bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The implementation of SysTrust principles and criteria for assuring reliability of AIS: empirical study
Authors: Al-Dmour Ahmed H. , Abood Masam , Al-Dmour Hani H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims at investigating the extent of SysTrust’s framework (principles and criteria) as an internal control approach for assuring the reliability of accounting information system (AIS) were being implemented in Jordanian business organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 239 out of 328 shareholdings companies. The survey units were the shareholding companies in Jordan, and the single key respondents approach was adopted. The extents of SysTrust principles were also measured. Previously validated instruments were used where required. The data were analysed using t-test and ANOVA.

Findings

The results indicated that the extent of SysTrust being implemented could be considered to be moderate at this stage. This implies that there are some variations among business organizations in terms of their level of implementing of SysTrust principles and criteria. The results also showed that the extent of SysTrust principles being implemented was varied among business organizations based on their business sector. However, there were not found varied due to their size of business and a length of time in business (experience).

Research limitations/implications

This study is only conducted in Jordan as a developing country. Although Jordan is a valid indicator of prevalent factors in the wider MENA region and developing countries, the lack of external validity of this research means that any generalization of the research findings should be made with caution. Future research can be orientated to other national and cultural settings and compared with the results of this study.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence of the need for management to recognize the importance of the implementation of SysTrust principles and criteria as an internal control for assuring the reliability of AIS within their organizations and be aware which of these principles are appropriate to their size and industry sector.

Originality/value

The findings would be valuable for academic researchers, managers and professional accounting to acquire a better undemanding of the current status of the implementation of the SysTrust principles (i.e., availability, security, integrity processing, confidentiality, and privacy) as an internal control method for assuring the reliability of AIS by testing the phenomenon in Jordan as a developing country.
Attribute perception and tourist’s choice for wildlife tourism destination
Authors: Saikia Jitu , Buragohain Pranjal Protim , Choudhury Hari K.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study investigates the relationships of visitors’ recreational experiences and their future behavior for the wildlife destinations of Assam, a North-Eastern state of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Recreational experiences have been measured through the visitors’ perceptions on various destination characteristics. The future behavior of the visitors is measured by considering two indicators in the forms of revisit and recommendation to others. Primary data, collected from two wildlife destinations have been analyzed by using structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The empirical results have revealed the influence of destination characteristics on visitors’ future behavior, where perceptions mediate the relationship.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the adoption of policies to create positive perceptions on destination attributes and product oriented promotional strategies toward making wildlife destinations more competitive. The study also provides implications for tourism literature by suggesting an integrative approach for better understanding of tourists’ future behavior.

Originality/value

The study is based on primary data collected from two wildlife destinations of Assam. The investigation will help to adopt policies to make wildlife destinations more competitive.
Tourists’ satisfaction on heritage sites of Dhaka city in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Anowar Hossain , Darda Md. Abud
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Heritage tourism is recognized as one of the major factors for influencing national identities to the tourists through highlighting the connection between built and live heritages. Bangladesh is a country of treasure for heritage attractions. Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil are two famous Muslim heritage sites in Dhaka city. This study aims to measure the tourists’ satisfaction with these two attractions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a non-probability convenience sampling technique to collect the primary data. A total of 100 tourists have been selected from both study areas, and primary data are collected through a structured questionnaire. A summated Likert Scale is used to obtain the tourists’ perception of five dimensions – attraction, information, staff and access, environment and facilities and satisfaction levels. Later, multiple regression analysis is used to identify the tourists’ satisfaction-related dimensions of the study sites.

Findings

The results reveal that four dimensions, namely, attraction, information, staff and access and environment are statistically significantly related to tourists’ satisfaction. Whereas, beta value for facilities dimension was found statistically insignificant. It implies that tourists’ are not satisfied with the information regarding the study sites, and observed facilities seem to be insufficient to meet the perception of the tourists.

Practical implications

The study suggests that recruitment of trained staffs, undertake programs to preserve and maintain the quality of attractions, proper promotional activities, well-kept and cleaning arrangements and improved facilities and services are essential to increase the tourists’ satisfaction in Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil heritage sites.

