bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grey fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of regional financial innovation ability based on two types weights
Authors: Li Li , Wang Renxiang , Li Xican
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– According to the grey uncertainty and the connotation of different types weights, the purpose of this paper is to establish the pattern of multi-dimensional grey fuzzy decision making with feedback based on weight vector and weight matrix, and applies this pattern to evaluate the regional financial innovation ability.

Design/methodology/approach

– At first, this paper analyzes the connotation of financial innovation ability and establishes the evaluation system of regional financial innovation ability. Second, the formula of computing the multi-objective weighted comprehensive value based on weight vector and weight matrix is put forward. In view of the object function with supervised factor and stability coefficient, this paper gives the formulas to compute weight vector and weight matrix. Moreover, the algorithm of the multi-dimensional grey fuzzy decision making pattern with feedback based on weight vector and weight matrix is expressed. At last, this paper uses the presented pattern to evaluate the financial innovation ability of thirty-one provinces in China.

Findings

– The results are convincing: the development of regional financial innovation is not balanced in China, having obvious spatial clustering feature. The comparisons of evaluation results based on different forms of weights show that the calculating convergence speed of the pattern presented in this paper is fast. The pattern enhances the rationality of the demarcation point between categories, and the convergence within categories, making the evaluation more reasonable.

Practical implications

– The method exposed in the paper can be used at evaluating the regional financial innovation ability and even for other similar evaluation problem.

Originality/value

– The paper succeeds in realising both the pattern of multi-dimensional grey fuzzy decision making with feedback and evaluating the regional financial innovation ability by using the newest developed theories: weighted grey and fuzzy recognition theory based on weight vector and weight matrix.
Drivers for vertical integration in the rail sector – using wagons as “relationship specific assets”
Authors: Monios Jason , Bergqvist Rickard
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse vertical integration in the rail sector using a combination of transaction cost economics (TCE), the resource-based view (RBV) and the relational view, through which rail wagons are viewed as “relationship specific assets”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis is based on a cross-case comparison of four case studies of intermodal operators in Europe, each exhibiting different levels of collaboration and integration between terminals, operators and sub-contractors.

Findings

– Viewing rail wagons as relationship specific assets rather than merely transaction specific (TCE) or firm specific (RBV) demonstrates that wagon ownership is not only a good indicator of the level of vertical cooperation but of the existence of trust and learning within a collaborative environment.

Practical implications

– The organisational setup is not derived purely from transaction or resource characteristics, but by the integration of processes through the purchase of assets that will be used to produce a service, with the expected levels of trust and commitment. In this sense, the role of the wagon as a relationship specific asset is a microcosm of the key elements of a successful intermodal transport system.

Originality/value

– As one of the key operational aspects of the rail sector is the use of expensive equipment and the relative responsibility for fixed and moveable assets, an analysis of the use of rail wagons as relationship specific assets allows a more dynamic understanding of vertical integration in the rail sector than currently provided by TCE or RBV alone.
Differences in security risk perceptions between logistics companies and cargo owners
Authors: Urciuoli Luca , Hintsa Juha
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Supply chain stakeholders may perceive security risks differently and thereby misalign mitigation strategies. Hence, causing weak spots in supply chains and thereby disruptions. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether supply chain companies actually perceive security risks and effectiveness of mitigation strategies differently.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two survey studies measuring perception of security risks and effectiveness of measures have been developed and used to collect data from European and Latin American companies, grouped as cargo owners and logistics companies.

Findings

– The findings of the surveys unveil that only two (out of six) security risks, namely, violation of customs non-fiscal regulations and illegal immigration, show significant differences between the two groups of companies. In addition, the surveys show that companies perceive equally the effectiveness of security measures. This study concludes that supply chains seem to have good visibility over the security risks of their partners. Hence, in terms of security, supply chain companies seem to have achieved a common understanding of risks and furthermore are able to act jointly to secure assets and operations.

Originality/value

– Previous research claim supply chain stakeholders may perceive risks differently and thereby may fail to correctly align mitigation strategies. Yet, to the authors knowledge, previous research has not empirically demonstrated these differences in perceptions of risks and mitigation strategies.
Towards cloud-based supply chain processes
Authors: Jede Andreas , Teuteberg Frank
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– There are cloud computing (CC) services available for various applications within the supply chain management (SCM). These services offer, for example, consistent global networking platforms and enable quick decision making, which may strengthen competitive advantages. The specification of the single-related elements and the coordination mechanisms between actors and information flows is complex. In this paper, the authors argue that reference models can accelerate understanding these processes. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the current state of the underlying research field and to present a reference model that supports theory and practice in adopting CC services at SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a cross-discipline systematic literature review from the research perspectives of information systems and SCM. Based on 102 papers, the authors designed a reference model showing the interrelations between various elements of CC and SCM.

