bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On evaluation of supply chain’s ecosilient (g-resilient) performance index
Authors: Sen Dilip Kumar , Datta Saurav , Mahapatra S.S.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Recently, in turbulent and highly competitive marketplace, organizational sustainability in the long run necessitates the adaptation of appropriate supply chain (SC) strategies. Hence, traditional SC philosophies are being restructured nowadays to fulfill different business goals. Articulation of lean, agile, green and resilient SC strategies could amply be found in the literature; however, integration of those in various modes may definitely improve overall SC’s performance. Past researchers have focused on the integration of lean, agile and green paradigms together to ensure an efficient SC construct. But the integration of green and resilient paradigm has been rarely reported in the literature. To deal with the unexpected situations/disturbances in the SC management along with embedded environmental consciousness, the purpose of this paper is to integrate the resilient SC and green SC philosophies; thereof to evaluate of an overall SC “g-resilient”/“ecosilient” index for a case automotive company.

Design/methodology/approach

A consolidated list consisting of supply chain practices (combining green and resilient performance indices) have been articulated in this study. A decision-making group has been assumed; where, the role of the decision makers is to provide individuals’ judgment (subjective opinion) toward determining the weight and the rating (performance extent) of various performance indices. The overall g-resilient SC performance has been determined by computing a unique ecosilient (g-resilient) index. The concepts of fuzzy performance importance index along with Degree of Similarity (DOS) adapted from fuzzy set theory (FST) have been applied to rank various performance indicators. In addition to that, the interrelationships amongst various g-resilient indices (performance indicators) have also been established through interpretive structural modeling.

Findings

By exploring the concept of fuzzy DOS, outlined in the trapezoidal fuzzy numbers set theory, various SC performance indicators have been classified into three distinct performance categories/levels (namely regretful, tolerable, and satisfactory). Such categorization has been found helpful in order to determine ill (poor) performing SC areas, which need future improvement toward boosting up the overall g-resilient index of the company’s SC.

Originality/value

The study bears significant managerial implications. The decision support framework suggested in this paper is found capable enough to determine a unique index known as “ecosilient (g-resilient) index” toward exploring “greenness” as well as “resiliency” for the case automotive company. Application potential of the proposed ecosilient (g-resilient) index evaluation system has been explored in this reporting. The recommended framework enables the managers to cope up with unexpected disruptions and found helpful in order to reduce the environmental impacts.
Impacts of computerized maintenance management system and relevant supportive organizational factors on total productive maintenance
Authors: Balouei Jamkhaneh Hadi , Khazaei Pool Javad , Khaksar Seyed Mohammad Sadegh , Arabzad S. Mohammad , Verij Kazemi Reza
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The application of automated systems is rapidly increasing in different industries and organizations. In this regard, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) using information technology play an important role in the automating production systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors on the effectiveness of total productive maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is classified as a quantitative survey-based research using structural equation modeling. The scope of the study includes manufacturing companies in Iran. A total of 125 questionnaires from 60 companies were collected from January to March 2014 to help validate the conceptual model and test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results support the concept CMMSs positively relates to relevant supportive organizational factors (resource allocation, decision-making structure, senior management support, employees’ involvement and effective instruction) on the effectiveness of total productive maintenance. The relevant supportive organizational factors can also be seen as the predictors of CMMSs.

Originality/value

This study integrates the CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors in a robust model to examine the effectiveness of total productive maintenance. This study also examines the impacts of CMMSs and relevant supportive organizational factors on total productive maintenance which seems to not be done previously.
International new ventures and firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Fuad Mohammad , Akbar Mohammad
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of liberalization, business group affiliation and degree of internationalization (DOI) on the performance of Indian international new ventures (INVs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study identifies Indian INVs incorporated between 1991 and 2010 against the backdrop of liberalization. To test various hypotheses, a random effects panel regression analysis was conducted for publicly listed Indian INVs.

Findings

The results highlight that business group affiliation and DOI are positively related to INV performance. Further, liberalization negatively moderates the relationship between group affiliation and INV performance. The authors’ findings indicate that as institutions improve, the positive effect of business group affiliation on firm performance decreases in emerging markets.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the benefits accruing to business group affiliated INVs and the moderating role of liberalization on firm performance. Future studies may augment the authors’ understanding of INV performance by testing heterogeneity within business groups and their impact on INV performance across other emerging economies.

Practical implications

As institutional reforms strengthen over time, the positive effect of group affiliation on INV performance declines. Hence, managers of group affiliates need to adapt to the changing institutions faster and develop their fit with the institutional environment earlier than standalone firms, to mitigate their profitability issues.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to discuss the role of business group affiliation and the moderating role of liberalization on INV performance with theoretical and managerial implications.
Low-cost retrofit packages for residential buildings in hot-humid Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Onyenokporo Nwakaego Chikaodinaka , Ochedi Ekele Thompson
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a set of affordable retrofit packages that can be applied to existing residential buildings in hot-humid regions to improve occupants’ thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review of relevant literature to identify passive design strategies for improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in hot-humid climates with focus on the building envelope was conducted in addition to a simulation study of an existing building typology in study area.

