bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hazardous alcohol consumption in non-aboriginal male inmates in New South Wales
Authors: Field Courtney
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine correlates and predictors of hazardous drinking behaviour, that may be considered evidence of generalised strain, in a sample of incarcerated non-Aboriginal males in New South Wales, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 283 non-Aboriginal male inmates as part of a larger epidemiological survey of inmates in NSW undertaken in 2015 by the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. Data relating to a range of social factors were selected with reference to relevant literature and assessed with regards their predictive value for scores from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). To facilitate regression analysis, variables were logically organised into historical factors or adult factors.

Findings

Almost all participants reported some history of alcohol consumption. Hazardous drinking was common among participants. While parental alcohol problems and adult drug use were the only correlates of AUDIT scores, parental misuse of alcohol was shown to be an important predictor of AUDIT scores in regression analysis. The role of parent gender was inconclusive. Previous incarceration as an adult, employment status, and drug use as an adult also predicted AUDIT scores.

Originality/value

Alcohol abuse is common among inmates and the use of alcohol is implicated in the commission of many offences. A better understanding of its genesis may inspire novel approaches to treatment, leading to improved health outcomes for inmates.
Determinants of Islamic banking growth: an empirical analysis
Authors: Cham Tamsir
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the determinants of growth rate in Islamic banking using annual time series data.

Design/methodology/approach

The author applied several econometrics methods including generalized linear model and survey-based indicators. The author uses the World Bank Enterprise Survey data to supplement the answers.

Findings

The results support the view that high oil prices, stable domestic prices, higher educated populace and greater presence of capital resources have positive effects on growth in Islamic banking. The findings, however, revealed that instability adversely affects Islamic banking growth. The author found no clear conclusion on the impact of economic growth, greater presence of Muslim population and presence of sharia in the legal system of the country on growth in Islamic banking. The major constraints impeding Islamic banking growth include regulations, tax rates and skilled labor force.

Originality/value

There is no empirical work that has been done on the determinants of Islamic banking growth by taking into account the following factors: oil price dynamics, sharia compliant, macroeconomic variables, instability and World Bank Enterprise survey. This paper attempts to search for the push and pull factors of Islamic banking growth to fill the gap in determining the Islamic banking growth.
Towards a governance approach to determinants of reseller management success
Authors: Parvinen Petri , Pöyry Essi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In mature global business-to-business (B2B) product markets, management of external sales channels, governed by contractual relationships, is a key determinant of business performance. However, existing sales channel management literature lacks focus on contractual governance and reseller management success. The purpose of the study is to systematically review different governance theories in relation to sales channel management and to show which factors are the most influential in making or keeping external sales channels effective.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study on a large B2B information and communication technology (ICT) company is used to reflect on the way the different theoretical governance perspectives explain sales channel management success. Interviews and mini-questionnaires were used to collect data.

Findings

Expressions of interdependence and equality alongside persevered personal relationships are important in managing daily business activities and in avoiding bad will at the reseller’s grass-root level. Future-oriented planning, long-term-oriented support and jointly set incentive systems are important for reseller management. Degree of professional management sets resellers apart through shifts in power balance.

Research limitations/implications

A multi-theory governance perspective offers a holistic view over reseller management and provides a comprehensive view over different sales channel management issues and their relative importance.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of long-term orientation and cooperation in setting up a reseller management system to gain and nurture distributors’ trust and commitment towards the manufacturer.

Originality/value

The study is the first to comprehensively use governance perspective in studying reseller management.
A framework of interfirm open innovation: relationship and knowledge based perspectives
Authors: Fisher Gregory J. , Qualls William J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This manuscript aims to integrate the relationship and knowledge-based theoretical perspectives of open innovation to provide a framework that identifies and classifies eight critical dimensions that influence the effectiveness of interfirm open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on interfirm open innovation is reviewed. Internal firm factors and external interfirm factors of open innovation are explored.

Findings

The manuscript identifies four internal firm factors of absorptive capacity, control of knowledge input, relational capability and coordination capability. Further, the synthesis identifies four external firm factors of distribution of knowledge input, appropriation of knowledge output, network position and network diversity.

Practical implications

The organizing framework facilitates the development of eight research propositions to guide future empirical investigation. Moreover, the findings aid managers in understanding what dimensions they should consider to improve the effectiveness of their interfirm open innovation activities.

