bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal auditor perceptions of corporate governance in Greece after the crisis
Authors: Mertzanis Charilaos , Balntas Vangelis , Pantazopoulos Thodoris
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present the views of internal auditors in Greece on the relation between the internal audit function (IAF) and corporate governance (CG) after several years of European market integration and in the aftermath of the sovereign debt crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 internal auditors working in firms with different size and in different sectors of activity. Interviewees have diverse experience and hold various positions in the firm.

Findings

Respondents perceive a strong relation between the IAF and CG. They view the IAF as a preventive tool that provides monitoring and advisory services to firms. They stress the inadequate monitoring role of the board in the IAF, and they support a proactive intervention in the strategic audit planning process. They see a small role for shareholders in CG. They stress the need to focus more on the efficiency and effectiveness considerations in carrying out the IAF. They perceive CG-related information as important for meeting formal compliance needs rather than contributing to decision-making or audit process planning. They believe that audit committees (AC) are weak in implementing effective monitoring, due to inadequate knowledge and expertise of their members. They would like to see a two-way interaction between auditors, AC and management. They would like to enjoy more independence through the implementation of international standards of auditing and statutory regulation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample covers 15 auditors from an equivalent number of firms and few sectors of activity. Accessing potential interviewees was difficult due to the perceived conflict between their work requirements and public statement of their views.

Practical implications

The proposed method adds to the qualitative analysis literature with regard to measuring and evaluating the personal views of auditors on CG. The study provides empirical evidence of the need to use extensive qualitative research to assess the auditors’ views on the role of CG for their work.

Originality/value

The role of internal audit in CG effectiveness is a key policy concern, especially in countries with diverse market environments. Greece is such an environment for it has undergone a major institutional change within a short period and suffered greatly from its sovereign debt crisis. Further, few studies have sought and evaluated the views of internal auditors by using semi-structured interviews. The latter provide details, which other methods cannot capture. The results of this study are especially useful to the competent regulators, for they reflect market perceptions on the importance and effectiveness of CG practices. They are also useful to practitioners to identify potential root causes of audit deficiencies.
The determinants of corporate social irresponsibility: a case study of the Soma mine accident in Turkey
Authors: Atay Erhan , Terpstra-Tong Jane Lai Yee
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Taking the deadliest mine accident in Turkey’s history as a case of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI), this study aims to examine the adequacy of Campbell’s (2007) model to explain firms’ CSI behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied a case study research method and collected secondary data in both English and Turkish from multiple sources between 2010 and 2017.

Findings

The authors found seven of the eight propositions in Campbell’s framework applicable. The only condition that did not fit the authors’ case was financial pressure. The authors concluded that top management’s greed and lack of conscience significantly contributed to their gross negligence of safety measures and employee welfare. Their exploitative human resource practices, supported by low employee voice culture, added to the vulnerability of the mining workers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors depended on secondary data in developing and analysing the case. The authors had no primary data collected directly from the participants involved in the accident. Moreover, relying on a single case to challenge an established framework may not achieve the necessary rigour, although an in-depth case study is likely to produce a good story.

Practical implications

To prevent mining accidents from happening, Turkey needs to strengthen all three types of institutions (legal and regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive) related to mining safety. As coal mining is harmful to the environment and public health, regulators and policymakers need to consider their dependence on coal mining as a source of energy and actively seek to adopt other clean energy alternatives.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the under-researched field of CSI by applying a dual economic and institutional perspective and refining it with the authors’ data.
Is the survival rate for acral melanoma actually worse than other cutaneous melanomas?
Authors: Lim Youngkyoung , Lee Jongeun , Lee Dong‐Youn
Published: December 2019

It is still not clear whether the survival rate for acral melanoma (AM) is better or worse than that of cutaneous melanoma developed at other sites. We sought to evaluate the difference in survival depending on the primary tumor site of cutaneous melanoma. We retrospectively reviewed primary cutaneous melanoma cases diagnosed at Samsung Medical Center, a tertiary institution in Korea, from January 1995 to July 2017. The cohort consisted of 642 patients, with 389 non‐acral cutaneous melanoma (NACM) patients and 253 AM patients. The AM patients had a higher percentage of stage 0 diagnoses than the NACM patients (31.6% vs 6.9%, respectively). The factors associated with overall survival were primary tumor site, sex, age, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, surgery and medical treatment (P < 0.05). Non‐acral sites showed worse survival in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.457; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.051–2.020; P = 0.0240). Among the NACM, melanomas on the trunk were associated with a higher risk of mortality compared with AM (HR, 1.883; 95% CI, 1.142–3.107; P = 0.0131). Acral melanoma was associated with a better prognosis than non‐acral melanoma, specifically when located on the trunk, in Korean patients.
A prospective journey of the peripherally inserted central catheter service, at a tertiary paediatric centre in Western Australia
Authors: Hauser Neil D. , Chen Yu‐Ping , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: December 2019

Background

To document the evolution of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter service at Princess Margaret Hospital, now Perth Children's Hospital.

