bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lean talent management: a novel approach for increasing creativity in architectural design firms
Authors: Othman Ayman Ahmed Ezzat , Khalil Mohamed Hesham Madbouly
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Architecture is classified as one of the creative industries worldwide. However, it is plagued with a number of problems that confine its creativity towards developing innovative solutions that fulfil society needs. One of these pressing problems is the lack of creativity due to the non-utilisation of talented architects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of lean talent management (LTM) as a novel approach to increase creativity in architectural design firms (ADFs).

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology is designed to accomplish three objectives. First, reviewing literature to investigate the concepts of creative industries, motivation, demotivation, talent management (TM), talents utilisation (TU), lean thinking (LT) and lean innovation (LI). Second, presenting and analysing five case studies to explore the integration between TM, LT and LI in real-life context to overcome barriers of creativity. Finally, analysing the results of a survey questionnaire conducted with a representative sample of Egyptian ADFs to evaluate their perception and application of TM as a facilitator for creativity.

Findings

The five barriers of creativity encompassed lack of motivation in ADFs and demotivation and lack of TU in ADFs and Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. TM facilitated motivation and eliminated six demotivating factors. The seventh factor was eliminated through LT. In AEC industry, TU was achieved through LI with five considerations. In ADFs, TU can be achieved through LTM. However, two additional barriers have been identified for further investigation. Egyptian ADFs failed increasing creativity with TM solely. Hence, a LTM framework is required.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study focussed on architecture as a case for creative industries and targeted Egyptian ADFs, the application of LTM is to be applied at any industry that is talent-based although barriers related to the design process could vary.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach through discussing the integration of lean concepts into TM towards increasing creativity in ADFs. This ideology has received scant attention in construction literature and is the first of its kind in the architectural field. The proposed ideas represent a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.
HRM practices and the multifaceted nature of organization performance
Authors: Taamneh Abdallah , Alsaad Abdallah Khalaf , Elrehail Hamzah
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human resource management (HRM) practices on the performance of Jordanian banks as determined by using the balanced scorecard (BSC) performance measurement system and by testing the effect of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as a possible mediator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was used to collect data from the study sample, which consisted of 230 managers working in various banks across Jordan. The study hypotheses were then tested using SPSS and AMOS software by applying structural equation models (SEMs).

Findings

The data set revealed that the use of HRM practices had a significant impact on both employee OCB and bank performance in all the four dimensions of the BSC (financial, customer satisfaction, internal processes, learning and growth). In addition, OCB was found to have a positive significant impact on organizational performance. Moreover, results indicated that OCB partially mediates the relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The authors examine the impact HRM practices on the organization performance through the mediation role of OCB. The results obtained from this study extend the existing literature by providing evidences from non-western country such as Jordan. Based on the findings, the theoretical and practical implications of the study as well as limitations and suggestions for future studies are also discussed.
Performance indicators for facilities operation and maintenance (Part 1)
Authors: Lai Joseph H.K. , Man Chun Sing
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper (Part 1 of 2) is to classify and map, in a systematic manner and from a facilities management (FM) perspective, the performance indicators that are applicable to evaluating facilities operation and maintenance (O&M) in commercial buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Forming part of a multi-stage research project, the applicable performance indicators that had been identified from an extensive literature review were consolidated and defined. Based on a phase-hierarchy (P-H) model – a fundamental classification framework comprising three phases of facilities services delivery and three hierarchical FM levels – the indicators were systematically classified, and a map showing their distribution along the phase and hierarchy dimensions was obtained.

Findings

The P-H model enabled systematic classification of the 71 applicable indicators. Mapping the indicators with the model showed that more indicators concern the input or output phase of facilities services delivery. Indicators at the strategic level, which have a wide span of control, are small in quantity, compared to the large number of indicators at the operational level.

Research implications

The P-H model, which proves useful for classifying performance indicators for facilities in commercial buildings, may be applied to similar research on other types of buildings or infrastructures.

Practical implications

The method of classifying the performance indicators and the mapping result of the indicators are useful reference for different levels of FM practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates a novel attempt that made use of the P-H model to classify O&M performance indicators.
Measuring customer based corporate reputation in banking industry
Authors: Cintamür İsmail Gökhan , Yüksel Cenk Arsun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a reliable and valid alternative scale to measure customer-based corporate reputation (CBCR) specific to the banking industry only, where high risks and uncertainties of choosing a service provider exist.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to develop and validate an alternative scale to measure CBCR in the banking industry. Following Churchill’s (1979) paradigm and other prominent scale development studies, a scale development procedure was generated, which consists of three main stages: scale generation and initial purification, scale refinement and scale validation.

