bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative: Study description and sample characteristics of the Australian and New Zealand arm
Authors: Kirk Katherine M , Martin Felicity C , Mao Amy , Parker Richard , Maguire Sarah , Thornton Laura M , Zhu Gu , McAloney Kerrie , Freeman Jeremy L , Hay Phillipa , Madden Sloane , Morgan Christine , Russell Janice , Sawyer Susan M , Hughes Elizabeth K , Fairweather-Schmidt A Kate , Fursland Anthea , McCormack Julie , Wagg Fiona , Jordan Jennifer , Kennedy Martin A , Ward Warren , Wade Tracey D , Bulik Cynthia M , Martin Nicholas G
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Anorexia nervosa is a severe psychiatric disorder with high mortality rates. While its aetiology is poorly understood, there is evidence of a significant genetic component. The Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative is an international collaboration which aims to understand the genetic basis of the disorder. This paper describes the recruitment and characteristics of the Australasian Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative sample, the largest sample of individuals with anorexia nervosa ever assembled across Australia and New Zealand.

Methods:

Participants completed an online questionnaire based on the Structured Clinical Interview Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) eating disorders section. Participants who met specified case criteria for lifetime anorexia nervosa were requested to provide a DNA sample for genetic analysis.

Results:

Overall, the study recruited 3414 Australians and 543 New Zealanders meeting the lifetime anorexia nervosa case criteria by using a variety of conventional and social media recruitment methods. At the time of questionnaire completion, 28% had a body mass index ⩽ 18.5 kg/m2. Fasting and exercise were the most commonly employed methods of weight control, and were associated with the youngest reported ages of onset. At the time of the study, 32% of participants meeting lifetime anorexia nervosa case criteria were under the care of a medical practitioner; those with current body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2were more likely to be currently receiving medical care (56%) than those with current body mass index ⩾ 18.5 kg/m2(23%). Professional treatment for eating disorders was most likely to have been received from general practitioners (45% of study participants), dietitians (42%) and outpatient programmes (42%).

Conclusions:

This study was effective in assembling the largest community sample of people with lifetime anorexia nervosa in Australia and New Zealand to date. The proportion of people with anorexia nervosa currently receiving medical care, and the most common sources of treatment accessed, indicates the importance of training for general practitioners and dietitians in treating anorexia nervosa.
Breastfeeding Campaigns and Ethnic Disparity in Brazil: The Representation of a Hegemonic Society and Quasiperfect Experience
Authors: Trammel Juliana Maria da Silva
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this article is to analyze the ethnic, cultural, and social disparity in the presentation of key messages and themes of breastfeeding campaigns in Brazil. Particularly, this article aims at deconstructing the themes and examining the extent that dominant practices of breastfeeding campaigns create and maintain conditions of cultural subjugation and marginalization. Two questions guided this investigation: To what extent was ethnic, class, and social diversity exemplified in the official posters for the Breastfeeding Week campaigns? (Research Question 1) and what contexts are realized and enacted through the images? (Research Question 2). The method used was qualitative document analysis, and I found that there was a considerable ethnic, class, and social disparity displayed in breastfeeding campaigns in Brazil. Key messages enacted the social reality and lifestyle of wealthier women of European descent, while women of African descent lagged in breastfeeding rates.
Synthesis, mechanical and corrosion behaviour of iron–silicon carbide metal matrix nanocomposites
Authors: Khosla Piyush , Singh Himanshu K , Katoch Vishal , Dubey Anmol , Singh Neera , Kumar Devendra , Gupta Pallav
Published: April 2017

The present paper reports the effect of sintering temperature on the properties of Fe–SiC metal matrix nanocomposites (5 wt% SiC; 95 wt% Fe) prepared by powder metallurgy technique. Samples were synthesized by ball milling followed by compaction and then sintering in the temperature interval of 900 – 1100℃ for 3 h, respectively. X-ray diffraction, microstructure, density, hardness, wear and corrosion of prepared samples have been investigated. X-ray diffraction studies show the presence of iron (Fe) and silicon carbide (SiC) along with the presence of iron silicate (Fe3Si) phase. Iron silicate is formed as a result of reactive sintering between iron and silicon carbide particles. Scanning electron microscopy of the samples shows the dispersion of SiC in the whole Fe matrix. Density, hardness, wear and corrosion characteristics of the samples were investigated which varies for different sintering temperature interval. It is expected that the results of this paper will be helpful in developing metal matrix nanocomposites for various industrial applications.
Bicultural and Generalized Identity Integration Predicts Interpersonal Tolerance
Authors: Huff Sarah T. , Lee Fiona , Hong Ying-yi
Published: April 2017

