modified.

Projects created in BORIS can include a list of observations, and each observation may include one or two videos (e.g. simultaneous screening of visual stimuli and the subject being tested; recordings from different sides of an aquarium). Once the user has set an ethogram, including state or point events or both, coding can be performed using previously assigned keys on the computer keyboard. BORIS allows definition of an unlimited number of events (states/point events) and subjects.

Once the coding process is completed, the program can extract a time‐budget or single or grouped observations automatically and present an at‐a‐glance summary of the main behavioural features. The observation data and time‐budget analysis can be exported in many common formats (TSV, CSV, ODF, XLS, SQL and JSON). The observed events can be plotted and exported in various graphic formats (SVG, PNG, JPG, TIFF, EPS and PDF).
Cell saver processing mitigates the negative effects of wound blood on platelet function
Authors: Gäbel J. , Malm C. J. , Radulovic V. , Shams Hakimi C. , Westerberg M. , Jeppsson A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Wound blood is highly activated and has poor haemostatic properties. Recent data suggest that retransfusion of unwashed wound blood may impair haemostasis. We hypothesized that cell saver processing of wound blood before retransfusion reduces the negative effects.

Methods

Wound blood was collected from 16 cardiac surgery patients during cardiopulmonary bypass. One portion of the wound blood was processed in a cell saver and one portion left unprocessed. Increasing amounts of unprocessed blood (10% and 20% of the systemic blood volume) or corresponding volumes of processed blood were added ex vivo to whole blood samples from the same patient. Clot formation was assessed by modified thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and platelet function with impedance aggregometry (Multiplate®).

Results

Addition of unprocessed wound blood significantly impaired clot formation and platelet aggregability. Cell saver processing before addition did not influence clot formation but abolished completely the negative effects of wound blood on platelet aggregability tested with all agonists. Median adenosine diphosphate‐induced platelet aggregation was 51 (25th and 75th percentiles 42–69) when 20% processed cardiotomy suction blood was added vs. 34 (24–52) U when 20% unprocessed blood was added, P < 0.001. The corresponding figures for arachidonic acid‐, thrombin receptor activating peptide‐ and collagen‐induced aggregation was 21 (17–51) vs. 13 (10–25) U, 112 (87–128) vs. 78 (65–103) U and 58 (50–73) vs. 33 (28–44) U, respectively, all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results suggest that cell saver processing before retransfusion mitigates the negative effects of wound blood on platelet function despite that cell saver processing reduces platelet count.
Legal regulated markets have the potential to reduce population levels of harm associated with cannabis use
Authors: Lynskey Michael T. , Hindocha Chandni , Freeman Tom P.
Published: May 2016

Commentary to: Considering marijuana legalization carefully: insights for other jurisdictions from analysis for Vermont
Dermatology teaching in Australian Medical Schools
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Chong Alvin H , Scarff Catherine E , Huilgol Shyamala C
Published: May 2016

Background/Objectives

Although skin disease and skin cancers cause significant morbidity and mortality in Australia, limited time is dedicated to dermatology teaching in most medical courses. The aim of this study was to define the current state of dermatology teaching in Australian medical schools with a view to developing a national core curriculum for dermatology.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was circulated to the dermatology teaching leads and relevant medical program coordinators of the 18 medical schools in Australia.

Results

Replies were received from 17 medical schools. Dermatology was included as part of the core curriculum in 15 schools. Time set aside for dermatology teaching varied, as reflected by the number of lectures delivered (0–21, mean 5, median 3) and minimum clinics attended (0–10, mean 1.2, median 0). Only four medical schools had a compulsory clinical attachment in dermatology. Furthermore, satisfying requirements in dermatology was mentioned in the university examination regulations in only six schools. Certain core learning outcomes were addressed in most schools, including the structure and function of the skin, common conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and cutaneous malignancies. However, there were important omissions, ranging from common problems like dermatophyte infections and drug reactions to the recognition of dermatological emergencies.

Conclusions

These results are a compelling impetus to improve current standards of dermatology teaching, learning and assessment. The introduction of a national core curriculum would provide guidelines for dermatology teaching in medical schools, enabling the more effective utilisation of available time for key learning outcomes.
Reversing dobutamine‐induced tachycardia using ivabradine increases stroke volume with neutral effect on cardiac energetics in left ventricular post‐ischaemia dysfunction
Authors: Bakkehaug J. P. , Næsheim T. , Torgersen Engstad E. , Kildal A. B. , Myrmel T. , How O.‐J.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Compensatory tachycardia can potentially be deleterious in acute heart failure. In this study, we tested a therapeutic strategy of combined inotropic support (dobutamine) and selective heart rate (HR) reduction through administration of ivabradine.

