bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable manufacturing practices in Malaysian palm oil mills
Authors: Abdullah Ilyana , Wan Mahmood Wan Hasrulnizzam , Md Fauadi Hafidz Fazli , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Mohamed Saiful Bahri
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices in Malaysian palm oil mills (POMs) by comparing the status of their current achievements and the levels of priority placed on their practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was used to collect data about 20 sustainable manufacturing practices from 51 POMs located in Malaysia. A five-point Likert scale was considered for recording variations in priorities and current practices with regard to sustainable manufacturing. A Cronbach’s α reliability test and a binomial test were undertaken to assess the internal consistency and the validity of the survey data. Spearman’s ρ correlation analysis was employed to determine the linear correlation between each of the sustainability practices identified. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of sustainable manufacturing practices based on factor loading and to derive a clustering of these factors.

Findings

The results showed that employees’ well-being has the highest level in terms of both priority and current achievement. However, for other sustainable manufacturing practices, there was a difference where the current achievement of these practices in the Malaysian POMs was seen to be slightly lower than the priority given to them. Strong correlation of significant value was observed between the minimization of production waste and pollution prevention practices. From factor analysis, 15 practices of high factor loading were grouped into a proactive sustainability strategy and a preventive sustainability strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The study was still relatively exploratory. Future studies could investigate the barriers to the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices at Malaysian POMs. The sample, which consisted of 51 Malaysian POMs, represented an important sector of the Malaysian economy. Reliance on stated, rather than revealed, preferences may limit the implications of the analysis undertaken for this study, but it does represent a major step forward in understanding the past in what was a highly recommended sector for investigation due to the paucity of extant data. A more broadly based, random sample of POMs from other countries would provide a better understanding of issues related to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be used by practitioners to adjust the sustainable manufacturing practices currently applied and further studies may go on to examine the reasons and implications for discrepancies between priorities and desired sustainability goals in more detail.

Originality/value

The survey conducted about sustainable manufacturing practices amongst Malaysian POMs was focussed on the three dimensions of sustainability, namely, the economic, environmental, and social elements involved.
A cybernetic theory for EEG biofeedback
Authors: Patterson Kip Errett
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a theory that applies Miller et al.’s (1960) Test-Operate-Test-Exit (TOTE) concept to the psychophysiology involved in electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback (BFB).

Design/methodology/approach

Six components are presented, namely, the teleological brain, attractors as the “test” in TOTEs, EEG production, positive and negative feedback, synaptogenesis and designated actor, and then integrated into a theoretical structure. Comparisons with the previous conceptualizations are discussed, and finally, suggestions for practical application and needed research are offered.

Findings

Previous theories neglected significant variables and promoted unverified conceptualizations. These issues are redressed with a psychophysiological, cybernetic theory.

Research limitations/implications

The pursuit of substantive research needed to verify the theory would improve the scientific foundations for EEG BFB.

Practical implications

This theory shifts the designated actor in BFB to the participant’s brain, away from the BFB provider. EEG BFB is thus viewed as a means for neuronominalization driven by the brain’s attractor systems instead of as an intrusive intervention.

Social implications

The theory proposes a much more participant-centric process than previous modes, which also promotes self-determination. The research validation needed for the theory could produce wider EEG BFB acceptance and application.

Originality/value

The theory is a complete departure from previous conceptualizations. It is the first instance of TOTE application to psychophysiological processes, and it is the first fully cybernetic conceptualization of EEG BFB.
Entrepreneurial round-tripping
Authors: Hunt Richard , Ortiz-Hunt Lauren
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test the theory that new industry entrants hold advantages over incumbents in the shift from unidirectional to multi-directional revenue streams.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a Cobb-Douglas production function, modified to isolate returns to innovation, the authors examine data from three separate contexts: steamships on Western US rivers (1810-1860), satellite-based internet services (1962-2010) and food waste recycling (1995-2015).

Findings

The results reveal that while incumbents often attempt to stretch existing technologies to fit emerging circumstances, entrepreneurial innovators achieve greater success by approaching multi-directional value creation as a distinct challenge, one requiring new technologies, organizational forms and business models. Existing theories have primarily attributed incumb ent inertia to a firm’s inability perceive and pursue radical innovations, the results also suggest that existing firms are unwilling to pursue innovations that are likely to erode the marginal profitability of their respective business models. Ironically, rather than protecting incumbents’ financial interests, the authors find that “marginal reasoning” can lead to diminished performance and even extinction.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework and empirical findings have implications for numerous multi-directional frontiers, including: social networking, commercial space travel, distance education and medical treatments using nanoscale technologies.

Practical implications

While incumbents often lament the destabilizing effects of multi-directionality, new and small firms enjoy a compelling array of entry points and opportunities.

