bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical and structural characteristics of PMMA films doped with a new anisometric EuIII complex
Authors: Knyazev Andrey , Krupin Aleksandr , Gubaidullin Aidar , Galyametdinov Yury
Published: June 2019

A new film material capable of transforming UV radiation into visible light was obtained from a highly anisometric EuIII complex with organic ligands in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix and then structurally characterized. An important advantage of the synthesized complex is its good solubility in organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, THF, toluene, etc. The ligand environment (flexible alkyl and cyclohexyl substituents) of the EuIII complex was selected to prevent crystallization, to inhibit the formation of defects in the structure of films and to provide its uniform distribution in the polymer during polymerization. As a result we obtain an EuIII complex of the film with remarkable thermal behavior: the complex melts to isotropic liquid without decomposition, it supercools at ambient temperature and it forms a stable amorphous material at low (up to −30°C) temperatures. The films were prepared by two methods: bulk polymerization and spin coating. A comparison of the differences of luminescent and optical characteristics of micro- and nanosized PMMA films doped with the anisometric EuIII complex is given. Based on X-ray powder diffraction and small-angle scattering data, it has been supposed that the association of EuIII complex molecules occurs in the voids of the PMMA matrix and is accompanied by the formation of a nanocrystalline phase. For films obtained by spin coating, a deeper microphase separation is demonstrated than by bulk polymerization. The dimensional characteristics of the nano-associates were determined and a correlation between the method of preparation and the type of distribution of the EuIII complex in the PMMA matrix is established.
Influence of ligand positional isomerism on the molecular and supramolecular structures of cobalt(II)-phenylimidazole complexes
Authors: Duros Vasilios , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina , Kitos Alexandros A. , Tasiopoulos Anastasios J. , Nastopoulos Vassilios
Published: June 2019

In a study to evaluate the impact of flexible positional isomeric ligands on the coordination geometry and self-assembly process of 3d metal complexes, the synthesis of eight new cobalt(II) complexes with the 2-phenylimidazole (LH) and 5-phenylimidazole (L′H) ligands has been carried out. A variety of parameters/conditions have been probed using the general CoII/X
−/LH or L′H (X
− = Cl−, Br−, I−, NO3
−, NCS−, ClO4
−, SO4
2−) reaction system. Interestingly, X-ray analyses reveal two distinct groups of complexes: reactions with LH only lead to tetrahedral or quasi-tetrahedral complexes {i.e. [CoCl2(LH)2] (1), [CoI2(LH)2] (2), [Co(NO3)2(LH)2] (3), [Co(NCS)2(LH)2] (4)}, whereas L′H favours octahedral coordination {i.e. [Co(L′H)4(MeCN)(H2O)]I2 (5), [Co(L′H)4(MeCN)(H2O)](NO3)2 (6) and [Co(NCS)2(L′H)4)]·2MeOH (7·2MeOH)}. A tetrahedral [Co(NCS)2(L′H)2)] (8) complex was also concurrently isolated with complex 7. The effects of the positional isomeric ligands LH and L′H and of the coordinated inorganic anions on the stoichiometry and packing arrangements of the complexes are thoroughly discussed. The supramolecular assembly is firmly directed, in all types of complexes, by robust N—H...X (X = Cl, I, O or S) motifs, leading to varying dimensionalities (1D, 2D or 3D) and packing arrangements. The formation of these motifs has been activated by choosing appropriate anions X, acting as terminal ligands or counterions. At a second level of organization, additional subordinate C—H...X (X = Cl, I, O or S), C—H...π and π...π intermolecular interactions complement the rigidity of the complexes' packing towards compact 3D assemblies. Hirshfeld surface analyses provided insight into the intermolecular interactions, allowed quantification of the individual contact types and comparison between the complexes.
Coordination polymers of CdII and PbII with croconate show remarkable differences in coordination patterns: a structural and spectroscopic study
Authors: Silverman Joshua A. , Mathivathanan Logesh , Govor Evgen V. , Raptis Raphael G. , Kavallieratos Konstantinos
Published: June 2019

