bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Markovian-QFD approach in addressing the changing priorities of the customer needs
Authors: Asadabadi Mehdi Rajabi
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a solution to the problem of changing priorities of customer needs (CNs) in quality function deployment (QFD). Customer preferences and priorities are not very stable and they may change before products are ready for the market. Therefore, finding CNs accurately is a key to reach a higher level of customer satisfaction through improving products.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed model, a Markov chain is employed to model the changing priorities of CNs. The Markov chain finds a pattern of future CNs, the main inputs of QFD. The QFD method is applied to translate CNs into product requirements (PRs). The analytic network process (ANP) is attached to QFD to ensure that all the relations among the elements, inner and outer, are taken into consideration during the translation process. Thus, CNs are received and adjusted by a Markov chain.

Findings

The application of Markov chains for an ANP-QFD model develops an adequate method of finding a pattern of changing priorities of CNs. This pattern enables the ANP-QFD method to work independent of the initial CNs, and originates a Markovain ANP-QFD.

Originality/value

This study originates a stochastic ANP-QFD model. There have been several papers employing various tools and techniques such as the ANP or analytic hierarchy process for QFD to find accurate relations between PRs and CNs. While there are a few papers applying Markov chains to predict the future of the relations of QFD, there is no study which traces the changes in priorities of the CNs during the improvement process. This is addressed by applying a Markovian ANP-QFD. The model is validated through a case study.
Implementing capabilities-based quality management and marketing strategies to improve business performance
Authors: Mehra Satish , Coleman Joshua T.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of successfully coordinating infrastructural capabilities, such as technology, and structural capabilities, such as people, on the performance of service businesses. Effective coordination of these two types of capabilities is shown to impact the implementation of quality management practices and the design of marketing strategy, both of which when utilized properly, lead to enhanced organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed retail banking firms for this study to analyze empirical data on infrastructural and structural capabilities. Results were corroborated on the basis of in-depth interviews with several banking managers to provide real world verification of the findings.

Findings

Results indicate that both infrastructural and structural capabilities positively impact the design of marketing strategy, while only structural capabilities impact the implementation of quality management practices. Both, successfully implemented quality management ideals and a well-designed marketing strategy, are shown to enhance overall organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Research was conducted on a specific sector of the service industry, the banking sector. Also, the relatively small size of the study sample may have impacted the outcome of research applicability in some large businesses. Continuously emerging financial regulations could not be incorporated in the study. On the positive side, strong managerial feedback provides guidance toward adopting the study results, and lays the foundation for future research.

Originality/value

As today’s rapidly evolving society pushes people out of service encounters, replacing them with efficient and cost-saving technology, roles of both the people and the technology in an organization must be fully understood. This paper shows that, despite the exponential growth of technological innovation, both people and technology are critical to enhancing organizational performance through sound quality management practices and supportive marketing strategies.
Promoting safety participation through diversity and inclusion climates
Authors: Paolillo Anna , Silva Silvia A. , Pasini Margherita
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of diversity climate and inclusion climate on safety participation behaviors through the mediating effect of the motivation to actively promote safety at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 491 workers employed in four Italian metal-mechanical companies. They completed a paper questionnaire containing measures of psychological diversity climate, psychological inclusion climate, safety motivation participation and safety participation behaviors. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results showed that safety participation motivation fully mediates the relationship between diversity climate and safety participation behaviors, whereas it partially mediates the relationship between climate for inclusion and safety participation behaviors.

Practical implications

The present findings can help managers to motivate employees in pursuing safety goals independently of compensation or obligation by creating an organization in which the main concern is caring for each other’s well-being.

Originality/value

This is the first study which has empirically tested the relationships between diversity climate, inclusion climate and safety behaviors. It has extended previous research which simply tested the effects of objective types of diversity on safety performance.
A multi-agent based system with big data processing for enhanced supply chain agility
Authors: Giannakis Mihalis , Louis Michalis
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Decision support systems are becoming an indispensable tool for managing complex supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to develop a multi-agent-based supply chain management system that incorporates big data analytics that can exert autonomous corrective control actions. The effects of the system on supply chain agility are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

For the development of the architecture of the system, a sequential approach is adopted. First three fundamental dimensions of supply chain agility are identified – responsiveness, flexibility and speed. Then the organisational design of the system is developed. The roles for each of the agents within the framework are defined and the interactions among these agents are modelled.

Findings

Applications of the model are discussed, to show how the proposed model can potentially provide enhanced levels in each of the dimensions of supply chain agility.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows how the multi-agent systems can assist to overcome the trade-off between supply chain agility and complexity of global supply chains. It also opens up a new research agenda for incorporation of big data and semantic web applications for the design of supply chain information systems.

Practical implications

The proposed information system provides integrated capabilities for production, supply chain event and disruption risk management under a collaborative basis.