Originality/value

Scholars, incumbent firms and start-ups both benefit from insights stemming from the novel formulation of multi-directionality challenges and opportunities.
Why do employees have counterproductive work behavior? The role of founder’s Machiavellianism and the corporate culture in China
Authors: Zheng Wenzhi , Wu Yen-Chun Jim , Chen XiaoChen , Lin Shu-Jou
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the mechanism of how Machiavellian corporate culture (MCC) affects employees’ counterproductive work behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a three-phase grounded study on the data of a single case amounting to over 170,000 words, this qualitative study explores why employees exhibit counterproductive work behaviours.

Findings

The results indicated that the implications of the MCC of family businesses in China include the following three dimensions: low trust, control orientation, and status orientation. In this corporate cultural context, employees exhibit counterproductive work behaviours because they perceive low organisational justice, psychological contract violation, and low trust. Among them, psychological contract violation serves as a triggering mechanism due to the organisational context and trust is crucial to employee counterproductive work behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the results are derived merely from the observation of and generalisation about one case; more therefore, empirical studies are required.

Practical implications

Numerous family business owners in China exhibit a high level of Machiavellian personality traits, and this personality tends to determine the implications of corporate culture. In order to establish a diverse culture, a heterogeneous top manager team must be developed and a new organisational culture must be established from top down.

Originality/value

This study extends the research scopes of employee personality and behaviours as well as leaders’ personality traits and employee emotions, and proposes a theoretical framework of leaders’ personality-culture-employee behaviours as a contribution to studies on organisational behaviour, theories of corporate social responsibility, and development of corporate culture.
Prescriptive portfolio selection: a compromise between fast and slow thinking
Authors: Momen Omid , Esfahanipour Akbar , Seifi Abbas
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a prescriptive portfolio selection (PPS) model based on a compromise between the idea of “fast” and “slow” thinking proposed by Kahneman.

Design/methodology/approach

“Fast” thinking is effortless and comfortable for investors, while “slow” thinking may result in better performance. These two systems are related to the first two types of analysis in the decision theory: descriptive, normative and prescriptive analysis. However, to compromise between “fast” and “slow” thinking, “overconfidence” is used as a weighting parameter. A case study including a sample of 161 active investors in Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE) is provided. Moreover, the feasibility and optimality of the model are discussed.

Findings

Results show that the PPS recommendations are efficient with a shift from the mean-variance efficient frontier; investors prefer PPS portfolios over the advisor recommendations; and investors have no significant preference between PPS and their own expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Two assumptions of this study include: first, investors follow their “fast” system of thinking by themselves. Second, the investors’ “slow” system of thinking is represented by advisor recommendations which are simple expected value of risk and return. Therefore, considering these two assumptions for any application is the main limitation of this study. Moreover, the authors did not have access to more investors in TSE or other financial markets.

Originality/value

This is the first study that includes overconfidence in modeling portfolio selection for the purpose of achieving a portfolio that has a reasonable performance and one that investors are comfortable with.
The flexion withdrawal reflex increases in premature infants at 22–26 weeks of gestation due to changes in spinal cord excitability
Authors: Martakis Kyriakos , Hünseler Christoph , Herkenrath Peter , Thangavelu Kruthika , Kribs Angela , Roth Bernhard
Published: April 2017

Aim

Our aim was to study the development of the cutaneous flexion withdrawal reflex among premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, in 2013.

Methodology

This longitudinal cohort study explored the development of spinal cord excitability of 19 premature infants born at 22–26 weeks of gestation. We performed five investigations per subject and studied changes in the reflex threshold with increasing postnatal age at different behavioural states. The premature infants were stimulated with von Frey filaments on the plantar surface of the foot near the first metatarsophalangeal joint during the first 3 days of life and at postnatal ages of 10–14 days, 21–28 days, 49–59 days and a corrected gestational age of 37–40 weeks.

Results

The mean gestational age of the premature infants included in the study was 24 weeks. Premature infants with a gestational age of less than 26 weeks presented a flexion withdrawal reflex with a low threshold (0.5–2.85 milli‐Newton) in the first 72 hours of life.

Conclusion

The flexion withdrawal reflex among premature infants born at less than 26 weeks showed a continuous threshold increase with increasing postnatal age, reflecting changes in spinal cord excitability.
Mass spectrometry to complement standardization of house dust mite and other complex allergenic extracts
Authors: Spiric J. , Reuter A. , Rabin R. L.
Published: April 2017

