bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of fully compensated ferrimagnetic spin-gapless semiconducting FeMnGa/Al/In half Heusler alloys
Authors: Zhang Y. J. , Liu Z. H. , Wu Z. G. , Ma X. Q.
Published: May 2019

Materials with full spin polarization that exhibit zero net magnetization attract great scientific interest because of their potential applications in spintronics. Here, the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of a C1
b
-ordered FeMnGa alloy are reported using first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the corresponding band structure exhibits a considerable gap in one of the spin channels and a zero gap in the other thus allowing for high mobility of fully spin-polarized carriers. The localized magnetic moments of Fe and Mn atoms have an antiparallel arrangement leading to fully compensated ferrimagnetism, which possesses broken magnetic inversion symmetry. Such magnetic systems do not produce dipole fields and are extremely stable against external magnetic fields. Therefore, this will improve the performance of spintronic devices. Using this principle, similar band dispersion and compensated magnetic moments were predicted in a C1
b
-ordered FeMnAl0.5In0.5 Heusler alloy.
A grey-based DEMATEL model for building collaborative resilience in supply chain
Authors: Aggarwal Shikha , Srivastava Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of collaborative resilience through in-depth case study research in India. This study endeavours to identify and model the critical success factors of collaborative resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight critical success factors of collaborative resilience were identified through literature search. Modelling and analysis of these factors was conducted using grey-based DEMATEL method. Data were collected from supply chain experts in Indian industries.

Findings

It was found that organizational factors like top management commitment and resilience system design exhibit highest causality on the entire system. Also, co-adaptive transformation and resilience goal alignment are most important for managers. Overall, this research provides a guideline and mechanism to build collaborative resilience in supply chains.

Practical implications

Through the identification of eight critical success factors, this research has related and grounded the concept of collaborative resilience into pre-exiting supply chain practices and concepts. Through rigorous quantitative modelling and analysis of these factors, this research provides a guideline to managers for building collaborative resilience in supply chains.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has proposed the concept of collaborative resilience in supply chain and has conducted empirical research on the phenomenon in India.
Developing a two-phase QFD for improving FMEA: an integrative approach
Authors: Shaker Fatemeh , Shahin Arash , Jahanyan Saeed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative approach for improving failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review on FMEA has been performed. Then, an integrative approach has been proposed based on literature review. The proposed approach is an integration of FMEA and quality function deployment (QFD). The proposed approach includes a two-phase QFD. In the first phase, failure modes are prioritized based on failure effects and in the second phase, failure causes are prioritized based on failure modes. The proposed approach has been examined in a case example at the blast furnace operation of a steel-manufacturing company.

Findings

Results of the case example indicated that stove shell crack in hot blast blower, pump failure in cooling water supply pump and bleeder valves failed to operate are the first three important failure modes. In addition, fire and explosion are the most important failure effects. Also, improper maintenance, over pressure and excess temperature are the most important failure causes. Findings also indicated that the proposed approach with the consideration of interrelationships among failure effects, failure mode and failure causes can influence and adjust risk priority number (RPN) in FMEA.

Research limitations/implications

As manufacturing departments are mostly dealing with failure effects and modes of machinery and maintenance departments are mostly dealing with causes of failures, the proposed model can support better coordination and integration between the two departments. Such support seems to be more important in firms with continuous production lines wherein line interruption influences response to customers more seriously. A wide range of future study opportunities indicates the attractiveness and contribution of the subject to the knowledge of FMEA.

Originality/value

Although the literature indicates that in most of studies the outcomes of QFD were entered into FMEA and in some studies the RPN of FMEA was entered into QFD as importance rating, the proposed approach is a true type of the so-called “integration of FMEA and QFD” because the three main elements of FMEA formed the structure of QFD. In other words, the proposed approach can be considered as an innovation in the FMEA structure, not as a data provider prior to it or a data receiver after it.
The maturation process of incorporating sustainability in universities
Authors: Vargas Luis , Mac-Lean Claudia , Huge Jean
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In the past few decades, sustainability in higher education has become ever more prevalent, although the diversity in pace of adoption and the wide range of interpretations and practices is huge. The purpose of this study is to present recent research on organizational change processes in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach applied corresponds to the social issue maturation framework, to identify, describe and assess patterns of change across higher education institutions. The maturation of sustainability in universities can be divided into four stages: emergence, popularization, formalization and maturity.

