bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global perspectives on top management team pay structures
Authors: Brown Mark , Minsky Barbara , Voss Richard , Ozgen Eren
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between countries’ values of individualism/collectivism and organizations’ top management team (TMT) pay structures. Individualistic countries are expected to prefer more hierarchical TMT pay structures and collectivist countries are expected to prefer more egalitarian TMT pay structures. The manuscript also investigates the international implications of the relation between TMT pay structures and organizational performance. Specifically, it is proposed that a country’s level of individualism/collectivism will mediate the relation between TMT pay structure hierarchy and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A pooled sample of data from 56 organizations in 12 countries was used to investigate the research questions. Individualism/collectivism was measured using country specific individualism/collectivism scores and top management pay structures were operationalized using Gini coefficients. Organizational performance was evaluated using return on assets.

Findings

Support was found both for a preference for more hierarchical TMT pay structures in individualistic countries, and that a country’s level of individualism/collectivism mediates the relationship between an organization’s top management’s pay structure and company performance.

Originality/value

Findings demonstrate that organizations use pay structures consistent with their environments. Results suggest cultural dimensions can contribute to understanding cross-national TMT pay structures and that national culture plays a significant role in the relationship between TMT pay structure and company performance.
Russian agon and the quest for theoretical sociology
Authors: Kulikov Sergey B.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to represent an epistemological analysis of Russian sociological scholarship.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical approach that allows reducing the particular representations within the sum of propositions is the methodological base of the paper. Clearing of propositional attitudes explains the basic communications in a thought of researchers. The circle of grounds available to achievement of intuitively noticed purposes defines the preferences of researchers in general.

Findings

The author proves that the theoretical developments in the Russian sociology are possible as a derivative from the development of questions, which are raised nowadays in worldwide science, but possible in a view of original development of questions, which were raised in worldwide science in the past.

Research limitations/implications

The Russian sociology represents a part of the European humanities, which is based on the various forms of theoretical combat or agonality.

Practical implications

The author shows the ways out of the theoretical combat or agonality.

Social implications

The research clarifies the perspectives for increasing of the knowledge-based society in Russia. The author analyzes the concept of Russia as a paradigmatic society, particularly in the context of transition economies.

Originality/value

In general, the author concludes that the pro-argument with respect to theoretical developments is weaker than the contra-argument with respect to theoretical developments. This paper has revealed the model within which extreme positions can be reconciled.
Grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis for optimization of the cyclic parameters of a solar-driven organic Rankine cycle
Authors: Tiwari Deepak , Sherwani Ahmad Faizan , Asjad Mohammad , Arora Akhilesh
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of four controllable parameters (fuel mixture, evaporation bubble point temperature, expander inlet temperature and condensation dew point temperature) of a solar-driven organic Rankine cycle (ORC) on the first-law efficiency, the exergetic efficiency, the exergy destruction and the volume flow ratio (expander outlet/expander inlet).

Design/methodology/approach

Nine experiments as per Taguchi’s standard L9 orthogonal array were performed on the solar-driven ORC. Subsequently, multi-response optimization was performed using grey relational and principal component analyses.

Findings

The results revealed that the grey relational analysis along with the principal component analysis is a simple as well as effective method for solving the multi-response optimization problem and it provides the optimal combination of the solar-driven ORC parameters. Further, the analysis of variance was also employed to identify the most significant parameter based on the percentage of contribution of each cyclic parameter. Confirmation tests were performed to check the validity of the results which revealed good agreement between predicted and experimental values of the response variables at optimum combination of the input parameters. The optimal combination of process parameters is the set with A3 (the best fuel mixture in the context of optimal performance is 0.9 percent butane and 0.1 percent pentane by weight), B2 (evaporation bubble point temperature=358 K), C1 (condensation dew point temperature=300 K) and D3 (expander inlet temperature=370 K).

Research limitations/implications

In this research, the Taguchi-based grey relational analysis coupled with the principal components analysis has been successfully carried out, whereas for any optimized solution, it is required to have a real-time scenario that may be taken into consideration by the application of different soft computing techniques like genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, etc. The results generated are purely based on theoretical modeling, and, for further research, experimental analyses are required to consolidate the generated results.

Originality/value

This piece of research work will be helpful to users of solar energy, academicians, researchers and other concerned persons, in understanding the importance, severity and benefits obtained by the application, implementation and optimization of the cyclic parameters of the solar-driven ORC.
Grey-based model for forecasting Mauritius international tourism from different regions
Authors: Pirthee Medha
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the trend and forecast the number of tourists from different regions of the world to Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts two grey system models, the even model GM(1,1) and the non-homogeneous discrete grey model (NDGM), to forecast the total number of international tourism to Mauritius and its structure from different regions tourist arrivals to Mauritius for the next three years. Grey system theory models were used to account for uncertainties and the dynamism of the tourism sector environment. The two models were applied as a comparison to obtain more reliable forecasting figures.

