bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research, development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies in Brazil
Authors: Figueiredo Jeovan de Carvalho , Di Serio Luiz Carlos , Guilhermino Jislaine de Fátima , de Morais Wladimir Augusto César , Neto Vera Lucia
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Most research and development (R&D) activities in Brazil are performed by science and technology institutions (STIs). The purpose of this research was to determine whether environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) developed by these organizations were transferred to companies, either through cooperation during research or through mechanisms such as licensing agreements or spin-offs.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,939 research groups and 702 patent registers, identified from the same set of words related to ESTs, using semantic search in open-access databases, covering a period from 2005 to 2014, were examined. The two data sets (patents and research groups) were overlaid, and it was possible to associate inventors’ names with researchers’ names.

Findings

The results showed that only six patents could be related to the 1,939 identified research groups. Of the six patents, only one was the object of a licensing agreement, and no spin-off was identified.

Practical implications

This study evidenced that it is necessary to expand the mechanisms of knowledge transfer, directed not only from STIs to companies but also in the opposite direction, given that companies recognize potential market opportunities.

Originality/value

This study shows that improvements in the Brazilian National Innovation System are necessary, as ESTs research groups demonstrated a weak association with technologies transferred to companies, with only one case of technology transfer in the form of a licensing agreement.
Intention to use flexible work arrangements
Authors: Ko Eun Jung , Kim Sang Soo
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in motivations to use flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study considers four motivational factors that influence the intention to use FWA: motivation for personal life, motivation for productivity, peer behaviour and concerns about career disadvantages. Survey response data drawn from 92 male and 105 female Korean workers were used to analyse differences by gender.

Findings

As for the male respondents, all four motivational factors have a significant effect on the intention to use FWA. However, in the female respondents, the effects of concerns about career disadvantages on the intention to use FWA are not significant. The results of gender differences analysis show that significant difference was not found in the effect of motivation for personal life on the intention to use FWA while the other three motivational factors have significant differences by gender.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, basing its conceptual background on TPB, a novel approach is taken by introducing motivational factors as the antecedents of intention to use FWA. This is a more systematic view on individuals’ behavioural mechanism relating to the intention to choose FWA. It is also meaningful in that this study looks at the intention to use FWA from a broader perspective by suggesting gender differences as critical analysis criteria given the uniqueness of Korean labour market.

Practical implications

For an effective operation of FWA, it is important not only to launch a flexible working programme itself, but also to ensure that the users are properly understood and fairly evaluated.

Originality/value

Considering the motivations of utilising FWA from various angles will contribute to coming up with various measures to raise the use and effectiveness of FWA.
Development of 3D-printed customized facial padding for burn patients
Authors: Ahmad Fozi Muhammad Aiman , Salleh Mohamed Najib , Ismail Khairul Azwan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop 3D-printed customized padding to increase pressure at the zero pressure region. This padding is specifically intended for facial areas with complex contours in pressure therapy treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry out this study, a full-face head garment was fabricated by a local occupational therapist, and pressure measurements were conducted to establish the pressure exerted by this head garment and to determine the zero pressure region. Furthermore, an additional manufacturing method was used to construct customized padding, and pressure measurements were performed to measure the pressure exerted after application of this customized padding.

Findings

The results reveal that 3D-printed customized padding can increase pressure at the zero pressure region, which occurs on complex contour surfaces with a spatial gap because of non-contact of the head garment and facial surfaces.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that an additive manufacturing method using 3D printing is capable of producing accurate, functional and low-cost medical parts for rehabilitation. Moreover, the 3D-printed padding fabricated by additive manufacturing assists in generating optimal pressure, which is necessary for effective pressure therapy.

Originality/value

Digital design using 3D scanning, computer-aided design and 3D printing is capable of designing and producing properly fitting, customized padding that functions to increase pressure from zero to an acceptable pressure range required for pressure therapy.
Applying HR analytics to talent management
Authors: Mayo Andrew
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarise the different areas of talent management and how HR metrics and analytics can be harnessed to make those areas more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first discusses the different definitions of “talent”. It then takes three areas for the application of metrics and analytics – data about individuals, the effectiveness and efficiency of talent processes and the extent of the supporting culture.

Findings

The definition of talent should not be confined to senior leadership only, nor be fully inclusive of every employee, but organisations need to define those individuals and groups where some specific attention will benefit the organisation; it is as important to understand the potential of all employees as it is to assess their performance; metrics should be chosen for all talent processes and related to business KPIs where possible.

Practical implications

This is a practical paper giving guidance to talent managers in organisations on how to apply and utilise people analytics.

