bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-hotspots of Risk in Urban Cholera Epidemics
Authors: Azman Andrew S. , Luquero Francisco J. , Salje Henrik , Mbaïbardoum Nathan Naibei , Adalbert Ngandwe , Ali Mohammad , Bertuzzo Enrico , Finger Flavio , Toure Brahima , Massing Louis Albert , Ramazani Romain , Cardon Amélie , Saga Bansaga , Allan Maya , Olson David , Leglise Jerome , Porten Klaudia , Lessler Justin
Published: January 2018

Targeted interventions have been delivered to neighbors of cholera cases in epidemic responses in Haiti and Africa despite little evidence supporting impact. Using data from urban epidemics in Chad and D.R. Congo we estimate the size and extent of spatiotemporal zones of increased cholera risk around cases. In both cities, we found zones of increased risk of at least 200-meters during the 5-days immediately following case presentation to a clinic. Risk was highest for those living closest to cases and diminished in time and space similarly across settings. These results provide a rational basis for targeting interventions, if delivered rapidly.
Emotion lies in the eye of the listener: emotional arousal to novel sounds is reflected in the sympathetic contribution to the pupil dilation response and the P3
Authors: Widmann Andreas , Schröger Erich , Wetzel Nicole
Published: January 2018

Novel sounds in the auditory oddball paradigm elicit a biphasic dilation of the pupil (PDR) and P3a as well as novelty P3 event-related potentials (ERPs). The biphasic PDR has been hypothesized to reflect the relaxation of the iris sphincter muscle due to parasympathetic inhibition and the constriction of the iris dilator muscle due to sympathetic activation. We measured the PDR and the P3 to neutral and to emotionally arousing negative novels in dark and moderate lighting conditions. By means of principal component analysis (PCA) of the PDR data we extracted two components: the early one was absent in darkness and, thus, presumably reflects parasympathetic inhibition, whereas the late component occurred in darkness and light and presumably reflects sympathetic activation. Importantly, only this sympathetic late component was enhanced for emotionally arousing (as compared to neutral) sounds supporting the hypothesis that emotional arousal specifically activates the sympathetic nervous system. In the ERPs we observed P3a and novelty P3 in response to novel sounds. Both components were enhanced for emotionally arousing (as compared to neutral) novels. Our results demonstrate that sympathetic and parasympathetic contributions to the PDR can be separated and link emotional arousal to sympathetic nervous system activation.

Highlights

PDR and ERP effects of novel emotional and neutral oddball sounds were studied.

Parasympathetic and sympathetic contributions to the PDR were dissociated by PCA.

The parasympathetic PDR component was absent in darkness.

Emotional arousal enhanced the sympathetic contribution to the PDR and the P3 ERP.

Effects of emotional arousal are mediated by the sympathetic pathway.
Laboratory and Molecular Surveillance of Paediatric Typhoidal Salmonella in Nepal: Antimicrobial Resistance and Implications for Vaccine Policy
Authors: Britto Carl D , Dyson Zoe A , Duchene Sebastian , Carter Michael J , Gurung Meeru , Kelly Dominic F , Murdoch David , Ansari Imran , Thorson Stephen , Shrestha Shrijana , Adhikari Neelam , Dougan Gordon , Holt Kathryn E , Pollard Andrew J
Published: January 2018

Background

Children are substantially affected by enteric fever in most settings with a high burden of the disease, which could be due to immune naivety, or enhanced risk of exposure to the pathogen. Although Nepal is a high burden setting for enteric fever, the bacterial population structure and transmission dynamics are poorly delineated in young children, the proposed target group for immunization programs.

Methods

Blood culture surveillance amongst children aged 2 months to 15 years of age was conducted at Patan Hospital between 2008 and 2016. A total of 198 S. Typhi and 66 S. Paratyphi A isolated from children treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings were subjected to whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Demographic and clinical data were also collected from the inpatients. The resulting data were used to place these paediatric Nepali isolates into a worldwide context, based on their phylogeny and carriage of molecular determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Results

Children aged ≤4 years made up >40% of the inpatient population. The majority of isolates (78 %) were S. Typhi, comprising several distinct genotypes but dominated by 4.3.1 (H58). Several distinct S. Typhi genotypes were identified, but the globally disseminated S. Typhi clade 4.3.1 (H58) dominated. The majority of isolates (86%) were insusceptible to fluoroquinolones. This was mainly associated with S. Typhi H58 Lineage II and S. Paratyphi A; non-susceptible strains from these two genotypes accounted for 50% and 25% of all enteric fever cases. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was rare (3.5% of S. Typhi, 0 S. Paratyphi A) and restricted to chromosomal insertions of AMR genes in H58 lineage I strains. Comparison to global data sets showed the local S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A strains had close genetic relatives in other South Asian countries, indicating regional strain circulation.