Originality/value

A novel aspect in the design of multi-agent systems is introduced for inter-organisational processes, which incorporates semantic web information and a big data ontology in the agent society.
So that’s what the impact of IT innovation looks like? Examining the socio-technical dynamics of public service innovation
Authors: Carroll Noel
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Services comprise of socio-technical (human and technological) factors which exchange various resources and competencies. Service networks are used to transfer resources and competencies, yet they remain an underexplored and “invisible” infrastructure. Considering the growth in technological investment in recent years, this research sets out to model the impact of IT-enabled innovation on a service network. In response to the growing importance placed on understanding these complexities, the field of “service science” has emerged to guide the effective design, implementation, and management of service systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of introducing an IT-enabled innovation in a public service network.

Design/methodology/approach

This is achieved through a case study of an Exam Administration Service Department (EASD) where an electronic grading system was introduced to improve the EASD grading process. Data are analysed using both actor-network theory (ANT) as a theoretical lens and social network analysis (SNA) for empirical purposes to visualise the impact of IT-enabled innovation on a service environment.

Findings

The research described in this paper makes a useful contribution to the service science and IT innovation community both in terms of its topic (public service networks) and in terms of its theoretical framework and application methods (ANT and SNA).

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how we can investigate the impact of IT-enabled innovation within a service network. Most notably, the application of SNA enables us to visualise the impact of technology and gain insights on the socio-technical dynamics associated with introducing service innovations.
Restriction site associated DNA (RAD) for de novo sequencing and marker discovery in sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis Fab. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Pavinato V. A. C. , Margarido G. R. A. , Wijeratne A. J. , Wijeratne S. , Meulia T. , Souza A. P. , Michel A. P. , Zucchi M. I.
Published: August 2016

We present the development of a genomic library using RADseq (restriction site associated DNA sequencing) protocol for marker discovery that can be applied on evolutionary studies of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis, an important South American insect pest. A RADtag protocol combined with Illumina paired‐end sequencing allowed de novo discovery of 12 811 SNPs and a high‐quality assembly of 122.8M paired‐end reads from six individuals, representing 40 Gb of sequencing data. Approximately 1.7 Mb of the sugarcane borer genome distributed over 5289 minicontigs were obtained upon assembly of second reads from first reads RADtag loci where at least one SNP was discovered and genotyped. Minicontig lengths ranged from 200 to 611 bp and were used for functional annotation and microsatellite discovery. These markers will be used in future studies to understand gene flow and adaptation to host plants and control tactics.
Comparative Characterization of the External Genitalia and Reproductive Tubular Organs of Three Species of the Genus Saimiri Voigt, 1831 (Primates: Cebidae)
Authors: Lopes G. P. , Brito A. B. , Paim F. P. , Santos R. R. , Queiroz H. L. , Domingues S. F. S.
Published: August 2016

Morphological information on the reproductive system allows the understanding of ecological and behavioural aspects of different species as well as supports the development of conservational strategies. Unfortunately, for many species, not enough relevant and precise information is available. In the present study, we describe for the first time the macroscopic and histological aspects of female genital organs and external female genitalia of Saimiri macrodon, Saimiri cassiquiarensis and Saimiri vanzolinii. We perform a comparison between these three peripatric species and investigate the possibility of their reproductive morphology to act as a factor of reproductive isolation. We have found that these species share many similarities in most of the analysed organs. Although some important differences were identified that may play an important role in the evolution of the components of the reproductive system of these species, those differences are not enough to compose a mechanism of reproductive isolation for these three species of Saimiri. The results of this study may be used to support the development of biotechnological approaches of reproduction and strategies for conservation programmes and management of threatened species of this genus, particularly S. vanzolinii, considered to be a vulnerable species to extinction.
Barriers to radiotherapy utilization: Consumer perceptions of issues influencing radiotherapy‐related decisions
Authors: Sundaresan Puma , King Madeleine , Stockler Martin , Costa Daniel , Milross Christopher
Published: August 2016

Aims

Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential and cost‐effective cancer treatment, but it is underutilized in Australia. We aimed to quantify consumers’ perceptions of factors that influence RT decisions.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, survey‐based study was conducted in March–August 2012. Potential participants were invited to complete an electronic survey disseminated through multiple patient support and advocacy groups throughout New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Study invitations were also placed in local newspapers across NSW with hard copy surveys mailed to respondents. Current or past cancer patients (and carers) who had been offered RT were eligible to participate regardless of their RT decision.

Results

Of the 1191 participants (electronic, n = 1153; hard copy, n = 38), 91% were female, most (88%) were current or past patients, and 78% had accepted RT. Issues commonly perceived to be moderate to strong influencers of RT decisions were: concern about acute and long‐term side effects; management of side effects; fear and anxiety regarding RT; lack of awareness of RT; lack of local availability of RT; and lack of RT information resources. Those who declined RT were significantly more likely to highlight practical difficulties with receiving RT.

