bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-objective approach to design strategic supply chains and develop responsiveness- efficiency frontiers
Authors: AlHusain Raed , Khorramshahgol Reza
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. Initially, a multi-objective binary integer programming model is proposed for designing an appropriate supply chain that takes into consideration both responsiveness and efficiency. Then, a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier is generated for the supply chain design that can help organizations find the right balance between responsiveness and efficiency, and hence achieve a strategic fit between organizational strategy and supply chain capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed SC design model used both cross-functional and logistical SC drivers to build a binary integer programming model. To this end, various alternative solutions that correspond to different SC design portfolios were generated and a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier was constructed.

Findings

Various alternative solutions that correspond to different SC designs were generated and a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier was constructed to help the decision makers to design SC portfolios to achieve a strategic fit between organizational strategy and SC capabilities.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology enables the decision makers to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative judgements in SC design. The methodology is easy to use and it can be readily implemented by a software.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology allows for subjective value judgements of the decision makers to be considered in SC design and the efficiency-responsiveness frontier generated by the methodology provides a trade-off to be used when choosing between speed and cost efficiency in SC design.
Combining or separating forward and reverse logistics
Authors: Hansen Zaza Nadja Lee , Larsen Samuel Brüning , Nielsen Anders Paarup , Groth Anders , Gregersen Nicklas Gregers , Ghosh Amartya
Published: January 2018

Purpose

While forward logistics handles and manages the flow of goods downstream in the supply chain from suppliers to customers, reverse logistics (RL) manages the flow of returned goods upstream. A firm can combine RL with forward logistics, keep the flows separated, or choose a position between the two extremes. The purpose of this paper is to identify the contextual factors that determine the most advantageous position, which the paper refers to as the most advantageous degree of combination.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first develops a scale ranging from 0 percent combination to 100 percent combination (i.e. full separation). Second, using the contingency theory the paper identifies the contextual factors described in RL-literature that determine the most advantageous degree of combination. The set of factors is subsequently tested using a case study, which applies a triangulation approach that combines a qualitative and a quantitative method.

Findings

The results show six distinct contextual factors that determine the most advantageous degree of combination. Examples of factors are technical product complexity, product portfolio variation, and the loss of product value over time.

Practical implications

For practitioners the scale of possible positions and set of contextual factors constitute a decision-making framework. Using the framework practitioners can determine the most advantageous position of the scale for their firm.

Originality/value

Much RL-research addresses intra-RL issues while the relationship between forward and RL is under-researched. This paper contributes to RL theory by identifying the contextual factors that determine the most advantageous relationship between forward and RL, and proposes a novel decision-making framework for practitioners.
Health of Central and Eastern European migrants in Germany: healthy migrant effects and good health maintained?
Authors: Bíró Anikó
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the health level and health dynamics of migrants from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), broadly defined, in Germany. Population health in CEE compares badly to Germany. Lifestyle changes and access to better health care in Germany can lead to health improvement of migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel are used. First, the time trends of immigrant and native health are analysed graphically. Second, regression analysis is conducted, controlling for demographic and socio-economic factors when estimating the country of origin effects on health. Finally, regression models are estimated to investigate if social and economic integration significantly improves the subjective well-being of the immigrant groups.

Findings

Evidence is found for significantly better subjective health of migrants compared to the natives, even if demographic and socio-economic factors are controlled for. Only part of the health advantage is explained by selective migration. The health of the more advantaged migrants tend to decline slower than of the natives.

Social implications

If migrants are economically and socially integrated in the host country then their presence is unlikely to increase the health burdens of the host country.

Originality/value

The existing knowledge on the health developments of migrants from CEE in other European countries is limited. Based on richer statistical information, the results of this paper partly contradict earlier findings in the literature, in particular no evidence is seen for worse or quickly declining health of immigrants.
European refugee crisis: psychological trauma of refugees and care givers
Authors: Papadopoulos Irena , Shea Sue
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In recent years, the number of refugees and migrants entering Europe has increased dramatically. Such trauma may affect not only refugees themselves, but also care givers and rescue workers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the intensity and psychological impact of the refugee crisis, with a view to suggesting ways of moving forward.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on recent literature, this paper briefly looks at the importance of attention to health and social issues, before discussing the psychological trauma of refugees and potential emotional trauma of those involved in rescue operations.

Findings

The provision of psychological support which is both compassionate and culturally competent should be viewed as essential. Furthermore, the development of resources and tools to assist with the current refugee crisis could enable care givers, rescue workers, and healthcare professionals to provide psychological support to migrants and refugees. Such resources could also encourage, and support, frontline responders in caring for their own personal psychological well-being.

