bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving productivity of road surfacing operations using value stream mapping and discrete event simulation
Authors: Aziz Zeeshan , Qasim Rana Muhammad , Wajdi Sahawneh
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the integration of discrete event simulation (DES) and value stream mapping (VSM) to enhance the productivity of road surfacing operations by achieving high production rates and minimum road closure times. Highway infrastructure is one of the most valuable assets owned by the public sector. The success of national and local economies as well as quality of life of the general public depend on the efficient operations of highways. Ensuring smooth traffic operations requires maintenance and improvements of the highest standard.

Design/methodology/approach

Research approach involved the use of primary data collected from direct observation, interviews, review of archival records and productivity databases. Based on this, process maps and value stream maps were developed which were subsequently used to produce discrete event simulation models for the exploration of different optimisation scenarios.

Findings

This research highlights the synergistic relationship between VSM and DES in driving innovation in construction processes. Identified factors that affect roadworks process productivity include machine, manpower, material, information, environment and method-related factors. A DES model is presented to optimise the process and increase the production rates. A hybrid DES-VSM approach ensures an integrated approach to process optimisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is an application of hybrid version of previously published DES-VSM framework in the manufacturing sector. The present study has extended and tested its applicability within road surfacing operations. The different what-if scenarios presented in this paper might not be applicable to other parts of the world owing to various constraints. The study has focused on addressing the waste production inherent in pavement laying process. Even though external variables could possibly influence pavement process, those were ignored to allow for in-depth focus on the process under consideration.

Practical implications

Road users are one of the most important stakeholders that will benefit from the positive implications of this study. Private resurfacing companies and transport departments can optimise their overall process and style of working by comparing their end-to-end process and work plans with the ones mentioned in this paper. It will boost the productivity of equipment like planners, pavers and other machines used for resurfacing operations.

Originality/value

Existing approaches to process modelling such as VSM and process diagrams are constrained by their effectiveness in the analysis of dynamic and complex processes. This study presents a DES-based approach to validate targeted improvements of the current state of road surfacing processes and in exploration of different optimisation scenarios.
Educational mobility in transition: what can China and the UK learn from each other?
Authors: Quan Rose , Pearce Alison , Baranchenko Yevhen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in international student mobility (SM) in two contrasting countries: UK and China, at national, institutional and individual levels. Both are countries in transition in a greater global context. The objective is to identify what these countries can learn from each other about the issues and policies surrounding the management of educational mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive approach was employed to understand real-life experience via multiple case studies. Participant observation and semi-structured interview methods with a variety of stakeholders were used to collect data which were then subjected to a thematic analysis to identify in which areas countries had developed good practice.

Findings

Over-arching themes were developed through comparing national findings. These reveal that national policy and family support are most influential in China, while British universities largely drive SM at an institutional level.

Social implications

The significance of this knowledge lies in the potential for social impact and reform of successful mobility schemes. International mobility equates to social mobility through global employability of those who engage. Global citizenship is regarded as one of the paths to world peace and understanding. Mobilising a younger generation can contribute to better regional integration and international stability as part of an idealistic approach to geopolitics.

Originality/value

Concluding that neither country has a comprehensive and complete approach, this study proposes the areas in which all both could develop and details good practice. The value therefore emerges from the comparison and contrast and the practical focus of the research.
Friend or foe? The effects of patent attorney use on filing strategyvis-a-visthe effects of firm experience
Authors: Süzeroğlu-Melchiors Sevim , Gassmann Oliver , Palmié Maximilian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In the intellectual property (IP) and management literature, the question of how external patent attorneys impact patent filings has been understudied. The purpose of this paper is to advance this area of research by examining how the use of external patent attorneys influences the patent filing strategies of firms and what impact firms’ level of experience with the exclusive use of in-house resources has on filing strategies. This study, thus, provides insights into the strategic dimension behind patent filing, a process which is affected by patent attorneys’ work and decision-making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The econometric analysis is based on a patent database of 922,553 patents which is combined with an EPO patent database covering applications from 1990 to 2010. The authors test the hypotheses for this study using patent indicators addressing the impact of in-house firm experience vs the use of external patent attorneys on firm’s filing strategy.

Findings

This research finds empirical evidence that external patent attorneys’ work has an effect on patent scope, international scope, and patenting speed. Moreover, it can be shown that external patent attorneys have a positive impact on most filing dimensions, such as patent scope, international scope and the Patent Cooperation Treaty option, whereas the level of in-house firm experience has a negative impact on most filing dimensions. This implies that external patent attorneys seem to pursue a “maximization approach” while experienced firms seem to pursue a more differentiated approach to filing patents, for instance, drafting narrower and more focused patents.