Conclusions

Although availability of RT is well recognized, other issues such as fear and anxiety about RT and perceived side effects appear to feature prominently in consumers’ decisions. Perceived practical difficulties with receiving RT may have influenced those who declined RT. There may be a need for information resources, support services and interventions to increase awareness of RT.
Ovarian cancer study dropouts had worse health‐related quality of life and psychosocial symptoms at baseline and over time
Authors: Mercieca‐Bebber Rebecca L , Price Melanie A , Bell Melanie L , King Madeleine T , Webb Penelope M , Butow Phyllis N ,   on behalf of the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) Group
Published: August 2016

Aims

Participant drop out is a major barrier to high‐quality patient‐reported outcome (PRO) data analysis in cancer research as patients with worsening health are more likely to dropout. To test the hypothesis that ovarian cancer patients with worse PROs would drop out earlier, we examined how patients differed by time of dropout on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), anxiety, depression, optimism and insomnia.

Methods

This analysis included 619 participants, stratified by time of dropout, from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study – Quality of Life substudy, in which participants completed PRO questionnaires at three‐monthly intervals for 21 months. Trends in PROs over time were examined. Pearson correlations examined the relationship between time of dropout and baseline PROs. Multiple linear regression models including age, disease stage and time since diagnosis examined relationships between baseline and final PRO scores, and final PRO scores and dropout group.

Results

Participants who dropped out earlier had significantly worse baseline HRQOL (p < 0.0001) and higher depression (p < 0.0001). For all five PROs, final scores were significantly associated with baseline scores (p < 0.0001). Time of dropout was significantly associated with final HRQOL (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.05), depression (p = 0.02) and optimism (p = 0.02) scores. Depression, HRQOL and anxiety worsened at a faster rate overtime in dropouts than study completers.

Conclusions

Poorer HRQOL and higher depression at baseline, and final HRQOL, anxiety, depression and optimism scores were predictive of time of dropout. These results highlight the importance of collecting auxiliary data to inform careful and considered handling of missing PRO data during analysis, interpretation and reporting.
Enhanced susceptibility of obese mice to glycidamide‐induced sperm chromatin damage without increased oxidative stress
Authors: Gutzkow K. B. , Duale N. , Danielsen T. , von Stedingk H. , Shahzadi S. , Instanes C. , Olsen A.‐K. , Steffensen I.‐L. , Hofer T. , Törnqvist M. , Brunborg G. , Lindeman B.
Published: August 2016

Diet‐induced obesity is known to impair male reproduction and may aggravate the male reproductive toxicity of the food contaminant acrylamide. Exposure of male mice to acrylamide induces paternally mediated pre‐ and post‐implantation losses because of spermatozoal toxicity and these effects are potentiated in mice fed a high‐fat diet. Glycidamide – an acrylamide metabolite – is the primary mediator of reproductive effects in males. The mechanisms causing the interaction between diet and acrylamide are not clear. However, diet‐induced obesity is associated with oxidative stress in male reproductive tissues which might contribute to increased germ cell susceptibility. In this study, we investigated whether a moderate diet‐induced obesity regimen could interfere with glycidamide‐induced spermatozoal toxicity and increase oxidative stress. For this purpose, sperm chromatin integrity, oxidised DNA and protein levels, transcript levels of oxidative stress responsive genes and glycidamide‐induced DNA and haemoglobin adducts were analysed in samples from male mice exposed to a high‐fat diet for 6 weeks in combination with a single glycidamide exposure 7 days prior to sacrifice. We found that glycidamide‐induced sperm DNA fragmentation was markedly higher in obese than in lean mice. However, the levels of oxidised DNA and/or protein in blood, liver and testicular tissue was lower in obese than in lean mice. Accompanying the reduced level of oxidised macromolecules, the transcript levels of several oxidative stress‐related genes were altered in the liver and testis from obese mice suggesting induction of an antioxidant response in these animals. The haemoglobin‐glycidamide adduct levels were higher in obese than in lean animals, whereas obesity did not seem to increase the level of glycidamide‐induced DNA adducts. These findings show that a moderate diet‐induced obesity regimen may potentiate glycidamide‐induced sperm cells toxicity and suggest that the increase in glycidamide‐induced sperm toxicity observed in obese mice does not depend on overt oxidative stress.
Protective effect of crocetin on bovine spermatozoa against oxidative stress during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sapanidou V. , Taitzoglou I. , Tsakmakidis I. , Kourtzelis I. , Fletouris D. , Theodoridis A. , Lavrentiadou S. , Tsantarliotou M.
Published: August 2016