Findings

As a consequence of the current study, a reliable and valid multidimensional scale was obtained, consisting of 20 items and four dimensions to measure CBCR in banking industry: financial performance and financially strong company, customer orientation, social and environmental responsibility and trust.

Practical implications

This study provides insight to managers to comprehend and manage their CBCR. Since this study has empirically demonstrated that the four dimensions of the CBCR are associated with the five important customer outcome variables, the study provides further support toward the importance of corporate reputation in strategic marketing decisions in the banking industry.

Originality/value

Numerous different disciplines have focused on corporate reputation measurement by adapting different perspectives and approaches. However, a reliable and valid measurement tool has been proposed here to evaluate corporate reputation from customers’ perspective specific to banking industry.
Applications of latent growth curve modeling: a research agenda for hospitality management
Authors: Xu Shi , Martinez Larry
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) as a statistical technique to analyze repeated measures of longitudinal data to researchers in hospitality management.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the basics and extensions of LGCM are explained. Second, this paper reviews three existing empirical hospitality research studies that could have benefitted from LGCM but did not use this methodology. Third, this paper provides an overview of two specific illustrative examples of how the current authors have already used LGCM for hospitality research.

Findings

Based on explaining the basics of LGCM, delineating two examples using LGCM method and presenting new research avenues that would use LGCM to advance theoretical knowledge, this paper shows how LGCM represents a leap forward in the promotion of more rigorous research in hospitality management.

Originality/value

This paper is the first in hospitality to call for research based on LGCM and provide hands-on demonstrations and an agenda for this methodology.
Online focus groups: a valuable alternative for hospitality research?
Authors: Richard Brendan , Sivo Stephen , Orlowski Marissa , Ford Robert , Murphy Jamie , Boote David , Witta Eleanor
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to test the idea generation capabilities of online text-based focus groups as compared to the traditional in-person focus groups using sustainability in the hospitality industry as the idea generation topic. Idea generation quantity and quality are analyzed and the theoretical and practical implications for the hospitality industry are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study tested the quality of ideas generated by online versus in-person focus groups. Participants were purposively sampled from the hospitality program at a large southeastern United States university and randomly assigned into one of two treatment groups: online text-based or traditional in-person focus groups. During both treatment groups participants generated ideas focused on sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Findings

The online focus group generated a comparable quantity of ideas, in addition to a similar average quality of ideas and number of good ideas.

Practical implications

The generation of ideas and the selection of opportunities drive the innovation process through which firms can strengthen their competitive advantage and maintain and grow market share and profitability. The results of this study may assist hospitality firms in determining which form of qualitative research delivers the highest return on investment by generating the best ideas at the lowest cost.

Originality/value

This paper breaks new ground by assessing the effectiveness of idea generation in online versus traditional focus groups, comparing both the quantity and quality of ideas generated from an experimental study that uses random assignment.
CFTC enforcement trends in 2017 and considerations for 2018
Authors: Malyshev Peter , Achilles Jennifer , Ottenberg Jill , Stumacher Jessica
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the types of cases that were brought by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2017 and what to expect in 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the overall statistics regarding enforcement actions brought by the CFTC, as well as the amount of restitution, disgorgement and penalties collected in 2017. These statistics are contrasted with the same statistics from 2016. This paper also discusses the types of enforcement actions brought by the CFTC in 2017 and identifies and analyzes trends. The analysis also includes a discussion of what to expect in 2018.

Findings

This paper concludes that 2017 was a year filled with personnel changes and vacancies at the CFTC, which resulted in no major policymaking cases being brought by the CFTC. This paper also finds that the CFTC is focused on actively monitoring the markets, and will continue to pursue actions involving reporting violations, fraud, manipulation, cryptocurrencies, and disruptive trade practices while rewarding parties for self-reporting and cooperation.

Originality/value

This paper contains valuable information from experienced lawyers regarding personnel changes at the CFTC, recent trends in CFTC enforcement activity and what to expect in 2018.
The past, present and future of Haiti as a post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster destination
Authors: Seraphin Hugues
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the future of the tourism industry in Haiti. More specifically, the paper answers the following question: will Haiti be able to reclaim a positive image and leading position in the Caribbean as a tourist destination?

Design/methodology/approach

Within the paradigm of theory building and exploratory approach, this conceptual study is based on a narrative literature review.