Originality/value

The content of this paper could help to encourage further research in this field, including research into the emotional trauma of rescue workers. Furthermore, it is intended that this paper could contribute to an on-line knowledge base when considering the development of tools and resources to assist with the current refugee crisis.
Collaborative risk management: a systematic literature review
Authors: Friday Derek , Ryan Suzanne , Sridharan Ramaswami , Collins David
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse collaborative risk management (CRM) literature to establish its current position in supply chain risk management (SCRM) and propose an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 101 peer-reviewed articles over a 21-year period was employed to analyse literature and synthesise findings to clarify terminology, definitions, CRM capabilities, and underlying theory.

Findings

CRM as a field of research is in its infancy and suffers from imprecise definitions, fragmented application of capabilities, and diverse theoretical foundations. The term CRM is identified as a more representative description of relational risk management arrangements. Six capabilities relevant to CRM are identified: risk information sharing, standardisation of procedures, joint decision making, risk and benefit sharing, process integration, and collaborative performance systems.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new definition for CRM; proposes a holistic approach in extending collaboration to SCRM; identifies a new capability; and provides a range of theories to broaden the theoretical scope for future research on CRM.
Child incarceration and long-term adult health outcomes: a longitudinal study
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Abrams Laura S. , Tesema Lello , Dudovitz Rebecca , Nelson Bergen B. , Coker Tumaini , Bath Eraka , Biely Christopher , Li Ning , Chung Paul J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Although incarceration may have life-long negative health effects, little is known about associations between child incarceration and subsequent adult health outcomes. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed data from 14,689 adult participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to compare adult health outcomes among those first incarcerated between 7 and 13 years of age (child incarceration); first incarcerated at>or=14 years of age; and never incarcerated.

Findings

Compared to the other two groups, those with a history of child incarceration were disproportionately black or Hispanic, male, and from lower socio-economic strata. Additionally, individuals incarcerated as children had worse adult health outcomes, including general health, functional limitations (climbing stairs), depressive symptoms, and suicidality, than those first incarcerated at older ages or never incarcerated.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitations of the secondary database analysis, these findings suggest that incarcerated children are an especially medically vulnerable population.

Practical implications

Programs and policies that address these medically vulnerable children’s health needs through comprehensive health and social services in place of, during, and/or after incarceration are needed.

Social implications

Meeting these unmet health and social service needs offers an important opportunity to achieve necessary health care and justice reform for children.

Originality/value

No prior studies have examined the longitudinal relationship between child incarceration and adult health outcomes.
When channel conflict positively affect performance: evidence from ICT supplier-reseller relationship
Authors: Claro Danny P. , Vojnovskis Denys , Ramos Carla
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the positive impact of functional conflict and conflict management in improving supplier–reseller relationship performance in multi-channel setting (reseller together with supplier’s sales reps). The authors develop four hypotheses, including direct and mediated effects, about conflict management, conflict and the impact on channel performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ sample of suppliers in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Brazil consists of an interesting setting of multi-channel distribution, as suppliers deal with sales reps in combination with reseller channels to offer products to customers. The sample is representative of the industry, including more than 60 per cent of the ICT suppliers. The model was tested with partial least squares in the context of ICT industry in Brazil.

Findings

The empirical test shows that although an increase in functional conflict improves channel performance (direct effect), an excessive increase may amplify the dysfunctional conflict, thereby damaging channel performance (indirect effect). The negative interplay between the two natures of conflicts is counterbalanced with conflict management. Results show that conflict management improves channel performance by decreasing the harmful effects of dysfunctional conflict. This paper contributes to the theory by deepening our understanding of conflict, a critical challenge underlying supplier–reseller relationships in marketing channels. For managers, this research clarifies the importance of considering and managing conflict of different nature in the context of multi-marketing channels.

Originality/value

The contribution of the authors’ study is twofold. First, they develop an integrative mediating model with key constructs of multi-channels’ conflict and channel performance. They incorporate the causal relationships between functional and dysfunctional conflict, conflict management and channel performance into a single conceptual framework. This integrative mediating model to the best of their knowledge has not been developed before. Second, they provide managers with a broad understanding of conflict management implications to supplier’s multi-channel strategy, and how functional conflict can actually be beneficial for channel performance.
Practical method to predict the axial capacity of RC columns exposed to standard fire
Authors: El-Fitiany Salah F. , Youssef Maged A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Existing analytical methods for the evaluation of fire safety of reinforced concrete (RC) structures require extensive knowledge of heat transfer calculations and the finite element method. This paper aims to propose a rational method to predict the axial capacity of RC columns exposed to standard fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The average temperature distribution along the section height is first predicted for a specific fire scenario. The corresponding distribution of the reduced concrete strength is then integrated to develop expressions to calculate the axial capacity of RC columns exposed to fire from four faces.