Methods

Between January 2012 and June 2013 patients referred to Anaesthesia for a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter were prospectively followed up. A repeat audit was conducted between January 2015 and June 2016, following the introduction of a number of measures aimed at improving the service.

Results

Audit 1: A total of 200 Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter insertions were attempted in 138 patients. Successful placement occurred in 86% of cases (172/200). The median age of patients was 7.71 years (range 0‐20). The percentage of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters remaining in situ for the predicted duration was 49/172 (28.5%). Complications were documented in 78/172 (45.4%) of cases.

Audit 2: A total of 310 Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter placements were attempted in 244 patients. Successful insertion rate was 95.5% (296/ 310). The median age of patients was 5.3 years (range 0.0‐18.72). The percentage remaining in situ for the predicted duration was 145/296 (49%). Complications were documented in 67/296 (22.6%) of cases.

Conclusion

The evolution of the Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter service at our free standing Tertiary Paediatric Hospital is well documented following these 2 audits. The introduction of a dedicated Anaesthesia led Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter service at our centre has resulted in improved insertion success rates and a reduction in complications.
No benefit from flexible titration above minimum licensed dose in prescribing antidepressants for major depression: systematic review
Authors: Furukawa T. A. , Salanti G. , Cowen P. J. , Leucht S. , Cipriani A.
Published: December 2019

Background

In fixed‐dose antidepressant trials, the lower range of the licensed dose achieves the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability. Whether flexible upward titration while side‐effects permit provides additional benefits is unknown.

Methods

We did a systematic review of placebo‐controlled randomized trials that examined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), venlafaxine or mirtazapine in the acute treatment of major depression. Our primary outcome was response, defined as 50% or greater reduction in depression severity. Secondary outcomes included drop‐outs due to adverse effects and drop‐outs for any reason. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analyses to calculate the ratios of odds ratios (RORs) between trials comparing the flexible dose titrating above the minimum licensed dose against placebo and those comparing the fixed minimum licensed dose against placebo.

Results

We included 123 published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (29 420 participants). There was no evidence supporting efficacy of the flexible dosing over the fixed low dose of SSRIs (ROR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.25), venlafaxine (1.24, 0.96 to 1.60) or mirtazapine (0.77, 0.33 to 1.78). No important differences were noted for tolerability or for any subgroup analyses except the superior efficacy of venlafaxine flexible dosing between 75 and 150 mg over the fixed 75 mg (1.30, 1.02 to 1.65).

Conclusion

There was no evidence to support added value in terms of efficacy, tolerability or acceptability of flexibly titrating up the dosage over the minimum licensed dose of SSRIs or mirtazapine. For venlafaxine, increased efficacy can be expected by flexibly titrating up to 150 mg.
Monetary policy and efficiency in over‐the‐counter financial trade
Authors: Geromichalos Athanasios , Jung Kuk Mo
Published: December 2019

We develop a monetary model that incorporates over‐the‐counter (OTC) asset trade. After agents have made their money holding decisions, they receive an idiosyncratic shock that affects their valuation for consumption and, hence, for the unique liquid asset, namely money. Subsequently, agents can choose whether they want to enter the OTC market in order to sell assets and thus boost their liquidity or to buy assets and thus provide liquidity to other agents. In our model, inflation affects not only the money holding decisions of agents, as is standard in monetary theory, but also the entry decision of these agents in the financial market. We use our framework to study the effect of inflation on welfare, asset prices and OTC trade volume. In contrast to most monetary models, which predict a negative relationship between inflation and welfare, we find that inflation can be welfare improving within a certain range, because it mitigates a search externality that agents impose on one another when they make their OTC market entry decision. Also, an increase in the holding cost of money will lead to a decrease in asset prices, a regularity that is well documented in the data and often considered anomalous.
Computer‐aided drug design of small molecule inhibitors of the ERCC1‐XPF protein–protein interaction
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Elmenoufy Ahmed H. , Ciniero Gloria , Jay David , Karimi‐Busheri Feridoun , Barakat Khaled H. , Weinfeld Michael , West Frederick G. , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: December 2019

