bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuro-what? Which neuroscience products should you take seriously?
Authors: Merzenich Michael
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Discovery in the field of neuroscience is rapid and keeping pace can be overwhelming. This paper aims to summarize the history of how the field has developed and provides seven key questions you should ask when assessing the validity of “neuro” products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the author’s five decades of experience as a neuroscientist.

Findings

Developments in neuroscience can assist organizations to deliver more effective OD and learning and development (L&D) interventions. It is, however, critical to identify well-researched and evidenced products and services.

Originality/value

Neuroscience is developing at a high speed our understanding of the brain. This paper provides L&D professionals with a set of principles on which to assess the voracity of what they are offered, to sort the wheat from the chaff.
An audit of innovation drivers: some empirical findings in Greek agri-food firms
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Skalkos Dimitris
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model and examine the relevance of a set of five dynamic drivers to building and sustaining the innovation capability of agri-food firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were acquired through a recent study of 436 Greek agri-food firms. Regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between innovation drivers and each of the four innovation capability dimensions, namely, product innovation, process innovation, organizational innovation and marketing innovation.

Findings

The findings verify that quality orientation and process management are the two most important innovation drivers. However, the impact of learning orientation, collaborations and environmental dynamism on a firm’s agri-food innovation capability is yet to be investigated.

Research limitations/implications

This study has not investigated how firms’ characteristics form the drivers and barriers to innovation at the company. Moreover, a second limitation is related to the kind of innovation that drivers boost. This research does not separate between radical and incremental innovation.

Practical implications

In order to maintain their sustainable development and enhance their whole innovation capability, agri-food firms should closely relate their innovation capability dimensions to the formulation of a strategy and harmonization of innovation and innovation drivers’ activities.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is that it develops an appropriate research framework (a proposed structural model) for examining the links among the five innovation drivers with each of the four innovation capability dimensions.
Evaluation of a workshop to address drugs and alcohol in the workplace
Authors: Roche Ann , Kostadinov Victoria , McEntee Alice , Allan Julaine , Meumann Nicholas , McLaughlin Lara
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Risky alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is ubiquitous in some workplace cultures, and is associated with considerable risks to health, safety and productivity. A workplace drug and alcohol first aid program was developed to support supervisors and managers to recognize and respond appropriately to AOD problems, increase knowledge of AOD and reduce the stigma associated with AOD. The purpose of this paper is to undertake an evaluation to assess the program’s efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-report survey was administered to program participants before (T1), immediately after (T2) and three months following program completion (T3). Changes in alcohol/drug-related knowledge, role adequacy, motivation and personal views were examined using repeated measures ANOVA.

Findings

A total of 109 participants took part in the program, with only 26 completing scores at all three time points. Mean scores increased significantly (p<0.05) between T1 and T2 for knowledge (12.7–16.0), role adequacy (11.8–17.4), motivation (9.7–10.4) and personal views (9.0–9.6). Significant improvements were maintained at T3 for knowledge (15.1) and role adequacy (17.3).

Practical implications

Drug and alcohol first aid programs offer a potentially valuable initiative to improve the knowledge, skills and understanding of managers and supervisors in tackling workplace AOD risks, associated stigma and improving help seeking.

Originality/value

Workplace programs for managers can facilitate organization-wide responses to the reduction of AOD-related problems, increase implementation of appropriate policy and interventions, minimize associated harms and stigma and reduce negative imposts on productivity and profit.
Automatic recommendation of prognosis measures for mechanical components based on massive text mining
Authors: Martinez-Gil Jorge , Freudenthaler Bernhard , Natschläger Thomas
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to automatically provide suggestions for predicting the likely status of a mechanical component is a key challenge in a wide variety of industrial domains.

Design/methodology/approach

Existing solutions based on ontological models have proven to be appropriate for fault diagnosis, but they fail when suggesting activities leading to a successful prognosis of mechanical components. The major reason is that fault prognosis is an activity that, unlike fault diagnosis, involves a lot of uncertainty and it is not always possible to envision a model for predicting possible faults.

Findings

This work proposes a solution based on massive text mining for automatically suggesting prognosis activities concerning mechanical components.

Originality/value

The great advantage of text mining is that makes possible to automatically analyze vast amounts of unstructured information to find corrective strategies that have been successfully exploited, and formally or informally documented, in the past in any part of the world.
A hybrid model for exploring the antecedents of cloud ERP continuance
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to propose a hybrid model based on expectation–confirmation model (ECM), DeLone and McLean IS success model and task-technology fit (TTF) model to examine whether quality factors and TTF as the antecedents to user beliefs can affect organizational users’ continuance intention of cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP).

