bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible flow shop scheduling with interval grey processing time
Authors: Wang Yuquan , Xie Naiming
Published: December 2020

Purpose

purpose of this paper is providing a solution for flexible flow shop scheduling problem with uncertain processing time in aeronautical composite lay-up workshop.

Design/methodology/approach

A flexible flow scheduling model and algorithm with interval grey processing time is established. First, according to actual needs of composite laminate shop scheduling process, interval grey number is used to represent uncertain processing time, and interval grey processing time measurement method, grey number calculation and comparison rules, grey Gantt chart, and other methods are further applied. Then a flexible flow shop scheduling model with interval grey processing time (G-FFSP) is established, and an artificial bee colony algorithm based on an adaptive neighbourhood search strategy is designed to solve the model. Finally, six examples are generated for simulation scheduling, and the efficiency and performance of the model and algorithm are evaluated by comparing the results.

Findings

Results show that flexible flow shop scheduling model and algorithm with interval grey processing time can provide an optimal solution for composite lay-up shop scheduling problems and other similar flow shop scheduling problems.

Social implications

Uncertain processing time is common in flexible workshop manufacturing, and manual scheduling greatly restricts the production efficiency of workshop. In this paper, combined with grey system theory, an intelligent algorithm is used to solve flexible flow shop scheduling problem to promote intelligent and efficient production of enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper applies and perfects interval grey processing time measurement method, grey number calculation and comparison rules, grey Gantt chart and other methods. A flexible flow shop scheduling model with interval grey processing time is established, and an artificial bee colony algorithm with an adaptive domain search strategy is designed. It provides a comprehensive solution for flexible flow shop scheduling with uncertain processing time.
The increased importance of competitor benchmarking as a strategic management tool during COVID-19 recovery
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Crotts John C. , Calvert Esra
Published: December 2020

Purpose

While all recoveries are good, some are better than others with regard to their speed and/or magnitude. Many revenue-related key performance indicators (KPIs), such as comparisons to budgets and forecasts that were designed pre-pandemic to assess a hotel's or destination's performance are no longer valid. Therefore, the primary purpose of this conceptual paper is to highlight the need to peg financial-related KPIs relative to competitors' performance during and following a radical market disruption. The secondary purpose of this paper is to summarize advances reported in the literature and in the industry related to competitor benchmarking and accurately identifying competitor sets.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper synthesizes research from disparate sources to offer a series of recommendations to the industry regarding best practices for developing and monitoring revenue-related KPIs during pandemic recovery. Such KPIs will be different based upon hospitality or tourism sector but must be largely founded upon benchmarking off comparable operations.

Findings

Industry disruptions triggered by COVID-19 underscore the need (1) to increasingly utilize competitor-based revenue KPI benchmarks; (2) to have reliable competitor benchmarking data more readily available for use by hotels and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and (3) for both hotels and DMOs to more accurately identify their competitive sets.

Originality/value

The recommendations offered in this paper are anchored with appropriate theories and empirical research; and as a consequence, offer guidance for the industry for KPI formulation during and following the pandemic.
The role of entry exams on higher education: a case study on reforming qualifier exam policies to improve student success while maintaining program quality
Authors: Basavaraj Prateek , Sedghi Mahlagha , Garibay Ivan , Ozmen Garibay Ozlem , Guha Arup Ratan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Some degree programs in colleges and universities utilize entrance exams to ensure that students pursuing a given degree have mastered foundational concepts needed for that program. However, often these exams become a barrier to student success. The purpose of this study is to discuss the impact of policies governing an undergraduate Computer Science (CS) entry/qualifying exam at a large public university in the United States on overall student success in the program. This case study focuses on whether reforming program policies impacts students' time-to-degree, graduation and mastery in CS core skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study describes how the CS student success was improved by updating program policies based on institutional data and the input of course instructors. The policy changes include introducing a maximum limit to attempt the exam, changing the exam requirements as well as the structure of the exam itself.

Findings

The pass rates of students taking this qualifying exam were significantly and consistently low over the years. Students who were potentially a better fit for programs other than CS delayed their start in those other programs by taking and failing to pass the CS qualifying exam multiple times. As a result of implementing new CS program policies, many more students attempted the exam at an appropriate time. Also, they graduated on time in the years 2016–2018.

Originality/value

This paper presents a case study in which the graduation rates and time to degree of a CS program with a qualifying exam were improved after a policy intervention. The results demonstrate that simple policy changes can improve student success. Findings from this study may guide other programs with similar characteristics to improve their student success.
Financial fraud investigative interviewing – corporate investigators’ beliefs and practices: a qualitative inquiry
Authors: King Michael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the investigative interviewing processes in the context of financial frauds, as experienced by corporate investigators.