Findings

The results demonstrate that both of the grey system models can be successfully applied with high accuracy for Mauritian tourism prediction, and also the number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius shows a continued augmentation for the upcoming years.

Practical implications

Forecasting is meaningful since the Government of Mauritius, private companies or any concerned authority can adopt the forecasting methods exposed in this paper for the development of the tourism sector through managerial and economic decision making.

Originality/value

Mauritius is a charming travel destination. Through this paper, it can be seen that future tourism travel to Mauritius has been successfully predicted based on previous data. Moreover, it seems that the grey system theory models have not been utilised yet as forecasting tools for the tourism sector of Mauritius as opposed to other countries such as China and Taiwan.
Explanations about grey information and framework of grey system modeling
Authors: Xie Naiming
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the different types of grey information, explain the mechanism of grey system modeling and reconstruct the framework of grey system theory (GST).

Design/methodology/approach

GST has been developed for more than three decades; however, the framework of GST is still in an evolutionary process. This manuscript first explains grey information in detail, and then summarizes a series of grey system models under limited data and poor information. Figures and general steps for different types of grey system models are provided in this paper.

Findings

The findings in this paper clearly differentiate between grey information and other uncertainty information. The differences between grey system models and other uncertainty models are clearly explained. In addition, general steps for different grey system models are given which demonstrate the orientation of grey system modeling.

Practical implications

Theoretical framework is very important for developing a new theory. This paper clarified grey information and grey system-based modeling mechanism. It is very useful to understand and explain the systematic framework of GST and it contributes undoubtedly to make GST perfect.

Originality/value

Grey information is explained in terms of limited data and two types of grey numbers. Accordingly, all of the grey system models were divided into limited data-based grey system models and grey number-based grey system models.
Algorithm rules of interval grey numbers based on different “kernel” and the degree of greyness of grey numbers
Authors: Guo San-dang , Liu Sifeng , Fang Zhigeng
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the algorithm rules of the interval grey numbers and propose a new ranking method of the interval grey numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The definitions of “kernels” based on lower measure, upper measure or moderate measure are given according to the properties of the interval grey number problems. By means of the measurement error, the concept of the absolute degree of greyness and the relative degree of greyness corresponding to different “kernel” are given, and different simplified forms of the interval grey numbers are put forward.

Findings

The definitions of “kernel” and the degree of greyness in this paper not only take the upper limit, lower limit and the coverage of the interval grey numbers into account, but also avoid the inconsistency of the degree of greyness caused by the different universe of discourse.

Research limitations/implications

Though the method proposed in this paper has some deficiencies, such as the definition of relative degree of greyness is meaningless when the kernel of the interval grey number is 0, it provides a new idea for calculating and sorting the interval grey numbers and is conducive to the further development of the grey system theory.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper can not only distinguish interval grey numbers in different situations, but also avoid the inconsistency of the degree of greyness caused by the different universe of discourse. In this basis, the interval grey number algorithm is established and a new ranking method of interval grey numbers is given.
Value creation through reverse logistics in used clothing networks
Authors: Pal Rudrajeet
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major reverse logistics design aspects in used clothing value chains, and those enabling and challenging manifestation of value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an exploratory study of 12 established organizations in Swedish used clothing networks. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, secondary sources, and subsequent field visits.

Findings

Empirical insights on how various design aspects influence value creation in used clothing value chains are provided. Crucial among these are strategic and consistent collection, presence of multi-channel sales, and communication of post-retail concepts for manifesting value by bolstering consumer satisfaction, environmental motivation, and corporate image. Inter-organizational collaboration in reverse logistics processes and workplace training, further renders higher economic, environmental and information values.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes a holistic framework of design aspects in reverse value chains, and extends existing knowledge on how these aspects manifest value creation. By doing so, a nuanced view of the design aspects is offered by highlighting how they can differentially, either enable, or challenge value creation. In this connection, seven supporting propositions are developed for in-depth future research.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the devising strategic solutions for higher value creation, by understanding of the key enablers and challenges, for many actors in the used clothing networks.

Originality/value

The role of various design aspects in reverse value chains for manifesting multifaceted stakeholder value creation is explicitly defined in the paper.
Stress in paid and unpaid work as related to cortisol and subjective health complaints in women working in the public health care sector
Authors: Blom Victoria , Svedberg Pia , Bergström Gunnar , Mather Lisa , Lindfors Petra
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Focusing on 420 women employed within the woman-dominated health care sector, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how any variation in their total workload (TWL) in terms of paid and unpaid work relate to various subjective health complaints (SHC) (n=420) and the neuroendocrine stress marker cortisol (n=68).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explored how any variation in their TWL in terms of paid and unpaid work related cross-sectionally to SHC (n=420), and the neuroendocrine stress marker cortisol (n=68).