Oxidative stress is one of the major factors that contribute to poor semen quality and low rates of in vitro fertilization. Crocetin, a main constituent of saffron (Crocus sativusL.) possesses potent antioxidant activity, by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or enhancing the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effect of crocetin on the quality characteristics of bull spermatozoa and fertilization rate. For this reason, frozen/thawed bovine spermatozoa were incubated with crocetin (1, 2.5, and 5 μm), for 120 or 240 min, in the presence of a negative control, and evaluated in terms of motility, viability, acrosomal status,DNAfragmentation index, intracellularROS, and lipid peroxidation. In order to evaluate the impact of crocetin on cleavage and blastocyst rate, the compound was added in theIVFmedium at the previously identified optimal concentration (2.5 μm). The results indicate that incubation of spermatozoa with 2.5 μmof crocetin resulted in a statistically significant lower production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, lower lipid peroxidation, and in better maintenance of motility parameters, viability, and acrosomal integrity, with a very small number of cells withDNAfragmentation, compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The presence of crocetin (2.5 μm) in the fertilization medium also resulted in a significant increase in acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa and blastocyst production, compared to the control group (p < 0.01). These data indicate that crocetin (2.5 μm) positively affects bovine sperm quality characteristics during a 240‐min incubation and improves its fertilizing ability, directly and/or indirectly, by regulatingROSconcentration and lipid peroxidation.
The relationship between a dissociated optic nerve fibre layer appearance after macular hole surgery and Muller cell debris on peeled internal limiting membrane
Authors: Steel David H. W. , Dinah Christiana , White Kathryn , Avery Peter J.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

A dissociated optic nerve fibre layer (DONFL) is a characteristic change noted in inner retinal morphology after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. It is thought to be due to trauma to Muller cells as the ILM is peeled from their attached end plates. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent and size of Muller cell debris on the retinal side of excised ILM and assess whether this correlated with the extent of DONFL observed postoperatively.

Method

Prospective single centre study of a consecutive series of patients undergoing macular hole surgery. Transmission electron microscopy of the ILM was used to assess Muller cell debris and postoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) to assess the extent of DONFL. A variety of other pre‐ and postoperative features was also included.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were analysed. There were retinal dimples characteristic of DONFL detected on SD‐OCT in all 39 eyes. The portion of the retinal side of the ILM specimen covered by cellular debris ranged from 12% to 49%, with a median of 28%. Using linear regression, the percentage of retinal debris, the size of the debris and the postoperative visual acuity were significantly positively associated with the DONFL score. The total R squared for the model was 63.9%.

Conclusion

The extent of DONFL observed postoperatively can be partly explained by the amount of retinal side cellular debris on the retinal side of the peeled ILM. Surgical strategies which minimize this material could reduce the extent of DONFL.
Structural and biomechanical corneal differences between patients suffering from primary congenital glaucoma and healthy volunteers
Authors: Perucho‐González Lucía , Sáenz‐Francés Federico , Morales‐Fernández Laura , Martínez‐de‐la‐Casa José María , Méndez‐Hernández Carmen D. , Santos‐Bueso Enrique , Brookes John L. , García‐Feijoó Julián
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To determine whether a set of ocular morphometric and biomechanical variables are able to discriminate between healthy volunteers and patients suffering from primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).

Methods

Case–control study in which 66 patients with PCG and 94 age‐matched healthy subjects were evaluated using ocular response analyser (ORA) to record corneal biomechanical properties. Topographic corneal variables were obtained using the Pentacam in both groups. To determine the ability to discern between both groups, a multivariate binary logistic model was constructed. The outcome was the diagnosis of PCG and the predictors; the corneal variables analysed along with their first‐term interactions. Sensitivity and specificity of this model along with the area under the receiver characteristic operating curve (AUC of ROC) were determined.

Results

The best model to discriminate between both groups included the following predictors: corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), posterior maximum elevation (PME), anterior maximum elevation (AME) and central corneal thickness (CCT). This model, for a cut‐point of 50%, presents a sensitivity of 86.67%, a specificity of 86.89% and an AUC of the ROC curve of 93.16% [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.97–97.35]. The adjusted odds ratios of those predictors which showed a significant discriminating capacity were as follows: for CH, 0.27 (95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.46); for CRF, 2.13 (95% CI: 1.33–3.40); for PME, 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01–1.12); and for AME, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.10–1.66).