Design/methodology/approach

A diverse sample of 33 corporate investigators individually participated in in-depth interviews.

Findings

This study examined perceptions of investigative interviewing of those undertaking fraud investigations. The corporate investigator’s response indicated understanding of the necessary skills required to conduct interviews. The findings suggest that the investigator agreed on the interviewing skills that are required to conduct interviews; however, upon reflection, they may not use the skills during interviews.

Originality/value

This study is the first to reveal limitations in corporate investigators’ investigative interviewing and fills a gap in the academic literature by examining corporate investigators’ beliefs and practices in conducting their private investigations of corporate and white-collar crime.
Piercing the corporate veil for environmental torts in Mauritius: a comparative study
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The corporate veil or veil of incorporation is a legal concept that separates the legal and juristic personality of a company from its members, directors and other stakeholders. Indeed, common law has provided for numerous circumstances in which the corporate veil of a company may be lifted, and courts rely on these case law precedents to determine the grounds for lifting the corporate veil. However, there is limited case law regarding environmental torts as a ground for lifting the veil of incorporation and there is no legal provision in Mauritius which recognises environmental crimes as an exception to corporate veil. Consequently, this paper aims to discuss the liability of decision-makers of a company in the case of corporate environmental wrongdoings and thereafter, to present a case for amending Mauritius laws to give recognition to environmental torts as a ground of lifting the corporate veil.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has adopted the black-letter approach and the comparative research methodology. The laws of Mauritius on corporate veil will be compared to the related laws of the USA and Canada with the view of seeking recommendations for Mauritius, as these countries are known to have an extensive legal framework on environmental crimes as a ground to lift the corporate veil.

Findings

It is concluded that it is high time for Mauritius to adopt a separate manslaughter law that would incorporate crimes committed to the environment by corporate bodies as a ground for lifting the corporate veil and thereby attacking individual stakeholders concerned.

Originality/value

This study is among the first researches conducted in the field of environmental torts as a ground for lifting the corporate veil in Mauritius.
Highlights of the new PRC securities law
Authors: Yang TieCheng , Chen Yang , Zhang Scarlett , Qiao Virginia , Wang Zhenyu , Zheng Shuozhu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To introduce the Securities Law of the People's Republic of China (the “Securities Law 2019”) revised on 28 December 2019, and provide a detailed analysis on its key implications to the securities regulatory regime and market activities, especially securities issuance and trading activities in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This article starts from a historical overview of the Securities Law and its several revisions and amendments, highlights the notable core revisions in the Securities Law 2019, analyzes the key legal and regulatory impacts to the securities-related activities and market players, and finally, provides an outlook to the future developments of securities regulatory regime in conformity with the Securities Law 2019.

Findings

This article concludes that the revisions made to the Securities Law 2019 cover a broad range of issues including the issuance and trading of securities, acquisition of a listed company, information disclosure, securities registration and settlement, etc. Such revisions to the Securities Law will lead to far-reaching and profound implications on the securities regulatory system and industry practice in China.

Practical implications

The Securities Law 2019 attracts broad attention from securities market players as well as relevant professionals of the industry, including securities lawyers. As this is a novel and hot topic within the industry, it is important for securities lawyers to keep on track.

Originality/value

High-level guidance from experienced lawyers in the Capital Markets and Financial Regulation practices.
E-destination: the future of e-mobility in the Lake Constance region, Germany
Authors: Thimm Tatjana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the development of a vision for the Lake Constance region, Germany, as an e-destination, i.e. a destination where tourism mobility would be predominantly electric in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a scenario analysis based on factor analysis in addition to empirical data collected in 2016 and 2017 based on surveys and interviews with tourists and stakeholders.

Findings

The scenarios contain the optimistic, pessimistic and realistic models, including one scenario called e-destination, i.e. a projection of the future where tourism mobility consists predominantly of electro-mobility (e-mobility). This specific scenario is supported by the results of the empirical data.

Research limitations/implications

As the study focusses on e-mobility only, it leaves out other forms of mobility e.g. pedestrian or cycling mobility that also contribute to CO2 reduction. The sampling methods are not strictly randomised, but the tendencies they show are clear and supporting each other.

Practical implications

According to the tourists and stakeholders interviewed, it is quite likely that the region will become an e-destination in the future, but only with government support.

Social implications

The attitude-behaviour-gap was discussed as a possible explanation of tourists’ behaviour in the study.

Originality/value

Studies on e-mobility in tourism are rare. (As far as the author knows) this paper presents the first analysis of the future of e-mobility in tourism using a German lake as a destination. Thus, it adds to the existing body of knowledge different possible projections of the future regarding e-mobility in a tourism destination.
Scalability of generative knowledge management systems: designing for individuals’ and institutions’ mutual benefit
Authors: Schmitt Ulrich
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In further conceptualizing a novel generative knowledge management system (KM/KMS), this paper aims to focus on identifying and mitigating the risks related to its envisaged scaling from a prototype to an application with a rapidly growing user base.

