bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary cortisol and cortisone in the clinical setting
Authors: Blair Joanne , Adaway Jo , Keevil Brian , Ross Richard
Published: April 2017

Purpose of review

A resurgence of interest in salivary biomarkers has generated evidence for their value in assessing adrenal function. The advantages of salivary measurements include only free hormone is detected, samples can be collected during normal daily routines and stress-induced cortisol release is less likely to occur than during venepuncture. We review the use of salivary biomarkers to diagnose and monitor patients for conditions of cortisol excess and deficiency and discuss the value of measuring salivary cortisone versus salivary cortisol.

Recent findings

Developments in laboratory techniques have enabled the measurement of salivary hormones with a high level of sensitivity and specificity. In states of altered cortisol binding, salivary biomarkers are more accurate measures of adrenal reserve than serum cortisol. Salivary cortisone is a superior marker of serum cortisol compared with salivary cortisol, specifically when serum cortisol is low and during hydrocortisone therapy when contamination of saliva may result in misleading salivary cortisol concentrations.

Salivary cortisol and cortisone can be used to assess cortisol excess, deficiency and hydrocortisone replacement, with salivary cortisone having the advantage of detection when serum cortisol levels are low and there is no interference from oral hydrocortisone.
Primary Bone Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Masquerading as Ewing Sarcoma: Diagnosis by Anchored Multiplex PCR
Authors: Hue Susan Swee-Shan , Iyer Prasad , Toh Luke Han Wei , Jain Sudhanshi , Tan Enrica Ee Kar , Sittampalam Kesavan , Lian Derrick Wen Quan , Chang Kenneth Tou En
Published: April 2017

A 3-year-old boy presented with pathologic fracture of the left proximal femur. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an aggressive expansile bony mass associated with cortical destruction and surrounding myositis. Computed tomography–guided biopsy revealed a monomorphic small round blue cell tumor by histology. CD99 immunoreactivity and low-level EWSR1 gene translocation by break-apart fluorescent in situ hybridization initially favored a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma and chemotherapy commenced. Subsequent molecular evaluation by an anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction–based assay (Archer FusionPlex Sarcoma Panel) revealed a nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK) gene fusion. The diagnosis was then amended to primary bone ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma and the chemotherapy regimen was modified accordingly. This report illustrates the value of this molecular assay in establishing the correct diagnosis of a very rare malignancy masquerading as another tumor type.
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score, Magnet Designation, and Healthcare-Associated Infections in United States Hospitals
Authors: Pakyz Amy L. , Wang Hui , Ozcan Yasar A. , Edmond Michael B. , Vogus Timothy J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a challenge to patient safety. Although studies have explored individual level, few have focused on organizational factors such as a hospital’s safety infrastructure (indicated by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score) or workplace quality (Magnet recognition). The aim of the study was to determine whether Magnet and hospitals with better Leapfrog Hospital Safety Scores have fewer HAIs.

Methods

Ordered probit regression analyses tested associations between Safety Score, Magnet status, and standardized infection ratios, depicting whether a hospital had a Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection standardized infection ratio that was “better,” “no different,” or “worse” than a National Benchmark as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network definitions.

Results

Accounting for confounders, relative to “A” hospitals, “B” and “C” hospitals had significant and negative relationships with CDI (−0.16, P < 0.01, and −0.14, P < 0.05, respectively) but not MRSA bacteremia. Magnet hospitals had a significant and positive relationship with MRSA bloodstream infections (0.74, P < 0.001) but a significant negative relationship with CDI (−0.21, P < 0.01) compared with non-Magnet.

Conclusions

A hospitals performed better on CDI but not MRSA bloodstream infections. In contrast, Magnet designation was associated with fewer than expected MRSA infections but more than expected CDIs. These mixed results indicate that hospital global assessments of safety and workplace quality differentially and imperfectly predict its level of HAIs, suggesting the need for more precise organizational measures of safety and more nuanced approaches to infection prevention and reduction.
Measurement of Oxygen Consumption Variations in Critically Ill Burns Patients: Are the Fick Method and Indirect Calorimetry Interchangeable?
Authors: Soussi Sabri , Vallée Fabrice , Roquet Florian , Bevilacqua Vincent , Benyamina Mourad , Ferry Axelle , Cupaciu Alexandru , Chaussard Maïté , De Tymowski Christian , Boccara David , Mimoun Maurice , Chaouat Marc , Anstey James , Mebazaa Alexandre , Legrand Matthieu
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate the interchangeability of oxygen consumption variations measured with the Fick equation (ΔVO2Fick) and indirect calorimetry (ΔVO2Haldane) in critically ill burns patients.

