bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsible and Sustainable Management Practices in Developing and Developed Business Environments
Authors: Igbinakhase Idahosa
Published: May 2018

This chapter focuses on responsible and sustainable management practices in business based on the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The UNGC has been named the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative and it has already made a significant contribution to the entrenchment of globally acceptable business ethics. The UNGC identifies ethical leadership as an important organisational asset, which has also contributed to the implementation of key responsible and sustainable practices, such as anti-corruption seminars and corporate social responsibility, among others. A comparative analysis of responsible and sustainable management practices of businesses in Nigeria and the United Kingdom revealed that some practices, such as corporate social responsibility, are being practiced in both business environments, among other findings.
Empirical Evidence on Corporate Governance Impact on CSR Disclosure in Developing Economies
Authors: Ben Rejeb Wajdi
Published: May 2018

This chapter investigates the influence of the board composition and leadership on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure. The empirical study of 68 Tunisian listed companies and 100 Egyptian listed companies reveals that board independence, foreign directorship, female directorship and state directorship, influence positively CSR disclosure. However, these findings indicate that CEO duality has a negative impact on CSR disclosure. Overall, the findings are consistent with the agency theory as well as the stakeholders theory and suggest that CSR disclosure seems to result from the willingness to meet shareholders' expectations in terms of transparency and voluntary disclosure of non-financial information.
Innovation Through Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel , Gallardo-Vázquez Dolores , Dziwiński Piotr , Barcik Agnieszka
Published: May 2018

In this chapter, the authors address institutional efforts in CSR carried out in two big European countries with different backgrounds but the same responsible goal for business and competitiveness: Spain and Poland. To illustrate how CSR pays off, the authors have selected two emblematic cases, one from each country: La Caixa Group and PKN Orlen. Although the degree of implementation of CSR is still different in the European countries in the European Union, and the institutional framework in Spain and Poland is clearly different, the two case-studies presented as best practices suggest promising new developments of CSR in both countries in the near future as CSR could be considered a vital component of innovation in national economies and a strategic variable of core's business determining future competitiveness through the social trend.
Clusters as Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Corporate Social Responsibility in SMEs
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel
Published: May 2018

The research question in this chapter is whether clusters are good entrepreneurial ecosystems to enhance social and responsible behavior in SMEs at regional level. We will address institutional efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility carried out in the Autonomous Region of Extremadura in Spain as case study because the regional government, with the aim of promoting business cooperation to enhance competitiveness, decided to develop a clustering policy for SMEs in the region. Additionally, since 2010 the region has developed its own plan for the promotion of responsibility at regional level. To answer the question we have carried out focus groups with representative businesses´ managers belonging to the existing and operative clusters in Extremadura at the moment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Talent Management in Turkey
Authors: Farndale Elaine , Atli Dincer
Published: May 2018

Addressing the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and talent management, we examine these fields largely from the perspective of employee attraction. We first present the historical development of CSR, detailing its current standing in Turkey. We then go on to describe how talent management has developed, and its particular relevance in emerging markets. Pulling these two fields together, we explore how a firm's CSR activities can improve employer branding to attract and retain key human resources. Comparing the results of Capital Magazine's “CSR Leaders in Turkey” and “Most Admired Companies in Turkey” research (both conducted annually from 2009 to 2013), we are able to identify how corporate reputations are related to CSR in the specific context of Turkey.
Study of Relation Between CSR and Employee Engagement in Hotel Industry
Authors: Singh Jagdeep
Published: May 2018

Research evidence has shown that there can be no magic formula or set of ‘off the shelf' prescriptions that can be applied in securing employee commitment and involvement towards the organizational goals. Still organizations are trying one or another formula and investing to create a culture of harmony, wellbeing and a productive environment. It has been proved that psychological wellbeing of employees is directly proportional to positive work culture and growth. Positive Psychology focus on wellbeing, satisfaction, hope, optimism, flow and happiness. Its focus is building positive qualities in life and work rather than repairing negative aspects. One of these attributes is Employee Engagement. CSR is an emerging field which has garnered increased attention in recent years; a development which displays a changing mindset about the role and responsibilities of the businessmen and employees toward the society. This paper discusses and proposes a model that positive perception of employees about the CSR initiatives enhances the engagement level of employees.
Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Service Performance in Mediating Effect of Brand Equity With Reference to Banks in India
Authors: Kumar T. Praveen
Published: May 2018