Findings

Hierarchical regression analyses showed that stress of unpaid work was most strongly related to diurnal variations in cortisol. Both stress of paid and unpaid work as well as TWL stress, but not hours spent on TWL, were related to SHC.

Practical implications

Taken together, objective measures of hours spent on various TWL domains were unrelated to outcome measures while perceptions of having too much TWL and TWL stress were linked to both cortisol and SHC, i.e. how individuals perceive a situation seem to be more important for health than the actual situation, which has implications for research and efforts to reduce individual TWL.

Originality/value

This study is unique in showing that unpaid work and perceptions having too much TWL relate to stress markers in women working in the public health care sector.
Arctic governance, indigenous knowledge, science and technology in times of climate change
Authors: Arruda Gisele M. , Krutkowski Sebastian
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to place a discussion of traditional knowledge and the indigenous voice within the framework of Arctic governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves literature review spanning different disciplines and highlighting important case studies.

Findings

The advance of low-cost, portable technology has brought about tremendous opportunities for indigenous people. Knowledge and observation are no longer monopolised by scholars, filmmakers or politicians based in the West. Film has proved to be a powerful tool for cultural preservation while the internet (video sharing sites and social media platforms in particular) have empowered local communities and facilitated their involvement in political activism and local governance. New ways to represent themselves have been a crucial step forward, yet the new goal is to work towards greater recognition of the “indigenous voice” and ensure traditional knowledge is not treated as anecdotal and irrelevant in managing Arctic affairs..

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions reached in the discussion need to be further explored by extending the research into Inuit communities to survey how technology can facilitate and impact collaborative forms of governance in the Arctic.

Practical implications

This research provides an increased understanding of how technology transforms power relations. Policymakers can see that the indigenous community in the Arctic is not lodged in the past. Their increased use of new technology can serve as an effective oversight of political decisions and economic initiatives, particularly those relating to oil and gas exploration in the region.

Social implications

Indigenous views and knowledge are literally crossing borders through media. Initially perceived as a cultural threat, film, video and internet are now regarded as powerful technology tools for cultural preservation and empowerment of local communities. In other words, the modern communication patterns are a crucial mean of indigenous population take part of the current global debate, express their concerns, reinforce their values and traditions and have an active voice in the globalised world.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates how technology helps indigenous communities to address different economic, environmental, cultural, educational, research and other issues in the Arctic. Robust evidence is presented to support the call for traditional knowledge to become an integral part of decision-making processes across all institutions of governance in the Arctic.
The short-term response of the Hispanic noncitizen population to anti-illegal immigration legislation
Authors: Sánchez Gonzalo E.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the short-term effect of the Arizona Immigration Law of 2010 (SB 1070) on the noncitizen Hispanic state population.

Design/methodology/approach

To get a consistent estimate of this effect, a synthetic control method has been used to calculate a suitable counterfactual.

Findings

Results indicate that this bill produced a statistically significant short-term reduction in the proportion of noncitizen Hispanics in Arizona between 10 and 15 per cent. However, the evidence suggests that this effect vanishes after a few months.

Originality/value

These findings are consistent with previous evidence of the high mobility of the undocumented population in the US, and contribute to the understanding of the effects of federal and state-level immigration legislation.
Manufacturing systematics and cladistics: state of the art and generic classification
Authors: Rose-Anderssen Christen , Baldwin James , Ridgway Keith
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the state of the art of applications of organisational systematics and manufacturing cladistics in terms of strengths and weaknesses and introduce new generic cladistic and hierarchical classifications of discrete manufacturing systems. These classifications are the basis for a practical web-based expert system and diagnostic benchmarking tool.

Design/methodology/approach

There were two stages for the research methods, with eight re-iterative steps: one for theory building, using secondary and observational data, producing conceptual classifications; the second stage for theory testing and theory development, using quantitative data from 153 companies and 510 manufacturing systems, producing the final factual cladogram. Evolutionary relationships between 53 candidate manufacturing systems, using 13 characters with 84 states, are hypothesised and presented diagrammatically. The manufacturing systems are also organised in a hierarchical classification with 13 genera, 6 families and 3 orders under one class of discrete manufacturing.

Findings

This work addressed several weaknesses of current manufacturing cladistic classifications which include the lack of an explicit out-group comparison, limited conceptual cladogram development, limited use of characters and that previous classifications are specific to sectors. In order to correct these limitations, the paper first expands on previous work by producing a more generic manufacturing system classification. Second, it describes a novel web-based expert system for the practical application of the discrete manufacturing system.