Originality/value

This paper is based mostly on the writing, models and experience of the author.
Barriers to self-care in elderly people with hypertension: a qualitative study
Authors: Gholamnejad Hanieh , Darvishpoor Kakhki Ali , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Rohani Camelia
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Hypertension is the most common chronic disease throughout the world. Self-care is the key criteria in determining the final course of the disease. However, the majority of elderly people do not observe self-care behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the experiences of elderly people with hypertension in order to understand the barriers of their self-care behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis approach conducted in Tehran, Iran in 2017. Data collection was done among 23 participants – 14 elderly people; 6 cardiologists, geriatric physicians and nurses working in the cardiovascular ward; and 3 caregivers – who were selected by purposeful sampling. Using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, data collection was continued until data saturation.

Findings

Three main categories, including attitude limitations, inefficient supportive network and desperation, all showed barriers to self-care by the experiences of elderly people with hypertension.

Originality/value

Lack of knowledge of the disease and its treatment process is one of the main barriers to self-care in elderly people with hypertension. Deficient supportive resources along with economic and family problems exacerbate the failure to do self-care behaviors.
Principal leadership style and school performance: mediating roles of risk management culture and management control systems use in Australian schools
Authors: Gong Maleen Z. , Subramaniam Nava
Published: November 2018

This study examines the mediating role of organisational control features, namely performance‐oriented risk management (RM) culture and the use of management control systems (MCS) in the relationship between school principal leadership styles and school performance within Australia. Based on survey responses from 106 Victorian secondary school principals, the study finds that performance‐orientedRMculture and enabling use ofMCSplay important mediating roles in the leadership style and school performance link. The findings also indicate that private schools are more likely to adopt a performance‐orientedRMculture than public schools. Our results extend organisational management and accounting literature linking leadership style, organisational controls and organisational performance in a school context. The findings also have implications for school governance policies.
TWARMI pilot trial: The value and optimal criteria of microvolt T‐wave alternans in the diagnosis of reversible myocardial ischemia in patients without structural cardiac disease
Authors: Puljevic Mislav , Danilowicz‐Szymanowicz Ludmila , Molon Giulio , Puljevic Davor , Raczak Grzegorz , Canali Guido , Velagic Vedran , Pezo‐Nikolic Borka , Milicic Davor
Published: November 2018

Aims

Microvolt T‐wave alternans (MTWA) testing is a beat‐to‐beat fluctuation in the amplitude of T wave. We investigated whether: (a) MTWA can be new non‐invasive tool for detection of reversible ischemia in patients with suspected CAD without structural heart disease, (b) MTWA can detect ischemia earlier and with greater test accuracy compared with exercise ECG ST‐segment testing, and (c) threshold value of MTWA and heart rate at which the alternans is estimated can be different compared to standard values.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with suspected stable coronary disease, but without structural heart disease, were included. Echocardiography, exercise ECG test, MTWA with classical and modified threshold alternans values, and coronary angiography were performed.

Results

About 33.3% patients had a false‐positive result on exercise ECG test. The sensitivity of exercise ECG ST‐segment test in the detection of coronary artery disease was 97.8%, and the specificity was 42.5% (DOR 33.89). In a group of angiographically positive patients, standard MTWA accurately identified 60% of patients, while 40% had a false‐negative result. About 91.8% patients with negative angiography result were accurately identified with 8.2% false positives. The sensitivity of MTWA was 59.61% and specificity 91.83%. Best ratio of sensitivity and specificity (86.53% and 95.91%, DOR 151.06) had modified criteria for positive MTWA (MTWA >1.5 µV at heart rate 115–125/min).

Conclusions

This study showed that MTWA can be the new non‐invasive tool for the detection of reversible ischemia in patients with suspected CAD without structural heart disease. Also, MTWA can detect ischemia earlier and with greater accuracy compared with exercise ECG testing.
Expression of biomarkers in the AKT pathway correlates with malignancy and recurrence in phyllodes tumours of the breast
Authors: Li Joshua , Ho Wai‐Yee , Tsang Julia Y S , Ni Yun‐Bi , Chan Siu‐Ki , Tse Gary M
Published: November 2018

Aims

Phyllodes tumours (PTs) of the breast are uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasms with the potential to recur and metastasise. Apart from histological grading, the expression of biological markers and its relationship with tumour behaviour have been topics of interest. The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathway regulates diverse biological functions, and is one of the most frequently deregulated pathways in cancers. Little is known of PI3K–AKT pathway alteration in PT. We aim to investigate the alterations in different component of AKT pathway in PTs.