Originality/value

Dhaka city is famous for mosques and other Muslim heritages. Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil are two famous Muslim heritages sites in Dhaka city attracting huge tourists from home and abroad. In this paper, an investigation is carried out to measure the tourists’ satisfaction with these two attractions based on their perceptions.
Combining ideal types of performance and performance regimes
Authors: Giacomelli Giorgio , Annesi Nora , Barsanti Sara , Battaglia Massimo
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the scholarship on public management models and to advance the theoretical conceptualization of the complexity of performance management systems (PMSs). The paper explores how the characteristics of PMSs vary within and across different organizational units in common institutional context, based on the case of a regional authority in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of analysis considering both objective and subjective factors was derived from a combination of performance typologies in the public sector, namely ideal types of managing performance (Bouckaert and Halligan, 2007) and performance regimes (Jakobsenet al., 2017). The combination of the characteristics of these two models across different Directorates General (DGs) has also been explored through a nested case study (Starman, 2013). Data were gathered via a desk analysis of official documents regarding the planning and programming of a regional authority along with in-depth interviews with top-level managers.

Findings

The results highlighted a clear differentiation of PMSs, both within and across DGs. The findings of the study reveal the hybrid nature of PMSs within a common institutional context.

Originality/value

Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Bouckaert and Halligan (2007) and Jakobsenet al.(2017), the paper provides an integrated approach for analysing PMSs, considering both objective and subjective dimensions. Insights and indications for future research on hybridity at a meso level of public organizations are highlighted.
Optimal trajectory generation of an industrial welding robot with kinematic and dynamic constraints
Authors: Rout Amruta , Bbvl Deepak , Biswal Bibhuti B.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an optimal trajectory planning for industrial MOTOMAN MA1440A gas metal arc welding system. A new and efficient evolutionary algorithm, enhanced multi-objective teaching learning-based optimization (EMOTLBO) method, i.e. TLBO with non-dominated sorting approach has been proposed to obtain the optimal joint trajectory for the defined weld seam path.

Design/methodology/approach

The joint trajectory of the welding robot need to be computed in an optimal manner for proper torch orientation, smooth travel of the robot along the weld path and for achieving higher positional accuracy. This can be achieved by limiting the kinematic and dynamic variations of the robot joints like joint jerks, squared acceleration and torque induced in the joints while travel of the robot along the weld path. Also, the robot travel should be done within minimum possible time for maintaining productivity. This leads to a multi-objective optimization problem which needs to be solved for maintaining proper orientation of the robot end effector. EMOTLBO has been proposed to obtain the Pareto front consisting of optimal solutions. The fuzzy membership function has been used to obtain the optimal solution from the Pareto front with best trade-off between objectives.

Findings

The proposed method has been implanted in MATLAB R2017a for simulation results. The joint positions have been used to program the robot for performing welding operation along the weld seam. From the simulation and experimental results, it can be concluded that the proposed approach can be effectively used for optimal trajectory planning of MOTOMAN MA 1440 A arc welding robot system as a very smooth and uniform weld bead has been obtained with maximum weld quality.

Originality/value

In this paper, a novel approach for optimal trajectory planning welding arc robot has been performed. Though trajectory planning of industrial robots has been done before, it has not been done yet for welding robot. The objectives are formulated taking in consideration of requirement of welding process like minimization of joint jerks and torques induced during welding operation due to travel of robot with the effect of arc spatter, minimization of squared acceleration for maintaining constant joint velocity and finally minimization of total travel time for maintaining productivity.
Innovation strategies in the Brazilian sugar–energy industry
Authors: Gomes Samara Marques , Santos David Ferreira Lopes , Basso Leonardo Fernando Cruz
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the innovation strategies of the sugar–energy industry in Central-Southern Brazil with regard to its resource structure and results.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a questionnaire covering the three-year period from 2015 through 2017. The results were extracted based on a combination of factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The innovation strategies of Brazilian sugar–energy companies are characterized as defensive and imitative based on the resources dedicated to innovation and the implementation of innovation with respect to products, processes, eco-innovation and cost reductions.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is representative, but it does not cover all companies in the Brazilian sugar–energy industry. The data were acquired using a survey, and the results could not be compared to the financial results of the companies.

Practical implications

Sugar–energy companies need to define their innovation strategies, as these strategies lead to different results that can be achieved only through the management of resources dedicated to the generation and implementation of innovations. Managers and analysts need to know the profile of these innovation strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of the results based on the resources that were invested.

Originality/value

This study presents an exploratory model that identified two factors related to innovation efforts and three results. It is possible to define the innovation strategies of companies in the Brazilian sugar–energy industry, which is one of the most competitive in Brazil.
Inclusive productive value chains, an overview of Indonesia’s cocoa industry
Authors: de Boer Diederik , Limpens Gigi , Rifin Amzul , Kusnadi Nunung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The inclusiveness of smallholder cocoa farmers in the international cocoa value chain is addressed in the context of institutional voids through linkages with different business models in the region of Bali, West-Sumatra and West-Sulawesi. Being the third highest producer of cocoa, local farmers have a high dependency on cocoa cultivation; however, they lack policies that foster and reward sustainable high-quality cocoa according to international standards. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory multiple-case study design assessed the relevance of partnerships in contributing to sustainable local development and inclusiveness for smallholder farmers. The selected business models, business supported, NGO supported and government supported, are evaluated through improved access to finance, training, technology, subsidized inputs and markets.