Originality/value

By considering both the relationship and knowledge-based perspectives, the manuscript integrates various perspectives of open innovation to provide direction for practicing managers and for future research on interfirm open innovation.
Not just a pretty picture part two: testing a visual literacy program for young children
Authors: Lopatovska Irene , Carcamo Tiffany , Dease Nicholas , Jonas Elijah , Kot Simen , Pamperien Grace , Volpe Anthony , Yalcin Kurt
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In an effort to advance visual literacy (VL) education, the purpose of this paper is to develop and test a VL instruction program for 2.5-4-year-old children in a public library setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed as a series of VL workshops for young public library visitors. Each workshop collected information about children’s existing VL knowledge, introduced them to new visual concepts, and measured their engagement and comprehension of the newly acquired material. The study data were collected via questionnaires and observations.

Findings

Most of the children who participated in the study workshops showed a solid baseline knowledge of colors, lines, shapes and textures and were actively engaged in instruction. After the instruction, children generally showed an improved understanding of the newly introduced VL concepts and were able to answer questions related to the new concepts, recognize them in images, and apply them in art projects.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on a relatively small sample of library visitors in an affluent neighborhood. The findings are influenced by variations in the topics and delivery methods of instruction. The study findings might not be generalizable beyond the US context.

Practical implications

The study methods and findings would be useful to VL educators who work with children.

Social implications

As information continues to proliferate in non-textual contexts, VL is becoming an increasingly important educational goal. The study advances a VL agenda and advocates for introducing VL early in life.

Originality/value

The authors are not aware of any other study that tested VL instruction on a group of very young children in a public library.
Development of forensic normative data for the WAIS-IV
Authors: Flinn Lucinda Charlotte , Hassett Charlotte Louise , Braham Louise
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) (Wechsler, 2008) is a cognitive assessment that is often used in secure forensic settings, however it has not been normed on this population. The purpose of this paper is to develop forensic normative data.

Design/methodology/approach

Patient files in a high secure forensic hospital were reviewed in order to obtain completed WAIS-IV (Wechsler, 2008) assessments and scores from the five indexes (verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed and full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ)). This included reviewing patient files from all directorates, including male mental health, male learning disability, male personality disorder and the women’s service, yielding a sample size of n=86.

Findings

The qualitative descriptors obtained across the hospital ranged between extremely low and superior. The learning disability service scored significantly lower than the mental health and personality disorder services in verbal comprehension index, perceptual reasoning index, working memory index and FSIQ, and significantly lower than the mental health, personality disorder and women’s services in processing speed index. Mean scores from this study were significantly lower in comparison to those from the UK validation study (Wechsler, 2008).

Practical implications

The significant difference between scores from the current study and those from the UK validation study (Wechsler, 2008) highlights the need to have appropriate normative data for forensic populations. Clinicians should consider interventions that may serve to increase cognitive function, such as cognitive remediation therapy.

Originality/value

Whilst several special group studies have previously been conducted, this study is the first to develop forensic normative data for the WAIS-IV (Wechsler, 2008). Whilst the sample size was relatively small with limited female participants, the data collated will enable clinicians working in forensic establishments to interpret their assessments in light of this information.
System dynamics and agent-based modelling to represent intangible process assets characterization
Authors: Sanchez-Segura Maria-Isabel , Dugarte-Peña German-Lenin , Medina-Dominguez Fuensanta , García de Jesús Cynthya
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to address the use of modelling and simulation tools to enhance intangible process assets management by simulating and automating their characterization depending on their quality and impact on an organizational business goal.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a study comparing two simulation-based approaches to characterize intangible assets: system dynamics and agent-based simulation.

Findings

Strategic business studies have not yet considered the use of simulation techniques to characterize the intangible assets at length. The proposed solution introduces significant improvements for strategic data visualization, providing company stakeholders with a practical and helpful prism through which to view an easily adaptable, cheap and meaningful source of information about their company’s process assets, and their behaviour based on operation indicators.

Practical implications

This research offers decision-makers in knowledge-intensive organizations alternatives for effective strategic decision-making and for leveraging prospective views based on the specification of the organization’s knowledge. To do this, stakeholders will be able to use very promising low-cost simulation-based tools to create practical scenarios and potential situations that generate inputs for debate and decision-making by senior and middle management.

Originality/value

This paper reports an unprecedented comparative study of system dynamics and agent-based simulation to speed-up the characterization of the intangible process assets based on their quality and impact on strategic goals. It stresses the benefits and implications of the use of these techniques for better strategic management.
Insights on practicing of servant leadership in the events sector
Authors: Megheirkouni Majd
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the degree to which leaders in the events sector are perceived as servant leaders and the level of employee satisfaction, using evidence from three event types: sport events, cultural events, and personal events.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methods approach was used to gather the data. In total, 245 surveys were completed from three different event types. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Findings

The results revealed that servant leadership behaviors vary across event types, gender, and age groups. Similarly, extrinsic job satisfaction and intrinsic job satisfaction were different across event types, gender, and age groups. Additionally, further details have been reported in the results.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an insight on practising of servant leadership in the three different events, using evidence from the Middle East by using quantitative methods approach. While this is an appropriate method, in-depth interviews are needed to understand the mentality of the top management in the events sector in the Middle East.