The heterodimer of DNA excision repair protein ERCC‐1 and DNA repair endonuclease XPF (ERCC1‐XPF) is a 5′–3′ structure‐specific endonuclease essential for the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, and it is also involved in other DNA repair pathways. In cancer cells, ERCC1‐XPF plays a central role in repairing DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutics including platinum‐based and cross‐linking agents; thus, its inhibition is a promising strategy to enhance the effect of these therapies. In this study, we rationally modified the structure of F06, a small molecule inhibitor of the ERCC1‐XPF interaction (Molecular Pharmacology, 84, 2013 and 12), to improve its binding to the target. We followed a multi‐step computational approach to investigate potential modification sites of F06, rationally design and rank a library of analogues, and identify candidates for chemical synthesis and in vitro testing. Our top compound, B5, showed an improved half‐maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.49 µM for the inhibition of ERCC1‐XPF endonuclease activit, and lays the foundation for further testing and optimization. Also, the computational approach reported here can be used to develop DNA repair inhibitors targeting the ERCC1‐XPF complex.
Epiregulin promotes trophoblast epithelial–mesenchymal transition through poFUT1 and O‐fucosylation by poFUT1 on uPA
Authors: Cui Xinyuan , Wang Hao , Li Yaqi , Chen Tianhong , Liu Shuai , Yan Qiu
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The transformation of cytotrophoblasts into mesenchymal‐like extravillous trophoblasts is necessary for successful embryo implantation, and the inadequate transformation may cause abortion. Epiregulin, which is a new growth factor, plays important roles in the reproductive processes. The glycosylation of many proteins in reproduction processes is critical. Protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 (poFUT1) is the key enzyme for the biosynthesis of O‐fucosylation on the specific glycoproteins. Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) contains O‐fucosylated domain on Thr18. However, the functions of epiregulin and poFUT1 in the trophoblast epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, the regulatory mechanism of epiregulin on poFUT1 and the resulting O‐fucosylated uPA remain unclear.

Materials and methods

We employed ELISA and Western blot to detect serum levels of epiregulin and poFUT1 from non‐pregnancy women, pregnancy women and abortion patients. Using two trophoblast cell lines and a mouse pregnancy model, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of epiregulin and poFUT1 in trophoblast EMT process.

Results

Serum levels of epiregulin and poFUT1 were higher in pregnant women compared with non‐pregnant women, and their levels were significantly decreased in abortion patients compared with pregnant women. The results showed that epiregulin upregulated poFUT1 expression and increased O‐fucosylation on uPA, which further activated the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, facilitating EMT behaviour of trophoblast cells and embryo implantation in the mouse pregnant model.

Conclusions

Level of epiregulin and poFUT1 is lower in abortion patients than early pregnancy women. Epiregulin promotes trophoblast EMT through O‐fucosylation on uPA catalysed by poFUT1. Epiregulin and poFUT1 may be suggested as the potential diagnostic biomarkers and useful treatment targets for abortion.
Musical prediction error responses similarly reduced by predictive uncertainty in musicians and non‐musicians
Authors: Quiroga‐Martinez David R. , C. Hansen Niels , Højlund Andreas , Pearce Marcus , Brattico Elvira , Vuust Peter
Published: December 2019

Auditory prediction error responses elicited by surprising sounds can be reliably recorded with musical stimuli that are more complex and realistic than those typically employed in EEG or MEG oddball paradigms. However, these responses are reduced as the predictive uncertainty of the stimuli increases. In this study, we investigate whether this effect is modulated by musical expertise. Magnetic mismatch negativity (MMNm) responses were recorded from 26 musicians and 24 non‐musicians while they listened to low‐ and high‐uncertainty melodic sequences in a musical multi‐feature paradigm that included pitch, slide, intensity and timbre deviants. When compared to non‐musicians, musically trained participants had significantly larger pitch and slide MMNm responses. However, both groups showed comparable reductions in pitch and slide MMNm amplitudes in the high‐uncertainty condition compared with the low‐uncertainty condition. In a separate, behavioural deviance detection experiment, musicians were more accurate and confident about their responses than non‐musicians, but deviance detection in both groups was similarly affected by the uncertainty of the melodies. In both experiments, the interaction between uncertainty and expertise was not significant, suggesting that the effect is comparable in both groups. Consequently, our results replicate the modulatory effect of predictive uncertainty on prediction error; show that it is present across different types of listeners; and suggest that expertise‐related and stimulus‐driven modulations of predictive precision are dissociable and independent.
Formation criterion for binary metal diboride solid solutions established through combinatorial methods
Authors: Wen Tongqi , Ye Beilin , Liu Honghua , Ning Shanshan , Wang Cai‐Zhuang , Chu Yanhui
Published: December 2019