Methods and results

This study investigated the expression of four biological markers involved in this pathway (PTEN, INPP4B, PI3KCA and pAKT) in 134 PTs by the use of immunohistochemistry. According to an immunoscore incorporating staining intensity and proportion, low epithelial INPP4B expression (P = 0.045) was associated with recurrence. A trend of association was found for low epithelial PTEN expression with recurrence (P = 0.090). Interestingly, low epithelial INPP4B expression was also associated recurred tumours (P = 0.043). Stromal PI3KCA expression (P = 0.016) and pAKT expression (P = 0.006) were found to be correlated with increased histological grade, but an opposite trend was seen for stromal INPP4B expression (P = 0.018). In addition, epithelial and stromal PTEN expression, PI3KCA expression and pAKT expression showed strong correlations with each other (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that alterations in AKT pathway activation may correlate with malignant transformation and recurrence in PT. Low epithelial INPP4B/PTEN expression is associated with shorter recurrence‐free survival. These observations suggest that the pathway may play a crucial role in the biological behaviour and progression of PT, and assessing the expression of this pathway may be of value in diagnosis, grading, prognostication, and management.
The presence of high numbers of empty shells in anthropogenic habitats is insufficient to attract shell adopters among the insects
Authors: Bogusch Petr , Roháček Jindřich , Baňař Petr , Astapenková Alena , Kouklík Ondřej , Pech Pavel , Janšta Petr , Heller Kai , Hlaváčková Lucie , Heneberg Petr
Published: November 2018

Terrestrial snail shells can be considered partial resources for insects, and as such, the expansion of numerous snail species to anthropogenic habitats makes them increasingly available.

Here, we address for the first time a complete profile of insects that use empty terrestrial snail shells during the winter period in Central Europe.

The specialisation for shells made by certain snail species was uncommon; however, a number of species showed significant preferences for certain shell types. We found that the presence of empty snail shells in anthropogenic habitats drives the presence of many empty snail shell adopters in these habitats. Nevertheless, the increased availability of snail shells proved to be insufficient for a transition of all the species of snail shell adopters from natural to anthropogenic habitats. The avoidance of anthropogenic habitats among snail shell adopters was particularly distinct in species that use them only as a winter retreat but which require additional feeding and breeding resources, such as the true bugs.

The availability of snail shells is thus a pre‐requisite of the presence of specialised snail shell adopters but is not necessarily sufficient to establish their presence in the respective habitat.
Apoptosis: A biomarker of high‐risk phenotype in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia?
Authors: Tyagi Anudishi , Pramanik Raja , Bakhshi Radhika , Vishnubhatla Sreenivas , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Dysregulation of apoptosis has been explored in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); yet, its correlation with clinical outcomes in pediatric AML is unknown. This study was aimed to analyze percentage of apoptosis and apoptosis mediated through the intrinsic pathway with clinical outcomes in patients with pediatric AML.

Methods

This prospective study included pediatric AML patients enrolled from July 2013 to August 2016. Annexin‐V (marker of total apoptosis) and caspase‐9 expression (marker of intrinsic pathway) was determined in baseline bone marrow (BM) samples by flow cytometery and compared with controls (unaffected BM of solid tumors and peripheral blood [PB] of unaffected siblings). Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were compared using log‐rank test.

Results

A total of 151 AML patients were enrolled, median age 10 (range: 0.7‐18 years). Annexin‐V expression in blast cells was significantly high in AML patients as compared to BM of subjects with solid tumors (P = 0.01) and PB of healthy subjects (P = 0.04). Caspase‐9 expression in blast cells was not significantly different. Median annexin‐V expression was significantly higher in patients with WBC count ≥11 000/mm3 (P = 0.02), poor‐risk cytogenetics (P = 0.02), the absence of RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 translocation (P = 0.004), and the absence of NPM1 mutation (P = 0.05). Patients with high annexin‐V expression had significantly inferior OS (P = 0.05) in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis (P = 0.32).

Conclusion

Apoptosis as a whole was found to be activated in baseline BM samples of AML patients. High apoptosis may be associated with high‐risk phenotype in this disease.
Immunomodulator use does not prevent first loss of response to anti‐tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: long‐term outcomes in a real‐world cohort
Authors: Varma Poornima , Rajadurai Anton S. , Holt Darcy Q. , Devonshire David A. , Desmond Chris P. , Swan Michael P. , Nathan Debra , Shelton Edward T. , Prideaux Lani , Sorrell Catherine , Rusli Ferry , Crantock Luke R. F. , Dev Anouk , Ratnam Dilip T. , Pianko Stephen , Moore Gregory T.
Published: November 2018

Background

Recent prospective studies suggest combination therapy with immunomodulators improves efficacy, but long‐term data is limited.

Aim

To assess whether anti‐tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti‐TNF) monotherapy was associated with earlier loss of response (LOR) than combination therapy in a real‐world cohort with long‐term follow up.

Methods

A retrospective audit was conducted of inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving anti‐TNF therapy in a tertiary centre and specialist private practices. All patients with accurate data for anti‐TNF commencement and adequate correspondence to determine end‐points were included. Outcomes measured included time to first LOR, causes and biochemical parameters.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐four patients were identified; 139 (62.1%) on combination therapy and 85 (37.9%) on monotherapy. Forty‐five percent of patients had LOR during follow up until a maximum of 8.5 years; 59.4% on combination therapy and 40.6% on monotherapy (P = 0.533). The median time to LOR was not different between groups; 1069 days for combination therapy and 1489 days for monotherapy (P = 0.533). There was no difference in time to LOR between patients treated with different combination regimens or different anti‐TNF agents.