Design/methodology/approach

It follows up on prior publications using design science research (DSR) methodologies in compliance with theory effectiveness, a principle expecting system designs to be purposeful in terms of utility and communication. The KMS perspective taken prioritizes a decentralizing agenda benefiting knowledge workers while also aiming to foster a fruitful co-evolution with conventional organizational KM approaches.

Findings

The utilization and further extension of the CKDT and a “scalable innovation” heuristic are assisting the detecting of potential scaling risks related to the logics and logistics, generative interoperability, technological capacitating, knowledge dynamics and value chain which further validates the viability of the proposed KM concept and system.

Research limitations/implications

Although the prototype development is still in progress, the paper conforms to the DSR practice to report on early visions of technology impact on users, organizations and society but also reflects on expectations of viability, desirability and commitment, as well as the system’s prospect as a general-purpose-technology or disruptive innovation.

Originality/value

In addition to the novel KM-related perspectives, the paper’s practical emphasis on the scaling of more complex systems is rarely dealt with in the literature due to the respective projects’ often large-scale collaborative nature, broad methodological scope and diverse stakeholders’ interests. In this case, the task is eased as prior DSR outputs can be referred to.
Stochastic optimization for transportation planning in disaster relief under disruption and uncertainty
Authors: Sabouhi Fatemeh , Bozorgi-Amiri Ali , Vaez Parinaz
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to minimize the expected arrival time of relief vehicles to the affected areas, considering the destruction of potential routes and disruptions due to disasters. In relief operations, required relief items in each affected area and disrupted routes are considered as uncertain parameters. Additionally, for a more realistic consideration of the situations, it is assumed that the demand of each affected area could be met by multiple vehicles and distribution centers (DCs) and vehicles have limited capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study developed a two-stage stochastic programming model for the distribution of relief items from DCs to the affected areas. Locating the DCs was the first-stage decisions in the introduced model. The second-stage decisions consisted of routing and scheduling of the vehicles to reach the affected areas.

Findings

In this paper, 7th district of Tehran was selected as a case study to assess the applicability of the model, and related results and different sensitivity analyses were presented as well. By carrying out a simultaneous sensitivity analysis on the capacity of vehicles and the maximum number of DCs that can be opened, optimal values for these parameters were determined, that would help making optimal decisions upon the occurrence of a disaster to decrease total relief time and to maximize the exploitation of available facilities.

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are as below: presenting an integrated model for the distribution of relief items among affected areas in the response phase of a disaster, using a two-stage stochastic programming approach to cope with route disruptions and uncertain demands for relief items, determining location of the DCs and routing and scheduling of vehicles to relief operations and considering a heterogeneous fleet of capacitated relief vehicles and DCs with limited capacity and fulfilling the demand of each affected area by more than one vehicle to represent more realistic situations.
Defensive structures influence fighting outcomes
Authors: Emberts Zachary , Wiens John J.
Published: December 2020

In many animal species, individuals engage in fights with conspecifics over access to limited resources (e.g. mates, food, or shelter). Most theory about these intraspecific fights assumes that damage has an important role in determining the contest winner. Thus, defensive structures that reduce the amount of damage an individual accrues during intraspecific competition should provide a fighting advantage.

Examples of such damage‐reducing structures include the dermal shields of goats, the dorsal osteoderms of crocodiles, and the armoured telsons of mantis shrimps. Although numerous studies have identified these defensive structures, no study has investigated whether they influence the outcomes of intraspecific fights.

Here we investigated whether inhibiting damage by enhancing an individual's armour influenced fighting behaviour and success in the giant mesquite bug, Thasus neocalifornicus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae).

We found that experimentally manipulated individuals (i.e. those provided with additional armour) were 1.6 times more likely to win a fight when compared to the control. These results demonstrate that damage, and damage‐reducing structures, can influence fighting success.

The implications of these results are twofold. First, our results experimentally support a fundamental assumption of most theoretical fighting models: that damage is a fighting cost that can influence contest outcomes. Second, these results highlight the importance of an individual's defensive capacity, and why defence should not be ignored.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Care integration within and outside health system boundaries
Authors: Singer Sara J. , Sinaiko Anna D. , Tietschert Maike V. , Kerrissey Michaela , Phillips Russell S. , Martin Veronique , Joseph Grace , Bahadurzada Hassina , Agniel Denis
Published: December 2020

Objective

Examine care integration—efforts to unify disparate parts of health care organizations to generate synergy across activities occurring within and between them—to understand whether and at which organizational level health systems impact care quality and staff experience.