Practical implications

The classifications form the basis for a practical web-based expert system and diagnostic benchmarking tool, but also have a novel use in an educational context as it simplifies and relationally organises extant manufacturing system knowledge.

Originality/value

The research employed a novel re-iterative methodology for both theory building, using observational data, producing the conceptual classification, and through theory testing developing the final factual cladogram that forms the basis for the practical web-based expert system and diagnostic tool.
Making sense: unleashing social capital in interdisciplinary teams
Authors: Bryant Lauren H. , Freeman Sherry Booth , Daly Alan , Liou Yi-Hwa , Branon Suzanne
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Previous attempts to solve complex problems in the field of education have often focused on one disciplinary perspective. This impedes the creation of meaningful solutions and lasting change. While an interdisciplinary approach has the potential for complex problem solving, it has often proven difficult. The purpose of this paper is to apply social capital and sense-making lenses to facilitate complex problem-solving on a large, interdisciplinary, National Science Foundation funded team.

Design/methodology/approach

Social network analysis (SNA) and interviews allowed for the examination of the existing underlying social structures of the project team, and the ways in which these underlying structures were impacting the team’s ability to leverage its own social capital.

Findings

Findings demonstrated that decentralized, low levels of weekly and daily collaboration may constrain the team’s capacity for collective sense-making and its ability to achieve coherence around project goals.

Practical implications

Using SNA to systematically study the underlying network structure of a team, with the intention to use that data to drive change, can allow teams to shape their networks over time to allow for sense-making and successful collaborations. It may be that, while large teams are studying their intended phenomena, they should also make time to study themselves.

Social implications

Increasing the successfulness of large teams stands to positively impact researchers’ abilities to create workable solutions to intractable problems.

Originality/value

While SNA is a popular approach to understanding school districts and the spread of educational innovations, this study uses SNA to understand the creation of solutions and innovations.
Dealing with multiple incompatible work-related identities: the case of artists
Authors: Hennekam Sophie
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how artists deal with having multiple potentially incompatible work-related identities as a result of a career transition from making a living exclusively as artists to taking on additional work outside the creative industries.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 40 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by telephone with artists in the Netherlands. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the findings.

Findings

Four different strategies for dealing with multiple potentially incompatible identities were identified: integration, accumulation, separation and dis-identification. The findings suggest that the informal social context, the support of rejection of important others, influenced the strategy adopted by the artists. Invalidation from the environment often leads to stress and separation or dis-identification strategies, while validation seems to lead to integration and accumulation strategies that are less psychologically straining.

Practical implications

The findings stress the importance of the external environment. While the workers had to deal with their own psychological stress and regret about not succeeding at working exclusively as artists, they also had to create a feasible story that allowed them to “sell” their transition to others.

Originality/value

Careers are becoming increasingly non-linear, and the number of workers who need to juggle multiple (potentially conflicting) work-related identities is rising. However, how workers deal with this has received only limited attention from researchers.
Rapid detection and quantification of soya bean oil and common sugar in bovine milk using attenuated total reflectance–fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Jaiswal Pranita , Jha Shyam Narayan , Kaur Jaspreet , Hg Ramya
Published: June 2017

Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, along with chemometrics, were used to detect and quantify soya bean oil (SO) and sugar (CS) adulteration in milk. Bovine milk was artificially adulterated with SO (0.2–2.0%; v/v) and CS (1–10%; w/v) separately. Spectra revealed significant differences in specific wavenumber regions (SO: 1450–1250 cm−1; CS: 1200–900 cm−1). Soya bean oil adulteration was best predicted in wavenumber range of 1262–1164 cm−1, using partial least square regression (coefficient of determination (R2: 0.90 and 0.88 for calibration and validation, respectively). Common sugar adulteration was best predicted in wavenumber range of 1010–910 cm−1 (R2: 0.99 for calibration and validation) using partial least square.
Factors related to successful transition planning for adolescents on the autism spectrum
Authors: Hatfield Megan , Ciccarelli Marina , Falkmer Torbjörn , Falkmer Marita
Published: June 2017

Adolescents on the autism spectrum often have difficulties with the transition from high school to post‐school activities. Despite this, little is known about the transition planning processes for this group. This study explored predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors related to the transition planning processes for adolescents on the autism spectrum in Australia. The PRECEDE model guided a needs assessment, in which descriptive data about transition planning processes were collected via an online questionnaire from adolescents on the autism spectrum, their parents and professionals (N = 162). Predisposing factors included: an individualised and strengths‐focused approach, and adolescent motivation, anxiety and insight. Reinforcing factors included: support and guidance, skill development and real‐life experiences. Enabling factors were: having a clear plan with a coordinated approach, scheduled meetings and clear formal documentation. Whilst some factors aligned with recommendations for transition planning for adolescents with disabilities in general, there were some autism‐specific factors. For example: anxiety, motivation and insight were important predisposing factors, and providing choice and flexibility was an enabling factor.
ssdm: An r package to predict distribution of species richness and composition based on stacked species distribution models
Authors: Schmitt Sylvain , Pouteau Robin , Justeau Dimitri , de Boissieu Florian , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: June 2017