In this article, we test the hypothesis that individuals with higher levels of identity integration—or those who perceive their different social identities as more blended and harmonious—will exhibit greater interpersonal tolerance toward others holding dissimilar values and preferences. Three studies examined this hypothesis using bicultural identity integration (or perceived blendedness and harmony between multiple cultural identities) and generalized identity integration (or perceived blendedness and harmony between one’s social identities in general). We find that individuals who perceive higher levels of blendedness, but not harmony, between their social identities are more tolerant of dissimilar others, as demonstrated by making more positive trait inferences about them. We also find that experimentally increasing identity integration leads to more positive trait inferences. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications for managing conflict between individuals and groups.
Advocacy Strategies in Global Governance: Inside versus Outside Lobbying
Authors: Dellmuth Lisa Maria , Tallberg Jonas
Published: April 2017

As political authority shifts to the global level, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) increasingly attempt to influence policy-making within international organisations (IOs). This article examines the nature and sources of non-governmental organisations’ advocacy strategies in global governance. We advance a twofold theoretical argument. First, non-governmental organisation advocacy can be described in terms of inside and outside strategies, similar to interest group lobbying in American and European politics. Second, non-governmental organisations’ chosen combination of inside and outside strategies can be explained by their organisational goals and membership base. Empirically, this argument is corroborated through a large-n analysis of original data from structured interviews with 303 non-governmental organisation representatives active in relation to the United Nations (UN), complemented by 19 semi-structured interviews with UN and state officials. The article’s findings have implications for the theory and practice of non-governmental organisation involvement in global governance.
Internet of Things-based real-time production logistics synchronization mechanism and method toward customer order dynamics
Authors: Qu Ting , Pan Yanghua , Liu Xuan , Kang Kai , Li Congdong , Thurer Matthias , Huang George Q
Published: April 2017

The reluctance or incapability of further increasing production resources has made many enterprises suffering from high resource-workload situation. Production dynamics thus cannot be resolved by single resource independently, yet have to make an integral use of the adjustable capability of multiple resources of the whole system in a synchronized way. This paper considers a dynamic production logistics (PL) process comprising multiple independently operated PL stages, which adopts Internet of Things to capture real-time execution dynamics and rely on plan (re)scheduling and cloud-based resources re-configuration to cope with dynamics. A generic dynamic production logistics synchronization (PLS) solution is proposed. Qualitatively, a multi-phase multi-stage multi-degree synchronization control mechanism is put forward toward a PL system with generic structure and typical execution dynamics. Quantitatively, collaborative optimization is applied to assist the PLS to obtain the synchronization results. With a real-life case study, the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism and method has been verified. A set of sensitivity analysis is also conducted toward dynamics of different degree and different time, which provides significant managerial implication to PL managers to better deal with dynamics.
Revitalising the uncanny: Challenging inertia in the struggle against forced evictions
Authors: Lancione Michele
Published: April 2017

Following the case of 100 Roma people evicted from their home in the centre of Bucharest in September 2014, the article looks at evictions and practices of resistance from the ground-up, without assuming a-priori what a politics of resistance may look like in Bucharest or elsewhere. The aim is to understand eviction and resistance as part of the same continuum of home unmaking-remaking, and to fully take into account the role of non-humans and urban atmospheres in the process. In this sense, the article analyses the case of Bucharest through two, interconnected, affective atmospheric: that of uncanniness, which allowed for the resistant Roma body to articulate its demands; and that of inertia, which emerged from the imbrication of home-less people’s street life and gradually rendered resistance more difficult to assemble. Paying attention to these post-human entanglements, the article critically contributes to academic and non-academic debates on occupation, displacement and urban activism, with the aim to strengthen our capacity to imagine alternative strategies of resistance.
Evaluation of inflammatory cell biomarkers in chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Mosmiller Lindsey T. , Steele Kelsey N. , Shrader Carl D. , Petrone Ashley B.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Inflammation has been implicated as a factor that may contribute to chronic venous insufficiency. The purpose of this study is to compare readily available inflammatory cell biomarkers, with an emphasis on neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. We hypothesized that circulating leukocyte counts would be higher in the peripheral blood of patients with severe compared to mild chronic venous insufficiency.

Methods

We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients discharged from Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV, USA) with a primary diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency. Patients were organized into two groups—mild and severe chronic venous insufficiency—based on the Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, and Pathophysiological classification system, and inflammatory cell counts were compared between groups.

Results

We observed a significantly higher neutrophil count ( p = .002) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ( p = .005) in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency compared to mild. Further, the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio may be a useful predictor of chronic venous insufficiency severity.