Findings

There is enormous potential to reduce energy costs and improve thermal comfort through building retrofit packages which is a recent concept in developing countries, such as Nigeria. Analysing the results of the retrofit interventions using building energy simulation helped in developing affordable retrofit packages which had optimum effect in improving indoor comfort temperature to the neutral temperature specified for hot humid Nigeria and further down to 3°C less than that of the reference building used. The use of passive design strategies to retrofit the building might help homeowners reduce their annual energy consumption by up to 46.3 per cent just by improving the indoor thermal comfort.

Originality/value

In addition to improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption, this research identified affordable retrofit packages and considered its cost implications especially to low-income earners who form a larger population of Lagos, Nigeria, as this was not considered by many previous researchers.
Diversity: a matter of reality or perception?
Authors: Jaiswal Akanksha , Dyaram Lata
Published: August 2018

Purpose

While extant literature is replete with studies on actual diversity, research on perceived diversity is scant. The authors examine perceived diversity as an underlying mechanism explaining the effect of actual diversity on affect-related outcome (employee well-being).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 617 full-time employees from large organizations representing varied industries in India have participated in the survey-based study. The authors used PROCESS macro for mediation analysis.

Findings

An index estimating actual surface-level diversity was found to correlate significantly with perceived surface-level diversity. Perceived diversity was found to significantly impact employee well-being, thereby, demonstrating its mediating role in the link between actual diversity and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Beyond the underlying processes of diversity, effects such as diversity perceptions, contextual factors conditioning diversity effects need exploration.

Practical implications

Investigation of both actual and perceived diversity improves the explanation of diversity effects. Besides compositional mix, managers must tap on employee perceived differences to understand and leverage diversity and its effects.

Originality/value

Besides contributing to the emerging interest in empirical examination of perceived diversity on employee outcomes, this study develops an index to estimate actual surface-level diversity.
Individual disposition and manager behaviour on employee upward voice
Authors: Edakkat Subhakaran Sriji , Dyaram Lata
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to model how an employee’s proactive personality and manager’s pro-voice behaviour help to predict employee upward voice. Employee perceived voice efficacy is expected to mediate these links.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyse the data, a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling procedure using AMOS 22 were used. The mediating role of voice efficacy was tested with bootstrapping method. Data included 625 employees representing various technology firms in India.

Findings

The results showed a significant positive impact of employee proactive personality and manager pro-voice behaviour on employee upward voice. Further, findings suggest significant mediation of employee voice efficacy beliefs in these links.

Originality/value

The study extends employee voice literature from an Indian context, where confronting those in authority is culturally discouraged. Contributing to the scant work on voice self-efficacy, its role as a key mechanism impacting employee upward voice is examined.
The SEC’s final rule regarding price quotes and research reports relating to security-based swaps
Authors: Schwartz James
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the requirements of a new US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule regarding certain communications relating to security-based swaps in the context of the SEC’s ongoing efforts to establish its regulatory regime for such swaps.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a close analysis of an SEC final rule that provides that certain communications relating to security-based swaps will not constitute “offers” for purposes of Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, under which generally offers or sales of a security must be registered or made pursuant to an exemption from registration. The paper also analyzes the prospects for a general exemption from registration requirements for security-based swaps involving eligible contract participants, and it places the final rule in the context of the SEC’s broader efforts to establish its final rules for security-based swaps.

Findings

In addition to detailing the requirements of the final rule, this paper concludes that it is unlikely that the SEC will decide, generally, to exempt many security-based swaps from registration requirements, and that it is likely that a significant amount of time will elapse before the SEC finalizes most of its remaining rules for security-based swaps.

Originality/value

This paper contains valuable information regarding the regulation of security-based swaps in the context of securities regulation and the SEC’s other rules for such swaps.
Best practice in access arrangements made for England's General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs): where are we 10 years on?
Authors: Woods Kevin , James Abi , Hipkiss Amanda
Published: August 2018

Ten years after an original survey, this article reports findings from a 2017 survey of secondary school staff involved in school‐based management of GCSE examination access arrangements. A total of 263 respondents, including specialist assessors and SENCos, explained their views on the manageability and fairness of processes for GCSE examination access arrangements. While the perceived fairness of GCSE access arrangements has increased, a majority of respondents do not consider current processes to be manageable at the school level or equally fair to students. However, almost two‐thirds of respondents would support some extension of access arrangements or use of technological assistance on the basis of student need. The researchers recommend promotion of partnership between the qualifications regulator, awarding bodies and schools; enhanced shared understanding of the purpose, place and limitations of access arrangements; and use of a school‐based protocol to manage roles and resource requirements for the organization of access arrangements.
Differential Impact of Hospital and Community Factors on Medicare Readmission Penalties
Authors: Aswani Monica S. , Kilgore Meredith L. , Becker David J. , Redden David T. , Sen Bisakha , Blackburn Justin
Published: August 2018

