bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and tribological properties of PI oil-bearing material with controllable pore size
Authors: Jia Zhining , Yan Yanhong , Wang Weizheng
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The content of pore-foaming agent directly affects pore characteristics and oil-absorption properties of polyimide (PI) porous materials, which further influence the tribological performance of PI pore material. This research paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal vacuum molding technology was adopted to prepare PI porous material with different structures by changing the content of the pore-forming agent to control pore size and porosity of the PI material. PI oil-bearing materials were obtained by vacuum oil immersion. The tribological experiments of PI oil-bearing materials were conducted on the CETR friction and wear testing machine.

Findings

The study results showed that PI porous material with a specific structure can be obtained by controlling the content of a pore-forming agent. In a certain range, with the increase in the content of the pore-forming agent, the average pore size and porosity increased, also the oil content increased, which means that the friction coefficient and wear rate decreased to a very large extent, and antifriction and wear resistant properties of the PI porous materials greatly improved. When the content of the pore-forming agent exceeds 8 per cent, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the PI porous materials began to increase.

Originality/value

Because the complexity of the tribological system consists of lubricating oil, porous material and friction pair, the physical understanding of the mechanism of this process remains limited. Therefore, the present research was undertaken to identify the phenomena involved, which will provide practical guidance for the tribological application in the field of bearing parts.
Comparative analysis of tribological behavior of plasma- and high-velocity oxygen fuel-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings
Authors: Cui Shiyu , Miao Qiang , Liang Wenping , Xu Yi , Li Baiqiang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prepare WC-10Co-4Cr coatings using two processes of plasma spraying and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. The decarburization behaviors of the different processes are analyzed individually. The microstructural characteristics of the as-sprayed coatings are presented and the wear mechanisms of the different WC–10Co–4Cr coatings are discussed in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The WC–10Co–4Cr coatings were formed on the surface of Q235 steel by plasma and HVOF spraying.

Findings

Plasma spraying causes more decarburizing decomposition of the WC phase than HVOF spraying. In the plasma spraying process, η(Cr25Co25W8C2) phase appears and the C content decreases from the top surface of the coating to the substrate.

Practical implications

In this study, two WC–10Co–4Cr coatings on Q235 steel prepared by plasma and HVOF spraying were compared with respect to the sliding wear behavior.

Originality/value

The wear mechanisms of the plasma- and HVOF-sprayed coatings were abrasive and oxidation, respectively.
Experimental studies on magnetorheological brake containing plane, holed and slotted discs
Authors: Sarkar Chiranjit , Hirani Harish
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to design an ideal magnetorheological (MR) brake that exerts negligible frictional torque in the off-state condition and controllable frictional torque in the on-state condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Silicone-based MR fluid, containing 9 per cent volume carbonyl iron particles, has been synthesized and used. The synthesized MR fluid is advantageous in maintaining low friction losses in off-state conditions. A magneto-rheometer has been utilized to characterize the off-state viscosity of the MR fluid at variable shear rates and shear stress of MR fluids at various magnetic fields. A mechanism to enhance the braking torque in the on-state condition has been designed and developed. An experimental test rig has been developed to capture the torque characteristics of the developed MR brakes. Three different designs of MR discs have been experimented under a magnetic field varying from 0 to 375 kA/m. Experimental results of braking torque under shear and compression modes have been presented.

Findings

Slotted disc MR brake gives much better torque performance.

Originality/value

The braking torque results motivate to use the slotted disc MR brake for high torque application.
Sliding wear behaviour of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites produced by powder metallurgy technique
Authors: Siddhi Jailani H. , Rajadurai A. , Mohan B. , Sornakumar T.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are commonly used in many aerospace and industrial applications. MMCs possess significantly improved properties including high specific strength, specific modulus, damping capacity and good wear resistance compared to unreinforced alloys. The purpose of this paper is to describe the tribological studies of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites manufactured using powder metallurgy technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Al-Si (12 Wt.%) alloy–fly ash composites were developed using powder metallurgy technique. Al-Si alloy powder was used as matrix material, and the fly ash was used as reinforcement. The particle size of Al-Si alloy powder was in the range of 75-300 μm, and the fly ash was in the range of 1-15 μm. The friction and wear characteristics of the composites were studied using a pin-on-disc set up. The test specimen was mated against cast iron disc, and the tests were conducted with the loads of 10, 20 and 30 N, sliding speeds of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 m/s for a sliding distance of 2,000 m.

