bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft switching DC/DC converter with five resonant tanks for medium voltage applications
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chen Kuan‐Hao 
Published: May 2015

A zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) converter with five resonant circuits with shared switches is presented to achieve the functions of less switch counts, low switching losses and low current stress of passive components at low‐voltage side. For medium input voltage case, four split capacitors and four active switches with Vin/2 voltage stress are adopted at high‐voltage side. Two balance capacitors are used to automatically balance input capacitor voltages in every switching cycle. Five resonant circuits are adopted in the proposed converter to share load current and reduce the current stress of passive components. On the basis of the circuit characteristics of resonant converter, power switches are turned on at ZVS from zero to full load. Rectifier diodes can be turned off at zero‐current switching if the switching frequency is less than the series resonant frequency. Hence, the reverse recovery losses on the rectifier diodes are improved. Experimental verifications with a 1.92 kW prototype are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Self-driven filter-based blood plasma separator microfluidic chip for point-of-care testing
Authors: Madadi Hojjat , Casals-Terré Jasmina , Mohammadi Mahdi 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
There is currently a growing need for lab-on-a-chip devices for use in clinical analysis and diagnostics, especially in the area of patient care. The first step in most blood assays is plasma extraction from whole blood. This paper presents a novel, self-driven blood plasma separation microfluidic chip, which can extract more than 0.1 μl plasma from a single droplet of undiluted fresh human blood (∼5 μl). This volume of blood plasma is extracted from whole blood with high purity (more than 98%) in a reasonable time frame (3 to 5 min), and without the need for any external force. This would be the first step towards the realization of a single-use, self-blood test that does not require any external force or power source to deliver and analyze a fresh whole-blood sample, in contrast to the existing time-consuming conventional blood analysis. The prototypes are manufactured in polydimethylsiloxane that has been modified with a strong nonionic surfactant (Silwet L-77) to achieve hydrophilic behavior. The main advantage of this microfluidic chip design is the clogging delay in the filtration area, which results in an increased amount of extracted plasma (0.1 μl). Moreover, the plasma can be collected in one or more 10 μm-deep channels to facilitate the detection and readout of multiple blood assays. This high volume of extracted plasma is achieved thanks to a novel design that combines maximum pumping efficiency without disturbing the red blood cells’ trajectory through the use of different hydrodynamic principles, such as a constriction effect and a symmetrical filtration mode. To demonstrate the microfluidic chip’s functionality, we designed and fabricated a novel hybrid microdevice that exhibits the benefits of both microfluidics and lateral flow immunochromatographic tests. The performance of the presented hybrid microdevice is validated using rapid detection of thyroid stimulating hormone within a single droplet of whole blood.
Predicting the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs: evaluating the assumptions involved
Authors: Jokiel Paul L. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Predictions of future impact of climate change on coral reefs indicate that bleaching mortality due to higher temperature will be the major factor in the decline of coral reefs. Ocean acidification (OA) is increasingly considered to be an important contributing factor, but estimates of its importance vary widely in the literature. Models of future reef decline due to OA generally involve four simplifying assumptions that can lead to contradictions. The assumptions are: (i) Oceanic conditions of Ωarag control or are at least highly correlated with net calcification rate (Gnet) on coral reefs. (ii) Calcification rate is driven by bulk water carbonate ion concentration [CO32−] expressed as Ωarag. (iii) Changes in coral calcification rate can be used to estimate future changes in coral reef calcification rate. (iv) The impact of OA is additive and not synergistic with other environmental factors such as increased temperature. The assumption that aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) of seawater drives calcification is the most widely used and needs to be further evaluated. An alternate hypothesis is that calcification is limited by the ability of the system to rid itself of the protons generated by calcification. Recent studies allow further testing of the assumptions and point the way to resolving shortcomings in our understanding of how OA impacts coral reefs.
Factors Associated With Clopidogrel Adherence in Community-Dwelling Patients
Authors: Momary Kathryn M. , Kimble Laura P. 
Published: May 2015

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to characterize predictors of adherence to clopidogrel therapy focusing on patients’ perceptions of clopidogrel and nuisance bleeding.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling cardiovascular patients with a self-reported prescription for clopidogrel. Self-report questionnaires assessed depressive symptoms, social support, nuisance bleeding, perceptions of clopidogrel, and adherence to therapy. Low, moderate, and high adherence groups based on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were compared and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict adherence.