Originality/value

It advances leadership research in the events sector that links servant leadership and employee satisfaction.
Toward a new (evolutionary) economics of sports
Authors: Potts Jason , Thomas Stuart
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new classification of rules-driven sports and technology-driven sports that suggests different models of how sports develop. This paper outlines some key aspects of an evolutionary view of sports economics research and, separately, an institutional view of sports economic research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual/theoretical piece rather than an empirical analysis of a research question. The authors scaffold a proposed analytic framework that is a combination of evolutionary economics and new institutional economics.

Findings

A new dynamic approach to the study of sports industries is called for. The authors observe that sports and sports industries exhibit dynamic qualities but in the study of sports there is no analogue of “industrial dynamics” as in economics. What is missing is the field of “evolutionary sports dynamics.” To build this, the authors frame a new evolutionary approach to the study of the sports economy and sports industries – by examining the evolution of sports, their industries, and the complex industrial ecosystems they operate in, through the lens of institutional and evolutionary economics.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a theoretical basis for a “New Economics of Sports” – as a shift in the types of questions that sports economics seeks to answer. These are away from “sports statics” – as a branch of applied economics of industrial organization and optimal allocation of sports resources (ala Rottenberg, 1956; Neale, 1964) – and toward concern with the economics of “sports dynamics.” The prime questions are less with the optimal organization of existing sports, and more toward understanding the origin of new sports and the evolutionary life cycles of sports.
On the use of flexible mixing distributions in WTP space: an induced value choice experiment
Authors: Bazzani Claudia , Palma Marco A. , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: January 2018

In this study, we use data from an induced value choice experiment to compare estimates from mixed logit models in willingness to pay (WTP) space using different parameter distributional assumptions. Specifically, we test differences in WTP estimates when using flexible parameter mixing distributions (i.e. Legendre polynomials, step functions and splines) and conventional parameter distributions (normal and lognormal). Similar WTP estimates are obtained. However, we observe that WTP estimates are statistically different from the induced value when conventional distributions are assumed, but they are not when more flexible distributions are assumed. This suggests that flexible distributions can provide more reliable WTP estimates.
The power of contact: Europe as a network of transnational attachment
Authors: DEUTSCHMANN EMANUEL , DELHEY JAN , VERBALYTE MONIKA , APLOWSKI AUKE
Published: January 2018

In times of multiple crises and a looming partial breakup of the European Union, the question of what binds Europeans together appears more relevant than ever. This article proposes transnational attachment as a novel indicator of sense of community in Europe, arguing that this hitherto neglected dimension is substantially and structurally different from alternative ones such as cross‐border trust and identification. Combining Eurobarometer 73.3 data on ties between all EU‐27 countries with further dyadic data, it is shown empirically that the European network of transnational attachment has an asymmetric core‐periphery structure centred on five extremely popular countries (the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain). In line with transactionalist theory, cross‐border mobility and communication are strongly related to transnational attachment. Furthermore, the article demonstrates that the network of transnational attachment is much denser among those with a higher level of education than among those with a lower level. The results suggest that offering European citizens incentives to travel to peripheral countries may help counterbalance the current asymmetric structure of transnational attachment, thereby increasing Europe's social cohesion.
New Trends in the Microencapsulation of Functional Fatty Acid‐Rich Oils Using Transglutaminase Catalyzed Crosslinking
Authors: Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , George Saji , Greiner Ralf , Estevinho Berta N. , Frutos Fernández María José , McClements David Julian , Roohinejad Shahin
Published: January 2018

Preparing stable protein‐based microcapsules containing functional fatty acids and oils for food applications has been a big challenge. However, recent advances with transglutaminase (TGase) enzyme as an effective protein cross‐linker could provide workable solutions for the encapsulation of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids without compromising their targeted release and their biological and physicochemical characteristics. The recent and available literature related to the microencapsulation techniques, physical and oxidative properties, and core retention and release mechanisms of TGase‐crosslinked microcapsules entrapping edible oils were reviewed. The effects of factors involved in microencapsulation processes, on the efficiency and quality of the produced innovative microcapsules were also discussed and highlighted. A brief focus has been finally addressed to new insights and additional knowledge on micro‐ and nanoencapsulation of lipophilic food‐grade ingredients by TGase‐induced gelation. Two dominant microencapsulation methods for fish, vegetable, and essential oils by TGase‐crosslinking are complex coacervation and emulsion‐based spray drying. The developed spherical particles (<100 μm) with some wrinkles and smooth surfaces showed an excellent encapsulation efficiency and yield. A negligible release rate and a substantial retention level can result for different lipid‐based cores covered by TGase‐crosslinked proteins during the oral digestion and storage. A significant structural, thermal and oxidative stability for edible oils‐loaded microcapsules in the presence of TGase can be also obtained.
Analysis of Isoflavones in Foods
Authors: Bustamante‐Rangel Myriam , Delgado‐Zamarreño María Milagros , Pérez‐Martín Lara , Rodríguez‐Gonzalo Encarnación , Domínguez‐Álvarez Javier
Published: January 2018