Findings

The paper found that a linkage with a business-supported model, here BT COCOA, achieves the best results in terms of improved yields, quality and farmer’s welfare, indicating improved inclusiveness via successful process upgrading. Yet, future cooperation between stakeholders should improve on access to information and finance.

Research limitations/implications

The research is a relative research, comparing three models of inclusiveness within one sector (cocoa) in predefined regions of Indonesia. Future research should test the proposed propositions in other agricultural sectors.

Practical implications

The paper showcases the effect of support model affiliation for smallholder farmer inclusiveness and the circumvention of institutional voids. It selects the business model as best suitable to achieve smallholder inclusiveness, as well a need to prioritize institutional voids.

Originality/value

The research is assessing three models addressing inclusiveness applying value chain assessment tools to measure inclusiveness.
Relationship marketing and customer satisfaction in the Ghanaian hospitality industry
Authors: Amoako George Kofi , Neequaye Emmanuel Kotey , Kutu-Adu Solomon G. , Caesar Livingstone Divine , Ofori Kwame Simpe
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how relationship marketing practice can lead to customer satisfaction in the current practices in the hotel industry in Ghana. Globally, the hospitality industry ranks as one of the most competitive business sectors with competing organisations relying on a cocktail of strategies such as relationship marketing to stay relevant, and attract and retain customers. This paper examines how relationship marketing impacts on trust, commitment and satisfaction for customers in the Ghanaian hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A positivist methodological framework was used for the collection of data, analysis and theoretical development in this research. The data collection questionnaire was administered to 167 guests of a 3-star hotel in the Accra Metropolis. Structural equation modelling was used to ascertain the significance of the relationship that exists between trust, commitment and customer satisfaction with respect to the relationship marketing practices of hoteliers in Ghana.

Findings

Study findings provide insight into the processes and practices of relationship marketing that is based on trust and commitment. The findings show a positive and significant relationship between trust, commitment and customer satisfaction. The study also revealed that commitment partially mediates the association between trust and customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

While this study is limited to a single hospitality and tourism company in Ghana, the findings can have far reaching implications for managers in the hospitality industry in Ghana, it provides a vivid illustration of the impact that customer satisfaction can have on the fortunes of business and a genuine desire to develop trust and be committed to the welfare of business clients can lead to higher customer patronage.

Practical implications

Trust and commitment in the hospitality industry requires innovative business practices that makes the client value all the service experience that he or she may encounter. The findings indicate that customer satisfaction is influenced by trust and commitment in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

Value to the authors’ knowledge, the relationship between trust and commitment in relationship marketing and customer satisfaction concepts has not previously been investigated using structural equation modelling analysis within the Ghanaian hospitality industry. This implies that both trust and commitment are necessary to attain customer satisfaction.
Policy coherence as a demand for excellence in Iranian bio-production industry
Authors: Marandi Vahid , Tabatabaeian Seyyed Habibollah , Jafari Parivash , Azarnoosh Morteza
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The Iranian bio-pharma industry was the first high-tech industry in the country, which had succeeded to develop innovative products. Despite past successes, there are bottlenecks preventing the industry from meeting the national standard and plans for excellence. The purpose of this paper is to find out the challenges impeding further innovation of the firms in the industry and find solution to the issues. Based on these findings, the authors recommend a set of policies that might be of interest to the new-comer countries in biotechnology.

Design/methodology/approach

The institutional structure of the industry, its market situation and the players are studied using a qualitative method based on an institutional approach and an appreciative theory.

Findings

Ten challenges were found after examining the pyramid of technological capabilities. Moreover; conflicting approaches in the policies made for the national health system and industrial development are identified. Adoption of policy coherence has been highlighted as a necessary strategy to harmonize and integrate the approaches required to play a role in bio-production global market actively.

Practical implications

A unique focal point for the country’s strategic plans should be assigned, and the supply-side policies with demand-side policies must be balanced.

