bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical tail FEA with a CAD/CAE based multidisciplinary process
Authors: Deák Péter
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make an analytical comparison of two vertical tail models from a structural point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

The original vertical tail design of PZL-106BT aircraft was used for Computer aided design (CAD) modeling and for creating the finite element model.

Findings

The nodal displacements, Von-Mises stresses and Buckling factors for two vertical tail models have been found using the finite element method. The idea of a possible Multidisciplinary concept assessment and design (MDCAD) concept was presented.

Practical implications

The used software analogy introduces an idea of having an automated calculation procedure within the framework of MDCAD.

Originality/value

The aircraft used for calculation had undergone a modification in its vertical tail length, as there was an urgent need to calculate for the plane’s manufacturer, PZL Warszawa – Okecie.
Active suppression of freeplay aeroelastic vibrations of ailerons by robust control methods with incomplete measurements
Authors: Dul Franciszek
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the active suppression of the nonlinear aeroelastic vibrations of ailerons caused by freeplay by robust H∞ and linear quadratic Gauss (LQG) methods of control in case of incomplete measurements of the state of the system.

Design/methodology/approach

The flexible wing with nonlinear aileron with freeplay is treated as a plant-controller system with H∞ and LQG controllers used to suppress the aeroelastic vibrations. The simulation approach was used for analyzing the impact of completeness of measurements on the efficiency and robustness of the controllers.

Findings

The analysis shows that the H∞ method can be effectively used for suppression of nonlinear aeroelastic vibrations of aileron, although its efficiency depends essentially on completeness and types of measurements. The LQG method is less effective, but it is also able to prevent aileron vibrations by reducing their amplitudes to acceptable, safe level.

Research limitations/implications

Only numerical analysis was carried out for the problem described; thus, the proposed solution is of theoretical value at this stage of analysis, and its application to the real suppression of aeroelastic vibrations requires further research.

Practical implications

The work presents a potentially useful solution to the problem of interest and results are a theoretical basis for further research.

Social implications

This work may lead to a hot debate on the advantages and drawbacks of the active suppression of vibrations in the aeroelasticians community.

Originality/value

The work raises the important questions of practical stabilizability of the nonlinear aeroelastic systems, their dependence on completeness and types of measurements and robustness of the controllers.
Design of composite landing gear for an LSA airplane
Authors: Cejpek Jakub
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a software tool under development by the author. Based on industry demands, a software tool is developed to fill the gap between commercial software and limited closed-form analysis in this specific area.

Design/methodology/approach

Python programming language offers a great potential to develop relatively simple software that includes graphical user interface and can be turned into an executable file – therefore easily spread. Also, thanks to large community, Python offers extended scientific libraries for solving number of engineering problems. Results are compared to the commercially available software (in this case, MSC NASTRAN). Further evaluation is done to compare results to the laboratory tests.

Findings

First results were obtained from the comparison between KuFEM and NASTRAN. These results are sufficient reassurance for next stages of development. Next results are the comparison of KuFEM results to the laboratory test. As only one type of product has been tested, no final conclusion can be made. However, within these limits, the results are very promising and optimistic.

Research limitations/implications

Future development will include further evaluation on different products, even more composite-oriented calculations, enhanced graphical environment.

Practical implications

KuFEM, within its limits, is an alternative to other commercial programs. It is meant to compromise between limited closed-form designs and detailed designs in expensive software.

Originality/value

KuFEM is a unique software tool. It allows user to work with finite element method in a simple preprogrammed way. It enhances the standard BEAM elements to go deeper in the analysis. Currant evaluation promises potential good results.
Experimental investigations into parachute rescue systems
Authors: Rodzewicz Miroslaw , Glowacki Dominik , Szczepanik Tomasz , Hajduk Jaroslaw
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of investigations of parachute rescue systems (PRS) for light gyrocopters.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the investigations were conducted in both stages simultaneously, i.e. experimental mechanics approach and numerical simulations, the paper is focussed mainly on the experimental part of the work. To ensure the safety of experimental works (i.e. for both experimenters and bystanders), the authors applied unmanned, remotely controlled scale models of autogyro for the PRS testing in the air.

Findings

The critical problem for successful use of the PRS is that the rotation of the rotor blades must be stopped when the main parachute opens, otherwise the influence of the rotor on the improper opening process of the parachute may cause the whole PRS to become useless.

Research limitations/implications

The existing regulations for the use of unmanned aircraft impose the limitation upon the organisation of in-flight tests of PRS, i.e. the maximum take-off mass of the tested gyrocopter models is limited, and a full-scale test needs the approval of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Practical implications

The research contributes to increasing the safety level for gyrocopter users. The authors elaborated the original PRS, which currently is in the process of patenting.