Practical implications

The study suggests that effective filing strategies require an integrated approach between diverse IP stakeholders. More particularly, filing strategies should be communicated and aligned between all actors, including external patent attorneys in order to achieve the targeted patenting output.

Originality/value

The current study develops a patent filing typology, which accounts for patent attorneys’ decision options. In providing insights into patent attorneys’ work and their impacts on intellectual property rights management, the study is a useful complement to prior research, which has predominantly focused on applicants or examiners.
Fuzzy front end patent management and innovation performance
Authors: Zhao Li , Xiang Yang , Yi Qiulu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

As a resource input in enterprise technological innovation, patents play an important role in influencing innovation performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of fuzzy front end (FFE) patent management on innovation performance, and the mediating role of patent commercialization and the moderating effect of technological lock-in.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a questionnaire survey from a sample of 203 high-tech Chinese enterprises across multiple industries. Structural equation modeling and the hierarchical regression method were used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that the FFE of patent management, namely, patent acquisition and patent protection, positively affect innovation performance. Specifically, patent commercialization mediates the relationship between FFE patent management and innovation performance. Moreover, technological lock-in moderates the relationship between patent management and innovation performance.

Practical implications

This study puts forward suggestions relating to institution innovation and mechanism innovation for effective patent management in firms, and provides some guidelines for firms to efficiently utilize patents to improve innovation performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides certain empirical evidence for the study of organizational structure, strategic management, and knowledge governance. As the main participators in technology innovation, high-tech enterprises should utilize both inside and outside resources to acquire patents.
Open innovation and intellectual property rights
Authors: Brem Alexander , Nylund Petra A. , Hitchen Emma L.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between open innovation and the use of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors consider patents, industrial designs (i.e. design patents in the USA), trademarks, and copyrights.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between open innovation, IPRs, and profitability are tested with random-effects panel regressions on data from the Spanish Community Innovation Survey for 2,873 firms spanning the years 2008-2013.

Findings

A key result is that SMEs do not benefit from open innovation or from patenting in the same way as larger firms. Furthermore, the results show that SMEs profit in different ways from IPR, depending on their size and the corresponding IPR.

Research limitations/implications

The different impact of IPRs on the efficiency of open innovation in firms of varying sizes highlights the importance of further investigation into IP strategies and into open innovation in SMEs.

Practical implications

Industrial designs are currently the most efficient IPR for SMEs to protect their intellectual property in open innovation collaborations. Depending on the company size, the use of different IPRs is recommended. Moreover, firms should seek to increase the efficiency of open innovation and the use of IPRs.

Social implications

The high impact of SMEs on employment highlights the importance of fomenting efficient innovation processes in such firms.

Originality/value

This paper opens the black box of IPR in relation to open innovation in SMEs, and draws distinctive conclusions with regards to patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights.
Redesigning patent management process: an Action Research study
Authors: Soranzo Benedetta , Nosella Anna , Filippini Roberto
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how the patent planning and patent evaluation processes might be redesigned for firms intending to move from a mere accumulation of patents to a more thoughtful patent management approach that couples protection with the reduction of cost related to patent file and maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

An Action Research project was carried out in close collaboration with a firm. This approach was adopted since it allows generation of new scientific knowledge from the observation and direct intervention on a specific situation.

Findings

Results underline the importance of structuring and formalising the patent planning and patent evaluation processes within the firm. Moreover, it is suggested that the patent planning process should be integrated into the development of a new product/technology since its initial phases.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to filling the gap regarding the practical implementation and improvement of patent planning and patent evaluation processes, coupling protection with the minimisation of costs related to patent file and maintenance. However, as the results of Action Research studies are specific to the context where they took place, result generalisability is limited.

Practical implications

This paper provides managers with a valuable example on how to structure the patent planning and patent evaluation processes. The introduction of specific analyses into these processes allows limiting the decision-making subjectivity and, consequently, enhances the accuracy of firm investment in filing and maintaining its patents.

Originality/value

Providing a practical example of the actual implementation and improvement of the patent planning and patent evaluation processes, this paper responds to the recent call for more qualitative studies on intellectual property management.
Walking into the room with IP: exploring start-ups’ IP licensing strategy
Authors: Belingheri Paola , Leone Maria Isabella
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the trends and features of one of the most visible intellectual property (IP) management practices, IP licensing, in the context of start-ups, accessing external technology at the outset of their lifetime. In particular, it compares start-ups and incumbent firms, in terms of licensing strategy pursued, role of in-licensed technologies relative to the internal innovation process and successively implemented IP management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method study is presented using quantitative data on licensing deals from the US Securities and Exchange Commission and cases on start-up companies involved in inbound technology licensing.