Conclusions

We reported significant differences in inflammatory cell biomarkers between mild and severe chronic venous insufficiency, as well as provided support for the use of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of chronic venous insufficiency severity. These results may provide clinicians with additional insight to manage chronic venous insufficiency in patients and provide a framework for the development of novel treatment options targeting the immune system in chronic venous insufficiency.
Sensitivity and specificity of clinical findings for the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome in women with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Herrera-Betancourt Ana Lucia , Villegas-Echeverri Juan Diego , López-Jaramillo Jose Duván , López-Isanoa Jorge Darío , Estrada-Alvarez Jorge Mario
Published: April 2017

Background

Pelvic congestion syndrome is among the causes of pelvic pain. One of the diagnostic tools is pelvic venography using Beard’s criteria, which are 91% sensitive and 80% specific for this syndrome.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings in women diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome coming to a Level III institution.

Methods

Descriptive retrospective study in women with chronic pelvic pain taken to transuterine pelvic venography at the Advanced Gynecological Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain Unit of Clinica Comfamiliar, between August 2008 and December 2011, analyzing social, demographic, and clinical variables.

Results

A total of 132 patients with a mean age of 33.9 years. Dysmenorrhea, ovarian points, and vulvar varices have a sensitivity greater than 80%, and the presence of leukorrhea, vaginal mass sensation, the finding of an abdominal mass, abdominal trigger points, and positive pinprick test have a specificity greater than 80% when compared with venography.

Conclusion

This study may be considered as the first to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the clinical findings associated with pelvic congestion syndrome in a sample of the Colombian population. In the future, these findings may be used to create a clinical score for the diagnosis of this condition.
What do we know about different models of providing palliative care? Findings from a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Brereton Louise , Clark Joseph , Ingleton Christine , Gardiner Clare , Preston Louise , Ryan Tony , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Background:

A wide range of organisational models of palliative care exist. However, decision makers need more information about which models are likely to be most effective in different settings and for different patient groups.

Aim:

To identify the existing range of models of palliative care that have been evaluated, what is already known and what further information is essential if the most effective and cost-effective models are to be identified and replicated more widely.

Design:

A review of systematic and narrative reviews according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Reviews) tool.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ASSIA were searched for reviews about models of service provision from 2000 to 2014 and supplemented with Google searches of the grey literature.

Results:

Much of the evidence relates to home-based palliative care, although some models are delivered across care settings. Reviews report several potential advantages and few disadvantages of models of palliative care delivery. However, under-reporting of the components of intervention and comparator models are major barriers to the evaluation and implementation of models of palliative care.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of setting or patient characteristics, models of palliative care appear to show benefits and some models of palliative care may reduce total healthcare costs. However, much more detailed and systematic reporting of components and agreement about outcome measures is essential in order to understand the key components and successfully replicate effective organisational models.
Dopamine and μ-opioid receptor dysregulation in the brains of binge-eating female rats – possible relevance in the psychopathology and treatment of binge-eating disorder
Authors: Heal David J , Hallam Michelle , Prow Michael , Gosden Jane , Cheetham Sharon , Choi Yong K , Tarazi Frank , Hutson Peter
Published: April 2017

Adult, female rats given irregular, limited access to chocolate develop binge-eating behaviour with normal bodyweight and compulsive/perseverative and impulsive behaviours similar to those in binge-eating disorder. We investigated whether (a) dysregulated central nervous system dopaminergic and opioidergic systems are part of the psychopathology of binge-eating and (b) these neurotransmitter systems may mediate the actions of drugs ameliorating binge-eating disorder psychopathology. Binge-eating produced a 39% reduction of striatal D1 receptors with 22% and 23% reductions in medial and lateral caudate putamen and a 22% increase of striatal μ-opioid receptors. There was no change in D1 receptor density in nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex or dorsolateral frontal cortex, striatal D2 receptors and dopamine reuptake transporter sites, or μ-opioid receptors in frontal cortex. There were no changes in ligand affinities. The concentrations of monoamines, metabolites and estimates of dopamine (dopamine/dihydroxyphenylacetic acid ratio) and serotonin/5-hydroxyindolacetic acid ratio turnover rates were unchanged in striatum and frontal cortex. However, turnover of dopamine and serotonin in the hypothalamus was increased ~20% and ~15%, respectively. Striatal transmission via D1 receptors is decreased in binge-eating rats while μ-opioid receptor signalling may be increased. These changes are consistent with the attenuation of binge-eating by lisdexamfetamine, which increases catecholaminergic neurotransmission, and nalmefene, a μ-opioid antagonist.
Accuracy of high b-value diffusion-weighted MRI for prostate cancer detection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Godley Keith Craig , Syer Tom Joseph , Toms Andoni Paul , Smith Toby Oliver , Johnson Glyn , Cameron Donnie , Malcolm Paul Napier
Published: April 2017

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to detect prostate cancer is well-established. DWI provides visual as well as quantitative means of detecting tumor, the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Recently higher b-values have been used to improve DWI’s diagnostic performance.