Conclusions

These data indicate that enteric fever in Nepal continues to be a major public health issue with ongoing inter- and intra-country transmission, and highlights the need for regional coordination of intervention strategies. The absence of a S. Paratyphi A vaccine is cause for concern, given its prevalence as an enteric fever agent in this setting, and the large proportion of isolates displaying fluoroquinolone resistance. This study also highlights an urgent need for routine laboratory and molecular surveillance to monitor the epidemiology of enteric fever and evolution of antimicrobial resistance within the bacterial population as a means to facilitate public health interventions in prevention and control of this febrile illness.
Multi-region proteome analysis quantifies spatial heterogeneity of prostate tissue biomarkers
Authors: Guo Tiannan , Li Li , Zhong Qing , Rupp Niels J , Charmpi Konstantina , Wong Christie E , Wagner Ulrich , Rueschoff Jan H , Jochum Wolfram , Fankhauser Christian , Saba Karim , Poyet Cedric , Wild Peter J , Aebersold Ruedi , Beyer Andreas
Published: January 2018

Many tumors are characterized by large genomic heterogeneity and it remains unclear to what extent this impacts on protein biomarker discovery. Here, we quantified proteome intra-tissue heterogeneity (ITH) based on a multi-region analysis of 30 biopsy-scale prostate tissues using pressure cycling technology and SWATH mass spectrometry. We quantified 8,248 proteins and analyzed the ITH of 3,700 proteins. The level of ITH varied significantly depending on proteins and tissue types. Benign tissues exhibited generally more complex ITH patterns than malignant tissues. Spatial variability of ten prostate biomarkers was further validated by immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort (n=83) using tissue microarrays. PSA was preferentially variable in benign prostatic hyperplasia, while GDF15 substantially varied in prostate adenocarcinomas. Further, we found that DNA repair pathways exhibited a high degree of variability in tumorous tissues, which may contribute to the genetic heterogeneity of tumors. This study conceptually adds a new perspective to protein biomarker discovery by quantifying spatial proteome variation and it demonstrates the feasibility by exploiting recent technological progress.
Keeping it real: MRX–Sae2 clipping of natural substrates
Authors: Gnügge Robert , Symington Lorraine S.
Published: January 2018

The yeast Mre11–Rad50–Xrs2 (MRX) complex and Sae2 function together to initiate DNA end resection, an essential early step in homology-dependent repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this issue of Genes & Development, Wang and colleagues (pp. 2331–2336) and Reginato and colleagues (pp. 2325–2330) report that a variety of physiological protein blocks, including Ku, RPA, and nucleosomes, stimulate MRX–Sae2 endonuclease cleavage in vitro. These studies have important implications for how cells deal with a range of barriers to end resection and highlight the crucial role of Sae2 in activating MRX cleavage at the correct cell cycle stage.
Application of case-based reasoning-Tabu search hybrid algorithm for rolling schedule optimization in tandem cold rolling
Authors: Bu He-nan , Yan Zhu-wen , Zhang Dian-Hua
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the global optimization ability of the Tabu search (TS) algorithm, and then improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy of rolling schedule in tandem cold rolling.

Design/methodology/approach

A case-based reasoning–Tabu search hybrid algorithm (CBRTS) has been presented. First, the case-based reasoning technology was adopted to obtain high-quality initial solution and then the TS algorithm was used for global optimization.

Findings

The optimization effect of CBRTS is compared with that of the traditional TS algorithm, and the analysis result indicates that the CBRTS has a faster convergence rate than TS, and the optimization results are closer to the global optimal. Meanwhile, the rolling schedule calculated by CBRTS is more reasonable, which can increase the production efficiency while giving full play to the capacity of equipment.

Originality/value

A CBRTS hybrid algorithm is presented. The strong dependence of the TS algorithm on the initial solution has been solved. The rolling schedule multi-objective optimization functions are established. The proposed algorithm is applied in a 1,450-mm tandem cold rolling production line. The improved method can reduce about half the iterations compared with the traditional one.
Near and far field scattering of SH waves by multiple multilayered anisotropic circular inclusions using parallel volume integral equation method
Authors: Lee Jungki , Jeong Hogwan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to calculate near field and far field scattering of SH waves by multiple multilayered anisotropic circular inclusions using parallel volume integral equation method (PVIEM) quantitatively.