Findings

Evidence indicates start-ups have different IP licensing strategies than incumbents, and their successive IP management strategies are more flexible than for incumbents.

Originality/value

The authors shed light on IP licensing, which is gaining momentum in open innovation (OI) settings, in an understudied segment of SMEs, namely, start-ups. The authors display interesting evidence of the portion of start-ups that license-in from external companies, indicating that this practice is more widespread than literature would suggest; the authors demonstrate that licensing-in is a valuable strategy for start-up companies, possibly providing additional channels for acquiring know-how on the market. The authors therefore contribute to, and advance, entrepreneurship, IP and OI literature.
The governance of organizational learning
Authors: Lauer Sabine , Wilkesmann Uwe
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to link two modes of governance (transactional and transformational) to organizational learning by examining the example of academic teaching. Consequently, the “transformational” strategies of best practices that have been used by German universities to achieve teaching excellence are interpreted as double-loop learning. In delineating two exemplary cases of double-loop learning concerning the university-wide implementation of a new teaching formats as part their institutional strategies to develop teaching excellence, the authors want to answer the following research question: Which kind of governance is required to manage double-loop learning processes?

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive sample comprised four universities that had won awards for their teaching excellence. In 2014, a total of 21 semi-structured expert interviews were conducted in these universities within the following status groups: members of the rectorate, full professors, and university management professionals. The coding procedure followed a directed content analysis.

Findings

Both forms of governance are required for the management of double-loop learning. In the case of a top-down instigation of organizational learning, transformational governance is especially required in terms of idealized influence and inspirational motivation. In the case of a more bottom-up trigger of organizational learning, intellectual stimulation becomes more important. Transactional governance is required for the university-wide implementation of new routines (e.g. a mandatory quality management tool, obligatory coaching for newly appointed professors or competitive teaching grants).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the empirical research on organizational learning in higher education institutions by adding a governance perspective.
Leading entrepreneurial e-learning development in legal education
Authors: Trevitt Chris , Steed Aliya , Du Moulin Lynn , Foley Tony
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The study aims to review the entrepreneurial and educational innovations in technology-enabled distance education in practical legal education (PLE) accomplished by a unit “on the periphery” of a strong research-led university. It also aims to examine the learning organisation (LO) attributes associated with this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a longitudinal case study based on interviews and reflective analysis, and reviewed using three “models” drawn from the literature: breaking the “iron triangle” (containing costs; widening access; enhancing quality); a tailored version of distance education appropriate for research-intensive universities; a strategy for successful adoption of disruptive technologies in higher education.

Findings

Entrepreneurialism yielded growth (PLE student numbers went from 150 to 2,000 in 15 years) and diversification (two new programmes established). The PLE programme advanced in two “waves”: the first centred on widening access and the second, on enhancing quality. Costs were contained. Both the presence and absence of LO attributes are identified at three different organisational levels.

Research limitations/implications

Challenges to academic identity may act to inhibit educational change, especially in research-strong settings.

Practical/implications

Business logic, and the creation and institutionalisation of educational development support – an “internal networking” group, were keys to success. “Organisational learning” in complex institutional environments such as universities involves understandably lengthy timescales (e.g. decades or more).

Practical/implications

Technology-enabled disruption in higher education appears relentless. While institutional and individual performance metrics favour research, proven cases of “how to do things differently” in education may well not get exploited, thus opening the market to alternative providers.

Originality/value

This is the only empirical example of a tailored version of distance education appropriate for research-intensive universities that we know about.
Editors’ Introduction
Authors: Lipsey Richard G. , Ng Yew‐Kwang
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the editors’ introduction for a symposium on Second and Third Best Theory forthcoming in The Pacific Economic Review, 22:2, May 2017. Unusual in such cases, the editors are the major protagonists in the debate. In the symposium Ng maintains that second‐best theory appears to preclude giving theory‐based policy advice because full second‐best optima can never be determined in practical cases. While agreeing about second‐best optima, Lipsey disagrees with Ng's conclusion regarding policy and discusses the development of context‐specific policies not based on the theory of optimal resource allocation. To allow for theory‐based policy, Ng offers his theory of third best. The major disagreement over this theory concerns its proposition: first‐best rules for third‐best worlds under Informational Poverty (not enough is known to determine the desirable direction of change of some the policy variable from the first‐best value). Lipsey argues that, if correct, this rule would upset the main result of second‐best theory that the sign of the change in the objective function may be either positive or negative when first‐best rules are fulfilled piecemeal in second‐best worlds. Woo supports Ng's third‐best theory and derives additional rules, while Boadway surveys the application of second‐best theory in several cases from the literature of public economics.
The Way We Teach Public Economics: A Rationalization Using the Theory of Third Best
Authors: Woo Wai Chiu
Published: May 2017