Objective

To identify hospital/county characteristics and sources of regional heterogeneity associated with readmission penalties.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Acute care hospitals under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program from fiscal years 2013 to 2018 were linked to data from the Annual Hospital Association, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare claims, Hospital Compare, Nursing Home Compare, Area Resource File, Health Inequity Project, and Long‐term Care Focus. The final sample contained 3,156 hospitals in 1,504 counties.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data sources were combined using Medicare hospital identifiers or Federal Information Processing Standard codes.

Study Design

A two‐level hierarchical model with correlated random effects, also known as the Mundlak correction, was employed with hospitals nested within counties.

Principal Findings

Over a third of the variation in readmission penalties was attributed to the county level. Patient sociodemographics and the surrounding access to and quality of care were significantly associated with penalties. Hospital measures of Medicare volume, percentage dual‐eligible and Black patients, and patient experience were correlated with unobserved area‐level factors that also impact penalties.

Conclusions

As the readmission risk adjustment does not include any community‐level characteristics or geographic controls, the resulting endogeneity bias has the potential to disparately penalize certain hospitals.
Efficacy and safety of rh‐endostatin (Endostar) combined with pemetrexed/cisplatin followed by rh‐endostatin plus pemetrexed maintenance in non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective comparison with standard chemotherapy
Authors: Zhou Shengyu , Zuo Lijie , He Xiaohui , Pi Jinping , Jin Jun , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2018

Background

Recombinant human endostatin (rh‐endostatin) plus standard chemotherapy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has shown improved efficacy; however, it is unclear whether it is effective and safe when added to pemetrexed/cisplatin and used as maintenance therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the data of untreated NSCLC patients administered rh‐endostatin plus pemetrexed/cisplatin or pemetrexed/cisplatin. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Fifty‐six and 39 patients received rh‐endostatin plus pemetrexed/cisplatin and pemetrexed/cisplatin, and 34 and 29 underwent maintenance treatment, respectively. The median PFS was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.85–14.15) in the rh‐endostatin and 8.2 months (4.04–12.36) in the chemotherapy group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.13). In patients administered maintenance treatment, rh‐endostatin plus pemetrexed was associated with prolonged PFS compared to single‐agent pemetrexed when PFS was calculated from first dosing (13.7 [9.41–17.99] vs. 8.2 [4.16–12.24]; P = 0.032); however, PFS did not differ between the groups (hazard ratio 0.618; 95% CI 0.368–1.038; P = 0.069) after adjusting for clinical factors. No difference was observed in the objective response rate between the groups (48.2% vs. 38.5%; P = 0.346), with the exception of men (62.1% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.032) or in the incidence of drug‐related or grade 3–4 adverse events.

Conclusion

In previously untreated, advanced‐stage NSCLC patients, first‐line treatment with pemetrexed/cisplatin plus rh‐endostatin did not prolong PFS or overall survival when compared to pemetrexed/cisplatin, but a trend of improved PFS was observed in patients administered maintenance rh‐endostatin plus pemetrexed.
Comparative effectiveness of concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of clinical stage IIIb lung adenocarcinoma patients with mutant EGFR
Authors: Hsia Te‐Chun , Liang Ji‐An , Li Chia‐Chin , Chien Chun‐Ru
Published: August 2018

Background

The standard of care for fit locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). However, in a subset of patients with lung adenocarcinoma with mutant EGFR (LA‐mEGFR), the role of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is not clear. We compared CCRT versus TKIs for the treatment of stage IIIb LA‐mEGFR in a Taiwanese population.

Methods

We identified patients from the Taiwan Cancer Registry with good performance status at clinical stage IIIb LA‐mEGFR, diagnosed from June 2011 to December 2015 and treated with either TKIs or CCRT. Clinical covariables and survival status were also collected. The Cox regression method was used in the primary analyses and several propensity score methods and alternative study cohort definitions were used in additional analyses.

Results

We compared the data of 177 TKI and 22 CCRT patients and found no statistically significant difference in overall (adjusted hazard ratio of death 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.34–1.47) or lung cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.31–1.35). The results of most additional analyses were insignificant.