Design/methodology/approach

The PVIEM is applied for the analysis of elastic wave scattering problems in an unbounded solid containing multiple multilayered anisotropic circular inclusions. It should be noted that this numerical method does not require the use of the Green’s function for the inclusion – only the Green’s function for the unbounded isotropic matrix is needed. This method can also be applied to solve general elastodynamic problems involving inhomogeneous and/or anisotropic inclusions whose shape and number are arbitrary.

Findings

A detailed analysis of the SH wave scattering problem is presented for multiple multilayered orthotropic circular inclusions. Numerical results are presented for the displacement fields at the interfaces and the far field scattering patterns for square and hexagonal packing arrays of multilayered circular inclusions in a broad frequency range of practical interest.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the solution for scattering of SH waves by multiple multilayered anisotropic circular inclusions in an unbounded isotropic matrix is not currently available in the literature. However, in this paper, calculation of displacements on interfaces and far field scattering patterns of multiple multilayered anisotropic circular inclusions using PVIEM as a pioneer of numerical modeling enables us to investigate the effects of single/multiple scattering, fiber packing type, fiber volume fraction, single/multiple layer(s), the multilayer’s geometry, isotropy/anisotropy and softness/hardness.
Fluid-structure interaction study of the supersonic parachute using large-eddy simulation
Authors: Yang Xue , Yu Li , Zhao Xiao-Shun
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to model the dynamic characteristics of an opened supersonic disk-gap-band parachute.

Design/methodology/approach

A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method with body-fitted mesh is used to simulate the supersonic parachute. The compressible flow is modeled using large-eddy simulation (LES). A contact algorithm based on the penalty function with a virtual contact domain is proposed to solve the negative volume problem of the body-fitted mesh. Automatic unstructured mesh generation and automatic mesh moving schemes are used to handle complex deformations of the canopy.

Findings

The opened disk-gap-band parachute is simulated using Mach 2.0, and the simulation results fit well with the wind tunnel test data. It is found that the LES model can successfully predict large-scale turbulent vortex in the flow. This study also demonstrates the capability of the present FSI method as a tool to predict shock oscillation and breathing phenomenon of the canopy.

Originality/value

The contact algorithm based on the penalty function with a virtual contact domain is proposed for the first time. This methodology can be used to solve the negative volume problem of the dynamic mesh in the flow field.
PIV validation of different turbulence models used for numerical simulation of a centrifugal pump diffuser
Authors: Zhou Ling , Bai Ling , Li Wei , Shi Weidong , Wang Chuan
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate the different turbulence models using in the numerical simulation of centrifugal pump diffuser. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become the main method to study the pump inner flow patterns. It is important to understand the differences and features of the different turbulence models used in turbomachinery.

Design/methodology/approach

The velocity flow fields in a compact return diffuser under different flow conditions are studied and compared between CFD and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Three turbulence models are used to solve the steady flow field using high-quality fine structured grids, including shear stress transport (SST) k-w model, detached-eddy simulation (DES) model and SST k-w model with low-Re corrections.

Findings

SST k-w model with low-Re correction gives better results compared to DES and SST k-w model, and gives a good predication about the vortex core position under strong part-loading conditions.

Originality/value

A special test rig is designed to carry out the 2D PIV measurements under high rotating speed of 2850 r/min, and the PIV results are used to validate the CFD results.
Increasing project benefits by project opportunity exploitation
Authors: Eskerod Pernille , Ang Karyne , Andersen Erling S.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Exploitation of project opportunities may bring more benefits than stipulated in the initial business case, and even stakeholder benefits that nobody thought of at the project initiation. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a new research area for megaprojects, i.e. the phenomenon of project opportunity exploitation as a means to increase the project benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single case study of an infrastructure megaproject, i.e. the construction and operation of a 50+ years old American bridge. Data cover information regarding 60+ years old historical documents, newspaper articles, interviews and video-recordings.

Findings

The findings of this paper are as follows: exploiting all opportunities created by the project and increasing project benefits require involvement from many categories of stakeholders; stakeholders get more involved in exploiting the opportunities created by the project when they are proud of the project; for some of the project-related opportunities, it might take a long time before they can be exploited (and related benefits achieved); and celebrating achievements of the project stimulate stakeholders to exploit opportunities created by the project and contribute to further project benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Only few interviews were conducted. Interviewees were biased as all were very proud of the bridge. This is a single case study of a “rare species”, not representing most megaprojects.