Methods

In an open‐chest pig model (n = 12) with left ventricular (LV) post‐ischaemia dysfunction, cardiac function was assessed by LV pressure catheter and sonometric crystals. Coronary flow and blood samples from the coronary sinus were used to measure myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). LV energetics was assessed by comparing MVO2 with cardiac work at a wide range of workloads.

Results

In the post‐ischaemia heart, dobutamine (5 μg kg−1 min−1) increased cardiac output (CO) by increasing HR from 102 ± 21 to 131 ± 16 bpm (beats per min; P < 0.05). Adding ivabradine (0.5 mg kg−1) slowed HR back to 100 ± 9 bpm and increased stroke volume from 30 ± 5 to 36 ± 5 mL (P < 0.05) by prolonging diastolic filling time and increasing end‐diastolic dimensions. Adding ivabradine had no adverse effects on CO, mean arterial pressure and cardiac efficiency. Similar findings on efficiency and LV function were also seen using an ex vivo working mouse heart protocol.

Conclusions

A combined infusion of dobutamine and ivabradine had a neutral effect on post‐ischaemia LV efficiency and increased left ventricular output without an increase in HR.
Systematic review: psychological morbidity in young people with inflammatory bowel disease – risk factors and impacts
Authors: Brooks A. J. , Rowse G. , Ryder A. , Peach E. J. , Corfe B. M. , Lobo A. J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Psychological morbidity in young people aged 10–24 years, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increased, but risk factors for and impacts of this are unclear.

Aim

To undertake a systematic literature review of the risk factors for and impact of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD.

Methods

Electronic searches for English‐language articles were performed with keywords relating to psychological morbidity according to DSM‐IV and subsequent criteria; young people; and IBD in the MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and CINAHL databases for studies published from 1994 to September 2014.

Results

One thousand four hundred and forty‐four studies were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The majority measured depression and anxiety symptoms, with a small proportion examining externalising behaviours. Identifiable risk factors for psychological morbidity included: increased disease severity (r2 = 0.152, P < 0.001), lower socioeconomic status (r2 = 0.046, P < 0.001), corticosteroids (P ≤ 0.001), parental stress (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and older age at diagnosis (r = 0.28, P = 0.0006). Impacts of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD were wide‐ranging and included abdominal pain (r = 0.33; P < 0.001), sleep dysfunction (P < 0.05), psychotropic drug use (HR 4.16, 95% CI 2.76–6.27), non‐adherence to medication (12.6% reduction) and negative illness perceptions (r = −0.43).

Conclusions

Psychological morbidity affects young people with IBD in a range of ways, highlighting the need for psychological interventions to improve outcomes. Identified risk factors provide an opportunity to develop targeted therapies for a vulnerable group. Further research is required to examine groups under‐represented in this review, such as those with severe IBD and those from ethnic minorities.
The impact of social cognitive and personality factors on teachers' reported inclusive behaviour
Authors: Wilson Claire , Woolfson Lisa Marks , Durkin Kevin , Elliott Mark A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Inclusive education of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) is intended to maximize their educational experience within the mainstream school setting. While policy mandates inclusion, it is classroom teachers' behaviours that determine its success.

Aims

This study provided a novel application of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in this setting. It examined the effect of TPB variables and personality on reported inclusive teaching behaviours for learners with ID.

Sample

The sample comprised 145 primary school teachers (85% female) from mainstream schools across Scotland.

Method

Participants completed a TPB questionnaire assessing attitudes (instrumental and affective), subjective norms (injunctive and descriptive norms), perceptions of control (self‐efficacy and controllability), and behavioural intentions towards using inclusive strategies. The Big Five Personality Index, measuring extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism, and agreeableness, was also completed. Teaching practices were reported 2 weeks later.