In the United States, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research of the US Food and Drug Administration regulates biologics used for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. The Code of Federal Regulations 21CFR680.3(e) states that when measured, the potency of an allergenic extract is assessed according to its allergenic activity. As of 2016, 19 allergenic extracts are standardized for potency in the United States. While these standardized extracts constitute a minority of those available, they treat the most prevalent allergies (e.g. grass and ragweed pollens, dust mites, and cat) and those that induce life‐threatening anaphylaxis (e.g. Hymenoptera venom). Standardization for potency enhances safety and efficacy of immunotherapy by minimizing the risks of variations in allergen dosing when switching from one lot of manufactured extract to another, and by providing an objective measure of stability of each lot of allergenic extract over time. Allergenic extracts that have multiple immunodominant allergenic proteins are standardized with little or no information about compositional differences among extracts. Here, we propose application of mass spectrometry towards measurement of compositional differences among extracts that may affect the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy. In addition, we discuss of house dust mite allergen extracts as a prototypical complex extract that may be standardized by mass spectrometry.
Heparin‐bridging therapy and risk of post‐polypectomy bleeding: Meta‐analysis of data reported by Japanese colonoscopists
Authors: Jaruvongvanich Veeravich , Assavapongpaiboon Buravej , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Ungprasert Patompong
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

Peri‐procedural bridging (PPB) with heparin is recommended for patients with high thromboembolic risk who need to withhold antithrombotic therapy for colonoscopic polypectomy. However, little is known about the bleeding risk from heparin‐bridging therapy itself.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched through January 2017 for studies that compared the risk of PPB in patients who received heparin‐bridging therapy in lieu of antithrombotic agents for colonoscopic polypectomy and those who discontinued antithrombotic agents without receiving heparin. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random‐effects model, generic inverse variance method. Between‐study heterogeneity was quantified using the Q statistic and I2.

Results

A total of five studies consisting of 2601 patients were identified. A significantly increased risk of PPB among bridged patients compared to non‐bridged patients was demonstrated with a pooled OR of 8.29 (95% CI, 4.96–13.87). Statistical heterogeneity was low with I2 of 0%.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated a significantly increased risk of PPB among patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy and received heparin‐bridging therapy in lieu of antithrombotic agents compared to patients who did not receive it.
Socioeconomic burden of participation in clinical trials in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Goel Swati , Paoli Chiara , Iurlo Alessandra , Pereira Arturo , Efficace Fabio , Barbui Tiziano , Tefferi Ayalew , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Cervantes Francisco
Published: April 2017

Objective

To determine the financial and psycho‐social impact of participation in clinical trials of patients with BCR/ABL‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN).

Methods

An international, observational cross‐sectional study was performed in 143 consecutive MPN patients (51% myelofibrosis, 36% polycythemia vera, 13% essential thrombocythemia), 68% from Italy, 17% from USA, and 15% from Spain.

Results

Thirty‐five percent of patients reported having spent more money during the trial than in previous treatments and 21% having missed more workdays. Twelve percent replied that they would not have participated in the trial if the financial consequences would have been known beforehand. In 10% of the patients, the interpersonal relationships were more affected during the trial than in previous treatment but, overall, 91% subjects believed that participating in the clinical trial was worth the financial or emotional suffering. Concerning patients’ suggestions, 54% of them indicated that the number of visits required for the trial should be clearly specified in the informed consent, 60% recommended travel cost reimbursement, and 23% hotel cost reimbursement.

Conclusions

Physicians and pharmaceutical companies involved in clinical trials with patients with hematological diseases should be aware of these problems and make efforts to attenuate the socioeconomic burden of participation in the trials.
Familial chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Israel: A disproportionate distribution among Ashkenazi Jews
Authors: Zada Mor , Lerner Daniele , Piltz Yuval , Perry Chava , Avivi Irit , Herishanu Yair
Published: April 2017

Background

Relatives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are at increased risk of developing CLL. Familial CLL is defined as more than one case of CLL among blood relatives, a phenomenon reported in approximately 5%‐10% of all CLL patients.

Objective

Given the known predisposition of CLL among Ashkenazi Jews, we studied the features of familial CLL in an Israeli population.

Methods

This is a retrospective study, in which we reviewed the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of a total of 332 patients with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Results

Familial CLL was recorded in 41 cases (12.3%) of the patients. The age at diagnosis was younger in patients with familial CLL (by almost 3.5 years). Familial CLL was strongly associated with Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Patients with familial CLL more commonly presented with higher hemoglobin and lower serum β‐2‐microglobulin levels. No significant differences were detected between sporadic and familial CLL in disease stage, time to treatment, second cancers, or overall survival.

Conclusion

Familial cases of CLL in an Israeli population show a disproportionate ethnic distribution toward Jews of Ashkenazi origin. The clinical characteristics and the overall outcome are not substantially different from sporadic cases.
Is allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis still indicated at the time of molecular markers and JAK inhibitors era?
Authors: Lestang Elsa , Peterlin Pierre , Le Bris Yannick , Dubruille Viviane , Delaunay Jacques , Godon Catherine , Theisen Olivier , Blin Nicolas , Mahe Beatrice , Gastinne Thomas , Garnier Alice , Touzeau Cyrille , Voldoire Maud , Bene Marie C. , Le Gouill Steven , Milpied Noel , Mohty Mohamad , Moreau Philippe , Guillaume Thierry , Chevallier Patrice
Published: April 2017

Objective

The role of allogenic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is still debated in myelofibrosis (MF).