Establishing the formation criterion is urgent for accelerating the discovery and design of solid‐solution materials with desirable properties. The previously reported formation criterion mainly focused on solid‐solution alloys, while the formation criterion was rarely established in solid‐solution ceramics. To solve this problem, herein, we take a class of solid‐solution ceramics, namely binary metal diboride ((MxN1‐x)B2) solid solutions, as a prototype. Through combinatorial methods including high‐throughput molten salt syntheses and high‐throughput first‐principles calculations combined with the machine learning approach, the correlation between influential factors, including atomic size difference (δ), mixing enthalpy at 0 K and 0 Pa (), doping condition (φ), and valence electron concentration (VEC), and the formation ability of (MxN1‐x)B2 solid solutions was first studied systematically, and then their formation criterion was well established. The results showed that the influential degree of the aforementioned four factors on the formation ability of (MxN1‐x)B2 solid solutions could be described as follows: δ > > φ > VEC. In addition, a newly proposed parameter, β, could well reflect the formation ability of (MxN1‐x)B2 solid solutions: when β > 0, the single‐phase (MxN1‐x)B2 solid solutions could be successfully synthesized in our work and vice versa. This study may provide a theoretical guidance in the discovery and design of various solid‐solution ceramics, such as the metal borides, carbides, nitrides, etc, with desirable properties.
Highly permeable Al2O3 microfiltration membranes with holey interior structure achieved through sacrificial C particles
Authors: Zhang Zhixiao , Ng Tze Chiang Albert , Gu Qilin , Zhang Lei , He Zeming , Lyu Zhiyang , Zhang Xiaorong , Wang Weimin , Ng How Yong , Wang John
Published: December 2019

Alumina (Al2O3) microfiltration membranes with holey interior structure exhibit the combined desirable properties of both superior permeability and good retention performance. These membranes are purposely made to consist of a holey intermediate layer with a thickness in the range 12.9‐15.5 μm and a top filtration layer of very thin thickness in the range 1.8‐2.8 μm, fabricated by cosintering with sacrificial carbon (C) particles. The holey structure in the intermediate layer, which can be well controlled by regulating the amount of C particles added to Al2O3 particles, contains plenty of holes of 1‐5 μm in size, thereby possessing much reduced water flow resistance. The thin top filtration layer, which contains uniformly distributed nanopores of 90‐100 nm in size, functions as the selective layer, thereby ensuring a good retention performance. At the C particle content of 30 wt. %, the Al2O3 membrane with holey interior structure demonstrates a super‐high pure water flux (3358 Lm‐2h‐1), which is almost twice that of the membrane without holey interior structure (1697 Lm‐2h‐1), while the mechanical strength and retention performance are well maintained.
Suppression of nitridation of yttria‐doped zirconia during flash sintering
Authors: Kurachi Tsuyoshi , Yamashita Yudai , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Yoshida Hidehiro , Yamamoto Takahisa
Published: December 2019

The effect of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) on nitridation of 3 mol% Y2O3‐doped ZrO2 (3YSZ) after keeping in a flash state for 1 hour was investigated. The inside of the DC‐flashed compact was confirmed to exhibit blacking. Scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that zirconium nitrides formed in the blackened area. In contrast, a uniformly densified compact without blackening was obtained by AC fields. No zirconium nitrides formed in the compacts exposed to AC fields even when the flash state was maintained for 1 hour. Therefore, AC fields are effective to suppress nitridation of 3YSZ during flash sintering.
Comparative phylogeography of three host sea anemones in the Indo‐Pacific
Authors: Emms Madeleine A. , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Giles Emily C. , Gatins Remy , Nanninga Gerrit B. , Scott Anna , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Frisch Ashley J. , Mills Suzanne C. , Beldade Ricardo , Berumen Michael L.
Published: December 2019

Aim

The mutualistic relationship between anemones and anemonefishes is one of the most iconic examples of symbiosis. However, while anemonefishes have been extensively studied in terms of genetic connectivity, such information is lacking entirely for host sea anemones. Here, we provide the first information on the broad‐scale population structure and phylogeographical patterns of three species of host sea anemone, Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla mertensii and Entacmaea quadricolor. We evaluate if there is concordance in genetic structure across several distinct biogeographical areas within the Indo‐Pacific region and to what extent the observed patterns may concur with those found for anemonefishes.

Location

Indo‐Pacific, including the Red Sea.

Taxon

Heteractis magnifica, S. mertensii and E. quadricolor

Methods

Microsatellite markers and a combination of statistical methods including Bayesian clustering, isolation by distance (IBD), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were used to determine population structure. The congruence among distance matrices (CADM) method was used to assess similarity in spatial genetic patterns among species.

Results

Significant population structure was identified in the three host anemone species. Each species is likely composed of at least two genetic clusters corresponding to two biogeographical regions, the Red Sea and the rest of the Indo‐Pacific. Two of the three anemone species seem to be experiencing admixture where the two main clusters overlap (the Maldives). IBD analyses in the Red Sea revealed differences in gene flow among species, suggesting more limited dispersal potential for E. quadricolor than for S. mertensii and H. magnifica. Clonality is documented in S. mertensii for the first time.