Results

Instrumental attitudes, descriptive norm, self‐efficacy, and neuroticism predicted teachers’ intentions to use inclusive strategies. Further, conscientiousness had indirect effects on intentions through TPB variables. These intentions, however, did not predict reported behaviour expected by TPB. Instead, self‐efficacy was the only significant predictor of reported behaviour.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the application of TPB to an educational setting and contributes to the understanding of teachers' reported use of inclusive strategies for children with ID.
DOES BEHAVIOUR‐BASED PRICE DISCRIMINATION FOSTER FIRMS’ DIFFERENTIATION?
Authors: Colombo Stefano
Published: May 2016

We study the impact of behaviour‐based price discrimination on the incentive of the firms to differentiate their products. We consider both ‘standard’ and ‘extreme’ behaviour‐based price discrimination: the latter always reduces the incentive to differentiate with respect to uniform pricing, while the former fosters differentiation if the consumers are sufficiently forward‐looking and/or the firms are sufficiently myopic.
Increases in anaphylaxis fatalities in Australia from 1997 to 2013
Authors: Mullins R. J. , Wainstein B. K. , Barnes E. H. , Liew W. K. , Campbell D. E.
Published: May 2016

Background

Recent epidemiological studies indicate increases in Australian, UK and US hospital anaphylaxis admission rates.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether Australian anaphylaxis fatalities are increasing in parallel and to examine the characteristics of fatalities recorded in the National Coronial Information System (NCIS).

Methods

Time trends in Australian anaphylaxis fatalities were examined using data derived from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1997–2013 and the NCIS 2000–2013, the latter providing additional information to verify cause and identify risk factors.

Results

The ABS recorded 324 anaphylaxis fatalities by cause: unspecified (n = 205); medication (n = 52); insect stings/tick bites (n = 41); food (n = 23); and blood products (n = 3). From 1997 to 2013, all‐cause fatal anaphylaxis rates increased by 6.2%/year (95% CI: 3.8–8.6%, P < 0.0001) or from 0.054% to 0.099/105 population. Fatal food anaphylaxis increased by 9.7%/year (95% CI: 0.25–20%, P = 0.04) and unspecified anaphylaxis deaths by 7.8% (95% CI: 4.6–11.0, P < 0.0001). There was an insignificant change in medication‐related fatalities (5.6% increase/year; 95% CI: 0.3% decrease to 11.8% increase, P = 0.06), and sting/bite fatalities remained unchanged. Hospital anaphylaxis admission rates for all‐cause, food, unspecified and medication anaphylaxis increased at rates of 8%, 10%, 4.4% and 6.8%/year, respectively. A total of 147 verified NCIS deaths were examined in detail: medication‐ and sting/bite‐related fatalities occurred predominantly in older individuals with multiple comorbidities. Upright posture after anaphylaxis was associated with risk of sudden death (all causes). Seafood (not nuts) was the most common trigger for food‐related anaphylaxis deaths.

Conclusions

Australian anaphylaxis fatality rates (most causes) have increased over the last 16 years, contrasting with UK‐ and US‐based studies that describe overall lower and static overall anaphylaxis fatality rates (0.047–0.069/105 population).
Evidence for central hypercortisolism and elevated blood pressure in adolescent offspring of mothers with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Henley David , Brown Suzanne , Pennell Craig , Lye Stephen , Torpy David J.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Maternal total and free cortisol concentrations are reduced in pre‐eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH). However, the effect of this on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in the offspring is unknown. We examined the basal HPA axis activity in adolescent offspring of mothers with pre‐pregnancy hypertension/GH/PE.

Design and subjects

A total of 1182 participants (mean age 17·1 years) recruited from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study provided fasting morning blood samples for basal HPA axis and concomitant clinical assessments, including blood pressure.

Measurements

Plasma ACTH, total cortisol, corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) and free cortisol calculated by Coolens' equation were measured from the blood samples collected at home before 10:00 am.

Results

Total plasma cortisol (689 ± 153 nmol/l vs 583 ± 172 nmol/l, P = 0·024), ACTH (15·5 ± 13 pmol/l vs 10·8 ± 5·1 pmol/l, P = 0·040) and calculated free cortisol (52 ± 21 nmol/l vs 42 ± 22 nmol/l, P = 0·052) were higher in the PE offspring than in controls. The pre‐pregnancy hypertension group had evidence of a lower ACTH/plasma free cortisol ratio (0·22 vs 0·33 P = 0·020) and lower CBG (713 nmol/l vs 821 nmol/l, P = 0·004) compared with controls. Systolic blood pressure was elevated in the GH/PE group compared with controls (120 mmHg vs 116 mmHg, P = 0·006).