The croconate dianion is a highly versatile ligand with two tautomeric forms making it useful for building large superstructures in the solid state. The single-crystal X-ray structures of PbII– and CdII–croconate coordination polymers, namely catena-poly[[[diaqualead(II)]-μ-croconato-κ4
O
1,O
2:O
3,O
4] monohydrate], {[Pb(C5O5)(H2O)2]·H2O}
n
, 1, and catena-poly[[triaquacadmium(II)]-μ-croconato-κ4
O
1,O
2:O
3,O
4], [Cd(C5O5)(H2O)3]
n
, 2, have been determined. Both polymers form one-dimensional (1D) structures; 1 is a nonplanar 1D zigzag coordination polymer extended along the crystallographic b axis, whereas 2 is a planar 1D ribbon parallel to the [101] direction. In 2, three H2O molecules are coordinated directly to the metal atom, while in 1, only two H2O molecules are directly coordinated to the metal atom. A third interstitial H2O molecule is involved in hydrogen bonding with O atoms of the croconate ligands of an adjacent layer and other H2O molecules, resulting in stacked double layers parallel to the [105] plane. Solid-state FT–IR and solution UV–Vis spectra also substantiate the croconate coordination.
Synthesis and crystal structure of calcium hydrogen phosphite, CaHPO3
Authors: Phillips Mark L. F. , Harrison William T. A.
Published: June 2019

The hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of the simple inorganic compound CaHPO3, which crystallizes in the chiral space group P43212, are reported. The structure is built up from distorted CaO7 capped trigonal prisms and HPO3 pseudo pyramids, which share corners and edges to generate a three-dimensional network.
From the natural continuum to the elastic spring cell in three and two dimensions -- a flexibility approach
Authors: Doltsinis I St
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The employment of spring cell substitutes for the numerical analysis of solids and structures in place of finite elements has occasioned research on the subject with regard to both, the applicability of existing approaches and the advancement of concepts. This paper aims to explore in the context of linear elasticity the substitution of the simplex tetrahedral element in space and the triangle in the plane by corresponding spring cells deduced on a flexibility basis using the natural formalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The natural formalism is characterized by the homogeneous definition of strain and stress along the lines connecting nodes of the simplex tetrahedron and the triangle. The elastic compliance involves quantities along the prospective spring directions and offers itself for the transition to the spring cell. The diagonal entities are interpreted immediately as spring flexibilities, the off-diagonal terms account for the completeness of the substitution. In addition to the isotropic elastic material, the concept is discussed for anisotropic elasticity in the plane.

Findings

The natural point of view establishes the spring cell as part of the continuum element. The simplest configuration of pin-joined bars discards all geometrical and physical cross effects. The approach is attracting by its transparent simplicity, revealing deficiencies of the spring cell and identifying directly conditions for the complete substitution of the finite element.

Research limitations/implications

The spring cell counterparts of the tetrahedral- and the triangular finite elements allow employment in problems in three and two dimensions. However, the deficient nature of the approximation requires attention in the design of the discretization lattice such that the conditions of complete finite element substitution are approached as close as possible.

Practical implications

Apart from plane geometries, triangular spring cells have been assembled to lattice models of space structures such as membrane shells and similar. Tetrahedral cells have been used, in modelling plates and shell structures exhibiting bending stiffness.

Originality/value

The natural formalism of simplex finite elements in three and two dimensions is used for defining spring cells on a flexibility basis and exploring their properties. This is a novel approach to spring cells and an original employment of the natural concept in isotropic and anisotropic elasticity.
What is new about India’s economic growth? An industry level productivity perspective
Authors: Das Deb Kusum , Aggarwal Suresh Chand , Erumban Abdul Azeez , Das Pilu Chandra
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The dynamics of economic growth in India continues to engage economists and still remains much debated. The trends and patterns of growth observed in India have seen acceleration in growth in Indian economy in the period following macroeconomic reforms and policy changes in investment and trade regimes. However, when and how did India transform itself from Hindu rate of growth to the present growth regime continues to be debated.

Design/methodology/approach

Using INDIA KLEMS data set, this study provides a distinctive perspective on India’s economic growth. A unique data set comprising 27 sectors of Indian economy at a disaggregate industry level for a period of 30 years, beginning 1980s, attempts to understand the dynamics of India’s growth from the contribution of industries that comprise the Indian economy.

Findings

This productivity data set offers a new way of analyzing the dynamics of growth including the sources of growth. The growth empirics allow evaluation of the relative significance of total factor productivity growth vis-a-vis input accumulation in accounting for output growth. In addition, the authors were able to document the industry contributions to aggregate growth. In this way, they were able to analyze the importance of the constituent industries within the different sectors of the economy − agriculture, manufacturing, construction and market, as well as non-market services in accounting for the observed growth in India. In conclusion, the industry perspective offers a new and analytical way of discerning new aspects of India’s march to higher growth regimes in post-1990s era.