Main conclusions

This research documents the genetic population structure for three ecologically important host sea anemones across the Indo‐Pacific and provides valuable insights regarding their biogeography and evolution. Specifically, we found high levels of genetic divergence between populations across different biogeographical regions, suggesting different evolutionary lineages within species. At the same time, common geographical overlap of population structures suggests similar evolutionary histories among all three species. Interestingly, the observed patterns are congruent to some extent with structure reported for several anemonefish species, reflecting their close ecological association.
Highlights of the 2019 Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines and perspectives on the management of Asian hypertensive patients
Authors: Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi , Tomitani Naoko , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Chia Yook‐Chin , Park Sungha , Shin Jinho , Turana Yuda , Tay Jam Chin , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chen Chen‐Huan , Nailes Jennifer , Minh Huynh Van , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Teo Boon Wee , Verma Narsingh , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Wang Ji‐Guang
Published: December 2019

Unlike other international guidelines but in accord with the earlier Japanese Society of Hypertension (JSH) guidelines, the 2019 JSH guidelines (“JSH 2019”) continue to emphasize the importance of out‐of‐office blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained with a home BP device. Another unique characteristic of JSH 2019 is that it sets clinical questions about the management of hypertension that are based on systematic reviews of updated evidence. JSH 2019 states that individuals with office BP < 140/90 mm Hg do not have normal BP. The final decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension should be performed based on out‐of‐office BP values together with office BP measurements. For hypertensive adults with comorbidities, the office BP goal is usually <130/80 mm Hg and the home BP goal is <125/75 mm Hg. Recommendations of JSH 2019 would be valuable for not only Japanese hypertensive patients but also Asian hypertensive patients, who share the same features including higher incidence of stroke compared with that of myocardial infarction and a steeper blood pressure‐vascular event relationship.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Singapore
Authors: Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee
Published: December 2019

Despite reductions in hypertension prevalence and improvements in control rates in recent years, almost one‐third of all deaths in Singapore are due to cardiovascular disease and that proportion is growing. Ischemic heart disease is the most common cause of cardiovascular death, ahead of stroke. Local data suggest that awareness and support for home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is good, but there are reservations about the accuracy of HBPM devices and physicians cited a lack of time and resources to educate patients about HBPM. In addition, there was a knowledge gap around use of HBPM for evaluating treatment response. This is consistent with the emphasis of using HBPM for the diagnosis, rather than monitoring, of hypertension in the Singapore hypertension guidelines. In the absence of specific HBPM thresholds and targets, it is suggested that HOPE Asia Network consensus documents provide the most locally relevant guidance of the use of HBPM. Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents in Singapore, and monotherapy was relatively uncommon (24%) of patients. Overall, more needs to be done in detecting and managing hypertension in Singapore to address rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease mortality. Use of HBPM needs to be encouraged to improve adherence to treatment and optimize BP targets according to Asian perspectives and data.
Chemical‐based resistance of Brassica oleracea and Rorippa dubia in response to Spodoptera litura attack
Authors: Pham Anh‐Tuan , Hwang Shaw‐Yhi
Published: December 2019

A plant's chemical‐based resistance against insects can be characterized by an accumulation of phytochemicals that can severely harm or deter the generalist and non‐adapted specialist insects. In the absence of an herbivore threat, plants maintain a basic concentration of defensive compounds as a constitutive resistance mechanism. On the other hand, plants are capable of sharply increasing their production of defensive compounds as induced defence in response to herbivore attacks. In this study, we highlight the role of chemical‐based defence by comparing the constitutive and herbivore‐induced resistances of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) and yellow cress (Rorippa dubia (Persoon)) with respect to time‐dependent changes of phytochemicals that directly influence the performance of the generalist herbivore insect, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The results of the study showed that both plant species were able to switch, albeit different degrees, between constitutive and induced resistances to combat herbivore attack. Brassica oleracea amassed lesser defensive compounds of constitutive resistance (trypsin inhibitor, polyphenol oxidase and sinigrin) than R. dubia. This led to a higher relative growth rate (RGR) of the S. litura larvae fed on cauliflower than in those fed on yellow cress. Brassica oleracea also demonstrated a lower induced response capability than R. dubia in its production of allelochemicals in herbivore‐induced resistances. This was shown by the decrease of the RGR of larvae fed on induced foliage of the cauliflower compared to those fed on yellow cress. These results of the study proved and added to the belief that modern crop variety is not only lower in constitutive resistance but also weaker in induced resistance capability against herbivores, which is likely to be an effect of domestication even Rorippa and Brassica are relatively far from each other in Brassicaceae phylogeny.
Fading confidence: A qualitative exploration of parents’ experiences caring for a febrile child
Authors: Thompson Alison P. , Le Anne , Hartling Lisa , Scott Shannon D.
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore parents’ experiences with paediatric fever to understand their needs for information and support.