There is growing interest among conservationists in biodiversity mapping based on stacked species distribution models (SSDMs), a method that combines multiple individual species distribution models to produce a community‐level model. However, no user‐friendly interface specifically designed to provide the basic tools needed to fit such models was available until now.

The “ssdm” package is a computer platform implemented in r providing a range of methodological approaches and parameterisation at each step in building the SSDM: e.g. pseudo‐absence selection, variable contribution and model accuracy assessment, inter‐model consensus forecasting, species assembly design, and calculation of weighted endemism.

The object‐oriented design of the package is such that: users can modify existing methods, extend the framework by implementing new methods, and share them to be reproduced by others.

The package includes a graphical user interface to extend the use of SSDMs to a wide range of conservation scientists and practitioners.
CROSSING THE CONTINENT
Authors: PAPAIOANNOU ELIAS , MICHALOPOULOS STELIOS
Published: June 2017

The Scramble for Africa divided peoples – and continues to fuel conflict, say Elias Papaioannou and Stelios Michalopoulos
Commodity individuation of milk in the Somali Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Pearson Olivia , Schmidt Matthias
Published: June 2017

Livestock is traditionally the central commodity for the Somali pastoralists of Ethiopia, a commodity that fulfils numerous purposes required to sustain livelihoods. Livestock commodification, however, is not limited to animal sales. Milk is a fundamental element of Somali life, used as a primary source of food for young animals and for human consumption. In the Somali Region, herders now sell milk, an act that was traditionally taboo, to supplement their income. Thus commodity individuation, processes that detach a thing from its traditional context and purpose and convert it into a commodity, has occurred. This paper deals with the recent phenomenon of commodification processes by identifying the degree of and reasons for milk individuation in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. The analysis shows the extent milk has been separated from its traditional context and addresses the cultural and economic impacts of milk individuation.
Hyperoxaluria, hyperglycoluria and renal oxalosis in Gilbert's potoroos (Potorous gilbertii)
Authors: Forshaw D , Horwitz AM , Ellard K , Friend JA , Greed L , Metz M
Published: June 2017

Case report

Six Gilbert's potoroos (Potorous gilbertii) in a captive colony, five of which were closely related, died or were euthanased with severe renal disease. Clinical signs were mostly non‐specific. Renal calculi were seen on ultrasound of two affected potoroos and oxalate crystalluria was seen in two of three affected potoroos that had urine samples examined. Necropsies revealed extensive severe renal oxalosis in all affected potoroos. These findings and markedly increased concentrations of glycolate in the urine of the four affected potoroos for which it was measured, confirmed a disorder of oxalate metabolism and suggested a condition similar to primary hyperoxaluria type 1 in humans. Liver alanine : glyoxylate aminotransferase activity and intracellular location were assessed as normal in one affected potoroo, which is inconsistent with human primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Although a condition similar to human primary hyperoxaluria type 2 or 3 was not ruled out, other clinicopathological findings were not consistent with those seen in humans with these conditions. A lack of faecal oxalate‐degrading activity was observed in two affected potoroos in which it was measured, whereas oxalate‐degrading activity was variably present in healthy captive and wild potoroos.

Conclusion

Although the pathogenesis of renal oxalosis in these cases was not clear, the biochemical findings of elevated urinary oxalate and glycolate excretion indicate an abnormality of oxalate metabolism. The familial pattern of disease suggests it could be an inherited condition.
Efficacy of a commercial vaccine against different strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus
Authors: Read AJ , Kirkland PD
Published: June 2017

Background

This study investigated the ability of a commercial rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) vaccine (Cylap®) to protect rabbits from disease caused by two different strains of the virus (v351 and K5) that are used or proposed to be used for wild rabbit control in Australia. These strains of the RHDV1 genotype belong to the ‘classical RHDV’ and ‘antigenic variant RHDVa’ subtypes, respectively.

Methods

Vaccinated rabbits were exposed to very high doses of the virus either by direct oral dosing or by exposure to infected rabbit livers.