Data Sources

Surveys administered to one practice manager (56/59) and up to 26 staff (828/1360) in 59 practice sites within 24 physician organizations within 17 health systems in four states (2017‐2019).

Study Design

We developed manager and staff surveys to collect data on organizational, social, and clinical process integration, at four organizational levels: practice site, physician organization, health system, and outside health systems. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and regression.

Principal Findings

Managers and staff perceived opportunity for improvement across most types of care integration and organizational levels. Managers/staff perceived little variation in care integration across health systems. They perceived better care integration within practice sites than within physician organizations, health systems, and outside health systems—up to 38 percentage points (pp) lower (P < .001) outside health systems compared to within practice sites. Of nine clinical process integration measures, one standard deviation (SD) (7.2‐pp) increase in use of evidence‐based care related to 6.4‐pp and 8.9‐pp increases in perceived quality of care by practice sites and health systems, respectively, and a 4.5‐pp increase in staff job satisfaction; one SD (9.7‐pp) increase in integration of social services and community resources related to a 7.0‐pp increase in perceived quality of care by health systems; one SD (6.9‐pp) increase in patient engagement related to a 6.4‐pp increase in job satisfaction and a 4.6‐pp decrease in burnout; and one SD (10.6‐pp) increase in integration of diabetic eye examinations related to a 5.5‐pp increase in job satisfaction (all P < .05).

Conclusions

Measures of clinical process integration related to higher staff ratings of quality and experience. Action is needed to improve care integration within and outside health systems.
Engaged food science: Connecting K‐8 learners to food science while engaging graduate students in science communication
Authors: Macbeth Alexandra J. , Zurier Hannah S. , Atkins Erin , Nugen Sam R. , Goddard Julie M.
Published: December 2020

Connecting the public to concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an essential for technological advancement and inspiring future scientists, impacting both the communicator and the audience's understanding of scientific topics. Without proper communication of scientific knowledge, acceptance and implementation of new technologies can be hindered. Additionally, increasing public awareness about current scientific issues through STEM engagement permits more informed policy and consumer choices, especially in the field of food science where many new food technologies are met with initial resistance by the consuming public. Here, we describe an event that introduced topics in food science to the nonexpert public, including K‐8th grade participants and their adult caregivers in an informal learning environment. This program consists of six activities that collectively introduce three areas in food science: food chemistry, food microbiology, and process engineering. Protocols are provided for each activity including a materials list (with the option to scale up or down according to event duration, event space allowances, and number of participants), learning objectives and discussion points that are adaptable to different age groups, event spaces, or budgets. Each activity has a participatory component to ensure both audience member and instructor engagement. A program designed for food science communication empowers young scientific minds to better understand complex scientific topics and could inspire them to envision a possible career in STEM fields, with the additional benefit of providing graduate students an exciting medium through which they may practice their science communication skills, potentially benefiting not only their personal academic and professional skills but also broader societal needs.
The Core Nursing Interventions in Adult Psychiatric Outpatient Care Identified by Nurses, a Delphi Study
Authors: Ameel Maria , Achterberg Theo van , Kinnunen Ulla‐Mari , Kontio Raija , Junttila Kristiina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To define the core nursing interventions identified by nurses in the adult psychiatric outpatient care setting.

Methods

A two‐round Delphi study. The panel consisted of nurses and nurse managers.

Findings

Nurses identified 53 core interventions, 50 of which are described in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Altogether, two thirds of these interventions were in the NIC domain ‘Behavioral’ and the emphasis was on NIC classes ‘Coping Assistance’ and ‘Behavior Therapy,’ suggesting that nurses define providing psychosocial support as the core in their work.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the main role of nurses in the psychiatric outpatient care is to deliver psychosocial care for their patients. The lack of family interventions among the core interventions and the need to add the missing three interventions into the classification need more research in the future.

Implications for nursing practice

This study helps to define nurses’ role in the psychiatric outpatient care. The findings can be used in developing nursing education programs.
Prevalent intron retention fine‐tunes gene expression and contributes to cellular senescence
Authors: Yao Jun , Ding Dong , Li Xueping , Shen Ting , Fu Haihui , Zhong Hua , Wei Gang , Ni Ting
Published: December 2020