Conclusion

In this large cohort of patients in a real‐world setting, patients treated with anti‐TNF monotherapy had similar rates of LOR as patients on anti‐TNF combination therapy, at both short‐ and long‐term follow up.
Updates management in mobile applications: iTunes versus Google Play
Authors: Comino Stefano , Manenti Fabio M. , Mariuzzo Franco
Published: November 2018

This paper focuses on a specific strategy that developers of mobile applications may use to stimulate demand: The release of updates. We develop a theoretical analysis that shows that developers have incentives to release updates when experiencing a drop in performance. The predictions of the model are then tested using an unbalanced panel of top 1,000 apps in iTunes and Google Play for five European countries. We estimate that while in iTunes the release of an update stimulates a 26% increase in download growth, in Google Play updates play a less significant role. This difference is partly due to systematic differences in apps and in developers operating in the two stores (“selection effect”), and partly to a lack of quality control on apps and updates in Google Play (“quality check effect”). These findings highlight the crucial importance of an appropriate management of updates as well as the relevance of institutional characteristics of the app stores.
Species‐specific inhibition of capripoxvirus replication by host antiviral protein kinase R
Authors: Zhao Zhixun , Zhu Xueliang , Wu Na , Qin Xiaodong , Huang Caiyun , Wu Guohua , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Zhidong
Published: November 2018

The role of interferon (IFN)‐induced protein kinase R (PKR) in capripoxvirus (CaPV)‐infected cells remains unknown. In this study, we show that CaPV infection triggered PKR and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) protein phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner, and that this leads to decreased CaPV replication. Overexpression of PKR compromised viral gene expression and inhibited sheeppox virus (SPPV) replication. Downregulation of PKR with siRNAs significantly decreased eIF2α phosphorylation and reduced the mRNA level of IFN‐β, which increased virus replication. In luciferase assays, species‐different CaPVs K3L proteins inhibited sheep PKR (sPKR): goatpox virus K3L strongly inhibited sPKR and goat PKR (gPKR), but SPPV K3L only partially inhibited gPKR. These results are the first to show that SPPV infection induces phosphorylation of eIF2α through PKR activation, which then results in restriction of CaPV replication. Furthermore, our data show that CaPV K3L inhibits PKR in a species‐specific manner. The results presented are consistent with the hypothesis that different levels of PKR inhibition by K3L orthologs from various viruses could potentially contribute to the host range function of K3L.
Effects of phytochemicals on thyroid function and their possible role in thyroid disease
Authors: Pistollato Francesca , Masias Manuel , Agudo Pablo , Giampieri Francesca , Battino Maurizio
Published: November 2018

About 1 of 10 women, particularly those older than 60 years of age, shows some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency. Thyroid diseases are generally characterized by perturbations of thyroid signaling homeostasis. The most common examples of thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and several types of thyroid cancers. Phytochemicals have been shown to have either beneficial or detrimental effects on thyroid function. Some flavonoids have been reported to affect the expression and the activity of several thyroid‐related enzymes and proteins, and for this reason some concerns have been raised about the possible thyroid‐disruptive properties of foods enriched in these substances. On the other hand, the beneficial effects of some plant‐derived compounds, such as myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin, genistein, and curcumin, and their possible role as adjuvants for the treatment of thyroid cancers have been described. Here, the role of phytochemicals in thyroid signaling modulation and their possible beneficial or detrimental effects on thyroid disease risk are discussed.
Gastric cancer in children and adolescents in Japan
Authors: Okuda Masumi , Nomura Keiko , Kato Mototsugu , Lin Yingsong , Mabe Katsuhiro , Miyamoto Ryosuke , Okumura Akihisa , Kikuchi Shogo
Published: November 2018

Background

Very limited data are available on childhood gastric cancer. Using a retrospective survey and literature review, we assessed the clinical features of gastric cancer in children and adolescents.

Methods

We collected information on childhood gastric cancer from pediatricians of 518 hospitals that issue the title of “certified board pediatrician” approved by Japan Pediatric Society, using a questionnaire on background, diagnosis year, onset symptoms, tumor location, histology, nodular gastritis, Helicobacter pylori testing, treatment, and prognosis. Studies were collected using PubMed and the NPO Japan Medical Abstracts Society database. Data for childhood gastric cancer were abstracted from the Japanese Vital Statistics database.