Results & Conclusion

All vaccinated rabbits were protected against rabbit haemorrhagic disease, indicating that the Cylap® vaccine is effective against both strains of the virus under experimental conditions.
Preclinical evaluation of the BET bromodomain inhibitor BAY 1238097 for the treatment of lymphoma
Authors: Bernasconi Elena , Gaudio Eugenio , Lejeune Pascale , Tarantelli Chiara , Cascione Luciano , Kwee Ivo , Spriano Filippo , Rinaldi Andrea , Mensah Afua A. , Chung Elaine , Stathis Anastasios , Siegel Stephan , Schmees Norbert , Ocker Matthias , Zucca Emanuele , Haendler Bernard , Bertoni Francesco
Published: June 2017

The epigenome is often deregulated in cancer and treatment with inhibitors of bromodomain and extra‐terminal proteins, the readers of epigenetic acetylation marks, represents a novel therapeutic approach. Here, we have characterized the anti‐tumour activity of the novel bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) inhibitor BAY 1238097 in preclinical lymphoma models. BAY 1238097 showed anti‐proliferative activity in a large panel of lymphoma‐derived cell lines, with a median 50% inhibitory concentration between 70 and 208 nmol/l. The compound showed strong anti‐tumour efficacy in vivo as a single agent in two diffuse large B cell lymphoma models. Gene expression profiling showed BAY 1238097 targeted the NFKB/TLR/JAK/STAT signalling pathways, MYC and E2F1‐regulated genes, cell cycle regulation and chromatin structure. The gene expression profiling signatures also highly overlapped with the signatures obtained with other BET Bromodomain inhibitors and partially overlapped with HDAC‐inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors and demethylating agents. Notably, BAY 1238097 presented in vitro synergism with EZH2, mTOR and BTK inhibitors. In conclusion, the BET inhibitor BAY 1238097 presented promising anti‐lymphoma preclinical activity in vitro and in vivo, mediated by the interference with biological processes driving the lymphoma cells. Our data also indicate the use of combination schemes targeting EZH2, mTOR and BTK alongside BET bromodomains.
Fibrinogen concentration and use of fibrinogen supplementation with cryoprecipitate in patients with critical bleeding receiving massive transfusion: a bi‐national cohort study
Authors: McQuilten Zoe K. , Bailey Michael , Cameron Peter A. , Stanworth Simon J. , Venardos Kylie , Wood Erica M. , Cooper D. James
Published: June 2017

We aimed to compare hypofibrinogenaemia prevalence in major bleeding patients across all clinical contexts, fibrinogen supplementation practice, and explore the relationship between fibrinogen concentrations and mortality. This cohort study included all adult patients from 20 hospitals across Australia and New Zealand who received massive transfusion between April 2011 and October 2015. Of 3566 patients, 2829 (79%) had fibrinogen concentration recorded, with a median first and lowest concentration of 2·0 g/l (interquartile range [IQR] 1·5–2·7) and 1·8 g/l (IQR 1·3–2·4), respectively. Liver transplant (1·7 g/l, IQR 1·2–2·1), trauma (1·8, IQR 1·3–2·5) and vascular surgery (1·9 g/l, IQR 1·4–2·5) had lower concentrations. Total median fibrinogen dose administered from all products was 7·3 g (IQR 3·3–13·0). Overall, 1732 (61%) received cryoprecipitate and 9 (<1%) fibrinogen concentrate. Time to cryoprecipitate issue in those with initial fibrinogen concentration <1 g/l was 2·5 h (IQR 1·2–4·3 h). After adjustment, initial fibrinogen concentration had a U‐shaped association with in‐hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratios: fibrinogen <1 g/l, 2·31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1·48–3·60); 1–1·9 g/l, 1·29 (95% CI 0·99–1·67) and >4 g/l, 2·03 (95% CI 1·35–3·04), 2–4 g/l reference category]. The findings indicate areas for practice improvement including timely administration of cryoprecipitate, which is the most common source of concentrated fibrinogen in Australia and New Zealand.
Clinical heterogeneity of diffuse large B cell lymphoma following failure of front‐line immunochemotherapy
Authors: Farooq Umar , Maurer Matthew J. , Thompson Carrie A. , Thanarajasingam Gita , Inwards David J. , Micallef Ivana , Macon William , Syrbu Sergei , Lin Tasha , Lin Yi , Ansell Stephen M. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Habermann Thomas M. , Cerhan James R. , Link Brian K.
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to describe the patterns of care and outcomes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after failure of front line anthracycline‐based immunochemotherapy (IC). Patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma were prospectively enrolled in Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) of the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma Specialized Program of Research Excellzence. All DLBCL and primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBL) patients treated with front‐line anthracycline‐based IC were followed for relapse. Patients with relapse on follow‐up and subsequently retreated were included in this analysis. 1039 patients received anthracycline‐based IC between 2002 and 2012, of which 244 relapsed and were subsequently retreated. Across all therapies, overall survival at 4 years (OS4) from relapse was 28% and 103 patients ultimately underwent autologous haematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) with OS4 from autoHCT of 51%. Patients relapsing after 12 months from initial diagnosis had OS4 of 47% but those with a transient or no response to initial therapy had OS4 of only 13%. Outcomes of relapsed or refractory DLBCL differ substantially when categorized by response to initial therapy, timing of relapse and opportunity to undergo autoHCT. The design and interpretation of uncontrolled trials should account for this heterogeneity in patients with relapsed DLBCL.
Increased fracture risk in plasma cell dyscrasias is associated with poorer overall survival
Authors: McIlroy Graham , Mytton Jemma , Evison Felicity , Yadav Punit , Drayson Mark T. , Cook Mark , Pratt Guy , Cockwell Paul , Pinney Jennifer H.
Published: June 2017