Findings

The turning point in the development of the tourism industry in Haiti has been the 2010 earthquake which has triggered a will to provide quality products and service specifically in the hospitality sector, the most dynamic sector of the tourism industry. With the diaspora, Haiti has the potential to reclaim a positive image and a leading position in the Caribbean. That said, before performing at this level, the destination must first and foremost contribute to the wellbeing of its people as a sine qua non condition for the success of its tourism industry.

Practical implications

The findings of this research may help potential investors to decide whether or not they want to invest in Haiti. The findings of the paper may also assist the DMO in its branding and marketing strategy.

Originality/value

The alleviation of poverty using tourism as a tool in a post-colonial, post-conflict and post-disaster context should be analysed, understood and approached from a human aspect point of view and perspective. Resilience is what better describes the tourism industry and the locals in Haiti. The locals are neither passive nor powerless.
Configurations of factors affecting triage decision-making
Authors: Ponsiglione Cristina , Ippolito Adelaide , Primario Simonetta , Zollo Giuseppe
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the configuration of factors affecting the accuracy of triage decision-making. The contribution of the work is twofold: first, it develops a protocol for applying a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in the context of triage decision-making, and second, it studies, through two pilot cases, the interplay between individual and organizational factors in determining the emergence of errors in different decisional situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted in this paper is the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). The fuzzy-set variant of QCA (fsQCA) is implemented. The data set has been collected during field research carried out in the Emergency Departments (EDs) of two Italian public hospitals.

Findings

The results of this study show that the interplay between individual and contextual/organizational factors determines the emergence of errors in triage assessment. Furthermore, there are some regularities in the patterns discovered in each of the investigated organizational contexts. These findings suggest that we should avoid isolating individual factors from the context in which nurses make their decisions.

Originality/value

Previous research on triage has mainly explored the impact of homogeneous groups of factors on the accuracy of the triage process, without considering the complexity of the phenomenon under investigation. This study outlines the need to consider the not-linear relationships among different factors in the study of triage’s decision-making. The definition and implementation of a protocol to apply fsQCA to the triage process in EDs further contributes to the originality of the research.
US cross-listings and director compensation: a cross-country analysis
Authors: (Stella) Liao Min-Yu
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of cross-listing on the size and structure of director compensation at individual director level. While much of the prior literature has focused on executive compensation, more recent literature has started to examine director compensation. Additionally, there has been extensive literature examining the impact of cross-listing on the corporate governance and equity valuation of listed firms. The literature, however, has largely ignored the effect of cross-listing on director compensation schemes. This study attempts to combine these two literature streams and examine the effect of cross-listing on director compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and matched non-ADRs from the same country and industry to test the relationship between cross-listing and director compensation. Regressions with country, year and industry fixed-effects are employed. The relationship is further examined using only ADR firms during pre-listing and post-listing periods.

Findings

This study finds that directors of ADR firms receive higher total compensation and greater percentage equity-based compensation relative to directors of non-ADR firms. This study also finds that such differences in director compensation are dependent on the cross-listing program a firm is registered to. Directors of ADR firms also receive higher total compensation and greater percentage equity-based compensation during post-listing periods relative to their own compensation during pre-listing periods.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on director compensation in a global setting, and is the first to examine an unanswered question regarding the effect of cross-listing on director compensation. This study provides important information that cross-listing affects the size and structure of director compensation between ADR and non-ADR firms, as well as between pre-listing and post-listing periods for ADR firms themselves.
Is the “sell in May and go away” adage the result of an election-year effect?
Authors: Waggle Doug , Agrrawal Pankaj
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a plausible explanation for the “sell in May” anomaly observed in US stock markets. A heretofore unexplained strategy of selling stock in May and not returning to the market until November has been shown to outperform a simple strategy of buying and holding stock all year long.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare the seasonal performance of three US size-based portfolios for the May–October and November–April periods considering whether or not they were in years with US congressional elections, which occur every two years.

Findings

While the sell-in-May effect appears to persist in the long run, the authors find that the anomaly is not present in non-election years. There is no significant difference between the May–October and November–April stock returns in non-election years. The observed sell-in-May effect is driven by poor stock returns in the May–October periods leading up to US presidential or congressional elections and subsequent strong performance in the November–April periods immediately following elections.

