bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of bio-inspired control of AmphiHex-I in detection ofOncomelania hupensis, the amphibious snail intermediate host ofSchistosoma japonicum
Authors: Zhou Youcheng , Zhong Bin , Fang Tao , Liu Jiming , Zhou Xiaonong , Zhang Shiwu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to construct a central pattern generator (CPG) network that comprises coupled nonlinear oscillators to implement diversified locomotion gaits of robot AmphiHex-I. With the gaits, AmphiHex-I will have a strong locomotion ability in an amphibious environment, which is motivated by a novel public health application to detect the amphibious snail,Oncomelania hupensis, the snail intermediate host ofSchistosoma japonicum, as an amphibious robot-based tool for schistosomiasis surveillance and response in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the basis neural network was built by adopting six Hopf nonlinear oscillators which corresponded to six legs. Then, the correlation between the self-excited harmonic output signals generated from CPGs and various gaits was established. In view of requirements on its field application, the authors added a telecontrol system and an on-board battery to support the real-life remote control and a high-definition camera and a global positioning system module to acquire images and position information. Finally, the authors conducted the testing experiments on several tasks, e.g. detecting the distribution ofOncomelania hupensissnails.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the CPG is effective in controlling the robot’s diversified locomotion gaits. In addition, the robot is capable of fulfilling several testing tasks in the experiments.

Originality/value

The research provides a method based on CPG to control a hexapod robot with multiple motion patterns, which can effectively overcome the difficulty of motion control simply by changing certain mathematical parameters of a nonlinear equation, such as frequency, phase difference and offset angle, so as to realize the gait transitions. Also, using such a robot to probe the distribution of snails offers another way to tackle this laborious job, especially in some odious terrains, which will hence broaden the application of AmphiHex-I to vector surveillance in the fields of public health.
Kinematic calibration of a 3-DOF parallel tool head
Authors: Liu Yuzhe , Wu Jun , Wang Liping , Wang Jinsong , Wang Dong , Yu Guang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a modified parameter identification method and a novel measurement method to calibrate a 3 degrees-of-freedom (3-DOF) parallel tool head. This parallel tool head is a parallel mechanism module in a five-axes hybrid machine tool. The proposed parameter identification method is named as the Modified Singular Value Decomposition (MSVD) method. It aims to overcome the difficulty of choosing the algorithm parameter in the regularization identification method. The novel measurement method is named as the vector projection (VP) method which is developed to expand the measurement range of self-made measurement implements.

Design/methodology/approach

Newton Iterative Algorithm based on Least Square Method is analyzed by using the Singular Value Decomposition method. Based on the analysis result, the MSVD method is proposed. The VP method transforms the angle measurement into the displacement measurement by taking full advantage of the ability that the 3-DOF parallel tool head can move in the X – Y plane.

Findings

The kinematic calibration approach is verified by calibration simulations, a Rotation Tool Center Point accuracy test and an experiment of machining an “S”-shaped test specimen.

Originality/value

The kinematic calibration approach with the MSVD method and VP method could be successfully applied to the 3-DOF parallel tool head and other 3-DOF parallel mechanisms.
Which impedance strategy is the most effective for cooperative object manipulation?
Authors: Zarafshan Payam , Larimi Reza , Moosavian S. Ali A. , Siciliano Bruno
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comparison study of cooperative object manipulation control algorithms. To this end, a full comprehensive survey of the existing control algorithms in this field is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

Cooperative manipulation occurs when manipulators are mechanically coupled to the object being manipulated, and the manipulators may not be treated as an isolated system. The most important and basic impedance control (IC) strategies for an assumed cooperative object manipulation task are the Augmented Object Model (AOM) control and the multiple impedance control (MIC) which are found based on the IC, where the former is designed based on the object movement, and the latter is designed based on the whole robot movement. Thus, the basis of these two algorithms are fully studied.

Findings

The results are fully analyzed, and it is practically verified that the MIC algorithm has the better performance. In fact, the results reveal that the MIC system could successfully perform the object manipulation task, as opposed to the AOM controller: for the same controller gains, the MIC strategy showed better performance than the AOM strategy. This means that because there is no control on the robot base with the AOM algorithm, the object manipulation task cannot be satisfactorily performed whenever the desired path is not within the robot work space. On the other hand, with the MIC algorithm, satisfactory object manipulation is achieved for a mobile robotic system in which the robot base, the manipulator endpoints and the manipulated object shall be moved.

Practical implications

A simple conceptual model for cooperative object manipulation is considered, and a suitable setup is designed for practical implementation of the two ICs.