Methods

A retrospective analyzed was performed to compare the outcome of 71 patients with intermediate‐2 or high‐risk Dynamic International Prognosis Scoring System+ (DIPSS+) primary (PMF) or secondary (SMF) myelofibrosis with an indication of ASCT as they ultimately underwent the procedure (n=34) or not (n=37).

Results

Five‐year overall survival (OS) was not statistically different between both groups (allograft: 52% vs no allograft: 34%, P=.12). However, progression to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia at 5 years was significantly lower in transplanted patients (14% vs 50%, P=.01). In univariate analysis, 5‐year OS was significantly higher for transplanted vs non‐transplanted patients with unfavorable karyotype (75% vs 0%, P=.001), SMF (71% vs 20%, P=.001) or high DIPSS+ score (46% vs 15%, P=.03). There was also a trend for better 5‐year OS in allografted patients with high JAK2V617F burden (>65%) (75% vs 8%, P=.07). Interestingly, the survival of patients who did not proceed to ASCT was dramatically increased by the use of ruxolitinib.

Conclusions

Not all intermediate‐2/high‐risk DIPSS+ MF patients benefit from ASCT, especially since the introduction of JAK2 inhibitors.
Promoter polymorphisms of the TIM‐4 gene are correlated with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu B. , Liu W. , Wang R. , Shu Q. , Zhang X. , Fan X. , Zhang Q. , Liang X. , Ma C. , Gao L.
Published: April 2017

Although the TIM gene family plays important roles in immune responses, little is known about TIM regulation in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to investigate the association of two TIM‐4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs6874202 (−1419G>A) and rs62382402 (−1609G>A) with SLE susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. The results showed no significant differences between patients with SLE and control group for rs6874202 and rs62382402 (p = .72, .53 respectively). However, the anti‐dsDNA levels in serum from SLE patients with GG genotype of TIM‐4 gene at ‐1419 site were significantly higher than those with GA and AA genotype (p = .0335), and C3 levels of SLE patients with GG and GA genotype were much lower than those with AA genotypes (p = .0187). Moreover, the apoptotic cell levels of SLE patients with AA and GG genotypes were significantly higher than those with GA genotypes in patients with SLE (p = .0393). In addition, the C3 concentration of SLE patients with the GG genotype of TIM‐4 gene at ‐1609 site was found to be significantly higher than those with the GA genotype (p = .0129). The results imply that GG genotype of the TIM‐4 gene at ‐1419 site might be associated with the disease activity of SLE.
Impact of non‐alcoholic fatty pancreas disease on glucose metabolism
Authors: Yu Tse‐Ya , Wang Chih‐Yuan
Published: April 2017

With the increasing global epidemic of obesity, the clinical importance of non‐alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) has grown. Even though the pancreas might be more susceptible to ectopic fat deposition compared with the liver, NAFPD is rarely discussed because of the limitation of detection techniques. In the past, NAFPD was considered as an innocent condition or just part of clinical manifestations during the course of obesity. Recently, a growing body of research suggests that NAFPD might be associated with β‐cell dysfunction, insulin resistance and inflammation, which possibly lead to the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The present review summarized the current literature on the epidemiology, potential pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, impact of NAFPD on β‐cell function and insulin resistance, and the clinical relevance of the interplay between NAFPD and glucometabolic disorders.
Multivariate genetic architecture of the Anolis dewlap reveals both shared and sex‐specific features of a sexually dimorphic ornament
Authors: Cox R. M. , Costello R. A. , Camber B. E. , McGlothlin J. W.
Published: April 2017

Darwin viewed the ornamentation of females as an indirect consequence of sexual selection on males and the transmission of male phenotypes to females via the ‘laws of inheritance’. Although a number of studies have supported this view by demonstrating substantial between‐sex genetic covariance for ornament expression, the majority of this work has focused on avian plumage. Moreover, few studies have considered the genetic basis of ornaments from a multivariate perspective, which may be crucial for understanding the evolution of sex differences in general, and of complex ornaments in particular. Here, we provide a multivariate, quantitative‐genetic analysis of a sexually dimorphic ornament that has figured prominently in studies of sexual selection: the brightly coloured dewlap of Anolis lizards. Using data from a paternal half‐sibling breeding experiment in brown anoles (Anolis sagrei), we show that multiple aspects of dewlap size and colour exhibit significant heritability and a genetic variance–covariance structure (G) that is broadly similar in males (Gm) and females (Gf). Whereas sexually monomorphic aspects of the dewlap, such as hue, exhibit significant between‐sex genetic correlations (rmf), sexually dimorphic features, such as area and brightness, exhibit reduced rmf values that do not differ from zero. Using a modified random skewers analysis, we show that the between‐sex genetic variance–covariance matrix (B) should not strongly constrain the independent responses of males and females to sexually antagonistic selection. Our microevolutionary analysis is in broad agreement with macroevolutionary perspectives indicating considerable scope for the independent evolution of coloration and ornamentation in males and females.
Awareness of risk of cross‐infection and infection‐control measures among patients attending University Dental Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ratnayake Dilini , Medawela Sumudu , Jayasinghe Ruwan , Jayathilake Sumedha , de Silva Dileep , Sitheeque Mohaideen
Published: April 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess awareness of the risk of cross‐infection and infection‐control measures practiced in dental clinics for patients attending the outpatient dental department (OPD) at University Dental Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was carried out among 427 patients who attended the OPD clinics at University Dental Hospital. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and chi‐squared‐test of association was applied where appropriate.