Methods:

Prospective observational single-center study conducted in a university hospital. Twenty-two consecutive burns patients with circulatory insufficiency and hyperlactatemia (>2 mmol/L) who required a fluid challenge (FC) were included. All patients had cardiac output monitoring (transpulmonary thermodilution technique) and were ventilated and sedated. Simultaneous measurements of VO2Fick and VO2Haldane were performed before and immediately after the FC, at rest, and in hemodynamic conditions stabilized for at least 1 h. VO2Fick and VO2Haldane were measured, respectively, with the standard formulae (using arterial and central venous saturation measured with a blood gas analyzer) and with a metabolic monitor.

Results:

Forty-four paired measurements of VO2 were obtained. At each timepoint, the median (interquartile range, 25–75) VO2Haldane values were significantly higher than the median VO2Fick values (126 (103–192) vs. 90 (66–149) mL O2/min/m2 (P = 0.004) before FC and 129 (105–189) vs. 80 (54–119) mL O2/min/m2 (P = 0.001) after FC). Correlation between the ΔVO2Fick and the ΔVO2Haldane (%) measurements was poor, with an r = 0.06, (P = 0.77). The mean bias was 8.6% [limits of agreement (LOA): −75.7%, 92.9%].

Conclusions:

Analysis of agreement showed poor concordance for the ΔVO2Haldane and the ΔVO2Fick (%) with a low mean bias but large and clinically unacceptable LOA. ΔVO2Haldane and ΔVO2Fick (%) are not interchangeable in these conditions.
Exploring the Predictive Ability of Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein for Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients with Sepsis: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Guirgis Faheem W. , Dodani Sunita , Moldawer Lyle , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Bowman Jennifer , Kalynych Colleen , Jones Alan E. , Reddy Srinivasa T. , Moore Frederick A.
Published: April 2017

Background:

High density lipoprotein (HDL) can be readily oxidized in inflammatory conditions and exhibit pro-inflammatory and dysfunctional (Dys-HDL) characteristics. We hypothesize that Dys-HDL may predict adverse outcomes and correlate with inflammatory cytokines in sepsis.

Methods:

Emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis were enrolled. Blood was drawn at enrollment and after 48 h. Dys-HDL, expressed as HDL inflammatory index (HII), and cytokines were measured. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictive ability of Dys-HDL for adverse outcomes (death, discharge to hospice, or nursing home).

Results:

Thirty-five patients were included in the study. HII was not significantly different at baseline or 48 h between patients with adverse outcomes versus those without. However, there was a significant difference in change in HII over the first 48 h between those with adverse outcomes (+0.21, 95% CI −0.13 to 0.31) versus those without (−0.11, 95% CI −1 to 0.11) (P = 0.025). Logistic regression revealed increasing HII to be an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.1–25.1 P = 0.040). Of the 24 patents with cytokine measurements at both time points, significant inverse correlations between change in HII and change in GRO (rs = −0.52, P = 0.0088) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (rs = −0.61, P = 0.0014) concentrations over 48 h were observed.

Conclusion:

Increasing Dys-HDL concentrations in the first 48 h of sepsis are associated with an ongoing inflammatory response and adverse clinical outcomes. Early changes in HII may be a potential biomarker in ED patients admitted with sepsis.
Child seat belt guidelines: Examining the 4 feet 9 inches rule as the standard
Authors: Morse Amber M. , Aitken Mary E. , Mullins Samantha H. , Miller Beverly K. , Pomtree Mindy M. , Ulloa Erin M. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Saylors Marie E.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations regarding transition from child safety/booster seat to adult safety belt use indicate that children should be at least 4 feet 9 inches, 8 years old, or 80 pounds. Proper fit in the vehicle seat, assessed with a five-point fit test, should also be met. Although most children reach 4 feet 9 inches around age 8 years, each child and vehicle presents a unique combination; thus a child may not fit appropriately in all vehicle types using only the 4 feet 9 inches requirement.

METHODS

We enrolled children, aged 7 years to 12 years, into our study. Height, weight, and demographic data were obtained. A Child Passenger Safety Technician then performed the five-point fit test in each of a uniform lineup of five vehicles. Data were collected on fit in the standard vehicle seat and also in a booster seat. We set 90% as the threshold proportion of children who meet all criteria for proper fit to validate current recommendations of a height of 4 feet 9 inches.

RESULTS

Data were collected on 388 children. The percentage of 90% proper fit was met in the compact car and small sport-utility vehicle (SUV). However, only 80 (77%) of 104 students (p < 0.0001) that were 4 feet 9 inches or higher fit properly in the large SUV, only 87 (83%) of 105 students (p = 0.02) fit properly in the pickup truck, and only 91 (89%) of 102 students (p = 0.74) fit properly in the minivan.