Originality/value

The paper offers an election-year effect as an explanation of the sell-in-May anomaly that has been observed in the US stock market. Other possible explanations of the effect, such as seasonal affective disorder, the weather, and daylight savings time, have not gained widespread acceptance.
Effect of learning goal orientation on work engagement through job crafting
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanism by which learning goal orientation (LGO) promotes work engagement through job crafting (seeking challenges).

Design/methodology/approach

A moderated mediation model was tested using survey data from 266 public health nurses and hospital nurses in Japan.

Findings

The results indicated that job crafting partially mediated the relationship between LGO and work engagement, and that the mediation effect was stronger when reflection was high (vs middle and low).

Research limitations/implications

Although common method bias and validity of measurement were evaluated in this paper, the survey data were cross-sectional.

Practical implications

The results suggest that selecting people with a stronger sense of LGO may be a useful strategy for promoting job crafting and work engagement in an organization. Additionally, organizations should give employees opportunities to reflect on their jobs and to craft them into more challenging ones in the workplace.

Originality/value

Although little is known about mechanisms by which LGO promotes work engagement, this study found that job crafting and reflection play important roles in linking LGO and work engagement.
Quality Changes after Implementation of an Episode of Care Model with Strict Criteria for Physical Therapy in Ontario's Long‐Term Care Homes
Authors: McArthur Caitlin , Hirdes John , Chaurasia Ashok , Berg Katherine , Giangregorio Lora
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To describe the proportion of residents receiving rehabilitation in long‐term care (LTC) homes, and scores on activities of daily living (ADL) and falls quality indicators (QIs) before and after change from fee‐for‐service to an episode of care model; and to evaluate the effect of the change on the QIs.

Data Sources

Secondary data were collected from all LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, between January 1, 2011 and March 31, 2015. Variables of interest were the proportion of residents per home receiving physical therapy (PT), and the scores on seven ADL and one falls QI.

Study Design

Retrospective, longitudinal study.

Data Extraction

All data were extracted from the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set.

Principal Findings

Fewer residents received PT after the policy change (84.6 percent, 2011; 56.6 percent, 2015). The policy change was associated with improved performance on several ADL QIs. However, having a large proportion of residents receive no PT or little PT was associated with poorer performance on two of the QIs measuring improvement in ADLs [No PT: −0.029 (−0.043 to −0.014); −0.048 (−0.068 to −0.027). PT <45 minutes per week: −0.012 (−0.026 to −0.002); −0.026 (−0.045 to −0.007); p < .01].

Conclusions

While controversial, the policy and subsequent PT service delivery change appears to be associated with improved performance on several ADL QIs, except in homes where a large proportion of residents receive no PT and low time‐intensive PT.
Examining Body‐Worn Camera Integration and Acceptance Among Police Officers, Citizens, and External Stakeholders
Authors: White Michael D. , Todak Natalie , Gaub Janne E.
Published: August 2018

Research Summary

We explore integration and acceptance of body‐worn cameras (BWCs) among police, citizens, and stakeholders in one jurisdiction (Tempe, AZ) that adhered to the U.S. Department of Justice's (U.S. DOJ's) BWC Implementation Guide. We assess integration and acceptance through (a) officer surveys pre‐ and postdeployment, (b) interviews with citizens who had recent police encounters, and (c) interviews with external stakeholders. We also analyze (d) officer self‐initiated contacts, (e) misdemeanor court case time to disposition, and (f) case outcomes. We found high levels of BWC acceptance across all groups. Officer proactivity remained consistent. Time‐to‐case disposition and the rate of guilty outcomes both trended in positive directions.

Policy Implications

Although the results of early research on BWCs showed positive impacts, the findings from recent studies have been mixed. Implementation difficulties may explain the mixed results. Planning, implementation, and management of a BWC program are complex undertakings requiring significant resources. The technology also generates controversy, so the risk of implementation failure is substantial. The findings from our study demonstrate that adherence to the U.S. DOJ BWC Implementation Guide can lead to high levels of integration and acceptance among key stakeholders.
Confidence in the Police, Due Process, and Perp Walks
Authors: Van Slyke Shanna R. , Benson Michael L. , Virkler William M.
Published: August 2018

Research Summary

Perp walks have been declared constitutionally acceptable even though the practice could be perceived to be a form of preconviction punishment and a manifestation of populist punitiveness. In adjudicating the constitutionality of perp walks, courts have employed a balancing test in which the interests of the press and the public's desire to know about the activities of law enforcement are weighted heavily. No research has been aimed at examining public opinion about this practice, however. We report the results of a national opt‐in survey of public opinion on perp walks and find that less than one third of the sample respondents support them. By employing models derived from research on the influence of race and ethnicity on attitudes toward criminal justice policies, we find that, after controlling for concerns about the police and due process rights violations, African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are more supportive of perp walks than are Whites. These findings suggest that perp walks are one of a few areas in which racial/ethnic minorities might take a harsher view of punitive criminal justice policies compared with Whites.