Findings

These expressions provide structural engineers with a rational tool to satisfy the objective-based design clauses specified in the National Code of Canada in lieu of the traditional prescriptive methods.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to standard fire curves and needs to be extended to cover natural fire curves.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to propose an accurate yet simple method to calculate the axial capacity of columns exposed to standard fire curves. The method can be applied using a simple Excel sheet. It can be further developed to apply to natural fire curves.
Selection of Six Sigma project with interval data: common weight DEA model
Authors: Wen Yao , An Qingxian , Xu Xuanhua , Chen Ya
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to prioritize the most efficient Six Sigma project that can generate the greatest benefit to the organization, according to the relative performance among a set of homogenous projects (in here, DMUs). The selection of a Six Sigma project is a multiple-criteria decision-making problem, which is difficult in practice because the projects are not yet complete and the values of evaluation indicators are often interval or imprecise data. Managers stress the need for developing an effective performance evaluation methodology for selecting a Six Sigma project.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a modified model considering interval or imprecise data based on common weight data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to solve problems on project selection.

Findings

By comparing its findings with an example from a previous study, the new model obtained realistic and fair evaluation results and significantly reduced the difficulties and the time spent during calculation. Moreover, not only the best project is identified, but also the exact indicator information is obtained.

Originality/value

This study solves the problem of selecting the most efficient Six Sigma project in the preference of interval or imprecise data. Many studies have shown how a Six Sigma project is chosen, but only a few have integrated interval data into the selection process.
The influence of change-oriented leadership on work performance and job satisfaction in hospitals – the mediating roles of learning demands and job involvement
Authors: Mikkelsen Aslaug , Olsen Espen
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanisms through which change-oriented leadership in hospitals influences job performance and employee job satisfaction. The authors examine the direct and the mediating effects of perceived learning demands and job involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study is based on a survey of four public hospitals in a regional health authority in Norway.

Findings

The findings illustrate how change-oriented leadership directly and indirectly influences work performance and job satisfaction. Learning demands and job involvement play mediating roles. Higher levels of change-oriented leadership decrease learning demands and increase job involvement, work performance and job satisfaction. Learning demands have a negative influence on work performance and job satisfaction. Job involvement has a positive influence on work performance and job satisfaction. The strongest relationship in the structural modelling is between change-oriented leadership and job involvement.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on cross-sectional data. Future studies should therefore explore this further using a longitudinal design.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the study is to show how leaders by change-oriented behaviour can influence work performance and job satisfaction by reducing learning demands and increasing job involvement.

Social implications

This study illustrates different paths towards influencing job performance and job satisfaction from change-oriented leadership. It is important to use the potential of reducing learning demands and increasing job involvement, to improve job performance and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The authors have developed and validated a new theoretical mediational model explaining variance in job performance and job satisfaction, and how this is related to change-oriented leadership, job involvement and learning demands. This knowledge can be used to increase the probability of successful change initiatives.
Brand teams and distribution of wealth in Brazilian State Championships
Authors: Gasparetto Thadeu , Barajas Angel , Fernandez-Jardon Carlos María
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the demand for tickets in the Brazilian State Championships focussing in the impact generated by the brand teams as well as the play-off matches in the demand for tickets and, consequently, in the match day revenues.

Design/methodology/approach

An equations system by three-stage least square estimator is employed. The data set comprises 1,114 matches from Mineiro, Carioca and Paulista Championships over the seasons 2013-2015.

Findings

All explanatory variables increase both attendance and match day revenues. However, the most important goal is the distribution of wealth found. The presence of brand teams in those championships provides a financial aid for smaller teams.

Practical implications

The proposals from the mass media to exclude the brand teams and design those championships exclusively in play-off stages should not be implemented by the policymakers. On the contrary, rearranging the design of the competition with more matches between small teams and brand teams may help to all of them.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to introduce the Brazilian State Championships in the sport economics literature as well as evidences the redistribution effect of wealth among clubs.
Does live broadcasting reduce stadium attendance? The case of Norwegian football
Authors: Kringstad Morten , Solberg Harry Arne , Jakobsen Tor Georg
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Attendance at matches in the smaller European football leagues is challenged by the increased number of live broadcast matches, particularly covering the biggest leagues. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of live broadcasting, match scheduling and other factors on stadium attendance in the top division of Norwegian football.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a fixed effects regression model on attendance at match levels covering the period 2005 to 2011.