The devastating implications of the theory of second best, despite being well recognized a half century ago, do not have much influence on the current way we teach public economics at undergraduate level, as this paper shows. The current practices basically stick to the first‐best policy framework, and the theory of second best, even if mentioned, is at most marginally important. Some justifications for this textbook framework are called for if we do not think second best is a bad idea. This paper argues that this textbook framework cannot be justified by the absence of irremovable distortions in the real world, and should be considered within the social‐welfare framework to maintain coherence with other parts of the framework. Without calling for a major revamp of the current way of teaching, I suggest that the theory of third best can be adopted to justify this way of teaching in a realistic environment: when policy‐makers are informationally constrained, and when the unaccounted‐for distortion is not large, or when a conservative attitude is adopted for interventions.
Nutritional analysis of alternative feed ingredients and their effects on the larval growth of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Kim Hong Geun , Yoon Hyung Joo , Lee Kyeong Yong , Kim Nam Jung
Published: May 2017

Alternative feeds comprising only brewer's spent grain (BSG) or distillers dried grain (DDG), both agricultural byproducts, and 50% BSG or 50% DDG mixed with 50% wheat bran (WB) were compared to the standard 100% WB feed provided to Tenebrio molitor larvae to evaluate their effects on the nutritional quality and economic viability of mass‐producing this insect. Crude protein content was highest in larvae fed on 100% WB and 100% DDG, and the latter had 2.32 and 1.88 times more essential and non‐essential amino acids than the 100% WB group, respectively. Larvae fed on 50% DDG + 50% WB had 1.30 times more saturated fatty acids but 1.08 times less unsaturated fatty acids and 1.03–1.23 times less potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium than larvae fed on 100% WB. Traces of mercury were detected in larvae fed on 100% WB and 50% DDG + 50% WB, although at levels below the General Food and Feed Standard (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea), but neither Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp. were detected in the feeds. Larval and pupal weight, larval development and survival, and pupation rate were higher in larvae fed on 50% BSG or 50% DDG mixed with 50% WB groups than in larvae fed on 100% WB. Therefore, using 50% BSG or 50% DDG mixed with 50% WB as an alternative feed in the mass production of T. molitor provides higher quality larvae at a lower cost than does using the conventional 100% WB feed.
Larynx motion considerations in partial larynx volumetric modulated arc therapy for early glottic cancer
Authors: Bahig Houda , Nguyen‐Tan Phuc Félix , Filion Édith , Roberge David , Thanomsack Pensavan , de Guise Jacques , Blais Danis , Doucet Robert , Létourneau‐Guillon Laurent , Lambert Louise
Published: May 2017

Introduction

To assess laryngeal motion in early glottic cancer in order to determine safe margins for partial larynx volumetric modulated arc therapy (PL‐VMAT), and to quantify dosimetric advantages of PL‐VMAT.

Methods

This prospective study included T1‐2N0 glottic cancers treated with whole larynx VMAT (WL‐VMAT). Pre‐ and mid‐treatment 4D‐computed tomography (4D‐CT) and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed for assessment of larynx swallowing and respiratory motion. For 10 patients with lateralized lesions, PL‐VMAT plans were calculated using margins derived from 4D‐CT analysis.

Results

Twenty patients were accrued from 2014 to 2016. Mean amplitude of larynx swallowing excursion was 23 mm and 6 mm in the superior and anterior directions, respectively. Mean respiratory motion reached 4 mm and 2 mm in superior‐inferior and antero‐posterior directions, respectively. Pre‐treatment 4D‐CT analysis identified one patient with planning CT acquired during swallowing. Mid‐treatment 4D‐CT revealed larynx shift relative to vertebrae in 30% of cases. PL‐VMAT allowed for significant reduction of mean doses to ipsilateral carotid, contralateral carotid, thyroid gland, contralateral arytenoid and larynx. Using 8 mm internal margin for PL‐VMAT, swallowing resulted in clinical target volume excursion beyond 95% isodose line during ≤1.5% of total treatment time in all patients.