Conclusions

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity is increased in the adolescent offspring of mothers with pre‐eclampsia. This may be an adaptation resulting from the reduced maternal cortisol during foetal life. The resulting mild hypercortisolism may have implications for long‐term health outcomes and warrants further investigation.
Accuracy of Schneiderian membrane thickness: a cone‐beam computed tomography analysis with histological validation
Authors: Insua Angel , Monje Alberto , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Zimmo Nouf , Shaikh Lujain , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used in the literature to evaluate Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT), but its accuracy has never been validated. The primary aim of this study was to compare the SMT measured by CBCT to the gold standard histological assessment. The correlations between SMT and anatomical structures of the maxillary sinus and alveolar bone were also tested.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen fresh cadaver heads were used for the study, and 28 sinus lift augmentation procedures were performed to obtain the membrane samples. Samples were fixed in formalin and stained with hematoxylin–eosine and Masson trichrome. Specimens were measured by optic microscope at three points, and a mean was obtained. Anatomical landmarks were used to accurately position the CBCT slice, so the SMT could be measured in predetermined locations. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare values of histological and CBCT measurements, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to examine the relationship between thickness and anatomical parameters.

Results

A total of 597 histological measurements were performed, and the mean SMT thickness was 0.30 ± 0.17 mm. The mean CBCT membrane thickness was 0.79 ± 0.52 mm. A statistically significant difference from histological and radiological readings was observed (P = 0.000). Interestingly, 87.77% histological measurements had membrane less than 0.5 mm in thickness compared to 26.66% in CBCT assessment.

Conclusions

Within the limitation of this study, the median histological Schneiderian membrane thickness was 0.30 mm. Cone‐beam computed tomography assessment was 2.6 times higher than the histological examination.
Comparison of GIS‐Based Logic Scoring of Preference and Multicriteria Evaluation Methods: Urban Land Use Suitability
Authors: Montgomery Bryn , Dragićević Suzana
Published: May 2016

Multi‐criteria evaluation (MCE) methods are useful tools to evaluate the land suitability for various uses and assist in the effective management of available land. Many common GIS‐based MCE methods, such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP), ordered weighted averaging (OWA), and a combination of AHP and OWA methods (AHP–OWA) are not able to fully represent all the logic that constitute a wide range of human decision‐making reasoning. Consequently, improved GIS‐based MCE methods such as Logic Scoring of Preference (LSP) method are needed. The main objectives of this study are to: (1) implement the GIS‐based LSP method for land suitability evaluation and (2) compare qualitatively and quantitatively the suitability maps generated by LSP and three GIS‐based MCE methods. This study was implemented with data sets from Boulder County, Colorado, USA for the case study of the urban land suitability evaluation. The qualitative properties of MCE methods and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) statistics were used as comparison metrics. The results indicate that soft computing methods and particularly LSP performed the best among GIS‐based MCE methods for the urban land use application.
Reduction in the numbers of drugs administered to elderly in‐patients with polypharmacy by a multidisciplinary review of medication using electronic medical records
Authors: Hayashi Yuichi , Godai Ayumi , Yamada Megumi , Yoshikura Nobuaki , Harada Naoko , Koumura Akihiro , Kimura Akio , Okayasu Shinji , Matsuno Yasuko , Kinosada Yasutomi , Itoh Yoshinori , Inuzuka Takashi
Published: May 2016

Aim

Polypharmacy is a major problem for elderly patients in developed countries. We investigated whether a multidisciplinary medication review using electronic medical records could reduce the number of drugs administered to elderly patients receiving polypharmacy.

Methods

The present study included 432 elderly patients (188 women, 244 men; 267 patients aged 65–74 years and 165 patients aged ≥75 years) who were admitted to and discharged from the Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Gifu University Hospital, between 2004 and 2011; those who died at the hospital were excluded. The names, categories, and numbers of orally administered drugs at admission and discharge were examined retrospectively using electronic medical records. The histories of continuous oral immunotherapy use at the hospital, falls during the 2 years before hospital admission and the presence of fall risk factors were also evaluated. P‐values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