Findings

The main results show two different effects. While live broadcast domestic matches on “free TV” is positively correlated to stadium attendance, the increased number of “imported” matches from the big-five leagues is a substitute. Moreover, matches played on weekdays have a lower level of attendance than weekend matches.

Practical implications

The increased number of imported live broadcast football matches from the biggest European leagues influences and widens the financial gap between the biggest and the smaller football leagues. One possible solution for reducing the substitution effect from these matches is a more efficient match schedule in the Norwegian top division in football.

Originality/value

Norway has a small population with a high interest for football. This paper measures effects on attendance in the Norwegian top division in football matches with regards to the increased number of live broadcast matches both from the domestic league and from the big five football leagues.
Validity and reliability of a Malay version of the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale among the Malay speaking elderly in Malaysia
Authors: Kadar Masne , Ibrahim Suhaili , Razaob Nor Afifi , Chai Siaw Chui , Harun Dzalani
Published: January 2018

Background/aim

The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale is a tool often used to assess independence among elderly at home. Its suitability to be used with the elderly population in Malaysia has not been validated. This current study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale – Malay Version to Malay speaking elderly in Malaysia.

Methods

This study was divided into three phases: (1) translation and linguistic validity involving both forward and backward translations; (2) establishment of face validity and content validity; and (3) establishment of reliability involving inter‐rater, test‐retest and internal consistency analyses. Data used for these analyses were obtained by interviewing 65 elderly respondents.

Results

Percentages of Content Validity Index for 4 criteria were from 88.89 to 100.0. The Cronbach α coefficient for internal consistency was 0.838. Intra‐class Correlation Coefficient of inter‐rater reliability and test‐retest reliability was 0.957 and 0.950 respectively.

Conclusions

The result shows that the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale – Malay Version has excellent reliability and validity for use with the Malay speaking elderly people in Malaysia. This scale could be used by professionals to assess functional ability of elderly who live independently in community.
Construction of core competencies for family therapists in Taiwan
Authors: Chao Wentao , Lou Yu‐Chiung
Published: January 2018

To promote service efficacy and quality, necessary competencies for family therapists have been specified by professional organizations and researchers in some countries; however, these competencies may not be a good ‘fit’ for family therapists in Taiwan. This research reviewed the core competencies proposed by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (US) and the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in the UK (UK) and proposed the modified Taiwan Family Therapist Core Competencies (TFTCC) for family therapists in Taiwan. The draft then went through two rounds of the Delphi method to further develop it, based on the comments of local family therapy experts and practitioners. As a result, TFTCC were proposed with four domains and forty‐two specific competencies. The distinct characteristics and possible application of TFTCC are discussed, with recommendations for future research and implications.

Practitioner points

Family therapists in Taiwan can evaluate their current levels of competency based on the TFTCC

Trainers can develop programmes based on the TFTCC

Supervisors can evaluate their supervisees’ development based on the TFTCC

Policymakers can develop professional licensure criteria based on the TFTCC

Family therapists, trainers and researchers in other countries can refer to the TFTCC for indigenization of professional core competencies that best suit their local contexts
The safety of quinolones and fluoroquinolones in pregnancy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yefet E , Schwartz N , Chazan B , Salim R , Romano S , Nachum Z
Published: January 2018

Background

Quinolones were contraindicated during pregnancy because of concerns regarding fetal malformations and carcinogenesis in animals. The literature is conflicting regarding their safety in humans.

Objectives

To conduct a meta‐analysis evaluating the risk for fetal malformations and pregnancy complications following exposure to quinolones during pregnancy.

Search strategy

We searched Embase, PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane database, clinicaltrials.gov, and Dart Databases. We added articles found through the references of included articles.

Selection criteria

Relevant English citations using the terms quinolone/s, fluoroquinolone/s, and pregnancy in humans. Exclusion criteria were case reports, reviews, and articles without data regarding the study outcomes.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors performed the database search, assessment of eligibility, and abstraction of data from included studies. Disagreement was settled by consensus among all authors. The pooled odds ratios (with 95% CIs) were estimated. The Cochrane's Q‐test of heterogeneity and I² were used for the measurement of heterogeneity. A total of 256 papers were retrieved, 13 of which met the inclusion criteria and were then analysed.