Conclusion

In this population‐based study from Taiwan with limited case numbers, no statistical difference in the survival outcomes of patients with clinical stage IIIb LA‐mEGFR treated with either EGFR‐TKIs or CCRT was determined. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify our findings.
Effects of artificial illumination on drinking bats: a field test in forest and desert habitats
Authors: Russo D. , Ancillotto L. , Cistrone L. , Libralato N. , Domer A. , Cohen S. , Korine C.
Published: August 2018

Bats show pronounced and often‐adverse reactions to artificial illumination at night (ALAN) when commuting, roosting or foraging. ALAN also affects bat drinking activity, at least when lighting occurs over short intervals. We tested whether continuous illumination of drinking sites over 4‐h periods would lead bats to tolerate ALAN and resume drinking in the course of the night. We conducted our experiments in forest (Italy) and desert (Israel) sites to test whether in the latter habitat, where water is scarce, a greater motivation to drink might lead to less adverse bat reactions. We recorded 6853 drinking buzzes and 1647 feeding buzzes from 17 species and one species group. In the forest sites, species that hunt in open spaces or along forest edges showed little (P. pipistrellus and H. savii) or no (P. kuhlii and N. leisleri) drinking activity decrease, while those associated with forest interiors (Barbastella barbastellus, Plecotus auritus and bats in the genus Myotis) exhibited a strong negative response. In the desert sites, all studied species reduced drinking activity, yet in the desert populations of P. kuhlii we recorded stronger adverse reactions only far from human settlements. The harsh reactions that the desert bat species showed towards ALAN rule out any effect of a greater motivation to drink. Illumination had no effect on foraging by most species, except in the forest sites, where Pipistrellus kuhlii and Nyctalus leisleri increased foraging when the light was on, and in the desert sites, where Hypsugo bodenheimeri decreased foraging in such situations. The progressive human encroachment that is taking place in many world regions on both forests and especially deserts, where few sites for drinking are available, may jeopardize bat populations also through increased exposure to ALAN.
Validation of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire in older community‐dwelling adults
Authors: Brady Brooke , Kneebone Ian I. , Bailey Phoebe E.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To examine the psychometric properties of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) among a sample of older community‐dwelling males and females and to also assess gender differences in the association between emotion regulation and positive and negative affect.

Method

The ERQ and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule‐10 were administered to 252 older adults (age range 60–89 years; 48.4% female).

Results

The two ERQ subscales, reappraisal and suppression, were internally consistent. Reappraisal was positively correlated with positive affect among both genders, and negatively correlated with negative affect among older women only. Suppression was positively correlated with negative affect among older men only and unrelated to positive affect for both genders. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two‐factor solution fits the data from both genders.

Conclusion

The results provide evidence to support the ERQ for use with older adults, while identifying clinically important gender differences in the associations between emotion regulation tendencies and affect in older age.

Practitioner points

Reliability and validity of the 10‐item Emotion Regulation Questionnaire is supported for use among older adults.

Suppression positively correlated with negative affect among older men but not older women.

Reappraisal negatively correlated with negative affect among older women but not men.

The current data from a community‐dwelling population may not generalize to older adults with clinical disorders.
Bevacizumab‐enhanced antitumor effect of 5‐fluorouracil via upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase through vascular endothelial growth factor A/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2‐specificity protein 1 pathway
Authors: Liu Wenyue , Zhang Jingwei , Yao Xuequan , Jiang Chao , Ni Ping , Cheng Lingge , Liu Jiali , Ni Suiying , Chen Qianying , Li Qingran , Zhou Kai , Wang Guangji , Zhou Fang
Published: August 2018

Bevacizumab (Bv) can be used synergistically with fluoropyrimidine‐based chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer. Whether and how it affects the delivery of fluoropyrimidine drugs is unknown. The present study aimed to explore the effect of Bv on the delivery of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) to tumors and the underlying mechanism from metabolic perspective. Bv enhanced the anti‐tumor effects of 5‐FU in LoVo colon cancer xenograft mice and increased the 5‐FU concentration in tumors without affecting hepatic 5‐FU metabolism. Interestingly, Bv remarkably upregulated thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in tumors, which mediated the metabolic activation of 5‐FU. Although TP is reported to promote angiogenesis and resistance, the combination of Bv and 5‐FU resulted in anti‐angiogenesis and vessel normalization in tumors, indicating that the elevated TP mainly contributed to the enhanced response to 5‐FU. Bv also induced TP upregulation in LoVo cancer cells. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) antagonist apatinib and VEGFR2 silencing further confirmed TP upregulation. Bv and apatinib both enhanced the cytotoxicity of 5‐FU in LoVo cells, but there was no synergism with adriamycin and paclitaxel. We further demonstrated that the effect of Bv was dependent on VEGFR2 blockade and specificity protein 1 activation via MDM2 inhibition. In summary, Bv enhanced the accumulation of 5‐FU in tumors and the cytotoxicity of 5‐FU via TP upregulation. We provide data to better understand how Bv synergizes with 5‐FU from metabolic perspective, and it may give clues to the superiority of Bv in combination with fluoropyrimidine drugs compared to other chemotherapeutic drugs in colon cancer.
Inhibin B suppresses anoikis resistance and migration through the transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zou Guoying , Ren Biqiong , Liu Yi , Fu Yin , Chen Pan , Li Xiayu , Luo Shudi , He Junyu , Gao Ge , Zeng Zhaoyang , Xiong Wei , Li Guiyuan , Huang Yumei , Xu Keqian , Zhang Wenling
Published: August 2018