Pathological fractures are a common complication of plasma cell dyscrasias (PCD) and are associated with significant morbidity. Routine use of bisphosphonates over the past decade has aimed to reduce the risk of fractures in patients with multiple myeloma, but despite this, fractures continue to represent a significant burden of disease. In this study we report the fracture rate of hospital in‐patients with PCD in England. Data from the national registry Hospital Episode Statistics between 2001 and 2015 were used to determine fracture rate and its effect on overall survival. Fracture rates were 17·8 times higher than the general population in the first year after admission with PCD, and remained elevated for up to 10 years after first admission. The increased fracture risk preceded the first admission with PCD and, conversely, the incidence of PCD increased after admission with one or more fractures. Overall survival is improving with PCD, however poorer survival is found in patients with a preceding fracture (Hazard ratio 1·20). Despite widespread bisphosphonate use, fractures remain common in PCD, and are associated with poorer outcomes.
Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone: impact of dose intensity and administration frequency on safety in the PANORAMA 1 trial
Authors: San‐Miguel Jesús F. , Hungria Vania T. M. , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Beksac Meral , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Elghandour Ashraf , Jedrzejczak Wieslaw W. , Guenther Andreas , Na Nakorn Thanyaphong , Siritanaratkul Noppadol , Schlossman Robert L. , Hou Jian , Moreau Philippe , Lonial Sagar , Lee Jae‐Hoon , Einsele Hermann , Salwender Hans , Sopala Monika , Redhu Suman , Paul Sofia , Corrado Claudia , Richardson Paul G.
Published: June 2017

Panobinostat in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone demonstrated a significant and clinically meaningful progression‐free survival benefit compared with placebo, bortezomib and dexamethasone in the phase 3 PANORAMA 1 (Panobinostat Oral in Multiple Myeloma 1) trial. Despite this benefit, patients in the panobinostat arm experienced higher rates of adverse events (AEs) and higher rates of discontinuation due to AEs. This PANORAMA 1 subanalysis examined AEs between 2 treatment phases of the study (TP1 and TP2), in which administration frequency of bortezomib and dexamethasone differed per protocol. The incidences of several key AEs were lower in both arms following the planned reduction of bortezomib dosing frequency in TP2. In the panobinostat arm, rates of thrombocytopenia (grade 3/4: TP1, 56·7%; TP2, 6·0%), diarrhoea (grade 3/4: TP1, 24·1%; TP2, 7·1%), and fatigue (grade 3/4: TP1, 16·3%; TP2, 1·8%) were lower in TP2 compared with TP1. Dose intensity analysis of panobinostat and bortezomib by cycle in the panobinostat arm showed reductions of both agent doses during cycles 1–4 due to dose adjustments for AEs. Exposure‐adjusted analysis demonstrated a reduction in thrombocytopenia frequency in TP1 following dose adjustment. These results suggest that optimization of dosing with this regimen could improve tolerability, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Internet use, risks and online behaviour: The view of internet users with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers
Authors: Chiner Esther , Gómez‐Puerta Marcos , Cardona‐Moltó María Cristina
Published: June 2017

Accessible summary

Going online is important because we can learn, meet people and get information. But some actions by others or by ourselves can be harmful.

We wanted to find out how people with intellectual disabilities in Spain go online and the problems they have using the Web.

We asked 77 adults with intellectual disabilities and 68 caregivers to answer questions about how people with intellectual disabilities use the Web.

We found that people with intellectual disabilities prefer smartphones to go online and that they listen to music, watch videos or chat with friends online.

We also found out that sometimes they have problems such as receiving insults or being blocked.

Background

Internet offers opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, but it also involves some risks. The aim of this study was to explore these issues considering caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities’ perspectives.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 77 adults with intellectual disabilities and 68 caregivers from a Spanish service provider organisation.