Originality/value

A unique data set comprising 27 sectors of Indian economy at a disaggregate industry level for a period of 30 years, beginning 1980s, attempts to understand the dynamics of India’s growth from the contribution of industries that comprise the Indian economy.
Trade liberalization and productivity of Indian manufacturing firms
Authors: Goldar Bishwanath , Chawla Isha , Behera Smruti Ranjan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of India’s trade liberalization during the late 1990s and 2000s on productivity of manufacturing firms and verify whether the productivity-enhancing impact of reductions in input tariffs was greater than that of output tariff cuts, as found in some earlier studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Firm-level (company-level) data drawn from Prowess database are used for the estimation of total factor productivity (TFP) at the firm level, done by using the Levinsohn–Petrin methodology. Econometric models are estimated to explain firm-level TFP. The explanatory variables used are output and input tariff rates and quantitative restrictions on imports at the industry level and firm characteristics such as firm size, export intensity and import intensity. Firm-level panel data for 2002-2010 or for a longer period 1998-2010 are used for the estimation of econometric models. Model estimation is done by applying the fixed-effects model and IV-2SLS, 3SLS estimators and EC2SLS estimators.

Findings

Trade liberalization had a significant positive effect on the productivity of Indian manufacturing firms. The lowering of output tariff had a greater beneficial impact on TFP of Indian manufacturing firms than the lowering of tariff on intermediate inputs.

Originality/value

Good deal of care has been taken in the measurement of output and inputs for the purpose of TFP measurement. Two alternative frameworks, gross output and value added, are used. This helps in making a better estimate of the impact of trade liberalization on TFP.
Convergence in condominium prices of major US metropolitan areas
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Payne James E.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the long-run convergence properties of condominium prices based on the ripple effect for five major US metropolitan areas (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco). Specifically, we test for both overall convergence in condominium prices and the possibility of distinct convergence clubs to ascertain the interdependence of geographically dispersed metropolitan condominium markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Our analysis uses two approaches to identify the convergence properties of condominium prices: the Lee and Strazicich (2003) unit root test with endogenous structural breaks and the Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009) time-varying nonlinear club convergence tests.

Findings

The Lee and Strazicich (2003) unit root tests identify two structural breaks in 2006 and 2008 with the rejection of the null hypothesis of a unit root and long-run convergence in condominium prices in the cases of Boston and New York. The Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009) club convergence test reveals the absence of overall convergence in condominium prices across all metropolitan areas, but the emergence of two distinct convergence clubs with clear geographical segmentation: on the east coast with Boston and New York and the west coast with Los Angeles and San Francisco while Chicago exhibits a non-converging path.

Research limitations/implications

The results highlight the distinct geographical segmentation of metropolitan condominium markets, which provides useful information to local policymakers, financial institutions, real estate developers and real estate portfolio managers. The limitations of the research are the identification of the underlying sources for the convergence clubs identified due to the availability of monthly data for a number of potential variables.

Practical implications

The absence of overall convergence in condominium prices, but the emergence of distinct convergence clubs that reflects the geographical segmentation of metropolitan condominium markets raises the potential for portfolio diversification.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies that have focused on single-family housing, this is the first study to examine the convergence of metropolitan area condominium prices.
The return on investment from international patient programs in American hospitals
Authors: Patel Ishani , Johnson Tricia J. , Garman Andrew N. , Hohmann Samuel , Pescara Paola , Fowler Jarrett , Daneshgar Shabnam
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Hospitals catering to the unique needs of international patients often make substantial investments in their international program. Research has yet to evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of establishing these programs. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the economic benefits and costs of international patient programs and evaluate the ROI of international patients for US hospitals by program maturity and size.

Design/methodology/approach

Operational information about 29 health systems with international patient programs in the USA was obtained from the US Cooperative for International Patient Programs (USCIPP) Annual Benchmarking Survey. A Spearman correlation coefficient was used to test the association between international program investments and revenue. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to test whether ROI differs significantly by program maturity and size.

Findings

It was found that 14 (48.3 per cent) international programs were established and 10 (34.5 per cent) programs were large in size. The median estimated organizational total gross revenue less operating expense for all programs was positive ($15.6m). Total gross revenue less operating expense was higher for large programs ($105.6m) than for small programs ($9.2m) (p < 0.001) and higher for established programs ($40.2m) than for new programs ($8.5m) (p < 0.001).

Originality/value

The results suggest that hospital investment in international programs yields substantial returns for the health systems studied. New programs rely on staff from other areas of the organization while developing operational processes and relationships with providers and payers abroad. Examining the ROI can help hospitals develop a business case for an international program and understand any economies of scale from increased investment.
Throughput models for a dual-bay VLM order picking system under different configurations
Authors: Sgarbossa Fabio , Calzavara Martina , Persona Alessandro
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Vertical lift module (VLM) is a parts-to-picker system for order picking of small products, which are stored into two columns of trays served by a lifting crane. A dual-bay VLM order picking (dual-bay VLM-OP) system is a particular solution where the operator works in parallel with the crane, allowing higher throughput performance. The purpose of this paper is to define models for different operating configurations able to improve the total throughput of the dual-bay VLM-OP system.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical models are developed to estimate the throughput of a dual-bay VLM-OP. A deep evaluation has been carried out, considering different storage assignment policies and the sequencing retrieval of trays.