Findings

– The authors discover the most important chances and risks for CC implementations in supply chain (SC) processes and pay special attention to SC sustainability aspects of CC. Until now, SCM research in the realm of CC usage is still in its infancy both in theory and practice.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no systematic literature review that consistently focusses CC usage within SC processes while integrating specific aspects of strategic theory. The obtained insights lead to the first SCM-related reference model for CC usage.
The antecedents and consequences of supply chain service capabilities in the context of container shipping
Authors: Yang Chung-Shan
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationships among supply chain integration (SCI), supply chain service capabilities, market performance (MP), and financial performance (FP) in the container shipping context and develops valid and reliable instruments for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 133 container shipping operators and agencies in Taiwan, using confirmatory factor analysis, the author identified main dimensions of SCI and supply chain service capabilities in container shipping context. A structural equation model was then used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

– This study has identified a set of five dimensions that can enable effective SCI: top management support, cross-functional cooperation, information technology, goal congruence, and collaborative communication, and highlighted the critical mediating role of supply chain service capabilities (i.e. service efficiency, service reliability, service flexibility, and value-added service) in improving firms’ market and FP. The authors confirm that SCI has a positive impact on supply chain service capabilities, which in turn helps to enhance market and FP.

Practical implications

– This research can thus serve as a valuable reference for managers to achieve better SCI formation and performance, help managers to develop more effective collaborative relationships, and thus minimize the chance of SCI failure.

Originality/value

– This manuscript provides a theoretical framework to link SCI, supply chain service capabilities, MP, and FP for the container shipping service supply chain context that have not been previously reported through empirical research.
Assessing the impact of business uncertainty on supply chain integration
Authors: Kim Minkyun , Chai Sangmi
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business uncertainty affects the implementation of supply chain integration (SCI). More importantly, this research divides business uncertainty into four dimensions and SCI into three dimensions to examine the role of each dimension. In addition, it investigates the moderating effects of manufacturing approaches, such as push and pull, in the relationship between SCI and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a structured survey, this study collected 259 responses from supply executives, and supply and purchasing managers of US manufacturing firms. The empirical data analysis was done by using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

– The results empirically support the findings that business uncertainty positively affects implementation of SCI. Among the four dimensions of business uncertainty, dynamism and hostility significantly affect implementation of internal integration, integration with suppliers, and integration with customers. In addition, manufacturing approaches, such as push and pull, have a moderating effect on the relationship between SCI and performance.

Practical implications

– This study collected survey responses from a manufacturing firm in the supply chain to assist managers to find a solution while dealing with business uncertainty through the implementation of SCI. It also emphasizes manufacturing approaches, such as push and pull, in implementing SCI to improve performance. Thus, supply and purchasing managers should consider the business uncertainty that they are dealing with while developing their supply chain strategy.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide meaningful insights on the effects of SCI toward dealing with business uncertainty. More importantly, by dividing the dimensions of business uncertainty and SCI, this study presents empirical evidence of the significant role of supply chain practices in uncertain business conditions. In addition, this study addresses the gap in extant literature and shows that managers need to consider their manufacturing approach in SCI to improve business performance.
The role and attributes of manufacturing companies in virtual supply chains
Authors: Swierczek Artur , Kisperska-Moron Danuta
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the role and main attributes of manufacturing companies which operate in virtual supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to identify the role and main attributes of manufacturing companies enabling to operate in a virtual supply chain, a three-step statistical analysis was employed, namely exploratory factor analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and non-hierarchical clustering technique.

Findings

– The findings show that virtual supply chain operations would not be supported by manufacturing companies offering highly customized products achieved by a unit production, developed in details and engineered to order. On the contrary, the large manufacturing companies of virtual supply chains report a high level of flexibility stemming from a wide scope of more standardized products offered to the market. The conducted study show that better ability of manufacturers supporting virtual supply chains is not industry specific.

Research limitations/implications

– The list of investigated attributes is not complete, and other characteristics of manufacturers in virtual supply chains should be identified. Another important shortcoming of the study is its quantitative character and generalization of the findings. Each “virtual” environment in supply chains may be unique and some of the compared characteristics may differ significantly. Therefore, the aforementioned attributes should be considered separately with a conscious focus on the environmental context. The quantitative study may be greatly enhanced by applying the case study approach, showing detailed solutions and practices, and thus making the study more valuable from the theoretical and managerial standpoints.