Results

Of the 518 hospitals, 349 returned the questionnaire, which identified four patients. Literature review identified 77 cases of gastric cancer, and we analyzed data for 80 children <16 years old. Most patients were >10 years old, and there were no sex differences. Onset symptoms ranged from abdominal pain to non‐localized. Sixteen of 44 children had a family history of cancer; 10 had a family history of gastric cancer. Histologically, approximately 80% had undifferentiated‐type carcinoma. Prognosis was extremely poor, and two of three tested children were positive for H. pylori infection. Childhood gastric cancer death has been declining.

Conclusions

Childhood gastric cancer is rare in Japan, and information on H. pylori in childhood gastric cancer patients is limited. Declining childhood gastric cancer rates may reflect the decreasing prevalence of infection but further study is necessary to clarify the relationship between H. pylori and gastric cancer.
Selling Co‐Products through a Distributor: The Impact on Product Line Design
Authors: Lu Tao , Chen Ying‐Ju , Tomlin Brian , Wang Yimin
Published: November 2018

A vertical co‐product technology simultaneously produces multiple outputs that differ along a rankable quality metric. Co‐product manufacturers often sell products through a distributor. We examine a setting in which a manufacturer sells vertically differentiated co‐products through a self‐interested distributor to quality‐sensitive end customers. The manufacturer determines its production, product line design, and wholesale prices. The distributor determines its purchase quantities and retail prices. In traditional product‐line design, products can be produced independently of each other and higher‐quality products have higher production costs. This literature established that the length of the product line (i.e., difference between highest and lowest qualities) is greater in an indirect channel than in a direct channel. By contrast, co‐products cannot be produced independently of each other. Among other findings, we establish that this interdependency causes the opposite channel effect: for co‐products, the length of the product line is smaller in an indirect channel than in a direct channel. Additionally, we show that there exists a theoretical contract, combining revenue sharing and reverse slotting fees, that eliminates the indirect channel distortions in both product line design and output quantities.
A novel antibody combination to identify KIR2DS2high natural killer cells in KIR2DL3/L2/S2 heterozygous donors
Authors: Blunt Matthew D. , Rettman Pauline , Bastidas‐Legarda Leidy Y. , Fulton Rebecca , Capizzuto Valentina , Naiyer Mohammed M. , Traherne James A. , Khakoo Salim I.
Published: November 2018

The killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) KIR2DS2 induces natural killer (NK) cell activation upon ligation and in genetic studies is associated with protection against certain cancers and viral infections. One of the difficulties in understanding KIR2DS2 has been that ligands have been hard to define. In part, this is because the high sequence homology between KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL3/KIR2DL2 has made it difficult to make antibodies that specifically detect NK cells expressing KIR2DS2. Using transfected NK cell line (NKL) cells and primary human samples, we report the identification of a novel antibody combination which allows identification of NK cells with relatively high expression of KIR2DS2. This separation is sufficient to examine primary human NK cell activation in response to KIR2DS2 specific ligands.
Therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles in acute lung injury
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Park Jeonghyun , Lee Jae‐Woo
Published: November 2018

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a major cause of respiratory failure in critically ill patients. Despite extensive research into its pathophysiology, mortality remains high. No effective pharmacotherapy exists. Based largely on numerous preclinical animal studies, administration of mesenchymal stem or stromal cell (MSC) as a therapeutic for acute lung injury (ALI) holds great promise, and Phase I and II clinical trials are currently under way internationally. However, concern for the use of stem cells, specifically the risk of iatrogenic tumor formation, as well as the prohibitive cost of production, storage, and distribution of cells in bone marrow transplant facilities, may limit access to this lifesaving therapy. Accumulating evidence now suggest that novel stem cell–derived therapies, including MSC‐conditioned medium and extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from MSCs, might constitute compelling alternatives. The current review summarizes the preclinical studies testing MSC EVs as treatment for ALI and other inflammatory lung diseases. While certain logistic obstacles limit the clinical applications of MSC‐conditioned medium such as the volume required for treatment and lack of standardization of what constitutes the components of conditioned medium, the therapeutic application of MSC EVs remains promising, primarily due to ability of EVs to maintain the functional phenotype of the parent cell. However, utilization of MSC EVs will require large‐scale production and standardization concerning identification, characterization, and quantification.
Higher intraoperative plasma transfusion volumes are associated with inferior perioperative outcomes
Authors: Warner Matthew A. , Frank Ryan D. , Weister Timothy J. , Smith Mark M. , Stubbs James R. , Kor Daryl J.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative plasma transfusion is common, yet little is known regarding its effects on perioperative coagulation tests or clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of adults receiving intraoperative plasma transfusion at a single center from 2011 to 2015. Relationships between plasma transfusion volume, changes in coagulation test values, and clinical outcomes, including a primary outcome of early postoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, were assessed with multivariable regression analyses. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU)‐ and hospital‐free days, intraoperative RBC transfusions, and estimated blood loss.