Findings

The findings indicate that sustainability processes often begin as ad hoc processes which grow and mature over time as a range of different actors join in. However, sustainability in universities is increasingly connected with sustainability in the private sector and with other public actors. Moreover, there is a growing acknowledgement of the interactions between society, industry and academia.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to provide a critical assessment of the potential of living lab projects initiated in Belgium (Brussels) and Chile (Santiago de Chile) to anchor sustainability firmly both in the functioning of the university and in the interactions with the neighborhood. The authors reflect on the requirements and the implementation of these initiatives as a strong indication of mature sustainability integration in, and by way of, universities.
Lock-ins and opportunities for sustainability transition
Authors: Deleye Maarten , Van Poeck Katrien , Block Thomas
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to provide an overview of sustainability in Flemish higher education (HE) by using the multi-level perspective (MLP) on sustainability transitions for a comprehensive empirical analysis of how sustainability is embedded in Flemish HE.

Design/methodology/approach

MLP was used as analytical framework to study the case and allow a focus on the interplay between innovative experiments in niche-practices, the characteristics of the prevailing regime (dominant structures, cultures and practices) and macro-trends at the landscape level. The data were collected through document analyses, surveys, in-depth interviews and a focus group. The empirical analysis was complemented with an extensive literature study.

Findings

In all, 9 landscape trends, 21 regime characteristics and 5 types of niches are identified. Furthermore, the multi-level analysis revealed 5 important lock-ins in the dominant regime that impede the upscaling of sustainable niches, 5 internal contradictions that destabilise the regime and can thus create windows of opportunity for niches to become viable alternatives and 16 opportunities for further embedding sustainability in HE.

Originality/value

The paper gives an original insight into the complexities of integrating sustainability in HE, highlights the important role of policy entrepreneurs to grasp emerging opportunities and offers them insight into how to create momentum and identify and fruitfully address windows of opportunity for a sustainability transition. It shows the potential and limits of the MLP for research on HE and outlines prospects for future research.
Automated generators of examples and problems for studying computer algorithms
Authors: Lui Andrew Kwok-Fai , Poon Maria Hiu Man , Wong Raymond Man Hong
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ decisions in example-based instruction within a novel self-regulated learning context. The novelty was the use of automated generators of worked examples and problem-solving exercises instead of a few handcrafted ones. According to the cognitive load theory, when students are in control of their learning, they demonstrate different preferences in selecting worked examples or problem solving exercises for maximizing their learning. An unlimited supply of examples and exercises, however, offers unprecedented degree of flexibility that should alter the decisions of students in scheduling the instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

ASolver, an online learning environment augmented with such generators for studying computer algorithms in an operating systems course, was developed as the experimental platform. Students’ decisions related to choosing worked examples or problem-solving exercises were logged and analyzed.

Findings

Results show that students had a tendency to attempt many exercises and examples, especially when performance measurement events were impending. Strong students had greater appetite for both exercises and examples than weak students, and they were found to be more adventurous and less bothered by scaffolding. On the other hand, weak students were found to be more timid or unmotivated. They need support in the form of procedural scaffolding to guide the learning.

Originality/value

This study was one of the first to introduce automated example generators for studying an operating systems course and investigate students’ behaviors in such learning environments.
Ethical dilemmas in education: a case study of challenges faced by secondary school leaders in Kenya
Authors: Oduol Truphena , Cornforth Sue
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the usefulness of Euro-Western concepts of principled ethical behaviour for school leaders in non-Euro-Western countries by examining the dilemmas faced by Kenyan educational leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

A single, multi-site case study methodological approach was used, and data gathered by means of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders: school principals, boards of governors, heads of department, school bursars and parents.

Findings

Findings highlighted the importance of contextual variables in influencing leaders’ decisions, indicative of the tension between liberal and communitarian ethical approaches. Although similar dilemmas were encountered to those working in euro-western contexts, Kenyan educational leaders faced the additional challenge of working with cultural values of Ubuntu: care for the whole community, harmonious working relationships, loyalty to one’s kin and respect of seniority. Furthermore, the problems they encountered were often life-threatening resulting from poverty, and HIV/Aids.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on ethics in educational leadership by proposing that the adoption of euro-western ethical standards and perspectives in non-Euro-Western countries is problematic, unless mitigated by a dialogic approach.
Technological proximity and the intensity of collaboration along the innovation funnel: direct and joint effects on innovative performance
Authors: Anzola-Román Paula , Bayona-Sáez Cristina , García-Marco Teresa , Lazzarotti Valentina
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to advance the understanding regarding the profiting of collaborative innovation practices, focusing particularly on how the intensity of collaboration along the innovation process and the relatedness between the partners’ technological bases affect the outcomes of such process in terms of efficiency and generation of technological innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the results from causal models and the estimation of average marginal effects, this research analyses the direct and joint effect of technological proximity and intensity of collaboration in the early and late phases of the process.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is a positive unconditional relationship between the aforementioned aspects and innovative performance and that the joint effects diverge depending on the stage of the process, i.e. while in the early phase collaborating intensely with close partners seems to be advisable, this circumstance proves to be problematic in the late phase of the innovation process.