On average 1.14 ± 3.07 fewer types of drugs were given to patients at discharge than at admission in patients receiving polypharmacy (P < 0.001). However, the number of drugs given to patients undergoing continuous oral immunotherapy increased by 1.67 ± 3.47 (P < 0.001). The number of drugs was reduced in 33.1% of fallers, and 36.3% of non‐fallers. In both fallers and non‐fallers, there was a reduction in drug categories associated with falls.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary medication review using electronic medical records could significantly reduce the numbers of drugs taken by elderly inpatients receiving polypharmacy, including drugs associated with falls, in both fallers and non‐fallers Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 653–658.
Preparation of alpha‐bisabolol and phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 hybrid composites for potential applications in cosmetics
Authors: Leong H. J. , Jang I. , Hyun K.‐S. , Jung S.‐K. , Hong G.‐H. , Jeong H.‐A. , Oh S.‐G.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Bifunctional alpha‐bisabolol and phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 hybrids were prepared to apply in cosmetic fields, particularly in anti‐ageing and hyperpigmentation treatment. The synergistic effect of combined antioxidant and UV filtering properties was achieved through functionalization of TiO2 particles with skin‐lightening materials such as alpha‐bisabolol and phenylethyl resorcinol.

Methods

TiO2 microspheres with a diameter of about 1 μm were synthesized through surfactant‐assisted sol–gel method for use as supporting materials in the formation of hybrid composites. Carboxylation treatment was performed for surface modification of the TiO2 surface with carboxyl groups as chemical binders. Esterification reaction between carboxyl groups of carboxylated TiO2 and hydroxyl groups of alpha‐bisabolol or phenylethyl resorcinol was performed. The hybrids were characterized using various techniques such as FE‐SEM, DLS, EDS, ATR‐FTIR, XPS and TGA. For application of prepared TiO2 composites in the field of cosmetics, the anti‐radicular antioxidant abilities were evaluated using ABTS and DPPH colorimetric antioxidant assay.

Results

Organic/inorganic hybrid composites were successfully formed using esterification reaction between the carboxyl groups at TiO2 surface and the hydroxyl groups of the skin‐lightening materials. The results demonstrate that both functionalized microspheres show scavenging ability towards the ABTS• and DPPH• radicals. Specifically, the phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 composites exhibited the highest antioxidant ability among the prepared samples owing to the presence of phenolic groups to scavenge free radicals.

Conclusion

Using this strategy, it could be possible to prepare not only inorganic UV filter but also hybrid organic/inorganic materials with multifunctions and advantages which would be in a great demand for cosmetic applications.
Creation of Titanium and Zirconium Carbide Fibers with the Forcespinning Technique
Authors: Firbas Paul , Seeber Aaron , Cheng Yi‐Bing
Published: May 2016

The forcespinning (FS) technique is used here to produce titanium dioxide and carbon composite fibers, as well as zirconium dioxide and carbon composite fibers. Subsequent carbothermal reduction of these fibers facilitated the creation of titanium carbide and zirconium carbide fibers respectably. The role of FS parameters such as the revolutions per minute (RPM) and the collector distance employed is examined. Sol‐gel chemistry is used to produce the solutions for the initial FS, and the control of sol‐gel chemistry and its effect on the end fiber products is also investigated. The effect of these variables is examined using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results confirm that titanium and zirconium carbide fibers can be produced using the sol‐gel and FS techniques.
Chitosan‐Tethered Iron Oxide Composites as an Antisintering Porous Structure for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Nguyen Thuy‐An , Kim Il Tae , Lee Sang‐Wha
Published: May 2016

Chitosan‐linked Fe3O4 (CL‐Fe3O4) is facilely prepared by electrostatic interactions between citrate‐capped Fe3O4 (C‐Fe3O4) (with negatively charged carboxylate groups) and chitosan oligosaccharide lactate (with positively charged amine groups), and utilized as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries. Inert‐atmosphere calcination of CL‐Fe3O4 at 400°C leads to the formation of chitosan‐tethered iron oxide composites (Fe2O3@chitosan) with an antisintering porous structure. As the calcination temperature changes from 400°C to 700°C, the size of primary particles increases from ca. 40 nm to ca. 100 nm, and the surface area decreases from 57.8 m2/g to 10.9 m2/g. The iron oxide composites exhibit a high discharge capacity and good rate performance. At a current density of 0.1 C after 50 cycles, Fe2O3@chitosan (400°C) exhibits a higher retention capacity of 732 mAh/g than those (544 and 634 mAh/g) of chitosan‐free Fe2O3 and Fe2O3@chitosan (700°C), respectively. The high performance of Fe2O3@chitosan (400°C) is attributed to the antisintering porous structure with high surface area that is beneficial for facilitating ion transport, demonstrating a useful chemical strategy for the direct formation of porous electrode materials at low calcination temperature.