Originality/value

This paper is an evidence-based effort to bring policy coherence as an approach in sectoral level, while political settlement lies in governance level. The opportunities for improvement are highlighted in the Iranian bio-pharmaceutical sector, as a key technology. Moreover, the findings could be used as lessons-learned for new-comers countries.
One-pot synthesis of highly dye impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles for improved white light photo-degradation
Authors: Herath Iresha , Perera Ishanie , Hettiarachchi Champika
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Use of highly dye doped nano composite for organic pollutant degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

One-pot synthesis of titanium nano-particles were carried out in the presence of N719 dye.

Findings

High dye doping and exceptional dye degradation efficiency was observed. Within 25 min, 99 per cent of methylene blue was removed from waste water.

Originality/value

A novel one-pot synthesis of the composite was introduced.
Orchestrating enterprise social media for knowledge co-creation: an interactionist perspective
Authors: Namisango Fatuma , Kafuko Maria Miiro , Byomire Gorretti
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual framework of four knowledge co-creation processes in enterprise social media (ESM). From an interactionist perspective, the paper proposes a model on the role of ESM and enterprise social networks (ESNs) in facilitating knowledge co-creation processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper revisits existing literature on ESM, ESNs and social knowledge management to propose, hypothetically, the relationship between ESM, ESN and knowledge co-creation processes.

Findings

ESM enhances employee-to-employee interaction, which allows employees to co-create knowledge in a social context. Firstly, ESM affords employees to create ESNs for knowledge co-creation. Secondly, the structure of employee-to-employee interaction in ESNs will influence knowledge co-creation processes. Thirdly, ESNs provide the mechanism through which ESM affordances enable or constrain knowledge co-creation in the organisation.

Practical implications

ESM creates a social context that allows employees to share, apply and recreate or reproduce knowledge in the process of knowledge co-creation. The action possibilities of ESM perceived and actualised by employees will enable or constrain knowledge co-creation. Such influences are fuelled by the structural properties of employee relationships on ESM.

Originality/value

The paper elucidates the concept of knowledge co-creation based on a representation of user activities in ESM. This paper suggests that knowledge co-creation is a salient outcome of both individual-to-individual interactions on ESM and individual-to-ESM interactions enabled by ESM affordances.
A two‐component growth mindset intervention for young people with SEND
Authors: de Carvalho Eloise , Skipper Yvonne
Published: October 2019

Interventions to increase the endorsement of the growth mindset (the belief that intelligence can be improved with effort) have been successfully implemented in schools. However, they rarely target children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), a group who are more likely to endorse a fixed mindset, experience lower academic self‐concept and academic resilience, and be at risk of negative stereotyped attitudes. This quasi‐experimental study implemented a 10‐week PSHE programme as well as dedicated lessons with adapted classroom practices, for example, task framing and feedback, to promote the growth mindset message to young people with SEND (N = 18). Analyses of pre‐ to post‐intervention measures demonstrated moderate evidence for the intervention having increased students’ endorsement of the growth mindset, as well as anecdotal evidence for increased academic self‐concept, academic resilience and positive attitudes to disability. However, these effects were not sustained in follow‐up measures conducted 7 weeks post‐intervention. The intervention did not improve students’ academic performance. Although preliminary, findings demonstrate the viability of growth mindset interventions for children and young people with SEND, but suggest that interventions should be maintained for longer‐lasting effects.
Buggery and Parliament, 1533–2017
Authors: Johnson Paul
Published: October 2019

Over nearly five centuries the UK parliament, and its earlier incarnations, frequently legislated to ensure the regulation and punishment of buggery, a form of sexual conduct once generally accepted to constitute one of the most serious criminal offences known to law. In the early 21st century, parliament abolished the offence of buggery and, subsequently, granted pardons to certain individuals previously convicted of it. While some aspects of the history of parliament's approach to buggery are well known – particularly in respect of homosexual law reform – much of this history remains obscure. This article provides an in‐depth consideration of the making of statute law in parliament relating to buggery that reveals the dramatically changing attitudes of legislators towards this aspect of sexual conduct and highlights the significance and importance of the pardons granted to those convicted of the offence.
Crossman and Beyond: House of Commons Select Committees in the 1960s
Authors: Aylett Philip
Published: October 2019

Assessments of the work and impact of house of commons investigatory select committees during the 1960s usually centre on the success or otherwise of the new ‘specialist’ committees established in the second half of the decade. This article uses both quantitative and qualitative evidence to give a more rounded picture, including both new and existing committees. It concludes that 1960s select committees were more popular, active and influential than has previously been appreciated. It also argues that there has been an overvaluation of the role of the Labour cabinet minister, Richard Crossman, in promoting and establishing these committees, and that support for committee work on both front benches and back benches was rather more widespread and substantial than has been assumed. In particular, the article contends that Harold Wilson's role in advancing the work of select committees has been underestimated.
Prevalence and incidence of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhong Lixian , Pope Melinda , Shen Ye , Hernandez Jose J. , Wu Lin
Published: October 2019

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare debilitating autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. This study aimed to assess the recent prevalence and incidence of SSc across the world.