Originality/value

The analysis developed provides clarity regarding relevant aspects of collaborative innovation practices, particularly, the search for and selection of optimal partners. In general terms, the evidence found here suggests seeking for collaborating intensely along the whole process with partners whose technological bases present a tight matchup with that of the focal firm. Results also call for awareness of the potential drawbacks derived from intense collaborations with close partners in the late phases of the process, thus hinting toward the convenience of developing protection mechanisms. In addition, this work provides interesting insights that challenge the notion of “proximity paradox” and set out further questions that might be worth considering for future research.
Relationship between social media activities and thinking styles
Authors: Xu Huan , Gong Yanping , Zhang Qin , Xie Julan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight into the relationship between social media activities and thinking styles, and its potential mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study conducted four studies using an experimental method and eye-tracking method to evaluate prediction.

Findings

Results from studies 1 and 2 showed that social media activities influence individuals’ self-construal, and the impact of self-construal on the relative reliance on cognitive vs affective thinking styles. Study 3 supports the hypothesis that social media activities influence individual’s thinking styles, and self-construal is a critical mediator in this process. Furthermore, the authors replicated these findings using an experimental method and eye-tracking method (Study 4), which enabled us to better understand the consumer’s psychological experience when using social media.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the social media activity literature in the following ways. First, this research advances the knowledge of social media by demonstrating that social media activities can have significant effects on thinking styles. Second, the current research brings important insights to the literature on self-construal. Finally, using eye-tracking methods, the authors also provided some new insights on consumer thinking and behavior.
Brand entification as a post-anthropomorphic attribution among Twitter-using Millennials
Authors: Sashittal Hemant , Jassawalla Avan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a three-study effort that aimed to explicate the brand entification construct, a post-anthropomorphic attribution that results from user-brand interaction on Twitter. Entified brands are not merely humanlike, they are viewed as human celebrities with an elevated social status.

Design/methodology/approach

A testable conceptual framework, hypotheses and measurement scales for explicating the brand entification construct are derived from focus groups. The framework is tested using two separate surveys; the first surveyed college going, Millennial users of Twitter, the second surveyed a nationwide sample of Twitter using Millennials.

Findings

The fear of being ignored (FOBI) emerges as the key antecedent of brand entification. Elevation in healthy narcissism emerges as its key consequence. Twitter users experiencing elevated narcissism are found to defend entified brands when they receive negative tweets from other users.

Research limitations/implications

All constructs and measurement scales reported in the data are new, the evidence of linkages between the antecedents and consequences of brand entification are similarly unprecedented; both reflect the theoretical contributions of the study. Further testing of scales, and replication of results using multiple samples of Twitter users are essential before formalized theory and widely generalizable findings emerge.

Practical implications

Shaping Twitter-users’ sense of healthy narcissism emerges as the key challenge for managers aiming to build brands via Twitter communication. Stimulating users’ FOBI emerges as a key entry-way in this process.

Originality/value

The paper reports the first empirical investigation of the brand entification construct in the context of Twitter-using Millennials.
Governing day-to-day interactions in the execution phase of an interfirm collaboration
Authors: Grunwald-Delitz Stefan , Strauss Erik , Weber Juergen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to advance understanding of the role of informal controls for governing day-to-day interactions in the execution phase of interfirm collaborations. It explores the nature of these informal controls and how they are used by the firm’s partners during this phase.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth case study of a lateral relationship between a car manufacturer and its suppliers, based on interviews, observations and archival material, and using concepts from the field of psychology.

Findings

The results reveal an interfirm collaboration in which the supplier, in particular, relies on so-called informal interpersonal controls for micro-contracting and solving the control problems of its day-to-day interactions. Specifically, the study finds that the collaboration partners rely on interpersonal influence tactics for influencing behavior, coordinating the activities of the collaboration partners, and mitigating collaborative risks. Depending on the specific individual, in terms of, for example, their “mood”, and the contingencies of the explicit interaction, such as contradicting flanking contractual agreements, the actors engage in different activities, including ingratiation, pressure or rational persuasion.