Findings

The effects of load and sliding speed on tribological properties of the base alloy and Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites pins on sliding with cast iron disc are evaluated. The wear rate of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites is lower than that of base alloy, and it increases with increasing load and sliding speed. The coefficient of friction of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites is increased as compared with base alloy.

Practical implications

The development of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites produced by powder metallurgy technique will modernize the automobile and other industries because near net shape at low cost and good mechanical properties are obtained.

Originality/value

There are few papers available on the development and tribological studies of Al-Si alloy–fly ash composites produced by powder metallurgy technique.
Start-ups initiating business relationships: process and asymmetry
Authors: Aaboen Lise , Aarikka-Stenroos Leena
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of how start-ups initiate business relationships and to identify the subprocesses that characterise business-relationship initiations in a start-up context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on business-relationship initiation models, develops a theoretical framework of relationship initiation and its subprocesses and, in a multiple-case study, applies this framework to seven relationship initiations by start-ups.

Findings

The key findings of this study describe the process of business-relationship initiation by start-ups, which comprise six subprocesses. The authors’ detailed and structured initiation-process analyses show how the initiation process occurs in a start-up context and how start-ups develop their relationships. The authors’ analyses also reveal typical patterns and critical issues, such as asymmetry, that characterise start-ups’ business-relationship initiations, particularly with bigger players.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops a model of the relationship-initiation process, uses it in a start-up context and identifies the critical characteristics, including asymmetry, of start-up initiations; these contributions address both the literature on start-ups and the literature on relationship initiation and development.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to focus on how start-ups initiate business relationships; previous studies of business-relationship initiation have focussed on mature firms. Using the industrial marketing and purchasing approach, the paper contributes to shifting the focus from interactions between resource entities to relationship-initiation processes in the context of start-ups.
Coping with friction during technology commercialisation
Authors: Mattila Malla
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to move forward the understanding of sociomaterial and processual aspects of innovation by describing and analysing actors’ disalignment processes regarding what resources to provide and strategies for resolution of disalignments during technology commercialisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a longitudinal qualitative empirical case study depicting the commercialisation journey of a radical invention, intelligent paper, between the years of 1997 and 2009. The invention concerns cost-effective, high-volume and roll-to-roll production of printable optics and electronics enabling novel, intelligent functionalities on printed matter.

Findings

The study identifies three technology commercialisation phases which involve both destructive and constructive situations of disalignment, namely, actors’ multiplexity, punctualised actor roles and “not-programmatic” behaviours. Several strategies are utilised to resolve these, including seduction, pressuring, the introduction of new critical actors, organisational restructurings, selective silencing, career development opportunities, and joint technology development and commercialisation work.

Research limitations/implications

The chosen methodology excludes investigating actors’ micro-processes during technology commercialisation and the generalisability of the findings.

Originality/value

The study develops the understanding of the changing, multiplex and negotiated actors’ roles as well as their disalignment regarding what resources to provide during technology commercialisation. It complements perspectives of friction in innovation making and challenges the established industrial marketing and purchasing research of stable industrial networks by presenting a case in which a radical invention results in a new business network.
Non-singular terminal sliding mode control design for wheeled mobile manipulator
Authors: Habibnejad Korayem Moharam , Shiri Reza , Rafee Nekoo Saeed , Fazilati Zohair
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an indirect design for sliding surface as a function of position and velocity of each joint (for mounted manipulator on base) and center of mass of mobile base which includes rotation of wheels. The aim is to control the mobile base and its mounted arms using a unified sliding surface.

Design/methodology/approach

A new implementation of sliding mode control has been proposed for wheeled mobile manipulators, regulation and tracking cases. In the conventional sliding mode design, the position and velocity of each coordinate are often considered as the states in the sliding surface, and consequently, the input control is found based on them. A mobile robot consisted of non-holonomic constraints, makes the definition of the sliding surface more complex and it cannot simply include the coordinates of the system.

Findings

Formulism of both sliding mode control and non-singular terminal sliding mode control were presented and implemented on Scout robot. The simulations were validated with experimental studies, which led to satisfactory analysis. The non-singular terminal sliding mode control actually had a better performance, as it was illustrated that at time 10 s, the error for that was only 8.4 mm, where the error for conventional sliding mode control was 11.2 mm.