Policy Implications

Media coverage of some perp walks is likely unavoidable in a society with a free press, but the unscripted media coverage of a perp walk is different than the intentional coordination of a perp walk between law enforcement and the media. This practice of deliberately publicizing the arrest of criminal suspects has been defended by prosecutors and police. Contrary to claims that the public wants perp walks, however, we find that more people oppose than support perp walks. In light of the multiple constitutional concerns surrounding this practice, these results suggest that the orchestration of perp walks by law enforcement should be reconsidered.
Dose–response association between the triglycerides: High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk: The rural Chinese cohort study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Liu Yu , Sun Xizhuo , Yin Zhaoxia , Li Honghui , Zhang Ming , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Bingyuan , Ren Yongcheng , Zhao Yang , Liu Dechen , Zhou Junmei , Liu Xuejiao , Liu Leilei , Chen Xu , Liu Feiyan , Zhou Qionggui , Hu Dongsheng
Published: August 2018

Background

High triglyceride (TG) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels are traditional risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the dose–response relationship between the TG/HDL‐C ratio and T2DM risk.

Methods

The study included 11 946 adults without baseline diabetes from the Rural Chinese Cohort Study. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the association between the TG/HDL‐C ratio and T2DM. The dose–response relationship was evaluated by restricted cubic spline analysis. In addition, pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated with a random‐effects model in a meta‐analysis including the present study and another three eligible articles.

Results

During 2007–14, 618 patients with T2DM were identified (9.68/1000 person‐years). People in the highest TG/HDL‐C ratio quartile had a higher T2DM risk than those in the lowest quartile (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–2.86); however, the association between the TG/HDL‐C ratio and T2DM was stronger in females than males (aHR 1.27 [95% CI 1.16–1.39; and 1.19 [95% CI 1.04–1.37], respectively). In body mass index‐specific analysis, the association was stronger in normal weight than overweight/obese people. The dose–response meta‐analysis showed that a 1‐unit increment in the TG/HDL‐C ratio increased the T2DM risk by 28% (95% CI 20%–36%), with a positive linear relationship (Plinear = 0.326).

Conclusions

The TG/HDL‐C ratio was an independent risk factor of T2DM, especially in females, and linearly increased the risk of T2DM; thus, it may be a useful indicator to identify future T2DM.
Association between cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus using two different smoking stratifications in 145 040 Korean individuals: Self‐reported questionnaire and urine cotinine concentrations
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Kim Byung Jin , Kang Jung Gyu , Kim Bum Soo , Kang Jin Ho
Published: August 2018

Background

Although previous studies have assessed the relationship between smoking and diabetes using self‐reported questionnaires, interpretations may be limited by an underestimation of the actual smoking population. This study evaluated the relationship between smoking and diabetes using both self‐reported questionnaires and urine cotinine concentrations.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study enrolled 145 040 Koreans in Kangbuk Samsung Health and Cohort Studies between 2011 and 2013. Urinary cotinine was measured after a 10‐hour smoking‐free period. Cotinine‐verified current smoking was defined as a urinary cotinine concentrations ≥50 ng/mL.

Results

Overall diabetes prevalence in self‐reported (4.5% vs 1.6%) and cotinine‐verified (4.4% vs 2.1%) current smokers was higher than in self‐reported and cotinine‐verified never smokers. Multivariate regression analysis showed that cotinine‐verified current smoking (odds ratio [OR] 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13‐1.38), self‐reported former smoking (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01‐1.33) and current smoking (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.17‐1.50) were associated with increased diabetes compared with cotinine‐verified and self‐reported never smoking. Unobserved smoking (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.20, 2.66) also increased the odds for diabetes. There were no significant sex interactions in the analyses.