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from end-users of cloud ERP working in companies in Taiwan. A total of 370 questionnaires were distributed in the 37 sample companies, and 315 (85.1 per cent) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study.

Findings

This study’s findings indicated that users’ perceptions of system quality, information quality and TTF all contributed significantly to their satisfaction, confirmation and perceived usefulness (PU) of cloud ERP, which in turn directly or indirectly led to their continuance intention of cloud ERP; that is, the results strongly supported the hybrid model integrating ECM, DeLone and McLean IS success model and TTF model with all hypothesized links being significant.

Originality/value

Empirically, this study’s research model capturing ECM, DeLone and McLean IS success model and TTF model has significantly shed light on the possible formulation of a richer post-adoption model. Noteworthily, considerably more attention should be paid to the fit between information-related characteristics and cloud ERP users’ work goals and needs, while TTF, based on both system-related and information-related technology characteristics, significantly contributes to users’ satisfaction, confirmation and PU, which together directly or indirectly explain their intention to continue using cloud ERP.
Thoughts about the past, present and future of research in youth information behaviors and practices
Authors: Agosto Denise E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a reflection on youth information behaviors and practices in the research literature and suggest future directions for scholarship in this area.

Findings

The author identifies areas for strengthening the impact of research and scholarship in the area of youth information behaviors and practices, including standardizing the age groups of research subjects, diversifying data collection methods, broadening the participation of marginalized groups and working to understand youth information behaviors and practices from youths’ own perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper offers a personal assessment of the current state of the field, provides a broad overview of the author’s research in this area and suggests ideas for moving this work forward. It also highlights the importance of making research results readily available to adults who work with and care for youth, including teachers, librarians, product designers, parents and other caregivers.
Experimental investigation for vibration reduction of surface-textured journal bearings
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Xiaojing , Shen Yifan , Li Zhaolun , Dong Jian
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Surface texturing has emerged in the past two decades as a viable option of surface engineering, resulting in significant improvement in wear resistance and friction coefficient. The purpose of this study is to find the appropriate surface texture to reduce vibration and improve the stability of journal bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro-dimples, evenly distributed in a square array, were selected as the texture pattern and formed on the lower surface of bush by the laser surface texturing technique. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of micro-dimples under different depths, densities and distributions.

Findings

The results are summarized in the form of shaft center orbits, waterfall illustrations and Hilbert-Huang transforms. In the entire test, it was found that an optimum geometric and distributive range of micro-dimples exists, where vibration acceleration can be decreased at least 3dB and stability can be greatly improved.

Originality/value

A majority of researchers devoted to studying on static characteristics, such as friction coefficient, load carrying capacity, pressure distribution and cavitation model. Besides, the influence of surface texture on stability of rotor-journal bearing system was rarely investigated and the recent examples can be found in Refs. (Ausas et al. 2007). However, a complete study of textured journal bearings has not been undertaken in the dynamic properties. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to experimentally investigate the comprehensive effects of density, depth and distribution of micro-dimples on bearing vibration and stability.
Influence of recess shape on comprehensive lubrication performance of high speed and heavy load hydrostatic thrust bearing
Authors: Yu Mubing , Yu Xiaodong , Zheng Xuhang , Qu Hang , Yuan Tengfei , Li Daige
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a theoretical and experimental research concerning influence of recess shape on comprehensive lubrication performance of high speed and heavy load hydrostatic thrust bearing with a constant flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust bearing with different recess shape under the working conditions of high speed and heavy load has been simulated by using computational fluid dynamics and finite volume method.

Findings

It is found that the comprehensive lubrication performance of a hydrostatic thrust bearing with circular recess is optimal. The results demonstrate that recess shape has a great influence on the lubrication performance of the hydrostatic thrust bearing.

Originality/value

The simulation results indicate that to get an improved performance from a hydrostatic thrust bearing with constant flow, a proper selection of the recess shape is essential.
The influence of material reliance, personal control, and expectations on quality of life during consumers’ life transitions
Authors: Thyroff Anastasia , Siemens Jennifer , McAlexander Brandon
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Drawing from a life course theory, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between material reliance and quality of life for consumers going through a life transition, with attention given to individual differences and transition-specific characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 uses qualitative interviews with transitioning consumers, while Study 2 tests a survey-based conditional mediation model.