Originality/value

Originality of the work consists of both an innovative PRS, which has never been tested before, and the results of experimental investigations, which cover both ground tests carried on static or moving stands and in-flight testing.
The effects of competitive reserve prices in online auctions
Authors: Han Jidong , Qiu Chun , Popkowski Leszczyc Peter
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how competition among online auction sellers influences the setting of both open and secret reserve prices, thereby affecting auction outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set collected from eBay consisting of 787 identical product auctions, three empirical models have been proposed. Model 1 simultaneously estimates the effects of auction competition on a seller’s own open and secret reserve price strategies; Model 2 estimates the effects of auction competition on bidder participation; and Model 3 estimates the direct and indirect effects of auction competition on selling price.

Findings

Competition among sellers is central to shaping sellers’ reserve price strategies. When there are more concurrent auctions for identical items, sellers tend to specify a low open reserve and are less likely to set a secret reserve. Sellers are strongly influenced by competitors’ reserve price strategies, and tend to follow competition. Finally, auction competition and competitive reserve price strategies influence both bidder entry and selling prices.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for both sellers and bidders. It highlights the importance for sellers to adapt their reserve price strategies in light of their competitors’ reserve price strategies and offers implications for bidders regarding auction selection. An auction with low starting bid does not necessarily lead to a lower selling price as it attracts more bidders.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on competition among auction sellers, whereas previous literature has focused on competition among bidders. This paper is the first to study the impact of competing reserve prices in auctions.
“The ability to get a job”: student understandings and definitions of employability
Authors: Gedye Sharon , Beaumont Emily
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore employability in the context of higher education (HE) from the students’ perspective. Limited attention has been paid to student understandings of their own employability in a Sport Science context and Tymon (2011) refers to them as “the missing perspective”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the findings of a study of Marine Sports Science students (n=63) at a post-1992 HE institution which through the qualitative element of a mixed methods survey explored their changing articulations of their employability as they progressed through their studies. The students surveyed were in receipt of a comprehensive programme of enterprise and employability activities embedded within their programme.

Findings

Qualitative results showed that Marine Sport Science students’ articulations of employability expanded in vocabulary as the students progressed through their studies. Definitions also shifted from those that centred on what employers want (extrinsic) to what the student had to offer the employer (intrinsic).

Originality/value

There are very few examples of studies that explore employability from the students’ perspective and this paper adds understanding on this “missing perspective”. It also addresses a specific discipline area; Marine Sport Science, which has yet to feature in any literature on employability.
Pay equity and marginalized women
Authors: Kohout Roopkiran , Singh Parbudyal
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of marginalized women in achieving equal pay for work of equal value. The research focuses on Ontario, Canada, as this is a leading jurisdiction globally in implementing legislation on pay equity. It provides an opportunity to understand the lived experiences of women whom scholars have identified as particularly vulnerable in workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research study. Twenty-three interviews were conducted with women defined as marginalized. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Three themes resulted from the analysis: early employment experiences, cultural challenges at work and inequities in pay. The authors found that not only do structural and organizational barriers limit the ability of marginalized women to achieve parity in the workplace but there also is a hidden social element that requires further investigation.

Originality/value

The gender pay gap is wider for marginalized women, even after three decades since pay equity legislation was implemented in Ontario. There is a dearth of research on why this is the case. This study adds to the literature by focusing on a broader set of factors, in addition to legislation, that must be considered when focusing on solutions to the gender pay gap.
Online physicians, offline patients
Authors: Au Anson
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the nature, gravity, and consequences of physician use of social media use surpass professional identity, by bringing to attention the nuanced, potential conflicts between patient-physician interests in current educational policies.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing a case study of a physician publicly posting and commenting on many of his patients’ information, conversations, and medical conditions on social media.

Findings

Physician social media use carries many issues that concern ethics and the patient, rather than professional identity and the physician. In response, two sets of ethical standards are developed: one that deals with what constitutes impermissible behaviors online, and another that stipulates appropriate punishments for violations of these codes.

Originality/value

Most medical education policies and the literature have emphasized professional identity- formation with regards to physician use of social media, rather than ethics. Furthermore, no study exists that presents a clear, concrete, insider perspective at physicians’ improper use of social media.
A grey analytic hierarchy process approach to project manager selection
Authors: Çelikbilek Yakup
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Evaluations of grey systems and systems with subjective judgements are always like an impasse for science and companies. Especially, calculations of the problems which include various units are really difficult situations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a grey analytic hierarchy process (G-AHP) for engineering and managerial problems with grey systems to make more clear and objective decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposed G-AHP approach is applied to project manager selection for a software project of an energy company. The application includes three different units as year, score and assessment. Six engineers are evaluated with 25 criteria in the application. Weights of the factors and assessments are done by three top managers of the company as pairwise comparisons. Other data in the decision matrix are obtained from the personal information and exam results of engineers.

