bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem-solving approaches in maintenance cost management: a literature review
Authors: Ansari Fazel , Fathi Madjid , Seidenberg Ulrich
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of problem-solving approaches in maintenance cost management (MCM). In particular, the paper aims to examine characteristics of MCM models and to identify patterns for classification of problem-solving approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reflects an extensive and detailed literature survey of 68 (quantitative or qualitative) cost models within the scope of MCM published in the period from 1969 to 2013. The reviewed papers have been critically examined and classified based on implementing a morphological analysis which employs eight criteria and associated expressions. In addition, the survey identified two main perspectives of problem solving: first, synoptic/incremental and second, heuristics/meta-heuristics.

Findings

The literature survey revealed the patterns for classification of the MCM models, especially the characteristics of the models for problem-solving in association with the type of modeling, focus of purpose, extent and scope of application, and reaction and dynamics of parameters. Majority of the surveyed approaches is mathematical, respectively, synoptic. Incremental approaches are much less and only few are combined (i.e. synoptic and incremental). A set of features is identified for proper classification, selection, and coexistence of the two approaches.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a basis for further study of heuristic and meta-heuristic approaches to problem-solving. Especially the coexistence of heuristic, synoptic, and incremental approaches needs to be further investigated.

Practical implications

The detected dominance of synoptic approaches in literature – especially in the case of specific application areas – contrasts to some extent to the needs of maintenance managers in practice. Hence the findings of this paper particularly address the need for further investigation on combining problem-solving approaches for improving planning, monitoring, and controlling phases of MCM. Continuous improvement of MCM, especially problem-solving and decision-making activities, is tailored to the use of maintenance knowledge assets. In particular, maintenance management systems and processes are knowledge driven. Thus, combining problem-solving approaches with knowledge management methods is of interest, especially for continuous learning from past experiences in MCM.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique study of 68 problem-solving approaches in MCM, based on a morphological analysis. Hence suitable criteria and their expressions are provided. The paper reveals the opportunities for further interdisciplinary research in the maintenance cost life cycle.
Optimal periodic inspection policy for systems generating environmental damage over a finite time horizon
Authors: Tlili Lazhar , Radhoui Mehdi , Chelbi Anis
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The authors consider systems that generate damage to environment as they get older and degrade. The purpose of this paper is to develop an optimal condition-based maintenance strategy for such systems in situations where they have a finite operational time requirement. The authors determine simultaneously the optimal number of inspections and the threshold level of environmental damage which minimize the total expected cost over the considered finite time horizon.

Design/methodology/approach

The environmental degradation level is monitored through periodic inspections. The authors model the environmental degradation process due to the equipment’s degradation by the Wiener process. A mathematical model and a numerical procedure are developed. Numerical calculations are performed and the influence of the variation of key parameters on the optimal solution is investigated.

Findings

Numerical tests indicate that as the cost of the penalty related to the generation of an excess damage to environment increases, inspections should become more frequent and the threshold level should be lowered in order to favor preventive actions reducing the probability to pay the penalty.

Research limitations/implications

Given the complexity of the cost function to be minimized, it is difficult to derive analytically the optimal solution. A numerical procedure is designed to obtain the optimal condition-based maintenance policy. Also, the developed model is based on the assumption that the degradation follows a process with stationary independent increments. This may not be appropriate for all types of degradation processes.

Practical implications

The proposed optimal maintenance policy may be relevant and very useful in the perspective of green operations. In fact, this paper offers to decision-makers a comprehensive approach to implement a green maintenance policy and to rapidly understand the net effect of the maintenance policy with respect to environmental regulation requirements.

Originality/value

The main contribution consists in the modeling and optimization of the condition-based maintenance policy over a finite time horizon. Indeed, existing condition-based maintenance models over an infinite time horizon are not applicable for systems with a finite operational time requirement.
Effects of condition-based maintenance on costs caused by unscheduled maintenance of aircraft
Authors: Gerdes Mike , Scholz Dieter , Galar Diego
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of condition-based maintenance based on unscheduled maintenance delays that were caused by ATA chapter 21 (air conditioning). The goal is to show the introduction of condition monitoring in aircraft systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was done using the Airbus In-Service database to analyze the delay causes, delay length and to check if they are easy to detect via condition monitoring or not. These results were then combined with delay costs.

Findings

Analysis shows that about 80 percent of the maintenance actions that cause departure delays can be prevented when additional sensors are introduced. With already existing sensors it is possible to avoid about 20 percent of the delay causing maintenance actions.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited on the data of the Airbus in-service database and on ATA chapter 21 (air conditioning).

Practical implications

The research shows that delays can be prevented by using existing sensors in the air conditioning system for condition monitoring. More delays can be prevented by installing new sensors.