Practical implications

– The conducted study showed that better ability of manufacturers to support virtual supply chains is not industry specific, since the branch of electronic products and electrical equipment and components was represented by an equal share of manufacturers, both in non-virtual and virtual clusters. Furthermore, in order to operate in virtual supply chains, managers should pay attention to the structure and range of products delivered to the market. The managers should also be aware that apart from considering cost and efficiency, operating in a virtual supply chain environment also requires quality of products and processes in order to manufacture and deliver a superior value for the customers.

Originality/value

– Having recognized major groups of indicators demonstrating the level of ability of manufacturing companies to operate in a virtual supply chain, the attributes of three clusters of manufacturers possessing different bunch of features, significant for virtual supply chains, have been distinguished.
Monitoring antipsychotic side effects: a competed audit cycle conducted in a secure hospital
Authors: Haw Camilla , Muthu-Veloe Ayesha , Suett Mark , Ibodor Oghodafetite , Picchioni Marco
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a completed audit cycle of the assessment and documentation of antipsychotic side effects reported by patients in a secure hospital setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The initial audit was carried out in 2012. As a result of the findings clinicians were recommended to use a brief structured side effect monitoring guide (the Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale (GASS-m)). The audit was repeated in 2015.

Findings

– Of the 41 patients notes included in the initial audit, for only one (2.4 per cent) was there evidence of a systematic and structured approach to monitoring antipsychotic side effects. In the repeat audit this figure (and use of the GASS-m) had increased to 21/45 (46.7 per cent). For all patients where the GASS-m had been used (n=21) the overall severity of side effects was in the “mild” range (0-21).

Research limitations/implications

– Sample size was modest and the study was conducted in an independent secure hospital so may not be generalisable to the NHS.

Practical implications

– Use of structured tools/guides to monitor patients’ side effects is recommended so that emergent side effects can be readily recognised, tracked and managed and, relapses made less likely through improved compliance and thus patients’ quality of life improved. This is very important for forensic patients since relapses are likely to increase risk to others.

Originality/value

– Previous audits have addressed physical health monitoring of patients on antipsychotics but not by asking them about side effects.
Essential elements of treatment and care in high secure forensic inpatient services: an expert consensus study
Authors: Tapp James , Warren Fiona , Fife-Schaw Chris , Perkins Derek , Moore Estelle
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The evidence base for what works with forensic patients in high-security inpatient settings has typically focused on outcome research and not included clinical expertise from practice-based experience, which is an important facet of evidence-based practice. The purpose of this paper is to establish whether experts with clinical and/or research experience in this setting could reach consensus on elements of high-security hospital services that would be essential to the rehabilitation of forensic patients.

Design/methodology/approach

– A three-round Delphi survey was conducted to achieve this aim. Experts were invited to rate agreement with elements of practice and interventions derived from existing research evidence and patient perspectives on what worked. Experts were also invited to propose elements of hospital treatment based on their individual knowledge and experience.

Findings

– In the first round 54 experts reached consensus on 27 (out of 39) elements that included physical (e.g. use of CCTV), procedural (e.g. managing restricted items) and relational practices (e.g. promoting therapeutic alliances), and to a lesser extent-specific medical, psychological and social interventions. In total, 16 additional elements were also proposed by experts. In round 2 experts (n=45) were unable to reach a consensus on how essential each of the described practices were. In round 3 (n=35), where group consensus feedback from round 2 was provided, consensus was still not reached.

Research limitations/implications

– Patient case complexity, interventions with overlapping outcomes and a chequered evidence base history for this population are offered as explanations for this finding alongside limitations with the Delphi method.

Practical implications

– Based on the consensus for essential elements derived from research evidence and patient experience, high-secure hospital services might consider those practices and interventions that experts agreed were therapeutic options for reducing risk of offending, improving interpersonal skills and therapeutic interactions with patients, and mental health restoration.

Originality/value

– The study triangulates what works research evidence from this type of forensic setting and is the first to use a Delphi survey in an attempt to collate this information.
An exploration of staff and prisoner experiences of a newly commissioned personality disorder service within a category B male establishment
Authors: Hadden Jennifer Marie , Thomas Susan , Jellicoe-Jones Lorna , Marsh Zoe
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore staff and prisoner experiences of a newly implemented Personality Disorder Service (PDS) within a category B male establishment.

Design/methodology/approach

– A semi-structured interview was used to explore the experiences of seven male category B PDS prisoners and eight PDS members of staff (four National Health Service (NHS) clinical staff and four prison service staff) from a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was completed.