Originality/value

This work proposes sliding mode and non-singular terminal sliding mode control structure for wheeled mobile robot with a sliding surface including state variables: center of mass of base, wheels’ rotation and arm coordinates.
Energy-efficiency hexapod walking robot for humanitarian demining
Authors: Montes Hector , Mena Lisbeth , Fernández Roemi , Armada Manuel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to introduce a hexapod walking robot specifically designed for applications in humanitarian demining, intended to operate autonomously for several hours. To this end, the paper presents an experimental study for the evaluation of its energy efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the interest of using a walking robot for detection and localization of anti-personnel landmines is described, followed by the description of the mechanical system and the control architecture of the hexapod robot. Second, the energy efficiency of the hexapod robot is assessed to demonstrate its autonomy for performing humanitarian demining tasks. To achieve this, the power consumed by the robot is measured and logged, with a number of different payloads placed on-board (always including the scanning manipulator arm assembled on the robot front end), during the execution of a discontinuous gait on flat terrain.

Findings

The hexapod walking robot has demonstrated low energy consumption when it is carrying out several locomotion cycles with different loads on it, which is fundamental to have a desired autonomy. It should be considered that the robot has a mass of about 250 kg and that it has been loaded with additional masses of up to 170 kg during the experiments, with a consumption of mean power of 72 W, approximately.

Originality/value

This work provides insight on the use of a walking robot for humanitarian demining tasks, which has high stability and an autonomy of about 3 hours for a robot with high mass and high payload. In addition, the robot can be supervised and controlled remotely, which is an added value when it is working in the field.
Application research on AGV case: automated electricity meter verification shop floor
Authors: Tu Jia Chen , Qian Xiao Ming , Lou Pei Huang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to propose general design rules and route plan for automated guided vehicle system (AGVS). The AGVS is applied to automated meter verification areas through a case study of meter verification shop floor to verify the feasibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an appropriate route design for AGVS and proposes an optimized strategy for designed routes and a control system to manage traffic conflict.

Findings

This case study indicates that the application of AGVS can highly improve the efficiency of manufacturing and production. Besides, a reasonable transportation plan is beneficial in making the system run smoothly and in cutting conveying time.

Practical implications

The application of AGVS integrates a variety of advanced technologies (i.e. information technology, artificial intelligence, etc.) into the electricity meter verification system, which brings great economic and social benefits via enhancing the verification efficiency and reducing the total labor costs.

Originality/value

The application proposed in the paper solves the problem that the verification almost relies on workers, labor intensity is high and work efficiency is hard to improve. Furthermore, the general rules and strategies of AGVS transportation can be applied not only to the automated electricity meter verification but also in other industrial areas.
Development of a Voronoi diagram based tree trunk detection system for mobile robots used in agricultural applications
Authors: Bayar Gokhan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for detecting tree trunks for autonomous agricultural applications performed using mobile robots.

Design/methodology/approach

The system is constructed by following the principles of Voronoi diagram method which is one of the machine learning algorithms used by the robotics, mechatronics and automation researchers.

Findings

To analyze the accuracy and performance and to make verification and evaluation, both simulation and experimental studies are conducted. The results indicate that the tree trunk detection system developed using Voronoi diagram method can be able to detect tree trunks with high precision.

Originality/value

A novel solution technique to detect tree trunks is proposed. The adaptation of Voronoi diagram method in an agricultural (orchard) task is presented.
Research on a mobile manipulator for biochemical sampling tasks
Authors: Wang Weidong , Gao Wenrui , Wu DongMei , Du Zhijiang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present a tracked robot comprised of several biochemical sampling instruments and a universal control architecture. In addition, a dynamic motion planning strategy and autonomous modules in sampling tasks are designed and illustrated at length.

Design/methodology/approach

Several sampling instruments with position tolerance and sealing property are specifically developed, and a robotic operation system (ROS)-based universal control architecture is established. Then, based on the system, two typical problems in sampling tasks, i.e. arm motion planning in unknown environment and autonomous modules, are discussed, implemented and tested. Inspired by the idea of Gaussian process classification (GPC) and Gaussian process (GP) information entropy, three-dimensional (3D) geometric modeling and arm obstacle avoidance strategy are implemented and proven successfully. Moreover, autonomous modules during sampling process are discussed and realized.

Findings

Smooth implementations of the two experiments justify the validity and extensibility of the robot control scheme. Furthermore, the former experiment proves the efficiency of arm obstacle avoidance strategy, while the later one demonstrates the time reduction and accuracy improvement in sampling tasks as the autonomous actions.

Practical implications

The proposed control architecture can be applied to more mobile and industrial robots for its feasible and extensible scheme, and the utility function in arm path planning strategy can also be utilized for other information-driven exploration tasks.