Results

Most patients (75.2%) were aware that there was a chance of infection transmission during dental treatments, and nearly 72% stated that wearing gloves and masks by their dentists was important during dental treatment. Awareness was higher among patients with a higher educational level. Participants revealed their fear of potential transmission of blood‐borne pathogens in the dental setting. Awareness of sterilization of dental instruments was poor.

Conclusions

The public should be made aware of the possible risks of cross‐infection and the importance of infection‐control practices in dental clinics. Dental professionals should fill the information gap.
Finite element analysis on tooth and periodontal stress under simulated occlusal loads
Authors: Zhang H. , Cui J.‐W. , Lu X. L. , Wang M.‐Q.
Published: April 2017

The tooth stress elicited by occluding contact represents critical biomechanical information about dental health during chewing. Effects of occlusal contact on tooth stress remain obscure. In this study, a mandibular first molar finite element model was built from CT images. The effects of area size, location and direction of occlusal loading on both tooth and periodontal stresses were analysed. Results showed tooth and periodontal stress had drastically different patterns. Tooth stress value was much higher than periodontal stress value under the same task. Tooth stress concentration area and its value decreased from outside to inside. The Maximum Tooth Stress (MTS) always occurred at the loading site and a larger loading area elicited a smaller MTS value. The variation of MTS was larger when the fossa bottoms were inclined loaded than when the cusp tips were inclined loaded, larger when lingually loaded than when buccally loaded and larger when mesially loaded than when distally loaded. Distal loadings generally induced smaller Maximum Periodontal Stress (MPS) variations than the mesial loadings. These findings indicated exposure of the rational site(s) to occlusal contact should be helpful to achieve proper tooth and periodontal stress, thus to diminish loading associated structure problems.
Top‐down approach is possible strategy for predicting breakthrough fUTIs and renal scars in infants
Authors: Kawai Shina , Kanai Takahiro , Hyuga Taiju , Nakamura Shigeru , Aoyagi Jun , Ito Takane , Saito Takashi , Odaka Jun , Furukawa Rieko , Aihara Toshinori , Nakai Hideo
Published: April 2017

Background

Acute‐phase technetium‐99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy is recommended for initial imaging in children with febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI). Recently, the importance of identifying patients at risk of recurrent fUTI (r‐fUTI) has been emphasized. To clarify the effectiveness of DMSA scintigraphy for predicting r‐fUTI in infants, we investigated the relationship between defects on DMSA scintigraphy and r‐fUTI.

Methods

Seventy‐nine consecutive infants (male: female, 60:19) with fUTI were enrolled in this study. DMSA scintigraphy was performed in the acute phase, and patients with defect underwent voiding cystourethrography and chronic‐phase (6 months later) DMSA scintigraphy. Patients were followed on continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP).

Results

Defects on acute‐phase DMSA scintigraphy were observed in 32 children (40.5%) of 79. The mean follow‐up observation period was 17.0 ± 10.1 months. Four patients had r‐fUTI (5%). Two of them had defects on DMSA scintigraphy in both the acute phase and chronic phase, and had bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) grade IV. Two others had r‐fUTI without defects on DMSA and did not have VUR. Twelve patients had defect on chronic‐phase DMSA scintigraphy and four of them had no VUR.