Originality/value

The research focuses on the effect of the air conditioning system of an aircraft on the delay effects and the impact of condition monitoring on delays.
Property management, disability awareness and inclusive built environment
Authors: Yau Yung , Lau Wai Kin
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of disability awareness in the property management industry in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was conducted on 342 local property management practitioners. The survey was conducted online in the period between 15 September 2014 and 30 November 2014 to collect various information of the respondents such as their backgrounds, different perceptions towards the disabled and disability awareness. In addition, in-depth interviews with two front-line property management personnel were undertaken to provide a more narrative account of the topic.

Findings

The respondents generally recognized the importance of inclusive built environment to persons with disabilities (PWD) and the vital role played by property management in safeguarding the interests of PWD. However, the research found that some misconceptions about disabilities still prevailed in the industry and the interests of PWD have received inadequate consideration in the routine property management tasks performed by the practitioners, reflecting a lack of disability awareness in the local property management industry.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide a baseline reference for longitudinal tracking of the disability awareness among property management practitioners in the future.

Practical implications

Drawing on the research findings, this paper made several recommendations for improving disability awareness in Hong Kong’s property management industry. In addition, the research findings can be used for before-and-after analyses when the public authority strives to evaluate the effectiveness of their programmes, training workshops or campaigns of disability awareness promotion in the industry.

Originality/value

The importance of property management in the achievement of inclusive built environment has long been ignored in the literature. This study on disability awareness of property management practitioners is very likely the first of its kind in the world.
Corporate sustainability reporting practices in India: myth or reality?
Authors: Laskar Najul , Maji Santi Gopal
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into the sustainability practices of Indian firms in terms of the quality of disclosure, the impact of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) on firm performance and the appropriateness of the sustainability reporting guidelines followed by the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on secondary data collected from annual reports and corporate sustainability reports of 28 listed Indian non-financial firms from 2008-2009 to 2013-2014. Content analysis is used to calculate the score in terms of level (binary coding system) and quality of disclosure (four-point scale). These scores are further used to examine the impact of CSP on firm performance by using an appropriate regression model.

Findings

The study finds that the average level of disclosure is 88 per cent, whereas the quality of disclosure is nearly 80 per cent. The influence of CSP (in terms of level and quality disclosure) on firm performance is positive and significant. Moreover, the study also reveals that the Global Reporting Initiatives framework is not sufficient enough to publish the sustainability report of any business concern. The outcomes of the study, thus, indicate that sustainability practices of Indian firms are not myth but approaching toward reality.

Originality/value

It is the first comprehensive study in India to analyze the corporate sustainability reporting practices encompassing different dimensions of sustainability.
The relation between stakeholders’ integration and environmental competitiveness
Authors: Salem Milad Abdelnabi , Shawtari Fekri Ali , Shamsudin Mohd Farid , Hussain Hafezali Iqbal
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the relationships between three dimensions of stakeholders’ integration and competitiveness focusing on 226 industrial corporations. It aims to investigate the influences of stakeholders’ integration on three dimensions of competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire. The collected data are analysed using structural equation modelling technique based on AMOS.

Findings

The results revealed that knowledge of the stakeholdersper sewill not provide any contribution to the different dimensions of competitiveness. Companies should extend their focus to adapt behaviours in line with stakeholders’ interests to gain competitive advantages. The data showed that in line with the stakeholders’ theory concept, adaptive behaviour dimension positively affects the three dimensions of competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations that should be taken into consideration. First, the study used a self-reported questionnaire filled in by managers in the study sample; therefore, survey data might be subject to social desirability bias. Second, this study was conducted in Libya, which is considered a developing country, and, thus, caution should be taken when generalizing the results of the study.

Originality/value

To date, there is no an empirical evidence on how environmental stakeholders’ integration might affect firm competitiveness. Previous literature has investigated this issue using different environmental practices. However, none have used stakeholders’ integration in the environmental domain as a predictor to competitiveness. Therefore, the paper contributes to the body of knowledge by stating and testing the potential contributions of stakeholders’ integration to the multidimensional approach of competitiveness.
A new hire’s dilemma: reporting corruption
Authors: Zouharis Laurie
Published: September 2016

Synopsis

Bill Edwards, a newly hired Accounts Payable Manager at Nicalmic Ltd, has noticed that his boss, the company controller, changed data in the vendor master record, while he was a contractor in the interim role, to prevent his income from being reported to the IRS. How should Bill handle this knowledge?

Research methodology

This is a disguised field-researched case.

Relevant courses and levels

This case may be used in a variety of undergraduate business courses, such as introduction to business, business ethics, business law and ethics and freshman seminar.