Conclusion

Although swallowing motion is rare, rapid and easily suppressed by patients, there is a risk of systematic miss‐targeting if planning CT is acquired during swallowing. Larynx position shift relative to vertebrae occurs in 1/3 of patients over the course of radiotherapy. With soft‐tissue image guidance and margins accounting for respiratory motion, PL‐VMAT allows safe reduction of dose to organs at risk.
Diversity and ecology of and biomineralization by magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Lin Wei , Pan Yongxin , Bazylinski Dennis A.
Published: May 2017

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize intracellular, membrane‐bounded crystals of magnetite (Fe3O4) and/or greigite (Fe3S4) called magnetosomes. MTB play important roles in the geochemical cycling of iron, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon. Significantly, they also represent an intriguing model system not just for the study of microbial biomineralization but also for magnetoreception, prokaryotic organelle formation and microbial biogeography. Here we review current knowledge on the ecology of and biomineralization by MTB, with an emphasis on more recent reports of unexpected ecological and phylogenetic findings regarding MTB. In this study, we conducted a search of public metagenomic databases and identified six novel magnetosome gene cluster‐containing genomic fragments affiliated with theDeltaproteobacteriaandGammaproteobacteriaclasses of theProteobacteriaphylum, theNitrospiraephylum and thePlanctomycetesphylum from the deep subseafloor, marine oxygen minimum zone, groundwater biofilm and estuary sediment, thereby extending our knowledge on the diversity and distribution of MTB as well deriving important information as to their ecophysiology. We point out that the increasing availability of sequence data will facilitate researchers to systematically explore the ecology and biomineralization of MTB even further.
Identification, evolution and functional characterization of two Zn CDF‐family transporters of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus
Authors: Ruytinx Joske , Coninx Laura , Nguyen Hoai , Smisdom Nick , Morin Emmanuelle , Kohler Annegret , Cuypers Ann , Colpaert Jan V.
Published: May 2017

Two genes, SlZnT1 and SlZnT2, encoding Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family transporters were isolated from Suillus luteus mycelium by genome walking. Both gene models are very similar and phylogenetic analysis indicates that they are most likely the result of a recent gene duplication event. Comparative sequence analysis of the deduced proteins predicts them to be Zn transporters. This function was confirmed by functional analysis in yeast for SlZnT1. SlZnT1 was able to restore growth of the highly Zn sensitive yeast mutant Δzrc1 and localized to the vacuolar membrane. Transformation of Δzrc1 yeast cells with SlZnT1 resulted in an increased accumulation of Zn compared to empty vector transformed Δzrc1 yeast cells and equals Zn accumulation in wild type yeast cells. We were not able to express functional SlZnT2 in yeast. In S. luteus, both SlZnT genes are constitutively expressed whatever the external Zn concentrations. A labile Zn pool was detected in the vacuoles of S. luteus free‐living mycelium. Therefore we conclude that SlZnT1 is indispensable for maintenance of Zn homeostasis by transporting excess Zn into the vacuole.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Public and Private Labor Standards Policy in the Global Economy
Authors: Fransen Luc , Burgoon Brian
Published: May 2017

This article introduces a Global Policy Special Issue on public and private protections of labor and social standards in the global economy, exploring whether public and private regulations of such standards develop in harmony or tension with one another. It promotes an approach to studying public‐private interactions in global labor governance that is sensitive to how interactions are important at different stages in the making of public and private regulation; how the causal interaction can go from the public to the private and from the private to the public; how such interaction varies in quality and promise across different parts of the world, labor issue areas and policy instruments; and how public‐private interaction can only be captured by combining case histories with large‐N analysis. The evidence from the Special Issue's articles leads to a set of generic propositions, describing how public interventions tend to strengthen private labor policy, while private interventions tend to either modestly substitute for or have little effect upon public labor and social protections. The article then discusses how these dynamics may be influenced by the political contentiousness of the specific labor issue and the characteristics of the state.
From Quality Control to Labor Protection: ISO 9001 and Workplace Safety, 1993–2012
Authors: Lim Sijeong , Prakash Aseem
Published: May 2017

Workplace safety is an important issue in global public policy. Given the failure of many governments to enforce their workplace safety laws, might voluntary programs help in this regard? Most studies on the effectiveness of voluntary programs focus on their first‐order effects reflecting program goals. Yet, well‐designed programs that focus on firms’ internal practices and policies can have significant spillover effects beyond the program objectives. This insight motivates our study of the second‐order effect on occupational safety of ISO 9001, the most widely adopted voluntary standard in the world. While ISO 9001 is a quality management standard, the internal systems that ISO certified firms establish can improve workplace safety. This is because some workplace practices that lead to poor product quality also contribute to an unsafe working environment. Our empirical analysis covering 92 countries for the period 1993–2012 supports our argument. We find that 1 per cent increase in country‐level ISO 9001 certification count is associated with 0.04 per cent decline in occupational injury rate (injury per 10,000 working population). Importantly, our finding is more pronounced where public law regarding workers’ rights is weak, suggesting that voluntary programs can fill in the governance gaps.
Estradiol and progesterone influence on influenza infection and immune response in a mouse model
Authors: Davis Sarah M. , Sweet Leigh M. , Oppenheimer Karen H. , Suratt Benjamin T. , Phillippe Mark
Published: May 2017

Problem

Influenza infection severity may be mediated by estradiol and/or progesterone.