Conclusions

The top‐down approach is a possible method for predicting r‐fUTI in infants and does not miss clinically significant VUR. Also, given that the prevalence of r‐fUTI was 5% regardless of the presence of defects on acute‐phase DMSA, then, in conjunction with genital hygiene and CAP, acute‐phase DMSA might be unnecessary if chronic‐phase DMSA is performed for all patients to detect renal scar.
Expression profiling of Sudanese visceral leishmaniasis patients pre‐ and post‐treatment with sodium stibogluconate
Authors: Salih M. A. M. , Fakiola M. , Lyons P. A. , Younis B. M. , Musa A. M. , Elhassan A. M. , Anderson D. , Syn G. , Ibrahim M. E. , Blackwell J. M. , Mohamed H. S.
Published: April 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Sudan caused by Leishmania donovani is fatal in susceptible individuals if untreated. Treatment with sodium stibogluconate (SSG) leads to post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in 58% of patients. Here, Affymetrix microarrays were used to identify genes differentially expressed in lymph nodes (N=9 paired samples) pre‐ and post‐treatment with SSG. Using the Bioconductor package limma, 438 genes from 28 869 post‐quality‐control probe sets were differentially expressed (Pnominal≤.02) post‐ vs pretreatment. Canonical pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis™ identified “role of nuclear factor of activated T‐cell in regulation of immune response” (Pnominal=1.35×10−5; PBH‐adjusted=4.79×10−3), “B‐cell development” (Pnominal=2.04×10−4; PBH‐adjusted=.024), “Fcγ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in macrophages and monocytes” (Pnominal=2.04×10−4; PBH‐adjusted=.024) and “OX40 signalling” (Pnominal=2.82×10−4; PBH‐adjusted=.025) as pathways differentially regulated post‐ vs pretreatment. Major network hub genes included TP53, FN1, MYC, BCL2, JUN, SYK, RUNX2, MMP1 and ACTA2. Top endogenous upstream regulators included IL‐7 (P=2.28×10−6), TNF (P=4.26×10−6), Amyloid Precursor Protein (P=4.23×10−5) and SPI1/PI.1 (P=1.17×10−7). Top predicted chemical drug regulators included the flavonoid genistein (P=4.56×10−7) and the quinoline alkaloid camptothecin (P=5.14×10−5). These results contribute to our understanding of immunopathology associated with VL and response to SSG treatment. Further replication could identify novel therapeutic strategies that improve on SSG treatment and reduce the likelihood of progression to PKDL.
Expression of kit ligand and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 during in vivo or in vitro development of ovarian follicles in sheep
Authors: Srividya D , Praveen Chakravarthi V , Kona SSR , Siva Kumar AVN , Brahmaiah KV , Rao VH
Published: April 2017

Contents

Expression of Kit ligand (KL) and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP3) genes was studied at different in vivo and corresponding in vitro stages of development of the ovarian follicles in sheep. The expression of both KL and IGFBP3 was significantly higher in the primordial follicles relative to any other stage of development. Compared to the other stages, the KL expression in the cumulus cells from in vivo grown large antral follicles and that of IGFBP3 in COCs’ isolated from large antral follicles matured in vitro for 24 hr were significantly higher. In the oocytes from in vivo grown ovarian follicles, the expression of KL was the same at all the stages of development. Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 expression was also the same in the oocytes at all the stages of the development except for a significantly lower expression in those from antral follicles. The expression of KL in the cumulus cells decreased significantly in the in vitro grown early antral follicles but did not change further as the development progressed. The expression of IGFBP3 in the cumulus cells from in vitro grown ovarian follicles appeared to increase as the development progressed although the increase was not significant between any two consecutive stages of development. In the oocytes in in vitro grown ovarian follicles, the expression levels of KL and IGFBP3 genes did not change with development. It is concluded that (i) KL and IGFBP3 genes follow specific patterns of expression during ovarian folliculogenesis and (ii) in vitro culture of preantral follicles compromises the development potential through alterations in the stage‐specific patterns of expression of these and other developmentally important genes.
Two new species of the genus Pergalumna (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Northern Vietnam
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , STARÝ Josef
Published: April 2017

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Pergalumna (Oribatida, Galumnidae) are described from the Tam Dao National Park of Northern Vietnam. Pergalumna kunsti sp. nov. differs from P. magnipora xishuangbanna Aoki & Hu, 1993 by the larger body size, barbed bothridial setae, peanut-shell shaped notogastral porose areas Aa, lamellar setae longer than interlamellar setae and smooth genital plates. Pergalumna storkani sp. nov. differs from P. paratsurusakii Ermilov, Shtanchaeva, Kaluz & Subias, 2013 by the larger body size, rounded rostrum, strong and erect adanal setae ad2, lamellar setae longer than interlamellar setae, and the absence of a median pore.
Rediscovery and redescription of Hieracolichus hirundo (Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884) (Astigmata: Gabuciniidae) from the Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja (Linnaeus, 1758) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae)
Authors: Hernandes Fabio A.
Published: April 2017

The feather mite Hieracolichus hirundo (Mégnin & Trouessart, 1884) (Astigmata: Gabuciniidae) is recollected from the type host, the harpy eagle Harpia harpyja (Linnaeus, 1758) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), and redescribed based on the type and newly collected materials. Illustrations of this mite are provided for the first time.
Streaming and sound localization with a preceding distractor
Authors: Kopčo Norbert , Andrejková Gabriela , Best Virginia , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara
Published: April 2017