Findings

Final weights of the criteria and evaluations of engineers are all done with the proposed G-AHP. Obtained results of G-AHP are also compared with grey “VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje” results as a validation of the calculations and proposed approach. Final results of the applications are ranked for the evaluations and comparison. All results of the case study are concluded with the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed G-AHP method both for this study and other fields of science, engineering and management.

Originality/value

This study provides to evaluate and interpret grey systems with different units and subjective judgements for science, engineering and management more clearly and objectively in an easier way.
Impacts of personal trust, communication, and affective commitment on change success
Authors: Ouedraogo Noufou , Ouakouak Mohammed Laid
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Successful change implementation is crucial for organizational prosperity, and even survival. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of personal trust and communication on change success, through affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an empirical study conducted among 307 employees of Canadian organizations and using structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The authors find that communication has a direct impact on change success, as well as an indirect impact through affective commitment. Trust only exerts an indirect effect through affective commitment.

Originality/value

This research thus extends the literature on the role of “soft” organizational factors on organizational change. Since the authors have limited this study to “soft” variables, it can be complemented with a study of hard factors contributing to change success, in order to build a comprehensive organizational change success model.
The acceptance of technological change in the hospitality industry from the perspective of front-line employees
Authors: Montargot Nathalie , Ben Lahouel Béchir
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Whereas past research has been valuable in explaining how “perceived usefulness” (PU) and “perceived ease of use” (PEU) constructs lead to technology acceptance and refusal behaviors in organizations, it has not explored the antecedents of these two factors. The purpose of this paper is to propose an interpretive approach to the study of front-line employees’ sense making of technological change as well as the understanding of behavioral and psychological origins of PU and PEU.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses a major transition in work mode induced by an IT innovation implemented within a leading French hospitality company. A qualitative method was employed to answer the research questions. The data were collected using 22 in-depth semi-structured interviews from front-line employees and their line managers in five 4-star hotels in Paris. The participants were asked how they made sense of the technological change and what they consider when they judge the usefulness and the ease of use during the implementation of change.

Findings

The analysis revealed that employees’ acceptance of technological change is paradoxical and shaped by a continuous process of sense making when using the IT innovation. The findings also suggest that PU can be explained by factors like job relevance, PEU and output quality. Anxiety, playfulness, perceived enjoyment, objective usability and facilitating conditions were identified as antecedents of PEU.

Research limitations/implications

The paper reports the effect of perceptions of social influence, system characteristics, individual differences and facilitating conditions on PU and PEU constructs in IT adoption process. It is among the first to examine the antecedents of such beliefs in the hospitality industry through the use of a qualitative method. It also shows that that three variables – result demonstrability, computer self-efficacy and social influence process described by subjective norm and image – did not play a significant role in influencing the intensions of using the system through PU and PEU.

Practical implications

Understanding the antecedents of the two key predictors in technology acceptance models allows managers to implement efficient adjustments and interventions in order to positively influence employees’ IT innovation acceptance and use.

Originality/value

This qualitative study contributes to open the black boxes concerning the conceptualizations of PU and PEU. It advances the understanding of the employees’ acceptance of IT innovation.
PhD scientists in the boardroom: the innovation impact
Authors: Swift Tim
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact that PhD scientists serving on the board of directors of firms conducting hard science have on the R&D-based innovative performance of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses are built upon extant theory, and they are tested using two-stage least squared regression that control for the endogenous nature of board composition. Results are robust to alternative specifications.

Findings

This analysis shows that firms with higher numbers of PhD scientists on the board generate superior innovative output and more efficient monitoring; PhD board members with denser professional networks are more valuable as board members.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical advice to innovative firms on how to create a governance process that simultaneously improves monitoring and boosts the innovative performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first one to suggest that innovative firms can improve R&D monitoring and boost innovative output at the same time, and the first to investigate the role that PhD scientists can serve on the board of firms engaging in hard science.
Learning from the future meets Bateson’s levels of learning
Authors: Kaiser Alexander
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Previous studies showed that combining learning based on experiences in the past with learning from an envisioned future scenario results in more innovative and radical ideas, as well as in a higher number of covered content domains. However, currently there is no holistic learning theory that integrates both sources of learning. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate whether it is possible to extend Bateson’s theory of learning, to link these two learning sources in one coherent framework.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this research question, the author draws on learning from an envisioned future, and tries to link it with the most important levels of learning in Bateson’s framework.