Theoretical bases

Students should have some understanding of business ethics, ethical decision making and risks to employees who report unethical conduct.
Parallel publics? Support for income redistribution in times of economic crisis
Authors: GONTHIER FREDERIC
Published: September 2016

This article investigates the dynamics of support for income redistribution in Europe. With European Social Survey data spanning 2006 to 2012, it assesses whether the Great Recession resulted in substantial parallelism or increasing polarisation in preference change across various sub‐publics. After introducing hypotheses based on claims that social groups are affected differently by economic insecurity, the article proceeds in two empirical sections. First, whereas prior research suggests that hard times fuel diverging attitudinal patterns, it is found that income groups, ideological groups and educational groups did not shift differently over time during the first years of the crisis, thus providing strong evidence for the ‘parallel publics’ hypothesis in the European context and in times of economic turmoil. Next, the article addresses the extent to which change in aggregate support for redistribution came from changes in small minorities of the population, supposed to be more responsive to their economic environment. Using multilevel analysis, it is shown that the most educated significantly contributed to the overall change more than the others. As a result, they may have been partly driving the economic mood during the first years of the Great Recession.
When and why politicians donotkeep their welfare promises
Authors: HORN ALEXANDER , JENSEN CARSTEN
Published: September 2016

Although the welfare state is a core theme in most national elections in Western democracies, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the causes of welfare state pledge‐breaking. This article presents an argument that explains when governments donotdo what they promised and tests it using an innovative research design with data covering four decades and 18 countries. The argument is able to account for several important but, until now, undescribed phenomena. First, nowadays, governments, on average, deliver less welfare than they promised, whereas in the 1970s they used to deliver more than promised. Second, the pledge‐breaking of governments has become highly dependent on the parliamentary opposition's position on the welfare issue. When the opposition favours fiscal and economic responsibility, governments’ tendency to deliver less welfare than promised is amplified. In contrast, when the opposition emphasises the positive benefits of generous welfare, such as equality and social justice, governments become more prone to keep their promises. Third, this conditional effect of the opposition is a recent occurrence that only emerged after the number of potential swing voters increased as class‐based voting gradually declined from the 1970s onwards.
An original pharmacoepidemiological–pharmacodynamic method: application to antipsychotic‐induced movement disorders
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Pariente Antoine , Montastruc Jean‐Louis , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Rousseau Vanessa , Rascol Olivier , Bégaud Bernard , Montastruc François
Published: September 2016

Aims

Pharmacovigilance databases are usually used to detect new potential signals that are relevant for drug safety. They are seldom used for explanatory purposes, e.g. to understand the mechanisms of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the present study was to combine pharmacovigilance and pharmacodynamic data to investigate the association between dopamine D2, serotonin 5HT2A, and muscarinic M1 receptor occupancy and the risks of antipsychotic drug (AP)‐induced movement disorders.

Methods

First, we performed a case–noncase analysis using spontaneous reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Individual Case Safety Report (ICSR) database, VigiBase®. We thus measured the risk of reporting movement disorders compared with all other ADRs [expressed as a reporting odds ratio (ROR)] for APs. Second, we performed a linear regression analysis to explore the association between the estimated risk of reporting for individual drugs and their receptor occupancy properties, for D2, 5HT2A and M1 receptors.

Results

Compared with second‐generation APs, first‐generation APs were found to be significantly more associated with the reporting of movement disorders in general but also with dystonia, Parkinsonism, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia, irrespective of gender. A significant inverse correlation was found between the ROR for movement disorders and the receptor occupancy of 5HT2A [P < 0.001; R2 = 0.51; slope = −0.014; 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.029, 0.001)], M1 (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.56; slope = −0.014; 95% CI (−0.028, 0.001) but not D2 dopamine (P = 0.54; R2 = 0.02; slope = −0.003; 95% CI (−0.007, 0.001) receptors.

Conclusions

Using the example of AP‐induced movement disorders, the present study underlines the value of the pharmacoepidemiological–pharmacodynamic method to explore ADR mechanisms in humans and real‐life settings.
A randomised controlled trial evaluating renal protective effects of selenium with vitamins A, C, E, verapamil, and losartan against extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy‐induced renal injury
Authors: El‐Nahas Ahmed R. , Elsaadany Mohamed M. , Taha Diaa‐Eldin , Elshal Ahmed M. , El‐Ghar Mohamed Abo , Ismail Amani M. , Elsawy Essam A. , Saleh Hazem H. , Wafa Ehab W. , Awadalla Amira , Barakat Tamer S. , Sheir Khaled Z.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To evaluate the protective effects of selenium with vitamins A, C and E (selenium ACE, i.e. antioxidants), verapamil (calcium channel blocker), and losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) against extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)‐induced renal injury.