Main results

No association was found between quinolones and fetal malformations (pooled odds ratio, OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.96–1.21), preterm delivery (pooled OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.75–1.24), stillbirth (pooled OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.34–3.6), or miscarriage (pooled OR 1.78; 95% CI 0.93–3.38).

Conclusions

Quinolones are not associated with unfavourable pregnancy outcomes; however, larger studies are needed before safety is established. Until then, it is suggested that quinolones should not be used as a first‐line therapy during the first trimester.

Tweetable abstract

Quinolones were associated with favourable pregnancy outcomes; caution should be taken in the first trimester.
Electoral competition in Europe's new tripolar political space: Class voting for the left, centre‐right and radical right
Authors: OESCH DANIEL , RENNWALD LINE
Published: January 2018

The rise of the radical right fundamentally changes the face of electoral competition in Western Europe. Bipolar competition is becoming tripolar, as the two dominant party poles of the twentieth century – the left and the centre‐right – are challenged by a third pole of the radical right. Between 2000 and 2015, the radical right has secured more than 12 per cent of the vote in over ten Western European countries. This article shows how electoral competition between the three party poles plays out at the micro level of social classes. It presents a model of class voting that distinguishes between classes that are a party's preserve, classes that are contested strongholds of two parties and classes over which there is an open competition. Using seven rounds of the European Social Survey, it shows that sociocultural professionals form the party preserve of the left, and large employers and managers the preserve of the centre‐right. However, the radical right competes with the centre‐right for the votes of small business owners, and it challenges the left over its working‐class stronghold. These two contested strongholds attest to the co‐existence of old and new patterns of class voting. Old patterns are structured by an economic conflict: Production workers vote for the left and small business owners for the centre‐right based on their economic attitudes. In contrast, new patterns are linked to the rise of the radical right and structured by a cultural conflict.
Mobility affects copulation and oviposition dynamics in Pieris brassicae in seminatural cages
Authors: Larranaga Nicolas , Baguette Michel , Calvez Olivier , Legrand Delphine
Published: January 2018

When, how often and for how long organisms mate can have strong consequences for individual fitness and are crucial aspects of evolutionary ecology. Such determinants are likely to be of even greater importance in monandrous species and species with short adult life stages. Previous work suggests that mobility, a key dispersal‐related trait, may affect the dynamics of copulations, but few studies have investigated the impact of individual mobility on mating latency, copulation duration and oviposition latency simultaneously. In this paper, we monitored the copulation dynamics of 40 males and 40 females, as well as the oviposition dynamics of the females of the Large White butterfly Pieris brassicae, a facultative long‐distance disperser butterfly. Individuals from a breeding were selected to create a uniform distribution of mobility and we recorded the timing, number and duration of all copulations in a semiexperimental system. We showed that mobility, measured as the time spent in flight under stressful conditions (a proxy of dispersal tendency), correlates with all aspects of copulation dynamics: mobile males and females mated earlier and for shorter periods than less mobile individuals. In turn, late mating females increased the time between copulation and oviposition. These results feed the previously described mobility syndrome of P. brassicae, involving morphological and physiological characters, with life‐history traits. We suggest that the reduction of mating latency and copulation duration has an adaptive value in dispersing individuals, as their life expectancy might be shorter than that of sedentary individuals.
Functional‐trait ecology of the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau ecosystem
Authors: SMITH Andrew T. , BADINGQIUYING  , WILSON Maxwell C. , HOGAN Brigitte W.
Published: January 2018

Understanding a species' functional traits allows for a directed and productive perspective on the role a species plays in nature, and thus its relative importance to conservation planning. The functional‐trait ecology of the plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae is examined to better understand the resilience and sustainability of the high alpine grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The key functional traits of plateau pikas are their abundance and behavior of digging extensive burrow systems. Plateau pikas have been poisoned over a significant part of their original geographic distribution across the QTP, allowing comparison of ecological communities with and without pikas. Nearly all mammalian and avian carnivores, most of which are obligate predators on pikas, have been lost in regions where pikas have been poisoned. Most endemic birds on the QTP nest in pika burrows; when pikas are poisoned, burrows collapse, and these birds are greatly reduced in number. Due to the biopedturbation resulting from their burrows, regional plant species richness is higher in areas with pikas than without. The presence of pika burrows allows higher rates of infiltration during heavy monsoon rains compared to poisoned areas, possibly mitigating runoff and the potential for serious downslope erosion and flooding. Thus, the functional traits of plateau pikas enhance native biodiversity and other important ecosystem functions; these traits are irreplaceable. As plateau pikas are not natural colonizers, active re‐introduction programs are needed to restore pikas to areas from which they have been poisoned to restore the important functional ecological traits of pikas.
Distribution and space use of seed‐dispersing rodents in central Pyrenees: implications for genetic diversity, conservation and plant recruitment
Authors: URGOITI Jon , MUÑOZ Alberto , ESPELTA Josep Maria , BONAL Raúl
Published: January 2018