Originality/value

This study illuminates the role of informal controls in interfirm settings by distinguishing analytically between interpersonal and interorganizational informal controls. By mobilizing the psychological concepts of interpersonal influence tactics, the extant research in this field is complemented through the illustration of how the actors use informal control mechanisms, depending on their corresponding counterpart, and the specific situation of the interaction. The findings thereby highlight the situated nature of governance, suggesting that governance between collaboration partners is not a static condition, rather an ongoing process in which the actors use, and alternate between, distinct tactics in their daily interactions.
Cool perspectives, Indian cool and branding
Authors: Duggal Ekta , Verma Harsh V.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Cool has been studied mostly in consumer samples drawn from Western countries. This study was inspired by paucity of literature on “cool” in an Indian context. There is certainty that “cool” adds value and bestows desirability but there is uncertainty about what “cool” means. Since “cool” is a cultural phenomenon, the purpose of this paper is to explore its meaning in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained on an open-ended questionnaire followed by depth probes on a sample of young consumers. The obtained scripts were coded and classified into semantic categories based on the grounded theory.

Findings

The study found that cool is indicated by seven facets, including being oneself, living life to the fullest, sense of humor and socially networked, and calm disposition. Unlike Western notions, in India, cool is not being deviant and hedonistic. The cultural and religious imprints are palpable in what is construed as cool in India.

Research limitations/implications

Transplanting the Western notions of cool for brand building is likely to be a risky proposition. It may not resonate with the inner cords of the Indian youth. The implication of this study is that it reveals possible ways in which cool can be incorporated in brand identity.

Practical implications

Cool is valued because it bestows distinction in subtle ways. Brands can gain traction among consumers by incorporating cool symbolism in their identity.

Originality/value

This study expands the understanding of cool in the context of an emerging market. This is one of the first studies to have probed the concept of “cool” in India.
Library in 3D virtual world: a critical review
Authors: De Sarkar Tanmay
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the possibility of introducing a 3D environment in the library by reviewing current literature and to provide a good understanding of different purposes of using this immersive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is a narrative account of libraries’ presence in the virtual world in combination with an overview of how libraries respond to the 3D environment. Relevant data for the review paper have been collected from library websites, books, journal articles, interview, etc.

Findings

The study found purposive involvement of libraries in this immersive environment which indicates that users use this exciting 3D medium to satisfy their information requirement.

Research limitations/implications

The paper basically considers publications containing observations of broader research community in the relevant field and contents in websites dealing with virtual world and outlines the major features as discussed in available documents. The review study infers that the implementation of 3D project in libraries requires a mindset for the specific approach, from the end of both librarians and users, together with involvement of funds. Therefore, a library may start with a beta project and observe the effectiveness from the users’ perspective before embarking on a full-fledged project.

Originality/value

With numerous examples, as evident from publications and websites, the current review study makes an attempt to improve the understanding of librarians towards informed selection of projected purposes to be integrated with the virtual world from library perspective. The study also presents different approaches of libraries motivating users in the virtual world that other libraries may follow while considering their 3D library project.
Propagation of seismic waves in patchy‐saturated porous media: double‐porosity representation
Authors: Sharma M.D.
Published: May 2019

Propagation of harmonic plane waves is studied in a patchy‐saturated porous medium. Patchy distribution of the two immiscible fluids is considered in a porous frame with uniform skeletal properties. A composition of two types of patches, connected through continuous paths, constitutes a double‐porosity medium. Different compressibilities of pore‐fluids in two porous phases facilitate the wave‐induced fluid‐flow in this composite material. Constitutive relations are considered with frequency‐dependent complex elastic coefficients, which define the dissipative behaviour of porous aggregate due to the flow of viscous fluid in connected patches. Relevant equations of motion are solved to explain the propagation of three compressional waves and one shear wave in patchy‐saturated porous solids. A numerical example is solved to illustrate dispersion in phase velocity and quality factor of attenuated waves in patchy‐saturated porous materials. Role of fluid–solid inertial coupling in Darcy's law is emphasized to keep a check on the dispersion of wave velocities in the porous composite. Effects of patchy saturation on phase velocities and quality factors of attenuation are analysed using the double‐porosity formulation as well as the reduced single‐porosity equivalents.
Race, power and intimacy in the intersubjective field: the intersection of racialised cultural complexes and personal complexes
Authors: Calland Ruth
Published: May 2019