Originality/value

Several specific biochemical sampling instruments are presented in detail, while ROS and Moveit! are integrated into the system scheme, making the robot extensible, achievable and real-time. Based on the control scheme, an information-driven path planning algorithm and automation in sampling tasks are conceived and implemented.
Dual manipulator system of the field hot-line working robot in 110-kV substations
Authors: Tang Mingdong , Gu Youlin , Zhang Yunjian , Wang Shigang
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a dual manipulator system for aloft hot-line assembly tasks of connection fittings in 110-kv intelligent substation, which is significant to the research on hot-line working robots.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses the challenges of the task and presents a dual manipulator system which can overcome these challenges to realize the robotic assembly of connection fittings in narrow space without impacting the safe distance of both phase to phase and phase to ground. Two manipulators share a same global reference coordinate. The mission of Manipulator 1 is to position the fixed part of connection fittings and screw the bolts on it. Visual computing provides the approximately position for the end-effector of Manipulator 2, after which The Manipulator 2 carries the removable part of connection fittings to this position. Then, the assembly task could be completed with the posture of the Manipulator 2 adjusted following the guidance by force-position control.

Findings

The dual manipulator system can position the target under different illumination conditions and complete fast assembly of connect fittings in 110-kV substation. No strong arc discharge or surface erosion phenomenon has been observed.

Practical implications

This dual manipulator system will be particularly useful for the hot-line assembly of connection fittings in 110-kv intelligent substation, as well as some assembly tasks where uncertain target position and complex contact surface such as cylindrical hole is involved.

Originality/value

This study presents a dual manipulator system used by a field robot working in 110-kv intelligent substation. The system is able to achieve the connection fittings assembly task under energized simulation experimental system. Unlike other peg-in-hole assembly strategy, it does not require high stability of manipulator or plane contact surface around the hole.
Nexus of knowledge-management enablers, trust and knowledge-sharing in research universities
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Yasir Muhammad
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the knowledge sharing behavior of faculty members of research universities in emerging economies after considering the predicting role of knowledge management enablers and mediating role of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through self-administered survey of faculty members of research universities in Pakistan. Correlation, causal steps approach and the normal test theory approach were used to find out the role of trust among knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing.

Findings

The results showed that trust of faculty members at research universities was developed through knowledge management enablers which promote knowledge sharing. Therefore, the association between knowledge management enablers, trust and knowledge sharing is positive.

Research limitations/implications

The current study investigates the relationships of knowledge management enablers on knowledge sharing; future studies should be conducted as an extension of this work to find out the outcomes of this relationship such as performance of faculty members as well as effectiveness and competitive advantages of knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

Mediating role of trust on knowledge enablers and knowledge sharing provided that university administration and policy makers should create culture which support trust worthy relationships among faculty members where knowledge sharing could flourish.

Originality/value

The study confirmed the mediating effect of trust between the relationships of knowledge self-efficacy, reciprocal benefit, face to face interactive communication and knowledge sharing, while there is a partial mediating role of trust between knowledge management system infrastructure and knowledge sharing.
Intergenerational contact and hiring decisions about older workers
Authors: Fasbender Ulrike , Wang Mo
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Although many older workers wish to work longer, they may not be hired due to negative attitudes against them. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of intergenerational contact in shaping hiring decisions. Drawing from the intergroup contact theory, the authors investigated affective and cognitive categorization reactions as predictors of decision-makers’ willingness to hire older people and whether these relationships are moderated by intergenerational contact frequency and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypotheses using data from 232 employees with hiring power.

Findings

Results indicate that intergroup anxiety was negatively related to decision-makers’ willingness to hire older people. Further, intergenerational contact frequency exacerbated the relationship between intergroup anxiety and willingness to hire older people; whereas intergenerational contact quality buffered the negative relationship. In addition, the authors found that intergenerational contact quality facilitated the positive relationship between perceived outgroup competence and willingness to hire older people.

Originality/value

These findings extend previous research on older worker employment. In particular, they demonstrate how intergenerational contact frequency and quality can be powerful means that influence age-related hiring decisions.
Auditor gender, experience and reporting in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Reheul Anne-Mie , Van Caneghem Tom , Van den Bogaerd Machteld , Verbruggen Sandra
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between individual auditor characteristics (gender, experience and sector expertise) and audit opinions in Belgian non-profit organizations (NPOs). The purpose is to identify auditor characteristics that imply a better assurance of financial statement (FS) quality. FS quality is essential to enhance financial accountability toward the resource providers of NPOs and the public at large.

Design/methodology/approach

Multinomial regressions are conducted on a data set of Belgian NPOs. Propensity score matching is used to control for potential self-selection bias.