In competitive global scenario banks are very keen in branding their corporate social responsibility to enhance their service performance to compete effectively. This study was carried out to explore and assess the impact of corporate social responsibility on service performance in banking sector through reputation. To measure the corporate social responsibility, Maignan and Ferrell (2004) CSR scale, for the service performance the SERVPERF Model Parasoarman (1985), and for brand equity the brand equity (BI) index, developed by Aaker (1991) were used. The simple random sampling technique was used to collect the data from 617 banking customers. Structural Equation Modelling was used to measure the impact of corporate social responsibility on service performance through brand equity. The findings of the study indicates that CSR initiatives were linked to stronger service performance of the bank which ends stronger brand performance with the bank.
Corporate Social Responsibility as a Tool for Poverty Reduction
Authors: DiGabriele Maria
Published: May 2018

This chapter is aimed at addressing gaps highlighted as being inherent in the current model of Corporate Social Responsibility. In so doing, it proposes means whereby the current CSR model can be harnessed more efficiently to achieve and realize the goal of poverty reduction - particularly in developing countries.
Fostering Responsible Business
Authors: Rahdari Amir Hossein
Published: May 2018

Corporate social responsibility networks and associations play a significant role in fostering responsible business yet there exists a lacuna in the literature regarding the role of these networks and associations in augmenting responsible business practices. Furthermore, research studies with regard to how they function seem to be non-existent. Following this line of argument, this study attempts to shed light on these ambiguities by examining three leading networks. The results suggest that corporate sustainability and responsibility networks and associations play the role of facilitators, by providing tools and services, and incentivize business organizations to take measurable actions towards corporate sustainability. Moreover, they function as the engine of growth for responsible and sustainable business ecosystem. With their growing influence and the mainstreaming of responsible practices, a review of their objectives, organizational structures, types of activities, practices and impacts using a reviewing framework would provide a solid background for future research.
A Comparison of Corporate Sustainability Reporting in Europe and the Mena Region
Authors: Chandan Harish C.
Published: May 2018

Corporate sustainability (CS) is becoming a strategic focus for large corporations globally. This chapter compares CS reporting in the Europe and MENA regions. A content analysis of the CS reports from large corporations in Europe and the MENA region is presented to explore the themes covered in their sustainability reports. More large corporations in Europe have been reporting CS longer than those in the MENA region, and more large corporations in the developed countries of Europe as compared to MENA region publish CS reports. In general, CS reporting in the MENA region and developing European countries is in its infancy. There is evidence of leadership structures being put in place to ensure that the board and senior management are involved in sustainable strategy development and are incentivized to monitor and ensure implementation of that strategy through financial rewards.
Secure Storage and Transmission of Healthcare Records
Authors: Jacob Grasha , Annamalai Murugan
Published: May 2018

Telemedicine has become a common method for transmission of medical images and patient data across long distances. With the growth of computer networks and the latest advances in digital technologies, large amount of digital data gets exchanged over various types of insecure networks - wired or wireless. Modern Healthcare Management Systems need to change to accommodate these new advances. There is an urgent need to protect the confidentiality of health care records that are stored in common databases and transmitted over public insecure channels. This chapter outlines DNA sequence based cryptography which is easy to implement and is robust against cryptanalytic attack as there is insignificant correlation between the original record and the encrypted image for the secure storage and transmission of health records.
An Intelligent and Secure Framework for Wireless Information Technology in Healthcare for User and Data Classification in Hospitals
Authors: Mohammadian Masoud , Hatzinakos Dimitrios , Spachos Petros , Jentzsh Ric
Published: May 2018

Real time data acquisition and evaluation are required to save lives. Such data with utilization and application of the latest technologies in hospitals around the world can improve patient treatments and well beings. The delivery of patient's medical data needs to be secure. Secure and accurate real time data acquisition and analysis of patient data and the ability to update such data will assist in reducing cost while improving patient's care. A wireless framework based on radio frequency identification (RFID) can integrate wireless networks for fast data acquisition and transmission, while maintaining the privacy issue. This chapter discusses the development of a framework that can be considered for secure patient data collection and communications in a hospital environment. A new method for data classification and access authorization has also been developed, which will assist in preserving privacy and security of data. Several Case studies are offered to show the effectiveness of this framework.
Web Healthcare Applications in Poland
Authors: Sołtysik-Piorunkiewicz Anna , Furmankiewicz Małgorzata , Ziuziański Piotr
Published: May 2018

This publication consists three main areas of interest: management of patient information in Polish health care system, novel ideas and recent trends on healthcare Web-based applications in Poland and healthcare information behavior of users of self-diagnosis and self-treatment systems in Poland. The methodology adopted includes a literature review for the utilization of Web-based healthcare applications in Poland as well as the trends of medical information systems and healthcare system in Poland. Furthermore the results of a survey research for the management of patient information in Poland are provided. Respondents have been asked about their interested and experiences on the new Polish information electronic health record system or others information systems dedicated to the management of the healthcare processes in Poland. Also another survey researches are presented. Respondents have been asked which internet tools they use for self-treatment and self-diagnosis and are also asked to rate their credibility.
Effectiveness of a Student Response System Supported Curriculum and a Middle School Leadership Program
Authors: Rice Donna M. , Wilson John , Bennetts Andy
Published: May 2018