This paper presents work with a biracial young woman, in the context of a predominantly white Jungian training organisation. The patient's relational difficulties and her struggle to integrate different aspects of her personality are understood in terms of the overlapping influences of developmental trauma, transgenerational trauma relating to the legacy of slavery in the Caribbean, conflictual racial identities, internalised racism, and the British black/white racial cultural complex. The author presents her understanding of an unfolding dynamic in the analytic relationship in which the black slave/white master schema was apparently reversed between them, with the white analyst becoming subservient to the black patient. The paper tracks the process through which trust was built alongside the development of this joint defence against intimacy ‐ which eventually had to be relinquished by both partners in the dyad. A white on black ‘rescue fantasy’, identified by the patient as a self‐serving part of her father's personality, is explored in relation to the analytic relationship and the training context.
Active Dry Yeast: Lessons from Patents and Science
Authors: Gélinas Pierre
Published: May 2019

In the production of fermented foods, long‐term preservation of the activity of microbial starters is a critical issue. The aim of this review was to determine key challenges in the production and use of active dry yeast over time and to compare statistics on letters patent for inventions and applied scientific articles as indicators of technological evolution. The review covers 280 original patent specifications and 212 applied scientific articles issued between 1796 and 2018, not including documents in basic science or without obvious application in fermented foods. The main subject matter was baking and the other entries applied to wine and, to a lesser extent, beer and spirits. Very popular in patents granted in the 19th century until about 1935 but ignored in the scientific literature, dehydrated yeast preparations often consisted of wet biomass concentrates mixed with large amounts of water‐absorbing agents. Long‐term survival of dehydrated yeast cells progressively improved with specific strains, growth conditions, and, to a lesser extent, drying conditions. Since the 1990s, both inventors and scientists have mainly targeted yeast cells protection during rehydration, a most critical factor. Proper review of the scientific literature would be incomplete unless it includes patents, a much ignored but relevant source of information.
Bioinformatics analysis suggests that COL4A1 may play an important role in gastric carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Li De Feng , Wang Nan Nan , Chang Xin , Wang Shu Ling , Wang Li Sheng , Yao Jun , Li Zhao Shen , Bai Yu
Published: May 2019

Objective

Cancer recurrence is a complicated problem for clinicians that contributes to poor prognosis. This study aimed to use advanced gastric carcinoma genes profiles to predict increased risk of cancer recurrence in order to identify patients in need of adjuvant therapy for prognosis improvement.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were identified for advanced gastric carcinoma by analyzing the GSE2685 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) using R package. The candidate genes were then obtained by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein‐protein interaction analysis and survival analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between candidate genes and the recurrence of gastric carcinoma.

Results

Collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) was overexpressed in gastric carcinoma tissue by analyzing the GSE2685 gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. COL4A1 was also overexpressed in gastric carcinoma tissue from the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and further determined that higher COL4A1 expression led to poorer overall survival. A univariate analysis suggested that COL4A1 was strongly correlated with T stage and gastric carcinoma recurrence (P = 0.014 and 0.041, respectively). Moreover, a multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that COL4A1 was significantly associated with gastric carcinoma recurrence (hazard ratio 1.605, 95% confidence interval 1.063‐2.677, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

COL4A1 may promote gastric carcinoma recurrence and could be used as a therapeutic target for gastric carcinoma recurrence.
Trimitomics: An efficient pipeline for mitochondrial assembly from transcriptomic reads in nonmodel species
Authors: Plese Bruna , Rossi Maria Eleonora , Kenny Nathan James , Taboada Sergi , Koutsouveli Vasiliki , Riesgo Ana
Published: May 2019

Mitochondrial resources are of known utility to many fields of phylogenetic, population and molecular biology. Their combination of faster and slower‐evolving regions and high copy number enables them to be used in many situations where other loci are unsuitable, with degraded samples and after recent speciation events.The advent of next‐generation sequencing technologies (and notably the Illumina platform) has led to an explosion in the number of samples that can be studied at transcriptomic level, at relatively low cost. Here we describe a robust pipeline for the recovery of mitochondrial genomes from these RNA‐sequencing resources. This pipeline can be used on sequencing of a variety of depths, and reliably recovers the protein coding and ribosomal gene complements of mitochondria from almost any transcriptomic sequencing experiment. The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome can also be recovered when sequencing is performed in sufficient depth. We show the efficacy of our pipeline using data from eight nonmodel invertebrates of six disparate phyla. Interestingly, among our poriferan data, where microbiological symbionts are known empirically to make mitochondrial assembly difficult, this pipeline proved especially useful. Our pipeline will allow the recovery of mitochondrial data from a variety of previously sequenced samples, and add an additional angle of enquiry to future RNA‐sequencing efforts, simplifying the process of mitochondrial genome assembly for even the most recalcitrant clades and adding these data to the scientific record for a range of future uses.
Has Adoption of IFRS Increased Non–North American Institutional Investment in the Canadian Stock Markets?
Authors: Khan Shahid , Anderson Mark , Warsame Hussein , Wright Michael
Published: May 2019