Practical implications

To enhance project opportunity exploitation and increased benefits, the project owner (team) must continuously communicate about the project, also after project execution.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a gap within the literature on the phenomenon “project opportunity exploitation”. This is a very rich case study and of a “rare species”.
Passenger rail SOEs as domestic institutional market actors
Authors: Christensen Lene Tolstrup
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make an empirical-based conceptualization of the contemporary domestic state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as domestic institutional market actors (IMAs) in the marketization of public service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a qualitative comparative case study of the SOEs in passenger rail in Denmark and Sweden from 1990 to 2015.

Findings

The paper shows how marketization results in a layered institutional set-up of public service delivery based on both competition and monopoly where the SOE becomes what we call an IMA bridging sectorial challenges. In Sweden, this role has a new public governance form as the monopoly over time is fully dismantled. In Denmark, over time marketization is put on hold due to problems with the SOE as a market actor, but the SOE is nevertheless safeguarded in a new Weberian model as a sector coordinator.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the recent literature on SOEs and marketization with an original and novel conceptualization of contemporary SOEs in public governance.
Welfare effects of state-owned multinational enterprises
Authors: Rygh Asmund
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theoretically investigate the potential welfare effects of state-owned enterprises’ (SOEs) international operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual, applying standard economics state ownership theory based on agency theory and incomplete contracts theory to different forms of SOE cross-border operations.

Findings

When private firms are risk averse or financially constrained, or when writing complete contracts and making credible commitments are not possible, state ownership can achieve objectives such as international operations supporting domestic industrial policy, addressing social objectives in another government’s territory and addressing transnational market failures. Welfare effects may, however, also depend on home-host country relationships.

Originality/value

This is the first application of standard economics state ownership theory to state-owned multinationals. The analysis shows that key conclusions from the state ownership literature in a domestic setting can be extended to international operations, and highlights new theoretical issues arising from SOEs going beyond their home jurisdiction to that of another government.
Modelling the critical success factors of women entrepreneurship using fuzzy AHP framework
Authors: Amrita Kumari , Garg Chandra Prakash , Singh Saumya
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The contribution of women toward entrepreneurial activities has gained significant attention in recent years because of economic and social concerns, government support and initiatives and increased education and awareness. Women’s entrepreneurial activity has increased and women-owned businesses can today be found in every sector of the economy, irrespective of region. In India, government bodies such as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and several other organizations (private and NGOs) have adopted considerable measures to promote women entrepreneurship (WE). To improve WE, the critical factors of WE adoption need to be identified and evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to identify, prioritize and evaluate the critical success factors of WE adoption in Indian MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a methodology based on fuzzy analytical hierarchal process to prioritize the critical success factors of WE adoption. A numerical analysis of Indian MSMEs is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed method. This proposed method considered fuzzy framework, which can handle impreciseness and uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to test the robustness of the proposed model.

Findings

Potential critical success factors are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts. This research finalize the critical success factors of WE adoption in Indian MSMEs under seven dimensions, so prioritization of identified critical success factors can be developed and insights relationship of factors would be explored. The results of the study found that individual, management and government dimensions take paramount importance while women aim to become entrepreneurs in Indian MSMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to identifying evaluation factors; other factors have not been identified and categorized. Evaluation is one by experts in this area so it is natural that views of decision-makers may be subjective and vary with regard to industry-type, priorities, resources, etc.

Practical implications

This study will help industry to identify, evaluate and prioritize factors for successful implementation of women entrepreneurship. MSMEs could device these factors by applying the outcome of the study in their decisions with higher priority to implement women entrepreneurship culture.

Originality/value

Potential factors are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts. Indian MSMEs could device these factors by applying the outcome of the study in their decisions with higher priority to adopt women entrepreneurship.
Place-based competitiveness in subsistence small businesses
Authors: Jardón Carlos M. , Tañski Nilda C.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the competitiveness of subsistence small businesses (SSBs) and the use of the place to get competitive advantages. Complementarily the paper analyzes the intellectual capital as a possible mediator for the competitiveness of SSBs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained by conducting surveys with owners and managers of wood-processing companies located in Misiones (Argentina), during 2015. The research uses principal component analysis and path analysis to study the relationships. The study introduces tangible resources and size as control variables.

Findings

The results show the importance of place as source of competitive advantages in SSBs. The SSBs present competitive advantages that generate better results. The place affects competitive advantages directly and indirectly through intellectual capital.