Findings

– Prisoner sample: one overarching theme “environment” organised two themes: “enabling factors” and “disabling factors” which had a subtheme “integrating men who have sexually offended onto the unit”. Another theme “opportunities for self-development” was identified. Staff sample: an overarching theme “environment” organised two themes: “enabling factors” and “disabling factors”. An overarching theme “multi-disciplinary working” organised two themes: “working in partnership” and “cultural differences in working practices”. Two further themes were: “professional development” and “stressors”.

Research limitations/implications

– This study focused on a small sample of staff and prisoners and their experiences of a newly implemented PDS. In addition, both staff and prisoners volunteered to take part in the study, and therefore may not be a representative sample. Consequently the results cannot be generalised to other establishments or PD services.

Practical implications

– Staff and prisoner experiences indicate that a multi-disciplinary approach to personality disorder services is desirable and can be effective. Prisoners are gaining experiences of positive therapeutic relationships with staff and hope that their experiences of the PDS will reduce their risk of reoffending. Staff experiences indicate that the integration of two services presents challenges and that they are working to overcome these. It may be advantageous for the impact of cultural differences within a MDT to be explored further.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that explores the experiences of the MDT and prisoners of the newly implemented PDS. The PDS forms part of the new development under the National Offender personality disorder pathway.
Urban crime prevention – broadening of perspectives
Authors: Schubert Herbert
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The contribution is focussed on the question of which logic and which distinctive lines of development have shaped the discourse on urban crime prevention and will probably shape it in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparing the line of development in thinking about urban crime prevention: starting with the approaches of the rational choice theory and of architectural determinism that were integrated in the practical approach of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED). Looking on the continuation in the recent past: aspects of social cohesion and disorganization in the neighbourhood – represented by the collective efficacy – were integrated with the traditional lines of argumentation. Continuing to the present, the actor network theory opens up advanced perspectives of the integration and development of urban crime prevention.

Findings

Comparison of the approaches of the rational choice theory and of architectural determinism. Their combination in the practical approach of CPTED. Integration of these lines of argumentation with aspects of social cohesion and disorganization in the neighbourhood represented by the collective efficacy and the absorption in the concept of second-generation CPTED in the recent past. Opening up for advanced perspectives of the integration and development of urban crime prevention by the actor network theory.

Originality/value

The process analysis by linking the rational choice theory, the architectural determinism, the collective efficacy theory and the actor network theory to a continuous development represents an innovative perspective on the discourse on urban crime prevention.
Crime prevention through urban design and planning in the smart city era
Authors: Chiodi Sarah Isabella
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse the nexus between Crime Prevention through Urban Design and Planning (CP-UDP) and e-participation in urban planning, with the idea that a comprehensive planning approach is needed in order to have effective safe cities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on some European case studies on CP-UDP learned by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (EU COST) Action TU1203 and on a personal research experience focused on CPTED and its potential development in Italy – which was based on literature review and interviews with key informants.

Findings

CP-UDP, as a proactive and potentially effective crime prevention strategy plays an important role in order to implement safer cities. Information and communications technology (ICT) can provide a valuable tool to enhance participatory planning. The thesis supported in this paper is that through the widespread of e-participation in urban planning is possible to implement safer cities if a comprehensive planning approach is applied and Italy has already made its first steps forward this direction.

Originality/value

The smart city concept pervades contemporary urban studies, supported by European policies, according to the logic that the use of ICT could contribute to sustainable development in its various dimensions. A new-generation CP-UDP focused on e-participation may enhance safer cities.
Emergence of cultural intelligence and global mindset capital: a multilevel model
Authors: Ramsey Jase R. , Abi Aad Amine , Jiang Chuandi , Barakat Livia , Drummond Virginia
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish under which conditions researchers should use the constructs cultural intelligence (CQ) and global mindset (GM). The authors further seek to understand the process through which these constructs emerge to a higher level and link unit-level knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) capital to pertinent firm-level outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual study with a multilevel model.

Findings

This paper differentiates two similar lines of research occurring concordantly on the CQ and GM constructs. Next, the authors develop a multilevel model to better understand the process through which CQ and GM emerge at higher levels and their underlying mechanisms. Finally, this paper adds meaning to the firm-level KSAs by linking firm-level KSAs capital to pertinent firm-level outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusion implies that researchers should use CQ when the context is focused on interpersonal outcomes and GM when focused on strategic outcomes. The multilevel model is a useful tool for scholars to select which rubric to use in future studies that have international managers as the subjects. The authors argue that if the scholar is interested in an individual’s ability to craft policy and implement strategy, then GM may be more parsimonious than CQ. On the other hand, if the focus is on leadership, human resources or any other relationship dependent outcome, then CQ will provide a more robust measure.