Findings

This paper contributes to the literature by attempting to link the important but still underexplored aspect of “learning from the future” to the complex and multifaceted work of Bateson. Given the fact that both sources of learning and experience yield a great potential to create new knowledge, this study outlines a possibility to include both sources into one learning theory.

Research limitations/implications

This work provides the basis for further research in building a general holistic theory of learning to learn.

Practical implications

On the individual level, the proposed approach can be easily applied with systemic coaching processes in general and coaching processes in the fields of developing an individual vision in particular. In the field of organizational learning, the awareness of different learning sources and different learning modes on the one hand and knowledge about the implementation of enabling spaces (PE-ba, FE-ba) to support these various learning modes on the other hand help organizations to generate new knowledge and create innovative and sustainable solutions, products and services.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first theoretical work that describes the integration of learning from past experiences and learning from future experiences in a methodological way.
Relationship between environmental factors, age of onset and familial history in Japanese patients with psoriasis
Authors: Bayaraa Bolortuya , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: April 2018

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that often involves the skin and joints. Psoriasis develops at any age and the distribution of age of onset of psoriasis is bimodal in Japan. Also, male predominance is distinct in Japanese psoriatic patients. To clarify the relationship between sex difference and habitual/environmental status, age and incidence of familial psoriasis, we analyzed data from the Fukuoka University Psoriasis Registry. A total of 1120 Japanese patients (751 men, 369 women) were analyzed. The male/female ratio was 2.03:1. Smoking and drinking habit, known as risk factors of psoriasis, were significantly more prevalent in men. Age‐specific psoriasis‐onset rate standardized by population showed bimodal distribution in both men and women; the younger peak was in their 30s for men and 10s in women; the second peak was in the 50s for both sexes. A familial history of psoriasis was seen in 6.3% of patients overall; however, female patients showed a significantly higher rate (8.7%) compared with men (5.1%, P = 0.024). When stratified by age of onset, the frequency of familial history was much higher among women with onset at less than 30 years (15.4%), compared with 30 years or more (5.3%, P = 0.0026). Our data suggest that genetic factors have a stronger influence in young women who experience fewer environmental factors such as smoking and drinking. This is the first study to show that there is a difference in the incidence of familial psoriasis depending on age of onset of psoriasis in Japan.
Comparative proteome analysis of propionate degradation by Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans in pure culture and in coculture with methanogens
Authors: Sedano‐Núñez Vicente T. , Boeren Sjef , Stams Alfons J. M. , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: April 2018

Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans is a sulfate‐reducing bacterium able to grow on propionate axenically or in syntrophic interaction with methanogens or other sulfate‐reducing bacteria. We performed a proteome analysis of S. fumaroxidans growing with propionate axenically with sulfate or fumarate, and in syntrophy with Methanospirillum hungatei, Methanobacterium formicicum or Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. Special attention was put on the role of hydrogen and formate in interspecies electron transfer (IET) and energy conservation. Formate dehydrogenase Fdh1 and hydrogenase Hox were the main confurcating enzymes used for energy conservation. In the periplasm, Fdh2 and hydrogenase Hyn play an important role in reverse electron transport associated with succinate oxidation. Periplasmic Fdh3 and Fdh5 were involved in IET. The sulfate reduction pathway was poorly regulated and many enzymes associated with sulfate reduction (Sat, HppA, AprAB, DsrAB and DsrC) were abundant even at conditions where sulfate was not present. Proteins similar to heterodisulfide reductases (Hdr) were abundant. Hdr/Flox was detected in all conditions while HdrABC/HdrL was exclusively detected when sulfate was available; these complexes most likely confurcate electrons. Our results suggest that S. fumaroxidans mainly used formate for electron release and that different confurcating mechanisms were used in its sulfidogenic metabolism.
Effect of tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors on spinal radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Jeong Hyemin , Eun Yeong Hee , Kim In Young , Park Eun‐Jung , Kim Hyungjin , Lee Jaejoon , Jeon Chan Hong , Koh Eun‐Mi , Cha Hoon‐Suk
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFi) on spinal radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Subjects were selected from patients at a single tertiary hospital between 1995 and 2014. Patients who used TNFi with baseline and paired follow‐up radiographic data with a minimum interval of 2 years were included. Time to start TNFi was defined as the time from symptom onset to the start of TNFi use. TNFi index was defined as the ratio of the period of TNFi use to the entire period of disease. Radiographic damage was assessed by the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with radiographic progression.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Seventeen (11.3%) patients were female and mean ΔmSASSS/year was 1.01 units/year. Mean X‐ray follow‐up duration was 102.9 ± 54.9 months. Mean time from symptom onset to start of TNFi use was 104.8 ± 83.6 months (median 84 months) and mean TNFi index was 42.9 ± 23.8% (median 40.9%). In multivariable analysis, initial mSASSS, initial C‐reactive protein, body mass index, current smoker, and delayed start of TNFi use were associated with radiographic progression. Presence of peripheral arthritis and the TNFi index were negatively associated with radiographic progression.