A student response system (SRS) with an engaging and interactive curriculum to support 21st -century skills could increase student performance in U.S. schools. This article will include student and teacher feedback to provide educators with possible solutions to poor student performance. Students respond positively to engagement opportunities related to their peers and classroom content. Through data collection and analysis, students learn, become involved, construct individual understanding, and experience real-time digital feedback. Why do many classrooms exclude technology and active learning strategies (ALS) although usage has resulted in great enthusiasm and consistent results? Could student success be facilitated by embedding an SRS and ALS in a standardized curriculum in a Title I middle school leadership classroom? To explore these questions, it is necessary to understand SRS technology and its capabilities, as well as its use in conjunction with an ALS embedded curriculum used in leadership programs.
A Systematic Review of Gamification Research
Authors: Bozkurt Aras , Durak Gürhan
Published: May 2018

Gamification is an innovative approach that aims to increase users' engagement and motivation and provide sustainable experiences. It has recently become widely known and is an approach that is being used in many fields. This article intends to identify and map trends and patterns in gamification research. For this purpose, this article employs a systematic review in which document and content analysis were used. Research findings have revealed that conceptual/descriptive papers outweigh other type of papers; however, quantitative and qualitative papers are showing an increasing trend. Lexical analysis demonstrated that education, teaching, and learning; engagement, motivation, and behavior change, and gamified designs, are emerging concepts. Keyword analysis revealed that gamification, engagement, and motivation are most frequently used keywords. Gamification articles are mostly related to the education field. Self-Determination Theory, Flow Theory, and MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetic) Framework appeared to be the most beneficial lenses in gamification studies.
Case Study of an Epistemic Mathematics Computer Game
Authors: Buteau Chantal , Muller Eric
Published: May 2018

E-Brock Bugs is a serious educational game (SEG) about probability which was created based on Devlin's design principles for games whose players adopt identities of mathematically able persons. This kind of games in which “players think and act like real world professionals” has been called epistemic. This article presents an empirical study of 16-year-old students' (n=61) experience playing E-Brock Bugs as part of their mathematics data management course. Results suggest that most students engaged in the game's mathematics and experienced a mathematical in-game identity. E-Brock Bugs contributes to validate Devlin's game design approach to epistemic mathematics SEGs.
Playing in the Virtual Sandbox
Authors: Davis Katie , Boss Julian A. , Meas Perry
Published: May 2018

Researchers, teachers, and the news media have touted Minecraft as an effective, engaging way to promote students' 21st century skills, including collaboration. However, little is known about what collaboration looks like in Minecraft, including what factors support and undermine high quality collaboration. The current exploratory study investigated this question through an analysis of middle school students' collaborative processes while playing Minecraft in small groups of 2-4 players. Analyses of the discourse functions used by players during gameplay revealed a number of factors affecting the success of their collaboration, such as prior social ties, gaming experience, and responsiveness to other players. The findings contribute new insight into the nature of more and less effective collaborations in multiplayer video games. These insights will be useful to educators who are interested in using Minecraft and other multiplayer games to promote collaboration among their students.
Reversible Data Hiding Scheme for ECG Signal
Authors: Tabassum Naghma , Izharuddin Muhammed
Published: May 2018

In telemedicine system, remote electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring systems are widely used to examine the cardiac health of a patient. So, huge amount of ECG data is collected in real time and send over the network along with the patient's identity to his/her doctor who is geographically far away. In that scenario, it is very important to protect patient's confidential information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 in US mandates that confidential and private information related to patients be protected. To serve this purpose a novel reversible watermarking algorithm with high embedding capacity based on wavelet transform has been developed. The proposed reversible data hiding scheme allows ECG signals to hide its corresponding patient's confidential data and being reversible the original signal can be completely restored at the same time. Performance has been evaluated in terms of ECG signal distortion and embedding capacity. Experimental results show that the original ECG signal is recovered exactly after the extraction of watermarked data.
8-Bit Quantizer for Chaotic Generator With Reduced Hardware Complexity
Authors: Zamarrud  , Izharuddin Muhammed
Published: May 2018