CONCLUSION

Substantial proportions of children meeting current height guidelines for an adult seat belt do not meet safety requirements for fit, especially in larger, commonly used vehicles (large SUVs and trucks). This emphasizes the need for evaluation of fit by a trained personnel and/or development of standard back seat dimensions in all vehicles for maximum safety.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic level 1.
Extensive phenotypic plasticity in a seasonal butterfly limits potential for evolutionary responses to environmental change
Authors: Oostra Vicencio , Saastamoinen Marjo , Zwaan Bas J. , Wheat Christopher
Published: April 2017

Understanding how populations adapt to changing environments is a major goal in evolutionary biology and ecology, and particularly urgent for predicting resilience to climate change. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability to express multiple phenotypes from the same genome, is a widespread adaptation to short-term environmental fluctuations, but whether it facilitates adaptation to environmental change on evolutionary timescales, such as those under climate change, remains contentious. Here, we investigate plasticity and adaptive potential in an African savannah butterfly displaying extensive plasticity as adaptation to predictable dry-wet seasonality. We assess the transcriptional architecture of seasonal plasticity and find pervasive gene expression differences between the seasonal phenotypes, reflecting a genome-wide plasticity programme. Strikingly, intra-population genetic variation for this response is highly depleted, possibly reflecting strong purifying selection in its savannah habitat where an environmental cue (temperature) reliably predicts seasonal transitions and the cost of a mismatched phenotype is high. Under climate change the accuracy of such cues may deteriorate, rendering dominant reactions norm maladaptive. Therefore, depleted variation for plasticity as reported here may crucially limit evolutionary potential when conditions change, and seasonally plastic species may in fact be especially vulnerable to climate change.
Consistent individual differences drive collective behaviour and group functioning of schooling fish
Authors: Jolles Jolle W. , Boogert Neeltje J. , Sridhar Vivek H. , Couzin Iain D. , Manica Andrea
Published: April 2017

The ubiquity of consistent inter-individual differences in behaviour (‘animal personalities’)1,2, suggests they may constitute a fundamental component of animal groups that may drive their functioning3,4. Despite increasing evidence that highlights their importance5–16, we still lack a unified mechanistic frame-work to explain and predict how inter-individual differences may affect collective behaviour. Here we investigate how differences in individual behavioural tendencies affect the group structure, movement dynamics, and foraging behaviour of animal groups using free-swimming stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Analysis of high-resolution tracking data of known individuals demonstrates that, across a range of contexts, consistent inter-individual differences in social proximity were strongly linked to speed and, together with boldness predicted spatial positioning and leadership within groups, differences in structure and movement dynamics between groups, as well as individual and group foraging performance. These effects of inter-individual behavioural variation on group-level states emerged naturally from a generic model of heterogeneous, self-organising groups. Our study combines experimental and theoretical evidence for a simple mechanism to explain variation in the emergence of structure, dynamics, and functional capabilities of groups across social and ecological scales. In addition, we show that individual performance was conditional to the group composition, providing a potential basis for social selection driving behavioural differentiation between individuals.
Gradients of Rac1 nanoclusters support spatial patterns of Rac1 signaling
Authors: Remorino Amanda , Beco Simon De , Cayrac Fanny , Federico Fahima Di , Cornilleau Gaetan , Gautreau Alexis , Parrini Maria Carla , Masson Jean-Baptiste , Dahan Maxime , Coppey Mathieu
Published: April 2017

The dynamics of the cytoskeleton and cell shape relies on the coordinated activation of RhoGTPase molecular switches. Among them, Rac1 participates to the orchestration in space and time of actin branching and protrusion/retraction cycles of the lamellipodia at the cell front during mesenchymal migration. Biosensor imaging has revealed a graded concentration of active GTP-loaded Rac1 in protruding regions of the cell. Here, using single molecule imaging and super-resolution microscopy, we reveal an additional supramolecular organization of Rac1. We find that, similarly to H-Ras, Rac1 partitions and is immobilized into nanoclusters of 50-100 molecules each. These nanoclusters assemble due to the interaction of the polybasic tail of Rac1 with the phosphoinositide lipids PIP2 and PIP3. The additional interactions with GEFs, GAPs, downstream effectors, and possibly other partners are responsible for an enrichment of Rac1 nanoclusters in protruding regions of the cell. Using optogenetics and micropatterning tools, we find that activation of Rac1 leads to its immobilization in nanoclusters and that the local level of Rac1 activity matches the local density of nanoclusters. Altogether, our results show that subcellular patterns of Rac1 activity are supported by gradients of signaling nanodomains of heterogeneous molecular composition, which presumably act as discrete signaling platforms. This finding implies that graded distributions of nanoclusters might encode spatial information.