Findings

A more accurate estimation of the throughput is demonstrated, compared to the application of previous models. Some use guidelines for practitioners and academics are derived from the analysis based on real data.

Originality/value

Differing from previous contributions, these models include the acceleration/deceleration of the crane and the probability of storage and retrieve of each single tray. This permits to apply these models to different storage assignment policies and to suggest when these policies can be profitably applied. They can also model the sequencing retrieval of trays.
Leadership through love and fear: an effective combination
Authors: Dahm Patricia C. , Greenbaum Bruce E.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how employees’ sentiments of fear and companionate love toward their leaders relate to leader effectiveness and follower loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses multi-level survey data (n=728) from a professional services firm. Proposed relationships are examined using multi-level modeling, polynomial regression and response surface analysis.

Findings

Companionate love moderates the relationship between fear of a leader and leader effectiveness and follower loyalty. At high levels of companionate love, leader effectiveness and loyalty increase with fear, but at low levels of companionate love, fear negatively relates to leader effectiveness and loyalty. There are diminishing returns at relatively high levels of love and fear or when love becomes relatively much greater than fear.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest that employees may incorporate sentiments of love and fear into their implicit leadership theories (ILTs), though the authors do not measure ILTs.

Practical implications

Leaders may consider incorporating behaviors that elicit sentiments of both love and fear for greatest follower loyalty and effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the combination of sentiments of love and fear. In contrast to the extant literature, which posits that fear has primarily negative effects, the results suggest that fear may have a more nuanced relationship with perceptions of the leader.
Working consumers’ psychological states in firm-hosted virtual communities
Authors: Leo Wei Wei Cheryl , Chou Cindy Yunhsin , Chen Tom
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Consumers’ self-interests and personal goals in attaining collective goals are rarely considered in firm-hosted virtual communities (FHVCs). Based on working consumers paradigm and agency theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the joint impact of consumers’ psychological states of empowerment, engagement and entitlement on value cocreation behaviors in FHVCs.

Design/methodology/approach

US consumer panel data were used to test the proposed model on customers (n=338) participating in a FHVC.

Findings

The results show significant effects of the psychological states of empowerment, engagement and entitlement on value cocreation. Of these three states, psychological empowerment had the strongest effect. The predictive strength of entitlement for value cocreation is weaker for individuals with high knowledge of the community (KC). Practitioner interviews conducted with FHVC managers establish the states and set forth an emerging research agenda.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the cocreation literature to establish the holistic importance of psychological states as key antecedents of value cocreation for working consumers. It acknowledges agency motives and establishes KC as a moderating condition.

Practical implications

The explication of consumers’ psychological states has implications for the benchmarking and design of consumer portfolios.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on cocreation by collectively examining three psychological states of consumers through the lens of working consumers paradigm and agency theory. It also establishes KC as an important boundary resource condition.
Stigma, inclusion and India’s Mental Healthcare Act 2017
Authors: Duffy Richard M. , Gulati Gautam , Kasar Niket , Paralikar Vasudeo , Narayan Choudhary Laxmi , Desousa Avinash , Goyal Nishant , Kelly Brendan D.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

India’s Mental Healthcare Act 2017 provides a right to mental healthcare, revises admission and review procedures, effectively decriminalises suicide and has strong non-discrimination measures, among other provisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine Indian mental health professionals’ views of these changes as they relate to stigma and inclusion of the mentally ill.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors held nine focus groups in three Indian states, involving 61 mental health professionals including 56 psychiatrists.

Findings

Several themes relating to stigma and inclusion emerged: stigma is ubiquitous and results in social exclusion; stigma might be increased rather than remedied by certain regulations in the 2017 Act; stigma is not adequately dealt with in the legislation; stigma might discourage people from making “advance directives”; and there is a crucial relationship between stigma and education.

Practical implications

Implementation of India’s 2017 Act needs to be accompanied by adequate service resourcing and extensive education, including public education. This has commenced but needs substantial resources in order to fulfil the Act’s potential.

Social implications

India’s mental health legislation governs the mental healthcare of 1.3bn people, one sixth of the planet’s population; seeking to use law to diminish stigma and enhance inclusion in such a large country sets a strong example for other nations.

Originality/value

This is the first study of stigma and inclusion since India’s 2017 Act was commenced and it highlights both the potential and the challenges of such ambitious rights-based legislation.
A time-use approach: high subjective wellbeing, low carbon leisure
Authors: Druckman Angela , Gatersleben Birgitta
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the question: which leisure activities are relatively low carbon and conducive to high levels of subjective wellbeing? Underlying this question is the premise that to combat climate change, carbon emissions must be radically reduced. Technological change alone will not be sufficient: lifestyles must also change. Whereas mainstream strategies generally address the challenge of reducing carbon emissions through reviewing consumption, approaching it through the lens of how we use our time, in particular, leisure time, may be a promising complementary avenue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper brings together three areas of research that are hitherto largely unlinked: subjective wellbeing/happiness studies, studies on how we use our time and studies on low-carbon lifestyles.