Findings

Auditors with sector expertise are found to provide better assurance than their non-sector-expert counterparts. The former are more likely to disclose FS errors and uncertainties in their audit report.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the auditing literature by focusing on an understudied audit market, namely, the non-profit audit market. The number of non-profit studies that investigate determinant of audit quality is very scarce, and none of them explores the determinants of audit opinions. Moreover, these studies ignore individual auditor characteristics as determinants of audit quality. The findings of this study provide meaningful information for several actors in the NP field and for audit firms.
The expectations gap for engineering field in Malaysia in the 21st century
Authors: Tan Alena Y.T. , Chew Esyin , Kalavally Vineetha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the expectations of relevant stakeholders in the engineering field to better understand the demands of the twenty-first century. As the number of unemployed continues to grow in Malaysia, it is evident that as industries continue to develop, demands and new requirements for skilled workers change over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Through face-to-face interviews, the study explored the expectations of accreditation bodies, industry operators and academics in the engineering field.

Findings

Three major findings were documented: mismatch of expectations in engineering field across the stakeholders; the expected “must-have-skills” from the perspectives of the stakeholders; and the need to reassess how information transmission is cascaded to all stakeholders and remains relevant to market demand.

Research limitations/implications

It is recognized that the findings from this study may only be relevant to the engineering field and not to the other different disciplines, but the qualitative findings provide some key issues in understanding the gap between relevant stakeholders that may motivate future studies to further extend into the other disciplines.

Practical implications

With this mismatch drawn out clearly, all relevant stakeholders would be able to revisit and revaluate their existing strategy in addressing, cascading crucial information and equipping graduates with analytical skills to gain immediate employment in the market.

Originality/value

A clearer understanding on the expectations and the “must-have-skills” required in the engineering field in the twenty-first century.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis found at both skin lesions and Mantoux testing site in a patient with erythema induratum of Bazin
Authors: Xu Hui , Li Yu‐Mei , Ma Hong , Gu Wen‐Tao , Chen Zhi‐Qiang
Published: May 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is very rarely found in erythema induratum of Bazin; recently, we found an unusual case with positive acid‐fast bacilli and polymerase chain reaction for detecting M. tuberculosis in both skin lesions of the extremities and the site of Mantoux test.
Regional Headquarter’s Dual Agency Role: Micro‐political Strategies of Alignment and Self‐interest
Authors: Conroy Kieran M. , Collings David G. , Clancy Johanna
Published: May 2017

The increased research focus on the networked perspective of the multinational enterprise (MNE) reflects a greater delegation of responsibility from corporate headquarters (CHQ) to subsidiary and intermediary units such as regional headquarters (RHQ). This shift has increased the intensity of political interactions between key actors within the MNE. Despite the recent rise in studies on the micro‐political perspective of the MNE to date, little empirical work has explored this issue in the context of the CHQ–RHQ relationship. Drawing insights from agency theory and micro‐politics, the authors focus on the context in which RHQs develop micro‐political strategies in order to manage the flow and exchange of knowledge with CHQ. They show how RHQ may exhibit a ‘dual agency’ role when dealing with CHQ, in that it is characterized as a principal and agent, each requiring different micro‐political knowledge strategies. As a principal, RHQ will develop micro‐political knowledge strategies to increase alignment with CHQ. As an agent, RHQ develops micro‐political knowledge strategies to pursue its self‐interests. Having identified different RHQ agency roles, the authors develop a conceptual model that outlines how alignment and self‐interest‐seeking behaviours from RHQ are manifest through different micro‐political knowledge strategies in its agency relationship with CHQ.
Effectiveness of curcuminoids in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Onakpoya Igho J. , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Perera Rafael , Heneghan Carl J.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To critically appraise and evaluate the evidence for effectiveness of curcuminoids in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in adults.

Methods

We conducted electronic searches in Medline, Embase,AMED, Cinahl and the Cochrane library. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of orally‐administered curcuminoids inOAin adults, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias criteria. We used a random‐effect model for meta‐analysis.

Results

We included seven studies with a total of 797 participants with primarily kneeOA. All studies were conducted in Asia. The overall risk of bias was moderate. Compared with placebo, curcuminoids significantly reduced knee pain (visual analogue scale): (standardized mean difference: −3.45; 95%CI: −5.52 to −1.38;I2 = 95%P = 0.001), and improved quality of life (Lequesne pain‐function index): (mean difference: −2.69; 95%CI: −3.48 to −1.90;I2 = 0%P < 0.00001). There were significantly fewer effects on pain relief, knee stiffness and physical function with curcuminoids compared with ibuprofen. Significant improvements in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index total scores, with significant reductions in the use of rescue medication were also observed with curcuminoids. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Curcuminoids may have some beneficial effects on knee pain and quality of life in patients with kneeOA. However, they are less effective at relieving pain compared with ibuprofen. Curcuminoids appear safe on the short‐term, and may reduce the need for rescue medication. PublishedRCTs vary in reporting quality, are characterized by small sample sizes, and have all been conducted in Asia. Further clinical trials are therefore warranted.
Large scale Agriotes spp. click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) invasion of crop land from field margin reservoirs
Authors: Blackshaw Rod P. , Vernon Robert S. , Thiebaud Florent
Published: May 2017