Method of Study

An exploratory study was designed to evaluate 17‐β‐estradiol and progesterone on influenza infection and examine immune‐mediated response in a mouse model. Inoculation with placebo or mouse‐adapted H1N1 influenza virus occurred. Treatment groups included 17‐β‐estradiol, progesterone, ovariectomy, and pregnancy. Mice were assessed for morbidity and mortality. Toll‐like receptor gene studies and airspace cell differentials were performed.

Results

Onset of morbidity was earlier and morbidity duration greater for progesterone. Absence of morbidity/mortality and overall survival was greater for 17‐β‐estradiol. Airspace cell differentials suggest improved immune cell recruitment for 17‐β‐estradiol. Pregnant mouse data demonstrate significant mortality during the period of increased progesterone. Select immune cell markers demonstrate patterns of regulation that may promote proper immune response to influenza infection for 17‐β‐estradiol.

Conclusion

Estradiol may play a protective and progesterone a detrimental role in the pathophysiology of influenza infection.
Labor prediction based on the expression patterns of multiple genes related to cervical maturation in human term pregnancy
Authors: Samejima Taiki , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Schust Danny J. , Iriyama Takayuki , Sayama Seisuke , Sonoda Masaki , Komatsu Atsushi , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: May 2017

Problem

This study explored the possibility of evaluating cervical maturation using swabbed cervical cell samples at term pregnancy, and aimed to develop a novel approach to predict labor onset.

Method of study

Women with uncomplicated pregnancies (n=117 from 62 women at term pregnancy) were recruited. Messenger RNA expression levels of cervical cells for ten genes were quantified by qPCR. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted, and principal components that significantly contributed to the prediction of days to delivery were determined.

Results

PCA demonstrated that 76% of the expression information from the ten genes can be represented by three principal components (PC1‐3). By the multiple regression analysis, PC2 and Bishop score but not PC1 or PC3 were significant variables in the prediction of days to delivery.

Conclusion

These findings support the concurrent assessment of multiple gene activities in cervical cells as a promising approach to predict the initiation of labor.
Evaluation of sources of variation on in vitro fermentation kinetics of feedstuffs in a gas production system
Authors: Keim Juan P. , Alvarado‐Gilis Christian , Arias Rodrigo A. , Gandarillas Mónica , Cabanilla Jaime
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of variation in gas production technique on the in vitro gas production kinetics of feedstuffs. Triplicates of commercial concentrate, grass silage, grass hay and grass pasture were incubated in three experiments: experiment 1 assessed two agitation methods; experiment 2 evaluated different rumen inocula (pooled or different donor cows for each incubation run); and experiment 3 used Goering‐Van Soest or Mould buffers for media preparation. Gas production data were fitted into the Michaelis–Menten model and then subjected to analysis of variance. Gas production (GP) at 48 h and asymptote gas production (A) were lower when bottles were continuously under horizontal movement. Time to produce half and 75% of A, and A were affected by rumen inocula, while buffer type affected time to produce half and 25% of A and GP. No interactions between substrates and sources of variation were observed, suggesting that the effects of substrates on GP parameters were not modified. It is concluded that comparison of numerical data from in vitro experiments that follow different protocols must be done carefully. However, the ranking of different substrates is more robust and less affected by the sources of variation.
BANKING UNION IN EUROPE: HOW MUCH CENTRALISATION IS NEEDED?
Authors: Berger Wolfram , Nagase Yoko
Published: May 2017

We examine the efficiency of banking regulation in a federation with two tiers of government and highly integrated banking systems. We assume that policy makers have incomplete information about banks’ true health, and banking sector turmoil can generate cross‐border spill‐over effects. We show that, in such an environment, the decentralisation of policy responsibilities for the regulation of banks can achieve the first‐best allocation and ensure financial stability. While national governments design banking regulations, the federal policy maker authorises inter‐regional income redistribution payments throughout the federation. Our results suggest that strengthening national responsibilities in banking regulation and supervision in the course of the further development of the European banking union may be advisable.
Diabetic macular oedema: evidence‐based treatment recommendations for Asian countries
Authors: Cheung Gemmy CM , Yoon Young Hee , Chen Lee Jen , Chen Shih Jen , George Tara M , Lai Timothy YY , Park Kyu Hyung , Tahija Sjakon G , Uy Harvey S , Wong Tien Y
Published: May 2017