Results:
A total of 102 subjects were enrolled, and 55%, 28%, and 16% were classified as having low, moderate, and high adherence, respectively. Greater perceptions of clopidogrel necessity, lower perception of clopidogrel concern, and increased severity of nuisance bleeding were predictors of better adherence.

Conclusions:
Data from this cross-sectional study suggest that concerns about clopidogrel and feelings about its necessity play an important role in clopidogrel adherence.
Propofol‐Ketamine and Propofol‐Fentanyl Combinations for Nonanesthetist‐Administered Sedation
Authors: Chandar Rumesh , Jagadisan Barath , Vasudevan Arumugam 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:There is a need to compare propofol requirement between propofol‐ketamine (PK) and propofol‐fentanyl (PF) given as nonanesthetist‐administered propofol sedation during pediatric esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).Methods:The study was a parallel‐group, randomized, double‐blind comparison of the need for additional doses of propofol in the first minute after sedation induction between PK and PF, administered by rotating trainees in pediatrics for sedation during pediatric EGD. A total of 95 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists class I to III between 3 and 12 years undergoing EGD were included and randomized to either of the groups. After midazolam premedication, children received either 0.5 mg/kg ketamine (PK) or 1 μg/kg of fentanyl (PF) followed by a mandatory 1 mg/kg of propofol. Additional doses of propofol of 0.5 mg/kg each were given to achieve sedation induction (modified Ramsay scale level 6), and further doses were administered during the procedure as required. A total of 92 children (PK, n = 47; PF, n = 45) were analyzed. P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:There was no difference in the propofol dose required for successful scope introduction and also in the need for additional propofol doses and the total additional propofol doses required in the first minute after sedation induction. Propofol injection pain was higher in the PF group (odds ratio 1.78). The adverse events and recovery time were similar. There was no escalation of care, airway intubations, death, or disability.Conclusions:Nonanesthetist‐administered propofol sedation is feasible in teaching hospitals. Propofol requirement is similar in both PK and PF combination regimens, but the lower frequency of propofol injection pain may favor the use of PK.
Attitudes Toward Patient Safety and Tendencies to Medical Error Among Turkish Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Nurses
Authors: Ozer Serap , Sarsilmaz (Kankaya) Hülya , Aktas (Toptas) Hikmet , Aykar Fisun Senuzun 
Published: May 2015

Background
Patient safety and medical errors are among the most discussed topics in recent years. Identifying and reporting medical errors is one of the most significant steps toward the adoption of measures to increase patient safety.

Objectives
The goal of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to evaluate attitudes toward patient safety and the tendencies to medical error among cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses in Turkey.

Methods
The study sample consisted of nurses who worked in the cardiology and cardiovascular surgery departments of a University Hospital in Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. A total of 103 nurses working in the day shift of the mentioned departments volunteered and participated in the study. A “Nurse Information Form,” a “Patient Safety Attitude Questionnaire (PSAQ),” and a “Malpractice Tendency Scale in Nursing-(MTSN)” were used as data collection instruments.

Results
The mean ± 1 standard deviation of the nurses’ PSAQ scores were 141.86 ± 18.39, whereas their MTSN scores were 237.20 ± 18.12. Although no statistically significant difference could be evidenced between cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses in their total MTSN scores (t = −0.99, P = 0.32), their PSAQ scores showed a significant difference (t = 2.34, P = 0.02).

Conclusions
This study showed that the tendencies to medical error among cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses working in a Turkish facility were low, whereas their attitudes toward patient safety were not at a particularly satisfactory level. The cardiology nurses were found to have a more positive attitude toward patient safety than their colleagues in cardiovascular surgery.
An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach to training typology selection based on student perspective
Authors: Venkadasalam Saravanan 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to distinguish the typology of marine education and training and explore the student preference of the best typology which develop their competencies. This paper will tabulate some recommendations for the marine education and training provider to further enhance their training.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research adopt and adapt the Satty’s analytic hierarchy process method to weight and rank the typology of training. A group of student who completed their study and currently works at operational level voluntarily participated in this survey. A pairwise matrix used to compute the weights within the typology of training.

Findings
– The outcome of the study shows that all typology of training are not equally weighted. The best typology of training was identified. Marine academicians drawn some recommendations.

Research limitations/implications
– The sample size may not appropriate for generalizable. The same study can be expandable to large size.

Practical implications
– The study was conducted at one marine education and training provider. A panel analysis required for framework development.