Findings

The paper shows that low-carbon leisure activities conducive to high subjective wellbeing include social activities such as spending time in the home with family and friends, and physical activities that involve challenge such as partaking in sports. However, depending how they are done, some such activities may induce high carbon emissions, especially through travel. Therefore, appropriate local infrastructure, such as local sports and community centres, is required, along with facilities for active travel. Policymaking developed from a time-use perspective would encourage investment to support this.

Originality/value

Win–win opportunities for spending leisure time engaged in activities conducive to high subjective wellbeing in low carbon ways are identified. This is done by bringing three research topics together in a novel way.
A novel GM(1,N) model based on interval gray number and its application to research on smog pollution
Authors: Xiong Pingping , He Zhiqing , Chen Shiting , Peng Mao
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In recent years, domestic smog has become increasingly frequent and the adverse effects of smog have increasingly become the focus of public attention. It is a way to analyze such problems and provide solutions by mathematical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper establishes a new gray model (GM) (1,N) prediction model based on the new kernel and degree of grayness sequences under the case that the interval gray number distribution information is known. First, the new kernel and degree of grayness sequences of the interval gray number sequence are calculated using the reconstruction definition of the kernel and degree of grayness. Then, the GM(1,N) model is formed based on the above new sequences to simulate and predict the kernel and degree of the grayness of the interval gray number sequence. Finally, the upper and lower bounds of the interval gray number are deduced based on the calculation formulas of the kernel and degree of grayness.

Findings

To verify further the practical significance of the model proposed in this paper, the authors apply the model to the simulation and prediction of smog. Compared with the traditional GM(1,N) model, the new GM(1,N) prediction model established in this paper has better prediction effect and accuracy.

Originality/value

This paper improves the traditional GM(1,N) prediction model and establishes a new GM(1,N) prediction model in the case of the known distribution information of the interval gray number of the smog pollutants concentrations data.
Impact evaluation and IFLA
Authors: Streatfield David , Markless Sharon
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolving IFLA approach to impact evaluation through three of its international programmes: Freedom of Access to Information, Building Strong Library Associations (BSLA) and the International Advocacy Programme (IAP). This review positions these three programmes within the wider discourse of the international evaluation community.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the three programmes is considered in turn to show what they were trying to achieve and how thinking about impact evaluation at IFLA is evolving.

Findings

This paper reports key evaluation findings for relevant phases of the BSLA and IAP programmes in general terms.

Research limitations/implications

The views presented are those of the evaluation consultants who advised each of these programmes (and in the cases of BSLA and the IAP conducted the programme evaluations).

Practical implications

The processes described and the conclusions drawn should be of interest to anyone involved in international or national library evaluation, especially of public libraries, library associations and national libraries.

Social implications

The paper suggests that more systematic impact evaluation of public libraries, library associations and national libraries is necessary to ensure their future survival.

Originality/value

The authors were uniquely placed to see and participate in IFLA impact evaluation discussions over the past decade.
Motivation makes money
Authors: McKee Janet Maria
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inspire business leaders with fresh ideas to create a positive work environment that uplifts and motivates their employees in a manner that increases job fulfillment and business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The author’s approach to discovering these solutions include putting to use ideas that she has developed over 25 years of working in the corporate environment and being an entrepreneur, with the desire to create highly positive and productive work environments to realize successful businesses and successful lives for everyone involved.

Findings

There are several simple but powerful things that every manager and business leader can do to promote a highly productive and motivated workforce. Mind and body wellness is a foundation for performance and motivation, with a focus on the mind. If managers and business leaders cultivate an open and encouraging work culture, the positive psychology experienced by employees will help to motivate them in both their professional and personal lives.

Originality/value

The author finds that people rarely understand the impact of mind and body wellness on the success of the individual and the organization overall.
Mapping technology roadblocks and opportunities in the transportation revolution
Authors: Blitz Amy , Kazi Khurram
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to set out a vision of the advent of autonomous electric vehicles (AEV), piloted by artificial intelligence and serviced by other “intelligent” machines, a scenario that poses vast implications for business strategy in many industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the speed with which business leaders today must assess and react to the business risks and opportunities engendered by breakthrough technological change, their plans to navigate an autonomous electric vehicle-based transportation future can benefit from a scenario map to the roadblocks and the richest prospects.