Significance statement

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells is a highly organized surface where hundreds of incoming signals are transduced to the intracellular space. How cells encode faithfully this myriad of signals is a fundamental question. Here we show that Rac1, a critical membrane-bound protein involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, forms small aggregates together with other regulating proteins. These supramolecular assemblies, called nanoclusters, are the “quantal” units of signaling. By increasing the local concentration, nanoclusters set thresholds for downstream signaling and ensure the fidelity of information transduction. We found that Rac1 nanoclusters are distributed as spatial gradients matching the patterns of Rac1 activity. We propose that cells can encode positional information through distributed signaling quanta, hereby ensuring spatial fidelity.
Avoiding Math on a Rapid Timescale: Emotional Responsivity and Anxious Attention in Math Anxiety
Authors: Pizzie Rachel G. , Kraemer David J.M.
Published: April 2017

Math anxiety (MA) is characterized by negative feelings towards mathematics, resulting in avoidance of math classes and of careers that rely on mathematical skills. Focused on a long timescale, this research may miss important cognitive and affective processes that operate moment-to-moment, changing rapid reactions even when a student simply sees a math problem. Here, using fMRI with an attentional deployment paradigm, we show that MA influences rapid spontaneous emotional and attentional responses to mathematical stimuli upon brief presentation. Critically, participants viewed but did not attempt to solve the problems. Indicating increased threat reactivity to even brief presentations of math problems, increased MA was associated with increased amygdala response during math viewing trials. Functionally and anatomically defined amygdala ROIs yielded similar results, indicating robustness of the finding. Similar to the pattern of vigilance and avoidance observed in specific phobia, behavioral results of the attentional paradigm demonstrated that MA is associated with attentional disengagement for mathematical symbols. This attentional avoidance is specific to math stimuli; when viewing negatively-valenced images, MA is correlated with attentional engagement, similar to other forms of anxiety. These results indicate that even brief exposure to mathematics triggers a neural response related to threat avoidance in highly MA individuals.
Expression of short hairpin RNAs using the compact architecture of retroviral microRNA genes
Authors: Burke James M. , Kincaid Rodney P. , Aloisio Francesca , Welch Nicole , Sullivan Christopher S.
Published: April 2017

Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) are effective in generating stable repression of gene expression. RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) type III promoters (U6 or H1) are typically used to drive shRNA expression. While useful for some knockdown applications, the robust expression of U6/H1-driven shRNAs can induce toxicity and generate heterogeneous small RNAs with undesirable off-target effects. Additionally, the U6 and H1 promoters encompass the majority of the ∼270 base pairs (bp) of vector space required for shRNA expression. This can limit the efficacy and/or number of delivery vector options, particularly when delivery of multiple gene/shRNA combinations is required. Here, we develop a compact shRNA (cshRNA) expression system based on retroviral microRNA (miRNA) gene architecture that uses RNAP III type II promoters. We demonstrate that cshRNAs coded from as little as 100 bps of total coding space can precisely generate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are active in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). We provide an algorithm with a user-friendly interface to design cshRNAs for desired target genes. This cshRNA expression system reduces the coding space required for shRNA expression by greater than two-fold as compared to the U6/H1 promoters, which may facilitate therapeutic RNAi applications where delivery vector space is limiting.
Obesity/Type II Diabetes Alters Macrophage Polarization Resulting in a Fibrotic Tendon Healing Response
Authors: Ackerman Jessica E , Geary Michael B , Orner Caitlin A , Bawany Fatima , Loiselle Alayna E
Published: April 2017

Type II Diabetes (T2DM) dramatically impairs the tendon healing response, resulting in decreased collagen organization and mechanics relative to non-diabetic tendons. Despite this burden, there remains a paucity of information regarding the mechanisms that govern impaired healing of diabetic tendons.