We investigate whether non–North American (non‐NA) institutional investment in firms listed on the Canadian stock markets increased between the pre‐ and post‐IFRS adoption periods relative to such investment in firms listed on the U.S. stock markets. Prior to IFRS adoption, Canada had high‐quality financial reporting standards that were similar to the U.S. standards. As consequences of IFRS adoption, Canadian financial statements became more comparable with European and other IFRS country financial statements and less comparable with neighboring U.S. financial statements. Thus, a question of interest is whether the enhanced comparability with non‐NA companies was beneficial in terms of attracting non‐NA investment to Canadian companies versus U.S. companies. We find that there was no significant change in non‐NA institutional investment in Canadian firms relative to U.S. firms for the very largest (fifth quintile) and for smaller (first, second, and third quintiles) Canadian companies. However, intermediate‐sized Canadian companies in the fourth size quintile lost non‐NA institutional investment relative to their U.S. peer companies, suggesting that non‐NA investors cared more about comparability with U.S. peer companies than non‐NA peer companies for companies in this size quintile.
Preliminary Evidence That Real World Sleep Timing and Duration are Associated With Laboratory‐Assessed Alcohol Response
Authors: Hasler Brant P. , Wallace Meredith L. , White Sarah J. , Molina Brooke S. G. , Pedersen Sarah L.
Published: May 2019

Background

Sleep timing and evening chronotype have been implicated in alcohol use problems but research has yet to study them in relation to theory‐driven laboratory‐based measures of alcohol use disorder risk. The current study examined (i) whether chronotype, sleep timing, and/or sleep duration are associated with alcohol response (subjective stimulation, sedation, and behavioral disinhibition) and (ii) if sex and race moderate these associations.

Methods

Adult drinkers (N = 144; 46 female participants) completed 2 counterbalanced beverage administration sessions (alcohol and nonalcohol) during which they rated stimulation/sedation and completed a cued go/no‐go task. They reported bed and waketimes over 10 days.

Results

Later sleep timing was associated with greater increases in alcohol stimulation, but among male and White participants only. Later sleep timing (among male participants) and greater eveningness (examined among White male participants only) were associated with greater overall stimulation on average in the alcohol session relative to the nonalcohol session, irrespective of alcohol consumption. More variable sleep duration was associated with greater increases in sedation.

Conclusions

These findings offer preliminary, but novel evidence that sleep characteristics may relate to the relative stimulating and sedating effects of alcohol, thereby influencing the risk for alcohol problems.
Bait preferences of Australian dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in tropical and subtropical Queensland forests
Authors: Ebert Kathryn M , Monteith Geoff B , Menéndez Rosa , Merritt David J
Published: May 2019

Dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) are mainly coprophagous. Globally, many species co‐exist with large mammalian fauna in grasslands and savannahs. However, tropical and subtropical rainforests, where large herbivorous mammals are scarce, support numerous dung beetle species. Many rainforest dung beetles have been shown to be generalist saprophages or specialists on non‐dung food resources. In Australian rainforests, observations of native dung beetles have indicated that some species are attracted to other resources such as fruit or fungi, although the extent to which this occurs is not known. To learn more about the diet breadth of Australian native rainforest dung beetles, we assessed their attraction to a range of baits, including two types of dung, four types of carrion from both vertebrates and invertebrates, three types of rotting fruit and rotting mushrooms. We primarily surveyed rainforest sites but included two dry open‐forest sites for comparisons. Of the two groups of Australian native dung beetles (Onthophagini and Australian endemic genera), the latter dominated the rainforest dung beetle fauna and were attracted to a greater variety of baits compared with Onthophagini. The Onthophagini were dominant in open forest and were more likely to be attracted to a particular bait type, primarily dung. Our findings suggest that many of the species belonging to the ‘Australian endemic genera' are generalist feeders and their ability to utilise a range of food resources contributes to their abundance and diversity in Australian rainforests.
Transgender Inclusion and Australia's Failed Sexuality Discrimination Bill
Authors: Riseman Noah
Published: May 2019