Originality/value

The basis of these two aspects or these two algorithms is fully studied and compared which is the foundation of this paper. For this purpose, a case study is considered, in which a space free-flying robotic system, which contains two 2-degrees of freedom planar cooperative manipulators, is simulated to manipulate an object using the above control strategies. The system also includes a rotating antenna and camera as its third and fourth arm. Finally, a simple conceptual model for cooperative object manipulation is considered, and a suitable setup is designed for practical implementation of the two ICs.
Building brand loyalty in e-commerce of fashion lingerie
Authors: Sanchez Torres Javier A. , Arroyo-Cañada Francisco-Javier
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to know if the loyalty of online purchasing is determined by the final perceptions of product quality and brand reputation in the online community of lingerie customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an exploratory model which aspects in previous studies have evaluated satisfaction, loyalty and trust in electronic shopping, in order to examine whether the customer’s perception of the quality and innovation of the final product sold through e-commerce and reputation in the examined was made “Virtual Community” are key factors in creating loyalty. The sample was obtained from a lingerie company which sells its products in Europe in the website leonisa.com, the data were analysed with the software SmartPLS, validating the proposed relationships between customer perceptions on the purchased product and loyalty to the brand.

Findings

The results demonstrate theoretical conceptions regarding product characteristics (Quality, Innovation and Satisfaction), and constructs brand (Virtual Community, Reputation and Trust).

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a case study for a specific brand as exploratory research in the lingerie industry, this must be validated with this type of product for other companies.

Practical implications

This research has elements of support for management, companies will turn attention to the satisfaction of consumers and to maintain goods levels of reputation in the virtual community.

Social implications

This research shows a real case of the correct implementation of brand strategy, detailing how customers are valued and therefore provides valuable information for customers and companies.

Originality/value

This exploratory study provides a new analysis of product quality factors that were not directly related to the loyalty of electronic purchasing, also, it allows the fashion industry to have elements of support for management and quality control, and that hypotheses relating to the product quality and loyalty in the electronic shopping is confirmed.
Predictors of purchase intention toward green apparel products
Authors: Bong Ko Seung , Jin Byoungho
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ purchase intention toward green apparel products using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Specifically, this study aimed to compare US and Chinese consumers to understand how green apparel behaviors differ by a country’s green market status and cultural differences.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing two antecedents, man-nature orientation and environmental knowledge into the TPB framework, a theoretical model was proposed and tested to explain how and to what extent each variable affected the purchase intention of US and Chinese consumers. To compare the two countries consumers’ purchase intention, moderating effects were proposed. To test this model, a total of 437 valid data sets were collected at universities in the USA and China.

Findings

Findings indicated that the subjective norm was found to have the highest direct influence on purchase intention in both countries. Regarding internal perceived behavioral control (PBC) and external PBC, internal PBC was important for purchase intention in the US consumers while external PBC significantly influenced purchase intention among Chinese consumers. For the USA, two indirect antecedents to purchase intention (man-nature orientation and environmental knowledge) positively influenced variables in the TPB. In contrast, for China, the path between man-nature orientation and attitude toward green apparel products was not supported, but all other paths were supported. Only environmental knowledge (indirect antecedent) positively influenced internal PBC. Country moderating effects were not tested because of lack of supported evidence of invariance tests.

Originality/value

This study is an empirical research that focuses on purchase intention of green apparel products rather than on the production of green textiles, a topic that has received considerable attention in previous studies. This research is based on TPB with specified indirect antecedents to purchase intention. By testing the proposed model, the study explains the paths from two indirect antecedents (i.e. man-nature orientation and environmental knowledge) to the intent to purchase green apparel products. Therefore, academically, this study contributes to understanding the interrelationships among the factors that lead to purchase intention of green apparel products.
Happiness, altruism and the Prius effect
Authors: Reimers Vaughan , Magnuson Bryce , Chao Fred
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Academic research and consumer polls often report strong consumer support for environmentally responsible products (ERPs), and yet the proportion of sales they account for is often comparatively small. The purpose of this paper is to address one of the purported reasons behind this “attitude-behaviour gap” by measuring the influence of six relatively untested factors on consumer attitudes towards environmentally responsible clothing (ERC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a consumer household sample. It also used a quantitative survey approach to collect its data and structural equation modelling to analyse it.

Findings

Of the six factors, four were found to have a significant influence on consumer attitudes: altruism, status enhancement, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and happiness.