Findings

For liminal consumers, perceived personal control mediates the effect of material reliance on quality of life, but having negative expectations of the transition can override this effect.

Originality/value

Although previous research has given attention to material reliance, personal control and quality of life in various combinations, the impact of their combined effect has not been examined. Furthermore, these constructs have not been examined within the context of life transitions.
Under-reporting of construction accidents in Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva Nayanthara , Rathnayake Uthpala , Kulasekera K.M.U.B.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Under-reporting of occupational accidents is a common problem in many countries. This is mainly because of the shortfalls in accident reporting and recording systems. Construction industry being a hazardous industry, the rate of accidents is higher compared with other industries and apparently a high rate of under-reporting. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the rate of under-reporting, significant reasons for under-reporting and identify the shortcomings in the existing accident reporting system in Sri Lanka in aiming to recommend efficient mechanisms for occupational accident recording and reporting to construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Both secondary and primary data were tapped to gather required data. The secondary data were extracted from the records available in year 2014-2015 at the office of the commissioner for workmen’s compensation and the industrial safety division of the Department of Labor (DoL) to analyze the rate of under-reporting. The primary data were obtained through expert interviews to explore the gaps in reporting system and to identify mechanisms to reduce under-reporting.

Findings

The findings revealed 80 per cent of construction accidents are under-reported. Eight gaps in the current accident recording and reporting system and key recommendations at organizational and national level for its improvements were identified.

Originality/value

The findings provide an insight of occupational safety and health (OSH) practices in construction industry and it can be used as an eye opening flash for safety law-makers and practitioners to revisit the existing regulations and practices.
“Give it a Try”: experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic young men in a prison-based offender personality disorder service
Authors: Hunter Stephanie , Craig Eleanor , Shaw Jake
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Within the current offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway in the UK, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) populations are underrepresented. Fewer BAME offenders are engaging with services despite being proportionately identified for inclusion and referred on to the pathway. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study explored the experiences of 11 BAME men engaged in a prison-based OPD service for young offenders to identify the highlights and challenges of engagement within the service and to what extent they experienced a sense of inclusion/belonging.

Findings

Thematic analysis was used to identify three overarching themes and sub-themes. Why am I going to be an Outcast? describes the barriers to engagement encountered by the participants; and Give it a Try and Nothing but Respect describe the process of overcoming these barriers. Barriers revolved around the experiences of judgement, alienation and hopelessness. These were overcome through peer encouragement, developing relationships with staff and freedom to regulate levels of engagement.

Practical implications

Practice and policy implications are considered to support similar services in addressing the barriers to engagement faced by BAME individuals. Areas for future research are also recommended.

Originality/value

Currently, no research has directly explored the under-representation of young BAME offenders with emerging personality disorder in the OPD pathway. The findings provided an insight into some of the difficulties these young BAME offenders faced when accessing this service, alongside aspects which maintained their engagement.
Investment opportunities for student housing in Europe
Authors: French Nick , Bhat Geetha , Matharu Gurpreet , Guimarães Filipe Ortigão , Solomon David
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into how the demographic of international and home students in the major university cities in three European countries (France, Spain and Germany) offers investors an opportunity to provide students housing. This paper looks at how a mobile and demanding student clientele now demands, well priced, good quality and purpose built accommodation during their studies at University. This offers a good property investment opportunity.

Design/methodology/approach

This practice briefing is an overview of the demand factors that are creating opportunities in France, Spain and Germany.

Findings

This paper analyses the link between the under provision of purpose built student housing and an opportunity to develop a long-term cash flow producing investment asset.

Practical implications

The role of the property developers and investors is to successfully identify trends and demands and provide the assets that meet the market requirements. This paper looks at the meeting point in three major European countries for this latent and, currently, poorly served demand.

Originality/value

This provides guidance on how investment opportunities develop in non-traditional property markets.
At-home ethnography: a method for practitioners
Authors: Vickers David Andrew
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to employ a reflection on at-home ethnographic (AHE) practice to unpack the backstage messiness of an account to demonstrate how management students can craft fine-grained accounts of their practice and develop further our understanding of management practices in situ.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reflects upon an example of AHE from an 18-month period at a chemical plant. Through exposure and exploration, the paper outlines how this method was used, the emotion involved and the challenges to conduct “good” research.