Intron retention (IR) is the least well‐understood alternative splicing type in animals, and its prevalence and function in physiological and pathological processes have long been underestimated. Cellular senescence contributes to individual aging and age‐related diseases and can also serve as an important cancer prevention mechanism. Dynamic IR events have been observed in senescence models and aged tissues; however, whether and how IR impacts senescence remain unclear. Through analyzing polyA+ RNA‐seq data from human replicative senescence models, we found IR was prevalent and dynamically regulated during senescence and IR changes negatively correlated with expression alteration of corresponding genes. We discovered that knocking down (KD) splicing factor U2AF1, which showed higher binding density to retained introns and decreased expression during senescence, led to senescence‐associated phenotypes and global IR changes. Intriguingly, U2AF1‐KD‐induced IR changes also negatively correlated with gene expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that U2AF1‐mediated IR of specific gene (CPNE1 as an example) contributed to cellular senescence. Decreased expression of U2AF1, higher IR of CPNE1, and reduced expression of CPNE1 were also discovered in dermal fibroblasts with age. We discovered prevalent IR could fine‐tune gene expression and contribute to senescence‐associated phenotypes, largely extending the biological significance of IR.
Association Between the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase‐2 rs671 G>A Polymorphism and Head and Neck Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta‐Analysis in East Asians
Authors: Du Xin‐Ya , Wen Li , Hu Yuan‐Yuan , Deng Sheng‐Qiong , Xie Long‐Chuan , Jiang Guang‐Bin , Yang Gong‐Li , Niu Yu‐Ming
Published: December 2020

Background

Aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) plays an important role in the alcohol detoxification and acetaldehyde metabolism. Published studies have demonstrated some inconsistent associations between ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed to provide pooled data on the association between the ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism and HNC risk. Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine the pooled effect size of each genetic model. In addition, heterogeneity test, accumulative analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were conducted to test the statistical power.

Results

Thirteen publications (14 independent case–control studies) involving 10,939 subjects were selected. The stratified analysis indicated that both light/moderated drinking (e.g., GA vs. GG: OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.16 to 1.86, p < 0.01, I2 = 81.1%) and heavy drinking would increase HNC risk with rs671 G>A mutation (e.g., GA vs. GG: OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.11 to 4.77, p = 0.03, I2 = 81.9%).

Conclusions

In summary, this meta‐analysis suggested that the ALDH2 rs671 G>A polymorphism may play an important synergistic effect in the pathogenesis of HNC development in East Asians.
Daily and intermittent smoking are associated with low prefrontal volume and low concentrations of prefrontal glutamate, creatine, myo‐inositol, and N‐acetylaspartate
Authors: Faulkner Paul , Lucini Paioni Susanna , Kozhuharova Petya , Orlov Natasza , Lythgoe David J. , Daniju Yusuf , Morgenroth Elenor , Barker Holly , Allen Paul
Published: December 2020

Cigarette smoking is still the largest contributor to disease and death worldwide. Successful cessation is hindered by decreases in prefrontal glutamate concentrations and gray matter volume due to daily smoking. Because nondaily, intermittent smoking also contributes greatly to disease and death, understanding whether infrequent tobacco use is associated with reductions in prefrontal glutamate concentrations and gray matter volume may aid public health. Eighty‐five young participants (41 nonsmokers, 24 intermittent smokers, 20 daily smokers, mean age ~23 years old), underwent 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the medial prefrontal cortex, as well as structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine whole‐brain gray matter volume. Compared with nonsmokers, both daily and intermittent smokers exhibited lower concentrations of glutamate, creatine, N‐acetylaspartate, and myo‐inositol in the medial prefrontal cortex, and lower gray matter volume in the right inferior frontal gyrus; these measures of prefrontal metabolites and structure did not differ between daily and intermittent smokers. Finally, medial prefrontal metabolite concentrations and right inferior frontal gray matter volume were positively correlated, but these relationships were not influenced by smoking status. This study provides the first evidence that both daily and intermittent smoking are associated with low concentrations of glutamate, creatine, N‐acetylaspartate, and myo‐inositol and low gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex. Future tobacco cessation efforts should not ignore potential deleterious effects of intermittent smoking by considering only daily smokers. Finally, because low glutamate concentrations hinder cessation, treatments that can normalize tonic levels of prefrontal glutamate, such as N‐acetylcysteine, may help intermittent and daily smokers to quit.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: efficacy of balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for dilation of small bowel Crohn's disease strictures
Authors: Bettenworth Dominik , Bokemeyer Arne , Kou Lei , Lopez Rocio , Bena James F. , El Ouali Sara , Mao Ren , Kurada Satya , Bhatt Amit , Beyna Torsten , Halloran Brendan , Reeson Matthew , Hosomi Shuhei , Kishi Masahiro , Hirai Fumihito , Ohmiya Naoki , Rieder Florian
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence for endoscopic balloon dilation of small intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease (CD) using balloon‐assisted enteroscopy is scarce.

Aim

To evaluate endoscopic balloon dilation for the treatment of small intestinal CD strictures using balloon‐assisted enteroscopy.

Methods

Citations in Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane were systematically reviewed. In a meta‐analysis of 18 studies with 463 patients and 1189 endoscopic balloon dilations, technical success was defined as the ability to dilate a stricture. Individual data were also obtained on 218 patients to identify outcome‐relevant risk factors.