Mark–release–recapture was used to investigate the dispersal of click beetles in spring wheat or fallow fields using edge or centre field releases. Three types of pitfalls were used: gutter traps near field margins, as well as conventional pitfall traps or cross‐traps consisting of four gutter trap arms leading to a central pitfall. Capture of naturally occuring beetles was concurrently recorded.

In total, 6952 marked Agriotes obscurus (males and females) and Agriotes lineatus (males) were released and 14.74% were recaptured at some time during the present study. Recovery rates ranged from 3.54% to 28.5%.

Agriotes obscurus dominated wild populations, with 4011 males and 1672 females trapped compared with 17 males and three females for A. lineatus. Males dominated early in the period, although the sex ratio tended towards equality as the season progressed.

Generally, captures of A. obscurus males released in equal numbers at field edges followed a uniform distribution. There were differences for wild beetles caught in the same traps.

Spatial trapping patterns of wild and marked beetles across the fields were similar. Within 19 h of release at the field edges A. obscurus males were captured >30 m away.

The crop type had a significant interspecific effect on trap counts for males and an intraspecific effect on A. obscurus females, reinforcing the need for caution when using trapping systems to monitor adult stages of these pests.

The results of the present study demonstrate that uncropped field margins comprise sources of click beetles. We also conclude that click beetles disperse much further than reported previously.
The ties that bind: what's in a title?
Authors: Neuhaus Susan J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Many Australian and New Zealand surgeons use the title ‘Mister’ rather than ‘Doctor’, a practice dating back to traditions established over 600 years ago. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is currently undergoing a period of critical self‐reflection, embodied by its ‘Respect’ campaign. Active measures to embrace diversity and encourage women into surgery are underway.

Methods

This paper reviews the historical basis to the use of gendered titles and their current use amongst fellows. De‐identified demographic data from the college register of active fellows was searched by self‐identified title, country or state, and gender. Data were further reviewed by surgical sub‐specialty and year of fellowship.

Results

The college dataset suggests that there is significant variance in the preference for gendered titles, determined predominantly by geography rather than specialty. The highest use of gendered titles (by male and female surgeons) was in Victoria/Tasmania (58% male, 22% female) and New Zealand (81% male, 17% female). By contrast, only 2% of female surgeons in other states elected a gendered title (Miss/Mrs/Ms).

Conclusion

Surgery is the only profession that continues to use gendered titles. As the College of Surgeons moves towards greater equity and diversity, consideration should be given to phasing out the use of gendered titles, which serve to divide rather than unite our profession.
European Academy of Paediatric consensus statement on successful transition from paediatric to adult care for adolescents with chronic conditions
Authors: Mazur Artur , Dembinski Lukasz , Schrier Lenneke , Hadjipanayis Adamos , Michaud Pierre‐André
Published: May 2017

Around one in ten adolescents suffer from chronic conditions and disabilities, and the transition from paediatric to adult care can be particularly challenging. Unplanned transfers can complicate education, work and health and result in patients being lost to follow‐up, poor treatment adherence and more frequent hospitalisation. The Adolescent Health and Medicine Working Group of the European Academy of Paediatrics has developed a consensus statement for a successful transition. Conclusion: This statement will help paediatricians, adult care specialists, policymakers and other stakeholders to handle chronic care transitions so that they meet the expectations and needs of adolescents and their families.
DIVESTMENT OF COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC ENTERPRISES IN AUSTRALIA: THE CUPBOARD IS BARE1
Authors: AULICH Chris , JONES Stephen , HEAD Brian
Published: May 2017

Public enterprises have played a major role in the national development of Australia since the early years of European settlement. More recently, especially since the 1980s, Australian governments at national and state levels, involving political parties of both the left and right, have undertaken a program of major reform of their public sectors. The relentless pace of reform has been driven by a variety of motives from pragmatic through to ideological, within a broad consensus that private delivery of services should be privileged over public. As a result, discourse about public enterprises in Australia has tended to focus on divestment and windfall revenues to assist governments to balance their budgets. The analysis in this paper will detail the major players at the national level, their governance arrangements and some consideration of how these enterprises have performed. We will also outline how the public mission of public enterprises has transformed in recent decades from a role as nation builder to one as enabler of services. In conclusion we will consider the long‐term outlook including the loss of public value with declining standards of service and the reduced opportunities for further divestments with pressure on governments to seek alternative savings and revenue arrangements.
The benefit of combination therapy depends on disease phenotype and duration in Crohn's disease
Authors: Ananthakrishnan A. N , Sakuraba A. , Barnes E. L. , Pekow J. , Raffals L. , Long M. D. , Sandler R. S.
Published: May 2017

Background

The impact of combination therapy on disease‐related morbidity in patients with established Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) remains to be well‐defined.