Methods

Using a systematic search strategy, PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant studies published between 2006 and 2016. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for inclusion based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and performed data extraction. The review was conducted and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. The pooled prevalence of SSc was calculated by meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model.

Results

There were 1364 references retrieved using the initial searching strategy, and 20 epidemiological publications were selected for data extraction. The identified studies reported prevalence ranging from 3.8 per 100 000 in Taiwan to 50 per 100 000 in the USA. The prevalence was 23 per 100 000 (95% CI: 16‐29 per 100 000; 18 studies) in a pooled sample of 11 574 individuals. Incidence rate of SSc ranges from 0.77 per 100 000 person‐years in the Netherlands to 5.6 per 100 000 person‐years in the USA. SSc predominates in females with higher prevalence and incidence rates. It is important to note that different methodologies were used to derive these numbers so comparisons were made with caution.

Conclusion

This review provides an assessment of the current estimates of disease prevalence and incidence of SSc. The epidemiological burdens of SSc vary among different regions of the world. The epidemiological data need to be interpreted with caution considering the methodological differences in deriving these estimates.
Successful implementation of evidence‐based guidelines in a regional emergency department for children presenting with acute asthma
Authors: Weber Heinrich , Bassett Gaylene , Bartl Doris , Mohd Yusof Mohd , Sohal Sukhwinder , Ahuja Kiran , Frandsen Mai
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the adherence to asthma evidence‐based guidelines before and after a quality improvement process.

Design

A controlled trial was conducted at two regional hospitals (intervention and control hospitals). We performed a retrospective pre‐intervention audit, followed by a post‐intervention audit 1 year after the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines.

Setting

Emergency departments of two neighbouring hospitals serving regional and rural North West Tasmania.

Participants

All children (<18 years) with acute presentation of doctor‐diagnosed asthma.

Interventions

Implementation of evidence‐based guidelines using the National Asthma Council of Australia and the Global Initiative of Asthma guidelines, at the intervention hospital and care as usual at the control hospital.

Main outcome measure(s)

The main outcome measures were the compliance to evidence‐based guidelines, pre‐ and postintervention at the intervention hospital, compared to the control hospital. The specific outcomes measure included the clinical presentation, management, referral to asthma and allergy clinic, and hospitilisation.

Results

Significantly improved adherence to evidence‐based guidelines were noted post‐intervention at the intervention hospital, that is severity recorded (21.4%‐45.7%, P < 0.001), triggers identified (13.5%‐45.3%, P < 0.001), spirometry usage (3.8%‐25.8%, P = 0.03) and written action plans (29.7%‐58.3%, P < 0.001). There was however no effect on hospitilisation (23.3%‐29.8%, P = 0.48). At the control hospital, however, no significant improved adherence to evidence‐based guidelines were noted.

Conclusions

Evidence‐based implementation led to improved adherence to evidence‐based guidelines across an expanded list of domains in a regional setting.
Pulmonary IL‐33 orchestrates innate immune cells to mediate respiratory syncytial virus‐evoked airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilia
Authors: Wu Yi‐Hsiu , Lai Alan Chuan‐Ying , Chi Po‐Yu , Thio Christina Li‐Ping , Chen Wei‐Yu , Tsai Ching‐Hui , Lee Yungling Leo , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Chang Ya‐Jen
Published: October 2019

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is epidemiologically linked to asthma. During RSV infection, IL‐33 is elevated and promotes immune cell activation, leading to the development of asthma. However, which immune cells are responsible for triggering airway hyperreactivity (AHR), inflammation and eosinophilia remained to be clarified. We aimed to elucidate the individual roles of IL‐33‐activated innate immune cells, including ILC2s and ST2+ myeloid cells, in RSV infection‐triggered pathophysiology.

Methods

The role of IL‐33/ILC2 axis in RSV‐induced AHR inflammation and eosinophilia were evaluated in the IL‐33‐deficient and YetCre‐13 Rosa‐DTA mice. Myeloid‐specific, IL‐33‐deficient or ST2‐deficient mice were employed to examine the role of IL‐33 and ST2 signaling in myeloid cells.