Findings

Self-driving electric cars and trucks, which are expected to transform the transportation landscape over the next decade. A smart charging grid is a critical technology development.

Practical implications

Business opportunities to transform ground transport in areas such as operations and supply chain management are significant as well, particularly with unsupervised AEVs, which could slash labor costs and transport times.

Social implications

AEVs are expected to free up more than 30 billion hours per year in the U.S. alone currently spent driving, sitting in traffic or searching for a parking space.

Originality/value

Offers a look at the technology evolution needed for the AEV transportation revolution.
Parents’ lived experiences in the UK
Authors: Harding Jacqueline
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how, where and when parents are mediating their children’s media activities and with which particular device. It also explores whether parents are identifying specific help in this area and questions where they might seek advice (should they need it). Furthermore, it investigates parents’ views regarding a pilot, free online TV channel dedicated to advice through discussion with experts, parents and children.

Design/methodology/approach

This small-scale study uses charts and semi-structured interviews to explore the views of parents/carers to better understand lived experiences in relation to mediated digital parenting in the home. The methodology was also designed so that findings will inform further production of relevant content for a video-based resource.

Findings

Although this study was limited in duration and scope, the results clearly support earlier research (Livingstone, 2018a, 2018b; Ofcom, 2017) regarding the desperation parents feel through not being able to access appropriate advice in the way they want it. Furthermore, findings provide overwhelming support for the potential benefits of relevant predominantly visually-based online content/advice.

Practical implications

The study raises questions about the empowerment of parents/carers in their own digital skills as a way of transferring confidence to their children, in navigating their way through the educational and social affordances and online safety issues through the use of accessible filmed content.

Originality/value

The findings show that issues, such as online safety and related behavioural pressures, remain key for parents and that there is an increasing need for more targeted support and ways to empower parents/grandparents with skills to enhance children’s digital agency. Furthermore, it offers an insight into ways in which styles of “enabling mediation” in the digital age may be analysed and reveals some of the day to day challenges parents face.
An Elementary Primer for Politicians and Potential Chairs on Public Inquiries
Authors: Timmins Nicholas
Published: June 2019

There is relatively little central government guidance available on how to set up and run a public inquiry. This short piece seeks to set out the very basic questions that politicians considering creating one—and potential chairs—will need to address. Including, crucially, whether a public inquiry is even the right answer. In the context of the National Health Service, on which this analysis focusses, it also argues that money may be far better spent on applying what is already known from the many previous inquiries—that is, spend it on prevention—rather than waiting to spend it on future similar inquiries that will, more than likely, produce similar findings and recommendations.
Comparing methods of grouping hospitals
Authors: Everson Jordan , Hollingsworth John M , Adler‐Milstein Julia
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare the performance of widely used approaches for defining groups of hospitals and a new approach based on network analysis of shared patient volume.

Study Setting

Non‐federal acute care hospitals in the United States.

Study Design

We assessed the measurement properties of four methods of grouping hospitals: hospital referral regions (HRRs), metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), core‐based statistical areas (CBSAs), and community detection algorithms (CDAs).

Data Extraction Methods

We combined data from the 2014 American Hospital Association Annual Survey, the Census Bureau, the Dartmouth Atlas, and Medicare data on interhospital patient travel patterns. We then evaluated the distinctiveness of each grouping, reliability over time, and generalizability across populations.

Principle Findings

Hospital groups defined by CDAs were the most distinctive (modularity = 0.86 compared to 0.75 for HRRs and 0.83 for MSAs; 0.72 for CBSA), were reliable to alternative specifications, and had greater generalizability than HRRs, MSAs, or CBSAs. CDAs had lower reliability over time than MSAs or CBSAs (normalized mutual information between 2012 and 2014 CDAs = 0.93).

Conclusions

Community detection algorithm‐defined hospital groups offer high validity, reliability to different specifications, and generalizability to many uses when compared to approaches in widespread use today. They may, therefore, offer a better choice for efforts seeking to analyze the behaviors and dynamics of groups of hospitals. Measures of modularity, shared information, inclusivity, and shared behavior can be used to evaluate different approaches to grouping providers.
Improving structured population models with more realistic representations of non‐normal growth
Authors: DeMarche Megan L. , Morris William , Linares Cristina , Doak Daniel
Published: June 2019

Structured population models are among the most widely used tools in ecology and evolution. Integral projection models (IPMs) use continuous representations of how survival, reproduction and growth change as functions of state variables such as size, requiring fewer parameters to be estimated than projection matrix models (PPMs). Yet, almost all published IPMs make an important assumption that size‐dependent growth transitions are or can be transformed to be normally distributed. In fact, many organisms exhibit highly skewed size transitions. Small individuals can grow more than they can shrink, and large individuals may often shrink more dramatically than they can grow. Yet, the implications of such skew for inference from IPMs has not been explored, nor have general methods been developed to incorporate skewed size transitions into IPMs, or deal with other aspects of real growth rates, including bounds on possible growth or shrinkage.