In recent years the nutritional and bioactive properties of foods are being intensively investigated with a view to control, in addition to food quality, their possible influence on human health. Because of this, there is a growing demand for rapid, selective, sensitive, and validated methods for analysis and quantification. Bioactive plant compounds include those with weak estrogenic activity (phytoestrogens), among which are the isoflavones. Some of the beneficial activities that have been attributed to isoflavones are anticarcinogenic activity, the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the improvement of bone health, and antioxidant activity. The objective of this work is to provide an updated review of the methods used in sample preparation and subsequent analysis for the determination of isoflavones in food samples, including both soybean and soy products, as well as other foods with low isoflavone contents. The review focuses on the most common sample preparation techniques used during the last 10 years, including both conventional solvent extraction and other more recent extraction techniques. Separation and detection methods, including current trends in liquid chromatography analysis, such as the use of monolithic columns or ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography, are also discussed.
Domestic Cooking of Muscle Foods: Impact on Composition of Nutrients and Contaminants
Authors: Sobral M Madalena C , Cunha Sara C , Faria Miguel A , Ferreira Isabel MPLVO
Published: January 2018

Meat and fish are muscle foods rich in valuable nutrients, such as high‐quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and, in the case of fish, also unsaturated fatty acids. The escalation of meat and fish production has increased the occurrence of pesticide and antibiotic residues, as result of pest control on feed crops, and antibiotics used to fight infections in animals. Meat and fish are usually cooked to enrich taste, soften texture, increase safety, and improve nutrient digestibility. However, the impact of cooking on nutritional properties and formation of deleterious compounds must be understood. This review summarizes studies, published in the last decade, that have focused on how domestic cooking affects: (i) composition of nutrients (protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals); (ii) antibiotic and pesticide residue contents; and (iii) the formation of cooking‐induced contaminants (heterocyclic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and thermal degradation products of antibiotics and pesticides). Cooking affects the nutritional composition of meat and fish; frying is the cooking method that causes the greatest impact. Cooking may reduce the pesticide and antibiotic residues present in contaminated raw meat and fish; however, it may result in the formation of degradation products of unknown identity and toxicity. Control of cooking time and temperature, use of antioxidant‐rich marinades, and avoiding the dripping of fat during charcoal grilling can reduce the formation of cooking‐induced contaminants.
Traditionally Processed Beverages in Africa: A Review of the Mycotoxin Occurrence Patterns and Exposure Assessment
Authors: Ezekiel Chibundu N. , Ayeni Kolawole I. , Misihairabgwi Jane M. , Somorin Yinka M. , Chibuzor‐Onyema Ihuoma E. , Oyedele Oluwawapelumi A. , Abia Wilfred A. , Sulyok Michael , Shephard Gordon S. , Krska Rudolf
Published: January 2018

African traditional beverages are widely consumed food‐grade liquids processed from single or mixed grains (mostly cereals) by simple food processing techniques, of which fermentation tops the list. These beverages are very diverse in composition and nutritional value and are specific to different cultures and countries. The grains from which home‐processed traditional beverages are made across Africa are often heavily contaminated with multiple mycotoxins due to poor agricultural, handling, and storage practices that characterize the region. In the literature, there are many reports on the spectrum and quantities of mycotoxins in crops utilized in traditional beverage processing, however, few studies have analyzed mycotoxins in the beverages themselves. The available reports on mycotoxins in African traditional beverages are mainly centered on the finished products with little information on the process chain (raw material to final product), fate of the different mycotoxins during processing, and exposure estimates for consumers. Regulations targeting these local beverages are not in place despite the heavy occurrence of mycotoxins in their raw materials and the high consumption levels of the products in many homes. This paper therefore comprehensively discusses for the 1st time the available data on the wide variety of African traditional beverages, the mycotoxins that contaminate the beverages and their raw materials, exposure estimates, and possible consequent effects. Mycotoxin control options and future directions for mycotoxin research in beverage production are also highlighted.
Characterization of Fractionation Membranes in an Animal Model of Double Filtration Lipoprotein Apheresis
Authors: Krieter Detlef H , Lange Florian , Lemke Horst‐Dieter , Bonn Florian , Wanner Christoph
Published: January 2018