The function and conservation of many forest ecosystems depend on the distribution and diversity of the community of rodents that consume and disperse seeds. The habitat preferences and interactions are especially relevant in alpine systems where such granivorous rodents reach the southernmost limit of their distribution and are especially sensitive to global warming. We analyzed the community of granivorous rodents in the Pyrenees, one of the southernmost mountain ranges of Europe. Rodent species were identified by DNA with particular attention to theApodemusspecies, which are prominent seed‐dispersing rodents in Europe. We confirmed for the first time the presence of the yellow‐necked mouse,Apodemus flavicollis, in central Pyrenees, a typical Eurosiberian species that reaches its southernmost distribution limit in this area. We also found the wood mouse,Apodemus sylvaticus, a related species more tolerant to Mediterranean environments. Both rodents were spatially segregated by altitude.A. sylvaticuswas rare at high altitudes, which might cause the genetic differentiation between populations of the different valleys reported here. We also found other seed consumers like dormice,Elyomis quercinus, and voles,Myodes glareolus, with marked habitat preferences. We suggest that population isolation among valleys may increase the genetic diversity of rodents, likeA. sylvaticus.We also highlight the potential threat that global warming may represent for species linked to high‐altitude refuges at the southern edge of its distribution, likeApodemus flavicollis.Finally, we discuss how this threat may have a dimension in the conservation of alpine forests dispersed by these rodent populations.
Genetic origin and dispersal of the invasive soybean aphid inferred from population genetic analysis and approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: FANG Fang , CHEN Jing , JIANG Liyun , QU Yanhua , QIAO Gexia
Published: January 2018

Biological invasion is considered among the most important global environmental problems. Knowledge of the source and dispersal routes of invasion could facilitate the eradication and control of invasive species. Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, is among the most destructive soybean pests. For effective management of this pest, we conducted genetic analyses and approximate Bayesian computation analysis to determine the origins and dispersal of the aphid species, as well as the source of its invasion in the USA, using 8 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. We were able to identify a significant isolation by distance pattern and 3 genetic lineages in the microsatellite data but not in the mtDNA dataset. The genetic structure showed that the USA population had the closest relationship with those from Korea and Japan, indicating that the 2 latter populations might be the sources of the invasion to the USA. Both population genetic analyses and approximate Bayesian computation showed that the northeastern populations in China were the possible sources of the further spread of A. glycines to Indonesia. The dispersal history of this aphid can provide useful information for pest management strategies and can further help predict areas at risk of invasion.
Oxygen supply did not affect how lizards responded to thermal stress
Authors: CAMACHO Agustín , VANDENBROOKS John M. , RILEY Angela , TELEMECO Rory S. , ANGILLETTA Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Zoologists rely on mechanistic niche models of behavioral thermoregulation to understand how animals respond to climate change. These models predict that species will need to disperse to higher altitudes to persist in a warmer world. However, thermal stress and, thus, thermoregulatory behavior may depend on atmospheric oxygen as well as environmental temperatures. Severe hypoxia causes animals to prefer lower body temperatures, which could be interpreted as evidence that oxygen supply limits heat tolerance. Such a constraint could prevent animals from successfully dispersing to high elevations during climate change. Still, an effect of oxygen supply on preferred body temperature has only been observed when oxygen concentrations fall far below levels experienced in nature. To see whether animals perceive greater thermal stress at an ecologically relevant level of hypoxia, we studied the thermoregulatory behavior of lizards (Sceloporus tristichus) exposed to oxygen concentrations of 13% and 21% (equivalent to PO2 at 4000 m and 0 m, respectively). In addition, we exposed lizards to 29% oxygen to see whether they would accept a higher body temperature at hyperoxia than at normoxia. At each oxygen level, we measured a behavioral response to heat stress known as the voluntary thermal maximum: the temperature at which a warming animal sought a cool refuge. Oxygen concentration had no discernable effect on the voluntary thermal maximum, suggesting that lizards experience thermal stress similarly at all 3 levels of oxygen (13%, 12% and 29%). Future research should focus on thermoregulatory behaviors under ecologically relevant levels of hypoxia.
Influence of body mass index on the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine plus cisplatin and overall survival in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Jia , Zheng Qiwen , Gao Emei , Dong Zhi , Zhao Jun , An Tongtong , Wu Meina , Zhuo Minglei , Wang Yuyan , Li Jianjie , Wang Shuhang , Yang Xue , Chen Hanxiao , Jia Bo , Wang Jingjing , Wang Ziping
Published: January 2018

Background

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) is commonly used to treat lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); however, it is not clear which subgroup of lung SCC patients could benefit most from GP treatment. We explored the predictive factors in lung SCC patient cohorts.