RESULTS

A total of 3393 unique patients were included, with median (IQR) transfusion of 2 (2‐4) units. In multivariable analyses, higher plasma volumes were associated with worse outcomes, with each 1 mL/kg increase associated with increased odds for postoperative (1.02 [1.01‐1.03], p < 0.001) and intraoperative RBCs (1.17 [1.16‐1.19], p < 0.001) and fewer ICU‐ and hospital‐free days (mean difference [95% CI], –0.08 [−0.12 to −0.05], p < 0.001; and −0.09 [−0.13 to −0.06], p < 0.001, respectively). Greater decreases in international normalized ratio (INR) following plasma transfusion were associated with decreased odds of postoperative RBCs (0.35 [0.25‐0.47], p < 0.001), decreased mortality (0.50 [0.31‐0.83], p = 0.007), and increased mean ICU‐ (1.31 [0.41‐2.21], p = 0.004) and hospital‐free days (1.15 [0.19‐2.10], p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving intraoperative plasma transfusion, higher transfusion volumes were associated with inferior clinical outcomes; however, greater improvements in INR were associated with improved outcomes. Future prospective studies are necessary to better define these relationships and to explore plasma transfusion triggers beyond the limitations of INR.
The burden of invasive infections in neutropenic patients: incidence, outcomes, and use of granulocyte transfusions
Authors: Netelenbos Tanja , Massey Edwin , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Harding Kay , Hamblin Angela , Sekhar Mallika , Li Anna , Ypma Paula F. , Ball Lynn , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Stanworth Simon J.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Patients with prolonged neutropenia caused by chemotherapy or underlying marrow disorders are at risk of invasive bacterial and fungal infections. New treatment options alongside targeted antimicrobial therapy that might improve outcomes include granulocyte transfusions (GTX). To inform the research agenda, a prospective observational cohort study was performed in the Netherlands and United Kingdom. The aim was to describe the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of patients developing invasive infections and assess patients fulfilling criteria for GTX.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients receiving myeloablative chemotherapy and anticipated to develop 7 or more days of neutropenia (<0.5 × 109/L) were eligible and followed for the development of invasive infections according to a defined algorithm and mortality up to 100 days. Secondary outcomes were types of infection and eligibility for GTX.

RESULTS

A total of 471 patients enrolled at six hematology‐oncology departments were followed for 569 neutropenic episodes. Overall, 32.5% of patients developed invasive infections during their first episode. Significant baseline risk factors for developing infections were high comorbidity scores (WHO performance status ≥ 2, hazard ratio [HR], 2.6 [1.7‐3.9]; and hematopoietic cell transplantation‐comorbidity index score ≥ 2 HR 1.3 [0.9‐1.8]). Infections were bacterial (59.4%) and fungal (22.3%). Despite 34 patients (6.3% of all episodes) appearing to meet criteria to receive GTX, only nine patients received granulocytes. The HR for death was 5.8 (2.5‐13.0) for patients with invasive infections.

CONCLUSION

This study documents that invasive infections are associated with significant mortality. There is a need for new strategies to prevent and treat infections, which may include better understanding of use GTX.
Do bilateral investment treaties attract foreign direct investment? The role of international dispute settlement provisions
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Walter Benedikt
Published: November 2018

This paper studies the effects of the strength of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) on foreign direct investment (FDI) activity. We develop an index for the strength of international dispute settlement provisions included in BITs in order to examine the role the content of BITs plays in attracting FDI. To this end, we make use of data from UNCTAD's International Investment Agreement Mapping Project and measure the provision strength of 2,571 BITs. Using panel data of bilateral and total FDI inflows and inward FDI stocks, we study the effect of BITs on FDI. Our main finding indicates that stronger international dispute settlement provisions in BITs are indeed associated with positive effects on FDI activity.
Evaluation and Analysis Model of Wine Quality Based on Mathematical Model
Authors: Zeng Yunhui , Liu Yingxia , Wu Lubin , Dong Hanjiang , Zhang Yuanbiao , Guo Hongfei , Guo Zisheng , Wang Shuyang , Lan Yao
Published: November 2018

This paper takes wine quality evaluation as the research object, establishes the analysis and evaluation model of wine quality, and explores the influence of physical with chemical indicators of wine grapes and wine on the wine quality. Firstly, the Mann-Whitney U test is used to analyze the wine evaluation results of the two wine tasters, and it is found that the significant difference between the two is small. Then this paper uses the Cronbach Alpha coefficient method to analyze the credibility of the two groups of data. It is found that the credibility of the first group of wine scores is significantly greater than that of the second group and the white wine scores are more reliable than the red wine. Therefore, the first set of data and white wine can be applied for follow-up studies. Next, the principal component analysis is used to extract the main indicators and calculate the factor coefficients as the Ward method in cluster analysis is used to classify the wine into four grades according to the quality score of the wine. Then, based on the extracted principal components that is physical with chemical indicators, this paper does the multiple linear regression analysis of wine quality, and takes the influence of aromatic substances on the aroma of wine in physical with chemical indicators as an example. Regression analysis shows that there is a positive correlation linear relationship between the scores of the aroma of wine and C2H6O, C6H12O2, C3H8O, C11H24, C7H12O2, C5H10O2 and C10H16. It can be judged that the aromatic substances in the wine such as C2H6O have a regular influence on the odor of the wine, and it is inferred that other physical and chemical properties have a similar regular relationship with the wine quality. This provides an effective reference for the analysis and evaluation of wine quality by using physical with chemical indicators such as aromatic substances in wine in the future.
Protein kinase Cδ constrains the S‐pathway to phrenic motor facilitation elicited by spinal 5‐HT7 receptors or severe acute intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Perim Raphael R. , Fields Daryl P. , Mitchell Gordon S.
Published: November 2018