Technical problems during clinical lipid apheresis interfere with fractionator performance. Therefore, a large animal model was established to characterize a new plasma fractionation membrane. Four sheep were randomized, controlled, and crossover subjected to double ofiltration lipoprotein apheresis with three specimens of FractioPESR having slightly different HDL sieving coefficients (SK) (FPESa, 0.30, FPESb, 0.26, and FPESc, 0.22) versus a control fractionator (EVAL). SK and reduction ratios were determined for LDL, HDL, fibrinogen, IgG, and albumin. Compared to EVAL (0.42 ± 0.04 to 0.74 ± 0.08) and FPESa (0.36 ± 0.06 to 0.64 ± 0.04), SK for HDL were lower (P < 0.05) with FPESc (0.30 ± 0.04 to 0.49 ± 0.10). Fibrinogen SK were higher (P < 0.05) with EVAL (0.02 ± 0.01 to 0.40 ± 0.08) compared to FPESb (0.05 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.34) and FPESc (0.01 ± 0.01 to 0.21 ± 0.16). No further differences were determined. The animal model distinguished between minor differences in fractionation membrane permeability, demonstrating equivalent sieving of FPESa and EVAL and slightly inferior permeability of FPESb and FPESc.
Inference by exclusion in the red‐tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Authors: SUBIAS Lorraine , GRIFFIN Andrea S. , GUEZ David
Published: January 2018

Inference by exclusion is the ability to select a given option by excluding the others. When designed appropriately, tests of this ability can reveal choices that cannot be explained by associative processes. Over the past decade, exclusion reasoning has been explored in several non‐human taxonomic groups, including birds, mainly in Corvids and Parrots. To increase our understanding of the taxonomic distribution of exclusion reasoning and, therefore, its evolution, we investigated exclusion performances in red‐tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii), an Australian relative of the Goffin cockatoo (Cacatua goffini), using a food‐finding task. Cockatoos were required to find a food item hidden in 1 of the 2 experimenter's hands. Following training sessions in which they reliably selected the closed baited hand they had just been shown open, each individual was tested on 4 different conditions. Critical to demonstrating exclusion reasoning was the condition in which they were shown the empty hand and then offered a choice of both closed hands. The performance of all birds was above chance on all experimental conditions but not on an olfactory and/or cuing control condition. The results suggest that the birds might be able to infer by exclusion, although an explanation based on rule learning cannot be excluded. This first experiment in red‐tailed black cockatoo highlights the potential of this species as a model to study avian cognition and paves the pathway for future investigations.
Integrated tool for microsatellite isolation and validation from the reference genome and their application in the study of breeding turnover in an endangered avian population
Authors: HOU Xian , XU Pengwei , LIN Zhenzhen , D'URBAN‐JACKSON Josephine , DIXON Andrew , BOLD Batbayar , XU Jiliang , ZHAN Xiangjiang
Published: January 2018

Accurate individual identification is required to estimate survival rates in avian populations. For endangered species, non‐invasive methods of obtaining individual identification, such as using molted feathers as a source of DNA for microsatellite markers, are preferred because of less disturbance, easy sample preparation and high efficiency. With the availability of many avian genomes, a few pipelines isolating genome‐wide microsatellites have been published, but it is still a challenge to isolate microsatellites from the reference genome efficiently. Here, we have developed an integrated tool comprising a bioinformatic pipeline and experimental procedures for microsatellite isolation and validation based on the reference genome. We have identified over 95 000 microsatellite loci and established a system comprising 10 highly polymorphic markers (PICvalue: 0.49–0.93, mean: 0.79) for an endangered species, saker falcon (Falco cherrug). These markers (except 1) were successfully amplified in 126 molted feathers, exhibiting high amplification success rates (83.9–99.7%), high quality index (0.90–0.97) and low allelic dropout rates (1–9.5%). To further assess the efficiency of this marker system in a population study, we identified individual sakers using these molted feathers (adult) and 146 plucked feathers (offspring). The use of parent and offspring samples enabled us to infer the genotype of missing samples (N= 28), and all adult genotypes were used to ascertain that breeding turnover is a useful proxy for survival estimation in sakers. Our study presents a cost‐effective tool for microsatellite isolation based on publicly available reference genomes and demonstrates the power of this tool in estimating key parameters of avian population dynamics.
Survival in spatially variable thermal environments: Consequences of induced thermal defense
Authors: DENNY Mark W.
Published: January 2018