Originality/value

Altruism, environmental concern, PCE and self-identity have consistently featured in other environmental contexts, but less so in the specific context of ERC. Happiness and status enhancement have yet to appear in any study relating to the purchase of ERPs.
The classification of supplier selection criteria with respect to lean or agile manufacturing strategies
Authors: El Mokadem Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how manufacturing strategies could affect the supplier selection criteria used by business firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey strategy was used to empirically understand the research argument. First, principal component factor analysis was employed to validate the underlying structure of the supplier selection criteria. Then, simple regression analysis was employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Organizations pursuing lean strategies will emphasize factors that improve their efficiency when selecting their suppliers, while organizations pursuing agile strategies will assert factors that improve their ability to respond to customer unique requirements when selecting their suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides new insight for researchers to understand the effect of manufacturing strategies on the classification of supplier selection criteria. However, the small sample size might limit the ability to generalize research findings. Further research is required to confirm the findings using a wider sample.

Practical implications

This research provides practitioners with useful insights into how to select their suppliers based on their manufacturing strategies.

Originality/value

This paper classifies supplier selection criteria into three distinct groups: lean, agile, and common capabilities. Lean capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for lean implementers. Agile capability refers to the list of criteria that are highly relevant in selecting suppliers for agile implementers. Finally, common capability refers to the list of criteria that have comparable relevance in selecting suppliers for both lean and agile implementers.
Evaluation of agility in supply chains: a case study of an Indian manufacturing organization
Authors: Singh Patel Bharat , Samuel Cherian , Sharma S.K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a case study carried out to assess the agility and identify obstacles to agility in a supply chain. A human perception-based framework is used for the calculation of agility. The case study was carried out in a North India-based manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the concept of a multi-grade fuzzy logic approach is used. Using this concept, the overall agility index has been determined. The fuzzy logic approach has been used to overcome the disadvantages such as impreciseness and vagueness using a scoring method.

Findings

From the analysis, it is observed that the organization on which the study was performed is “very agile.” After evaluating the agility level, the fuzzy performance importance index is calculated, which helps to identify the barriers of agility in the supply chain. These barriers help decision makers to implement appropriate improvement measures for improving agility level. Overall, 11 barriers were identified in the study.

Research limitations/implications

Managers of the contemporary manufacturing organization have to measure the agility level of the organization and identify barriers to agility in order to survive in a competitive environment. The obstacles identified in this study are used to improve the performance of the organization. The enterprise should improve on the weak areas in order to achieve the highest agility level.

Originality/value

The agile supply chain (ASC) enablers proposed by previous researchers are not sufficient for the evaluation of agility of a supply chain. There are a few more ASC enablers such as customer satisfaction, flexibility and adaptability that also play a vital role in making a supply chain agile. Adding these three ASC enablers, a total of seven ASC enablers along with their attributes are being considered for the development of a conceptual model.
A review of professionalism within LIS
Authors: Cannon Paul
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of professionalism within Library and Information Science (LIS) and in doing so draw comparisons with the education and medicine professions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review of the extant literature from the three professions and gives a brief review of the theoretical constructs of professional knowledge using the work of Eisner and Eraut to explore knowledge types. It then relates these definitions to knowledge use within LIS, education and medicine, before examining the roles that professional associations have on the knowledge development of a profession. It concludes with a reflection on the future of professionalism within LIS.

Findings

The literature suggests a fragmented epistemological knowledge-base and threats to its practices from outside professions. It does, however, find opportunities to redefine its knowledge boundaries within the phronetic practices of LIS and in socio-cultural uses of knowledge. It finds strengths and weaknesses in professionalism within LIS and its practitioners.

Originality/value

This review provides a contemporary update to several earlier, related, works and provides useful context to current efforts to professionalise LIS by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Catch-22
Authors: Kaarsted Thomas
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Services to researchers are a key strategic focus point for academic libraries. In many cases these services are linked to performance management systems. However, this kind of system for measuring scholarly research has unintended side effects and may demotivate researchers on a number of levels. This presents somewhat of a catch-22 for research libraries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Bibliometric Research Indicator (BRI) in Denmark, show why the researchers may feel demotivated, outline the dilemmas and the effects on libraries, and present a possible course of action.

Design/methodology/approach

At least 14 countries have implemented performance management systems for researchers. The impact has been the topic of several – primarily quantitative – studies, e.g., in Denmark. The analysis is made by means of a qualitative study (interviews with 43 Danish researchers), using motivation crowding as well as self-determination theory to further explore their motives and experiences, to determine whether these factors have any influence on their experience of the BRI.

Findings

The analysis confirms earlier studies which showed that researchers as a whole do not see the BRI as supportive and that this kind of system may have unintended side effects. Unintended side effects include pressure, limitation of freedom, a drop in the perceived standard of research, the slicing of articles, negative collegial behavior as well as borderline academic theft. In connection researchers do not see the incentives or rewards given by the system as supportive.

Research limitations/implications

This BRI study is made within only one country and as these systems tend to vary not only from country to country but also with incomparability within faculties and institutes, further studies might expose different patterns. However, as the results fit a more general trend within the research area, the takeaways could potentially prove useful for research libraries in general. Furthermore it could be beneficial to research libraries in general to get a clearer understanding of the role they play, which in part could be done by surveying them on this subject.