Conclusion

Corneal hysteresis (CH), CRF, PME and AME are able to discern between patients with PCG and healthy controls. This fact suggests that there are structural and biomechanical differences between these groups.
No evidence for thrombophilia in patients with retinal venous occlusion: a systematic GRADE‐based review
Authors: Kirkegaard Kirstine , Heegaard Steffen , Hvas Anne‐Mette
Published: August 2016

Retinal venous occlusion represents a common retinal disorder that untreated often leads to severely reduced vision. While general risk factors for vascular disease are known to increase the risk of an event, the role of thrombophilia is controversial. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for thrombophilia investigation in patients presenting with retinal venous occlusion. Eligible studies were identified by a MESH‐based search in PubMed 11–13 of March 2015. The level of evidence was stated according to the guidelines published by the GRADE working group using three levels for quality of evidence: high, moderate and low. A total of 118 studies relating to the study question were identified. After excluding case stories, commentaries, cross‐sectional studies and reviews/expert opinions, 28 original papers and two meta‐analyses were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies were small case–control studies, and only one large cohort study was identified. No randomized controlled trials were retrieved. All the studies were categorized as low quality of evidence. Systematic thrombophilia screening in patients presenting with retinal venous occlusion cannot be recommended.
Toric intraocular lens implantation in children with developmental cataract and preexisting corneal astigmatism
Authors: Ram Jagat , Singh Rishiraj , Gupta Rohit , Bhutani Garvit , Gupta Parul Chawla , Sukhija Jaspreet
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on the refractive outcomes in children with cataract and preexisting corneal astigmatism.

Methods

We included children between the age group of 8–14 years who were randomized into group I (toric) and group II (non‐toric), in which toric and spherical IOLs were implanted, respectively, after phacoaspiration. Primary outcome measure was comparison of preoperative keratometric and postoperative refractive cylinder. Secondary outcome measure was comparison of pre‐ and postoperative visual outcome.

Results

This study included 21 eyes of 17 children with developmental cataract. The mean spherical power of the toric IOLs implanted in the group I was 22.42 ± 4.84 D (range 12.50–29.00 D) and the mean cylindrical power of toric IOL was 3.37 ± 1.43 D (range 1.50–6.00D). The mean spherical power implanted in non‐toric (group II) was 20.70 ± 7.09 D (range 10–31D). Mean preoperative keratometric cylinder in group I was 2.99 ± 0.96 D (range 1.85–5.12 D) and in group II it was 3.35 ± 0.63 D (range 2.03D–4.33 D) (p = 0.31) while the mean refractive cylinder at one year postoperatively in group I was 0.50 ± 0.39 D (range 0.00–1.00 D) and in group II it was 2.05 ± 0.39 D (range 1.25D–2.50 D; p = 0.006). Twelve months postoperatively, group I had a mean spherical equivalent (SE) 0.41 ± 0.26 D (range 0.00–0.88 D) and group II had 1.8 ± 1.03 D (range 0.63–4.00 D) (p = 0.002). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) improved from 0.94 log MAR ± 0.51 (range 0.60–2.00) to 0.43 log MAR ± 0.33 (range 0.00–1.00) in the group I at the end of 1 year and in group II, it improved from 1.52 log MAR ± 1.12 to 0.75 log MAR ± 0.70 (range 0.00–2.00) at the end of 1 year. Corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) improved in group I from 0.72 log MAR ± 0.17 (range 0.48–1.00) to 0.19 log MAR ± 0.26 (range 0.00‐ 0.78) at the end of one year while in group II, it improved from 1.33 ± 1.08 (range 0.18–3.00) to 0.49 log MAR ± 0.80 (range 0.00–2.00) at the end of 1 year.

Conclusions

Toric IOL implantation in children significantly reduces postoperative astigmatism and thereby improves visual outcome.
Reproductive biology of Philodryas patagoniensis (Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: male reproductive cycle
Authors: Loebens Luiza , Cechin Sonia Zanini , Theis Tiago Felipe , Moura Livia Bataioli , Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: August 2016

The male reproductive cycle of Philodryas patagoniensis in south Brazil was described through morpho‐anatomical and histological analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Spermatogenesis occurred during late autumn–winter (June–September) and spermiogenesis occurred in spring–summer (October–March). The volume of the testes was smaller (quiescent) in winter, while the tubular diameter and the epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule were larger in summer (January–March). The ductus deferens presented spermatozoa all over the year and had no seasonal variation in diameter. The length of the kidney was larger in winter–spring (July–December), although the tubular diameter and epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) were larger only in winter (July–September). Total testicular regression was observed in late autumn (May), simultaneously with the peak in SSK. Therefore, at the individual level, males exhibit a discontinuous cyclical reproduction. Considering the population level, the reproductive cycle is seasonal semisynchronous, with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in spring–summer (October–March). Here, we present evidence to support the importance of the microscopic approach to reproductive cycle studies. Finally, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing P. patagoniensis reproductive patterns.
From Towns to Hotels: Changes in Mining Accommodation Regimes and Their Effects on Labour Union Strategies
Authors: Manky Omar
Published: August 2016