Conclusions

This study shows that self‐reported former and current smoking, cotinine‐verified current smoking, and unobserved smoking (i.e. self‐reported never smoking with urine cotinine >50 ng/mL) are all associated with increased diabetes prevalence. These findings suggest that cotinine could provide additional information when assessing cardiometabolic risks, such as diabetes.
Cognitive functioning and treatment outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of internet‐delivered drug and alcohol treatment
Authors: Shulman Matisyahu , Campbell Aimee , Pavlicova Martina , Hu Mei‐Chen , Aharonovich Efrat , Nunes Edward V.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives

Substance use disorders are associated with lower cognitive functioning, and this impairment is associated with poorer outcomes. The Therapeutic Education System (TES) is an internet‐based psychosocial intervention for substance use disorders that may provide enhanced treatment for individuals with cognitive deficits. This secondary analysis investigates the association between cognitive functioning and treatment outcomes in a large (N = 507) randomized controlled effectiveness trial of TES compared to treatment‐as‐usual conducted within outpatient programs in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network.

Methods

All participants completed a computer‐based cognitive assessment (Microcog™ short version) at baseline. Scores on subtests of attention, reasoning, and spatial perception were tested as moderators of the treatment effect on abstinence and retention at the end of the 12‐week treatment phase using mixed effects logistic regression.

Results

Cognitive functioning was not found to be a moderator of treatment on abstinence or retention. Post‐hoc analysis of the main effect of cognitive functioning on retention and abstinence found impaired reasoning and cognitive flexibility were associated with lower retention. There were no other main effects of cognitive functioning on retention or abstinence.

Conclusions

The benefit of internet delivered treatment over standard care was unchanged across a range of cognitive functioning. Consistent with previous research, mild to moderate impairment in reasoning and cognitive flexibility were associated with lower retention across both treatment arms.

Scientific Significance

An internet‐delivered cognitive behavioral intervention for substance use disorders, TES, is equally effective across a spectrum of cognitive functioning among diverse patients. (Am J Addict 2018;27:509–515)
Dietary patterns and respiratory health in adults from nine European countries—Evidence from the GA2LEN study
Authors: Bakolis Ioannis , Hooper Richard , Bachert Claus , Lange Bibi , Haahtela Tari , Keil Thomas , Hofmaier Stephanie , Fokkens Wytske , Rymarczyk Barbara , Janson Christer , Burney Peter GJ , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa
Published: August 2018

Background

Dietary patterns defined using principal component analysis (PCA) offer an alternative to the analysis of individual foods and nutrients and have been linked with asthma and allergic disease. However, results have not been reproducible in different settings.

Objective

To identify dietary patterns common to different European countries and examine their associations with asthma and allergic symptoms.

Methods

In sixteen study centers in nine European countries, 3206 individuals aged 15‐77 years completed a common, internationally validated, food frequency questionnaire and a respiratory symptoms questionnaire. The outcomes of interest were current asthma, asthma symptoms score (derived based on responses to 5 asthma symptom‐related questions), atopy (positive skin prick test). Spirometry was used to estimate forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), the FEV1/FVC, spirometric restriction (FVC below the lower limit of normal (<LLN)) and FEV1/FVC < LLN. A novel meta‐analytic approach was used to identify dietary patterns using PCA and to examine associations with asthma and allergic symptoms.

Results

Two dietary patterns emerged, generally correlating with the same foods in different countries: one associated with intake of animal proteins and carbohydrates; the other with fruit and vegetables. There was evidence that the former pattern was associated with a higher asthma score (RR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.33‐2.01), current asthma (RR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.52‐2.71), wheeze (RR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.30‐2.60), atopic status (RR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.16‐2.44) and with decreased lung function, including an FVC <LLN (RR 4.57, 95% CI: 2.27‐9.21).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our findings suggest an increase in sensitisation to common allergens, an increase in asthma symptoms, and a reduction in lung function in those eating a diet rich in animal proteins and carbohydrates. We found little evidence of an association between these outcomes and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Ten‐year changes of intraocular pressure in adults: the Liwan Eye Study
Authors: Han Xiaotong , Zhao Haifeng , Wu Changfan , Liu Chi , Yan William , Hu Yin , He Mingguang
Published: August 2018

Importance

Understanding the longitudinal intraocular pressure (IOP) changes and potential risk factors in adults is important for future glaucoma control in the aging society.

Background

Limited longitudinal studies exist in Asia investigating the longitudinal IOP changes and with varying results.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Participants

1405 baseline participants from the Liwan Eye Study.

Methods

All baseline participants were invited for the 10‐year follow‐up examination in 2013. IOP (by Tonopen), central corneal thickness (CCT; by ultrasound), refractive error (by autorefractor), blood pressure, height and weight were measured per standardized protocol and the presence of hypertension or diabetes was collected by questionnaire. Follow‐up examinations were conducted using the same equipment with proper calibration. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between IOP change and potential risk factors.