Patients and Methods

A randomised controlled trial was conducted between August 2012 and February 2015. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a single renal stone (<2 cm) suitable for ESWL. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, congenital renal anomalies, moderate or marked hydronephrosis, or preoperative albuminuria (>300 mg/L) were excluded. ESWL was performed using the electromagnetic DoLiS lithotripter. Eligible patients were randomised into one of four groups using sealed closed envelopes: Group1, control; Group 2, selenium ACE; Group 3, losartan; and Group 4, verapamil. Albuminuria and urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL) were estimated after 2–4 h and 1 week after ESWL. The primary outcome was differences between albuminuria and uNGAL. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed before ESWL, and at 2–4 h and 1 week after ESWL to compare changes in renal perfusion.

Results

Of 329 patients assessed for eligibility, the final analysis comprised 160 patients (40 in each group). Losartan was the only medication that showed significantly lower levels of albuminuria after 1 week (P < 0.001). For perfusion changes, there was a statistically significant decrease in the renal perfusion in patients with obstructed kidneys in comparison to before ESWL (P = 0.003). These significant changes were present in the control or antioxidant group, whilst in the losartan and verapamil groups renal perfusion was not significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Losartan was found to protect the kidney against ESWL‐induced renal injury by significantly decreasing post‐ESWL albuminuria. Verapamil and losartan maintained renal perfusion in patients with post‐ESWL renal obstruction.
The prevalence of chronic peri‐pouch sepsis in patients treated for antibiotic‐dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis
Authors: van der Ploeg V. A. , Maeda Y. , Faiz O. D. , Hart A. L. , Clark S. K.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Chronic peri‐pouch sepsis (CPPS) may be mistaken for antibiotic‐dependent or refractory primary idiopathic pouchitis (ADRP), but requires different treatment such as drainage. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of CPPS in patients thought to have ADRP. The secondary aims were to identify any specific features on pouchoscopy suggesting CPPS and to determine the results of treatment for CPPS.

Method

The records of patients who had been treated for ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Only those with endoscopic evidence of pouch inflammation who had also undergone MRI of the pelvis were included. The findings on pouchoscopy and the outcome of treatment were determined.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (43 men, 63%) were identified with apparent ADRP between March 2006 and June 2015. MRI of the pelvis showed CPPS in 26 (38%). In those with CPPS, the inflammation was more often located in the upper pouch alone (15%) compared with patients without CPPS (0%) (P = 0.0184). Examination under anaesthesia was performed in 13 of those with CPPS. In five a collection was identified and drained; symptoms improved in only one (4%). Eighteen patients (69%) remained on antibiotics and seven (27%) had a defunctioning stoma or underwent pouch excision.

Conclusion

In patients thought to have ADRP, 38% had CPPS on MRI. There was no clinically relevant specific feature on pouchoscopy suggestive of CPPS. The possibility of CPPS should be considered early in patients with apparent ADRP and pelvic MRI performed. This might lead to earlier detection of CPPS and appropriate treatment.
MYC amplification in angiosarcomas arising in the setting of chronic lymphedema of morbid obesity
Authors: Harker David , Jennings Michael , McDonough Patrick , Mauskar Melissa , Savory Stephanie , Hosler Gregory A. , Vandergriff Travis
Published: September 2016

Background

Angiosarcoma is a malignancy of vascular endothelial cells which may arise secondarily as a complication of lymphedema, including chronic lymphedema of morbid obesity. Amplifications in MYC are frequently present in secondary angiosarcoma (arising in irradiated sites and chronic lymphedema) and less frequently in primary cutaneous angiosarcoma.

Objective

To describe the presence of MYC amplifications in two cases of cutaneous angiosarcoma secondary to chronic lymphedema of morbid obesity.

Methods

This study is a case series of two patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma. Clinical data was retrieved from the medical records. Histopathological analysis of the biopsy specimens was performed, including immunohistochemistry, along with fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

Angiosarcoma arose in the setting of massive chronic lymphedema complicating morbid obesity without other predisposing risk factors. Both cases exhibited epithelioid cell morphology and high‐level MYC amplification.

Conclusion

We report MYC amplification in two cases of angiosarcoma arising in massive chronic lymphedema of morbid obesity.
Cutaneous nodular fasciitis with genetic analysis: a case series
Authors: Kumar Erica , Patel Nimesh R. , Demicco Elizabeth G. , Bovee Judith V.M.G. , Olivera Andre M. , Lopez‐Terrada Dolores H. , Billings Steven D. , Lazar Alexander J. , Wang Wei‐Lien
Published: September 2016