Aim

To examine the effect of combination therapy on disease outcomes in CD and UC.

Methods

Using a multicenter prospective cohort, we classified CD and UC patients as being on monotherapy with anti‐TNF or on combination with an immunomodulator. The primary outcome was a composite of new IBD‐related surgery, hospitalisations, penetrating complications, need for corticosteroids or new biological at 1 year. Multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

We included 707 patients with CD (45% combination therapy) and 164 with UC (38% combination therapy). Combination therapy was not associated with reduction in the composite outcome in either CD (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63‐1.22) or UC (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 0.63‐3.38). However, while no difference was noted in those with nonstricturing, nonpenetrating CD, a significant reduction in the likelihood of the outcome was seen in those with stricturing or penetrating CD (30% vs 39%, OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37‐0.90). A stronger effect was also observed in those with disease duration <5 years (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14‐0.87) compared to those with a longer duration (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.45‐1.27). A similar reduction in occurrence of composite outcome was noted with infliximab and with other anti‐TNF biologics.

Conclusion

The benefit of combination immunomodulator‐biological therapy is stronger in those with complicated Crohn's disease, particularly early on in their disease course.
Pharmacogenomics and Efficacy of Risperidone Long‐Term Treatment in Thai Autistic Children and Adolescents
Authors: Nuntamool Nopphadol , Ngamsamut Nattawat , Vanwong Natchaya , Puangpetch Apichaya , Chamnanphon Monpat , Hongkaew Yaowaluck , Limsila Penkhae , Suthisisang Chuthamanee , Wilffert Bob , Sukasem Chonlaphat
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of pharmacogenomic factors and clinical outcome in autistic children and adolescents who were treated with risperidone for long periods. Eighty‐two autistic subjects diagnosed with DSM‐IV and who were treated with risperidone for more than 1 year were recruited. Pharmacogenomics and clinical outcome (CGI‐I, aggressive, overactivity and repetitive score) were evaluated. Almost all patients showed stable symptoms on aggressive behaviour (89.02%), overactivity (71.95%), repetitive (70.89%) behaviour and all clinical symptoms (81.71%). Only 4.48% of patients showed minimally worse CGI‐I score. Patients in the non‐stable symptom group had DRD2 Taq1A non‐wild‐type (TT and CT) frequencies higher than the clinically stable group (p = 0.04), whereas other gene polymorphisms showed no significant association. Haplotype ACCTCAT (rs6311, rs1045642, rs1128503, rs1800497, rs4436578, rs1799978, rs6280) showed a significant association with non‐stable clinical outcome (χ2 = 6.642, p = 0.010). Risperidone levels showed no association with any clinical outcome. On the other hand, risperidone dose, 9‐OH risperidone levels and prolactin levels were significantly higher in the non‐stable compared to the stable symptom group (p = 0.013, p = 0.044, p = 0.030). Increased appetite was the most common adverse drug reaction and associated with higher body‐weight, whereas it was not significantly associated with genetic variations and non‐genetic information. In conclusion, risperidone showed efficacy to control autism, especially aggressive symptoms in long‐term treatment. However, Taq1A T – carrier of dopamine 2 receptor gene – is associated with non‐stable response in risperidone‐treated patients. This study supports pharmacogenomics testing for personalized therapy with risperidone in autistic children and adolescents.
Evolution of Novel 3D Culture Systems for Studies of Human Liver Function and Assessments of the Hepatotoxicity of Drugs and Drug Candidates
Authors: Andersson Tommy B.
Published: May 2017

The pharmaceutical industry urgently needs reliable pre‐clinical models to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new chemical entities before they enter the clinical trials. Development of in vitro model systems that emulate the functions of the human liver organ has been an elusive task. Cell lines exhibit a low drug‐metabolizing capacity and primary liver cells rapidly dedifferentiate in culture, which restrict their usefulness substantially. Recently, the development of hepatocyte spheroid cultures has shown promising results. The proteome and transcriptome in the spheroids were similar to the liver tissue, and hepatotoxicity of selected substances was detected at in vivo‐relevant concentrations.
Partitioning Surfaces Into Quadrilateral Patches: A Survey
Authors: Campen M.
Published: May 2017