This article describes how nowadays, data is widely transmitted over the internet in the real time. Wherever the transmission or storage is required, security is needed. High speed processing hardware machine with reduced complexity are used for the security of the data, that are transmitted in real time. The information which is to be secure are encoded by pseudorandom key. Chaotic numbers are used in place of a pseudorandom key. The generated chaotic values are analogous in nature, these analog values are digitized to generate encryption key like 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit. To generate an 8-bit key, an 8-bit quantizer is required. The design of 8-bit quantizer requires 256 levels which needs lot of complex hardware to implement. In this article, an 8-bit quantizer is designed with reduced complexity, where hardware requirement is reduced by more than 12 times. Without compromising the randomness of the sequence generated. To increase the randomness and confusion timed hop random selection is used. The randomness of the sequence generated by the chaotic generators is analyzed by NIST test suite, to test for its randomness.
Developmental Regulation of Effector and Resident Memory T Cell Generation during Pediatric Viral Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Connors Thomas J. , Baird J. Scott , Yopes Margot C. , Zens Kyra D. , Pethe Kalpana , Ravindranath Thyyar M. , Ho Siu-hong , Farber Donna L.
Published: May 2018

Viral respiratory tract infections (VRTI) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among infants and young children. In mice, optimal protection to VRTI is mediated by recruitment of effector T cells to the lungs and respiratory tract, and subsequent establishment of tissue resident memory T cells (Trm), which provide long-term protection. These critical processes of T cell recruitment to the respiratory tract, their role in disease pathogenesis, and establishment of local protective immunity remain undefined in pediatric VRTI. In this study, we investigated T cell responses in the upper respiratory tract (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT) of infants and young children with VRTI, revealing developmental regulation of T cell differentiation and Trm generation in situ. We show a direct concurrence between T cell responses in the URT and LRT, including a preponderance of effector CD8+ T cells that was associated with disease severity. During infant VRTI, there was an accumulation of terminally differentiated effector cells (effector memory RA+ T cells) in the URT and LRT with reduced Trm in the early neonatal period, and decreased effector memory RA+ T cell and increased Trm formation with age during the early years of childhood. Moreover, human infant T cells exhibit increased expression of the transcription factor T-bet compared with adult T cells, suggesting a mechanism for preferential generation of effector over Trm. The developmental regulation of respiratory T cell responses as revealed in the present study is important for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating VRTI in the critical early life stages.
Exploring the efficacy of melodic intonation therapy with Broca’s aphasia in Arabic
Authors: Al-Shdifat Khalid G. , Sarsak Jawdat , Ghareeb Fatoon A.
Published: May 2018

Background: Even though the efficacy of melodic intonation therapy (MIT) with persons with aphasia (PWA) has been explored in different languages, the efficacy of MIT with Arabic-speaking PWA has never been explored. Aims: To explore the efficacy of MIT, adapted to Arabic, in promoting the expressive abilities of a 70-year-old Jordanian Arabic-speaking male subject with severe Broca’s aphasia 3 months post-onset. Methods: An 8-week MIT therapy programme with tapping (1.5 h daily, 6 days a week) was used in a multiple baseline design across two types of trained phrases (i.e. automatic and self-generated phrases). Outcome measures included accuracy of production of trained (at the end of each session) and untrained phrases (at the end of each week). Pre- and post-treatment measures used, were the bilingual aphasia test, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communicative Skills, the communicative effectiveness index and the American Speech and Hearing Association Quality of Communication Life Scale. Accuracy of production for the trained and untrained phrases was also measured 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the treatment programme was finished. Results: The patient, (MK), improved his expressive productions post-treatment in automatic and self-generated phrases. Automatic phrases exceeded the established 75% accuracy criterion, whereas the self-generated phrases reached criterion and remained constant at follow-up. Moreover, MK gradually started improving on the generalisation stimuli, once the treatment on the self-generated phrases started and maintained the gains 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-treatment. Conclusion: MIT appears to be a viable treatment option for Jordanian Arabic-speaking persons with Broca’s aphasia. However, more research is needed with larger groups of Jordanian Arabic-speaking persons with Broca’s aphasia to provide more support to the present findings. Moreover, future studies might focus on the efficacy of MIT with persons with Broca’s aphasia from different Arab countries and from countries where Arabic is part of the multicultural structure like South Africa and other countries on the African continent.
The importance of metacognition and the experiential learning process within a cultural intelligence–based approach to cross-cultural coaching
Authors: Van der Horst Catherine A. , Albertyn Ruth M.
Published: May 2018