Originality/value
– The paper contributed some recommendation for the marine education and training provider on their operational strategy and initiative.
Institutional outlook of the entrepreneurial climate in Ghana
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Danso Albert , Ampadu Ernest 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– Previous scholarly studies on institutions tend to create a sombre picture of institutions by ignoring to examine the antecedents of formal and informal institutions. The purpose of this paper is to overcome this limitation by proposing a conceptual framework of the antecedents of formal and informal institutions of entrepreneurial climate in a less developed market setting.Design/methodology/approach– This study builds on a comprehensive survey of the literature on institutions by using a synthesis thematic methodology to identified key scholarly studies which have been published in previous theoretical and empirical studies and proposes a conceptual framework of the role of formal and informal institutions in defining entrepreneurial climate in a developing economy’s context.Findings– The findings of the paper suggest that political factors and economic factors define formal institutions whilst socio-cultural factors define informal institutions. These factors rooted in political, economic and socio-cultural factors have a major influence on the rate and nature of entrepreneurial activity in a developing country setting.Practical implications– This paper contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and intuitional theory by focusing on the antecedents of formal and informal institutional factors that shape entrepreneurial climate in Ghana.Originality/value– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review that explores the nature of entrepreneurial climate and proposes a conceptual framework of the role of formal and informal institutions in defining entrepreneurial climate in Ghana.
Farmer education and household agricultural income in rural India
Authors: Panda Sitakanta 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in the rural household agricultural income by farmers’ education while exploiting a nationally representative household survey data set, i.e. the India Human Development Survey-2005, in the rural Indian context. The author seeks to answer the question: how much variation in the household net agricultural income per acre of land cultivated can farmers’ education explain?

Design/methodology/approach
– The author has employed the ordinary least squares regression model with village fixed effects. The author also analysed the data using some exploratory statistics.

Findings
– The author finds that farmers’ education significantly increases the net household farm income per acre of land cultivated last year. The results are robust to the inclusion of the five educational degree categories (dummies) in lieu of the years of schooling variable. The results are also robust to its decomposition into that for men and for women separately. Women farmers’ education has an amplified impact on farm incomes. The author also confirms the inverse relationship between the household agricultural income and land area cultivated, which is consistent with the huge literature on the negative relationship between land size-class and farm productivity.

Practical implications
– In a developing country with a not-so-modernized agriculture sector and low adoption of newer farming technologies, this validated importance of education in explaining the differences in rural farm earnings has guiding policy implications in that a positive return to farmer schooling signals the need for increased investments in the farmers’ education and awareness so as to enhance farm incomes and productivity. The special policy thrust on education of women and women farmers is critical to ensuring higher farm incomes and outcomes.

Originality/value
– The literature on the impact of farmers’ education on rural household agricultural income is very sparse. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this issue has not been addressed before in the Indian context. The author explains the contribution of farmer education to farm income in rural Indian households. The author also revisits the negative relationship between farm income and land size holdings in the Indian agriculture.
Remarkable lives: Rachel Taylor in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Taylor Rachel , Carson Jerome 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Rachel Taylor.

Design/methodology/approach
– Rachel provides a short biographical account and is then interviewed by Jerome. In the biography the search for happiness and belonging is discussed.

Findings
– Rachel talks about focusing on what we are good at, what we love and how discovery can light that spark of hope that there can be better than what has gone before.

Research limitations/implications
– Rachel’s story shows the potential that lies not just within some of us, but all of us. It is but one story, but its message is sure to touch many.

Practical implications
– How do services promote hope and build resilience and wellbeing? While another service user said recovery was about “coping with your illness and having a meaningful life” (McManus et al., 2009), services have perhaps focused too much on symptom reduction and not enough on helping people find meaning and purpose.

Social implications
– Rachel asks the question is Positive Psychology a movement for all or is it just for the elite?

Originality/value
– Rachel is someone who has discovered for herself the benefits of Positive Psychology. Hopefully Rachel’s own discovery will lead to bringing this promising approach to people with mental health problems.
Recovery-focussed leadership in the NHS
Authors: McLean Jane 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership qualities and behaviours required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper contrasts the prevailing leadership style within the NHS with the leadership style required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health. The underlying reasons for, and implications of, this disparity are explored.

Findings
– The leadership style required to support recovery-focussed practice in mental health services is one based on collaboration, empowerment, service-user led practice, autonomy, shared decision making, distribution of power, compassion, strengths, valuing, recognising and rewarding positive behaviours and using a collective approach. This is fundamentally at odds with that experienced by staff working within the NHS.