The efficient and practical representation and processing of geometrically or topologically complex shapes often demands a partitioning into simpler patches. Possibilities range from unstructured arrangements of arbitrarily shaped patches on the one end, to highly structured conforming networks of all‐quadrilateral patches on the other end of the spectrum. Due to its regularity, this latter extreme of conforming partitions with quadrilateral patches, called quad layouts, is most beneficial in many application scenarios, for instance enabling the use of tensor‐product representations based on splines or Bézier patches, grid‐based multi‐resolution techniques and discrete pixel‐based map representations. However, this type of partition is also most complicated to create due to the strict inherent structural restrictions. Traditionally often performed manually in a tedious and demanding process, research in computer graphics and geometry processing has led to a number of computer‐assisted, semi‐automatic, as well as fully automatic approaches to address this problem more efficiently. This survey provides a detailed discussion of this range of methods, treats their strengths and weaknesses and outlines open problems in this field of research.
An investigation into the relationship between heart rate variability and the ventilatory threshold in healthy moderately trained males
Authors: Grannell Andrew , De Vito Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

Summary

Background

During incremental exercise, heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to display distinct stabilization and inflection points, which have been used to indirectly detect the ventilatory threshold (VT).

Methods

Ten moderately trained males (26·5 ± 5·9 years: VO2peak 48·7 ± 4·1 ml min−1 kg−1) performed an incremental test on a cycle ergometer until volitional exhaustion with both R‐R intervals and respiratory indices recorded. HRV was quantified using both nonlinear (Poincare plot; short‐term variability SD1) and spectral analysis of the R‐R intervals (high‐frequency component; HFp). The VT was identified using the V‐slope method. The relationship between HRV parameters and the VT was assessed using both a paired t‐test and Pearson's product correlation. In addition, Bland and Altman plots were used to quantify the mean difference along with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

When expressed as the corresponding heart rate values, both the SD1 and the HFp stabilization points revealed a strong (r = 0·86 and 0·087, respectively) correlation with the VT. However, only for SD1 this relationship was different to the VT (t‐test). The Bland–Altman plots supported these findings showing wide limits of agreement present for SD1 and the VT whilst the relationship between HFp and the VT revealed narrower limits.

Conclusion

There does not appear to be a relationship present between the VT and the SD1 stabilization point in moderately trained healthy males, whereas the HFp stabilization point revealed a strong relationship with the VT when expressed as heart rate.
Cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry of columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rottuntikarn W. , Wangsiricharoen S. , Rangdaeng S.
Published: May 2017

Columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) can be challenging and elusive in making a definitive diagnosis from the cytologic specimen due to lack of classical nuclear features of PTC. This case illustrates the use of an immunocytochemical panel to confirm the diagnosis in the setting of convincing cytomorphology and clinical history.
Intra‐institutional second opinion diagnosis can reduce unnecessary surgery for indeterminate thyroid FNA: A preliminary report on 34 cases
Authors: Bellevicine C. , Migliatico I. , Vigliar E. , Serra N. , Troncone G.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Indeterminate diagnoses are rendered on 15%‐30% of thyroid fine‐needle aspirates (FNA). Thus, a second diagnostic opinion given by an outside expert pathologist is a common practice that facilitates a more appropriate clinical management. Conversely, the role of an intra‐institutional second opinion diagnosis (iSOD), which is usually informally performed in‐house, has not been well established.

Methods

To assess the contribution of iSOD, a retrospective series of 34 thyroid FNA diagnosed as follicular neoplasm/suspicious follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) with matched histological follow‐up and a malignancy rate of 17.6% was selected and independently reviewed by two cytopathologists (CYT1 and 2). Cases with discrepant diagnoses were referred to a third in‐house senior cytopathologist for the iSOD. The malignancy rates (MR) obtained after single independent reviews and iSOD were compared.

Results

MR obtained after CYT1 and CYT2 re‐screening was similar (14.28% and 19.04%, respectively) and did not improve the original MR (17.64%). Conversely, after the iSOD of discrepant diagnoses, the overall malignancy rate increased up to the 27.27%, potentially sparing unnecessary surgical procedures.

Conclusions

Intra‐institutional second opinion practice for “indeterminate” thyroid FNA avoids unnecessary surgeries and maximises the detection of malignant cases diagnosed as FN/SFN.