Research limitations/implications

The data used refer to a certain period, so the use of the panel data enables generalizing findings over time. Sample is in a particular region and sector, and generalizations should be done carefully.

Practical implications

SSBs should raise the strategy integrating short and long term, which requires a strengthening of intellectual capital, especially in cooperation, professionalism and training.

Social implications

The findings suggest specific support local policies to these businesses to improve their performance in developing countries.

Originality/value

SSBs are very important in developing countries, but they are not sufficiently studied. This paper examines place-based competitiveness of SSBs and the moderation effect of dimensions of intellectual capital.
Beyond entrepreneurship education: business incubation and entrepreneurial capabilities
Authors: Ikebuaku Kenechukwu , Dinbabo Mulugeta
Published: January 2018

Purpose

As a way of dealing with Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenge of unemployment and its concomitant socio-economic problems, the federal government, in 2006, made entrepreneurship study a compulsory course for all higher education students irrespective of their area of specialization. However, studies have shown that the programme is yet to achieve its goals as many Nigerian graduates still remain unemployed long after graduation. Using Sen’s capability approach, this paper aims to investigate business incubation as an effective tool for enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities beyond entrepreneurship education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has engaged both quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative methodologies (semi-structured interview).

Findings

The result shows that through business incubation, budding entrepreneurs have increased access to infrastructures and resources necessary for entrepreneurial success, thereby enhancing their real opportunities (capabilities) for success.

Practical implications

For greater effectiveness, business incubation should be integrated into the current entrepreneurship education programme in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This study is a debut of research endeavours which theoretically assess entrepreneurship programmes via the capability approach lens. It has developed a conceptual model for assessing business incubation using the capability approach.
Analysis of production planning in a global manufacturing company with process mining
Authors: ER Mahendrawathi , Arsad Noval , Astuti Hanim Maria , Kusumawardani Renny Pradina , Utami Rivia Atmajaningtyas
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the result of using process mining to model the production planning (PP) process of a manufacturing company that is supported by enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses event logs obtained from the case company’s ERP database. The steps for this research are planning process mining implementation, extraction and construction of event log, discovering process model with Heuristic Miner and analysis.

Findings

Process model obtained from process mining shows how the PP is actually conducted. It shows the loop in materials requirement planning and create plan order process. Furthermore, the occurrences of changing plan order date and production line indicate the schedule instability in the case company. Further analysis of the material management (MM) event log shows the implication of production plan changes on MM. Continuous change in the plan affects material allocation priority and may result in a mismatch between production needs and the materials available.

Research limitations/implications

The study is only conducted in a single and specific case. Therefore, even though the findings provide good insight, the use of solitary case study does not imply a general result applied to other cases. Hence, there is a need to conduct similar studies on various cases so that a more generic conclusion can be drawn.

Practical implications

The result provides insights into how the current company’s policy of adjusting the production plan to accommodate changing demand impacts their operation. It can help the company to consider a better balance between flexibility and efficiency to improve their process.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the use of process mining to capture the real progression of PP based on the data stored in the company’s ERP database, which give an insight into how a real company conducts their PP process, the implication of schedule instability on MM and production. The novelty of this research lies in the use of process mining to attest to the schedule nervousness issue at a process level.
Formulation and efficacy study of metabolic syndrome-specific ingredient mix
Authors: Miglani Neetu , Bains Kiran , Bhathal Simranpreet Kaur
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The study aims to design metabolic syndrome (MetS) ingredient mix with optimum amino acid makeup using key foods with reported functional properties and study the efficacy of this mix to alleviate the symptoms of MetS among adult men and women with MetS.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 25 MetS-specific ingredient mixes that included wheat flour, common legumes, fenugreek and flaxseeds were formulated by correcting their amino acid score. The suitability of these mixes was tested for the preparation of chapati (an unleavened Indian bread). Owing to its highest lysine content, the ingredient mix of whole wheat flour, oat flour, soybean, flaxseeds and fenugreek seeds was selected for the 12-week supplementation trial among patients with MetS.

Findings

The sensory scores of chapatis made using nine ingredient mixes was comparable with those of chapati made from whole wheat flour (control). The test chapatis had a significantly (p = 0.05) higher protein, ash, fibre and fat content, and lysine was also higher (591-1,006 mg/100 g) than the control chapatis (314 mg). Positive and significant changes in the anthropometry, body composition, fasting blood glucose levels, blood pressure and lipid profile of the patients with MS was seen after consumption of the selected ingredient mix.