A radical shift in the spatial organization of the global mining industry has occurred over the last three decades. I argue that the shift from the traditional mining town, where workers lived close to the mine, to the new model of long distance commuting, where workers are transported in from distant cities for their shifts, transforms labour union strategies. Drawing on an in‐depth case study from Peru, I show that long distance commuting reduces workers’ capacity to mobilize locally by affecting the dynamics in three social spaces: the mining camp, the home and the union hall. Moreover, and in contrast to prior research, I detail how mining unions have developed new compensatory strategies to maintain their bargaining power.
Management of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 4 urinary adverse events after radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Mayer Erik N. , Tward Jonathan D. , Bassett Mitchell , Lenherr Sara M. , Hotaling James M. , Brant William O. , Lowrance William T. , Myers Jeremy B.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To describe the management of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 4 urinary adverse events (UAEs) after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre retrospective review, over a 6‐year period (2010–2015), to identify men with RTOG grade 4 UAEs after RT for PCa. RT was classified as combined therapy (radical prostatectomy [RP] followed by external beam radiotherapy [EBRT], EBRT + low‐dose‐rate [LDR] brachytherapy, EBRT + high‐dose‐rate [HDR] brachytherapy or other combinations of RT) or monotherapy RT. UAEs were classified as outlet (urethral stricture, bladder neck contracture, prostate necrosis, or recto‐urethral fistula) or bladder (contraction, necrosis, fistula, ureteric stricture or haemorrhage) UAEs.

Results

We identified 73 men with a mean age of 73 years. Of these, 44 (60%) received combined therapy, consisting of RP + EBRT (n = 19), HDR brachytherapy + EBRT (n = 19), LDR brachytherapy + EBRT (n = 5), and other combined RT (n = 1). Twenty‐nine (40%) patients had monotherapy consisting of EBRT (n = 4), HDR brachytherapy (n = 11), LDR brachytherapy (n = 12), or proton beam therapy (n = 2). UAEs were isolated to the bladder in six men (8%), the outlet in 52 men (71%), and to both in 15 men (21%). UAE management included: conservative in 21 (29%), indwelling catheters in 12 (16%), reconstructive in 19 (26%), and urinary diversion (UD) in 23 men (32%). Reconstruction included: ureteric (n = 4), recto‐urethral fistula repair (n = 2), and posterior urethroplasty (n =13), of which 14/16 surgeries (88%) with follow‐up >90 days were successful.

Conclusions

Although the incidence of RTOG grade 4 UAEs after PCa radiation treatment is not well defined, their associated morbidity is significant, and approximately one third of patients with these high‐grade complications require UD. Conversely, only about a quarter of patients can be managed with conservative strategies or local surgeries. Reconstruction is successful in selected patients.
Potential role of bioactive peptides in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases: a narrative review
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F G , Fogacci Federica , Colletti Alessandro
Published: August 2016

In the past few years, increasing interest has been directed to bioactive peptides of animal and plant origin: in particular, researchers have focused their attention on their mechanisms of action and potential role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and infective diseases. We have developed a search strategy to identify these studies in PubMed (January 1980 to May 2016); particularly those papers presenting comprehensive reviews or meta‐analyses, plus in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials on those bioactive peptides that affect cardiovascular diseases, immunity or cancer, or have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. In this review we have mostly focused on evidence‐based healthy properties of bioactive peptides from different sources. Bioactive peptides derived from fish, milk, meat and plants have demonstrated significant antihypertensive and lipid‐lowering activity in clinical trials. Many bioactive peptides show selective cytotoxic activity against a wide range of cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, whereas others have immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, some peptides exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which could aid in the prevention of chronic diseases. However, clinical evidence is at an early stage, and there is a need for solid pharmacokinetic data and for standardized extraction procedures. Further studies on animals and randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these effects, and enable these peptides to be used as preventive or therapeutic treatments.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc
Identifying the geographic extent of environmental inequalities: A comparison of pattern detection methods
Authors: Kedron Peter
Published: August 2016

Key Messages

This paper presents a method to empirically identify the extent of environmental inequality.

This method identifies demographic clustering within clusters and policy‐defined areas.

A platform for further quantitative‐qualitative research using the scaled Moran's I is developed.
Mitochondrial epileptic encephalopathy, 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria and variable complex V deficiency associated with TIMM50 mutations
Authors: Shahrour M.A. , Staretz‐Chacham O. , Dayan D. , Stephen J. , Weech A. , Damseh N. , Pri Chen H. , Edvardson S. , Mazaheri S. , Saada A. ,   NISC Intramural Sequencing, Hershkovitz E. , Shaag A. , Huizing M. , Abu‐Libdeh B. , Gahl W.A , Azem A. , Anikster Y. , Vilboux T. , Elpeleg O. , Malicdan M.C.
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial encephalopathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that, usually carry grave prognosis. Recently a homozygous mutation, Gly372Ser, in the TIMM50 gene, was reported in an abstract form, in three sibs who suffered from intractable epilepsy and developmental delay accompanied by 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria.