Orientation: Research on cultural intelligence (CQ) is increasingly used to evaluate, explain and predict the cross-cultural efficacy of management behaviour in everyday cross-cultural interactions. However, there is limited evidence in cross-cultural coaching of the use of a CQ-based approach incorporating metacognition and experiential learning theory (ELT).Research purpose: This article explored the theoretical linkages, benefits and directions of CQ for enhancing cross-cultural coaching.Motivation for the study: Exploration of theoretical perspectives of CQ for application in cross-cultural coaching.Research design, approach and method: A critical interpretative synthesis research methodology was employed to identify and study key concepts. The methodology is sensitive to the emergence of meaning in a diverse body of literature from adjacent disciplines.Main findings: This research suggests four findings motivating a CQ-based approach for cross-cultural coaching: firstly, the recognition of the use of metacognitive strategies in (cross-cultural) coaching; secondly, the usefulness of metacognition to cross-cultural coaching for grasping and transforming cultural experience and insights into culturally appropriate behaviour; thirdly, an understanding of the significance of suitability and predisposition of certain learning styles to cross-cultural learning effectiveness and lastly, acknowledging the importance of a heightened focus on the experiential learning process within the cross-cultural coaching engagement.Practical and managerial implications: Key concepts and insights from research on CQ have application in cross-cultural coaching in pursuit of the transformation of cultural awareness and insight into culturally appropriate behaviour.Contribution/value-add: This research motivates the use of a CQ-based approach incorporating metacognition and ELT to cross-cultural coaching.
Distal major pedicle of sartorius muscle flap: Anatomical study and its clinical implications
Authors: Manjunath K. N. , Venkatesh M. S. , Shivaprasad Ashwini
Published: May 2018

Background: Reconstruction of the popliteal region has limited option in terms of muscle flaps or myocutaneous flaps. Gastrocnemius muscle or the myocutaneous flaps are the option for majority of cases. However, reach of Gastrocnemius is limited if the wound is on the distal one-third thigh or the lateral aspect of knee region. Similarly, if the wound injures the muscle, then coverage becomes all the more difficult. Although inferiorly based fasciocutaneous flaps can cover the wound in case of bony injuries, muscle flaps are beneficial as they help in fracture healing. However, in cases with direct gastrocnemius muscle injury or if the wound on the distal one-third thigh or the lateral aspect then the options of muscle flaps is limited. An inferiorly based sartorius muscle can be one suitable alternative to cover this region. Aims and Objective: The aim is to devise an inferiorly based sartorius muscle flap for coverage of lower thigh, popliteal and upper one-third leg region. Objectives: (1) To identify the location of distal major (largest diameter) pedicle in cadavers and its clinical application. (2) To determine the arc of rotation with distal major pedicle as pivot point. Methods: Ten Cadavers and 20 sartorius muscle dissected out. Prior silicone injection onto the femoral vessels was done to identify the location of the perforators for the sartorius muscle. The distance of perforators from anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) measured and the diameter of each perforator by transverse cut measured using callipers. In clinical cases, the arc of rotation was measured by keeping the distal perforator intact as pedicle (detaching the muscle from the ASIS without detaching from the insertion and then rotating it). Results: Out of the 10 cadavers analysed, 6 were male and 4 were female. The mean location of the distal major pedicle was at 35.25 cm from ASIS and range was between 30.4 cm to 38.3 cm. There was no significant variation between right and left limbs in individual cadaver (range 0.2 cm–1.6 cm). The mean diameter of the arterial component of distal major pedicle was 1.54 mm. In three clinical cases where this flap was harvested the arc of rotation were 95°, 110°, 125°. In one of the cases where flap was used to cover the tibial plateau (arc of rotation 155°), distal end of the muscle necrosed. Conclusion: This cadaver study supported by various other studies show that it has sizeable distal pedicle based on which whole muscle can be harvested as flap. In our study, the usual location of this pedicle is at 35 cm from ASIS. The mean diameter of the widest pedicle in distal one-third was 1.54 mm which along with other small diameter pedicle can support the entire muscle. This flap reached up to the infrapatellar region without any vascular compromise.
Is multiple session of intralesional bleomycin mandatory for complete resolution of macrocystic lymphatic malformation?
Authors: Upadhyaya Vijai Datta , Bhatnagar Ankur , Kumar Basant , Neyaz Zafar , Kishore J. S. , Sthapak Eti
Published: May 2018

Background: Intralesional bleomycin scelro-therapy has become a favored line of treatment for macrocystic lymphatic malformations. However the need for multiple sessions is a drawback associated with this treatment modality. Our aim is to document whether multiple session of intra-lesional sclero-therapy is necessary for complete resolution of cystic lymphatic malformation. Method: Intralesional bleomycin under Ultrasound guidance was used for macrocystic lymphangioma at concentration of 3mg/ml but not exceeding the total dose (1mg/kg) body weight for single session or cumulative dose of 5mg/kg. In all cases intralesional sclerosant (ILS) was installed under proper aseptic precaution in operation theatre in general anesthesia or sedation depending on the site or size of lesion and age of the patient. Age of patients at the time of enrolment in study ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Clinical examination was the main stay of diagnosis which was supplemented by USG and/or computed tomography. Compression of the lesion site was done for few hours wherever it was possible after the ILS session. Result: A total of 21 patients included in our study. The age ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Male to female ratio was 8:13. The most common site of involvement was neck and axilla followed by anterior chest wall and nape of the neck. Complete resolution after single session was observed in 90.5% cases where as surgery was required in 9.5% case. Major complication was observed in one patient, who had intralesional bleeding which was managed conservatively. Transient pain and fever was observed in 23.8% of cases. Only two patient required surgical intervention where one had persistent subcutaneous fibrotic nodule and other one did not respond to ILS. Conclusion: Intralesional bleomycin is an effective treatment for macrocystic lesion, and complete resolution may be achieved by single session of ILS if proper principle are followed.
Use of a plastic eraser for ear reconstruction training
Authors: Erdogan Basar , Morioka Daichi , Hamada Taishi , Kusano Taro , Win Khin Malar
Published: May 2018