Practical implications

The finding presents potential dilemmas for research libraries, as they might get caught in the crossfire between expectations or demands from the university management and the hope and dreams from individual scholars with the risk of unintentionally alienating a key target group. Thus, a possible course of action is outlined including focus points and target areas for libraries.

Originality/value

This paper presents original research with some key findings with a focus on the dilemmas for research libraries with regard to BRI-like systems, strategic management and performance measurement.
Leadership and leadership development in academic libraries: a review
Authors: Wong Gabrielle Ka Wai
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight academic librarians’ understanding of leadership and leadership development, with the aim to shed light on further research that can inform and improve practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review on academic library leadership was conducted. Particular attention was placed on the three common leadership modes in academic libraries: emergent leadership, team leadership and headship. The review covers librarians’ conception of leadership, desirable leadership capabilities and existing leadership development.

Findings

Librarians view leadership as a process of influence, and understand that leadership does not only come from formal leaders. Lacking is a more structured knowledge of what constitute effect leadership. In the literature, team and emergent leadership have not been adequately explored; most leadership research in the field takes on a headship approach.

Research limitations/implications

The publications reviewed were selective; not all papers on the topic were included.

Practical implications

Featuring the three leadership modes brings librarians’ attention to the crucial differences among them; and hence directs future discussion to a more focused approach that addresses each leadership mode specifically.

Originality/value

This paper differs from previous literature reviews on library leadership; it is the first one comparing and contrasting publications using the three leadership modes.
In situ electrochemical enrichment and isolation of a magnetite‐reducing bacterium from a high pH serpentinizing spring
Authors: Rowe Annette R. , Yoshimura Miho , LaRowe Doug E. , Bird Lina J. , Amend Jan P. , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Nealson Kenneth H. , Okamoto Akihiro
Published: March 2017

Serpentinization is a geologic process that produces highly reduced, hydrogen‐rich fluids that support microbial communities under high pH conditions. We investigated the activity of microbes capable of extracellular electron transfer in a terrestrial serpentinizing system known as ‘The Cedars’. Measuring current generation with an on‐site two‐electrode system, we observed daily oscillations in current with the current maxima and minima occurring during daylight hours. Distinct members of the microbial community were enriched. Current generation in lab‐scale electrochemical reactors did not oscillate, but was correlated with carbohydrate amendment in Cedars‐specific minimal media. Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes were consistently enriched from lab electrochemical systems on δ‐MnO2 and amorphous Fe(OH)3 at pH 11. However, isolation of an electrogenic strain proved difficult as transfer cultures failed to grow after multiple rounds of media transfer. Lowering the bulk pH in the media allowed us to isolate a Firmicutes strain (Paenibacillus sp.). This strain was capable of electrode and mineral reduction (including magnetite) at pH 9. This report provides evidence of the in situ activity of microbes using extracellular substrates as sinks for electrons at The Cedars, but also highlights the potential importance of community dynamics for supporting microbial life through either carbon fixation, and/or moderating pH stress.
Temporal and spatial variations in the composition of freshwater photosynthetic picoeukaryotes revealed by MiSeq sequencing from flow cytometry sorted samples
Authors: Li Shengnan , Bronner Gisèle , Lepère Cécile , Kong Fanxiang , Shi Xiaoli
Published: March 2017

The diversity and composition of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) in two large shallow lakes in China (Lake Taihu and Lake Chaohu) were investigated from flow cytometry sorted samples using Miseq high‐throughput sequencing. We collected 65 samples covering different regions of the two lakes over four seasons to unveil spatial and temporal patterns of PPEs community composition. The use of flow cytometry sorting largely improved the efficiency of detecting PPEs sequences and over 70% of the retrieved reads belonged to PPEs. Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta dominated PPEs in most of the samples. A distinct but complex seasonality of PPEs composition emerged at the OTUs level. NGS‐based Miseq sequencing facilitates an in‐depth view of numerous rare OTUs. Nearly 80% of the PPEs OTUs were rare and lots of them were detected only in one season, whereas most of the abundant OTUs were frequently detected in all seasons but only changed in relative abundances. Besides, a close relative of the marine PPEs species Ostreococcus sp. (OTU_1144, 99% identity) was discovered in freshwater systems for the first time and was abundant especially in winter. The diversity and community composition of PPEs were more dependent on season rather than sampling sites. Temperature, phycocyanin and NO3N concentrations in Lake Taihu explained the PPE composition variations, whereas in Lake Chaohu TN/TP ratios, temperature, pH and nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) seemed to be the most important factors. In addition, a great number of OTUs belong to nonpigmented picoeukaryotes, especially Chytridiomycota, Perkinsozoa, Ciliophora and Cercozoa, which are known to include algae parasites as well as predators. The results of mantel test also showed that the community of photosynthetic and nonpigmented picoeukaryotes were significantly correlated in both lakes.
Aquatic adaptation of a laterally acquired pectin degradation pathway in marine gammaproteobacteria
Authors: Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik , Truong Le Van , Unfried Frank , Welsch Norma , Kabisch Johannes , Heiden Stefan E. , Junker Sabryna , Becher Dörte , Thürmer Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Amann Rudolf , Schweder Thomas
Published: March 2017