Inhibin B (INHBB), a heterodimer of a common α‐subunit and a βB‐subunit, is a glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family. In this study, we observed INHBB expression was reduced in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues compared to non‐tumor nasopharyngeal epithelium tissues, and INHBB was associated with lymph node metastasis, stage of disease, and clinical progress. Positive expression of INHBB in NPC predicted a better prognosis (overall survival, P = 0.038). However, the molecular mechanisms of INHBB have not been addressed in NPC. We induced anoikis‐resistant cells in NPC cell lines under anchorage‐independent conditions, then found epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers changed, cell apoptosis decreased, cell cycle was modified, and invasion strengthened in anoikis‐resistant NPC cells. These anoikis‐resistant NPC cells showed decreased expression of INHBB compared with adhesion cells. Furthermore, INHBB was found to influence the above‐mentioned changes. In the anoikis‐resistant NPC cells with INHBB overexpression, apoptotic cells increased, S phase cells weakened, vimentin, matrix metallopeptidase‐9, and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression were downregulated, and E‐cadherin expression was upregulated, and vice versa in knockdown of INHBB (INHBB shRNA) anoikis‐resistant NPC cells. Diminished INHBB expression could activate the TGF‐β pathway to phosphorylate Smad2/3 and form complexes in the nucleus, which resulted in the above changes. Thus, our results revealed for the first time that INHBB could suppress anoikis resistance and migration of NPC cells by the TGF‐β signaling pathway, decrease p53 overexpression, and could serve as a potential biomarker for NPC metastasis and prognosis as well as a therapeutic application.
Molecular phylogeny of the scorpionflies Panorpidae (Insecta: Mecoptera) and chromosomal evolution
Authors: Miao Ying , Wang Ji‐Shen , Hua Bao‐Zhen
Published: August 2018

Panorpidae is the most species‐rich family in Mecoptera with ca. 470 species in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the intergeneric phylogenetic relationships of Panorpidae remain unsatisfactorily resolved to date. Here, we used molecular and cytogenetic approaches to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Panorpidae in the evolutionary scenario of chromosomes, and estimated their divergence times using fossil‐calibrated Bayesian analysis. In total, 89 species representing all seven genera of Panorpidae were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic trees using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference based on the nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes. The results reveal that Panorpidae is a well‐supported monophyletic group that can be categorized into two major clades. Major Clade I comprises Neopanorpa and Leptopanorpa, and Major Clade II consists of all the other genera (Cerapanorpa, Dicerapanorpa, Furcatopanorpa, Panorpa and Sinopanorpa). Neopanorpa and Cerapanorpa are regarded as paraphyletic groups for the first time. BEAST analysis indicates that Panorpidae originated in the Lower Cretaceous approximately 122.5 Ma (96.8–149.3 Ma), and that most diversification occurred from the Selandian (59.8 Ma) to the Middle Pleistocene (0.6 Ma) in the Cenozoic. Cytogenetic data plotted on the cladogram show that the lineage differentiation of Panorpidae is closely related to the chromosomal evolution, especially the reduction of chromosome number. Our study suggests that a taxonomic revision of Panorpidae is urgently needed at the generic level.
The ecohydrological context of drought and classification of plant responses
Authors: Feng Xue , Ackerly David D. , Dawson Todd E. , Manzoni Stefano , Skelton Rob P. , Vico Giulia , Thompson Sally E.
Published: August 2018

Many recent studies on drought‐induced vegetation mortality have explored how plant functional traits, and classifications of such traits along axes of, for example, isohydry–anisohydry, might contribute to predicting drought survival and recovery. As these studies proliferate, the consistency and predictive value of such classifications need to be carefully examined. Here, we outline the basis for a systematic classification of plant drought responses that accounts for both environmental conditions and functional traits. We use non‐dimensional analysis to integrate plant traits and metrics of environmental variation into groups that can be associated with alternative drought stress pathways (hydraulic failure and carbon limitation), and demonstrate that these groupings predict physiological drought outcomes using both synthetic and measured data. In doing so, we aim to untangle some confounding effects of environment and trait variations that undermine current classification schemes, advocate for more careful treatment of the environmental context within which plants experience and respond to drought, and outline a pathway towards a general classification of drought vulnerability.
Institutional trustworthiness and national security governance: Evidence from six European countries
Authors: Ball Kirstie , Degli Esposti Sara , Dibb Sally , Pavone Vincenzo , Santiago‐Gomez Elvira
Published: August 2018