Background: Microtia reconstruction is a challenging procedure, especially in developing nations. The most complex part is learning how to fabricate a framework from costal cartilage. We herein propose a training regimen for ear reconstruction with the use of a plastic eraser. Materials and Methods: The texture of a plastic eraser made from polyvinyl chloride is similar to that of human costal cartilage. The first step of the training is carving out the sixth through eighth rib cartilages from a block of plastic eraser. The second step is a fabrication of the framework from plastic rib cartilages, referring to a template from the intact auricle. Results: As plastic erasers are inexpensive and universally available, inexperienced surgeons can repeatedly perform this framework training. Following several of these training sessions in developing nations, the co-authors and local surgeons successfully performed their microtia reconstructions in a reasonable operative time. Conclusions: This realistic carving model allows surgeons to gain experience before performing an actual ear reconstruction, even in resource-constrained circumstances.
Scalp expansion: Surgical considerations and possible future directions
Authors: Raposio Edoardo
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Repairing large scalp defects has always been a difficult task for plastic surgeons. This is because the requirements of such procedures are two-fold: sufficient soft-tissue coverage is required, and to obtain a satisfactory aesthetic outcome, a sufficient number of covering hairs should be ideally provided. Materials and Methods: Based on the author's experience in this repair technique over a 20-year period, this article presents some technical details of scalp expansion, surgical refinements and possible directions for further technical advancement. Results: Data and details on relevant scalp anatomy, expander choice, expander placement, subgaleal undermining, galeotomies and acute scalp expansion are provided. Conclusions: The author hopes that the above-mentioned details may be of some utility in the complex field of scalp expansion.
Autologous emulsified fat injection for rejuvenation of scars: A prospective observational study
Authors: Bhooshan Lekshmi S. , Devi M. Geetha , Aniraj R. , Binod P. , Lekshmi M.
Published: May 2018

Background: The skin rejuvenation potential of the autologous emulsified nanofat was studied by Tonnard et al. in 2013. This property is due to the viable adipose-derived stem cells present in the nanofat; although, there are no viable adipocytes. The aim of this study was to determine the aesthetic outcome of autologous emulsified nanofat injection in scars using a standardised and validated Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and photographs. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients with scars of varied aetiologies were included in the study as per inclusion criteria. Pre-operative scoring of the scars with the POSAS scale was done, and photographs were taken. Fat aspiration was done from the lower abdominal wall using syringe liposuction under tumescent anaesthesia. The lipoaspirate was mechanically emulsified, filtered and injected intralesionally into the scar using 26G needle and insulin syringe. Post-operative scar reassessment was done at 3 months with the POSAS scale score and photographs. The improvement in scar characteristics and symptoms were tested statistically using a paired t-test. Pre-operative and post-operative photographic comparison was also done. Results: Out of the 34 patients included in the study, male:female ratio was 22:12. Majority (79.4%) had post-traumatic facial scars. On statistical analysis, there was statistically significant improvement in symptoms such as pain (P = 0.001), itching (P = 0.001), stiffness (P = 0.001), thickness (P = 0.001), colour (P = 0.001), irregularity (P = 0.001) and scar characteristics such as vascularity (P = 0.005), relief (P = 0.001), pliability (P = 0.001), thickness (P = 0.001) and pigmentation (P = 0.001) 3 months after injection. The photographic comparison also showed good aesthetic outcome. Conclusion: Autologous emulsified nanofat injection is effective in improving the scar characteristics as well as symptoms and helps in scar rejuvenation.
Combination of arginine, glutamine, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements for perioperative enteral nutrition in surgical patients with gastric adenocarcinoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Authors: Ma C , Tsai H , Su W , Sun L , Shih Y , Wang J
Published: May 2018

Background:

Perioperative enteral nutrition (EN) enriched with immune-modulating substrates is preferable for patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgery. In this study, perioperative EN enriched with immune-modulating nutrients such as arginine, glutamine, and omega-3 fatty acids was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory efficacy in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) receiving curative surgery.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective, randomized, double-blind study recruited 34 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma or gastric GIST undergoing elective curative surgery. These patients were randomly assigned to the study group, receiving immune-modulating nutrient-enriched EN, or the control group, receiving standard EN from 3 days before surgery (preoperative day 3) to up to postoperative day 14 or discharge. Laboratory and inflammatory parameters were assessed on preoperative day 3 and postoperative day 14 or at discharge. Adverse events (AEs) and clinical outcomes were documented daily and compared between groups.