Findings

The paper does not seek to define “best practice”; it highlights the epistemic and ethical practices used in an account to demonstrate how AHE could enhance management literature through a series of practice accounts. More insider accounts would demonstrate understandings that go beyond distant accounts that purport to show managerial work as rational and scientific. In addition, such accounts would inform teaching of the complexities and messiness of managerial practice.

Originality/value

Ethnographic accounts (products) are often neat and tidy rather than messy, irrational and complex. Reflection on ethnographer (person) and ethnographic methodology (process) is limited. However, ethnographic practices are mostly unreported. By reflecting on ethnographic epistemic and ethical practices, the paper demonstrates how a largely untapped area has much to offer both management students and in making a fundamental contribution to understanding and teaching managerial practice.
“Good” things take time: a living story of research as “life”
Authors: Hurd Fiona , Dyer Suzette , Fitzpatrick Mary
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Although the process of fieldwork is often characterised by disorder, the requirement to adhere to a tightly defined methodology and produce timely research outputs often leads the authors to present the findings as though the research has been the product of a linear process. The purpose of this paper is to unmask this paradox, by documenting the disorder and development of a research project 15 years (so far) in duration.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is one of auto-ethnographic reflection, drawing on aspects of Boje’s living story approach, incorporating not only the “linear” narrative of the research process, but also fragments of ante-narrative, themes running above and below the dominant. Within the study, the authors are reflecting on, a range of qualitative methods, including interview, focus groups, memory-work, and living story (ante-narrative) methods, which are employed within a critical management research methodology.

Findings

The authors’ experiences show that although “messiness” may be an inherent part of qualitative research, it is this very disorder, and the consequent opportunities for time and space, that allows the research, and the researcher, “time to breathe”. This reflexivity allows for methodological development and refinement, and ultimately rigorous and participative research, which also honours the participants. The authors argue that although this approach may not align with the current need for prolific (and rapid) publication, in allowing the disorder to “be” in the research, and allowing the time to reassess theoretical and methodological lenses, the resultant stories may be more authentic – both the stories gathered from participants and the stories of research.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the intertwining of stories of participants and stories from research, which is a significant addition to understandings of the “messiness” of qualitative research. This paper adds to the growing call for the inclusion of “chaos” and authenticity in qualitative research, acknowledging and valuing the humanity of the researcher, and giving voice to the paradox between the time to methodologically develop, and the requirement for timely research.
Critical sensemaking: challenges and promises
Authors: Aromaa Eeva , Eriksson Päivi , Helms Mills Jean , Hiltunen Esa , Lammassaari Maarit , Mills Albert J.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze current literature on critical sensemaking (CSM) to assess its significance and potential for understanding the role of agency in management and organizational studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis involves an examination of a selection of 51 applied studies that cite, draw on and contribute to CSM, to assess the challenges and potential of utilizing CSM.

Findings

The paper reveals the range of organizational issues that this work has been grappling with; the unique insights that CSM has revealed in the study of management and organizations; and some of the challenges and promises of CSM for studying agency in context. This sets up discussion of organizational issues and insights provided by CSM to reveal its potential in dealing with issues of agency in organizations. The sheer scope of CSM studies indicates that it has relevance for a range of management researchers, including those interested in behavior at work, theories of organization, leadership and crisis management, diversity management, emotion, ethics and justice, and many more.

Research limitations/implications

The main focus is restricted to providing a working knowledge of CSM rather than other approaches to agency.

Practical implications

The paper outlines the challenges and potential for applying the CSM theory.

Social implications

The paper reveals the range of problem-solving issues that CSM studies have been applied to.

Originality/value

This is the first major review of the challenges and potential of applying CSM; concluding with a discussion of its strengths and limitations and providing a summary of insights for future work.
Structural design of a 3-D printed stab resistant body armor
Authors: Gong Zheng , Qian Xinming , Yuan Mengqi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Stab-resistant body armor (SRBA) can protect the human body from injury as a result of stabbing by sharp projectiles. However, in its current design SRBA, it has not been widely adopted for use, because of its weight and poor flexibility. Herein, this paper aims to detail a new type of SRBA that is inspired by the armor plating of mammals and is fabricated using laser sintering (LS) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This new type of SRBA was fabricated using LS technology. The laser sintered SRBA was subjected to a stab resistance performance test that conformed to the GA 68-2008 Chinese National Standard. The stab resistance response of the novel structured, stab resistance test plates in this study was analyzed using the using the AUTODYN explicit module in ANSYS-Workbench.