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic performance of high b-value DWI at detecting prostate cancer and whether quantifying ADC improves accuracy.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive literature search of published and unpublished databases was performed. Eligible studies had histopathologically proven prostate cancer, DWI sequences using b-values ≥ 1000 s/mm2, less than ten patients, and data for creating a 2 × 2 table. Study quality was assessed with QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of diagnostic Accuracy Studies). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and tests for statistical heterogeneity and threshold effect performed. Results were plotted on a summary receiver operating characteristic curve (sROC) and the area under the curve (AUC) determined the diagnostic performance of high b-value DWI.

Results

Ten studies met eligibility criteria with 13 subsets of data available for analysis, including 522 patients. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.61) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.91–0.92), respectively, and the sROC AUC was 0.92. Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant ( P = 0.03) improvement in accuracy when using tumor visual assessment rather than ADC.

Conclusion

High b-value DWI gives good diagnostic performance for prostate cancer detection and visual assessment of tumor diffusion is significantly more accurate than ROI measurements of ADC.
Creative milieu and firm location: An empirical appraisal
Authors: Coll-Martínez Eva , Arauzo-Carod Josep-Maria
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on the creative industries – those industries that produce and commercialise creative goods and services – and the role played by the existing spatial distribution and agglomeration economies of these kinds of activities in their location decisions. Our main statistical source is the Register of Manufacturing Establishments of Catalonia (REIC), which has plant-level microdata on the location of new plants. We use count data models to show that location determinants are quite similar in both creative and non-creative industries and that both industries are positively influenced by the specialisation level of creative industries. Moreover, our results provide evidence that an unobserved ‘ creative milieu’ has a considerable impact on attracting firms.
The Nature of Friendship Between Students With and Without Severe Disabilities
Authors: Rossetti Zachary , Keenan Jennifer
Published: April 2017

Friendships are developmentally important and personally beneficial relationships for all children and youth. Despite emphasis from families and educators of students with severe disabilities on the importance of promoting and supporting friendships with their typically developing (TD) peers in inclusive settings, such relationships remain infrequent. We conducted an integrative thematic literature review of research that directly examined the nature of friendship between students with and without severe disabilities to better understand how researchers define friendship, identify participants, and confirm participants’ friendships. Implications for future research are discussed. We also sought to identify themes in extant research to guide future intervention. The thematic findings point to the importance of adults providing direct support while fading their proximity to students, and of TD peers negotiating the ongoing tension between the roles of helper and friend.
Holding the Child (and Practitioner) in Mind? Youth Justice Practitioners’ Experiences Supervising Young People Displaying Sexually Harmful Behavior
Authors: Myles-Wright Andrew , Nee Claire
Published: April 2017

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of youth justice practitioners supervising young people (below 18 years old) displaying sexually harmful behavior within the Youth Justice System (YJS) in the United Kingdom, as little is currently known about the challenges faced when working with this vulnerable group. Five practitioners from two Youth Offending Services (YOS) participated in individual semistructured interviews, which were subjected to thematic analysis while also analyzing the performative function of language used. The analysis identified an overarching theme of “systemic unease,” which contained two subthemes surrounding “unease with the self, and wider YOS personnel” and “unease working with partner agencies.” The findings illuminate critical issues regarding future practice with this underresearched group of young people within the broader context of youth justice, which require further exploration and investigation. The “dual relationship problem” involving tension between risk management and therapeutic alliance is explored in relation to this group. The moral acquaintance model and the model of dynamic adaptation are suggested as helpful approaches to support practitioners and multi-agency professionals going forward in this area.
Integrative Literature Review of Factors Related to Breastfeeding in African American Women: Evidence for a Potential Paradigm Shift
Authors: DeVane-Johnson Stephanie , Woods-Giscombé Cheryl , Thoyre Suzanne , Fogel Cathie , Williams Ronald
Published: April 2017

Background:

Human milk has widespread health benefits for infants, mothers, and society. However, not all populations of women, particularly African American women, engage in human milk feeding at high rates.

Research aim:

The purpose of this integrative literature review is twofold: (a) to examine factors that influence low rates of human milk feeding among African American women and (b) to introduce a need for a methodological paradigm shift to develop culturally relevant and effective interventions.