Mobile genomic islands distribute functional traits between microbes and habitats, yet it remains unclear how their proteins adapt to new environments. Here we used a comparative phylogenomic and proteomic approach to show that the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis ANT/505 acquired a genomic island with a functional pathway for pectin catabolism. Bioinformatics and biochemical experiments revealed that this pathway encodes a series of carbohydrate‐active enzymes including two multi‐modular pectate lyases, PelA and PelB. PelA is a large enzyme with a polysaccharide lyase family 1 (PL1) domain and a carbohydrate esterase family 8 domain, and PelB contains a PL1 domain and two carbohydrate‐binding domains of family 13. Comparative phylogenomic analyses indicate that the pathway was most likely acquired from terrestrial microbes, yet we observed multi‐modular orthologues only in marine bacteria. Proteomic experiments showed that P. haloplanktis ANT/505 secretes both pectate lyases into the environment in the presence of pectin. These multi‐modular enzymes may therefore represent a marine innovation that enhances physical interaction with pectins to reduce loss of substrate and enzymes by diffusion. Our results revealed that marine bacteria can catabolize pectin, and highlight enzyme fusion as a potential adaptation that may facilitate microbial consumption of polymeric substrates in aquatic environments.
Two eisosome proteins play opposite roles in autophagic control and sustain cell integrity, function and pathogenicity in Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zhang Long‐Bin , Tang Li , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: March 2017

Pil1A and Pil1B are two core eisosome proteins that are homologous to yeast Pil1/Lsp1 or filamentous fungal Pil1A/Pil1B but have been unexplored in entomopathogenic fungi. Here we examined subcellular localization and functions of Pil1A and Pil1B in Beauveria bassiana, a fungal insect pathogen. Either localization or co‐localization experiments of the two proteins demonstrated that Pil1A and Pil1B were simultaneously localized at the periphery of hyphal cells for formation of stable, punctuate spots in B. bassiana. This is different from a reliance of proper Lsp1/Pil1B localization upon Pil1/Pil1A in other fungi. Deletions of pil1A and pil1B caused opposite changes in expression of many autophagy‐related genes and formation of intravacuolar autophagosomes. Such opposite changes were restored to nearly normal status by exogenous rapamycin, implicating a link of Pil1A/B to the target of rapamycin signalling pathway. All single/double deletion mutants of pil1A and pil1B lost almost all pathogenicity due to reduced ability to secrete Pr1 proteases for cuticle degradation. They also showed differential changes in cell wall integrity and multiple stress responses. These findings unveil opposite roles for Pil1A and Pil1B in autophagic regulation and an essentiality of both for cell integrity, function and pathogenicity of the fungal entomopathogen.
A novel, highly conserved metallothionein family in basidiomycete fungi and characterization of two representativeSlMTaandSlMTbgenes in the ectomycorrhizal fungusSuillus luteus
Authors: Nguyen Hoai , Rineau François , Vangronsveld Jaco , Cuypers Ann , Colpaert Jan V. , Ruytinx Joske
Published: March 2017

The basidiomyceteSuillus luteusis an important member of the ectomycorrhizal community that thrives in heavy metal polluted soils covered with pioneer pine forests. This study aimed to identify potential heavy metal chelators inS. luteus. Two metallothionein (MT) coding genes,SlMTaandSlMTb, were identified. When heterologously expressed in yeast, bothSlMTaandSlMTbcan rescue the Cu sensitive mutant from Cu toxicity. InS. luteus, transcription of bothSlMTaandSlMTbis induced by Cu but not Cd or Zn. Several putative Cu‐sensing and metal‐response elements are present in the promoter sequences. These results indicate that SlMTa and SlMTb function as Cu‐thioneins. Homologs of theS. luteusMTs are present in 49 species belonging to 10 different orders of the subphylum Agaricomycotina and are remarkably conserved. The length of the proteins, number and distribution of cysteine residues indicate a novel family of fungal MTs. The ubiquitous and highly conserved features of these MTs suggest that they are important for basic cellular functions in species in the subphylum Agaricomycotina.
Effectiveness of progesterone, cerclage and pessary for preventing preterm birth in singleton pregnancies: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jarde A , Lutsiv O , Park CK , Beyene J , Dodd JM , Barrett J , Shah PS , Cook JL , Saito S , Biringer AB , Sabatino L , Giglia L , Han Z , Staub K , Mundle W , Chamberlain J , McDonald SD
Published: March 2017

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant death, but it is unclear which intervention is best to prevent it.