Findings

The structure of the novel stab resistance plate was designed and the optimum structural parameters were tested, discussed and achieved. The mechanism of dissipation of the impact energy by the pyramidal structures of the novel SRBA was studied, and it was found that this structure dispersed the kinetic energy of the knife and minimized the structural damage to the plate. Interlinks inspired by the pangolin hierarchy structure were designed and used to fabricate a large piece of laser sintered body armor.

Originality/value

High-performance laser sintered stab resistance plate was produced via the material and structure studies, which could reduce 40 per cent weight on the stab resistance body armor and increase the wearability.
Part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework to support part maintenance using 3D printing technology
Authors: Kim Hyungki , Cha Moohyun , Kim Byung Chul , Kim Taeyun , Mun Duhwan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the use of 3D printing technology to perform maintenance on damaged parts on site. To maintain damaged parts, the user needs experience in the parts design and 3D printing technology. To help users who have little or no experience on 3D printing, a part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework was proposed to support the process of manufacturing replaceable parts using a 3D printer.

Design/methodology/approach

To establish the framework, 3D printing-based maintenance procedure was first defined, comprising retrieval, manufacturing and inspection steps, while identifying the technical components required to perform the procedure. Once the technical components are identified, part library-based information retrieval and inspection framework was defined based on the technical components and the relationships between the components. For validation of the concept of the framework, prototype system is developed according to the proposed framework.

Findings

The feasibility of the proposed framework is proved through maintenance experiments on gaskets and O-rings.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the proposal of the framework, which aims to support the maintenance of damaged parts for the user who has little or no experience in part design or does not know how to operate a 3D printer.
Phylogenetic diversity correlated with above‐ground biomass production during forest succession: Evidence from tropical forests in Southeast Asia
Authors: Satdichanh Manichanh , Ma Huaixia , Yan Kai , Dossa Gbadamassi G.O. , Winowiecki Leigh , Vågen Tor‐G. , Gassner Anja , Xu Jianchu , Harrison Rhett D.
Published: November 2018

Enhancing knowledge on the role of evolutionary history during forest succession and its relationship with ecosystem function is particularly relevant in the context of forest landscape restoration for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

We used fine resolution vegetation and environmental data (soil, elevation and slope) from two large‐scale surveys (320 × 1000 m2 plots in two 10 km × 10 km blocks) in the Upper Mekong to quantify (1) the role of abiotic and biotic (species interactions) factors in community assembly processes and (2) the effect of biodiversity, environmental factors and forest succession on above‐ground biomass (AGB).

We found strong correlation between soil fertility and community structure in the early successional seres, while species interactions played an increasingly important role in older seres, presumably due to species complementary.

We detected a significant relationship between AGB and phylogenetic diversity, elevation and soil fertility across successional gradients. Within successional stages, soil fertility was not significantly associated with AGB, while elevation was significantly associated with AGB only in forest <100 years old. Phylogenetic diversity was positively correlated with AGB in the young secondary forest (< 15 years old) but not significantly associated with AGB in older seres.

Synthesis. Our results support the hypothesis that abiotic filtering influences species assembly in the initial stages of forest succession, while biotic interactions dominate community assembly processes in older seres. We found that phylogenetic diversity, soil fertility and elevation gradients were strongly predictive of AGB in a secondary tropical montane forest in Southeast Asia. However, elevation may reflect other underlying abiotic gradients, such as water availability. Phylogenetic diversity was significantly associated with AGB only in youngest seres (<15 years old). Considering phylogenetic diversity in restoration plantings and the management of forests younger than 15 years old could enhance forest biomass and the climate mitigation function forest landscape restoration.
Trophic ecology of large herbivores in a reassembling African ecosystem
Authors: Pansu Johan , Guyton Jennifer A. , Potter Arjun B. , Atkins Justine L. , Daskin Joshua H. , Wursten Bart , Kartzinel Tyler R. , Pringle Robert M.
Published: November 2018

Megafauna assemblages have declined or disappeared throughout much of the world, and many efforts are underway to restore them. Understanding the trophic ecology of such reassembling systems is necessary for predicting recovery dynamics, guiding management, and testing general theory. Yet, there are few studies of recovering large‐mammal communities, and fewer still that have characterized food‐web structure with high taxonomic resolution.

In Gorongosa National Park, large herbivores have rebounded from near‐extirpation following the Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992). However, contemporary community structure differs radically from the prewar baseline: medium‐sized ungulates now outnumber larger bodied species, and several apex carnivores remain locally extinct.