Background

Paediatric fever is a normal part of childhood, and multiple episodes of fever are a common occurrence between infancy and adulthood. Despite this expectation, paediatric fever often sparks fear and anxiety amongst parents. Existing research has primarily focused on measuring parental deficits, so a more in‐depth exploration is helpful to understand the complexities of caring for a febrile child.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Purposive sampling of N = 15 parents from a paediatric emergency department presenting with a febrile child. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in‐person or via telephone. Thematic analysis was used to understand the data in the light of our research question. Reporting follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist.

Results

We found themes of (a) parental confidence through caregiving tasks, (b) emergent feelings of inadequacy, (i) referrals and limitations of community practice, (c) information needs and (d) information sources. Whereas parents were initially confident accessing information, providing care, making decisions and managing symptoms, new signs/symptoms sparked a change in parents’ emotions, coping and behaviour. Parents routinely search for information about paediatric fever and value reliable, accessible resources.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight parents’ strengths assessing fever and effectively managing symptoms. We are encouraged by the potential for these results to inform the development of empowering resources to help parents make child health decisions during paediatric fever.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings provide an evidence base for researchers, clinicians and policymakers to improve care for paediatric patients and families. Parents want clear, reliable and accessible information about decision points associated with paediatric fever. Resources with an empowerment focus may help parents maintain a sense of control when caring for a febrile child.
Effect of education and counselling on reducing pain and anxiety in women undergoing hysterosalpingography: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Guvenc Gulten , Bektas Pardes Burcin , Kinci Mehmet Ferdi , Karasahin Kazım Emre
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effects of education and counselling on anxiety and pain in women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) as part of infertility treatment.

Background

The hysterosalpingography has an important diagnostic role in finding the cause of infertility and making a decision on management of treatment. In addition, it is considered a feared procedure in the infertility process and the one about which very little is known. Women often experience anxiety and pain during the HSG procedure.

Design

A randomised controlled trial.

Methods

The CONSORT guidelines have been used to describe the methods. Women who were diagnosed with infertility between February–October 2016 were included in the study. The participants were randomised and divided into intervention (52) and control (53) groups. The sociodemographic and obstetric data collection form, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and a visual analogue scale were used before the procedure. After the questionnaires were applied to the intervention group, individual learning and counselling sessions were given about the hysterosalpingography process. Brochures were also distributed to the patients for their reference after the learning session. The control group received standard care.

Results

When the intervention and control groups were compared, it was found that the education and counselling given before the HSG procedure significantly decreased the level of pain and anxiety felt by women. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between pain and anxiety after the training in the intervention group.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the education and counselling given to women before the HSG procedure are effective interventions for reducing pain and anxiety in women undergoing HSG.

Relevance to clinical practice

With the application of HSG education and counselling, and the distribution of brochures to each patient, pain and anxiety can be reduced during the HSG procedure.
The effect of acupressure (GB30) on intramuscular injection pain and satisfaction: Single–blind, randomised controlled study
Authors: Inangil Demet , Inangil Gokhan
Published: December 2019

Aims and Objective

To evaluate the effect of acupressure on intramuscular injection pain, satisfaction and vital signs.

Background

Pain at the injection site may lead to discomfort and may affect patients' compliance to treatment.

Design

This was a prospective, single‐blind, crossover study. The study complied with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Checklist.

Methods

Seventy‐two healthy volunteer university students received an intramuscular injection of 2 ml sterile saline (%0.9 NaCl) to the ventrogluteal site with and without acupressure on separate days in a random order following a standard procedure by the same investigator. Pain and satisfaction were assessed immediately after the injection with the visual analog scale (VAS) by a researcher blinded to the study.

Results

A total of 134 injections were analysed. The result of the study reveals that acupressure alleviates the severity of pain and increases the patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The findings of this research support that use of acupressure, which is easy and cost‐effective, could reduce injection pain when performed on a specific point.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Safe and accurate administration of medications is one of the crucial responsibilities of nurses. Acupressure is a nonpharmacologic approach, which can be effective in decreasing the injection pain and increasing patient satisfaction.
Carotid Atherosclerosis is Associated with Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index
Authors: Vigen Thea , Ihle‐Hansen Håkon , Lyngbakken Magnus N , Berge Trygve , Thommessen Bente , Ihle‐Hansen Hege , Orstad Eivind B , Enger Steve , Røsjø Helge , Tveit Arnljot , Rønning Ole Morten
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pulsatility index (PI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is considered a measure of peripheral vascular resistance. Several established cardiovascular risk factors are common for both MCA PI and carotid atherosclerosis. Accordingly, in the present study we hypothesized an association between ultrasound‐derived indices of carotid atherosclerosis and MCA PI.