Results:

No significant differences were observed between the two groups in selected laboratory and inflammatory parameters, or in their net change, before and after treatment. AEs and clinical outcomes, including infectious complications, overall complications, time to first bowel action, and length of hospital stay after surgery, were comparable between treatment groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Immune-modulating nutrient-enriched EN had no prominent immunomodulation effect compared with that of standard EN.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Dengue in Maracay, Venezuela
Authors: Elsinga Jelte , Schmidt Masja , Lizarazo Erley F. , Vincenti-Gonzalez Maria F. , Velasco-Salas Zoraida I. , Arias Luzlexis , Burgerhof Johannes G. M. , Tami Adriana
Published: May 2018

Dengue, a viral mosquito-borne disease currently affects more than 2.5 billion people living in endemic areas worldwide. In vector control, social mobilization and community behavioral changes are of crucial importance. Here, we identified the factors influencing community dengue preventive practices in a high-transmission urban area in Venezuela. Between September 2013 and February 2014, a cross-sectional study at the household level was carried out in Maracay city, Venezuela. A precoded questionnaire was used to obtain information on people’s knowledge, attitudes, and use of preventive practices in relation to dengue. Concomitantly, entomological data was collected from households. In 80% of the 105 included households, 1–5 preventive practices (e.g., repellents, insecticides) against mosquito bites were used. However, 57% of the examined houses had potential Aedes breeding sites indoors and/or outdoors, most of which positive for Aedes spp. larvae/pupae. Preventive practices were associated with a previous dengue infection (P = 0.030) and a better knowledge on dengue symptoms and transmission route (P = 0.020). In turn, knowledge was associated with feeling at risk (P < 0.001), a previous dengue infection (P = 0.010), and reported exposure to information sources of dengue (P = 0.011). Even though the knowledge level of the community over transmission ways was high, and most of the individuals took measures to avoid mosquito bites, potential mosquito breeding sites were present in almost two-thirds of the examined properties. Health promotion activities in Venezuela should aim at raising awareness at the community level on the importance of combining mosquito bite prevention with removal of breeding sites in and around the households.
Impacts of biogenic and anthropogenic emissions on summertime ozone formation in the Guanzhong Basin, China
Authors: Li Nan , He Qingyang , Greenberg Jim , Guenther Alex , Li Jingyi , Cao Junji , Wang Jun , Liao Hong , Wang Qiyuan , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2018