Nodular fasciitis is a benign self‐limited myofibroblastic neoplasm, which usually involves the upper extremities and trunk of young patients. These tumors have been shown to harbor a translocation involving the MYH9 and USP6 genes, leading to overexpression of the latter. We report seven cases of nodular fasciitis with cutaneous presentations. All cases involved the dermis, with six involving the superficial subcutis, and one auricular tumor extending into cartilage. All cases showed USP6 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization; in two of three cases, the characteristic MYH9‐USP6 fusion was shown by RT‐PCR. All patients underwent conservative resection. Nodular fasciitis is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that can occasionally present in superficial locations and is sometimes mistaken for a malignant process. Molecular testing can be useful to distinguish this entity from other cutaneous spindle cell tumors.
Incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography over the two‐dimensional technique in assessing carcinoid heart disease involving the aortic valve
Authors: Serkan Bulur , Hsiung Ming C. , Nanda Navin C. , Hardas Shalaka , Mohamed Ahmed , ElKaryoni Ahmed , Srialluri Swetha , Barssoum Kirolos , Elsayed Mahmoud , Wei Jeng , Yin Wei‐Hsian
Published: September 2016

We present a case of an adult with metastatic carcinoid heart disease, in whom live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography provided incremental value over two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in assessing involvement of the aortic valve.
Independent and incremental prognostic value of exercise stress echocardiography in low cardiovascular risk female patients with chest pain
Authors: Park Sung‐Ji , Chung Seungmin , Chang Sung‐A , Choi Jin‐Oh , Choi Jin‐Ho , Lee Sang‐Chol , Park Seung Woo
Published: September 2016

Background

Exercise stress echocardiography (ESEcho) is sufficiently sensitive and has high enough specificity for the clinical detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women. However, there was little data about the ability of ESEcho to detect CAD and predict clinical outcomes in female patients with chest pain and low global cardiovascular (CV) risks. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ESEcho, (2) to evaluate the clinical outcomes of major cardiovascular outcome (MACE), and (3) to assess the incremental prognostic value of ESEcho for the prediction of MACE in Korean female patients with low CV risks.

Methods

Over a period of 15 years, 3396 patients (57±10 years) female patients with chest pain but no previous history of CAD undergoing ESEcho and exercise stress electrocardiography (ESECG) were assessed.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 4.8 years (2.8‐6.2 years), there were 19 (0.61%) MACE. Positive results for ESEcho were seen in 134 patients (3.9%). The sensitivity and specificity of ESEcho were 66.7% and 84.8%, respectively. Positive ESEcho was an independent predictor of MACE (multivariate hazard ratio: 0.019, 95% CI: 0.004‐0.081). ESEcho was incremental to clinical and ESECG parameters to predict the MACE in low CV risk women.

Conclusions

ESEcho is effective for the diagnosis of CAD in Korean female patients with chest pain, a population characterized by low cardiovascular risk profiles. Positive ESEcho was an independent predictor of MACE, and negative results were associated with favorable clinical outcomes. ESEcho was incremental to clinical and ESECG parameters to predict the MACE in low CV risk women.
A trophic framework for animal origins
Authors: Mills D. B. , Canfield D. E.
Published: September 2016

Metazoans emerged in a microbial world and play a unique role in the biosphere as the only complex multicellular eukaryotes capable of phagocytosis. While the bodyplan and feeding mode of the last common metazoan ancestor remain unresolved, the earliest multicellular stem‐metazoans likely subsisted on picoplankton (planktonic microbes 0.2–2 μm in diameter) and dissolved organic matter (DOM), similarly to modern sponges. Once multicellular stem‐metazoans emerged, they conceivably modulated both the local availability of picoplankton, which they preferentially removed from the water column for feeding, and detrital particles 2–100 μm in diameter, which they expelled and deposited into the benthos as waste products. By influencing the availability of these heterotrophic food sources, the earliest multicellular stem‐metazoans would have acted as ecosystem engineers, helping create the ecological conditions under which other metazoans, namely detritivores and non‐sponge suspension feeders incapable of subsisting on picoplankton and DOM, could emerge and diversify. This early style of metazoan feeding, specifically the phagocytosis of small eukaryotic prey, could have also encouraged the evolution of larger, even multicellular, eukaryotic forms less prone to metazoan consumption. Therefore, the first multicellular stem‐metazoans, through their feeding, arguably helped bridge the strictly microbial food webs of the Proterozoic Eon (2.5–0.541 billion years ago) to the more macroscopic, metazoan‐sustaining food webs of the Phanerozoic Eon (0.541–0 billion years ago).
Trait structure reveals the processes underlying fish establishment in the Mediterranean
Authors: Givan Or , Parravicini Valeriano , Kulbicki Michel , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: September 2016

Aim

Typically, non‐indigenous species have been studied in relation to either the invaded (recipient) community or the donor community. However, we still lack a broad understanding of the mechanisms underlying the establishment of non‐indigenous species that combines both perspectives. Since the opening of the Suez Canal, hundreds of species have invaded the Mediterranean from the Red Sea, forming a unique system in which the entire species pool (donor, non‐indigenous and recipient) is known. Focusing on species ecological traits, we assess the drivers underlying the establishment of non‐indigenous species from the onset of the invasion to the present.