Results

In the pooled per‐study analysis, technical success rate of endoscopic balloon dilation was 94.9%, resulting in short‐term clinical efficacy in 82.3% of patients. Major complications occurred in 5.3% of patients. During follow‐up, 48.3% of patients reported symptom recurrence, 38.8% were re‐dilated and 27.4% proceeded to surgery. On the per‐patient‐based multivariable analysis, that patients with disease activity in the small intestine had lower short‐term clinical efficacy (odds ratio 0.32; 95% confidence interval 0.14‐0.73, P = 0.007). Patients with concomitant active disease in the small and/or large intestine had an increased risk to proceed toward surgery (hazard ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.09‐3.13, P = 0.02 and hazard ratio 1.77; 95% confidence interval 1.34‐2.34, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for dilatation of CD‐associated small intestinal strictures has high short‐term technical and clinical efficacy and low complication rates. However, up to two‐thirds of patients need re‐dilation or surgery.
Impact of circulating microRNA test (miRNA‐371a‐3p) on appropriateness of treatment and cost outcomes in patients with Stage I non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours
Authors: Bagrodia Aditya , Savelyeva Anna , Lafin John T. , Speir Ryan W. , Chesnut Gregory T. , Frazier Anne Lindsay , Woldu Solomon L. , Margulis Vitaly , Murray Matthew J. , Amatruda James F. , Lotan Yair
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine whether utilisation of a serum microRNA (miRNA) test could improve treatment appropriateness and cost‐effectiveness for patients with Stage I non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs).

Patients and Methods

A decision tree model was built to investigate treatment course, clinical and cost outcomes for patients with Stage IA (T1N0M0S0) and IB (T2–4N0M0S0) NSGCT. The model compared outcomes and cost of standard approach using histopathology, conventional serum tumour markers and radiographic staging (standard model) to a miRNA‐based approach using the standard model + post‐orchidectomy serum miR‐371a‐3p (marker model). Probabilities of expected treatment and outcomes were based on presence/absence of cancer upon entering into the model. Overtreatment was defined as adjuvant chemotherapy or primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a patient without cancer. Undertreatment was defined as initial surveillance for a patient with cancer.

Results

Utilising the miRNA marker‐based approach, 26% of patients avoid overtreatment and 8% avoid undertreatment in Stage IA NSGCT; 27% avoid overtreatment and 23% avoid undertreatment in Stage IB disease. Appropriate treatment decision‐making increased from 65% to 94% and 50% to 92% for Stage IA and IB, respectively. The miRNA‐based approach remained cost‐effective over a wide range of performance characteristics with savings of ~$1400 (American dollars)/patient for both Stage IA and IB disease.

Conclusion

A miRNA‐based approach may potentially select patients with Stage I NSGCT for correct treatment in a cost‐effective manner. Identification of residual teratoma‐only remains an issue. Prospective studies are necessary to validate these findings.
Predictors of local recurrence and its impact on survival after glansectomy for penile cancer: time to challenge the dogma?
Authors: Roussel Eduard , Peeters Eline , Vanthoor Joren , Bozzini Giorgio , Muneer Asif , Ayres Ben , Sri Denosshan , Watkin Nick , Bhattar Rohit , Parnham Arie , Sangar Vijay , Lau Maurice , Joice Gregory , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Chipollini Juan , Spiess Philippe E. , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , de Vries Lieke , Brouwer Oscar , Albersen Maarten ,   eUROGEN, the Young Academic Urologists (YAU) Working Group of Men’s Health
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To identify predictive pathological factors for local recurrence (LR) and to study the impact of LR on survival in patients treated with glansectomy for penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC).

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively studied patients treated with glansectomy at international, high‐volume reference centres. We analysed histopathological predictors of LR, stratified patients into risk groups based on the number of risk factors present, and studied the impact of LR on survival outcomes using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression models. Subsequently, we performed sensitivity analyses excluding margin‐positive cases, pT3 disease, and cN+ disease, or all of these factors.