Methods

Seventy‐eight lung SCC patients treated with a first‐line GP regimen were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Classification tree models were used to explore the risk factors for PFS and OS in these patients.

Results

The median PFS and OS in SCC patients treated with a GP regimen were 6.0 and 13.6 months, respectively. Three terminal subgroups were formed for both PFS and OS. The subgroup with a body mass index (BMI) > 23.94 kg/m2 and aged ≤ 54.5 had the longest PFS (9.0 months); the subgroup with a BMI < 23.94  kg/m2 and aged ≤ 54.5 had the shortest PFS (4.05 months). Patients with an objective response (partial or complete response) to treatment had the longest OS (20.0 months), while patients with a BMI ≤ 26.92 kg/m2 and stable or progressive disease as the best response had the shortest OS (11.2 months).

Conclusions

BMI and age may be predictors of PFS in lung SCC patients who receive GP treatment. BMI and best response to GP treatment predicts OS in such patients. Patients’ clinical pathological characteristics may be used to predict the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy and survival.
A fast likelihood solution to the genetic clustering problem
Authors: Beugin Marie‐Pauline , Gayet Thibault , Pontier Dominique , Devillard Sébastien , Jombart Thibaut
Published: January 2018

The investigation of genetic clusters in natural populations is an ubiquitous problem in a range of fields relying on the analysis of genetic data, such as molecular ecology, conservation biology and microbiology. Typically, genetic clusters are defined as distinct panmictic populations, or parental groups in the context of hybridisation. Two types of methods have been developed for identifying such clusters: model‐based methods, which are usually computer‐intensive but yield results which can be interpreted in the light of an explicit population genetic model, and geometric approaches, which are less interpretable but remarkably faster.

Here, we introduce snapclust, a fast maximum‐likelihood solution to the genetic clustering problem, which allies the advantages of both model‐based and geometric approaches. Our method relies on maximising the likelihood of a fixed number of panmictic populations, using a combination of geometric approach and fast likelihood optimisation, using the Expectation‐Maximisation (EM) algorithm. It can be used for assigning genotypes to populations and optionally identify various types of hybrids between two parental populations. Several goodness‐of‐fit statistics can also be used to guide the choice of the retained number of clusters.

Using extensive simulations, we show that snapclust performs comparably to current gold standards for genetic clustering as well as hybrid detection, with some advantages for identifying hybrids after several backcrosses, while being orders of magnitude faster than other model‐based methods. We also illustrate how snapclust can be used for identifying the optimal number of clusters, and subsequently assign individuals to various hybrid classes simulated from an empirical microsatellite dataset.

snapclust is implemented in the package adegenet for the free software R, and is therefore easily integrated into existing pipelines for genetic data analysis. It can be applied to any kind of co‐dominant markers, and can easily be extended to more complex models including, for instance, varying ploidy levels. Given its flexibility and computer‐efficiency, it provides a useful complement to the existing toolbox for the study of genetic diversity in natural populations.
Factors Related to Frailty among the Elderly in South Korea: A 3‐year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Park Jin‐Kyoung , Lee Jong‐Eun
Published: January 2018

PURPOSE

To examine factors associated with frailty among the young‐old elderly (YOE) and old–old elderly (OOE).

METHODS

This longitudinal study with a 3‐year follow‐up included 486 participants who received home care services.