Mice were placed on either a high fat diet (T2DM) or low fat diet (lean) and underwent flexor tendon transection and repair surgery. Healing was assessed via mechanical testing, histology and changes in gene expression associated with collagen synthesis, matrix remodeling, and macrophage polarization. Obese/diabetic tendons healed with increased scar formation and impaired mechanical properties. Consistent with this, prolonged and excess expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components were observed in obese/T2DM tendons. Macrophages are involved in both inflammatory and matrix deposition processes during healing. Obese/T2DM tendons healed with increased expression of markers of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, and elevated and prolonged expression of M2 macrophages markers that are involved in ECM deposition. Here we demonstrate that tendons from obese/diabetic mice heal with increased scar formation and increased M2 polarization, identifying excess M2 macrophage activity and matrix synthesis as a potential mechanism of the fibrotic healing phenotype observed in T2DM tendons, and as such a potential target to improve tendon healing in T2DM.
Crystal structure of 2-cyano-3,3-bis(ethylsulfanyl)-N-o-tolylacrylamide
Authors: Azzam Rasha A. , Elgemeie Galal H. , Ramadan Rokia , Jones Peter G.
Published: April 2017

In the molecule of the title compound, C15H18N2OS2, the central S2C=C(CN)C moiety is planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.029 Å). The C=O and C—CN groups are trans to each other across their common C—C bond. In the crystal, one classical and two `weak' hydrogen bonds combine with borderline N...N and S...S contacts to form layers parallel to (10-2). One ethyl group is disordered over two positions with relative occupancy 0.721/0.279 (7).
Crystal structure and DFT study of 8-hydroxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinoline-9-carbaldehyde
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Dege Necmi , Malysheva Maria L.
Published: April 2017

In the title compound, C13H15NO2, the fused non-aromatic rings of the julolidine moiety adopt envelope conformations. The hydroxy group forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond to the aldehyde O atom, generating an S(6) ring motif. Weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds help to stabilize the crystal structure. Density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures at the B3LYP/6–311 G(d,p) level are compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state.
Past, present and future of contact centers: a literature review
Authors: Saberi Morteza , Khadeer Hussain Omar , Chang Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Contact centers (CCs) are one of the main touch points of customers in an organization. They form one of the inputs to customer relationship management (CRM) to enable an organization to efficiently resolve customer queries. CCs have an important impact on customer satisfaction and are a strategic asset for CRM systems. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on CCs and identify their shortcomings to be addressed in the current digital age.

Design/methodology/approach

The current literature on CCs can be classified into the analytical and the managerial aspects of CCs. In the former, data mining, text mining, and voice recognition techniques are discussed, and in the latter, staff training, CC performance, and outsourced CCs are discussed.

Findings

With the growth of information and communication technologies, the information that CCs must handle both in terms of type and volume, has changed. To deal with such changes, CCs need to evolve in terms of their operation and public relations. The authors present a state-of-the-art review of the challenges in identifying the gaps in order to have the next generation of CCs. Lack of an interactive CC and lack of data integrity for CCs are highlighted as important issues that need to be dealt with properly by CCs.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, this is the first paper that reviews CCs’ literature by providing the comprehensive survey, critical evaluation, and future research.
Big data analytics: transforming data to action
Authors: Bumblauskas Daniel , Nold Herb , Bumblauskas Paul , Igou Amy
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model for the transformation of big data sets into actionable knowledge. The model introduces a framework for converting data to actionable knowledge and mitigating potential risk to the organization. A case utilizing a dashboard provides a practical application for analysis of big data.

Design/methodology/approach

The model can be used both by scholars and practitioners in business process management. This paper builds and extends theories in the discipline, specifically related to taking action using big data analytics with tools such as dashboards.

Findings

The authors’ model made use of industry experience and network resources to gain valuable insights into effective business process management related to big data analytics. Cases have been provided to highlight the use of dashboards as a visual tool within the conceptual framework.

Practical implications

The literature review cites articles that have used big data analytics in practice. The transitions required to reach the actionable knowledge state and dashboard visualization tools can all be deployed by practitioners. A specific case example from ESP International is provided to illustrate the applicability of the model.

Social implications

Information assurance, security, and the risk of large-scale data breaches are a contemporary problem in society today. These topics have been considered and addressed within the model framework.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique and novel approach for parsing data into actionable knowledge items, identification of viruses, an application of visual dashboards for identification of problems, and a formal discussion of risk inherent with big data.
Let’s stop trying to be “sexy” – preparing managers for the (big) data-driven business era
Authors: Carillo Kevin Daniel André
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the inadequacies of current business education in the tackling of the educational challenges inherent to the advent of a data-driven business world. It presents an analysis of the implications of digitization and more specifically big data analytics (BDA) and data science (DS) on organizations with a special emphasis on decision-making processes and the function of managers. It argues that business schools and other educational institutions have well responded to the need to train future data scientists but have rather disregarded the question of effectively preparing future managers for the new data-driven business era.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach involves analysis and review of the literature.

Findings

The development of analytics skills shall not pertain to data scientists only, it must rather become an organizational cultural component shared among all employees and more specifically among decision makers: managers. In the data-driven business era, managers turn into manager-scientists who shall possess skills at the crossroad of data management, analytical/modeling techniques and tools, and business. However, the multidisciplinary nature of big data analytics and data science (BDADS) seems to collide with the dominant “functional silo design” that characterizes business schools. The scope and breadth of the radical digitally enabled change, the author are facing, may necessitate a global questioning about the nature and structure of business education.