METHODS

All residents in Akershus County, born in 1950, were invited to a cardiovascular examination, The Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 Study (2012‐2015). A thorough ultrasound examination was performed to assess indices of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, and PI in the MCAs. In all, 3154 (85.1%) had adequate transcranial and carotid data. Associations between indices of carotid atherosclerosis and MCA PI were assessed by regression analyses adjusted for established cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Mean age was 64 (standard deviation [SD]: .6) years, and 1,357 (43%) were women. Mean MCA PI was .97 (SD: .17). Participants in the upper quartile of MCA PI had higher pulse pressure, more frequently hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a history of coronary artery disease. Both carotid plaque score (B .007 [95% CI: .003‐.010]) and carotid intimamedia thickness (B .173 [95% CI: .120‐.226]) were significantly associated with MCA PI in adjusted analysis. The model R2 was .055.

CONCLUSION

In a population‐based sample of middle‐aged adults, ultrasound‐derived indices of carotid atherosclerosis were independently associated with MCA PI. However, the overall explained variance of MCA PI was low, suggesting other factors than atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors to play an important role for MCA PI.
Accuracy of the measurements from multiplanar and sagittal reconstructions of CBCT
Authors: Barreto Mônica Sena , da Silva Barbosa Inêssa , Miranda Leite‐Ribeiro Patrícia , de Araújo Telma Martins , Almeida Sarmento Viviane
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of linear measurements performed in multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and sagittal reconstructions (SR) of the left hemiface obtained from cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) with 3D® Dolphin Imaging software by comparing them with the same measurements made on lateral cephalograms and on dry skulls.

Setting and Sample Population

Lateral cephalograms and CBCT (with voxels of 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 mm) were taken of 10 dry skulls.

Materials and Methods

Linear distances were measured using the software's electronic rulers. Measurements performed on dry skulls using a digital caliper were considered the gold standard. The measurements were performed twice by two evaluators.

Results

No significant difference was found in the measurements performed with the different imaging modalities and on the dry skulls. The highest mean error was observed in the lateral cephalograms, followed by MPR and SR.

Conclusions

Cephalometric measurements performed on multiplanar and sagittal reconstructions from CBCT, with different spatial resolutions, are accurate when compared with the measurements obtained in lateral cephalograms.
Targeted Sampling from Massive Block Model Graphs with Personalized PageRank
Authors: Chen Fan , Zhang Yini , Rohe Karl
Published: December 2019

The paper provides statistical theory and intuition for personalized PageRank (called ‘PPR’): a popular technique that samples a small community from a massive network. We study a setting where the entire network is expensive to obtain thoroughly or to maintain, but we can start from a seed node of interest and ‘crawl’ the network to find other nodes through their connections. By crawling the graph in a designed way, the PPR vector can be approximated without querying the entire massive graph, making it an alternative to snowball sampling. Using the degree-corrected stochastic block model, we study whether the PPR vector can select nodes that belong to the same block as the seed node. We provide a simple and interpretable form for the PPR vector, highlighting its biases towards high degree nodes outside the target block. We examine a simple adjustment based on node degrees and establish consistency results for PPR clustering that allows for directed graphs. These results are enabled by recent technical advances showing the elementwise convergence of eigenvectors. We illustrate the method with the massive Twitter friendship graph, which we crawl by using the Twitter application programming interface. We find that the adjusted and unadjusted PPR techniques are complementary approaches, where the adjustment makes the results particularly localized around the seed node, and that the bias adjustment greatly benefits from degree regularization.
An Equivalent Creep Crack Growth Model for Probabilistic Life Prediction of Plastic Pipe Materials
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Peng Tishun , Lever Ernest , Liu Yongming
Published: December 2019

Life prediction in energy infrastructure such as gas pipelines is important to maintain the integrity of such systems. This paper explores a life prediction model for polyethylene materials in natural gas distribution pipelines under creep damage. The model uses a power law equation to describe the crack growth rate and an asymptotic solution for the stress intensity factor (SIF) calculation considering local geometry variations. The SIF solution considers the effect of stress concentration introduced by common damages in pipes such as rock impingement and slit. An effective initial crack size model is proposed for the life prediction of plastic pipes considering the intrinsic initial defect. Large loading-induced plastic deformation is included by a correction factor in the crack growth model. The model is calibrated and validated using experimental data on Aldyl-A pipes with different types of damage. Due to the stochastic nature of the crack growth process, uncertainty quantification is performed, and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is used to estimate the failure probability. The predicted probabilistic life distributions under different loading conditions are compared with the experimental data. Some conclusions and future work are drawn based on the proposed study and experimental validation.
Total Cross Section Phenomenological Formulas for X-Ray and Gamma Radiation Interaction With Matter for Different Energies and Absorber Types
Authors: Fornalski Krzysztof Wojciech
Published: December 2019