Practical implications

For practitioners, this study provides a useful tool for managers to improve individual-level commitment by selecting and training individuals high in CQ. On the other hand, if the desired outcome is firm-level sales or performance, the focus should be on targeting individuals high in GM.

Originality/value

This is the first theoretical paper to examine how CQ and GM emerge to the firm level and describe when to use each measure.
Two cases of erosive oral lichen planus with autoantibodies to desmoglein 3
Authors: Muramatsu Ken , Nishie Wataru , Natsuga Ken , Fujita Yasuyuki , Iwata Hiroaki , Yamada Tamaki , Yamashita Emi , Asaka Takuya , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa of unknown etiology. Clinically, the erosive type of OLP (erosive OLP) can show features similar to those of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), an autoimmune blistering disorder in which desmoglein (Dsg)3 is targeted. In addition to clinical and histopathological findings, immunological studies, including direct immunofluorescence (IF), indirect IF and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detect autoantibodies to Dsg3, are helpful in differentiating erosive OLP from PV. Here, we show two cases of erosive OLP with autoantibodies to Dsg3. Patient 1 was a 68‐year‐old woman with chronic erosions of the oral mucosa, in which elevated levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies to Dsg1 and Dsg3 were detected by ELISA. Patient 2 was an 85‐year‐old woman with white striae with erosions on the lateral sides of the buccal mucosa with elevated levels of IgG autoantibodies to Dsg3 detected by ELISA. Histopathological findings from both cases showed lichenoid dermatitis, and both direct and indirect IF showed no tissue‐bound IgG autoantibodies. From these findings, the diagnosis of erosive OLP was made. Immunological assays revealed both cases to have IgG‐directing calcium‐independent linear epitopes on Dsg3, which are suggestive of non‐pathogenic autoantibodies. In addition, autoantibodies to Dsg3 in patient 2 reacted with a prosequence‐possessing precursor form of Dsg3 but not with the mature form of the molecule. The present study suggests that erosive OLP may develop anti‐Dsg3 autoantibodies, which should be carefully assessed.
Do cities represent sources, sinks or isolated islands for urban wild boar population structure?
Authors: Stillfried Milena , Fickel Jörns , Börner Konstantin , Wittstatt Ulrich , Heddergott Mike , Ortmann Sylvia , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie , Frantz Alain C.
Published: July 2016

Urban sprawl has resulted in the permanent presence of large mammal species in urban areas, leading to human–wildlife conflicts. Wild boar Sus scrofa are establishing a permanent presence in many cities in Europe, with the largest German urban population occurring in Berlin. Despite their relatively long‐term presence, there is little knowledge of colonization processes, dispersal patterns or connectivity of Berlin's populations, hampering the development of effective management plans.

We used 13 microsatellite loci to genotype 387 adult and subadult wild boar from four urban forests, adjacent built‐up areas and the surrounding rural forests. We applied genetic clustering algorithms to analyse the population genetic structure of the urban boar. We used approximate Bayesian computation to infer the boar's colonization history of the city. Finally, we used assignment tests to determine the origin of wild boar hunted in the urban built‐up areas.

The animals in three urban forests formed distinct genetic clusters, with the remaining samples all being assigned to one rural population. One urban cluster was founded by individuals from another urban cluster rather than by rural immigrants.

The wild boar that had been harvested within urban built‐up areas was predominantly assigned to the rural cluster surrounding the urban area, rather than to one of the urban clusters.

Synthesis and applications. Our results are likely to have an immediate impact on management strategies for urban wild board populations in Berlin, because they show that there are not only distinct urban clusters, but also ongoing source–sink dynamics between urban and rural areas. It is therefore essential that the neighbouring Federal States of Berlin and Brandenburg develop common hunting plans to control the wild boar population and reduce conflicts in urban areas.
Retracted: Co‐fruiting plant species share similar fruit and seed traits while phylogenetic patterns vary through time
Authors: Razafindratsima Onja H. , Dunham Amy E.
Published: July 2016

Co‐fruiting plant species are subject to a variety of biotic and abiotic processes that may influence patterns of fruiting phenology and the functional and phylogenetic diversity of co‐fruiting taxa in a community. Understanding the seasonal patterns of functional and phylogenetic diversity of fruiting in a community will shed new light on potential mechanisms structuring plant communities.

Using rain forest trees in south‐eastern Madagascar as our system, we predicted there would be clustering of fruit and seed traits and phylogenetic relationships among co‐fruiting species because plants are vying for seed‐dispersal services from a limited set of generalist frugivore taxa. We also predicted that seasonal variations in rainfall would mediate fluctuations in functional trait and phylogenetic diversity of co‐fruiting assemblages.