Main Outcome Measures

10‐year IOP change.

Results

Of the 791 participants at the 10‐year follow‐up, IOP data were available for 602 participants with a mean age of 60.9 years (55.5% female). The average IOP change over 10 years was an increase of 1.44 mmHg (95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.75). Linear regression showed that 10‐year IOP change was not associated with baseline age, gender, body mass index (BMI), CCT, spherical equivalence (SE), hypertension or diabetes. However, it was positively associated with longitudinal increase of BMI when longitudinal changes of BMI and SE were included in the model (P < 0.001).

Conclusions and Relevance

We observed a small increase in IOP over 10 years in this adult Chinese population, which was positively related to the longitudinal change in BMI.
Identifying important species that amplify or mitigate the interactive effects of human impacts on marine food webs
Authors: Griffith Gary P. , Strutton Peter G. , Semmens Jayson M. , Fulton Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2018

Some species may have a larger role than others in the transfer of complex effects of multiple human stressors, such as changes in biomass, through marine food webs. We devised a novel approach to identify such species. We constructed annual interaction‐effect networks (IENs) of the simulated changes in biomass between species of the southeastern Australian marine system. Each annual IEN was composed of the species linked by either an additive (sum of the individual stressor response), synergistic (lower biomass compared with additive effects), or antagonistic (greater biomass compared with additive effects) response to the interaction effect of ocean warming, ocean acidification, and fisheries. Structurally, over the simulation period, the number of species and links in the synergistic IENs increased and the network structure became more stable. The stability of the antagonistic IENs decreased and became more vulnerable to the loss of species. In contrast, there was no change in the structural attributes of species linked by an additive response. Using indices common in food‐web and network theory, we identified the species in each IEN for which a change in biomass from stressor effects would disproportionately affect the biomass of other species via direct and indirect local, intermediate, and global predator–prey feeding interactions. Knowing the species that transfer the most synergistic or antagonistic responses in a food‐web may inform conservation under increasing multiple‐stressor impacts.
New piperidine derivative DTPEP acts as dual‐acting anti‐breast cancer agent by targeting ERα and downregulating PI3K/Akt‐PKCα leading to caspase‐dependent apoptosis
Authors: Arun A. , Ansari M.I. , Popli P. , Jaiswal S. , Mishra A.K. , Dwivedi A. , Hajela K. , Konwar R.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

In our ongoing studies to develop ER targeting agents, we screened for dual‐acting molecules with a hypothesis that a single molecule can also target both ER positive and negative groups of breast cancer.

Materials and methods

1‐(2‐(4‐(Dibenzo[b,f]thiepin‐10‐yl)phenoxy)ethyl)piperidine (DTPEP) was synthesized and screened in both MCF‐7 (ER+ve) and MDA‐MB‐231 (ER‐ve) cells. Assays for analysis of cell cycle, ROS, apoptosis and MMP loss were carried out using flow cytometry. Its target was investigated using western blot, transactivation assay and RT‐PCR. In vivo efficacy of DTPEP was validated in LA‐7 syngeneic rat mammary tumour model.

Results

Here, we report identification of dual‐acting molecule DTPEP that downregualtes PI3K/Akt and PKCα expression, induces ROS and ROS‐dependent apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, induces expression of caspase indicative of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In MCF‐7 cells, DTPEP downregulates ERα expression and activation. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, primary cellular target of DTPEP is not clearly known, but it downregualtes PI3K/Akt and PKCα expression. In vivo study showed regression of LA‐7 syngeneic mammary tumour in SD rat.

Conclusions

We identified a new dual‐acting anti‐breast cancer molecules as a proof of concept which is capable of targeting both ER‐positive and ER‐negative breast cancer.
Prolyl hydroxylases positively regulated LPS‐induced inflammation in human gingival fibroblasts via TLR4/MyD88‐mediated AKT/NF‐κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Shang Lingling , Wang Ting , Tong Dongdong , Kang Wenyan , Liang Qianyu , Ge Shaohua
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) play essential roles in oxygen‐sensing system, whereas the effects of PHDs on inflammation have not been totally uncovered. Our study aimed to investigate the role of PHDs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and clarify the potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods

A pan hydroxylase inhibitor, dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG), and RNA interference were used to explore the role of PHDs in inflammation. Cytotoxic effect of DMOG was determined by cell‐counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry respectively. The secretion levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 were assessed by ELISA. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and MyD88 were evaluated by quantitative real‐time PCR. The activation of NF‐κB, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT pathways were detected by western blot and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 was examined by immunofluorescence. Downregulation of PHD1 and PHD2 was performed with siRNA transfection.