We used DNA metabarcoding to quantify diet composition of Gorongosa’s 14 most abundant large‐mammal populations. We tested five hypotheses: (i) the most abundant populations exhibit greatest individual‐level dietary variability; (ii) these populations also have the greatest total niche width (dietary diversity); (iii) interspecific niche overlap is high, with the diets of less‐abundant species nested within those of more‐abundant species; (iv) partitioning of forage species is stronger in more structurally heterogeneous habitats; and (v) selectivity for plant taxa converges within guilds and digestive types, but diverges across them.

Abundant (and narrow‐mouthed) populations exhibited higher among‐individual dietary variation, but not necessarily the greatest dietary diversity. Interspecific dietary overlap was high, especially among grazers and in structurally homogenous habitat, whereas niche separation was more pronounced among browsers and in heterogeneous habitat. Patterns of selectivity were similar for ruminants—grazers and browsers alike—but differed between ruminants and non‐ruminants.

Synthesis. The structure of this recovering food web was consistent with several hypotheses predicated on competition, habitat complexity, and herbivore traits, but it differed from patterns observed in more intact assemblages. We propose that intraspecific competition in the fastest‐recovering populations has promoted individual variation and a more nested food web, wherein rare species use subsets of foods eaten by abundant species, and that this scenario is reinforced by weak predation pressure. Future work should test these conjectures and analyse how the taxonomic dietary niche axis studied here interacts with other mechanisms of diet partitioning to affect community reassembly following wildlife declines.
Domestic Institutions and Global Value Chains: Offshoring in Germany's Core Industrial Sectors
Authors: De Ville Ferdi
Published: November 2018

Do domestic institutions affect industrialised countries’ positions in global value chains? A key insight from literature on global value chains is that a firm's decision to offshore depends on the trade‐off between price competitive gains and coordination costs. The role of domestic institutions in this decision has largely been neglected in global value chains analyses. However, a core insight from literature on varieties of capitalism is that the outcome of this trade‐off differs depending on the national institutions in which firms are embedded. National economies vary in terms of the importance of non‐market institutions for firms’ production decisions. This article integrates insights from both literatures, resulting in the hypotheses that for firms in coordinated market economies offshoring has lower gains and higher costs than for firms in liberal market economies and that this will translate in a different importance and/or geography of global value chains. We empirically test these hypotheses by focusing on Germany. We find that Germany is intensively integrated in international value chains, but that its core sectors have made relatively more use of ‘near shoring’, as this allows them to retain comparative institutional advantages. This has permitted Germany to maintain and even expand output and employment in industry.
Prognostic role of Rab27A and Rab27B expression in patients with non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Koh Hyun Min , Song Dae Hyun
Published: November 2018

Background

Rab27A and Rab27B are the major components of vesicle fusion and trafficking in exosome secretion and play important roles in tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, Rab27A and Rab27B are associated with tumor prognosis. This study investigated the prognostic roles of Rab27A and Rab27B expression in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Rab27A and Rab27B expression was assessed in 133 cases of NSCLC by immunohistochemistry. We evaluated the correlations between Rab27A and Rab27B expression and clinicopathological data and determined their prognostic role in NSCLC.

Results

Rab27A and Rab27B expression were significantly related to patient gender (P = 0.007 and 0.002, respectively) and histologic type (P = 0.009 and < 0.001, respectively), but not to patient age, smoking history, surgical method, or tumor node metastasis stage. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model verified that high Rab27B expression is a prognostic factor for unfavorable disease‐specific survival (hazard ratio 2.680, 95% confidence interval 1.116–6.437; P = 0.027) in squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significantly poorer prognosis in SQCC patients with high Rab27B expression compared to patients with low Rab27B expression (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

High Rab27B expression could be an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with SQCC of the lung.
Clozapine and all‐cause mortality in treatment‐resistant schizophrenia: a historical cohort study
Authors: Cho J. , Hayes R. D. , Jewell A. , Kadra G. , Shetty H. , MacCabe J. H. , Downs J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Large‐scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated a protective effect of clozapine on mortality in people with schizophrenia. Clozapine is reserved for use in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia (TRS), but evidence of clozapine's effect on mortality exclusively within TRS samples is inconclusive. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of clozapine use on all‐cause mortality in TRS patients.

Methods

A historical patient cohort sample of 2837 patients, who met criteria for TRS between 1 Jan 2008 and 1 Jan 2016, were selected from the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) electronic health records (EHR). The national Zaponex Treatment Access System (ZTAS) mandatory monitoring system linked to the SLAM EHR was used to distinguish which patients were initiated on clozapine (n = 1025). Cox proportional hazard models were used, adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical monitoring, mental and physical illness severity and functional status.