Location

The Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Methods

We compiled traits for shallow‐water hard‐bottom‐associated fishes in the Mediterranean (recipient community) and the Red Sea (donor community). We compared the multivariate community trait structure of non‐indigenous species with the donor and recipient assemblages, using a novel method to objectively assign trait‐weights, thereby increasing the robustness of the results. Patterns were contrasted with two types of null models which provide distinct insights into the ecological processes.

Results

Non‐indigenous fishes are very diverse ecologically, substantially increasing the total community trait diversity of the Mediterranean. Trait similarity between non‐indigenous and indigenous Mediterranean species was lower than expected, indicating that non‐indigenous fishes tend to occupy relatively vacant niches within the Mediterranean. However, we further found that over time non‐indigenous species display increased trait similarity to indigenous Mediterranean species. This suggests that trait constraints associated with successful establishment are weakening.

Main conclusions

Non‐indigenous species establish in relatively vacant ecological niches, opening the possibility for predicting establishment using ecological traits. However, the weakening of trait constraints through time suggests that forecasting future establishment may be difficult. Faced with an accelerating pace of invasion, it appears that the Mediterranean is going to be transformed into an extension of the Red Sea in terms of trait and species composition.
Environmental drivers of voltinism and body size in insect assemblages across Europe
Authors: Zeuss Dirk , Brunzel Stefan , Brandl Roland
Published: September 2016

Aim

General geographical patterns of insect body size are still a matter of considerable debate, mainly because the annual number of generations (voltinism) and its relationship with body size have largely been ignored. We present the first analyses of voltinism and body size of insect assemblages at a continental scale using lepidopteran and odonate species. We hypothesize that voltinism is strongly driven by environmental conditions and constrains body size on macroecological scales.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We compiled the distribution, voltinism and body size of 943 lepidopteran and odonate species within a 50 km × 50 km grid system, thereby presenting a novel method for estimating the body volume of species from digital images. Regressions and structural equation modelling were applied to distinguish the effects of temperature, productivity and season length on mean voltinism and body size within grid cells. We accounted for spatial autocorrelation with autoregressive models and analysed the possible effect of species richness and intraspecific variability.

Results

Voltinism consistently decreased with latitude for both lepidopterans (r2 = 0.76) and odonates (r2 = 0.86), with species having on average fewer generations per year in northern Europe and more generations per year in southern Europe. The effects of temperature, productivity and season length on body size contrasted in sign between lepidopterans and odonates, leading to opposing geographical patterns across Europe.

Main conclusions

Voltinism in insect assemblages is strongly driven by environmental temperature, and trade‐offs between voltinism and body size influence the occurrence of species at macroecological scales. Insects with the ability to extend their generation time over multiple years can overcome this constraint, allowing for a relatively large body size in cold areas. Our results furthermore support the idea that body sizes of terrestrial and aquatic insects form contrasting geographical patterns because they are differently affected by temperature and resource constraints.
Impacts of droughts on the growth resilience of Northern Hemisphere forests
Authors: Gazol A. , Camarero J. J. , Anderegg W. R. L. , Vicente‐Serrano S. M.
Published: September 2016

Aim

The intensity and frequency of drought have increased considerably during recent decades in some Northern Hemisphere forested areas, and future climate warming could further magnify drought stress. We quantify how forests resist drought events and recover after them, i.e. we determine their growth resilience.

Location

North America and Europe.

Methods

We use a large tree‐ring database to study how drought influences forest growth resilience. We selected 775 tree‐ring width chronologies and studied the occurrence of years with extremely dry conditions (low soil moisture and/or high evaporative stress; hereafter ‘drought’) in these forests. For each drought in each forest we calculated three indices that represent different components of growth resilience to drought: resistance (Rt), recovery (Rc) and resilience (Rs). We related the variation in these indices with geographical, topographic, climatic and ecological conditions from each region.

Results

The three components of forest growth resilience were interrelated. Resistance and recovery were negatively related, and both were positively and nonlinearly related to resilience. Drought resistance increased with latitude, soil moisture and slope, whereas drought recovery decreased with latitude, soil moisture and summer normalized difference vegetation index. Drought resilience increased with elevation and decreased with the variation in soil moisture. Temperate broadleaf forests from wet regions showed a greater growth resistance (e.g. north‐eastern USA, central Europe) while conifer forests from dry to semi‐arid regions (e.g. south‐western USA, southern Europe) presented a greater growth recovery.