Originality/value
– If NHS services are genuinely to promote the recovery of those whom they serve then the leadership and culture of organisations is critical.
Management of competition among sellers and its performance implications for business-to-business electronic platforms
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Ren Xingyao , Zheng Xu 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aimed to analyze the short- and long-term effects of the breadth and depth of seller competition on the performance of platform companies, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of customers’ two-sided marketing tactics on the structure of the competition between sellers.Design/methodology/approach– A longitudinal research design was adopted by gathering daily market objective data on e-commerce platforms for 250 days, and the dynamic evolution effects was analyzed by using a vector autoregression model which compared the differences between the short- and long-term effectiveness of different customer relationship management (CRM) strategies.Findings– The breadth of competition amongst sellers improves the performance of platforms, whilst the depth of competition among sellers has a positive effect on the short-term performance. However, it has a negative effect on the long-term performance of their platforms. In both the short and long terms, advertising tactics that attract new buyers contribute more to increases in the breadth of seller competition than those that attract existing buyers do. Subsidies for new sellers decrease the depth of seller competition more than those for old sellers.Research limitations/implications– Further research could be undertaken to investigate the validity of marketing tactics other than advertising tactics, and thus expand the time windows of the available data.Practical implications– It is imperative for platform companies to implement effective control over seller competition to balance the interests of the sellers and of themselves.Originality/value– The dyadic paradigm of CRM research has been extended by considering the perspective of the electronic platform company, how the tactics of exploitation and exploration of two-sided customers impact upon seller competitive structures have been delved into and why new customers have a unique value to platform companies has been identified.
Influencing factors of knowledge dissemination in rural areas in China
Authors: Li Yongjian , Shi Dan , Li Xiang , Wang Wen 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to analyze the situation of knowledge dissemination in Chinese rural areas and explore factors that affect the efficiency of knowledge dissemination, to provide some suggestions for further improvements.Design/methodology/approach– A survey was conducted to collect data in 17 provinces of China, with 267 questionnaires returned out of 300. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis with LISEREL 8.8.Findings– The results show that factors of knowledge such as government participation, dissemination capability, learning motivation and trust have a positive effect on knowledge transfer. By contrast, factors of knowledge such as complexity and richness of knowledge carriers do not have a significant correlation with the knowledge sharing level.Research limitations/implications– This paper conducts a cross-sectional analysis while ignoring the longitudinal effects of some factors on knowledge dissemination, such as the reform and opening policy in China. An analysis on a more concrete problem could be conducted for future study.Practical implications– This paper proposes some suggestions to enhance the efficiency of knowledge dissemination in rural areas from the knowledge dissemination mode, knowledge products and the role of government playing.Originality/value– This paper is among the first attempts to conduct comprehensive and systematic research on the influential factors of knowledge dissemination. It contributes to literature by offering a systematical empirical study with the consideration of the role of government in knowledge dissemination.
Epigallocatechin gallate attenuates fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen production by effectively intervening TGF‐β1 signalling
Authors: Sriram Narayanan , Kalayarasan Srinivasan , Manikandan Ramar , Arumugam Munusamy , Sudhandiran Ganapasam 
Published: May 2015

SummaryPulmonary fibrosis (PF) poses a huge burden to the patients and society due to lack of an effective treatment drug. Activation of fibrocyte, fibroblast and myofibroblasts are important steps in the development of PF. Targeting this common pathway with natural chemicals may lead to the development of new drug regimens for PF treatment. In this study, PF was induced in male Wistar rats by intratracheal administration of Bleomycin (BLM). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was administered to one of the groups of rats to test its efficacy against the development of PF. Bleomycin‐induction resulted in significant elevation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 expression, increased RNA and protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, Smads and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). EGCG treatment normalized the BLM induced aberrations in these rats. The protective role of EGCG was also validated in vitro using the WI‐38 fibroblast cell line. TGF‐β1 incubated cells exhibited increased fibroblast proliferation and hydroxyproline levels with a concomitant decrease in the expression of MMPs 2 and 9. An increase in protein expression levels of p‐Smad, α‐SMA and type I collagen (COL1A) was also exhibited by fibroblasts upon TGF‐β1 incubation. Simultaneous treatment of EGCG to WI‐38 cells significantly decreased these protein expressions alongside normalizing the MMPs expression. The study revealed that EGCG inhibited fibroblast activation and collagen accumulation by inhibiting TGF‐β1 signalling and thus can be considered as an effective drug against PF.