FINDINGS

Precipitous weight loss and depression in the YOE and worsening of complex mobility and depression in the OOE were associated with worsened frailty over the 3‐year period.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent frailty, we suggest weight‐loss prevention programs for the YOE, lower‐limb exercise programs for the OOE, and depression management programs for both groups.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The findings may be used by geriatric nurses in developing programs to prevent frailty in the OOE and YOE, and in administering nursing intervention programs at nursing home centers.
Pecan phenology in Southeastern China
Authors: Han M. , Peng F. , Marshall P.
Published: January 2018

Pecan (Carya illinoensis) is heterodicogamous, which often leads to unstable yield of its nut crops. Relating pecan orchard management to the phenological stage of the trees is the key to increasing yields; however, describing morphology alone does not lead to an orchard management system that is simple and practical. In this work, we extend the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) coding method to describe the morphology of the protogynous Mahan pecan cultivar over two consecutive years in southern China. Eight main growth stages, from vegetative bud dormancy to fruit harvest, were described and each phenological period was photographed. Pecan orchard management activities were listed for each stage in pecan BBCH scale to allow orchard managers to better manage their trees. This codification will facilitate breeding, conservation of genetic resources and general orchard management of this commercial crop. As well, recording the dates of various morphological stages over time will allow the influence of global climate change on pecan development to be tracked.
Endothelium‐specific CYP2J2 overexpression attenuates age‐related insulin resistance
Authors: Yang Yan , Dong Ruolan , Chen Zhihui , Hu Danli , Fu Menglu , Tang Ying , Wang Dao Wen , Xu Xizhen , Tu Ling
Published: January 2018

Ample evidences demonstrate that cytochrome P450 epoxygenase‐derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) exert diverse biological activities, which include potent vasodilatory, anti‐inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of endothelium‐specific CYP2J2 overexpression on age‐related insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Endothelium‐specific targeting of the human CYP epoxygenase, CYP2J2, transgenic mice (Tie2‐CYP2J2‐Tr mice) was utilized. The effects of endothelium‐specific CYP2J2 overexpression on aging‐associated obesity, inflammation, and peripheral insulin resistance were evaluated by assessing metabolic parameters in young (3 months old) and aged (16 months old) adult male Tie2‐CYP2J2‐Tr mice. Decreased insulin sensitivity and attenuated insulin signaling in aged skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver were observed in aged adult male mice, and moreover, these effects were partly inhibited in 16‐month‐old CYP2J2‐Tr mice. In addition, CYP2J2 overexpression‐mediated insulin sensitization in aged mice was associated with the amelioration of inflammatory state. Notably, the aging‐associated increases in fat mass and adipocyte size were only observed in 16‐month‐old wild‐type mice, and CYP2J2 overexpression markedly prevented the increase in fat mass and adipocyte size in aged Tie2‐CYP2J2‐Tr mice, which was associated with increased energy expenditure and decreased lipogenic genes expression. Furthermore, these antiaging phenotypes of Tie2‐CYP2J2‐Tr mice were also associated with increased muscle blood flow, enhanced active‐phase locomotor activity, and improved mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. Collectively, our findings indicated that endothelium‐specific CYP2J2 overexpression alleviated age‐related insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, which highlighted CYP epoxygenase‐EET system as a potential target for combating aging‐related metabolic disorders.
Estimating radiotherapy demands in South East Asia countries in 2025 and 2035 using evidence‐based optimal radiotherapy fractions
Authors: Yahya Noorazrul , Roslan Nurhaziqah
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

As about 50% of cancer patients may require radiotherapy, the demand of radiotherapy as the main treatment to treat cancer is likely to rise due to rising cancer incidence. This study aims to quantify the radiotherapy demand in countries in Southeast Asia (SEA) in 2025 and 2035 using evidence‐based optimal radiotherapy fractions.

Materials and methods

SEA country‐specific cancer incidence by tumor site for 2015, 2025 and 2035 was extracted from the GLOBOCAN database. We utilized the optimal radiotherapy utilization rate model by Wong et al. (2016) to calculate the optimal number of fractions for all tumor sites in each SEA country. The available machines (LINAC & Co‐60) were extracted from the IAEA's Directory of Radiotherapy Centres (DIRAC) from which the number of available fractions was calculated.

Results

The incidence of cancers in SEA countries are expected to be 1.1 mil cases (2025) and 1.4 mil (2035) compared to 0.9 mil (2015). The number of radiotherapy fractions needed in 2025 and 2035 are 11.1 and 14.1 mil, respectively, compared to 7.6 mil in 2015. In 2015, the radiotherapy fulfillment rate (RFR; required fractions/available fractions) varied between countries with Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia are highest (RFR > 1.0 – available fractions > required fractions), whereas Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor‐Leste and Vietnam have RFR < 0.5. RFR is correlated to GDP per capita (ρ = 0.73, P = 0.01). To allow RFR ≥1 in 2025 and 2035, another 866 and 1177 machines are required, respectively. The number are lower if longer running hours are implemented.

Conclusion

With the optimal number of radiotherapy fractions, estimation for number of machines required can be obtained which will guide acquisition of machines in SEA countries. RFR is low with access varied based on the economic status.