Here, we develop a flexible approach to modelling skewed growth data using a modified beta regression model. We propose that sizes first be converted to a (0,1) interval by estimating size‐dependent minimum and maximum sizes through quantile regression. Transformed data can then be modelled using beta regression with widely available statistical tools. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using demographic data for a long‐lived plant, gorgonians and an epiphytic lichen. Specifically, we compare inferences of population parameters from discrete PPMs to those from IPMs that either assume normality or incorporate skew using beta regression or, alternatively, a skewed normal model.

The beta and skewed normal distributions accurately capture the mean, variance and skew of real growth distributions. Incorporating skewed growth into IPMs decreases population growth and estimated life span relative to IPMs that assume normally distributed growth, and more closely approximate the parameters of PPMs that do not assume a particular growth distribution. A bounded distribution, such as the beta, also avoids the eviction problem caused by predicting some growth outside the modelled size range.

Incorporating biologically relevant skew in growth data has important consequences for inference from IPMs. The approaches we outline here are flexible and easy to implement with existing statistical tools.
Birth outcomes in Aboriginal mother–infant pairs from the Northern Territory, Australia, who received 23‐valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccination during pregnancy, 2006–2011: The PneuMum randomised controlled trial
Authors: McHugh Lisa , Binks Michael , Ware Robert S. , Snelling Tom , Nelson Sandra , Nelson Jane , Dunbar Melissa , Mulholland E. Kim , Andrews Ross M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Pregnant women and infants <6 months old have a high baseline risk for pneumococcal disease compared to the general population, particularly among Indigenous populations living in poverty and low‐resource settings. Efficacy trials of pneumococcal vaccination in pregnancy examining adverse birth outcomes are lacking.

Aims

We report adverse birth events as secondary outcomes from the ‘PneuMum’ randomised controlled trial of 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination (23vPPV) in pregnancy (August 2006–January 2011).

Materials and methods

Australian Aboriginal women aged 17–39 years with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies were randomised (1:2 ratio) to receive 23vPPV or no 23vPPV in pregnancy at 30–36 weeks gestation. We compared risks of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) between vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated on an intention‐to‐treat basis.

Results

Among 227 enrolled participants, 75 (33%) received 23vPPV in pregnancy. Risk differences in adverse birth outcomes between 23vPPV vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women were; preterm birth 9% vs 4% (HR 2.79; 95% CI 0.94–8.32) P = 0.07; LBW 9% vs 5% (HR 2.09; 95% CI 0.76–5.78) P = 0.15; and SGA 15% vs 17% (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.50–2.06) P = 0.96. There were no stillbirths.

Conclusions

We found a numerically higher rate of preterm births among women who received 23vPPV in pregnancy compared to unvaccinated pregnant women. Although further investigation with larger participant numbers is needed to better evaluate this safety signal, the contribution of safety results from smaller studies using appropriate data analysis methodologies is critical, particularly as more clinical trials in pneumococcal vaccination in pregnancy are progressing.
Impact of primary posterior capsulorhexis on regeneratory after‐cataract and YAG laser rates with an acrylic micro‐incision intraocular lens with plate haptics: 1‐year and 3‐year results
Authors: Menapace Rupert , Schriefl Sabine , Lwowski Christoph , Leydolt Christina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and YAG laser capsulotomy (YAG‐LCT) rates with a plate‐haptic acrylic micro‐incision intraocular lens (IOL) and the impact of primary posterior capsulorhexis.

Methods

A total of 97 patients scheduled for immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery underwent a randomized, prospective intraindividual comparison with the ZEISS Asphina 409MV plate‐haptic acrylic IOL with the eyes receiving an additional primary posterior capsulorhexis (PPCR) or not. YAG‐LCT and PCO rates were evaluated at 1 and 3 years. Three‐year PCO rates were calculated with a 3‐scenario method for eyes that underwent YAG‐LCT between 1 and 3 years.

Results

A total of 56 patients were seen at 1 year, and 57 at 3 years. For the eyes without and with PPCR, YAG‐LCT rates were 14.3% and 0% at 1 year, and 59.7% and 3.5% at 3 years, respectively. Opacification rates at 1 year were 0.55 ± 0.99 and 0.05 ± 0.21 for the central 2‐mm optic zone. A total of 42 patients completed both the 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up. Three‐year opacification rates for the group without PPCR were 1.99 ± 2.20, 2.26 ± 2.66 and 3.66 ± 3.61 for the central 2‐mm zone and 2.57 ± 2.07, 3.13 ± 3.03 and 4.09 ± 3.34 for the 4.5‐mm zone for the best, extrapolated and worst‐case scenarios, respectively.