The in-function log-polynomial regression method for empirical approximations of physical relationships was presented and applied in practice. Thanks to that the single phenomenological equation for the total cross section for X-ray and gamma radiation interaction with matter was presented. The proposed equation depends on the photon energy (from 1 keV to 100 GeV) and absorber type (atomic number from Z = 1 to 100) and takes into considerations all important physical effects of photon interaction, namely, coherent (Rayleigh) and incoherent (Compton) scattering, photo-electric effect and pair/triplet production. Finally, the single formula for the total cross section of photon interaction with matter was presented in the simple form easy to apply in practice, e.g., in radiation protection or in radiation shields designing.
Power Absorbed by the Standing Human Body During Whole-Body Vibration Training
Authors: Nawayseh Naser , Hamdan Sadeque
Published: December 2019

Absorbed power (AP) is a biodynamic response that is directly related to the magnitude and duration of vibration. No work has previously investigated the power absorbed by the standing human body during the exposure to vibration training conditions or otherwise. This article reports the power absorbed by the standing human body under whole-body vibration (WBV) training conditions. In this work, the force and acceleration used to calculate the apparent mass by Nawayseh and Hamdan (2019, “Apparent Mass of the Standing Human Body When Using a Whole-Body Vibration Training Machine: Effect of Knee Angle and Input Frequency,” J. Biomech., 82, pp. 291–298) were reanalyzed to obtain the AP. The reported acceleration was integrated to obtain the velocity needed to calculate the AP. The effects of bending the knees (knee angles of 180 deg, 165 deg, 150 deg, and 135 deg) and vibration frequency (17–42 Hz) on the power absorbed by 12 standing subjects were investigated. Due to the different vibration magnitudes at different frequencies, the AP was normalized by dividing it by the power spectral density (PSD) of the input acceleration to obtain the normalized AP (NAP). The results showed a dependency of the data on the input frequency as well as the knee angle. A peak in the data was observed between 20 and 24 Hz. Below and above the peak, the AP and NAP tend to increase with more bending of the knees indicating an increase in the damping of the system. This may indicate the need for an optimal knee angle during WBV training to prevent possible injuries especially with prolonged exposure to vibration at high vibration intensities.
Stress-Swelling Finite Element Modeling of Cervical Response With Homeostatic Collagen Fiber Distributions
Authors: Gou Kun , Topol Heiko , Demirkoparan Hasan , Pence Thomas J.
Published: December 2019

During pregnancy, the cervix experiences significant mechanical property change due to tissue swelling, and to ongoing changes in the collagen content. In this paper, we model how these two effects contribute to cervical deformation as the pressure load on top of the cervix increases. The cervix and its surrounding supporting ligaments are taken into consideration in the resulting mechanical analysis. The cervix itself is treated as a multilayered tube-like structure, with layer-specific collagen orientation. The cervical tissue in each layer is treated in terms of a collagen constituent that remodels with time within a ground substance matrix that experiences swelling. The load and swelling are taken to change sufficiently slowly so that the collagen properties at any instant can be regarded as being in a state of homeostasis. Among other things, the simulations show how the luminal cross-sectional area varies along its length as a function of pressure and swelling. In general, an increase in pressure causes an overall shortening of the lumen while an increase in swelling has the opposite effect.
Bond Graph Modeling of Mechanical Circulatory Support Device—Cardiovascular System Interactions
Authors: Li Mengtang , Slepian Marvin J. , Barth Eric J.
Published: December 2019

Though mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts (TAH), provide heart failure patients with bridges to heart transplantation or are alternatives to transplantation, device performance, and corresponding control strategies are often difficult to evaluate. Difficulties arise due to the complex interaction of multiple domains—i.e., biological, hydraulic, hemodynamics, electromechanical, system dynamics, and controls. In an attempt to organize, integrate and clarify these interactions, a technique often used in hydraulic pump design and robotics, called “bond graph modeling,” is applied to describe the performance and functionality of MCS devices and the interaction between the cardiovascular (CV) system and the MCS device. This technical brief demonstrates the advantages of this tool in formulating a model for the systemic circulation interacting with the left side of a TAH, adopting the fundamental structure of either a hydraulic mechanism (i.e., AbioCor/Carmat) or a pneumatic mechanism (i.e., SynCardia), combined with a systemic circulation loop. The model captures the dynamics of the membrane, the hydraulic source or pneumatic source, and the systemic circulation. This multidisciplinary cross-pollination of an analytical tool from the field of dynamic systems may provide important insight to further aid and improve the design and control of future MCS systems.