Despite fluctuating patterns in their functional trait diversity over time, co‐fruiting assemblages displayed consistent clustering of fruit/seed traits across time. Phylogenetic diversity was not clustered overall, but fluctuated non‐randomly in time, between clustered and overdispersed, such that strong shifts in rainfall were associated with the co‐fruiting of more closely related species.

Synthesis. We suggest that it may be more beneficial for co‐fruiting plant species to share similar fruit and seed traits than to diversify traits, when they rely on a comparatively small set of generalist frugivorous taxa for seed dispersal. Results also demonstrate that rainfall‐driven environmental filtering may cause seasonal fluctuations in the phylogenetic patterns of phenology in a community. Results highlight the importance of a temporal context in examining structural patterns of communities.
Soil compartment is a major determinant of the impact of simulated rainfall on desert microbiota
Authors: Aslam Shazia N. , Dumbrell Alex J. , Sabir Jamal S. , Mutwakil Mohammed H. Z. , Baeshen Mohammed M. N. , Abo‐Aba Salah E. M. , Clark Dave R. , Yates Steven A. , Baeshen Nabih A. , Underwood Graham J. C. , McGenity Terry J.
Published: July 2016

Although desert soils support functionally important microbial communities that affect plant growth and influence many biogeochemical processes, the impact of future changes in precipitation patterns on the microbiota and their activities is largely unknown. We performed in‐situ experiments to investigate the effect of simulated rainfall on bacterial communities associated with the widespread perennial shrub, Rhazya stricta in Arabian desert soils. The bacterial community composition was distinct between three different soil compartments: surface biological crust, root‐attached, and the broader rhizosphere. Simulated rainfall had no significant effect on the overall bacterial community composition, but some population‐level responses were observed, especially in soil crusts where Betaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteria, and Bacilli became more abundant. Bacterial biomass in the nutrient‐rich crust increased three‐fold one week after watering, whereas it did not change in the rhizosphere, despite its much higher water retention. These findings indicate that between rainfall events, desert‐soil microbial communities enter into stasis, with limited species turnover, and reactivate rapidly and relatively uniformly when water becomes available. However, microbiota in the crust, which was relatively enriched in nutrients and organic matter, were primarily water‐limited, compared with the rhizosphere microbiota that were co‐limited by nutrients and water.
Direct and Indirect Welfare Chauvinism as Party Strategies: An Analysis of the Danish People's Party
Authors: Careja Romana , Elmelund‐Præstekær Christian , Baggesen Klitgaard Michael , Larsen Erik Gahner
Published: July 2016

This article develops a theoretical distinction between direct and indirect welfare chauvinism in order to analyze how electorally successful populist right‐wing parties transmit social policy preferences with significant redistributive implications for the shape of the welfare state. Direct welfare chauvinism occurs as a result of legislative changes that explicitly exclude recipients from social protection or reduce the level thereof on the basis of ethnicity. Indirect welfare chauvinism is the result of policy measures that apply to both natives and immigrants, but which deliberately negatively affect immigrants the most. Combining quantitative and qualitative analysis of labour market reforms in Denmark, where one of the most successful populist right‐wing parties in Europe – the Danish People's Party – held a pivotal position in the period 2001–11, the article traces the intentions and deliberate policy‐making strategies of the party. It shows that the distinction between direct and indirect chauvinism is a useful theoretical tool for understanding how the Danish People's Party can fulfill the expectations of both its electorate and its coalition partners, even if they point in different directions.
Review article: Effectiveness of ultra‐brief interventions in the emergency department to reduce alcohol consumption: A systematic review
Authors: McGinnes Rosemary A , Hutton Jennie E , Weiland Tracey J , Fatovich Daniel M , Egerton‐Warburton Diana
Published: July 2016

To assess the effectiveness of ultra‐brief interventions (ultra‐BI) or technology‐involved preventive measures in the ED to reduce alcohol harm and risky drinking. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EBM reviews were searched for articles published between 1996 and 2015. Randomised controlled trials and quasi‐randomised trials, which compared an ultra‐BI with screening, standard care or minimal intervention for adults and adolescents at risk for alcohol‐related harm presenting to an ED, were included. Outcomes of interest were frequency of alcohol consumption, quantity of alcohol consumed, binge drinking and ED representation. Thirteen studies (nine single centre and four multicentre) were included. Six studies showed a significant reduction in the quantity consumed with intermediate effect size at 3 months (d = −0.40) and small effect size at 12 months (d = −0.15). Two studies showed a significant reduction in binge drinking with small effect size at 3 months (d = −0.12) and 12 months (d = −0.09). No studies showed an effect on frequency of alcohol consumption or ED representation. Heterogeneity in study design, definition of risky, harmful or hazardous alcohol use, intervention types, outcomes, outcome timeframes and outcome measures prevented the performance of quantitative meta‐analysis. Despite its limited effectiveness in reducing alcohol use in the short‐term, with the large number of people attending EDs with risky drinking, the use of an effective ultra‐BI would have the potential to have a measurable population effect.
PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone inhibits migration and invasion by downregulating Cyr61 in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Kwon Eun‐Jeong , Park Eun‐Jung , Choi Sungwook , Kim Sang‐Rim , Cho Moonjae , Kim Jinseok
Published: July 2016