Results

We found that IL‐33‐activated ILC2s were crucial for the development of AHR and airway inflammation, during RSV infection. ILC2‐derived IL‐13 was sufficient for RSV‐driven AHR, since reconstitution of wild‐type ILC2 rescued RSV‐driven AHR in IL‐13‐deficient mice. Meanwhile, myeloid cell‐derived IL‐33 was required for airway inflammation, ST2+ myeloid cells contributed to exacerbation of airway inflammation, suggesting the importance of IL‐33 signaling in these cells. Local and peripheral eosinophilia is linked to both ILC2 and myeloid IL‐33 signaling.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of IL‐33‐activated ILC2s in mediating RSV‐triggered AHR and eosinophilia. In addition, IL‐33 signaling in myeloid cells is crucial for airway inflammation.
Quality of life and gastric acid‐suppression medication 20 years after laparoscopic fundoplication
Authors: Campanello Magnus , Westin Erik , Unosson Jon , Lindskog Stefan
Published: October 2019

Background

Laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective treatment for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to assess quality of life (QoL), long‐term residual symptoms, patient satisfaction and use of acid‐suppression medication at 5, 10 and 20 years after surgery.

Methods

We identified a cohort of 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between 1993 and 1998. The validated QoL questionnaires Short Form health survey (SF‐36), and Quality‐of‐Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD), as well as a specific questionnaire regarding post‐fundoplication symptoms, were sent to the patients at 5, 10 and 20 years after surgery. Furthermore, patients who reported using the acid‐suppression medication after 20 years were interviewed by telephone regarding their reason for taking it.

Results

Eighty‐eight percent of the patients responded at 5 and 10 years post‐surgery. Twenty years following fundoplication, 68 (84% of those still alive) patients completed the questionnaires. The patients had equivalent health‐related QoL scores in both the QOLRAD and SF‐36 questionnaires after 10 and 20 years, and those scores were in line with a Swedish age‐matched population. After 20 years, 87% were satisfied with the results, and 84% of the patients would recommend reflux surgery to a relative or a friend. At the telephone interview, 32% (22/68) confirmed using acid‐suppression medication, but only half (11/68) used it because of reflux symptoms.

Conclusion

The long‐term, satisfying outcomes in GERD symptoms and QoL 5 and 10 years after surgery were maintained at a 20‐year follow‐up. Half of the patients used acid‐suppression medication for reasons other than GERD symptoms.
A randomized trial comparing bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate with GreenLight laser (xps‐180watt) photoselective vaporization of the prostate for treatment of small to moderate benign prostatic obstruction: outcomes after 2 years
Authors: Ghobrial Fady K. , Shoma Ahmed , Elshal Ahmed M. , Laymon Mahmoud , El‐Tabey Nasr , Nabeeh Adel , Shokeir Ahmed A.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To test the non‐inferiority of bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) compared to GreenLight laser (GL) photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia‐related lower urinary tract symptoms in a randomized trial.

Methods

Eligible patients with prostate volumes of 30–80 mL were randomly allocated to GL‐PVP (n = 58) or bipolar TUVP (n = 61). Non‐inferiority of symptom score (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]) at 24 months was evaluated. All peri‐operative variables were recorded and compared. Urinary (IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate and post‐void residual urine volume) and sexual (International Index of Erectile Function‐15) outcome measures were evaluated at 1, 4, 12 and 24 months. Need for retreatment and complications, change in PSA level and health resources‐related costs of both procedures were recorded and compared.

Results

Baseline and peri‐operative variables were similar in the two groups. At 1, 4, 12 and 24 months, 117, 116, 99 and 96 patients, respectively, were evaluable. Regarding urinary outcome measures, there was no significant difference between the groups. The mean ± sd IPSS at 1 and 2 years was 7.1 ± 3 and 7.9 ± 2.9 (P = 0.8), respectively, after GL‐PVP and 6.3 ± 3.1 and 7.2 ± 2.8, respectively, after bipolar TUVP (P = 0.31). At 24 months, the mean difference in IPSS was 0.7 (95% confidence interval −0.6 to 2.3; P = 0.6). The median (range) postoperative PSA reduction was 64.7 (25–99)% and 65.9 (50–99)% (P = 0.006) after GL‐PVP, and 32.1 (28.6–89.7)% and 39.3 (68.8–90.5)% (P = 0.005) after bipolar TUVP, at 1 and 2 years, respectively. After 2 years, retreatment for recurrent bladder outlet obstruction was reported in eight (13.8%) and 10 (16.4%) patients in the GL‐PVP and bipolar TUVP groups, respectively (P = 0.8). The mean estimated cost per bipolar TUVP procedure was significantly lower than per GL‐PVP procedure after 24 months (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