Diabetic macular oedema is the most common cause of diabetic retinopathy‐induced vision loss. Efficacy of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in diabetic macular oedema has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. An Asian‐specific guideline for diabetic macular oedema treatment is needed as patients in Asia tend to present with far more advanced disease than seen elsewhere in the world. Previous reviews of diabetic macular oedema management lacked a broader assessment of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment choices and newer trials. Recent clinical trial data allow head‐to‐head comparisons between the different anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents and treatment regimens. This review aims to summarize the clinical evidence related to various treatment regimens for clinicians, with a focus on anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapies, and to provide guidance on the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in Asian patients.
Aphyly: identifying the flotsam and jetsam of systematics
Authors: Williams David M. , Ebach Malte C.
Published: May 2017

Many taxon names in any classification will be composed of taxa that have yet to be demonstrated as monophyletic, that is, characterized by synapomorphies. Such taxa might be calledaphyletic, the flotsam and jetsam in systematics, simply meaning they require taxonomic revision. The term aphyly is, however, the same as, if not identical to, Hennig's “Restkörper” and Bernardi's merophyly. None of these terms gained common usage. We outline Hennig's use of “Restkörper” and Bernardi's use of merophyly and compare it to aphyly. In our view, application of aphyly would avoid the oft made assumption that when a monophyletic group is discovered from within an already known and named taxon, then the species left behind are rendered paraphyletic. By identifying the flotsam and jetsam in systematics, we can focus on taxa in need of attention and avoid making phylogeneticfaux paswith respect to their phylogenetic status.
European consensus on the concepts and measurement of the pathophysiological neuromuscular responses to passive muscle stretch
Authors: van den Noort J. C. , Bar‐On L. , Aertbeliën E. , Bonikowski M. , Braendvik S. M. , Broström E. W. , Buizer A. I. , Burridge J. H. , van Campenhout A. , Dan B. , Fleuren J. F. , Grunt S. , Heinen F. , Horemans H. L. , Jansen C. , Kranzl A. , Krautwurst B. K. , van der Krogt M. , Lerma Lara S. , Lidbeck C. M. , Lin J.‐P. , Martinez I. , Meskers C. , Metaxiotis D. , Molenaers G. , Patikas D. A. , Rémy‐Néris O. , Roeleveld K. , Shortland A. P. , Sikkens J. , Sloot L. , Vermeulen R. J. , Wimmer C. , Schröder A. S. , Schless S. , Becher J. G. , Desloovere K. , Harlaar J.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

To support clinical decision‐making in central neurological disorders, a physical examination is used to assess responses to passive muscle stretch. However, what exactly is being assessed is expressed and interpreted in different ways. A clear diagnostic framework is lacking. Therefore, the aim was to arrive at unambiguous terminology about the concepts and measurement around pathophysiological neuromuscular response to passive muscle stretch.

Methods

During two consensus meetings, 37 experts from 12 European countries filled online questionnaires based on a Delphi approach, followed by plenary discussion after rounds. Consensus was reached for agreement ≥75%.

Results

The term hyper‐resistance should be used to describe the phenomenon of impaired neuromuscular response during passive stretch, instead of for example ‘spasticity’ or ‘hypertonia’. From there, it is essential to distinguish non‐neural (tissue‐related) from neural (central nervous system related) contributions to hyper‐resistance. Tissue contributions are elasticity, viscosity and muscle shortening. Neural contributions are velocity dependent stretch hyperreflexia and non‐velocity dependent involuntary background activation. The term ‘spasticity’ should only be used next to stretch hyperreflexia, and ‘stiffness’ next to passive tissue contributions. When joint angle, moment and electromyography are recorded, components of hyper‐resistance within the framework can be quantitatively assessed.

Conclusions

A conceptual framework of pathophysiological responses to passive muscle stretch is defined. This framework can be used in clinical assessment of hyper‐resistance and will improve communication between clinicians. Components within the framework are defined by objective parameters from instrumented assessment. These parameters need experimental validation in order to develop treatment algorithms based on the aetiology of the clinical phenomena.
Market‐based estimates of implicit government guarantees in European financial institutions
Authors: Zhao Lei
Published: May 2017

I exploit the price differential of credit default swap (CDS) contracts written on debts with different levels of seniority to measure the implicit government guarantees enjoyed by European financial institutions from 2005 to 2013. I determine that the aggregate guarantee increased substantially during the recent financial crises and peaked at an average of 89 bps in 2011. My analysis suggests that the extent of implicit support depends on the type of financial institutions and there exists a eurozone effect. Further investigation of feedback relationship shows that the guarantee implicitly offered by a government positively ‘Granger causes’ the sovereign's default risk.
Economic Mobility and Fiscal Federalism: Taxation and European Responses in a Changing Constitutional Context
Authors: Snell Jukka , Jaakkola Jussi
Published: May 2017