Originality/value

Keeping in view the traditional vegetarian Indian meals which usually take care of including foods from different sources to improve their protein quality, the concern for providing protein quality to prevent metabolic abnormalities is significant for a large lacto-vegetarian population in India which depends on plant foods for obtaining essential amino acids. Obtaining optimum protein quality from meals along with maintaining a physically active lifestyle may help people have the appropriate fat to lean mass proportion which may have a protective role against MetS.
Diet, microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease: review
Authors: Radavelli Bruna Luísa , Zanella Priscila Berti , Silva Amanda Souza , Dall’Alba Valesca
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the possible associations between dietary components and the intestinal microbiota in clinical parameters of inflammatory bowel disease.

Design/methodology/approach

In this review, a search in PubMed and Bireme databases was performed. The authors included randomized clinical trials published between 2005 and 2017, only in adult humans with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Findings

Six articles were included by the end of the search. The most widely used intervention was the use of prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharides or fructooligosaccharides with inulin, followed by probiotics. The main findings regarding the microbiota were the increase in the total amount of bacteria and variability (phyla). Clinically, there was improvement in inflammation seen in parameters such as C-reactive protein, interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Originality/value

Dietary interventions, especially from symbiotics, can modulate the microbiota, mainly in relation to time, when compared pre- and post-supplementation, and this positively interferes with clinical parameters of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the studies were quite heterogeneous in population, methodology, intervention, mycobiota analysis and inflammatory markers.
Assessment of TQM implementation level in Palestinian healthcare organizations
Authors: Baidoun Samir D. , Salem Mohammed Z. , Omran Omar A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of total quality management (TQM) implementation in Palestinian governmental and non-governmental hospitals using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on collecting data using a survey questionnaire that was designed according to the MBNQA criteria. In total, 363 questionnaires from governmental and non-governmental hospitals operating in Gaza Strip were analyzed to assess the level of TQM implementation level in all hospitals (governmental and non-governmental).

Findings

The main results of this study indicate that Palestinian hospitals operating in Gaza Strip perform at a relatively acceptable level. Comparing results shows that the performance of non-governmental hospitals is better with higher degree of TQM implementation than the governmental hospitals. Detailed analysis identifies improvement opportunities-related specific aspects of the human resources focus and the performance results.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study has collected data from one Palestinian Territory, the Gaza Strip, it still identifies the critical factors and practices for TQM implementation within the Palestinian healthcare organizations to improve performance.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that business excellence models such as the MBNQA criteria can be used to assess the level of implementation of quality practices and identify the strengths and weaknesses to improve the quality of service delivery, processes, and performance of hospitals.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread use of TQM in the developed countries, little attention has been placed to implement and assess the quality initiatives by organizations in the developing countries and even fewer in low-income Arab countries (Aamer et al., 2017; Øvretveit and Al Serouri, 2006). In addition, a very few number of studies in reference to the assessment of TQM implementation in the Palestinian context, in general, and in healthcare organizations, in particular, highlight the need for this study. To move the field in that direction, the goal of this research was to assess the level of TQM implementation in the healthcare organizations (mainly hospitals) in Gaza Strip (one of the least fortunate areas of the Palestinian-occupied territories) where no prior similar research studies could be found. Therefore, this study contributes to filling this gap in the literature by providing empirical assessment of TQM level of implementation in Gaza Strip hospitals.
Towards smarter harvesting from natural palm populations by sparing the individuals that contribute most to population growth or productivity
Authors: Jansen Merel , Anten Niels P. R. , Bongers Frans , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , Zuidema Pieter A.
Published: January 2018

Natural populations deliver a wide range of products that provide income for millions of people and need to be exploited sustainably. Large heterogeneity in individual performance within these exploited populations has the potential to improve population recovery after exploitation and thus help sustain yields over time.

We explored the potential of using individual heterogeneity to design smarter harvest schemes, by sparing individuals that contribute most to future productivity and population growth, using the understorey palm Chamaedorea elegans as a model system. Leaves of this palm are an important non‐timber forest product and long‐term inter‐individual growth variability can be evaluated from internode lengths.

We studied a population of 830 individuals, half of which was subjected to a 67% defoliation treatment for 3 years. We measured effects of defoliation on vital rates and leaf size—a trait that determines marketability. We constructed integral projection models in which vital rates depended on stem length, past growth rate and defoliation and evaluated transient population dynamics to quantify population development and leaf yield. We then simulated scenarios in which we spared individuals that were either most important for population growth or had leaves smaller than marketable size.