This article examines the relationship between the institutional trustworthiness of security agencies in the context of data‐intensive security practices. It focuses on the public's acceptance of the way digital surveillance technologies feed into large‐scale security data analytics. Using the case of deep packet inspection (DPI), survey data gathered in six European countries (n = 1,202) demonstrates that security agencies' institutional trustworthiness directly and indirectly influences public acceptance of DPI. Against a backdrop of declining public trust in government and a climate of intense international terrorist threat, governments around the world are appealing to citizens to trade privacy for enhanced security. This article supports calls for security agencies and their respective governments to engage with the democratic process to enrich security and privacy at all levels of public security governance and for the common good.
Association between blood lipid profile and urolithiasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Besiroglu Huseyin , Ozbek Emin
Published: August 2018

The objective of this study was to pool individual studies regarding the association of blood lipid profiles with urolithiasis to carry out a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to identify the relevant studies up to November 2017. Studies that met all inclusion criteria were chosen, and a pooled analysis of the odds ratio between urolithiasis and dyslipidemia traits was calculated. A total of 11 observational studies (seven cross‐sectional, three cohort, one case–control) with a total of 282 479 participants were examined. The overall pooled analysis of eight studies showed that high triglyceride was associated with increased estimated risk of urolithiasis (odds ratio 1.287, 95% CI 1.073–1.544; P = 0.007). Estimates of the total effect size were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. No evidence of publication bias was detected. The overall pooled analysis of nine studies showed low high‐density lipoprotein was weakly associated with increased estimated risk of urolithiasis (odds ratio 1.171, 95% CI 1.010–1.358; P = 0.032). The sensitivity analysis showed conflicting results. No evidence of publication bias was detected. Three studies on the association between any dyslipidemia traits and urolithiasis showed a significant association (odds ratio 1.309, 95% CI 1.202–1.425; P < 0.001). The present meta‐analysis showed that patients with higher triglyceride and lower high‐density lipoprotein had an increased estimated risk of urolithiasis. A triglyceride–urolithiasis association was found to be more coherent and consistent compared with the high‐density lipoprotein–urolithiasis association. Although somewhat contradictory results have been found, the meta‐analysis is encouraging for evaluating urolithiasis as a systemic disorder. Further well‐designed prospective randomized controlled or cohort studies are necessary to better elucidate the causal association of dyslipidemia and urolithiasis.
Diagnostic value of combination serum assay of lactate dehydrogenase, D‐dimer, and C‐reactive protein for uterine leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Nishigaya Yoshiko , Kobayashi Yoichi , Matsuzawa Yukiko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Fukasawa Ichio , Watanabe Yoh , Tokunaga Hideki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Iwashita Mitsutoshi
Published: August 2018

Aim

Leiomyosarcoma is the most common type of uterine sarcoma. In some leiomyosarcoma cases, preoperative diagnosis might be difficult, and they might be treated as benign lesions. We evaluated diagnostic values of preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein for differentiating leiomyosarcoma.

Methods

From 2008 to 2013, leiomyosarcoma cases in three university hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative serum LDH, D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein were analyzed if tested. These markers of pathologically diagnosed leiomyoma cases presumed benign (group B) and presumed malignant (group PM) were compared with those of leiomyosarcoma cases (group S).

Results

Groups S, PM and B had 36, 28 and 69 cases, respectively. Positive rates of LDH were 66.7%, 14.3% and 0% in groups S, PM and B, respectively. Positive rates of D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein were 83.3% and 64.5%, 17.9% and 10.7% and 5% and 2.9% in groups S, PM and B, respectively. Positive rates of all three markers were high in the order of leiomyosarcoma, atypical leiomyoma and typical leiomyoma. In group PM, 12 (63.2%) cases were negative for all three markers, whereas 1 (3.3%) case was negative in group S. No case was positive for all markers in group PM, whereas 41.2% leiomyosarcoma cases were positive for all markers. When all parameters were positive, specificity and positive predictive value were 100% in differentiating leiomyosarcoma from group PM.

Conclusion

Combination of LDH, D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein could be useful for distinguishing leiomyosarcoma from especially degenerated or atypical leiomyoma.
Effects of olive oil dietary supplementation on sperm quality and seminal biochemical parameters in rooster
Authors: Kacel Ahmed , Iguer‐Ouada Mokrane
Published: August 2018