Conclusions

A delay in starting TNFi use and low TNFi index were associated with radiographic progression. Early and long‐term use of TNFi appear to reduce spinal radiographic progression in patients with AS.
Factors impacting couples’ decision‐making between vasectomy reversal versus sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Kavoussi P. K. , Kavoussi K. M. , Odenwald K. C. , Kavoussi S. K.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify factors which impact a couples’ decision‐making between the options of vasectomy reversal vs. sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection when counseled both by a reproductive urologist and a reproductive endocrinologist. A retrospective chart review was performed of couples who wish to achieve a pregnancy with a male partner with a history of prior vasectomy, in a couples’ private fertility center. Of patients presenting for fertility options with a history of vasectomy, 175 couples elected to be counseled by both a reproductive urologist and a reproductive endocrinologist on the options between vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, with 78.3% of the couples opting for vasectomy reversal and 21.7% opting for sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The overall mean age of the male partners was 40.5 years of age, and the mean age of the female partners was 33. The mean obstructed interval was 9.7 years. Twenty‐three percent of the female partners in couples selecting vasectomy reversal had diminished ovarian reserve, and 31.6% of couples selecting sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection had female partners with diminished ovarian reserve, two of which elected to have donor oocyte in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Male age, female age, and ovarian reserve status did not have significant roles in this decision‐making (p value 0.3578, 0.1185, and 0.3041, respectively); however, a longer obstructed interval since vasectomy was a significant factor associated with couples opting for sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (0.0238). In this study, the majority of couples who were counseled on vasectomy reversal vs. sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection by a reproductive urologist and reproductive endocrinologist chose vasectomy reversal. Neither male partner age, female partner age, nor ovarian reserve status seemed to impact the decision; however, a longer obstructed interval was a significant factor that was associated with the decision of couples toward sperm retrieval/in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection rather than vasectomy reversal.
Intensity of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma determines survival in patients at risk in a hepatitis B‐endemic area
Authors: Kim H. Y. , Nam J. Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee H. A. , Chang Y. , Lee H. Y. , Cho H. , Lee D. H. , Cho Y. Y. , Cho E. J. , Yu S. J. , Lee J. M. , Kim Y. J. , Yoon J.‐H.
Published: April 2018

Background

Data are insufficient regarding the survival benefit of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of HCC surveillance in a hepatitis B‐endemic population.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1402 consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with HCC between 2005 and 2012 at a single tertiary hospital in Korea. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Lead‐time and length‐time biases were adjusted (sojourn time = 140 days) and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The most common aetiology was hepatitis B (80.4%). Cirrhosis was present in 78.2%. HCC was diagnosed during regular surveillance (defined as mean interval of ultrasonography <8 months, n = 834), irregular surveillance (n = 104) or nonsurveillance (n = 464). Patients in the regular surveillance group were diagnosed at earlier stages ([very] early stage, 64.4%) than the irregular surveillance (40.4%) or nonsurveillance (26.9%) groups and had more chance for curative treatments (52.4%) than the irregular surveillance (39.4%) or nonsurveillance (23.3%) groups (all P < 0.001). Mortality risk was significantly lower in the regular surveillance group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.69; 95% [CI], 0.57‐0.83) but not in the irregular surveillance group (aHR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69‐1.28) compared with the nonsurveillance group after adjusting for confounding factors and lead‐time. When the subjects were restricted to cirrhotic patients or Child‐Pugh class A/B patients, similar results were obtained for mortality risk reduction between groups.