Research limitations/implications

For the sake of transparency and clarity, academia and the industry must join forces to standardize the meaning of the terms surrounding big data. BDA/DS training programs, courses, and curricula shall be organized in such a way that students shall interact with an array of specialists providing them a broad enough picture of the big data landscape. The multidisciplinary nature of analytics and DS necessitates to revisit pedagogical models by developing experiential learning and implementing a spiral-shaped pedagogical approach. The attention of scholars is needed as there exists an array of unexplored research territories. This investigation will help bridge the gap between education and the industry.

Practical implications

The findings will help practitioners understand the educational challenges triggered by the advent of the data-driven business era. The implications will also help develop effective trainings and pedagogical strategies that are better suited to prepare future professionals for the new data-driven business world.

Originality/value

By demonstrating how the advent of a data-driven business era is impacting the function and role of managers, the paper initiates a debate revolving around the question about how business schools and higher education shall evolve to better tackle the educational challenges associated with BDADS training. Elements of response and recommendations are then provided.
Examining the adoption of big data and analytics curriculum
Authors: McLeod Alexander J. , Bliemel Michael , Jones Nancy
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the demand for big data and analytics curriculum, provide an overview of the curriculum available from the SAP University Alliances program, examine the evolving usage of such curriculum, and suggest an academic research agenda for this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the authors reviewed recent academic utilization of big data and analytics curriculum in a large faculty-driven university program by examining school hosting request logs over a four-year period. The authors analyze curricula usage to determine how changes in big data and analytics are being introduced to academia.

Findings

Results indicate that there is a substantial shift toward curriculum focusing on big data and analytics.

Research limitations/implications

Because this research only considered data from one proprietary software vendor, the scope of this project is limited and may not generalize to other university software support programs.

Practical implications

Faculty interested in creating or furthering their business process programs to include big data and analytics will find practical information, materials, suggestions, as well as a research and curriculum development agenda.

Originality/value

Faculty interested in creating or furthering their programs to include big data and analytics will find practical information, materials, suggestions, and a research and curricula agenda.
Emerging trends in entrepreneurial universities within Mediterranean regions
Authors: Lombardi Rosa , Lardo Alessandra , Cuozzo Benedetta , Trequattrini Raffaele
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the new role that universities are assuming as entrepreneurial entities supporting the development of regional innovation systems through an international comparison, in order to address the demand for global competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to compare how some universities of the Mediterranean area and of South-East Asia conceive and implement an entrepreneurial culture through their curricula, conducting a two-way comparison between Italy and Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of a multi-method approach, based on a comparative analysis which involves the use of a narrative style and a content analysis carried out on the Italian and Singaporean entrepreneurship programmes. The method consists of comparing different systems with similar characteristics, with an analysis focused on particularly relevant environmental factors, to find an explanation about how an innovative way of teaching entrepreneurship to students can affect the development of regional innovative systems.

Findings

The study analyses the Italian and Singaporean environmental factors that are helpful in understanding the basis for the promotion of an entrepreneurial attitude, and the end result of the paper is to set out the differences in the evolvement of entrepreneurial universities and innovative teaching programmes between the two countries being analysed. The research uses an international comparison to investigate the relationships between a set of variables that influence government authorities, leading them to invest in programmes on entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

Studying the Singaporean experience, one of the leading Nation investor in entrepreneurial education, is useful in highlighting limits of less advanced higher education systems and in helping them to encourage an entrepreneurial culture.
Examining the antecedents and the effects of CSR implementation: an explanatory study
Authors: Chatzoglou Prodromos , Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Amarantou Vasiliki , Aggelidis Vassilios
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept with increasing importance for global and local organisations. Despite its importance, there is still lack in the understanding of its complete role, within and outside organisational boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a conceptual framework (research model) that examines the antecedents (drivers) and the effects of CSR implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed conceptual framework was tested, using a newly developed structured questionnaire, in a sample of 80 large private Greek organisations. Key respondents were the executive managers of these organisations. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were thoroughly examined, while research hypotheses were tested using the “Structural Equation Modelling” technique.

Findings

Research findings suggest that three factors (“CSR awareness”, “relevant cost of CSR”, “appropriateness of CSR strategies”) have a direct effect on CSR implementation, while one factor (“knowledge of CSR”) has an indirect effect, through “CSR awareness”. On the other hand, CSR implementation seems to have a positive effect on “employee commitment”, “customer satisfaction” and “company reputation”. It should be underlined that these results reflect the opinions expressed by the top management of the companies that participated in the study.