Objectives

To compare progesterone, cerclage and pessary, determine their relative effects and rank them.

Search strategy

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science (to April 2016), without restrictions, and screened references of previous reviews.

Selection criteria

We included randomised trials of progesterone, cerclage or pessary for preventing PTB in women with singleton pregnancies at risk as defined by each study.

Data collection and analysis

We extracted data by duplicate using a piloted form and performed Bayesian random‐effects network meta‐analyses and pairwise meta‐analyses. We rated evidence quality using GRADE, ranked interventions using SUCRA and calculated numbers needed to treat (NNT).

Main results

We included 36 trials (9425 women; 25 low risk of bias trials). Progesterone ranked first or second for most outcomes, reducing PTB < 34 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 0.44; 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.22–0.79; NNT 9; low quality], <37 weeks (OR 0.58; 95% CrI 0.41–0.79; NNT 9; moderate quality), and neonatal death (OR 0.50; 95% CrI 0.28–0.85; NNT 35; high quality), compared with control, in women overall at risk. We found similar results in the subgroup with previous PTB, but only a reduction of PTB < 34 weeks in women with a short cervix. Pessary showed inconsistent benefit and cerclage did not reduce PTB < 37 or <34 weeks.

Conclusions

Progesterone was the best intervention for preventing PTB in singleton pregnancies at risk, reducing PTB < 34 weeks, <37 weeks, neonatal demise and other sequelae.

Tweetable abstract

Progesterone was better than cerclage and pessary to prevent preterm birth, neonatal death and more in network meta‐analysis.
Population‐level incidence and monitoring of adverse drug reactions with long‐term amiodarone therapy
Authors: Rankin Stephen , Elder Douglas H. , Ogston Simon , George Jacob , Lang Chim C. , Choy Anna Maria
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Amiodarone is associated with significant long‐lasting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Guidelines recommend laboratory monitoring during long‐term use. However, data of compliance with laboratory monitoring are lacking.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess laboratory monitoring of liver and thyroid function during amiodarone prescribing from 1989 to 2011 in the Tayside, UK, population (approximately 400 000) in relation to National Guidelines recommending laboratory monitoring every 6 months. We also report the population‐level incidence of abnormal liver and thyroid function in relation to total exposure of amiodarone.

Methods

Utilizing well‐established record‐linkage database, a longitudinal retrospective analysis of 1413 patients on long‐term amiodarone was carried out, analyzing prescribing, biochemical, and clinical data.

Results

Forty‐six percent (46%), 28%, and 21% of patients underwent liver, thyroid, and combined testing, respectively, in accordance with guideline recommendations. Thirteen percent and 17% of patients did not have any ALT or TSH testing, respectively. During follow‐up, 117 (9.5%) patients had an ALT 3×ULN and 16% patients had an abnormal TSH, (n=125, <0.4 mU/L and n=28, >10 mU/L). One hundred and forty patients (10%) required thyroxine replacement therapy, and 40 (3%) required on hyperthyroid medication. Total amiodarone exposure increased the likelihood of abnormal biochemical testing 2.5‐fold after 4 years therapy for liver and thyroid function (P<.0005).

Conclusion

In this population‐based study, adherence to laboratory monitoring guidelines was suboptimal. There was a positive correlation with total amiodarone exposure and biochemical abnormalities and development of thyroid disease compared to the general population, highlighting the need for improvement and continued amiodarone monitoring.
Radar wind profilers and avian migration: a qualitative and quantitative assessment verified by thermal imaging and moon watching
Authors: Weisshaupt Nadja , Lehmann Volker , Arizaga Juan , Maruri Mercedes
Published: March 2017

Radars of various types have been used in ornithological research for about 70 years. However, the potential of radar wind profiler (RWP) as a tool for biological purposes remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to assess the suitability of RWP for ornithological research questions.

A 1290 MHz RWP at the south‐eastern coast of the Bay of Biscay has been known to exhibit seasonally occurring nocturnal signals attributed to migrating birds. As a first step to verify the origin of these seasonal patterns, historical radar data from 2010 to 2012 were analysed, and both bird patterns and temporal occurrence were identified in RWP data at different levels of the signal processing. A thermal‐imaging (TI) camera in conjunction with moon watching was used as verification systems at the radar site to confirm the ornithological origin of the radar echoes. The simultaneous data on spring migration served as a basis for the identification of biological signatures (qualitative parameters) on time‐series level (raw data) and to derive quantitative migration parameters (flight altitude, migration traffic rates) thereof. Finally, the quantitative measurements of the TI camera and the radar were compared considering meteorological conditions.