Methods:

The authors searched four electronic social science databases for peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to human milk among African American women published from 1990 to 2015. Both coauthors independently assessed these articles using thematic analysis and validation. The database search yielded 47 peer-reviewed articles.

Results:

Three main themes emerged explaining the human milk feeding disparity: (a) the social characteristics of women likely not to feed human milk (e.g., low socioeconomic status, single); (b) women’s perceptions of human milk feeding; and (c) the quality of human milk feeding information provided by health care providers (i.e., limited human milk information).

Conclusion:

Current literature does include sociohistorical factors that have shaped current norms. Adding sociohistorical frameworks, paying particular attention to the embodied experience of historical trauma, could lead to the development of new evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions to enhance human milk feeding in the African American community.
Approximate determination of the joint reaction forces in the drive system with double universal joints
Authors: Wang Gang , Qi Zhaohui
Published: April 2017

In this study, a drive system connected by rolling bearings and double universal joints is modeled as a closed-loop multibody system. Because of the existence of redundant constraints, the joint reaction forces cannot be determined uniquely through dynamic analysis. Based on the physical mechanism where the joint reaction forces are the resultants of contact forces at the joint definition point, a methodology of frictionless contact analysis is presented to identify joint reaction forces. In terms of D’Alembert’s principle, the dynamic equations of constrained multibody systems are equivalent to the equilibrium equations of all bodies composed of joint contact forces, externally applied forces, and inertial forces. The equivalent equilibrium equations provide a set of complementary equations to identify the contact positions and contact forces in the rolling bearings and double universal joints. The drive system is also simulated using ADAMS software, where all the joints are released and the corresponding constraint functions are replaced by the impact forces between the joint components. Some conclusions are obtained through the comparison of numerical examples between the proposed method and the ADAMS model. In the double universal joints, the equations are adequate and independent, which results in that the corresponding contact positions and contact forces can be solved uniquely. Then, the correlation between the data produced by these two models is acceptable in the engineering practices. Furthermore, contact details in the double universal joints can be obtained without the calculation of the relative motion between the cross-pin and yokes. However, the reaction forces in the rolling bearings are indeterminate due to that their complementary equations are not independent. The proposed method has high efficiency and acceptable precision.
Longitudinal nonlinear adaptive autopilot design for missiles with control constraint
Authors: Lee Keum W , Singh Sahjendra N
Published: April 2017

This paper develops a new nonlinear adaptive longitudinal autopilot for the control of missiles with control input constraint, in the presence of parametric uncertainties and external disturbance input. The objective here is to control the angle of attack of the missile. A saturating control law is derived for the trajectory control of the angle of attack. The control law includes an auxiliary dynamic system in the feedback loop, driven by control input error signal, caused by control saturation, to preserve stability in the closed-loop system. By the Lyapunov stability analysis, it is shown that in the closed-loop system, the system trajectories are uniformly ultimately bounded. Simulation results show that the designed autopilot with constrained input can accomplish accurate trajectory control if the control saturation period is short. It is also seen that although the tracking error increases with the saturation period, the angle of attack tends to zero, once the command input is set to zero. Furthermore this adaptive control system, including the control error signal feedback loop, performs better than the adaptive laws, designed earlier based on immersion and invariance principle, without control magnitude constraint.
Spatial and temporal organic carbon burial along a fjord to coast transect: A case study from Western Norway
Authors: Duffield CJ , Alve E , Andersen N , Andersen TJ , Hess S , Strohmeier T
Published: April 2017