Results

Across nine institutions, 897 patients were included, of whom 94 experienced LR. On multivariable analysis, presence of high‐grade disease and pT3 stage were independent predictors of LR. LR‐free survival rates significantly differed according to the number of risk factors present, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–3.07; P = 0.01) for the intermediate‐risk group (one risk factor) and 6.11 (95% CI 3.47–10.77; P < 0.001) for the high‐risk group (two risk factors), using the low‐risk group (no risk factors) as reference. Patients who experienced LR had significantly worse overall survival (OS; HR 2.89, 95% CI 2.02–4.14; P < 0.001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS; HR 5.64, 95% CI 3.45–9.22; P < 0.001). LR (HR 3.82, 95% CI 2.14–6.8; P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion and cN status were significant predictors of decreased CSS. LR remained a strong predictor of both OS and CSS in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Pathological T3 stage and presence of high‐grade disease were independent histopathological predictors of LR after glansectomy for primary pSCC, which allowed risk stratification into three groups with significantly different risk of developing LR. Additionally, LR is related to poor OS and CSS, indicating that LR is a manifestation of underlying aggressive disease and clearly challenging the dogma of using organ‐sparing surgery whenever possible since survival is unaffected by higher LR rates.
Potential type 2 diabetes mellitus drug HMPA promotes short‐chain fatty acid production by improving carbon catabolite repression effect of gut microbiota
Authors: Liu Huijuan , Qin Yuan , Li Kun , Li Meng , Yang Jiahuan , Tao Honglian , Tang Yuanhao , Yang Lan , Chen Shuang , Liu Yanrong , Yang Cheng , Gao Wenqing , Sun Tao
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose

Gut microbiota plays an important role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression. From our previous work N‐(4‐Hydroxyphenethyl)‐3‐mercapto‐2‐methylpropanamide (HMPA) is a potential T2DM drug. We evaluated the effect of HMPA on gut microbiota and studied the molecular mechanism underlying HMPA's regulation of gut microbiota.

Experimental Approach

The pseudo germ‐free (PGF) T2DM model and faecal microbiota transplantation method were used to study whether gut microbiota mediates the actions of HMPA. The composition of gut microbiota was detected by using 16S rRNA sequence. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content was detected by gas chromatography. The HMPA probe was synthesised for finding and identifying the target protein of HMPA. The effect of HMPA on the utilisation of carbon sources in Bifidobacterium was evaluated.

Key Results

HMPA has a slight effect on the PGF T2DM model. The gut microbiota changed by HMPA can also alleviate the symptoms of T2DM. HMPA can regulate gut microbiota structure, increase SCFAs production and reduce nitrate content in the intestinal tissues. The thickness of the mucus on colon tissues increases after HMPA treatment. The target protein of HMPA in gut microbiota is the nitrogen metabolism global transcriptional regulator (GlnR). HMPA promotes the utilisation of less preferred carbon source in the gut microbiota and increases the fermentation product of SCFAs.

Conclusion and Implications

HMPA plays a hypoglycaemic role through the gut microbiota. HMPA improves the carbon catabolite repression effect of gut microbiota and increases SCFAs production by targeting GlnR. GlnR may be a target for gut microbiota regulation.
Efficacy and safety of imeglimin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐ranging phase 2b trial
Authors: Dubourg Julie , Ueki Kohjiro , Grouin Jean‐Marie , Fouqueray Pascale
Published: December 2020

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of imeglimin monotherapy compared with placebo for 24 weeks in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

In this 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, dose‐ranging, phase 2b clinical trial, Japanese adults (age ≥ 20 years) with T2D either treatment‐naïve or previously treated with one oral antidiabetes agent were eligible for participation. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive orally imeglimin 500, 1000 or 1500 mg, or placebo twice‐daily over a 24‐week period. The primary endpoint was the placebo‐adjusted change at week 24 in HbA1c. Safety outcomes were assessed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug.

Results

A total of 299 patients were randomized to receive double‐blind treatment with orally twice‐daily placebo (n = 75), imeglimin 500 mg (n = 75), 1000 mg (n = 74) or 1500 mg (n = 75). At week 24, imeglimin significantly decreased HbA1c (difference vs. placebo: imeglimin 500 mg −0.52% [95% CI: −0.77%, −0.27%], imeglimin 1000 mg −0.94% [95% CI: −1.19%, −0.68%], imeglimin 1500 mg −1.00% [95% CI: −1.26%, −0.75%]; P < .0001 for all). Treatment‐emergent adverse events were reported for 68.0%, 62.2%, 73.3% and 68.0% of patients receiving imeglimin 500, 1000 or 1500 mg and placebo, respectively. A small increase in gastrointestinal adverse effects (e.g. diarrhoea) occurred with the 1500 mg dose level. Hypoglycaemia was balanced among groups.