The approach allowed identifying reproducible criteria based on time series to calculate migration traffic rates and altitudinal flight distribution. General flight directions were only available in the final wind data. In clear weather conditions, the calibration methods coincided well with the wind profiler data.

Findings show that wind profiler raw data offer reliable information on migration intensity, flight altitudes and flight directions in a variety of meteorological conditions. The method presented can be applied as a complement to present efforts to use weather radars for large‐scale bird monitoring. Furthermore, it is also interesting for the meteorological community to refine signal‐processing methods.
Managing the oral side‐effects of medications used to treat multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cockburn N , Pateman K , Taing MW , Pradhan A , Ford PJ
Published: March 2017

Background

Many medications used to manage multiple sclerosis (MS) affect oral health. This review aimed to identify the oral side‐effects of the current drugs recommended in Australia to treat MS and make dental practitioners aware of the range of symptoms.

Methods

The Australian Therapeutic Guidelines and the Australian Medicines Handbook were searched for medications used to treat MS. For each medication, the generic name, class, route of administration, dosage and drug company reported side‐effects were extracted from the online Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMs) database. Meyler's Side‐effect of Drugs Encyclopaedia was used to identify any additional oral adverse reactions to medications used to treat MS.

Results

Fourteen drugs were identified for the treatment of MS progression and 13 drugs for the treatment of MS symptoms. For these medications, 18 oral side‐effects were documented: xerostomia was the most common, followed by dysgeusia, dysphagia, mouth ulceration and sinusitis. Anticholinergic drugs caused xerostomia while immunosuppressants resulted in more infection‐related side‐effects.

Conclusions

Dental practitioners should be aware of the range of symptoms likely to be reported by this population. Clinicians are encouraged to continue providing dental care for their patients who develop MS and refer complex cases to specialists.
Efficacy of icotinib in lung squamous‐cell cancer: A real‐world experience from single institution
Authors: Xu Jianping , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Sheng , Zhang Xiangru , Shi Yuankai
Published: March 2017

Aim

Squamous cell carcinoma is a less common type of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which associates with a poor clinical prognosis and lacks specific therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of icotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has proven to be effective in EGFR‐mutated NSCLC, in patients with lung squamous‐cell cancer.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted in patients who had advanced lung squamous‐cell cancer confirmed by cytology or histology. Patients were treated orally with icotinib (125 mg, three times daily) until event of unacceptable toxicity, disease progression or death. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival, overall response rate and disease control rate.

Results

Between January 2014 and May 2016, 20 patients were enrolled and evaluated for the efficacy and safety of icotinib. Overall, the median overall survival and progression‐free survival were 9.93 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.46–16.40) and 3.0 months (95% CI: 0.00–8.35), respectively. The overall response rate and disease control rate were 20% and 70%, respectively. For treatment‐naive patients (n = 11), the overall survival and progression‐free survival were 9.93 months (95% CI: 0.00–23.49) and 6.27 months (95% CI: 0.00–12.61); the response rate and disease control rate were 27.3% and 54.5%, respectively. The overall survival and progression‐free survival of patients treated with second‐ or multiple‐line icotinib treatment (n = 9) were 6.5 months (95% CI: 0.80–12.20) and 1.2 months (95% CI: 1.10–1.30). A total of 11 patients experienced at least one treatment‐related adverse event, most of which were mild to moderate. The most common manifestations were rash (n = 6, 30%) followed by diarrhea (n = 2, 10%).

Conclusion

Icotinib has demonstrated a favorable efficacy and safety profile in patients with advanced lung squamous‐cell cancer.
Pre‐treatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hsieh Amy Hsin‐Chieh , Tahkar Harminder , Koczwara Bogda , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Beckmann Kerri , Karapetis Christos , Sukumaran Shawgi
Published: March 2017

Background

Small cell lung cancer is a rapidly progressive disease with high fatality. No sensitive and specific biomarker to assist in managing this disease exists currently.

Aim

Role of pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker in small cell lung cancer.