Aim

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists have anti‐inflammatory properties that reduce inflammatory cytokine production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61) is associated with diseases related to chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of PPARγ agonists on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐induced fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) invasion and migration, as well as Cyr61 production, in RA‐FLS.

Methods

FLS were cultured with TNF‐α and Cyr61 in the presence or absence of PPARγ agonists. Matrix metalloproteinase and Cyr61 expression levels in RA‐FLS and culture supernatants were measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting. The migration and invasion phenotypes of RA‐FLS were determined by wound healing and Boyden chamber assays.

Results

Cyr61 protein was expressed in RA‐FLS, and its intracellular expression and secretion levels were increased by TNF‐α. Moreover, Cyr61 directly promoted RA‐FLS migration and invasion. Rosiglitazone (RSG) significantly decreased TNF‐α‐induced Cyr61 expression. RSG decreased TNF‐α‐induced nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and inhibitor of κBα degradation. Furthermore, RSG inhibited TNF‐α‐induced RA‐FLS migration and invasion and decreased Cyr61 treatment‐induced RA‐FLS invasion. Finally, blocking Cyr61 significantly attenuated TNF‐α‐induced migration.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate for the first time that PPARγ agonists may have beneficial effects on the migration and invasion of RA‐FLS via the downregulation of Cyr61. Therefore, PPARγ agonists could be potential treatment targets for RA.
Clinical significance of SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs11722228 polymorphisms in gout
Authors: Das Gupta Esha , Sakthiswary Rajalingham , Lee Shing L. , Wong Shew F. , Hussein Heselynn , Gun Suk C.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The main objective of this study is to elucidate the clinical significance of the SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs11722228 polymorphism among male gout patients.

Method

We consecutively recruited all newly diagnosed male gout patients who were treatment‐naive from the rheumatology outpatient clinics of two Malaysian hospitals. Age‐matched healthy male adults were employed as controls. All subjects were tested for the SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs11722228 genotypes, serum uric acid (SUA), urine uric acid and creatinine levels. All gout subjects were examined for the presence of tophi and sonographically screened for renal calculi.

Results

A total of 73 male gout patients and 73 age‐matched healthy male adults were recruited in this study. The genotypic frequencies of SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs1172228 did not differ significantly between the gout cases and the healthy controls. The gout subjects with the CC genotype had significantly higher SUA levels (P = 0.002), family history of gout (P < 0.050) and the occurrence of renal calculi (P = 0.026). The SUA‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the occurrence of renal calculi in the CC genotype (OR = 1 [reference]) was significantly higher than the CT genotype (OR = 0.338, 95%CI: 0.141–0.813) and the TT genotype (OR = 0.271, 95%CI: 0.086–0.854).

Conclusions

The genotypic distribution of SLC2A9/GLUT9 rs1172228 in male gout patients did not differ significantly from that of healthy male controls. However, the CC genotype in gout had significant associations with higher levels of SUA, renal calculi and a positive family history of gout.
Prevalence and predictors of hand involvement in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Wangkaew Suparaporn , Sivasomboon Chate , Leungwatthananon Wit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Louthrenoo Worawit
Published: July 2016

Aim

Data regarding the clinical and radiographic hand involvement in Asian patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are limited. Thus, we determined the prevalence of clinical and radiographic hand involvement in Thai SSc patients, comparing diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). We also determined the factors associated with arthritis, contracture of fingers and digital ulcers.

Method

SSc patients seen at the Rheumatology Clinic, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, from December 2012 to June 2013 were consecutively invited to enroll in the study. After study entry, demographic data, clinical features and hand radiographs were evaluated.