Conclusions

HCC surveillance was associated with longer survival owing to earlier diagnosis and curative treatment. Survival advantage was significant with regular surveillance but not with irregular surveillance.
Anti‐αIIbβ3 immunization in Glanzmann thrombasthenia: review of literature and treatment recommendations
Authors: Fiore Mathieu , d'Oiron Roseline , Pillois Xavier , Alessi Marie‐Christine
Published: April 2018

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is caused by inherited defects of the αIIbβ3 platelet glycoprotein. This bleeding disorder can be treated with platelet transfusion therapy, but some patients will be immunized and begin to form anti‐human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and/or anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies. These antibodies can bind and interfere with the function of the transfused platelets, rendering treatment ineffective. However, platelet transfusion refractoriness attributable to HLA antibodies may be managed by the selection of compatible donors, although they are not always readily available, particularly in an emergency. Thus, anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies represent one of the most severe complications in GT. Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of anti‐αIIbβ3 development, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still unknown. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the risk factors for development of anti‐αIIbβ3 antibodies in patients with GT and discuss how these findings may influence the clinical management of patients.
Tandem haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for High Risk relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: a LYSA study
Authors: Deau Benedicte , Amorim Sandy , Perrot Aurore , Quittet Philippe , Cornillon Jerome , Chaoui Driss , Marolleau Jean P. , Oberic Lucie , Le Du Katell , Fornecker Luc‐Matthieu , Tournilhac Olivier , Veillard Anne S. , Chaillol Isabelle , Robin Marie , Tamburini Jérôme , Brice Pauline
Published: April 2018

Tandem stem cell transplantation (SCT) is an option for high‐risk relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients. We evaluated the tolerance/efficacy of double autologous or autologous SCT (ASCT) followed by allogenic SCT (alloSCT) in 120 HL patients prospectively registered on a French nationwide database. Median age was 26 (14–56) years. Complete remission rate was 60%, including 33% after a single line, and another 27% after two or more salvage regimens. Partial response rate was 32%, and 8% suffered treatment failure. Overall, 115 (96%) patients underwent a first ASCT, and 73 (61%) had a tandem SCT, including alloSCT in 44 (60%) and ASCT in 29 (40%). The median follow‐up was 43 months (4.8–73.7 months). The two‐year progression‐free survival rate for the whole population and for patients receiving tandem transplant was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 46–65%) and 71% (95% CI: 49–84%), respectively. Among tandem transplants, we observed 20 deaths (17%), 10 of which were transplant‐related (6 alloSCT and 4 ASCT). We suggest that tandem SCT is efficient in high‐risk relapsed/refractory HL patients, although transplant‐related mortality remains high. The benefit of tandem SCT should be balanced with the efficacy of Brentuximab vedotin‐based post‐transplant consolidative strategies in high‐risk relapsed/refractory HL patients.
Azacitidine improves outcome in higher‐risk MDS patients with chromosome 7 abnormalities: a retrospective comparison of GESMD and GFM registries
Authors: Díez‐Campelo María , Lorenzo Jose I. , Itzykson Raphael , Rojas Silvia M. , Berthon Céline , Luño Elisa , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Perez‐Oteyza Jaime , Vey Norbert , Bargay Joan , Park Sophie , Cedena Teresa , Bordessoule Dominique , Muñoz Juan A. , Gyan Emmanuel , Such Esperanza , Visanica Sorin , López‐Cadenas Félix , de Botton Stéphane , Hernández‐Rivas Jesús M. , Ame Shanti , Stamatoullas Aspasia , Delaunay Jacques , Salanoubat Celia , Isnard Françoise , Guieze Romain , Pérez Guallar Joan , Badiella Llorenc , Sanz Guillermo , Cañizo Consuelo , Fenaux Pierre
Published: April 2018

Treatment with azacitidine (AZA) has been suggested to be of benefit for higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR‐MDS) patients with chromosome 7 abnormalities (Abn 7). This retrospective study of 235 HR‐MDS patients with Abn 7 treated with AZA (n = 115) versus best supportive care (BSC; n = 120), assessed AZA treatment as a time‐varying variable in multivariable analysis. A Cox Regression model with time‐interaction terms of overall survival (OS) at different time points confirmed that, while chromosome 7 cytogenetic categories (complex karyotype [CK] versus non‐CK) and International Prognostic Scoring System risk (high versus intermediate‐2) retained poor prognosis over time, AZA treatment had a favourable impact on OS during the first 3 years of treatment compared to BSC (Hazard ratio [HR] 0·5 P < 0·001 at 1 year, 0·7 P = 0·019 at 2 years; 0·73 P = 0·029 at 3 years). This benefit was present in all chromosome 7 categories, but tended to be greater in patients with CK (risk reduction of 82%, 68% and 53% at 1, 3 and 6 months in CK patients; 79% at 1 month in non‐CK patients, P < 0·05 for all). AZA also significantly improved progression‐free survival (P < 0·01). This study confirms a time‐dependent benefit of AZA on outcome in patients with HR‐MDS and cytogenetic abnormalities involving chromosome 7, especially for those with CK.
Armed conflicts and wildlife decline: Challenges and recommendations for effective conservation policy in the Sahara‐Sahel
Authors: Brito José Carlos , Durant Sarah M. , Pettorelli Nathalie , Newby John , Canney Susan , Algadafi Walid , Rabeil Thomas , Crochet Pierre‐André , Pleguezuelos Juan Manuel , Wacher Tim , de Smet Koen , Gonçalves Duarte Vasconcelos , da Silva Maria Joana Ferreira , Martínez‐Freiría Fernando , Abáigar Teresa , Campos João Carlos , Comizzoli Pierre , Fahd Soumía , Fellous Amina , Garba Hamissou Halilou Malam , Hamidou Dieng , Harouna Abdoulaye , Hatcha Mahamat Hassan , Nagy Abdullah , Silva Teresa Luísa , Sow Andack Saad , Vale Cândida Gomes , Boratyński Zbyszek , Rebelo Hugo , Carvalho Sílvia B.
Published: April 2018