Conclusions

Imeglimin as monotherapy in Japanese patients with T2D was well tolerated and significantly improved glycaemic control with no significant increase in hypoglycaemic events versus placebo. Given the marginal increase in efficacy with the 1500 versus 1000 mg dose (along with the potential for gastrointestinal tolerability issues), a dose of 1000 mg twice‐daily was selected for subsequent phase 3 studies.
The digital competence framework for primary and secondary schools in Europe
Authors: Guitert Montse , Romeu Teresa , Baztán Pablo
Published: December 2020

There has been a lot of interest to competence‐based education in research and scholarship. How competence‐based education has been developed and implemented varies across education systems in Europe. The European Commission defines digital competence as one of the eight key competence standards for lifelong learning. The European digital competence framework DigComp provides a comprehensive and exhaustive framework for citizens; it has the potential to be adapted to the needs of specific target groups. Nevertheless, no current research has focused on the need for developing a common framework for primary and secondary education. To address this gap we present a digital competence framework for European primary and secondary students. DigComp and a set of European frameworks are analysed in this paper. Combining categorical analysis with the collaboration of teachers and experts in the field, we define performance criteria and components that contribute to competence by five categories, providing a framework to promote the acquisition and evaluation of digital competence. This framework can be implemented in any EU country, it incorporates the most recent theoretical advances in research on information and communication technologies.
How Management Innovation Affects Product and Process Innovation in Turkey: The Moderating Role of Industry and Firm Size
Authors: Ozturk Ebru , Ozen Ozlem
Published: December 2020

In the last decade, studies on how firms introduce management innovations to drive product and process innovation have proliferated. It has long been assumed that management innovation enhances product and process innovation by increasing firms' exposure to new knowledge sources and improving their efficiency in the production processes. However, there is still an important conceptual debate and contradictory empirical results about the actual benefits of management innovation and the contextual conditions under which those benefits are likely to transpire. To address this gap, we aim to investigate the benefits of management innovation on product and process innovation in the context of emerging economy firms, in Turkey, and how industry affiliation and firm size influence those benefits. Using responses from 1,065 Turkish firms, we find that the benefits of management innovation on product and process innovation is greater for both service firms and small firms compared to manufacturing firms and large firms. The paper has important theoretical implications to management innovation literature by showing that the benefits of management innovation on product and process innovation show variance depending on different contextual conditions.
Future Developments in Geographical Agent‐Based Models: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Heppenstall Alison , Crooks Andrew , Malleson Nick , Manley Ed , Ge Jiaqi , Batty Michael
Published: December 2020

Despite reaching a point of acceptance as a research tool across the geographical and social sciences, there remain significant methodological challenges for agent‐based models. These include recognizing and simulating emergent phenomena, agent representation, construction of behavioral rules, and calibration and validation. While advances in individual‐level data and computing power have opened up new research avenues, they have also brought with them a new set of challenges. This article reviews some of the challenges that the field has faced, the opportunities available to advance the state‐of‐the‐art, and the outlook for the field over the next decade. We argue that although agent‐based models continue to have enormous promise as a means of developing dynamic spatial simulations, the field needs to fully embrace the potential offered by approaches from machine learning to allow us to fully broaden and deepen our understanding of geographical systems.
‘The goal is not necessarily to sit at the table’—Resisting autocratic legalism in Hungarian academia
Authors: Labanino Rafael , Dobbins Michael
Published: December 2020

The article analyses the strategies of Hungarian higher education interest organisations against the encroachments on academic freedom by Viktor Orbán's governments. We contrast the 2012–2013 and 2017–2019 protest waves and find that innovations in strategy came from new organisations in both periods, whereas established ones were rather passive or opted for the status quo. However, in the second period, new actors consciously declined to pursue wider systemic goals and aimed at building up formal organisations instead of loose, movement‐like networks. The focus on keeping a unified front and interest representation on the workplace level did not change the overall outcome. Just like during the first period, the government was able to reach its goals without major concessions. Nevertheless, during the second protest wave the government was unable to divide and pacify its opponents, which stripped it of its legalistic strategy and revealed its authoritarianism.
How date type, freshness labelling and food category influence consumer rejection
Authors: Samotyja Urszula , Sielicka‐Różyńska Maria
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was (a) to evaluate the influence of date type and freshness labelling on a consumer rejection of expired food, (b) to assess how product category influences a consumer who rejects expired food based on a given criterion and (c) to investigate if a consumer's handling of food is rational as pertains to ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ dating. A consumer sensory study was conducted among 180 participants from Poland in which their attitude towards eight different foods labelled with two date types (‘use by’ or ‘best before’) and four various freshness dates was examined. The results showed that date type (‘best before’ vs. ‘use by’), freshness labelling and food category significantly influenced consumer rejection of food products and the criteria of rejection changed as the product became expired. Consumer behaviour regarding edibility after expiration was irrational and was manifested in both the acceptance of potentially harmful food products (from 31.5% to 60.2% of expired food products labelled with the ‘use by’ date were accepted) and the rejection of edible foods (from 24.4% to 56.7% of expired foods labelled with the ‘best before’ date were rejected). This study provides new insight into the influence of shelf‐life labelling and sensory perception on discard intention which ultimately results in unnecessary food waste. Our findings that date labelling can contribute to consumer apprehension of the suitability of a given food product for consumption shed new light on the role of building awareness among consumers in order to encourage waste‐reducing behaviour.