Key points

Concurrent 5‐HT2A (Q pathway) and 5‐HT7 (S pathway) serotonin receptor activation cancels phrenic motor facilitation due to mutual cross‐talk inhibition.

Spinal protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) or protein kinase A inhibition restores phrenic motor facilitation with concurrent Q and S pathway activation, demonstrating a key role for these kinases in cross‐talk inhibition.

Spinal PKCδ inhibition enhances adenosine‐dependent severe acute intermittent hypoxia‐induced phrenic long‐term facilitation (S pathway), consistent with relief of cross‐talk inhibition.

Intermittent spinal serotonin receptor activation elicits long‐lasting phrenic motor facilitation (pMF), a form of respiratory motor plasticity. When activated alone, spinal Gq protein‐coupled serotonin 2A receptors (5‐HT2A) initiate pMF by a mechanism that requires ERK‐MAP kinase signalling and new BDNF protein synthesis (Q pathway). Spinal Gs protein‐coupled serotonin 7 (5‐HT7) and adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor activation also elicits pMF, but via distinct mechanisms (S pathway) that require Akt signalling and new TrkB protein synthesis. Although studies have shown inhibitory cross‐talk interactions between these competing pathways, the underlying cellular mechanisms are unknown. We propose the following hypotheses: (1) concurrent 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT7 activation undermines pMF; (2) protein kinase A (PKA) and (3) NADPH oxidase mediate inhibitory interactions between Q (5‐HT2A) and S (5‐HT7) pathways. Selective 5‐HT2A (DOI hydrochloride) and 5HT7 (AS‐19) agonists were administered intrathecally at C4 (three injections, 5‐min intervals) in anaesthetized, vagotomized and ventilated male rats. With either spinal 5‐HT2A or 5‐HT7 activation alone, phrenic amplitude progressively increased (pMF). In contrast, concurrent 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT7 activation failed to elicit pMF. The 5‐HT2A‐induced Q pathway was restored by inhibiting PKA activity (Rp‐8‐Br‐cAMPS). NADPH oxidase inhibition did not prevent cross‐talk inhibition. Therefore, we investigated alternative mechanisms to explain Q to S pathway inhibition. Spinal protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition with Gö6983 or PKCδ peptide inhibitor restored the 5‐HT7‐induced S pathway to pMF, revealing PKCδ as the relevant isoform. Spinal PKCδ inhibition enhanced the S pathway‐dependent form of pMF elicited by severe acute intermittent hypoxia. We suggest that powerful constraints between 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT7 or A2A receptor‐induced pMF are mediated by PKCδ and PKA, respectively.
Estudios de casos theory driven: inmigración y éxito escolar
Authors: Sandín-Esteban María Paz
Published: November 2018

Este trabajo aborda la conexión entre el nivel empírico y el papel de la teoría en la investigación cualitativa. Se presentan dos investigaciones sobre los procesos de persistencia académica en estudiantes de familias de origen migratorio; informes nacionales e internacionales, y resultados de investigaciones previas que indican que estos jóvenes tienen el doble de posibilidades de abandonar el sistema educativo. Los estudios de casos desarrollados con orientación theory driven sirven de base para mostrar el uso de instrumentos cuantitativos y cualitativos integrados en un diseño mixto secuencial y ejemplificar algunos análisis de la información cualitativa.
Learning and the Rhizome: Reconceptualisation in the Qualitative Research Process
Authors: Rodrigues de Amorim Antonio Carlos , Scott David
Published: November 2018

This article explores the concept of learning as a space of exchange and connection between signs, events and bodies, inspired by Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy of difference. This qualitative methodology is based on the rhizome, with, amongst others, its characteristics or principles of heterogeneity, multiplicity and a-signification. It allows a productive conversation with studies of learning environments and sense productions through images and sounds from cinema media, such as the swimmer and swimming. The focus of this article is on learning, its environment and its role in the relationship between mind and world, pointing to an alternative to the representational perspective.
A Comparative Performance Study of Double Basin Single Slope Solar Still With and Without Using Nanoparticles
Authors: Modi Kalpesh V. , Shukla Dhruvin L. , Ankoliya Dipak B.
Published: November 2018