We investigated spatial and temporal changes in accumulation rate and source of organic carbon on a gradient along the Lysefjord and the more coastal Høgsfjord, Western Norway. This was achieved through analysis of total organic carbon and nitrogen content of sediment cores, which were radiometrically dated to the early 19th and 20th centuries for the Høgsfjord and Lysefjord, respectively. Benthic foraminifera (protists) were utilized to determine changes in organic carbon supply and Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) by their accumulation rate (benthic foraminiferal accumulation rate (BFAR)), assemblage composition, species diversity, individual species responses and the composition of stable carbon isotopes of the tests (shells) of Cassidulina laevigata, Hyalinea balthica and Melonis barleeanus. Organic carbon accumulation rates were greatest closest to the river Lyse at the head of the Lysefjord (83–171 g C m−2 yr−1). The organic carbon at the head of the fjord is mainly terrestrial in origin, and this terrestrial influence becomes progressively less seaward. The δ13C in H. balthica tests as well as the benthic foraminiferal assemblage composition also showed a clear fjord to coast gradient. Organic carbon accumulation rates were lower and less variable at the seaward study sites (13–61 g C m−2 yr−1). We observe no temporal trend in organic carbon, carbon isotopes, EcoQS or foraminiferal assemblage composition in the Lysefjord. In contrast, in the Høgsfjord, there seems to have been an increase in organic carbon accumulation rates during the 1940s. Subsequent accumulation rates are stable. The foraminiferal assemblages in the surface sediments reflect a recent transition from good/moderate to moderate/bad EcoQS.
SME Managers and Financial Literacy
Authors: Eniola Anthony Abiodun , Entebang Harry
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to examine the level of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) business owners–managers’ financial literacy and its impact on firm’s performance. The article applied a random sample and structural equation modelling (SEM) approaches in assessing the influence of SME business owners–managers’ level of financial literacy within the three states in the southwest Nigeria. The findings show the complete effect of business owner–manager’s financial knowledge, financial awareness and financial attitude in converting financial literacy to increase in firm performance. Also, they confirm that financial knowledge and awareness of SME business owners–managers are obviously not a prerequisite for the performance of SMEs, but entrepreneur characteristics in decision-making and relationship to financial attitude have a comparison with financial literacy. The research limitation evolves from cross section information observation that solely covers the southwestern part of the country. Additionally, inspired to meet the analysis gap is panel data analysis. Training courses through strategic orientation on the attitudinal perception of SME business owner–manager and basic business management skills, capacity-building aspect, leadership development as well as networking via relationship marketing and management on financial literacy may have significant effect on SMEs’ performance and growth for the managers in general in Nigeria. The article is one of the first to examine the level of financial literacy of SME business owners–managers in Nigeria. The article therefore sets an important benchmark for further research in this area.
Essay on Moral Marketer Behaviour: Beyond Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Hill Ronald Paul
Published: April 2017

Many marketing professionals have a myopic vision of their responsibilities to various constituencies as they are focused almost exclusively on their consumers. This strategy should come as no surprise, given their external orientation and responsibility for sales and revenue flows. Yet, this concentration ignores individuals who would like to be in their considered set but may be excluded because of several forms of restriction. To discuss this matter, the article opens with a brief look at the current situation, followed by a novel way of reflecting on marketer morality. It then moves to operational details that hopefully set the stage for reconsideration of corporate social responsibility that takes on larger meanings and purposes.
Crosstalks between Raf-kinase inhibitor protein and cancer stem cell transcription factors (Oct4, KLF4, Sox2, Nanog)
Authors: Lee SoHyun , Wottrich Stephanie , Bonavida Benjamin
Published: April 2017

Raf-kinase inhibitor protein has been reported to inhibit both the Raf/mitogen extracellular signal–regulated kinase/extracellular signal–regulated kinase and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain of activated B cells pathways. It has also been reported in cancers that Raf-kinase inhibitor protein behaves as a metastatic suppressor as well as a chemo-immunosensitizing factor to drug/immune-mediated apoptosis. The majority of cancers exhibit low or no levels of Raf-kinase inhibitor protein. Hence, the activities of Raf-kinase inhibitor protein contrast, in part, to those mediated by several cancer stem cell transcription factors for their roles in resistance and metastasis. In this review, the existence of crosstalks in the signaling pathways between Raf-kinase inhibitor protein and several cancer stem cell transcription factors (Oct4, KLF4, Sox2 and Nanog) was assembled. Oct4 is induced by Lin28, and Raf-kinase inhibitor protein inhibits the microRNA binding protein Lin28. The expression of Raf-kinase inhibitor protein inversely correlates with the expression of Oct4. KLF4 does not interact directly with Raf-kinase inhibitor protein, but rather interacts indirectly via Raf-kinase inhibitor protein’s regulation of the Oct4/Sox2/KLF4 complex through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The mechanism by which Raf-kinase inhibitor protein inhibits Sox2 is via the inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by Raf-kinase inhibitor protein. Thus, Raf-kinase inhibitor protein’s relationship with Sox2 is via its regulation of Oct4. Inhibition of extracellular signal–regulated kinase by Raf-kinase inhibitor protein results in the upregulation of Nanog. The inhibition of Oct4 by Raf-kinase inhibitor protein results in the failure of the heterodimer formation of Oct4 and Sox2 that is necessary to bind to the Nanog promoter for the transcription of Nanog. The findings revealed that there exists a direct correlation between the expression of Raf-kinase inhibitor protein and the expression of each of the above transcription factors. Based on these analyses, we suggest that the expression level of Raf-kinase inhibitor protein may be involved in the regulation of the cancer stem cell phenotype.
Targeting insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 by microRNA-125b promotes tumor invasion and poor outcomes in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Hua , Wang Yao-Chen , Wu De-Wei , Hung Chin-Sheng , Chen Chih-Yi , Lee Huei
Published: April 2017