Main conclusions

The geographical patterns of growth resilience indices confirm the existence of different strategies among forests to cope with droughts, depending on the biome, the tree species and the prevailing climatic conditions. Geographical patterns in soil moisture availability tend to override species‐specific responses to drought.
Differentiation of five enterohepatic Helicobacter species by nested PCR with high‐resolution melting curve analysis
Authors: Wu Miaoli , Rao Dan , Zhu Yujun , Wang Jing , Yuan Wen , Zhang Yu , Huang Ren , Guo Pengju
Published: September 2016

Background

Enterohepatic Helicobacter species (EHS) are widespread in rodent species around the world. Several studies have demonstrated that infection with EHS can interfere with the outcomes of animal experiments in cancer research and significantly influence the study results. Therefore, it is essential to establish a rapid detection and identification of EHS for biomedical research using laboratory rodents. Our study aimed to develop a rapid and sensitive method to detect and distinguish five enterohepatic Helicobacter species.

Materials and Methods

Nested PCR followed by high‐resolution melting curve analysis (HRM) was developed for identification of H. bilis, H. rodentium, H. muridarum, H. typhlonius, as well as H. hepaticus. To validate the accuracy of nested PCR‐HRM analysis, quantitative real‐time PCR methods for five different enterohepatic Helicobacter species were developed. A total of 50 cecal samples were tested using both nested PCR‐HRM analysis and qPCR method.

Results

The nested PCR‐HRM method could distinguish five enterohepatic Helicobacter species by different melting temperatures. The melting curve were characterized by peaks of 78.7 ± 0.12°C for H. rodentium, 80.51 ± 0.09°C for H. bilis, 81.6 ± 0.1°C for H. typhlonius, 82.11 ± 0.18°C for H. muridarum, and 82.95 ± 0.09°C for H. hepaticus.

Conclusions

The nested PCR‐HRM assay is a simple, rapid, and cost‐effective assay. This assay could be a useful tool for molecular epidemiology study of enterohepatic Helicobacter infection and an attractive alternative for genotyping of enterohepatic Helicobacter species.
Comparison of mirabegron and imidafenacin for efficacy and safety in Japanese female patients with overactive bladder: A randomized controlled trial (COMFORT study)
Authors: Otsuka Atsushi , Kageyama Shinji , Suzuki Takahisa , Matsumoto Rikiya , Nagae Hiroshi , Kitagawa Motoaki , Furuse Hiroshi , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron compared with imidafenacin for the treatment of female patients with overactive bladder.

Methods

Patients (n = 89) were randomized to receive 0.1 mg imidafenacin twice daily (n = 47) or 50 mg mirabegron once daily (n = 42) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end‐point was change in total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. Secondary efficacy end‐points included change in Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, 3‐day micturition diary, International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire. Safety assessments included adverse events, vital signs, post‐void residual volume and patient‐reported incidence, and severity of distinctive symptoms related to adverse events.

Results

The mirabegron group showed a significantly reduced mean total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score from baseline, but no significant differences were noted in change of total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score compared with the imidafenacin group. Significant improvements in secondary efficacy end‐points were observed regarding the mean number of micturitions/24 h, mean number of urgency episodes/24 h, mean number of incontinence episodes/24 h, mean volume voided/micturition, total International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups. The overall incidence of adverse events and the incidence of dry mouth were significantly higher in the imidafenacin group than in the mirabegron group. Patient‐reported incidence and the severity of dry mouth were significantly exacerbated in the imidafenacin group.

Conclusions

Treatment with 50 mg mirabegron once daily effectively relieves overactive bladder symptoms in women with fewer adverse events than treatment with antimuscarinics.
Health game interventions to enhance physical activity self‐efficacy of children: a quantitative systematic review
Authors: Pakarinen Anni , Parisod Heidi , Smed Jouni , Salanterä Sanna
Published: September 2016

Aim

To describe and explore health game interventions that enhance the physical activity self‐efficacy of children and to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.

Background

Physical inactivity among children has increased globally. Self‐efficacy is one of the key determinants of physical activity engagement in children. There is a need to explore new and innovative interventions to enhance physical activity self‐efficacy that are also acceptable for today's children.

Design

Quantitative systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, PsychInfo, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library between 1996–2016.

Review methods

A review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. A systematic search was done in June 2016 by two independent reviewers according to the eligibility criteria as follows: controlled trial, comparison of digital game intervention with no game intervention control condition, participants younger than 18 years of age and reported statistical analyses of a physical activity self‐efficacy outcome measure.

Results

Altogether, five studies met the eligibility criteria. Four game interventions, employing three active games and one educational game, had positive effects on children's physical activity self‐efficacy. An intervention, employing a game‐themed mobile application, showed no intervention effects. The variation between intervention characteristics was significant and the quality of the studies was found to be at a medium level.