In major region of the world, ample amount of fresh water is required for the drinking purpose as well as for the agricultural and industrial growth. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the alternate clean water extraction technologies to get the potable water from the saline water available at local area or inside the earth. One of the methods used to get the fresh water from the brackish water is solar distillation and the means used is called as a solar still. In the present work, single slope double basin solar still performance has been investigated with and without using Al2O3 nanoparticles at the location 20.61°N, 72.91°E. For the experimentation, two identical single slope double basin solar stills were fabricated with the same basin area. The yield of solar still, one without nanoparticles and the other with Al2O3 nanoparticles, has been measured for various weight concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles such as 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20%. The results show that the use of nanoparticles in solar still increases the distilled output by 17.6%, 12.3%, 7.2%, and 2.6% for weight concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20%, respectively, in comparison to the solar still without nanoparticles.
Thermochemical Upgrading of Calcium Bentonite for Drilling Fluid Applications
Authors: Magzoub Musaab , Mahmoud Mohamed , Nasser Mustafa , Hussein Ibnelwaleed , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Sultan Abdullah
Published: November 2018

The rheological properties of bentonite suspensions depend on the chemical composition and the contained dominant element, such as calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na). Na-bentonite type is the one used in drilling fluids, because it has good dispersion stability, high swelling capacity, and outstanding rheological properties. Ca-bentonite generally has bad rheological performance; however, it can be activated by sodium to be used in drilling fluids, since there are huge unutilized Ca-bentonite resources. Many previous attempts of activation of Ca-bentonite were not feasible, upgrading required addition of many extra additives or sometimes mixed with commercial Na-bentonite to improve its properties. In this paper, a process of integrated beneficiation method is designed to efficiently remove the nonclay impurities and produce pure Ca-bentonite. An upgraded Ca-bentonite was produced using a combined thermochemical treatment in a wet process by adding 4 wt % of soda ash (Na2CO3) while heating and stirring. The new thermal treatment optimized and described in this study greatly improved the sodium activation and ions exchange process and improved bentonite properties. The thermochemically upgraded Ca-bentonite outperformed the rheological properties of the commercial bentonite. And when tested in a typical drilling fluid formulation at high temperature, the investigations showed an identical behavior of the commercial drilling grade bentonite. Moreover, the results obtained showed that the thermochemically upgraded Ca-bentonite has higher yield point/plastic viscosity (YP/PV) ratio than commercial Na-bentonite when mixed with the drilling fluid additives. Higher YP/PV ratio is expected to enhance the hole cleaning and prevent most of the drilling problems.
Mass Collaboration Project Recommendation Within Open-Innovation Design Networks
Authors: Ball Zachary , Lewis Kemper
Published: November 2018

Mass collaboration within the design engineering process supports the inclusion of unique perspectives when working on complex problems. Increasing the number of individuals providing input and support into these perplexing challenges can increase innovation, decrease product development times, and provide solutions that truly encompass the needs of the market. One of the greatest challenges within mass collaboration engineering projects is the organization of individuals within these large design efforts. Understanding which projects would most effectively benefit from additional designers or contributors is paramount to supporting mass collaboration design networks. Within such networks, there exists a large number of contributors as well as a large pool of potential projects. Matching individuals with the projects that they can provide the greatest benefit to or building a team of individuals for newly developed projects requires the consideration of previous performance and an understanding of individual competencies and design abilities. This work presents a framework which recommends individual project placement based on individual abilities and the project requirements. With this work, a pool of individuals and potential projects are simulated, and the application of a hybrid recommender system is explored. To complement the simulation, an additional case study with empirical data is performed to study the potential applicability of the proposed framework. Overall, it was found that recommended team compositions greatly outperform the baseline team development, most notably as greater consideration is placed on collaborative recommendations.
System Reliability-Based Design Optimization Under Tradeoff Between Reduction of Sampling Uncertainty and Design Shift
Authors: Bae Sangjune , Kim Nam H. , Jang Seung-gyo
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a tradeoff between shifting design and controlling sampling uncertainty in system reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) using the Bayesian network. The sampling uncertainty is caused by a finite number of samples used in calculating the reliability of a component, and it propagates to the system reliability. A conservative failure probability is utilized to consider sampling uncertainty. In this paper, the sensitivity of a conservative system failure probability is derived with respect to the design change and the number of samples in a component using Bayesian network along with global sensitivity analysis (GSA). In the sensitivity analysis, GSA is used for local sensitivity calculation. The numerical results show that sampling uncertainty can significantly affect the conservative system reliability and needs to be controlled to achieve the desired level of system reliability. Numerical examples show that both shifting design and reducing sampling uncertainty are crucial in the system RBDO.