Individuals varying in size or past growth rate responded similar to leaf harvesting in terms of growth and reproduction. By contrast, a reduction in survival chance was smaller in large individuals than in small ones. Simulations showed that harvest‐induced population decline was greatly reduced when sparing individuals from size and past growth classes that contributed most to population growth. Under this scenario, cumulative leaf harvest over 20 years was somewhat reduced, but long‐term leaf production was sustained. A threefold increase in leaf yield was generated when individuals with small leaves were spared.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates the potential to create smarter systems of palm leaf harvest by accounting for individual heterogeneity within exploited populations. Sparing individuals that contribute most to population growth ensured sustained leaf production over time. The concepts and methods presented here are generally applicable to exploited plant and animal species which exhibit considerable individual heterogeneity.
Ethanolamine is a valuable nutrient source that impacts Clostridium difficile pathogenesis
Authors: Nawrocki Kathryn L. , Wetzel Daniela , Jones Joshua B. , Woods Emily C. , McBride Shonna M.
Published: January 2018

Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gastrointestinal pathogen that colonizes the intestinal tract of mammals and can cause severe diarrheal disease. Although C. difficile growth is confined to the intestinal tract, our understanding of the specific metabolites and host factors that are important for the growth of the bacterium is limited. In other enteric pathogens, the membrane‐derived metabolite, ethanolamine (EA), is utilized as a nutrient source and can function as a signal to initiate the production of virulence factors. In this study, we investigated the effects of ethanolamine and the role of the predicted ethanolamine gene cluster (CD1907‐CD1925) on C. difficile growth. Using targeted mutagenesis, we disrupted genes within the eut cluster and assessed their roles in ethanolamine utilization, and the impact of eut disruption on the outcome of infection in a hamster model of disease. Our results indicate that the eut gene cluster is required for the growth of C. difficile on ethanolamine as a primary nutrient source. Further, the inability to utilize ethanolamine resulted in greater virulence and a shorter time to morbidity in the animal model. Overall, these data suggest that ethanolamine is an important nutrient source within the host and that, in contrast to other intestinal pathogens, the metabolism of ethanolamine by C. difficile can delay the onset of disease.
Eukaryotic phytoplankton community spatiotemporal dynamics as identified through gene expression within a eutrophic estuary
Authors: Gong Weida , Paerl Hans , Marchetti Adrian
Published: January 2018

Over the span of a year, we investigated the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors within the eutrophic Neuse River Estuary (NRE). Through metatranscriptomic sequencing in combination with water quality measurements, we show that there are different metabolic strategies deployed along the NRE. In the upper estuary, taxonomically resolved phytoplankton groups express more transcripts of genes for synthesis of cellular components and carbon metabolism whereas in the lower estuary, transcripts allocated to nutrient metabolism and transport were more highly expressed. Metabolisms for polysaccharide synthesis and transportation were elevated in the lower estuary and could be reflective of unbalanced growth and/or interactions with their surrounding microbial consortia. Our results indicate phytoplankton have high metabolic activity, suggestive of increased growth rates in the upper estuary and display patterns reflective of nutrient limitation in the lower estuary. Among all the environmental parameters varying along the NRE, nitrogen availability is found to be the main driving factor for the observed spatial divergence.
Beyond the realist turn: a socio‐material analysis of heart failure self‐care
Authors: McDougall Allan , Kinsella Elizabeth Anne , Goldszmidt Mark , Harkness Karen , Strachan Patricia , Lingard Lorelei
Published: January 2018