In this article we explore the claim that the four freedoms of the EU lead to the inevitable erosion of the capacity of Member States to collect tax, undermining national systems of welfare and solidarity. We argue that European tax integration has undergone a significant change during the last ten years or so, with a judicial, regulatory and legislative response by Union institutions. First, the Court of Justice has recalibrated some of the basic concepts it applies when reviewing the European constitutionality of national tax norms. Second, the Commission has utilised state aid rules to attack targeted tax competition. Third, important legislative initiatives have been adopted or proposed to safeguard Member State taxing capacities. The new phase is influenced by the changed constitutional context of the recent enlargements and the Eurozone crises, which may increase the supply of and demand for tax integration.
From Resource to Burden: Rescaling Solidarity with Strangers in the Single Market
Authors: Sankari Suvi , Frerichs Sabine
Published: May 2017

‘Organised solidarity’ of a mediated legal form constitutes the backbone of the modern welfare state built on solidarity between strangers. The interplay between the single market and the national social systems is key in defining who owes what to whom under the ‘transnationalised’ European solidarity. Free movement rights have increased the ‘entanglement’ of national social systems' revenue and expenditure sides, considered to jeopardise their steering capacity. As a corollary to free movement, transnational solidarity does not take place beyond or between national welfare states, but rather within: as solidarity with strangers. Here transnational solidarity is applied by way of a sociological framework to trace the evolutionary path of free movement of persons as it fluctuates between ‘commodification’ and ‘decommodification’. Against that backdrop, this article reviews whether a paradigm shift is currently promoted as to the question where solidarity with strangers begins and ends.
Speciation history of a species complex of Primulina eburnea (Gesneriaceae) from limestone karsts of southern China, a biodiversity hot spot
Authors: Wang Jing , Ai Bin , Kong Hanghui , Kang Ming
Published: May 2017

Limestone karsts in southern China are characterized by high edaphic and topographic heterogeneity and host high levels of species richness and endemism. However, the evolutionary mechanisms for generating such biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we performed species delimitation, population genetic analyses, simulations of gene flow and analyses of floral morphological traits to infer the geographic history of speciation in a species complex of Primulina eburnea from limestone karsts of southern China. Using Bayesian species delimitation, we determined that there are seven distinct species that correspond well to the putative morphological species. Species tree reconstruction, Structure and Neighbor‐Net analyses all recovered four lineages in agreement with currently species geographic boundaries. High levels of genetic differentiation were observed both within and among species. Isolation–migration coalescent analysis provides evidence for significant but low gene flow among species. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analysis supports a scenario of historical gene flow rather than recent contemporary gene flow for most species divergences. Finally, we found no evidence of divergent selection contributing to population differentiation of a suite of flower traits. These results support the prevalence of allopatric speciation and highlight the role of geographic isolation in the diversification process. At small geographic scales, limited hybridization occurred in the past between proximate populations but did not eliminate species boundaries. We conclude that limited gene flow might have been the predominant evolutionary force in promoting population differentiation and speciation.
Oceans of magma: Large Igneous Provinces (LIPS) and plumes
Authors: Brooks Kent
Published: May 2017

The Mt St Helens eruption of 1989 created world news and called forth expressions from journalists such as ‘the unbelievable power of Nature’ and ‘incredible powers of destruction’. Yet, this eruption pales into insignificance in the light of earlier volcanic events. Mt St Helens is estimated to have produced 1.2 cubic kilometres of solid material. Laki, in Iceland, is the most voluminous eruption in historic times and is estimated to have produced around 14 cubic kilometres of lava in 1783 to 1784. However, geologists know of older single eruptions that produced hundreds or even thousands of cubic kilometers of solid material and here I tell of a volcanic event that resulted in between one and ten million cubic kilometres of material in just a couple of million years or so. If this occurred at the present day it would almost certainly wipe out mankind and, indeed, earlier mass extinction events are ascribed to similar phenomena which have happened several times in the past. These events created ‘Large Igneous Provinces’ (LIPs) and here I concentrate on part of one of these to give an impression of their nature, examining what might be the cause of such enormous amounts of magma.
Flooding: is it really getting worse?
Authors: Yorke Lynda
Published: May 2017

Flooding appears to be an increasing issue in the UK, Europe and worldwide. Since 2000, the UK has experienced severe floods in York (2000), Cornwall (2004), Cumbria (2005), Hull (2007), Cumbria (2009), North Wales (2012) and UK (2013/14) (Fig. ). These floods have occurred during the summer, autumn and winter periods, and have caused countless issues to the public, infrastructure and the government. Based on recent events it could be said that flooding is getting worse, but is that really the case?