Methods

A hospital‐based cancer registry was used to identify eligible patients from 1999 to 2009. Demographic data, lactate dehydrogenase level and clinical outcome of patients were collected for analysis.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐eight patients were identified: 61% (n = 103) males and 39% (n = 65) females. Majority had extensive stage (67%). High lactate dehydrogenase (≥230 U/L) was present in 60.4% (n = 75); mean reading 260 U/L (range 148–898 U/L) in limited stage and 470 U/L (range 116–5462 U/L) in extensive stage. Extensive stage patients with high lactate dehydrogenase had lower treatment response rate compared to those with normal lactate dehydrogenase (39% vs 79%, P = 0.002); no difference in treatment response was seen among patients with limited stage. High lactate dehydrogenase conferred a worse survival; mean overall survivals in limited and extensive stage were 8.0 and 5.2 months, respectively, in patients with elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Those with normal lactate dehydrogenase had an overall survival of 16.5 and 8.2 months, respectively. The association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex and treatment (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.16–2.80, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

High pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase is a prognostic marker of survival in both stages of small cell lung cancer. It is also a predictive marker of response to therapy in extensive stage. Larger prospective studies to validate our findings would be beneficial.
Counselling regarding paternal exposures: Can we do better?
Authors: Ritchie Helen Elizabeth , Oakes Diana Joy , Hegedus Elizabeth , Hill Majella , Kennedy Debra
Published: March 2017

Background

MotherSafe is a free telephone‐based counselling service for the general public and healthcare providers concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calls relating to paternal exposures are less common, but can cause distress to the person concerned. This review seeks to identify the key concerns and what information is available to address these concerns.

Aims

To review calls made to MotherSafe about paternal exposures to teratogens during the 16 year period, 2000–2015, and to document any patterns or changes in calls over the period.

Materials and methods

A retrospective descriptive assessment of a prospectively collected database (2000–2015) was undertaken. Telephone counselling records identified the drugs of concern regarding paternal exposures. The information about paternal exposures provided in consumer and production information was also reviewed.

Results

Of a total of 253 103 calls received at MotherSafe between 2000 and 2015, 1072 calls (0.4%) were regarding paternal exposures. The majority of these calls related to immunomodifiers (19%), hair loss products (11%) and antidepressant medications.

Conclusions

Paternal exposures represent a small proportion of all the counselling calls made to MotherSafe. The study highlighted the deficient and often misleading information about paternal exposures found in most consumer and product information sheets or via the internet. The study indicates the important role of Teratogen Information Services like Mothersafe in providing evidence‐based information to both consumers and healthcare providers.
EFFECT OF PRIVATIZATION AND BROADER REFORMS ON LABOUR USE ADJUSTMENTS AND EFFICIENCY
Authors: GHULAM Yaseen
Published: March 2017

State‐owned firms were said to have an excessive use of labour. The cost of job losses after privatization was debated but ignored due to perceived efficiency gains in the utilization of labour. We estimate longer time employment risk, labour use adjustment and the efficiency of labour utilization in the Pakistani cement industry. We conclude that firms have made significant adjustments in labour use and employment risks have indeed reduced. Our estimates however, show that long run labour use efficiency in the industry and in the privatized firms has not improved, but that, surprisingly, firms set‐up and operated privately have experienced a decrease in labour efficiency.
Hydraulic Evaluation of the Design and Operation of Ancient Rome's Anio Novus Aqueduct
Authors: Motta D. , Keenan‐Jones D. , Garcia M. H. , Fouke B. W.
Published: March 2017

This paper evaluates conveyance and flow characteristics for the Anio Novus, the aqueduct bringing water from the greatest distance to ancient Rome. Travertine accumulations, deposited from water on floor and walls, were used to reconstruct the flow rate and associated spatial and temporal variations. Hydraulic quantities (e.g., flow depth and velocity) markedly varied over the course of the aqueduct, implying that constraints such as topography and construction techniques were combined with hydraulic considerations to determine the aqueduct layout. Design practices differed along the aqueduct and channel size design was not based exclusively on anticipated carrying capacity, tending towards larger‐than‐necessary design based on experience.
Change commitment in low‐status merger partners: The role of information processing, relative ingroup prototypicality, and merger patterns
Authors: Rosa Miriam , Kavanagh Eithne , Kounov Pavel , Jarosz Sywlia , Waldzus Sven , Collins Elizabeth C. , Giessner Steffen
Published: March 2017

Merger announcements cause stress among employees, often leading to low change commitment, especially among employees from the lower‐status merger partner. Such stress influences how deeply employees process merger‐relevant information. Previous research examined how merger patterns that preserve versus change status differences impact merger support, but did not address how employees’ information processing may influence this relationship. The current research addresses this gap through a scenario experiment, focusing on the low‐status merger partner. The interplay between merger patterns and information processing was examined regarding employees’ prototypicality claims in relation to merger support. Results suggest that an integration‐equality merger pattern increases change commitment via prototypicality claims in the new organization, conditional to employees’ systematic information processing.