Results

Compared to previous research, findings show an increasing use of electronic devices such as smartphones and the Internet by people with intellectual disabilities. Some online risks (e.g., being insulted, being threatened, someone using their personal information) and undesirable behaviours of this group (e.g., insulting, threatening or flirting with someone who did not want to) were also identified. Differences between the responses of people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers were found with regard to people with intellectual disabilities’ online behaviour.

Conclusions

It is important to design, validate and implement strategies to promote risk management and positive risk‐taking actions for people with intellectual disabilities.
Dividing Attention Between Tasks: Testing Whether Explicit Payoff Functions Elicit Optimal Dual‐Task Performance
Authors: Farmer George D. , Janssen Christian P. , Nguyen Anh T. , Brumby Duncan P.
Published: June 2017

We test people's ability to optimize performance across two concurrent tasks. Participants performed a number entry task while controlling a randomly moving cursor with a joystick. Participants received explicit feedback on their performance on these tasks in the form of a single combined score. This payoff function was varied between conditions to change the value of one task relative to the other. We found that participants adapted their strategy for interleaving the two tasks, by varying how long they spent on one task before switching to the other, in order to achieve the near maximum payoff available in each condition. In a second experiment, we show that this behavior is learned quickly (within 2–3 min over several discrete trials) and remained stable for as long as the payoff function did not change. The results of this work show that people are adaptive and flexible in how they prioritize and allocate attention in a dual‐task setting. However, it also demonstrates some of the limits regarding people's ability to optimize payoff functions.
Antibacterial resistance and the success of tailored triple therapy in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from Slovenian children
Authors: Butenko Tita , Jeverica Samo , Orel Rok , Homan Matjaž
Published: June 2017

Background

Primary Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs predominantly in childhood. Antimicrobial resistance is the leading cause for H. pylori eradication failure. The aims of this study were (i) to establish for the first time the antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori strains in infected Slovenian children not previously treated for H. pylori infection and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored triple therapy, assuming that eradication rate with tailored triple therapy will be >90%.

Methods

Data on all treatment‐naive children 1‐18 years old and treated for H. pylori infection according to susceptibility testing were retrospectively analyzed. All relevant clinical information and demographical information were retrospectively collected from the hospital information systems and/or patients’ medical documentation.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 107 children (64.5% girls) with a median age of 12.0 years (range 2.0‐17.6 years). Primary antimicrobial resistance rates of H. pylori were 1.0% to amoxicillin (AMO), 23.4% to clarithromycin (CLA), 20.2% to metronidazole (MET), 2.8% to levofloxacin (LEV), and 0.0% to tetracycline (TET). Dual resistances were detected to CLA and MET in 11.5% (n=12) of strains, to CLA and LEV in 2.8% (n=3), and to MET and LEV in 2.9% (n=3). Results of treatment success were available for 71 patients (66.2% girls). Eradication of H. pylori was evaluated using the 13C‐urea breath test, monoclonal stool antigen test or in some cases with repeated upper GI endoscopy with histology and cultivation/molecular tests. Eradication was achieved in 61 of 71 (85.9%) patients.

Conclusions

The primary resistance rates of H. pylori to CLA and MET in Slovenia are high. Our data strongly support the fact that in countries with high prevalence of resistant H. pylori strains susceptibility testing and tailored therapy is essential.
El miedo al fracaso: problemas de empleo juvenil en China
Authors: SCHUCHER Günter
Published: June 2017

Los medios ofrecen datos contradictorios sobre la situación laboral de los jóvenes chinos. Las tasas de desempleo son bajas pero preocupan mucho a los dirigentes y a la población. El autor responde a esta contradicción demostrando con su examen del empleo juvenil en China que los jóvenes se quejan más del empleo inadecuado que del desempleo. En concreto, lo que preocupa a los titulados universitarios, que representan en torno a la mitad de la población joven que inicia su vida activa cada año, son las ofertas de empleo y los salarios iniciales por debajo de las expectativas y una disminución de las oportunidades de movilidad ascendente.
Prima por calificación y cambio tecnológico. Nueva evidencia sobre las manufacturas estadounidenses
Authors: MALLICK Sushanta K. , SOUSA Ricardo M.
Published: June 2017

Con datos de la NBER‐CES Manufacturing Industry Database, los autores identifican una relación positiva entre la tecnología inferida a partir de la productividad total de los factores y las razones entre trabajadores calificados y no calificados y entre sus salarios, pero solo en sectores de base científica e intensivos en producción, mientras que es negativa en los dominados por el proveedor. Confirman la prima salarial por calificación y el aumento del sesgo tecnológico hacia el trabajo calificado desde 1980. Las diferencias de productividad entre trabajadores calificados y no calificados aumentan la demanda relativa de los primeros cuando ambos no son intercambiables. Concluyen que los gobiernos deberían promover la innovación de base científica.