We now report on four patients from two unrelated families who presented with severe intellectual disability and seizure disorder, accompanied by slightly elevated lactate level, 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria and variable deficiency of mitochondrial complex V. Using exome analysis we identified two homozygous missense mutations, Arg217Trp and Thr252Met, in the TIMM50 gene. The TIMM50 protein is a subunit of TIM23 complex, the mitochondrial import machinery. It serves as the major receptor in the intermembrane space, binding to proteins which cross the mitochondrial inner membrane on their way to the matrix. The mutations, which affected evolutionary conserved residues and segregated with the disease in the families, were neither present in large cohorts of control exome analyses nor in our ethnic specific exome cohort. Given the phenotypic similarity, we conclude that missense mutations in TIMM50 are likely manifesting by severe intellectual disability and epilepsy accompanied by 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria and variable mitochondrial complex V deficiency. 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria is emerging as an important biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction, in particular for mitochondrial membrane defects.
Impact of abnormal cerebrovascular reactivity on BOLD fMRI: a preliminary investigation of moyamoya disease
Authors: Mazerolle Erin L. , Ma Yuhan , Sinclair David , Pike G. Bruce
Published: August 2016

Blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of patients with cerebrovascular disease have largely ignored the confounds associated with abnormal cerebral blood flow, vascular reactivity and neurovascular coupling. We studied BOLD fMRI activation and cerebrovascular reactivity in moyamoya disease. To characterize the impact of remote vascular demands on BOLD fMRI measurements, we varied the vascular territories engaged by manipulating the experimental task performed by the participants. Vascular territories affected by disease were identified using BOLD cerebrovascular reactivity. Preliminary evidence from two patients pre‐ and postrevascularization surgery and four controls indicates that neurovascular coupling in affected brain regions can be modulated by the task‐related vascular demands in unaffected regions. In one patient studied, we observed that brain regions with improved cerebrovascular reactivity after surgery demonstrated normalized neurovascular coupling, that is the degree to which neurovascular coupling was modulated by task‐related vascular demands was decreased. We propose that variations in task‐dependent neurovascular coupling in patients with moyamoya disease are likely related to vascular steal. While preliminary, our findings are a proof of concept of the limitations of BOLD fMRI in cerebrovascular disease and suggest a role for assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity to improve interpretation of task‐related BOLD fMRI activation.
Programming the Gesture of Writing: On the Algorithmic Paratexts of the Digital
Authors: Adams Catherine
Published: August 2016

In the wake of the digital, some have recommended that we abandon the tedium of teaching handwriting to children in service of promoting “more creative” digital literacies. Others worry that an early diet of keyboard and screen may have deleterious effects on children's social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as their physical well‐being. Yet in this debate, the algorithmic scripts and digital surfaces underwriting these new reading, writing, and mathematical practices are, with a few notable exceptions, almost exclusively ignored. In this essay, Catherine Adams asks whether the digital, and the reading and writing spaces it affords, are of consequence to our habits of thinking and ways of being, particularly in light of the possible obsolescence of pen and paper in schools. She shows that writing using a word processor is no mere mechanical pressing of keys, but an intricate ballet of writerly reading eyes and readerly writing hands, caught up in a dynamic environment of algorithmic paratexts and copy‐cut‐paste thinking.
Learning to Write: Plowing and Hoeing, Labor and Essaying
Authors: Fulford Amanda
Published: August 2016

In this paper Amanda Fulford addresses the issue of student writing in the university, and explores how the increasing dominance of outcome‐driven modes of learning and assessment is changing the understanding of what it is to write, what is expected of students in their writing, and how academic writing should best be supported. The starting point is the increasing use of what are termed “technologies” of writing — “handbooks” for students that address issues of academic writing — that systematize, and smooth the work of writing in, Fulford argues, an unhelpful way. This leads to a reconsideration of what it means to write in the university, and what it is to be a student who writes. Fulford explores etymologically the concept of “writing” and suggests that it might be seen metaphorically as physical labor. Writing as physical labor is explored further through the agricultural metaphors in Henry David Thoreau's Walden and through Stanley Cavell's reading of that text. In making a distinction between writing‐as‐plowing and writing‐as‐hoeing, Fulford argues that some technologies of writing deny voice rather than facilitate it, and she concludes by offering a number of suggestions for the teaching and learning of writing in the university that emphasize the value of being lost (in one's subject and one's work) and finding one's own way out. These “lessons” are illustrated with reference to Thoreau's text Walden and to American literature and film.
Biofeedback to treat anxiety in young people at clinical high risk for developing psychosis
Authors: McAusland Laina , Addington Jean
Published: August 2016

Aim

Anxiety is a common presenting concern for individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. Treatment for CHR is still in the early stages and has focused on transition to psychosis and positive symptom reduction, but little is known about what may be effective in reducing anxiety for these young people. One treatment that may be effective for anxiety is heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy and feasibility of using HRV biofeedback to reduce anxiety and distress in those at CHR.