As Earth's climate warms, plants and animals are likely to encounter increased frequency and severity of extreme thermal events, and the ensuing destruction is likely to play an important role in structuring ecological communities. However, accurate prediction of the population‐scale consequences of extreme thermal events requires detailed knowledge of the small‐scale interaction between individual organisms and their thermal environment. In this study I propose a simple model that allows one to explore how individual‐to‐individual variation in body temperature and thermal physiology determines what fraction of a population will be killed by an extreme thermal event. The model takes into account the possibility that each individual plant or animal can respond to an event by adjusting its thermal tolerance in proportion to the stress it encounters. When thermal stress is relatively mild, the model shows that a graded physiological response of this sort leads to increased survivorship. However, the model predicts that in more severe events a proportional induced defense can actually reduce survivorship, a counterintuitive possibility that is not predicted by standard theory. The model can easily be tailored to different species and thermal environments to provide an estimate of when, where and how physiology can buffer the effects of climate warming.
A Framework to Develop Nationwide Flooding Extents Using Climate Models and Assess Forecast Potential for Flood Resilience
Authors: Selvanathan Sivasankkar , Sreetharan Mathini , Lawler Seth , Rand Krista , Choi Janghwoan , Mampara Mathew
Published: January 2018

The methods used to simulate flood inundation extents can be significantly improved by high‐resolution spatial data captured over a large area. This paper presents a hydraulic analysis methodology and framework to estimate national‐level floodplain changes likely to be generated by climate change. The hydraulic analysis was performed using existing published Federal Emergency Management Agency 100‐year floodplains and estimated 100‐ and 10‐year return period peak flow discharges. The discharges were estimated using climate variables from global climate models for two future growth scenarios: Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6 and 8.5. River channel dimensions were developed based on existing regional United States Geological Survey publications relating bankfull discharges with channel characteristics. Mathematic relationships for channel bankfull topwidth, depth, and side slope to contributing drainage area measured at model cross sections were developed. The proposed framework can be utilized at a national level to identify critical areas for flood risk assessment. Existing hydraulic models at these “hot spots” could be repurposed for near–real‐time flood forecasting operations. Revitalizing these models for use in simulating flood scenarios in near–real time through the use of meteorological forecasts could provide useful information for first responders of flood emergencies.
Selection criteria for endovascular therapy for acute ischaemic stroke: Are patients missing out?
Authors: Maingard Julian , Churilov Leonid , Mitchell Peter , Dowling Richard , Yan Bernard
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) following intravenous thrombolysis is superior to intravenous thrombolysis alone for acute stroke with large vessel occlusion. However, trial selection criteria may exclude potentially salvageable patients. We investigated the impact of published selection criteria on the different proportions of patients excluded and clinical outcome.

Methods

We included patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with ECR from a single centre. Selection criteria from five trials (REVASCAT, EXTEND IA, MR CLEAN, SWIFT PRIME, ESCAPE) and American Stroke Association (ASA) guidelines were applied. We calculated the proportion of patient's ineligible for ECR according to different selection criteria. Clinical benefit and harm were quantified as the number of patients benefiting per 1 patient harmed (NB1H) for each of the 6 applied selection criteria.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐eight patients were included. Mean age was 74 (SD 14) years, 60.1% were male, median baseline NIHSS was 17 (IQR 13–21). Patients were hypothetically excluded from ECR: REVASCAT 35.4%, EXTENDA IA 86%, SWIFT PRIME 86%, MR CLEAN 2.3%, ESCAPE 93.3% and ASA 29.2%. The NB1H for included and excluded patients respectively in decreasing order of magnitude: EXTEND IA >100 vs 3, ESCAPE >100 vs 3.4, SWIFT PRIME 10 vs 3.3, REVASCAT 4.4 vs 2.9, MR CLEAN 3.7 vs >100, and ASA 3.7 vs 3.9.

Conclusion

We found that criteria from MR CLEAN, ASA and REVASCAT excluded the lowest proportion of patients with comparable NB1H. We believe that these criteria would be reasonable to be utilised for ECR selection.
Carboplatin plus pemetrexed for the elderly incurable chemo‐naive nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Ito Masaru , Horita Nobuyuki , Nagashima Akimichi , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: January 2018

Aim

In some developed countries, a proportion of nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSq NSCLC) patients are aged over 70 years when they are diagnosed. However, evidence of lung cancer chemotherapy usually comes from randomized controlled trials that only recruit younger patients with good performance status. In daily practice, less‐toxic carboplatin + pemetrexed regimen is often used for elderly patients, although this regimen is not sufficiently supported by rigid evidence for elderly cases.