In 2013, one of the final acts of the Gillard government was to amend Australia's Sex Discrimination Act to add sexuality, gender identity and intersex variations as protected categories. This was not the first time the Commonwealth had considered anti‐discrimination legislation protecting LGBTI people. The most prominent example was the Democrats‐sponsored Sexuality Discrimination Bill, introduced to Parliament in November 1995, which included provisions to protect transgender people as well as gays, lesbians and bisexuals. The Senate referred the bill to an inquiry by the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee, which received 436 submissions. Approximately 100 of these submissions specifically addressed transgender discrimination, some advocating for the rights of transgender Australians, and others focusing their attacks against the bill based on the transgender provisions. This article draws on the concept of transgender citizenship to examine the transgender‐related aspects of the inquiry and the debates in parliament, to understand the ways that the public and politicians framed transgender rights in the mid‐1990s. These debates are telling in how transgender issues and anxieties over gender fluidity have consistently become an easy target in wider debates about equality for sexual and gender minorities.
Prioritizing research challenges and funding for allergy and asthma and the need for translational research—The European Strategic Forum on Allergic Diseases
Authors: Agache Ioana , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Bonertz Andreas , Branca Francesco , Cant Andrew , Fras Zlatko , Ingenrieth Frank , Namazova‐Baranova Leyla , Odemyr Mikaela , Spanevello Antonio , Vieths Stefan , Yorgancioglu Arzu , Alvaro‐Lozano Montserat , Barber Hernandez Domingo , Chivato Tomás , Del Giacco Stefano , Diamant Zuzana , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , van Wijk Roy Gert , Gevaert Philippe , Graessel Anke , Hellings Peter , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Jutel Marek , Lau Susanne , Lauerma Antti , Maria Olaguibel Jose , O'Mahony Liam , Ozdemir Cevdet , Palomares Oscar , Pfaar Oliver , Sastre Joaquin , Scadding Glennis , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Shamji Mohamed , Skypala Isabel , Spinola Monica , Spranger Otto , Torres Maria , Vereda Andrea , Bonini Sergio
Published: May 2019

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) organized the first European Strategic Forum on Allergic Diseases and Asthma. The main aim was to bring together all relevant stakeholders and decision‐makers in the field of allergy, asthma and clinical Immunology around an open debate on contemporary challenges and potential solutions for the next decade. The Strategic Forum was an upscaling of the EAACI White Paper aiming to integrate the Academy's output with the perspective offered by EAACI's partners. This collaboration is fundamental for adapting and integrating allergy and asthma care into the context of real‐world problems. The Strategic Forum on Allergic Diseases brought together all partners who have the drive and the influence to make positive change: national and international societies, patients’ organizations, regulatory bodies and industry representatives. An open debate with a special focus on drug development and biomedical engineering, big data and information technology and allergic diseases and asthma in the context of environmental health concluded that connecting science with the transformation of care and a joint agreement between all partners on priorities and needs are essential to ensure a better management of allergic diseases and asthma in the advent of precision medicine together with global access to innovative and affordable diagnostics and therapeutics.
Primary duct closure combined with transcystic drainage versus T‐tube drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy
Authors: Guan Huiqiu , Jiang Genbing , Mao Xiaojun
Published: May 2019

Background

We compared the post‐operative course and final outcome of primary duct closure combined with transcystic drainage with those of T‐tube drainage.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 112 consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic choledochotomy for common bile duct stones between February 2014 and December 2017. Primary closure with transcystic drainage was performed in 59 patients (group A), and laparoscopic choledochotomy with T‐tube drainage was performed in 53 (group B). The primary endpoints were morbidity, the bile drainage quantity, operative time, post‐operative stay, time until return to work and post‐operative complications.

Results

The operation was successfully completed in all patients. The return to work period in group A was significantly shorter than that in group B (7.25 ± 1.27 versus 46.47 ± 3.86 days, P < 0.05). The average daily drainage was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time (133.75 ± 14.51 versus 132.21 ± 12.71 min) and duration of hospital stay (5.15 ± 1.23 versus 5.94 ± 0.95 days) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Bile leakage was seen in one T‐tube removal patient. No complications were reported in group A. The patients were followed for 2 to 29 months (average: 10). Normal liver function and no stricture of the bile duct were detected with ultrasonography.

Conclusion

Primary closure of choledochotomy and subsequent transcystic drainage is a simple and less invasive procedure than T‐tube placement.
Low recurrence of lung adenoid cystic carcinoma with radiotherapy and resection
Authors: Sharma Varun J. , Gupta Ankit , Yaftian Nima , Ball David , Brown Robin , Barnett Stephen , Antippa Phillip
Published: May 2019

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cause of thoracic malignancy, and the prognosis may depend on the extent of surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Complete resection has low rates of local recurrence but is complicated by the involvement of central airways. Adjuvant radiotherapy is frequently recommended but unproven.