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, the protective effect of clozapine on all‐cause mortality was significant (adjusted hazard ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.97; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Clozapine reduces the risk of mortality in patients who meet criteria for TRS. We provide further evidence that improving access to clozapine in TRS is likely to reduce the mortality gap in schizophrenia.
Practical considerations for clinicians for transitioning patients on maintenance therapy with olaparib capsules to the tablet formulation of olaparib
Authors: Friedlander Michael , Shannon Catherine , Goh Jeffrey , Scott Clare , Mileshkin Linda
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Olaparib was originally formulated as 50 mg capsules with a recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily which requires patients to take 16 capsules a day. More recently, a tablet formulation with equivalent efficacy has become available and reduces the pill burden for patients to two tablets twice daily which is more convenient for patients. However, it is important to understand the key differences between the olaparib capsule and tablet formulations as they are not bioequivalent, and the doses are not interchangeable. Educating patients when transitioning from capsules to tablets is critical to avoid dosing errors and maintain both safety and efficacy of olaparib maintenance therapy.

Main recommendations

There are no established guidelines on transitioning patients from capsules to tablets. Patients taking 400 mg of the capsules twice daily should be switched to 300 mg of the tablets twice daily. In patients on a reduced dose of 200 mg capsules twice daily, consider switching to 250 mg twice daily of the tablet formulation. In patients on 100 mg capsules twice daily, consider 200 mg tablets twice daily. Particular care should be taken in transitioning patients who are on a reduced dose due to anemia and who have a low hemoglobin (9 g/dL) where a lower dose of the tablets should be considered initially. Close monitoring of patients for the first 3 months with further dose reductions based on tolerability is recommended. The tablet dose can be escalated or de‐escalated depending on tolerance.
Dermoscopy of lipidised dermatofibroma: A morphological study of 13 cases
Authors: Zaballos Pedro , Mir‐Bonafé Juan Francisco , Avilés José Antonio , Bañuls José
Published: November 2018

Background/Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological findings of lipidised dermatofibromas under dermoscopic observation.

Methods

Dermoscopic examination of 13 cases of lipidised dermatofibromas was performed to evaluate specific dermoscopic criteria and patterns.

Results

The most frequently occurring dermoscopic features were as follows: (i) A yellowish homogenous pigmentation in all cases (100%); this pigmentation was total in 30.7%; (ii) White structures were seen in 46.1%, most of them were central white networks (38.4%); (iii) Pigment network was observed in 53.8%, most of them were peripheral delicate pigment networks (38.4%), but two cases showed an atypical pigment network; (iv) The presence of vascular structures was common (10 cases, 77%); (v) Regarding to dermoscopic patterns, five lipidised dermatofibromas (38.4%) showed a total yellowish homogeneous pattern; 38.4% an atypical pattern and 23.2% a ‘central white network + peripheral delicate pigment network' pattern.

Conclusions

The dermoscopic recognition of a total yellowish homogeneous area or a yellowish colouration in the context of a dermatofibroma can be proposed to help suspecting a lipidised dermatofibroma.
The Rhetoric of “The Mandate” in Contemporary Australian Context
Authors: Strating Bec , Harkness Alistair
Published: November 2018

The “electoral mandate” serves a useful function as a political weapon in competitive party democracies, notwithstanding the ambiguities, multi‐layered complexities and uncertainty of many of the issues which the concept involves. The diverse uses of “mandate” indicate competing ideas in Australian politics about the responsibilities of parties to pursue commitments made during campaigns and the extent of rights to govern. This article portrays mandate not as a “theory” or “doctrine”, but as a rhetorical device that needs to be examined in the context of “contested word use” in political speech. The renewed interest in the study of rhetoric reflects the usefulness of examining multiple and layered meanings that exist under what ostensibly may appear as “empty rhetoric”, and to understand how rhetoric is used to persuade an audience of the validity of a particular action or viewpoint. While mandate often comes under attack as “meaningless”, it is a useful persuasive tool employed by politicians to consolidate their legitimacy and justify their rights to implement a political agenda and, as such, it contributes to public discourses relating to the nature of political representation.
Increased expression of L‐plastin in nasal polyp of patients with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Takabayashi Tetsuji , Tanaka Yukie , Susuki Dai , Yoshida Kanako , Tomita Kaori , Sakashita Masafumi , Imoto Yoshimasa , Kato Yukinori , Narita Norihiko , Nakayama Tsugihisa , Haruna Shinichi , Schleimer Robert P. , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: November 2018

Background

Most patients with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) suffer from recurrence of nasal polyps. However, little is known about the specific cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of nasal polyp development in patients with NERD in particular, especially at baseline when cyclooxygenase 1 inhibitors are not present. The objectives of this study were to identify proteins involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps in patients with NERD.