Methods

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO website (42017058508). Any phase trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of carboplatin + pemetrexed in the elderly (aged 70 or higher) was included. Binary data were meta‐analyzed with the random‐model generic inverse variance method. Median survival duration was pooled after logarithmic transformation.

Results

Eight studies consisting of 285 patients were included among 882 articles that met the preliminary criteria. The pooled median overall survival and progression‐free survivals were 14.9 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 12.0–18.4) and 5.4 months (95% CI, 4.5–6.4), respectively. The pooled response rate was 34.0% (95% CI, 27.5–40.5). Hematological adverse events such as neutropenia (≥grade 3; 48.3%; 95% CI, 40.1–56.6), thrombocytopenia (≥grade 3; 27.9%; 95% CI, 15.8–39.9), and anemia (≥grade 3; 17.1%; 95% CI, 8.3–25.8) were frequently observed. However, febrile neutropenia (6.8%; 95% CI, 0.2–13.3), nausea (≥grade 3; 0%; 95% CI, 0.0–4.4%) and treatment‐related death (0.6%; 95% CI, 0–5.4%) were rare.

Conclusion

Carboplatin + pemetrexed can be a good option for the treatment of the elderly with NSq NSCLC.
The Impact of Mandatory IFRS Transition on Audit Effort and Audit Fees: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Nam Hye‐Jeong
Published: January 2018

This study explores the impact of increased audit work on audit effort and audit fees. Specifically, it analyses whether the magnitude of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adjustments affect audit hours and audit fees, and this relation varies depending on initial audit engagement. Using IFRS reconciliations and audit data in Korea, this paper provides evidence that audit hours as a proxy for audit effort is more closely associated with the level of audit work than audit fees. The study further documents that this finding is more pronounced for incumbent auditors. These findings suggest that increased audit work affects audit effort, and initial audit engagement has a negative impact not only on audit fees but also on audit hours. The findings of this paper should be of substantial interest to regulators, policy makers and financial managers who are interested in the cost of IFRS adoption.
Topical administration of regorafenib eye drops: phase I dose‐escalation study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Zimmermann Torsten , Höchel Joachim , Becka Michael , Boettger Michael K. , Rohde Beate , Schug Barbara , Kunert Kathleen S. , Donath Frank
Published: January 2018

Aim

Regorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor under investigation for use in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. In this phase I study, regorafenib eye drops were administered to healthy volunteers to provide information on safety, tolerability and systemic exposure.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, randomized, double‐masked, parallel‐group, dose‐escalation, placebo‐controlled study. Subjects received regorafenib eye drops (30 mg ml−1, 25 μl) as a 0.75 mg single dose (Cohort 1), 0.75 mg twice daily (bid) or thrice daily (tid) over 14 days (Cohorts 2 and 3, respectively), 1.5 mg tid unilaterally for 3 days, then bilaterally for up to 14 days (Cohort 4), or placebo. Plasma samples were taken to estimate systemic exposure. Safety and functional assessments were performed throughout the study.

Results

Thirty‐six subjects received regorafenib and 12 received placebo. Regorafenib was safe and well tolerated over the dose range. No pathological changes occurred in the anterior, vitreous or posterior eye compartments. Mild eyelid redness, oedema and conjunctival hyperaemia were observed across all regorafenib cohorts; these were comparable with the effects seen with placebo. Predominant symptoms were blurred vision in the active and placebo groups. Systemic safety evaluations showed no clinically relevant findings. Absolute systemic exposure after multiple administrations of regorafenib eye drops at a dose of 0.75 mg was 600–700‐fold lower than after multiple oral administration of 160 mg day−1, the dose approved in cancer indications.

Conclusion

These results indicate a favourable safety and tolerability profile of regorafenib eye drops up to 30 mg ml−1 tid for use in clinical studies.
Monitoring tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapeutic responses with a panel of metabolic biomarkers in chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Yang Bingyu , Wang Chang , Xie Yiyu , Xu Liangjing , Wu Xiaojin , Wu Depei
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential biomarkers associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), reveal the metabolite changes related to the continuous phases of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and find the potential biomarkers associated with treatment effects. Fifty‐two patients with CML and 26 matched healthy people were enrolled as the discovery set. Another 194 randomly selected CML patients treated with TKI were chosen as the external validation set. Plasma samples from the patients and controls were profiled using the gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based metabonomic approach. Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses were combined to select the differential metabolic features. The gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics showed a clear clustering and separation of metabolic patterns from healthy controls and pre‐ and post‐TKI treatment CML patients in the discovery set. We identified 9 metabolites that differentiated CML patients from healthy controls, including lactic acid, isoleucine, glycerol, glycine, myristic acid, d‐sorbitol, d‐galactose, d‐glucose, and myo‐inositol. Among the 9 markers, glycerol and myristic acid had the most significant association with TKI treatment effects in both discovery and external validation sets. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the combination of glycerol and myristic acid showed a better discrimination performance compared to a single biomarker. The results indicated that metabolic profiling has the potential for diagnosis of CML and the panel of biomarkers including myristic acid and glycerol could be useful in monitoring TKI therapeutic responses.
Modulation of lateral and longitudinal interdimeric interactions in microtubule models by Laulimalide and Peloruside A association: A molecular modeling approach on the mechanism of microtubule stabilizing agents
Authors: Zúñiga Matías A. , Alderete Joel B. , Jaña Gonzalo A. , Fernandez Pedro A. , Ramos Maria J. , Jiménez Verónica A.
Published: January 2018