Increasing conflicts and social insecurity are expected to accelerate biodiversity decline and escalate illegal wildlife killing. Sahara‐Sahel megafauna has experienced recent continuous decline due to unsustainable hunting pressure. Here, we provide the best available data on distribution and population trends of threatened, large vertebrates, to illustrate how escalating regional conflict (565% growth since 2011) is hastening population decline in areas that were formerly refugia for megafauna. Without conservation action, the unique and iconic biodiversity of Earth's largest desert will be forever lost. We recommend: (1) establishing strong commitments for change in global attitude toward nature; (2) engraining a culture of environmental responsibility among all stakeholders; (3) fostering environmental awareness to drive societal change; (4) reinforcing regional security and firearms control; and (5) implementing local research and wildlife monitoring schemes. We identify relevant international partners needed to tackle these challenges and to make strong policy change for biodiversity conservation and regional stability.
Symmetric assembly and disassembly processes in an ecological network
Authors: Tylianakis Jason M. , Martínez‐García Laura B. , Richardson Sarah J. , Peltzer Duane A. , Dickie Ian A.
Published: April 2018

The processes whereby ecological networks emerge, persist and decay throughout ecosystem development are largely unknown. Here we study networks of plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities along a 120 000 year soil chronosequence, as they undergo assembly (progression) and then disassembly (retrogression). We found that network assembly and disassembly were symmetrical, self‐reinforcing processes that together were capable of generating key attributes of network architecture. Plant and AMF species that had short indirect paths to others in the community (i.e. high centrality), rather than many direct interaction partners (i.e. high degree), were best able to attract new interaction partners and, in the case of AMF species, also to retain existing interactions with plants during retrogression. We then show using simulations that these non‐random patterns of attachment and detachment promote nestedness of the network. These results have implications for predicting extinction sequences, identifying focal points for invasions and suggesting trajectories for restoration.
Pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis after mitoxantrone therapy: a monocentre assessment
Authors: Frau J. , Coghe G. , Casanova P. , Sardu C. , Lorefice L. , Fenu G. , Marrosu M. G. , Cocco E.
Published: April 2018

Background and purpose

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many pregnancy‐related doubts and fears. Careful counselling is thus important. Mitoxantrone (MITO) is used in patients with aggressive MS and may affect reproductive capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with MS treated with MITO, both before and after the treatment.

Methods

Patients with MS previously treated with MITO were recruited. Clinical, demographic and treatment data were recorded. A questionnaire regarding the planning and outcomes of all pregnancies was administered. Parametric and non‐parametric tests were performed using SPSS 22 software.

Results

A total of 238 patients (female/male, 158/80) were included; 106 subjects planned a pregnancy before MITO and 40 after MITO. Of these, respectively, 102 (97%) and 35 (85%) resulted in conception, 19 (19%) and 7 (18%) in miscarriage, 6 (6%) and 1 (3%) in abortion and 98 (96%) and 32 (91%) were full‐term pregnancies. A total of 96 patients (40%) planned a pregnancy only before MITO (and not after), whereas 30 (13%) planned a pregnancy only after MITO (and not before) (P < 0.01). A total of 103 patients did not plan a pregnancy before MITO and 198 did not plan a pregnancy after MITO. The reasons included lack of interest or a partner, fear of MS and infertility. All of the babies born were healthy until the end of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Mitoxantrone does not affect the ability to conceive or pregnancy outcomes. We found no differences in pregnancies, abortions or miscarriages before and after MITO. The tendency to plan pregnancies decreased significantly after MITO. Our findings may be useful for improving the quality of life of patients and the approach taken by neurologists.
Pomegranate seed powder as a functional component of gluten‐free bread (Physical, sensorial and antioxidant evaluation)
Authors: Bourekoua Hayat , Różyło Renata , Gawlik‐Dziki Urszula , Benatallah Leila , Zidoune Mohammed Nasreddine , Dziki Dariusz
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of pomegranate seed powder (PSP) on physical, sensorial and antioxidant properties of gluten‐free bread. The PSP was incorporated at different levels (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) into formula of gluten‐free bread. Control gluten‐free bread made without any addition of PSP was used for comparison. The results showed that the specific volume and springiness of gluten‐free breads increased, whereas hardness and chewiness decreased significantly with increasing PSP addition. The addition of PSP into gluten‐free bread decreased the lightness and yellowness of crumb and crust colour, while redness increased. Total phenolics content (TPC) increased from 46% to 181% with PSP addition (2.5%–10%). Moreover, antioxidant activity was significantly higher for bread with PSP. For bread with the highest percentage of PSP, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained. For sensorial and antioxidant activity, the optimum level of PSP addition was found to be 7.5%.
Evaluating facts and facting evaluations: On the fact‐value relationship in HTA
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn , Bond Ken , Sandman Lars
Published: April 2018