Abstract. This study is the first attempt to understand the synergistic impact
of anthropogenic and biogenic emissions on summertime
ozone (O3) formation in the Guanzhong (GZ) Basin where Xi'an, the oldest and the most populous city (with
a population of 9 million) in northwestern China, is located. Month-long (August 2011) WRF-Chem simulations with
different sensitivity experiments were conducted and compared with near-surface measurements. Biogenic volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) concentrations was characterized from six surface sites among the Qinling Mountains, and urban air
composition was measured in Xi'an city at a tower 100 ma.s. The WRF-Chem control experiment reasonably
reproduced the magnitudes and variations of observed O3, VOCs, NOx, PM2.5, and
meteorological parameters, with normalized mean biases for each parameter within ±21 %. Subsequent analysis
employed the factor separation approach (FSA) to quantitatively disentangle the pure and synergistic impacts of
anthropogenic and/or biogenic sources on summertime O3 formation. The impact of anthropogenic sources alone was
found to be dominant for O3 formation. Although anthropogenic particles reduced NO2 photolysis by up
to 60 %, the anthropogenic sources contributed 19.1 ppb O3 formation on average for urban Xi'an. The
abundant biogenic VOCs from the nearby forests promoted O3 formation in urban areas by interacting with the
anthropogenic NOx. The calculated synergistic contribution (from both biogenic and anthropogenic sources) was
up to 14.4 ppb in urban Xi'an, peaking in the afternoon. Our study reveals that the synergistic impact of
individual source contributions to O3 formation should be considered in the formation of air pollution control
strategies, especially for big cities in the vicinity of forests.
Quantifying errors in surface ozone predictions associated with clouds over the CONUS: a WRF-Chem modeling study using satellite cloud retrievals
Authors: Ryu Young-Hee , Hodzic Alma , Barre Jerome , Descombes Gael , Minnis Patrick
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Clouds play a key role in radiation and hence O3 photochemistry by
modulating photolysis rates and light-dependent emissions of biogenic
volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). It is not well known, however, how much
error in O3 predictions can be directly attributed to error in cloud
predictions. This study applies the Weather Research and Forecasting with
Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model at 12 km horizontal resolution with the Morrison
microphysics and Grell 3-D cumulus parameterization to quantify uncertainties
in summertime surface O3 predictions associated with cloudiness over
the contiguous United States (CONUS). All model simulations are driven by
reanalysis of atmospheric data and reinitialized every 2 days. In sensitivity
simulations, cloud fields used for photochemistry are corrected based on
satellite cloud retrievals. The results show that WRF-Chem predicts about
55 % of clouds in the right locations and generally underpredicts cloud
optical depths. These errors in cloud predictions can lead to up to 60 ppb
of
overestimation in hourly surface O3 concentrations on some days. The
average difference in summertime surface O3 concentrations derived from
the modeled clouds and satellite clouds ranges from 1 to 5 ppb for maximum
daily 8 h average O3 (MDA8 O3) over the CONUS. This represents up to
∼ 40 % of the total MDA8 O3 bias under cloudy conditions in
the tested model version. Surface O3 concentrations are sensitive to
cloud errors mainly through the calculation of photolysis rates (for
∼ 80 %), and to a lesser extent to light-dependent BVOC emissions.
The sensitivity of surface O3 concentrations to satellite-based cloud
corrections is about 2 times larger in VOC-limited than NOx-limited
regimes. Our results suggest that the benefits of accurate predictions of
cloudiness would be significant in VOC-limited regions, which are typical of
urban areas.
Gas chromatography using ice-coated fused silica columns: study of adsorption of sulfur dioxide on water ice
Authors: Langenberg Stefan , Schurath Ulrich
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The well established technique of gas chromatography is used to investigate interactions of sulfur dioxide with a crystalline ice film in a fused silica wide bore column. Peak shape analysis of SO2 chromatograms measured in the temperature range 205–265 K is applied to extract parameters describing a combination of three processes: (i) physisorption of SO2 at the surface, (ii) dissociative reaction with water and (iii) slow uptake into bulk ice. Process (ii) is described by a dissociative Langmuir isotherm. The pertinent monolayer saturation capacity is found to increase with temperature. The impact of process (iii) on SO2 peak retention time is found to be negligible under our experimental conditions.By analyzing binary chromatograms of hydrophobic n-hexane and hydrophilic acetone, the premelt surface layer is investigated in the temperature range 221–263 K, possibly giving rise to irregular adsorption. Both temperature dependencies fit simple van't Hoff equations as expected for process (i), implying that irregular adsorption of acetone is negligible in the investigated temperature range. Adsorption enthalpies of −45 ± 5 and −23±2 kJ mol−1 are obtained for acetone and n-hexane.The motivation of our study was to assess the vertical displacement of SO2 and acetone in the wake of aircraft by adsorption on ice particles and their subsequent sedimentation. Our results suggest that this transport mechanism is negligible.
Identification of organic hydroperoxides and peroxy acids using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (APCI-MS/MS): application to secondary organic aerosol
Authors: Zhou Shouming , Rivera-Rios Jean C. , Keutsch Frank N. , Abbatt Jonathan P. D.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Molecules with hydroperoxide functional groups are of extreme importance to both the atmospheric and biological chemistry fields. In this work, an analytical method is presented for the identification of organic hydroperoxides and peroxy acids (ROOH) by direct infusion of liquid samples into a positive-ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometer ((+)-APCI-MS/MS). Under collisional dissociation conditions, a characteristic neutral loss of 51 Da (arising from loss of H2O2+NH3) from ammonium adducts of the molecular ions ([M + NH4]+) is observed for ROOH standards (i.e. cumene hydroperoxide, isoprene-4-hydroxy-3-hydroperoxide (ISOPOOH), tert-butyl hydroperoxide, 2-butanone peroxide and peracetic acid), as well as the ROOH formed from the reactions of H2O2 with aldehydes (i.e. acetaldehyde, hexanal, glyoxal and methylglyoxal). This new ROOH detection method was applied to methanol extracts of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) material generated from ozonolysis of α-pinene, indicating a number of ROOH molecules in the SOA material. While the full-scan mass spectrum of SOA demonstrates the presence of monomers (m∕z = 80–250), dimers (m∕z = 250–450) and trimers (m∕z = 450–600), the neutral loss scan shows that the ROOH products all have masses less than 300 Da, indicating that ROOH molecules may not contribute significantly to the SOA oligomeric content. We anticipate this method could also be applied to biological systems with considerable value.