Laulimalide (LAU) and Peloruside A (PLA) are non‐taxane microtubule stabilizing agents with promising antimitotic properties. These ligands promote the assembly of microtubules (MTs) by targeting a unique binding site on β‐tubulin. The X‐ray structure for LAU/PLA‐tubulin association was recently elucidated, but little information is available regarding the role of these ligands as modulators of interdimeric interactions across MTs. Herein, we report the use of molecular dynamics (MD), principal component analysis (PCA), MM/GBSA‐binding free energy calculations, and computational alanine scanning mutagenesis (ASM) to examine effect of LAU/PLA association on lateral and longitudinal contacts between tubulin dimers in reduced MT models. MD and PCA results revealed that LAU/PLA exerts a strong restriction of lateral and longitudinal interdimeric motions, thus enabling the stabilization of the MT lattice. Besides structural effects, LAU/PLA induces a substantial strengthening of longitudinal interdimeric interactions, whereas lateral contacts are less affected by these ligands, as revealed by MM/GBSA and ASM calculations. These results are valuable to increase understanding about the molecular features involved in MT stabilization by LAU/PLA, and to design novel compounds capable of emulating the mode of action of these ligands.
Social Robots for Early Language Learning: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Kanero Junko , Geçkin Vasfiye , Oranç Cansu , Mamus Ezgi , Küntay Aylin C. , Göksun Tilbe
Published: January 2018

In this article, we review research on child–robot interaction (CRI) to discuss how social robots can be used to scaffold language learning in young children. First we provide reasons why robots can be useful for teaching first and second languages to children. Then we review studies on CRI that used robots to help children learn vocabulary and produce language. The studies vary in first and second languages and demographics of the learners (typically developing children and children with hearing and communication impairments). We conclude that, although social robots are useful for teaching language to children, evidence suggests that robots are not as effective as human teachers. However, this conclusion is not definitive because robots that tutor students in language have not been evaluated rigorously and technology is advancing rapidly. We suggest that CRI offers an opportunity for research and list possible directions for that work.
Radiographic analysis of dental implant extensions using bone grafts on dogs
Authors: Cardoso Álida Lúcia , Lima Cirilo Antônio de Paula , Montebello Filho Agenor , Pereira Adriano Alves
Published: January 2018

Background

Despite the wide use of dental implants they can bring inconveniences, as the moment one reaches osseointegration, these can no longer be extended. Therefore, if a problem occurs regarding its positioning, the options open are substitution or burial of the implant. With implant substitution, there exists the risk of local bone loss and/or future loss of the new implant.

Purpose

This study proposes a new device (implant extender) for extending the dental implant. The feasibility of this technique is verified through installing dental implant extensions onto the humerus bone of dogs with autogenous bone grafts.

Materials and Methods

Implants of 3.3 mm in diameter by 6 mm in length and implant extensions with a 3.3 mm diameter and 2.2 mm length were installed onto humerus of 4 healthy dogs, using an autogenous bone graft in a block made from ilium. The biomechanical percussion tests were performed on the implant extensions and then the implant‐extension sets were removed for radiographic analysis.

Results

In the biomechanical percussion, none of the extensions present clinical mobility. As for the x‐rays, these were analyzed by 20 professionals, who concluded that there was a 100% success rate with bone formation around the implants, 74.1% for bone neoformation of the implant extensions, and 80.1% referring to the adaptation of the implant extension.

Discussion and Conclusion

Bone formation occurred in every installed dental implant. In most cases, there occurred bone neoformation of the extensions and adaptation of the extension/implant set, according to the x‐ray analysis performed by the evaluators. An absence of clinical mobility in the extensions was also observed. Although the results were promising, these techniques still need to be researched in humans, as an alternative for reducing elongated prosthetic crowns or poorly installed implants, as well as the modification of the type of implants among other applications.