Localization of a 2-ms click target was previously shown to be influenced by a preceding identical distractor for inter-click-intervals up to 400 ms [Kopčo, Best, and Shinn-Cunningham (2007). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 121, 420–432]. Here, two experiments examined whether perceptual organization plays a role in this effect. In the experiments, the distractor was designed either to be grouped with the target (a single-click distractor) or to be processed in a separate stream (an 8-click train). The two distractors affected performance differently, both in terms of bias and variance, suggesting that grouping and streaming play a role in localization in multisource environments.
Dual incarcerated internal hernias after laparoscopic total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer
Authors: Ng Zi Qin , Low Willy , Subramanian Pradeep , Stein Joel
Published: April 2017

Internal hernia postgastrectomy is an exceedingly rare complication especially in the laparoscopic cohort of patients. Different types of internal hernias have been described, of which, Petersen's and jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect hernias are the most commonly encountered followed by oesophageal defect and transverse colon mesocolic defect hernias. As the early presentation is always non-specific, late diagnosis of internal hernia has significant implication on morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a rare case of a patient with previous laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy presented with features of impending bowel obstruction and bowel ischaemia secondary to dual incarcerated internal hernias. We also reviewed the literature focusing on clinical features of internal hernia, essential CT findings and preventive measures.
REAL WAGE STAGNANCY: EVIDENCE FROM TAIWAN
Authors: HUANG LI-HSUAN , HUANG HSIN-YI
Published: April 2017

This study examines how and why the gap between economic growth and real wage growth in Taiwan is widening, a phenomenon that contrasts sharply with South Korea, which has a similar industrial structure to that of Taiwan. We empirically demonstrate that, despite the continued growth of labor productivity, the benefits from economic growth allocated to workers have been falling, and that this process has accelerated following the 2008–2009 financial crisis. The labor market institutional effect contributed partially to the problem. Workers’ purchasing power, measured by the real consumption wage rate, has been declining for a relatively long period, implying significant deterioration of terms-of-trade, and cutting real wage growth by as much as 2.23% per year. The terms-of-trade effect is particularly prominent in the manufacturing sector, which is highly export-oriented. Moreover, we found cash wages to be very sensitive to the rise in the rate of unemployment, and to the changes in output performance of the industry in which the workers are employed. The latter factor significantly reduced the cash wages paid to workers in the manufacturing sector, which highlighted the waning of workers’ bargaining power regarding wages, as well as the negative impact of globalization on the labor market. We therefore conclude that the deterioration of terms-of-trade, increases in the aggregate unemployment rate, the adverse globalization effect and the institutional effect might be the main driving forces for real wage stagnancy in Taiwan.
On asymptotic power corrections to differential fluxes and generalization of optical theorem for potential scattering
Authors: Korenblit S. E. , Sinitskaya A. V.
Published: April 2017

In a wide class of potentials, the exact asymptotic dependence on finite distance R from scattering center is established for outgoing differential flux. It is shown how this dependence is eliminated by integration over solid angle for total flux, unitarity relation, and optical theorem. Thus, their applicability domain extends naturally to the finite R.
Abdus Salam: The passionate, compassionate man and, his masterpiece, the ICTP
Authors: Virasoro Miguel A.
Published: April 2017

Abdus Salam was a great man in more than one dimension. The conception and building of the ICTP system required much more than the intelligence of a great scientist. I will stress those other facets that made him such a unique personality: the optimism that coloured his views about men and women, his love for his people and his commitment to the less favoured peoples of the world and a crucial ingredient, his deep and complex sense of ethical values that pushed him towards engagement in the political reality. Endowed with a formidable power of persuasion and a healthy lack of respect for norms or rules that are not based on justice he made a big difference on many of us and will remain as an icon for future generations. I will also describe the final touches that Salam’s collaborators and successors had to add to keep his heritage flourishing.
ICTP: From a dream to a reality in 50+ years
Authors: Quevedo F.
Published: April 2017

For more than 50 years, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics has fostered the growth and sustainability of physics and mathematics in the developing world, benefitting hundreds of thousands of scientists. What began as a dream by its founder, Pakistani Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, has become a first-rate international research hub connecting scientists from all corners of the globe. As the social and economic situations in many developing countries has shifted, ICTP has responded with the creation of relevant research and training programmes that continue to boost science in disadvantaged parts of the world. Today, ICTP remains a beacon of hope for scientists who aspire to greatness.
𝒩 = 4 supersymmetric quantum mechanical model: Novel symmetries
Authors: Krishna S.
Published: April 2017