Originality/value

The present study proposes an original, three-dimensional, conceptual framework that examines both the antecedents and the effects of ERP implementation. Such a multidimensional approach has randomly been attempted in the existing literature. Second, the present study examines the subject of CSR in an economy under crisis. This approach is rather unique among previous empirical studies of the same field. Third, the results of the present study may be generalised in other countries with similar economic realities and characteristics (e.g. Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland). Finally, the study offers specific managerial implications to business executives.
The opaque gendered lens – barriers to recruitment and career development
Authors: Scholten Christina , Witmer Hope
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal gendered leadership constructs that hinder a competency-based view of leadership in Swedish-based global companies and the implications for leadership recruitment and development to top management positions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews, which have been analyzed using a gender analytic framework to identify how senior management, Human resource management and leadership trainees are discussing leadership and career development.

Findings

Three themes were identified as clouding the issue of gender-equal leadership practices thereby creating an opaque gendered lens of who is defined as eligible for leadership positions. The three themes were: symbols as gendered images, counting heads – preserving the existing system and illusive gender inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

Recruitment practices were identified as contributors to homosocial practices that perpetuate male-dominated leadership representation. However, specific recruitment practices were not fully explored.

Practical implications

The potential use of gender equality as a sustainable management practice for competitive organizations to recruit and develop talented people.

Social implications

To create resilient and gender-equal recruitment and leadership development practices.

Originality/value

This research offers an original perspective on gender representation at the senior management level in global companies by revealing gendered leadership constructs in the leadership recruitment and development process as antecedents to unequal gender representation in senior management positions.
Cracking the walls of leadership: women in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hodges Julie
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the obstacles to women’s advancement in Saudi Arabia. The paper addresses the question “what are women’s experiences of becoming leaders and what influences their leadership practice?” It does this by drawing on gender and Middle Eastern literature, as well as empirical evidence of the perceptions, experience and challenges of women in Saudi.

Design/methodology/approach

The study contributes a consideration of the academic literature, supported by empirical findings from 25 interviews with professional women in Saudi Arabia. The data identify the perceptions, experiences and challenges of professional women in Saudi. It concludes by outlining the practical need for the review and promotion of policies to eradicate inequalities in the workplace.

Findings

The data show that the challenges faced by professional women in Saudi Arabia are social, religious, cultural and organizational. The findings reveal that women’s relationship to self, others, place and work are key influencers in how they perceive and experience leadership. The findings also indicate the need for a review and promotion of policies to eradicate inequalities which prevent women from becoming leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations are that it focuses on a small number of professional women in Saudi Arabia (n = 25). However, Saudi Arabia is a country where research access is difficult; therefore, this research has significant implications for beginning to understand women and their experience of leadership in Saudi. It also addresses a gap in the scant research which does exist in this area.

Practical implications

The study highlights that unless significant barriers are removed, women will not progress to higher leadership positions in organizations. The future role of women as leaders in Saudi Arabia will require society, organizations and women themselves to change the traditional role-expectations of women. The paper considers what can be done to create a more levelled platform for women to operate in organizations at senior levels.

Social implications

The findings and recommendations will prove useful in raising awareness among policymakers and practitioners regarding the experiences and the obstacles faced by women in Saudi Arabia because of the social, religious and culture context in which they live.

Originality/value

This study contributes to enriching the gender and leadership literature in a country that has been poorly addressed so far. Its originality lies in the context of Saudi Arabia. The research is significant in that, in examining women’s perceptions of the challenges and opportunities of leadership in the workplace, it provides an understanding of women’s experience of leadership in Saudi that has not previously been considered in the literature on women in the Middle East. This study therefore contributes to understanding the how and why of leadership by listening to the ways in which women learn and practise leadership.
Structural colors of fabric from Ag/TiO2 composite films prepared by magnetron sputtering deposition
Authors: Yuan Xiaohong , Xu Wenzheng , Huang Fenglin , Wang Qingqing , Wei Qufu , Chen Dongsheng
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Structural color is more brilliant in color, more resistant to sunshine and will not fade away with time, and more environmental friendly than traditional dyes and pigments. The purpose of this paper is to prepare structural colors of fabrics coated with Ag/TiO2 composite films by magnetron sputtering, and analyze the relationship between the colors and the thicknesses of TiO2 films in Ag/TiO2 composite films.

Design/methodology/approach

Preparation of Ag/TiO2 composite films by magnetron sputtering and their deposition on textiles were investigated. The chemical compositions and surface morphology of Ag/TiO2 composite films were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the structural color of fabric coated with Ag/TiO2 composite film was also analyzed.