Health technology assessment (HTA) is an evaluation of health technologies in terms of facts and evidence. However, the relationship between facts and values is still not clear in HTA. This is problematic in an era of “fake facts” and “truth production.” Accordingly, the objective of this study is to clarify the relationship between facts and values in HTA. We start with the perspectives of the traditional positivist account of “evaluating facts” and the social‐constructivist account of “facting values.” Our analysis reveals diverse relationships between facts and a spectrum of values, ranging from basic human values, to the values of health professionals, and values of and in HTA, as well as for decision making. We argue for sensitivity to the relationship between facts and values on all levels of HTA, for being open and transparent about the values guiding the production of facts, and for a primacy for the values close to the principal goals of health care, ie, relieving suffering. We maintain that philosophy (in particular ethics) may have an important role in addressing the relationship between facts and values in HTA. Philosophy may help us to avoid fallacies of inferring values from facts; to disentangle the normative assumptions in the production or presentation of facts and to tease out implicit value judgements in HTA; to analyse evaluative argumentation relating to facts about technologies; to address conceptual issues of normative importance; and to promote reflection on HTA's own value system. In this we argue for a(n Aristotelian) middle way between the traditional positivist account of “evaluating facts” and the social‐constructivist account of “facting values,” which we call “factuation.” We conclude that HTA is unique in bringing together facts and values and that being conscious and explicit about this “factuation” is key to making HTA valuable to both individual decision makers and society as a whole.
Development and testing of apricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) pit decorticator
Authors: Kate A. E. , Lohani U. C. , Shahi N. C.
Published: April 2018

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca. L) is an important stone fruit grown abundantly in the temperate climate. Traditionally, the fruit stone (pit), leftover part of fruit after utilizing apricot flesh, contains the apricot kernel. These kernels are currently being explored for the oil extraction purpose. Therefore, postharvest management and processing of the apricot pit are imperative along with its process mechanization. Manual decortication of apricot pit is tedious and laborious task. Hence, a small‐scale apricot pit decorticator machine was developed to mitigate all these issues. The machine works on the principle of breaking the pit by impact and compression forces produced by reciprocating piston. Performance of the decorticator was evaluated using dry wild apricot pits. The independent variables, namely, crankshaft speed (60–100 rpm), moisture content (8.5–16.5% wb), feed per stroke (10–18 g/stroke), and impact clearance (0–2 mm) were selected for testing of the decorticator. Decortication efficiency and broken kernel percentage were obtained in the range of 67.25–77.49% and 8.97–30.17%, respectively. The best performance of the decorticator for maximum decortication efficiency with minimum percentage of broken kernels were found to be at 85 rpm crankshaft speed, 15% (wb) moisture content, 18 g/stroke feed per stroke, and 0.8 mm impact clearance. Pay‐back period of the decorticator was found to be 0.48 years.

Practical applications

Apricot kernel present in pit is very fragile because of its softness and friability. Hence, it is very difficult to remove the outside husk mechanically without crushing or breaking the inside kernel. There is very high value of whole and quality kernels in dry fruits, confectioneries, medicine, and cosmetics. Various traditional methods are very tedious, laborious and uneconomical to the farmers and result in low quality unhygienic products. Therefore, a mechanized apricot pit decorticator working on the principle of impact and compression forces has been developed to solve the problem. The machine can decorticate pits easily with maximum decortication efficiency, minimum brokens, and reduced drudgery. The developed decorticator has potential for commercial production of kernels. It will increase the commercial application of kernels in dry fruits, confectionery, medicines, cosmetics, and further value additions.