Conclusion

The ZEISS Asphina 409MV plate‐haptic acrylic IOL exhibited unusually high YAG‐LCT and PCO rates with standard in‐the‐bag implantation. PPCR was safe and effective in preventing central opacification and the need for YAG laser treatment.
Comparison of urine and blood as a convenient and practical sample for estimating the contamination level of live cattle with radioactive cesium
Authors: Sato Itaru , Sasaki Jun , Satoh Hiroshi , Natsuhori Masahiro , Murata Takahisa , Okada Keiji
Published: June 2019

Blood and urine were compared to clarify which is a better sample for estimating the concentration of radioactive cesium in muscles of live cattle. The most probable concentration of 137Cs in muscles was 21.0 times that in blood, and the error of this estimation was 28%. The concentration of 137Cs in blood was estimated accurately using urine samples. The estimation error did not increase so much (33%), even when the concentration of 137Cs in muscles was estimated using urine samples. On the other hand, the maximum volume of blood that can be collected with one syringe is 50 ml, whereas it is easy to collect 1,000 ml of urine. It took at least 360 min to confirm that a cow meets the legal standard by inspecting 50 ml of blood. However, with 1,000 ml of urine, a 20 min measurement time was sufficient for this purpose. This difference in the required measurement time is critically important for practical use. In addition, urine can be collected by farmers themselves, whereas the blood collection requires a veterinarian. Therefore, urine is a more convenient and practical sample for estimating the contamination level of live cattle with radioactive cesium.
Development and clinical applications of the dried blood spot method for therapeutic drug monitoring of anti‐epileptic drugs
Authors: Min Kyoung Lok , Ryu Jae Yeoul , Chang Min Jung
Published: June 2019

Anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs) have various pharmacokinetic profiles, inter‐individual variabilities, high possibilities of drug‐drug interactions and narrow therapeutic indices. To provide optimal treatment for patients, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is necessary. However, TDM requires sufficient quantities of blood samples to measure drug concentrations. Therefore, TDM could be a burden, particularly in paediatric cases. A good alternative that overcomes these disadvantages is the dried blood spot (DBS) method, which is simple, convenient to use and less invasive, requiring a lower quantity of blood than traditional blood sampling methods. However, the DBS method is affected by haematocrit (Hct) levels to varying extents depending on the drug properties. In addition, different papers with varying characteristics are available for use when applying the DBS method. Therefore, it has not yet been applied to TDM in clinical practice. To achieve this, several steps are required, including method development, method validation and clinical validation. Currently, the development status of the DBS method is different for each AED and unclear. Therefore, we assessed the development status of the following 19 AEDs in 26 studies: lamotrigine, valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenytoin, topiramate, carbamazepine, carbamazepine epoxide, gabapentin, phenobarbital, pregabalin, clobazam, clonazepam, ethosuximide, felbamate, monohydroxycarbamazepine, nitrazepam, rufinamide, vigabatrin and zonisamide. Among them, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, topiramate and valproic acid have been developed such that they are nearly available for TDM. In addition, Whatman 903 Protein Saver Cards and concentration analysis by liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer were used most often.
The use of freeze‐dried retronasal stimuli to assess olfactory function
Authors: Pal Pooja , Shepherd Daniel , Hamid Nazimah , Hautus Michael J.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To evaluate a test of olfactory perception that uses freeze‐dried stimuli developed to rapidly release aromas capable of migrating to the olfactory mucosa retronasally.

Design

Validation study.

Setting

Psychology and Chemistry Departments.

Participants

First, 15 participants provided data for psychometric functions. Second, 70 participants made perceptual judgments of retronasal stimuli. Inclusion criterion included informed consent and a satisfactory Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation result.

Main outcome measures

First, psychometric functions were generated for two types of freeze‐dried stimuli (coffee and orange) using the Single‐Interval Adjustment Matrix method. Second, participants provided ratings of pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity and performed a standardised identification test using seven retronasally presented aromas alongside the previously validated Sniffin’ Sticks orthonasal olfactory test.

Results

Psychometric functions indicated a dose‐response relationship between aroma concentration and probability of detection. Test‐retest reliability of the retronasal stimuli was acceptable (r70 = 0.72, P < 0.001), and identification scores were not dependent on testing method (ie, retronasal vs Sniffin’ Sticks). Stimuli delivered using the Sniffin’ Sticks test were rated more pleasant than their retronasal counterparts.

Conclusions

Freeze‐dried retronasal stimuli offer an easy‐to‐use and rapid means to test olfaction function and are arguably well suited for clinical practice, but require further development and trialing prior to the adoption in the clinical context.