Results

Dimethyloxallyl glycine inhibited LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokine, TLR4 and MyD88 expression in gene level and the elevated secretion of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was also downregulated. Additionally, LPS‐induced activation of NF‐κB, MAPK and AKT pathways was abolished by DMOG treatment. Importantly, LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokine expression was merely suppressed by PHD2 knockdown.

Conclusions

Prolyl hydroxylases acted as a positive regulator in LPS‐induced inflammation of HGFs via TLR4/MyD88‐mediated NF‐κB, MAPK and AKT signalling pathways and PHD2 among three isoforms was principally responsible for the effects.
Information‐seeking and use of information resources among melanoma patients of German skin cancer centers
Authors: Brütting Julia , Bergmann Maike , Garzarolli Marlene , Rauschenberg Ricarda , Weber Christiane , Berking Carola , Tilgen Wolfgang , Schadendorf Dirk , Meier Friedegund ,   on behalf of the NVKH supporting group
Published: August 2018

Background

This study aimed to explore the information‐seeking behavior (ISB) of melanoma patients (MPs) and MP subgroups, in order to provide data for needs‐based adaptation of information provision.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional survey in 27 German skin cancer centers, we explored characteristics of the ISB of MPs with the aid of a standardized questionnaire. Sub­group differences were determined with the chi‐squared test and predictors of media preferences with logistic regression.

Results

67 % of the 529 participating MPs had clinical stage III or IV melanoma. Most of the participants (81 %) reported medical consultations as their regularly or frequently used information resource (IR). 58 % wished to have more advice about IRs from their physician. Only 8 % of MPs used the services of self‐help groups and 12 % of MPs took advantage of the services of cancer counseling centers. The internet (63 %) and booklets (58 %) were reported to be the preferred media. Age, educational level, general need for information and lack of awareness of their own condition proved to be predictors for media preferences.

Conclusions

Most MPs expected their physician to advise them about IRs they could use in addition to medical consultations. Peer support services were quite underused by MPs. The various preferences of media by MPs should be considered when deve­loping and providing IRs.
A Portfolio Approach to Supply Chain Risk Management
Authors: Kumar Ram L. , Park Sungjune
Published: August 2018

Modern supply chains serve as a critical infrastructure that help create organizational value. This infrastructure is often subject to a high degree of risk due to a variety of factors, and supply chain risk management is an active research area. While extant literature has identified several risk factors and approaches to managing risks in supply chains, there is need for a more integrated approach. Prior research has recognized some relationships between risk management strategies and risk. However, there is scope for additional analysis, understanding, and integration of the relationships between risks, risk management strategies and supply chain value. This article considers a variety of relationships between supply chain risks, risk management strategies, and supply chain value in an integrated manner. It proposes a measure of supply chain value based on finance theory and analyzes its relationship with risks and risk management strategies. It develops an analytical model to understand the above‐mentioned relationships, proposes a measure of synergy associated with a portfolio of risk management strategies, and develops a more general simulation model to analyze the value of such a portfolio. The simulation model can be used to understand the value of individual supply chain risk management portfolio components, as well as to compare alternate portfolios of risk management strategies.
European perspectives on big data applied to health: The case of biobanks and human databases
Authors: de Lecuona Itziar , Villalobos‐Quesada María
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The paradigm shift to a knowledge‐based economy has incremented the use of personal information applied to health‐related activities, such as biomedical research, innovation, and commercial initiatives. The convergence of science, technology, communication and data technologies has given rise to the application of big data to health; for example through eHealth, human databases and biobanks.

Methods

In light of these changes, we enquire about the value of personal data and its appropriate use. In order to illustrate the complex ground on which big data applied to health develops, we analyse the current situation of the European Union and two cases: the Catalan VISC+/PADRIS and the UK Biobank, as perspectives.

Discussion and conclusions

Personal health‐related data in the context of the European Union is being increasingly used for big data projects under diverse schemes. There, public and private sectors participate distinctively or jointly, pursuing very different goals which may conflict with individual rights, notably privacy.

Given that, this paper advocates for stopping the unjustified accumulation and commercialisation of personal data, protecting the interests of citizens and building appropriate frameworks to govern big data projects for health. A core tool for achieving such goals is to develop consent mechanisms which allow truly informed but adaptable consent, conjugated with the engagement of donors, participants and society.