The current study investigated the effect of olive oil (OO) dietary supplementation on rooster semen quality. Three groups of local breed roosters fifty fourth weeks old were randomly assigned to either one of the following diets during 8 weeks: ad libitum standard diet without OO dietary supplementation (Group 1), ad libitum standard diet with 0.2 ml of daily OO supplementation per rooster (Group 2), and ad libitum standard diet with 0.4 ml of daily OO supplementation per rooster (Group 3). Semen quality (volume, concentration, viability and motility) and biochemical seminal parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were determined twice weekly from the 5th to 8th week of treatment. Results showed no significant difference between the three groups during the three first weeks for sperm concentration and sperm motility; at the fourth week, males provided with 0.4 ml OO (Group 3) showed a significantly improved sperm concentration, sperm viability and sperm motility compared to the others groups. Even if group 3 showed slight elevated values for glucose, triglycerides and LDL, no significant difference was observed for semen volume and biochemical seminal parameters between the three studied groups. The current results suggest that olive oil dietary supplementation could be an interesting alternative to enhance rooster sperm quality particularly in aged individuals where ejaculates quality declines systematically.
Hybridization in Trypanosoma congolense does not challenge the predominant clonal evolution model. A comment on Tihon et al., 2017, Mol. Ecol.
Authors: Tibayrenc Michel , Ayala Francisco
Published: August 2018

Tihon et al. have just published in Mol. Ecol. a fine genomic study on Trypanosoma congolense, agent of Animal African Trypanosomiasis. They present very convincing evidence that T. congolense underwent several hybridization events between distinct genetic lines in Zambia. They claim that their data challenge our predominant clonal evolution model (PCE) of micropathogens. We point out the main tenets of our model and show that Tihon et al.'s claim is based on a misinterpretation of the PCE model. Actually, their data strongly support PCE in T. congolense at a microevolutionary level.
Ally or competitor? Militant Basque nationalism's reaction to the new Spanish left
Authors: Kerr Stephanie
Published: August 2018

With the 2011 ceasefire declaration the Basque patriotic left (IA) has committed itself more firmly to constitutional politics. Concurrently, Spain has experienced an upsurge in the popularity of new political parties in the historically two party dominant general elections. The emergence of a political challenger on the left of the political spectrum (Podemos) may pose an opportunity or a threat to the IA's unilateral strategy, as the parties have numerous points of ideological concurrence. This paper analyses how the IA seeks to translate its strategies into mainstream constitutional politics, by exploring how it responds to the question posed by Podemos – ally, competitor, or both? Using an historical institutionalist approach, the conditions at two critical junctures – those surrounding the formation of new political parties during the democratic transition period and the more recent change in the electoral landscape – are compared to assess the initial impact of Podemos on IA cohesion.
Effect of orthodontic management and orofacial muscle training protocols on the correction of myofunctional and myoskeletal problems in developing dentition. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Koletsi Despina , Makou Margarita , Pandis Nikolaos
Published: August 2018

The aim of this review was to evaluate available evidence on the effect of early orthodontic management and myofunctional treatment in the developing dentition children, on anterior open bite correction, as well as on normalization of patterns of mouth breathing, swallowing and tongue resting position and pressure. Electronic searches in MEDLINE, Cochrane and LILACS, without language restrictions were conducted. Additionally, unpublished literature was identified. Randomized controlled trials, or controlled clinical trials, comparing interventions applied to manage anterior open bite and other muscle functions such as breathing/swallowing pattern and tongue resting position and pressure, were considered. Quality assessment was based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Random effects meta‐analyses were conducted to assess treatment effects. From the 265 initial search results, 15 articles were included in the review. Eight were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 7 were controlled clinical trials. Treatment outcomes comprised skeletal and dentoalveolar changes recorded cephalometrically, mouth posture and lip closure normalization, improvement of tongue resting position/pressure and modification of swallowing pattern. Quantitative synthesis was possible for only 2 of the included RCTs. There was no evidence to support bonded lingual spurs over banded fixed appliances for the correction of anterior open bite in mixed dentition children presenting nonnutritive oral habits at the onset of treatment (SMD: −0.03; 95%CI: −.81, 0.74; P = 0.94). Although early orthodontic management and myofunctional treatment in the deciduous and mixed dentition children appears to be a promising approach, the quality of the existing evidence is questionable.
Co‐option of microbial associates by insects and their impact on plant–folivore interactions
Authors: Mason Charles J. , Jones Asher G. , Felton Gary W.
Published: August 2018

Plants possess a suite of traits that make them challenging to consume by insect herbivores. Plant tissues are recalcitrant, have low levels of protein, and may be well defended by chemicals. Insects use diverse strategies for overcoming these barriers, including co‐opting metabolic activities from microbial associates. In this review, we discuss the co‐option of bacteria and fungi in the herbivore gut. We particularly focus upon chewing, folivorous insects (Coleoptera and Lepidoptera) and discuss the impacts of microbial co‐option on herbivore performance and plant responses. We suggest that there are two components to microbial co‐option: fixed and plastic relationships. Fixed relationships are involved in integral dietary functions and can be performed by microbial enzymes co‐opted into the genome or by stably transferred associates. In contrast, the majority of gut symbionts appear to be looser and perform more facultative, context‐dependent functions. This more plastic, variable co‐option of bacteria likely produces a greater number of insect phenotypes, which interact differently with plant hosts. By altering plant detection of herbivory or mediating insect interactions with plant defensive compounds, microbes can effectively improve herbivore performance in real time within and between generations.
Prevalence of islet autoantibodies in Thai juvenile‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Trisorus Chayanis , Aroonparkmongkol Suphab , Kongmanas Hataichanok Bansiddhi , Sahakitrungruang Taninee
Published: August 2018