For patients living with chronic illnesses, self‐care has been linked with positive outcomes such as decreased hospitalisation, longer lifespan, and improved quality of life. However, despite calls for more and better self‐care interventions, behaviour change trials have repeatedly fallen short on demonstrating effectiveness. The literature on heart failure (HF) stands as a case in point, and a growing body ofHFstudies advocate realist approaches to self‐care research and policymaking. We label this trend the ‘realist turn’ inHFself‐care. Realist evaluation and realist interventions emphasise that the relationship between self‐care interventions and positive health outcomes is not fixed, but contingent on social context. This paper argues socio‐materiality offers a productive framework to expand on the idea of social context in realist accounts ofHFself‐care. This study draws on 10 interviews as well as researcher reflections from a larger study exploring health care teams for patients with advancedHF. Leveraging insights from actor‐network theory (ANT), this study provides two rich narratives about the contextual factors that influenceHFself‐care. These descriptions portray not self‐care contexts but self‐care assemblages, which we discuss in light of socio‐materiality.
Effects of intravenous tryptophan infusion on thermoregulation in steers exposed to acute heat stress
Authors: Sutoh Madoka , Kasuya Etsuko , Yayou Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of tryptophan (TRP) supply on the thermoregulatory responses via brain serotonin (5‐HT) in cattle. In period 1, 12 Holstein steers were kept under a constant room temperature (22°C) and were administered the intravenous (i.v.) infusion of saline or TRP (38.5 mg/kg/2 h). Changes in rectal temperature (RT), 5‐HT concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and other factors involved in thermoregulation were measured. In period 2, the steers received the same treatments as in period 1; however, the room temperature was elevated from 22°C to 33°C during i.v. infusion and maintained at 33°C for 3 h. 5‐HT concentration in CSF increased following TRP infusion in both periods, and RT significantly decreased following TRP infusion only in period 2. The effect of TRP on respiration rate and plasma prolactin and total triiodothyronine concentrations was not significant. These results suggest that increase in TRP supply can attenuate increase in RT in response to acute heat stress through the increase in brain 5‐HT, followed by presumable increase in evaporative heat loss from the skin surface in cattle. It is possible that the increase in peripheral blood TRP metabolites could also participate in the hypothermic effect of TRP.
Report of a human autopsy case in maxillary sinuses augmented using a synthetic bone substitute: Micro‐computed tomographic and histologic observations
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Cha Jae‐Kook , Thoma Daniel S. , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study of a human autopsy case aimed to characterize the histologic and micro‐computed tomographic results of maxillary sinus augmentation using a synthetic bone substitute and simultaneous implant placement at 6 years.

Material and methods

This report is based on the whole‐body donation of a 62‐year‐old male patient who died due to bladder cancer. Implants had been placed in conjunction with sinus augmentation using a mixture of biphasic calcium phosphate and autogenous bone into both maxillary sinuses 6 years prior to the body donation. The maxillary sinus areas containing implants were gently removed from the cadaver and scanned using high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography. Samples were sectioned, prepared for undecalcified histologic slides and stained with haematoxylin‐eosin.

Results

The augmented volume was observed up to the apex of the implants, which were successfully osseointegrated. Cross‐sectional micro‐computed tomographic views revealed that the bone‐substitute particles were embedded in radiopaque‐mineralized tissues showing a trabecular pattern around the implants. The histologic analysis revealed mature lamellar bone surrounding the remaining bone‐substitute particles as well as well‐organized bone marrow spaces in the augment bone area and around the dental implants.

Conclusion

This human autopsy study histologically confirmed the presence of successful bone formation and long‐term volume stability after sinus augmentation using biphasic calcium phosphate and simultaneous implant placement.
Implementing managed alcohol programs in hospital settings: A review of academic and grey literature
Authors: Brooks Hannah L. , Kassam Shehzad , Salvalaggio Ginetta , Hyshka Elaine
Published: January 2018

Issues

People with severe alcohol use disorders are at increased risk of poor acute‐care outcomes, in part due to difficulties maintaining abstinence from alcohol while hospitalised. Managed alcohol programs (MAP), which administer controlled doses of beverage alcohol to prevent withdrawal and stabilise drinking patterns, are one strategy for increasing adherence to treatment, and improving health outcomes for hospital inpatients with severe alcohol use disorders.

Approach

Minimal research has examined the implementation of MAPs in hospital settings. We conducted a scoping review to describe extant literature on MAPs in community settings, as well as the therapeutic provision of alcohol to hospital inpatients, to assess the feasibility of implementing formal MAPs in hospital settings and identify knowledge gaps requiring further study. Four academic and 10 grey literature databases were searched. Evidence was synthesised using quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Key Findings

Forty‐two studies met review inclusion criteria. Twenty‐eight examined the administration of alcohol to hospital inpatients, with most reporting positive outcomes related to prevention or treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Fourteen studies examined MAPs in the community and reported that they help stabilise drinking patterns, reduce alcohol‐related harms and facilitate non‐judgemental health and social care.

Implications/Conclusions

MAPs in the community have been well described and research has documented effective provision of alcohol in hospital settings for addressing withdrawal. Implementing MAPs as a harm reduction approach in hospital settings is potentially feasible. However, there remains a need to build off extant literature and develop and evaluate standardised MAP protocols tailored to acute‐care settings.