We discuss a set of novel discrete symmetry transformations of the [Formula: see text] supersymmetric quantum mechanical model of a charged particle moving on a sphere in the background of Dirac magnetic monopole. The usual five continuous symmetries (and their conserved Noether charges) and two discrete symmetries together provide the physical realizations of the de Rham cohomological operators of differential geometry. We have also exploited the supervariable approach to derive the nilpotent [Formula: see text] SUSY transformations and provided the geometrical interpretation in the language of translational generators along the Grassmannian directions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] onto [Formula: see text]-dimensional supermanifold.
Gravitational lensing by regular black holes surrounded by plasma
Authors: Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon , Toshmatov Bobir , Schee Jan , Stuchlík Zdeněk , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: April 2017

In the weak field approximation, we study the gravitational lensing near the regular Bardeen, Hayward and Ayon-Beato–Garcia (ABG) black holes surrounded by plasma. The exact expressions for the deflection angle of the photons due to the effect of the gravitational field and the plasma have been obtained. The analysis of the image source brightness magnification in the background spacetimes of (i) Bardeen, (ii) Hayward and (iii) ABG regular black holes have shown that the increase of the corresponding charge of regular black hole causes the increase in the magnification of the source image. In addition to the primary ring, one may observe the secondary ring with smaller magnification. The influence of the plasma with (i) constant and (ii) radial power law electron density to the magnification of the source image has been studied.
Astrometric microlensing
Authors: Nucita A. A. , De Paolis F. , Ingrosso G. , Giordano M. , Manni L.
Published: April 2017

In the next future, astrometric microlensing will offer a new channel for investigating the nature of both lenses and sources involved in a gravitational microlensing event. The effect, corresponding to the shift of the position of the multiple image centroid with respect to the source star location, is expected to occur on scales from micro-arcoseconds to milli-arcoseconds depending on the characteristics of the lens-source system. Here, we consider different classes of events (single/binary lens acting on a single/binary source) also accounting for additional effects including the finite source size, the blending and orbital motion. This is particularly important in the era of Gaia observations which are making possible astrometric measurements with unprecedented quality.
EXPERT OPINIONS AND LOGARITHMIC UTILITY MAXIMIZATION FOR MULTIVARIATE STOCK RETURNS WITH GAUSSIAN DRIFT
Authors: SASS JÖRN , WESTPHAL DOROTHEE , WUNDERLICH RALF
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates optimal trading strategies in a financial market with multidimensional stock returns, where the drift is an unobservable multivariate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Information about the drift is obtained by observing stock returns and expert opinions which provide unbiased estimates on the current state of the drift.

The optimal trading strategy of investors maximizing expected logarithmic utility of terminal wealth depends on the filter which is the conditional expectation of the drift given the available information. We state filtering equations to describe its dynamics for different information settings. At information dates, the expert opinions lead to an update of the filter which causes a decrease in the conditional covariance matrix. We investigate properties of these conditional covariance matrices. First, we consider the asymptotic behavior of the covariance matrices for an increasing number of expert opinions on a finite time horizon. Second, we state conditions for convergence in infinite time with regularly-arriving expert opinions.

Finally, we derive the optimal trading strategy of an investor. The optimal expected logarithmic utility of terminal wealth, the value function, is a functional of the conditional covariance matrices. Hence, our analysis of the covariance matrices allows us to deduce properties of the value function.
IMPACTS OF INTERNAL FACTORS IN ORGANISATIONS ON CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE IN HOSPITALITY COMPANIES
Authors: AKDOGAN ASUMAN , KALE EMINE
Published: April 2017

Aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of internal factors in organisations regarded as important in developing innovation and creativity in hospitality companies on creative performance of employees and on innovative performance of the organisation. Factor analysis is used to determine the dimensions of organisational factors affecting innovation and creativity. Seven factors are determined considering the variables that constitute factors. Regression analysis is conducted in order to determine the impacts of the factors on creative and innovative performance. Results showed that “project development climate”, “communication”, “target-focused” and “team spirit” affect both creative and innovative performance positively. On the other hand, “bureaucratic structure” affects not only innovation but also creative performance negatively. It is found that “resources and incentive” and “support from the top” have no impact on creative and innovative performance.
Insights into the Mechanisms Involved in Protective Effects of VEGF-B in Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Caballero Beatrice , Sherman Scott J. , Falk Torsten
Published: April 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B), when initially discovered, was thought to be an angiogenic factor, due to its intimate sequence homology and receptor binding similarity to the prototype angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Studies demonstrated that VEGF-B, unlike VEGF-A, did not play a significant role in angiogenesis or vascular permeability and has become an active area of interest because of its role as a survival factor in pathological processes in a multitude of systems, including the brain. By characterization of important downstream targets of VEGF-B that regulate different cellular processes in the nervous system and cardiovascular system, it may be possible to develop more effective clinical interventions in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and ischemic heart disease, which all share mitochondrial dysfunction as part of the disease. Here we summarize what is currently known about the mechanism of action of VEGF-B in pathological processes. We explore its potential as a homeostatic protective factor that improves mitochondrial function in the setting of cardiovascular and neurological disease, with a specific focus on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.