Methods

Twenty participants who met minimum scores for anxiety and distress completed 4 weeks of an HRV biofeedback intervention and received pre‐ and post‐intervention assessments. Repeated measures were used to examine changes in scores over time.

Results

There was a significant decrease in impaired ability to tolerate normal stressors (P ≤ 0.001) and dysphoric mood (P ≤ 0.001) over time. There was no change on self‐reported measures of anxiety and distress. However, when two outliers were removed there was a trend towards improvement in self‐reported anxiety (P = 0.07). These results were not impacted by including usage time as a covariate. Feedback and adherence were significant.

Conclusions

HRV biofeedback may be a feasible treatment option for individuals at CHR who have concerns with impaired stress tolerance and dysphoric mood. Future studies with a randomized controlled trial design will be necessary to further determine efficacy.
Perception towards relapse and its predictors in psychosis patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Hui Christy L.M. , Lo Matthew C.L. , Chan Esther H.C. , Chen Emily S.M. , Ko Rachel W.T. , Lee Edwin H.M. , Chang Wing Chung , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: August 2016

Aims

To explore in psychosis patients their subjective perceptions on the definition of relapse, the costs involved, the potential risk and protective factors for relapse, the effect of medication and the consequences of relapse.

Method

Sixteen patients who had previously enrolled into a randomized controlled trial of medication discontinuation during first‐episode psychosis were interviewed after 10 years.

Results

Patients had a broader definition of the criteria of relapse, extending from medication discontinuation to family support. Although most agreed that taking antipsychotics is effective in preventing relapse, most have negative views on them. All patients predicted their risk of relapse to be less than 50% and they were generally optimistic about the future.

Conclusion

These findings have implications for development of effective medication compliance and relapse prevention programmes in psychosis.
Incidence and outcome of epilepsy syndromes with onset in the first year of life: A retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Gaily Eija , Lommi Markus , Lapatto Risto , Lehesjoki Anna‐Elina
Published: August 2016

Objective

Population‐based studies on infantile epilepsy syndromes are scarce. Our aim was to provide syndrome‐specific data on the incidence and outcome of epilepsy in a population‐based cohort of infants with epilepsy onset in the first year.

Methods

Included were all infants born in 1997 through 2006 whose epileptic seizures started before 12 months of age and who were residents of the Helsinki University Hospital district at the time of seizure onset. Patients were ascertained from hospital statistics, and all patient charts were reviewed. A reevaluation of the epilepsy syndromes, age at onset, etiology, and outcome at 24 months of age was based on data abstracted from the patient files.

Results

Inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 158 infants, of whom 92% were followed until age 24 months or death. The incidence of epilepsy in the first year was 124 of 100,000. An epilepsy syndrome recognized by the revised organization of epilepsies byILAEwas identified in 58% of the patients. The most common syndromes were West syndrome (41/100,000) and benign familial or nonfamilial infantile epilepsy (22/100,000). Etiology was structural‐metabolic in 35%, genetic in 17%, and unknown in 48%. Early age at onset was associated with structural‐metabolic etiology. Seven infants (4.4%) died before age 2 years. One infant with anSCN2Amutation died of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). At 24 months, 58% of all children included in the cohort were seizure‐free, and 46% had both seizure freedom and age‐appropriate cognitive development. Age at onset was not associated with outcome when etiology was controlled for.

Significance

Benign familial and nonfamilial infantile epilepsy appears to be more common than previously suggested, second only to West syndrome. Early age at onset is not an independent risk factor for poor outcome.
The battle of the bulge: re‐evaluating hair follicle stem cells in wound repair
Authors: Garcin Clare L. , Ansell David M.
Published: August 2016

The hair follicle has an established role in wound re‐epithelialisation, a phenomenon that has been appreciated since at least the first half of the last century. The bulge niche, one location of hair follicle epithelial stem cells has been of particular interest to researchers over recent years, with numerous studies showing its ability to directly contribute to epidermal repair. However, recent work has highlighted other progenitor regions of the hair follicle that appear to act as stem cells during epidermal repair. In addition, several studies within the last 12 months have questioned the importance of the bulge during re‐epithelialisation, producing conflicting literature. Here we provide a new model to demonstrate how several important differences in experimental design between studies could account for these seemingly opposing findings, which may have implications for how future studies are conducted.