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 acts as a tumor suppressor that inhibits the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway due to blocking insulin growth factor-1 binding to its receptor. We hypothesized that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 might be targeted by microRNA-125b and promote tumor invasion and poor outcome in non-small-cell lung cancer via activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the level of microRNA-125b, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 messenger RNA, and phosphorylated-AKT expression in 105 tumors from non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Low insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 messenger RNA levels and positive phosphorylated-AKT expression were more commonly found in patients with high microRNA-125b tumors than low microRNA-125b tumors. A poorer overall survival and relapse-free survival were observed in patients with high microRNA-125b tumors than low-microRNA-125b tumors in p53-mutated patients, but not in p53-wild-type patients. Mechanistically, microRNA-125b promotes invasion ability in p53-mutated cells via the PI3K/AKT activation by targeting of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, but this effect was not observed in p53-wild-type cells. An increase in phosphorylated-AKT expression due to targeting of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 by microRNA-125b was responsible for cell invasion in p53-mutated cells. In conclusion, the microRNA-125b level promotes invasive ability in p53-mutated cells via PI3K/AKT activation by targeting of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, thereby resulting in p53-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer patients with poor outcomes.
The minority directors in the corporate governance of EU listed institutions: A chimaera or a possibility?
Authors: De Poli Matteo , de Gioia Carabellese Pierre
Published: April 2017

The analysis of the category of minority directors is discussed in this article in an ambitious undertaking. This niche body of directors, a classification present in very few jurisdictions across the world, is discussed against the backdrop of a legal framework – Italy – where it has been codified for quite some time. Italy then will be the starting point of a legislative expedition which will firstly encounter the shores of a comparator, the United Kingdom, and its local system of corporate governance, before ultimately reaching its journey’s end in Brussels, and its legal framework of corporate governance addressed to listed companies. Based on the findings of this doctrinal analysis, it is suggested that the notion of minority directors as public safe-keepers, albeit exclusively confined to listed companies, could spearhead the agenda of the EU legislature and is a device fit for transplantation across the different corporate law frameworks, first and foremost the British one. Ultimately, through a speculative reference to the notion of ‘board diversity’ and the literature sprouted on this concept, the Italian voting list model is discussed as a means of adding both value to listed entities and efficiency to the relevant boards.
Development of a mHealth Real-Time Pain Self-Management App for Adolescents With Cancer: An Iterative Usability Testing Study
Authors: Jibb Lindsay A. , Cafazzo Joseph A. , Nathan Paul C. , Seto Emily , Stevens Bonnie J. , Nguyen Cynthia , Stinson Jennifer N.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: A user-centered design approach was used to refine the mHealth Pain Squad+ real-time pain self-management app for adolescents with cancer for its usability (defined as being easy to use, easy to understand, efficient to complete, and acceptable). Method: Three iterative usability testing cycles involving adolescent observation and interview were used to achieve this objective. During each cycle, adolescents used the app while “thinking aloud” about issues encountered. Observed difficulties and errors were recorded and a semistructured interview about the experience was conducted. Using a qualitative conventional content analysis approach, themes related to app usability were identified. Results: Participants required an average of 4.3 minutes to complete the pain assessment component of Pain Squad+. Overall, the app was acceptable. Problematic issues related to software malfunction, interface design flaws, and confusing text. Software revisions were made to address each issue. Conclusion: The multifaceted usability approach used provided insight into how a real-time app can be made acceptable to adolescents with cancer and succeeded in developing a Pain Squad+ app that is fit for future effectiveness testing.
Experiment-based hysteresis identification of a shape memory alloy–embedded morphing mechanism via stretched particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Jokar Mehdi , Ayati Moosa , Yousefi-Koma Aghil , Basaeri Hamid
Published: April 2017

Prandtl–Ishlinskii model is a phenomenological model for complex nonlinear hysteretic behaviors in mechanisms integrated with smart material actuators such as piezoelectric, magnetostrictive and shape memory alloy. In this article, experimental data obtained from a bio-inspired morphing wing mechanism actuated by a shape memory alloy wire are used to derive the generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii model. The unknown parameters of the generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii model are identified using a modified type of particle swarm optimization algorithm, that is, stretched algorithm. Accuracy of the trained model is evaluated by two different input signals. In addition, for each input signal, statistical prediction error analysis is implemented to test the model validity and accuracy. Results confirm that the presented model with identified parameters properly predicts hysteresis behavior of the mechanism for different input signals and the model yields a small estimation error.
Design and flight test of the generic micro-aerial vehicle (GenMAV) utilizing piezoelectric conformal flight control actuation
Authors: Kochersberger Kevin B , Ohanian Osgar John , Probst Troy , Gelhausen Paul A
Published: April 2017