In terms of symptom control, bipolar TUVP was not inferior to GL‐PVP at 2 years. Durability of the outcome needs to be tracked. The greater cost of GL‐PVP compared with bipolar TUVP is an important concern.
Synthesis of promising antimicrobial agents: hydrazide‐hydrazones of 5‐nitrofuran‐2‐carboxylic acid
Authors: Popiołek Łukasz , Rysz Bernadetta , Biernasiuk Anna , Wujec Monika
Published: October 2019

In this research, we synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity a new series of hydrazide‐hydrazones obtained from 5‐nitrofuran‐2‐carboxylic acid. New compounds were identified and characterized by spectral methods (1H NMR and 13C NMR). All tested hydrazide‐hydrazones proved to be promising antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial activity and antifungal activity of new derivatives of 5‐nitrofuran‐2‐carboxylic acid were revealed in many cases to be higher than the activity of reference substances (nitrofurantoin, cefuroxime and ampicillin).
Letter to the editor in reference to: “A web‐based prediction score for head and neck cancer referrals”
Authors: Tikka Theofano , Paleri Vinidh
Published: October 2019

Read the full article at doi: 10.1111/coa.13098
Assessing ecological function in the context of species recovery
Authors: Akçakaya H. Resit , Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Keith David A. , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Sanderson Eric W. , Hedges Simon , Mallon David P. , Grace Molly K. , Long Barney , Meijaard Erik , Stephenson P. J.
Published: October 2019

Species interactions matter to conservation. Setting an ambitious recovery target for a species requires considering the size, density, and demographic structure of its populations such that they fulfill the interactions, roles, and functions of the species in the ecosystems in which they are embedded. A recently proposed framework for an International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List of Species formalizes this requirement by defining a fully recovered species in terms of representation, viability, and functionality. Defining and quantifying ecological function from the viewpoint of species recovery is challenging in concept and application, but also an opportunity to insert ecological theory into conservation practice. We propose 2 complementary approaches to assessing a species’ ecological functions: confirmation (listing interactions of the species, identifying ecological processes and other species involved in these interactions, and quantifying the extent to which the species contributes to the identified ecological process) and elimination (inferring functionality by ruling out symptoms of reduced functionality, analogous to the red‐list approach that focuses on symptoms of reduced viability). Despite the challenges, incorporation of functionality into species recovery planning is possible in most cases and it is essential to a conservation vision that goes beyond preventing extinctions and aims to restore a species to levels beyond what is required for its viability. This vision focuses on conservation and recovery at the species level and sees species as embedded in ecosystems, influencing and being influenced by the processes in those ecosystems. Thus, it connects and integrates conservation at the species and ecosystem levels.
Interleukin‐34 mediated by hepatitis B virus X protein via CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α contributes to the proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells
Authors: Kong Fanyun , Zhou Kai , Zhu Ting , Lian Qi , Tao Yukai , Li Nan , Tu Tao , Bi Yanwei , Yang Xiaoying , Pan Xiucheng , Li Shibao , You Hongjuan , Zheng Kuiyang , Tang Renxian
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Interleukin‐34 (IL‐34) is associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role and associated mechanisms of IL‐34 in HBV‐related HCC remain unclear. In this study, the expression, biological function and associated mechanisms of IL‐34 in HBV‐related HCC cells were investigated.

Methods

IL‐34 expression induced by HBV and HBV X (HBX) gene was measured in hepatoma cells. The role of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α (CEBP/α) in HBX‐induced IL‐34 expression was examined. The signal pathways involved in the expression of CEBP/α and IL‐34 induced by HBX were assessed. The role of IL‐34 in the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, and related mechanisms were explored.

Results

Dependent on HBX, HBV increased IL‐34 expression in hepatoma cells, and HBX upregulated and interacted with CEBP/α to enhance the activity of IL‐34 promoters. CEBP/α mediated by HBX was associated with the activation of PI3‐K and NF‐κB pathways to promote IL‐34 expression. Via CSF1‐R and CD138, IL‐34 promoted the proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells, and contributed to the activation of ERK and STAT3 pathways and the upregulation of Bcl‐xl and c‐Myc mediated by HBX.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that IL‐34 contributes to HBX‐mediated functional abnormality of HCC cells and provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis mediated by HBX.
Multimodality imaging of quadricuspid pulmonary valve associated with pulmonary artery aneurysm
Authors: Ansari‐Gilani Kianoush , Hoit Brian D. , Gilkeson Robert C.
Published: October 2019