Findings

Ag/TiO2 composite films deposited on textile substrate exhibited structural colors, and the bright colors could be adjusted and controlled by the thickness of TiO2 thin films in Ag/TiO2 composite films without any dyes or pigments. By comparing the results of theoretical calculation and experimental results, it was found that the creation of structural colors by the experiment was coincident to the colors by theoretical calculation according to the film interference principle. There was a linear relationship between the thickness of TiO2 film and the wavelength of the structural color.

Originality/value

Compared to traditional coloration by dyes or pigments, the coloration of textile by structural color from Ag/TiO2 composite films prepared by magnetron sputtering was very environmental friendly and simple without water consuming, time consuming and tedious work. Structural colors have great potential applications in textiles in place of traditional dyes and pigments. Furthermore, the textiles coated with Ag/TiO2 composite films have good electrical, optical and magnetic properties, and can be used in apparel, home furnishings and industrial fabrics.
Abuse of empire style robe to thermal insulation and body discomfort (part 2)
Authors: Na Youngjoo , Kim Jisu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Women in Western Europe wore empire style robes which were made with a light and thin fabric revealing their body. To stress the silhouette of their body, they applied oil to it or sprayed water on the robe so that it would cling to the body, and most women suffered from muslin disease, meaning flu and tuberculosis of the lungs in winter season. The purpose of this paper is to examine the thermal insulation of the robe with spencer jacket in dry and wet environment through thermal manikin experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

Three kinds of spencer jacket were made based on historical evidence and data, and experimental work for thermal insulation was conducted using a thermal manikin. The study measured the total thermal resistance of dress-jacket set: weight of the clothing before and after wetting, thermal insulation of the spencer jackets and set of clothing in dry and wet conditions, electric power consumption of the set of clothing in the wet condition and temperature inside the clothing and surface temperature of the wet set of clothing.

Findings

The thermal insulation of the robe with spencer jacket in the wet condition was in the range of 0.135-0.144 clo, which was about 80 percent lower than the range of values of 0.73-0.79 clo measured in the dry condition. This means that women felt uncomfortable in wetting condition or raining environment even when wearing the robe with a spencer jacket. Thermal insulation of clothing was dependent to the air gap under garment, clothing layers, ventilation through fabric and body part.

Originality/value

In this study, the thermal insulation of an empire style robe with spencer jacket in wet condition was measured using a dry thermal manikin, not with the sweating manikin. The authors measure the electric power consumption according to drying time of the clothing set at the body parts. In order to study the effect of different materials and clothing wetting, comparison experiments were conducted in dry and wet conditions using the rinse cycle of washing machine.
Real-time optimization using gradient adaptive selection and classification from infrared sensors measurement for esterification oleic acid with glycerol
Authors: Aang Soenandi Iwan , Djatna Taufik , Suryani Ani , Irzaman Irzaman
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The production of glycerol derivatives by the esterification process is subject to many constraints related to the yield of the production target and the lack of process efficiency. An accurate monitoring and controlling of the process can improve production yield and efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to propose a real-time optimization (RTO) using gradient adaptive selection and classification from infrared sensor measurement to cover various disturbances and uncertainties in the reactor.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of the esterification process optimization using self-optimization (SO) was developed with classification process was combined with necessary condition optimum (NCO) as gradient adaptive selection, supported with laboratory scaled medium wavelength infrared (mid-IR) sensors, and measured the proposed optimization system indicator in the batch process. Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN 2.0) was built to describe the tasks of SO workflow in collaboration with NCO as an abstraction for the conceptual phase. Next, Stateflow modeling was deployed to simulate the three states of gradient-based adaptive control combined with support vector machine (SVM) classification and Arduino microcontroller for implementation.

Findings

This new method shows that the real-time optimization responsiveness of control increased product yield up to 13 percent, lower error measurement with percentage error 1.11 percent, reduced the process duration up to 22 minutes, with an effective range of stirrer rotation set between 300 and 400 rpm and final temperature between 200 and 210°C which was more efficient, as it consumed less energy.

Research limitations/implications

In this research the authors just have an experiment for the esterification process using glycerol, but as a development concept of RTO, it would be possible to apply for another chemical reaction or system.

Practical implications

This research introduces new development of an RTO approach to optimal control and as such marks the starting point for more research of its properties. As the methodology is generic, it can be applied to different optimization problems for a batch system in chemical industries.

Originality/value

The paper presented is original as it presents the first application of adaptive selection based on the gradient value of mid-IR sensor data, applied to the real-time determining control state by classification with the SVM algorithm for esterification process control to increase the efficiency.