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused by autoimmune destruction of islet β‐cells of the pancreas. There are overlapping phenotypes in a significant proportion of youth with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Thus, positive pancreatic autoantibodies are helpful to diagnose T1DM. Zinc transporter 8 antibody (ZnT8A) is a recently identified autoantibody in T1DM and no data on ZnT8A in the Thai population have been reported. The aim of this study was therefore to estimate the prevalence of ZnT8A in Thai juvenile‐onset T1DM and to evaluate its diagnostic value relative to glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulinoma‐2 antigen antibodies (GADA and IA2A).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients with T1DM diagnosed before age 15 years, and disease duration <10 years were enrolled. Serum ZnT8A, GADA, and IA2A were measured using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Results

The subjects consisted of 81 youths (30 boys, 51 girls) aged 12.3 ± 4.5 years with T1DM. The median diabetes duration was 3 years (range, 0–10 years). The prevalence of ZnT8A, GADA, and IA2A was 54.3%, 75.3%, and 45.7%, respectively. ZnT8A were detected in 16% of T1DM patients negative for both GADA and IA2A. A combination of ZnT8A, GADA and IA2A could detect 80.2% of patients with T1DM. Combined use of ZnT8A and GADA identified 100% of antibody‐positive patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ZnT8A in Thai juvenile‐onset T1DM appears to be higher than in previous studies from Asia. ZnT8A could replace IA2A as an autoimmunity marker in Thai pediatric T1DM patients, with better diagnostic performance.
Fitting in a group: Theoretical development and validation of the Multidimensional Perceived Person–Group Fit scale
Authors: Li Christina S. , Kristof‐Brown Amy L. , Nielsen Jordan D.
Published: August 2018

Despite the wide use of groups in organizations, research on individuals’ experiences of fit in their work groups has lagged due to lack of conceptual clarity of person–group (PG) fit and inconsistent measurement. To rectify these issues, we present an integrative definition of PG fit, which incorporates social‐ and task‐related elements of group work, as well as supplementary and complementary conceptualizations of fit. Using this definition, we develop the Multidimensional Perceived Person‐Group Fit (MPPGF) scale and validate it through five phases, across six samples. In Phase 1, we identified dimensions and generated items using a mix of deductive and inductive approaches. In Phase 2, we validated items yielding seven dimensions (value congruence, shared interests, perceived demographic similarity, needs‐supplies match, goal similarity, common workstyle, and complementary attributes). In Phase 3, we examined how the dimensions combine to form an aggregate (formative) PG fit construct. The MPPGF scale showed convergent and discriminant validity with relevant constructs in Phase 4. In Phase 5, the MPPGF exhibited criterion‐related and incremental validity with attitudes and performance beyond existing PG fit scales. Finally, we report dimension‐specific results, demonstrating that MPPGF could be used to study questions regarding overall PG fit perceptions, as well as more narrow dimension‐specific questions.
Evidence of locally acquired spotted fever group rickettsioses in Southeast Texas, 2008–2016
Authors: Erickson Timothy , Gunter Sarah M. , Starke Jeffrey , Murray Kristy O.
Published: August 2018

We identified six paediatric case‐patients from southeast Texas diagnosed with confirmed or probable Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis (SFGR) between 2008 and 2016. Only one case had a history of travel to an endemic area. Clinical and laboratory findings strongly suggest locally acquired Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in one Houston patient. Public health reporting of SFGR is critical for monitoring emergence in nonendemic regions.
Economic Diversification in Bahrain
Authors: Nakibullah Ashraf
Published: August 2018

Countries, such as the GCC countries, that predominantly rely for their income on oil resources face the reality that these sources of their income would not last forever. Thus, being a member of the GCC countries, Bahrain has been pursuing the policies of sustainable and diversified economic growth. This paper uses the share of nonoil real GDP to total real GDP as a measure of diversification to access the extent of diversification in Bahrain. The shares of nonoil GDP increased from 64% in the beginning of this of this century to 80% in 2016 with an average annual growth rate of 6.2% for the period 2002-2016. This success story seems to have an inherent problem. A bivariate structural VAR model  with nonoil real GDP and oil price shows that oil prices (indirectly oil sector) have positive impact on the movements of the nonoil real GDP. This means nonoil sector has been very much dependent on the oil sector and neutralizing the dependence is required for the post oil era.
How to protect half of Earth to ensure it protects sufficient biodiversity
Authors: Pimm Stuart L. , Jenkins Clinton N. , Li Binbin V.
Published: August 2018

Just protecting Earth’s wilderness will not be sufficient to conserve most of its species; quality, not overall size, matters.