Quadricuspid pulmonary valve is a rare entity that can be associated with pulmonary artery aneurysm. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Association with other congenital or acquired heart diseases has been reported. Echocardiography and gated CT angiography can provide useful functional and anatomic information that can help in the diagnosis and management.
Parthenogenesis and developmental constraints
Authors: Galis Frietson , van Alphen Jacques J. M.
Published: October 2019

The absence of a paternal contribution in an unfertilized ovum presents two developmental constraints against the evolution of parthenogenesis. We discuss the constraint caused by the absence of a centrosome and the one caused by the missing set of chromosomes and how they have been broken in specific taxa. They are examples of only a few well‐underpinned examples of developmental constraints acting at macro‐evolutionary scales in animals. Breaking of the constraint of the missing chromosomes is the best understood and generally involves rare occasions of drastic changes of meiosis. These drastic changes can be best explained by having been induced, or at least facilitated, by sudden cytological events (e.g., repeated rounds of hybridization, endosymbiont infections, and contagious infections). Once the genetic and developmental machinery is in place for regular or obligate parthenogenesis, shifts to other types of parthenogenesis can apparently rather easily evolve, for example, from facultative to obligate parthenogenesis, or from pseudoarrhenotoky to haplodiploidy.

We argue that the combination of the two developmental constraints forms a near‐absolute barrier against the gradual evolution from sporadic to obligate or regular facultative parthenogenesis, which can probably explain why the occurrence of the highly advantageous mode of regular facultative parthenogenesis is so rare and entirely absent in vertebrates.
Preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible Busseola fusca moths and larvae for Bt and non‐Bt maize
Authors: Visser Andri , du Plessis Hannalene , Erasmus Annemie , Van den Berg Johnnie
Published: October 2019

The sustainability of genetically engineered insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), is threatened by the evolution of resistance by target pest species. Several Lepidoptera species have evolved resistance to Cry proteins expressed by Bt maize over the last decade, including the African maize stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The insect resistance management (IRM) strategy (i.e., the high‐dose/refuge strategy) deployed to delay resistance evolution is grounded on certain assumptions about the biology and ecology of a pest species, for example, the interactions between the insect pest and crop plants. Should these assumptions be violated, the evolution of resistance within pest populations will be rapid. This study evaluated the assumption that B. fusca adults and larvae select and colonize maize plants at random, and do not show any preference for either Bt or non‐Bt maize. Gravid female B. fusca moths of a resistant and susceptible population were subjected to two‐choice oviposition preference tests using stems of Bt and non‐Bt maize plants. Both the number of egg batches as well as the total number of eggs laid on each stem were recorded. The feeding preference of Bt‐resistant and susceptible neonate B. fusca larvae were evaluated in choice test bioassays with whorl leaf samples of specific maize cultivars. Although no differential oviposition preference was observed for either resistant or susceptible female moths, leaf damage ratings indicated that neonate larvae were able to detect Bt toxins and that they displayed feeding avoidance behaviour on Bt maize leaf samples.
Enhanced oxidative stress contributes to worse prognosis and delayed neurofunctional recovery after striatal intracerebral hemorrhage in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Hayashi Kenyu , Hasegawa Yu , Takemoto Yushin , Cao Cheng , Mukasa Akitake , Kim‐Mitsuyama Shokei
Published: October 2019

Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) caused by hypertension and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, the precise clinical course after hypertensive ICH in AD patients is still unknown. In this study, we investigated how striatal ICH, a frequent site for hypertensive ICH, affected the prognosis of AD. We employed 17‐ and 18‐month‐old male 5XFAD (5X) mice and littermate (LT) controls, and striatal ICH was induced by collagenase injection. First, to address the acute effects of ICH on 5X mice, hemorrhagic volume and brain edema were evaluated 3 days after ICH. Next, to address the long‐term effects of ICH on 5X mice, morbidity, mortality, neurological function (beam‐walking and rotarod tests), and cognitive function (Y‐maze and nest‐building tests) were monitored. Twenty‐eight days later, the animals were euthanized, their brains were isolated, and the cytotoxic alterations were investigated. The results revealed that the acute effects of ICH were not significantly different between 5X and LT mice. In contrast, 5X mice showed significantly higher morbidity and mortality in response to ICH, as well as delayed neurological function recovery, compared to LT mice through 28 days. ICH did not affect cognitive function in either group. Infiltrated macrophages in the perihemorrhagic cortex, gp91phox, p67phox, and COX‐2 were significantly increased in 5X mice in response to ICH. We demonstrated that striatal ICH deteriorated prognosis and delayed neurofunctional recovery in 5X mice, which might be associated with enhanced oxidative stress in the presence of AD‐like pathology.