Conclusion

Although health game interventions seemingly enhance the physical activity self‐efficacy of children and have potential as a means of increasing physical activity, more rigorous research is needed to clarify how effective such interventions are in the longer run to contribute to the development of game‐based interventions.
Spontaneous pneumothorax in paracoccidioidomycosis patients from an endemic area in Midwestern Brazil
Authors: Cabrera Lucas G. G. , Santos Aline F. , Andrade Ursulla V. , Guedes Carlos Ivan A. , Oliveira Sandra M. V. L. , Chang Marilene R. , Mendes Rinaldo P. , Paniago Anamaria M. M.
Published: September 2016

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America. About 80% of PCM patients are present with its chronic form. The lungs are affected in most patients with the chronic form; however, pleural involvement has rarely been reported. We describe nine cases of PCM that presented with lung involvement and spontaneous pneumothorax. All patients, except one whose condition was not investigated, were smokers. PCM was diagnosed during the pneumothorax episode in three patients, and from 3 to 16 years before the pneumothorax episode in six patients. A total of six patients underwent chest drainage and one died as a direct result of the pneumothorax. We suggest that pneumothorax, although rare, should be considered in PCM patients who present with suddenly worsening dyspnoea. PCM should also be investigated in cases of pneumothorax in adult men from mycosis‐endemic areas.
Aberrant iron metabolism might have an impact on progression of diseases in Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes mice, a model of spontaneous metabolic syndrome
Authors: Nishida Takeshi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Fujimoto Makoto , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Hayashi Shinichi , Miwa Shigeharu , Nakajima Takahiko , Nakanishi Yuko , Hatta Hideki , Imura Johji
Published: September 2016

Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) mice spontaneously develop obesity and type 2 diabetes with aberrant accumulation of excessive iron in the spleen. Aberrantly accumulated iron may cause oxidative stress and result in various symptoms of metabolic syndrome in the mice. We investigated iron metabolism and oxidative stress in TSOD mice. Male TSOD and control mice were killed at 2, 3, 6, and 8 months of age, and blood and tissue samples were collected. The serum levels of ferritin and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) were measured. Total glutathione concentrations of liver and spleen were also measured. Serum ferritin and OxLDL were higher in TSOD mice than in control mice at 2 and 6 months. In addition, the glutathione concentrations in TSOD mice were lower in the liver and higher in the spleen at 3 and 6 months than those in control mice. These results suggest that abnormal iron metabolism and imbalanced oxidative stress occurs in young and old TSOD mice. We propose herein that TSOD mice might be a unique and valuable model for investigating the role of iron metabolism in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome.
Commentary: Up in the Air? PILOTs, SILOTs, and Politicians
Authors: Helmke Paul
Published: September 2016

Related Content: McGiverin-Bohan et al. (PAR November/December 2016)
Non-parametric Methods for Doubly Robust Estimation of Continuous Treatment Effects
Authors: Kennedy Edward H. , Ma Zongming , McHugh Matthew D. , Small Dylan S.
Published: September 2016

Continuous treatments (e.g. doses) arise often in practice, but many available causal effect estimators are limited by either requiring parametric models for the effect curve, or by not allowing doubly robust covariate adjustment. We develop a novel kernel smoothing approach that requires only mild smoothness assumptions on the effect curve and still allows for misspecification of either the treatment density or outcome regression. We derive asymptotic properties and give a procedure for data-driven bandwidth selection. The methods are illustrated via simulation and in a study of the effect of nurse staffing on hospital readmissions penalties.
Multi Fibre Arrangement and Wage Inequality: Firm and State‐level Evidence from India and a Theoretical Model
Authors: Kar Mausumi , Kar Saibal
Published: September 2016

The phased elimination of Multi Fibre Arrangements (MFA) for textile and apparel has been one of the most compelling trade policy reforms that removed a system of bilateral quotas. The reform brought in significant changes in the industrial structures for exporters from the south, including India. Has the labour‐intensive high‐employment textile and clothing industry in India benefited from this global move towards freer trade? For India, the industry has witnessed unprecedented market concentration of export‐oriented firms. Firm‐level empirical estimate illustrates that workers in the export‐oriented firms in India are adversely affected due to withdrawal of quota. Accumulation of net fixed assets and growth of sales impart positive impact on firm‐level wages that cannot outweigh negative impact due to fall in exports. We also find negative impact of profit on aggregate wage bill for the industry with firms spread over 11 major states in India. We show that the mean deviation of industry‐level wage is positively and significantly associated with mean deviation of the number of factories at the state level and negatively with profit. Finally, a brief analytical exercise obtains conditions under which joint withdrawal of quota and import tariff could raise the aggregate labour income in developing countries, in general.