A novel morphing control surface design employing piezoelectric macro-fiber composite actuators is compared to a servo-actuated system. The comprehensive comparison including aerodynamics, size, weight, power, bandwidth, and reliability has been extended to include flight test comparisons. Three flight vehicles were designed, built, and evaluated: a servo-controlled generic micro-aerial vehicle aircraft and two conformal actuator controlled versions based on thick and thin wing designs. Flight agility and control response of the morphing-actuated and servo-actuated configurations were quantified through state measurement during identical automated maneuvers. The morphing actuation scheme demonstrated control bandwidth that was an order of magnitude greater than for the servo-actuated system, but showed a 12% decrease in roll rate when compared to the servo-actuated baseline aircraft. The flight vehicles allowed system-level comparisons of conventional and morphing control, where conformal actuation occupied less volume, consumed equivalent power as micro servos and provided effective control power for maneuvering.
A Guide to Field Notes for Qualitative Research: Context and Conversation
Authors: Phillippi Julia , Lauderdale Jana
Published: April 2017

Field notes are widely recommended in qualitative research as a means of documenting needed contextual information. With growing use of data sharing, secondary analysis, and metasynthesis, field notes ensure rich context persists beyond the original research team. However, while widely regarded as essential, there is not a guide to field note collection within the literature to guide researchers. Using the qualitative literature and previous research experience, we provide a concise guide to collection, incorporation, and dissemination of field notes. We provide a description of field note content for contextualization of an entire study as well as individual interviews and focus groups. In addition, we provide two “sketch note” guides, one for study context and one for individual interviews or focus groups for use in the field. Our guides are congruent with many qualitative and mixed methodologies and ensure contextual information is collected, stored, and disseminated as an essential component of ethical, rigorous qualitative research.
Beyond integrated care
Authors: Plochg Thomas , Ilinca Stefania , Noordegraaf Mirko
Published: April 2017

Integrated care tops the health care agenda. But more integration alone will not remedy the crisis in health care, and there is a danger in the increasingly prevalent conceptualization of care integration as a goal in itself rather than as an instrument for improving performance. Operating integrated care systems, staffed by an overly specialized medical workforce, is unsustainable in terms of human and financial resources and is likely to produce little benefit for patients with multi-morbidity. An alternative approach involves health care leaders going beyond integrated care and nurturing transformative change from within the medical workforce instead. To be fit for purpose, the doctors must be encouraged and facilitated to customize their expertise to current and expected future burdens of disease. This would lead to more adaptive doctors who could actively support people in healing and managing their own health. Integrated care should be conceptualized as one possible lever for transformative change rather than its endpoint.
Who meets whom: Access and lobbying during the coalition years
Authors: Dommett Katharine , Hindmoor Andrew , Wood Matthew
Published: April 2017

In 2010, the incoming Coalition government announced that it would publish details of meetings between ministers and outside interests. We have collated and coded these data and, in this article, describe patterns of access between 2010 and 2015. In some respects, access is notably fragmented. No single organisation attends more than 2.5% of the 6292 meetings held by ministers. On the contrary, business, collectively, attends fully 45% of all meetings: more than twice the share of any other category of organisation. We also find evidence of distinctive policy communities characterised by high levels of access between particular interests and ministers within specific departments.
Prognostic Factors for Survival in Node-Negative Gastric Cancer Patients Who Underwent Curative Resection
Authors: Zhou Y. , Cui J.-G. , Huang F. , Zhang A. , Li C. , Zhao Z.-C. , Li W.-D. , Fu W.-H.
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim:

Lymph node involvement is the strongest prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer; patients with node-negative gastric cancer present with better survival. However, some patients develop recurrent gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to review the clinicopathological characteristics and factors for prognosis in patients with node-negative gastric cancer who underwent curative resection.

Methods:

Between January 2004 and December 2015, the clinicopathological characteristics of 302 patients with node-negative gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates for patients with node-negative gastric cancer were 80.0%, 69.0%, and 63.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that tumor size, histologic type, and depth of invasion had significant effects on survival (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size (hazard ratio: 1.83%, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.13–2.96, p = 0.014), histologic type (hazard ratio: 1.57%, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.01–2.44, p = 0.042), and depth of invasion (hazard ratio: 1.38%, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.14–1.67, p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion:

Tumor size, histologic type, and depth of invasion are important prognostic factors in patients with node-negative gastric cancer. These parameters should be considered to stratify patients for therapy and follow-up strategies.