Methods

We collected nasal polyp tissue from patients with NERD and from patients with aspirin‐tolerant chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Protein profiles were analyzed by 2‐dimensional electrophoresis and identified several proteins, including L‐plastin, as highly expressed. We examined L‐plastin and tissue factor (TF) expression by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses. To examine the role of L‐plastin in eosinophils, we knocked down L‐plastin expression in Eol‐1 cells by using siRNA transfection.

Results

L‐plastin protein levels in nasal polyp tissue were increased in patients with NERD relative to those in patients with aspirin tolerant CRSwNP. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that L‐plastin was dominantly expressed in eosinophils and L‐plastin and TF were co‐expressed in eosinophils in NERD nasal polyp tissue. Knockdown of L‐plastin in Eol‐1 cells disrupted the cell surface distribution of TF by stimulation with granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor.

Conclusion

Increased expression of L‐plastin by eosinophils may contribute to abnormal fibrin deposition through TF translocation to the eosinophil cell surface in NERD nasal polyp tissue, which in turn may contribute to the pathogenesis of NERD.
Skin disorders are prominent features in primary immunodeficiency diseases: A systematic overview of current data
Authors: de Wit Jill , Brada Romke J. K. , van Veldhuizen Joyce , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: November 2018

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are characterized by an increased risk of infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammation, malignancy, and allergic disorders. Skin disorders are also common clinical features in PIDs and may be among the presenting manifestations. Recognition of specific PID‐associated skin conditions in combination with other clinical features as described in the currently used warning signs could raise suspicion of an underlying PID. We aimed to provide a systematically obtained overview of skin disorders and their prevalence in PIDs. Secondary, the prevalence of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus–associated skin disorders and atopy was reviewed, as these are the most prominent skin features in PIDs. A systematic search was performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (up to May 9, 2018). All original observational and experimental human studies that address the presence of skin disorders in PIDs were selected. We rated study quality using the Institute of Health Economics Quality Appraisal Checklist for Case Series Studies. Sixty‐seven articles (5030 patients) were included. Study quality ranged from 18.2% to 88.5%. A broad spectrum of skin disorders was reported in 30 PIDs, mostly in single studies with a low number of included patients. An overview of associated PIDs per skin disorder was generated. Data on S. aureus‐associated skin disorders and atopy in PIDs were limited. In conclusion, skin disorders are prominent features in PIDs. Through clustering of PIDs per skin disorder, we provide a support tool to use in clinical practice that should raise awareness of PIDs based on presenting skin manifestations.
CD146‐mediated acquisition of stemness phenotype enhances tumour invasion and metastasis after EGFR‐TKI resistance in lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Jia , Wang Xiaobo , Wei Nan , Liu Haiyang , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Tumours are more likely to metastasize after the development of resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. CD146 is a multifunctional molecule and is implicated in tumour invasion and metastasis; however, its role in lung cancer has not been clearly established.

Objective

Here, we aimed to explore the relationship between CD146 pathway and stem cell phenotype after EGFR‐TKI resistance in lung cancer.

Methods

EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cell lines were established by exposing parental cells to erlotinib/gefitinib. The CD146 level was measured by a western blot, RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry fluorescent. Cell migration was examined by the transwell assay and the scratch assay. Stemness phenotype genes were evaluated by RT‐PCR and stem cell phenotype was observed by the microsphere formation assay.

Results

CD146 and stemness phenotype genes increased while β‐catenin decreased in acquired EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cell lines. CD146’s over‐expression induced the up‐regulation of stemness‐related genes and was inversely correlated with the β‐catenin expression, which further increased the migration capability of resistant cancer cells. CD146’s knockdown suppressed cell migration and stemness phenotype.

Conclusions

CD146 molecule contributes to the stemness phenotype and migration in EGFR‐TKI‐resistant cells. CD146 might be a potential therapeutic target for EGFR‐TKI‐resistant lung cancer or metastasis prevention.