Result

We studied 110 SSc patients (73 dcSSc) with mean ± SD age of 53.2 ± 9.2 years and disease duration from non‐Raynaud's phenomenon of 4.9 ± 4.8 years. The prevalence of arthritis, finger contractures and digital ulcers were 10 (9.1%), 47 (42.7%), and 14 (12.7%), respectively. DcSSc patients had significantly more of the following hand complications than lcSSc patients: digital pitting scar (53.4% vs. 27.0%, P = 0.008), digital ulcer (17.8% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.032), traumatic ulcer (27.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), acrolysis (45.2% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.007) and flexion contracture (60.3% vs. 8.1%, P < 0.001). Radiographic finger contractures were more prevalent in the dcSSc subset. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a positive rheumatoid factor was associated with arthritis; dcSSc, arthritis and modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS) > 18 were associated with contracture of fingers. Furthermore, hand MRSS > 4 was associated with digital ulcers.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that dcSSc patients had more severe clinical hand complications than lcSSc. However, radiographic findings were similar among subgroups, except that more finger contractures were seen in dcSSc. Finally, the presence of rheumatoid factor is associated with arthritis, and high MRSS is associated with finger contractures and digital ulcers.
Advantage of administering tacrolimus for improving prognosis of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Ueno Ken‐ichi , Shimojima Yasuhiro , Kishida Dai , Sekijima Yoshiki , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: July 2016

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic advantage of administering tacrolimus (TAC) in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes after initiating treatment in 66 patients with PM/DM (28 PM and 38 DM). After initiating treatment, the prognosis was compared between patients who received TAC in combination with prednisolone (PSL) (the concomitant TAC group), and patients who were treated with PSL alone. The therapeutic efficacy of TAC was also evaluated for patients in the concomitant TAC group as well as patients who started additional TAC treatment after relapse (the additional TAC group), by analyzing clinical results, including serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, muscle strength and the daily dose of PSL.

Results

Patients in the concomitant TAC group had significantly lower frequency of relapse and longer periods of remission than patients who were treated with PSL alone (P = 0.0001, P = 0.001, respectively). Significant decreases in CK levels were observed 1 month after starting TAC treatment in both the concomitant TAC group and the additional TAC group. Moreover, the significant effects of withdrawing PSL were also demonstrated in both groups.

Conclusion

Concomitant use of TAC with PSL clearly provides a favorable outcome in patients with DM/PM. Furthermore, additional treatment with TAC is useful for improving prognosis even after recurrence.
A Contingent Embrace: Divergent Realities of Inclusion at a Rural School
Authors: Ortiz Cristina
Published: July 2016

This article examines a rural public school with an increasingly racially diverse and working‐class student body as a site where inclusion and exclusion were negotiated based on popular beliefs about culture. I look at how the interpretation of particular behaviors as indicative of a cultural regard for the value of formal education created divergent understandings of the school as welcoming or exclusive. Although the school's mission statement explicitly positioned the school as inclusive, many Latinos understood the acceptance of their presence and their culture in the institution as conditional on their assimilation.
Tibial tunnel defect size as a risk factor in growth arrest following paediatric transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an anatomical study
Authors: Pananwala Hasitha , Jabbar Yaser , Mills Leonora , Symes Michael , Nandapalan Haren , Sefton Andrew , Delungahawatte Lasitha , Dao Quang
Published: July 2016

Background

There is ongoing controversy regarding growth disturbances in younger patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Animal models have shown that an injury of 7–9% of the physeal area is a risk factor for growth disturbances.

Methods

A total of 39 magnetic resonance imaging studies of the knee were examined. The proximal tibial physeal area was determined using a calibrated ‘region of interest’ ligature encompassing the tibial physis in the axial plane. The potential defect left by commonly used drill sizes was calculated as a percentage of the physeal area.

Results

A 7‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 1.45% physeal area (range: 1.11–1.89%, SD: 0.28, 95% CI: ±0.09), 8‐mm drill leaves a 1.84% mean defect (range: 1.43–2.49%, SD: 0.38, 95% CI: ±0.12) and a 9‐mm drill leaves a 2.30% mean defect (range: 1.83–3.19%, SD: 0.58, 95% CI: ±0.17). At 55°, 7‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 1.96% (range: 1.32–2.28%, SD: 0.37, 95% CI: ±0.12), 8‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 2.19% (range: 1.71–2.95%, SD: 0.46, 95% CI: ±0.14) and a 9‐mm drill leaves a mean defect of 2.76% (range: 2.16–3.73%, SD: 0.58, 95% CI: ±0.18). There was a statistically significant difference in the tunnel area with a change of drill angle (7‐mm drill P = 0.005, 8‐mm drill P = 0.001, 9‐mm drill P = 0.001).

Conclusion

On the basis of this study in the context of animal model and observational evidence, the area of physeal injury using drill tunnels for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction would not appear to contribute to potential growth disturbances.