Methods

We describe the technicalities of radical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy using the primary endpoint of local recurrence and secondary endpoints of locoregional (mediastinal) recurrence and distant metastasis. Resections were classed as microscopically and macroscopically clear (R0) or only macroscopically clear (R1).

Results

Twelve patients (eight males) diagnosed between 1999 and 2016, with an average age of 44 ± 12 years, were included. Six of these were operable (operative group), and six had non‐resectable lesions (radiotherapy group). In the operative group, three had tracheal disease and three had bronchial disease. Tracheal lesions underwent excision with tracheal anastomosis (all R1 resections). Main bronchial lesions underwent complete excision via pneumonectomy (two R0 and one R1 resections). All these patients received 50–60 Gray of adjuvant radiotherapy. At an average follow‐up of 6.1 ± 4.3 years, no patient had local recurrence, two had locoregional recurrence and four had distant metastasis. The radiotherapy group received 60–70 Gray as definitive therapy, and at an average follow‐up of 5.4 ± 4.2 years, three had locoregional recurrence and four had distant metastasis.

Conclusion

Our case series consolidates evidence that early radical resection and radiotherapy is associated with a low risk of local recurrence in patients with thoracic adenoid cystic carcinoma.
Predictive model of heterotopy in Meckel's diverticulum in children
Authors: Sinopidis Xenophon , Fouzas Sotirios , Kambouri Katerina , Panagidis Antonios , Alexopoulos Vasileios , Karatza Ageliki , Athanasopoulou Maria , Georgiou George
Published: May 2019

Background

The presence of heterotopic tissue in Meckel's diverticulum (MD) increases the incidence of future complications. Based on this concept, this study aimed to detect clinical and morphological parameters able to predict the probability of heterotopy in incidentally discovered uncomplicated MD and to develop a risk‐based classification tool.

Methods

The clinical records of 146 patients who underwent MD resection were reviewed. MD complications (bleeding, inflammation, perforation or involvement in pathological processes such as intussusception) and MD dimensions (width, length and the product width × length) were evaluated in association with heterotopy. Regression analysis was used to explore the discrete effect of clinically relevant parameters, which were subsequently combined in a Classification and Regression Tree.

Results

The probability of heterotopy was higher in complicated MDs. The width of the base of the MD and the product width × length were also significant predictors of heterotopy. A stepwise combination (Classification and Regression Tree model) of (i) uncomplicated macroscopic presentation, (ii) width <2.5 cm, (iii) age <10 years and (iv) product width × length <4 cm2 resulted in a null probability of heterotopy in our study group.

Conclusion

The combination of MD‐related clinical and morphological parameters using advanced statistical tools may assist in estimating the probability of heterotopy. This may be applied in incidentally discovered uncomplicated MDs during abdominal surgery for other morbidities. Prospective studies are required to confirm our findings and test the practical usefulness of the classification tool developed here.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor‐CD74 interaction regulates the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 in melanoma cells
Authors: Imaoka Masako , Tanese Keiji , Masugi Yohei , Hayashi Mutsumi , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: May 2019

Expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) on tumor cells contributes to cancer immune evasion by interacting with programmed cell death 1 on immune cells. γ‐Interferon (IFN‐γ) has been reported as a key extrinsic stimulator of PD‐L1 expression, yet its mechanism of expression is poorly understood. This study analyzed the role of CD74 and its ligand macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on PD‐L1 expression, by immunohistochemical analysis of melanoma tissue samples and in vitro analyses of melanoma cell lines treated with IFN‐γ and inhibitors of the MIF‐CD74 interaction. Immunohistochemical analyses of 97 melanoma tissue samples showed significant correlations between CD74 and the expression status of PD‐L1 (P < .01). In vitro analysis of 2 melanoma cell lines, which are known to secrete MIF constitutively and express cell surface CD74 following IFN‐γ stimulation, showed upregulation of PD‐L1 levels by IFN‐γ stimulation. This was suppressed by further treatment with the MIF‐CD74 interaction inhibitor, 4‐iodo‐6‐phenylpyrimidine. In the analysis of melanoma cell line WM1361A, which constitutively expresses PD‐L1, CD74, and MIF in its non‐treated state, treatment with 4‐iodo‐6‐phenylpyrimidine and transfection of siRNAs targeting MIF and CD74 significantly suppressed the expression of PD‐L1. Together, the results indicated that MIF‐CD74 interaction directly regulated the expression of PD‐L1 and helps tumor cells escape from antitumorigenic immune responses. In conclusion, the MIF‐CD74 interaction could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of melanoma patients.