bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of chaotic dynamics for aircraft assembly lines
Authors: Xin Bo , Li Yuan , Yu Jian-feng , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of the aircraft assembly lines. An approach for modeling and analyzing the production rate of an aircraft assembly line is introduced using the chaos theory.

Design/methodology/approach

First, two key system variables including reliability and learning ability are considered to control the dynamics model. The discrete-time dynamics equation of the production rate is established as a function of the reliability and the learning rate. Then an improved Gauss-learning curve is proposed and applied to aircraft assembling condition. Finally, the bifurcation diagrams and the maximal Lyapunov exponents are used and applied to the experimental study to analyze the dynamic behavior under different combinations of parameters.

Findings

On the basis of the experimental study, it is shown that chaotic behavior really exists in the aircraft assembly lines. The reliability and the Gauss-learning curve can nonlinearly affect the production rate.

Originality/value

This paper applied nonlinear dynamics and chaotic theory to the production analyses of the aircraft assembly lines for the first time. The proposed model has been successfully applied to a practical case, and the result justifies its advantage as well as feasibility to both theory and engineering application.
A force rendering model for virtual assembly of mechanical parts with clearance fits
Authors: Wang QingHui , Huang Zhong-Dong , Li JingRong , Liu Jia-Wu
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Realistic force sensation can help operators better feel and manipulate parts for virtual assembly (VA). Moreover, for VA of mechanical parts, it is necessary to consider their tolerance levels so as to apply proper assembly forces. Out of the three common assembly fit types, the type of clearance fit is the focus of virtual manual assembly, as parts with such fit type require precise force feedback to assist users’ assembly operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a novel force rendering model for VA of mechanical parts with clearance fits. By decomposing an actual assembly operation into three consecutive states, the corresponding forces are formulated.

Findings

A prototype system is designed and developed to implement the model, and comparative case studies are conducted to investigate the users’ performance with the other three common approaches, namely, a typical WIMP (window-icon-menu-pointer) interface with CAD software, a physics simulation with collision detection and the approach that combines physics simulation and geometric constraints restriction. The results have shown that the proposed model is more realistic by providing continuous and realistic force feedback to the users.

Originality/value

The users’ feeling of immersion and their operational efficiency are greatly enhanced with the force sensation provided.
Institutional support and women’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy
Authors: Kazumi Tomoyo , Kawai Norifumi
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explores the extent to which local institutional forces affect female entrepreneurial venture performance. Drawing upon a unified theoretical framework of social cognitive and institutional perspectives, the authors scrutinize the complex interplay among institutional support, entrepreneurial cognitions and entrepreneurial success.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a unique sample of 202 female entrepreneurs in 30 provinces throughout Japan, this paper grounded social cognitive theory and attempted to clear the relation between women’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy and venture performance empirically by statistical analysis.

Findings

The findings of structural equation modeling indicate that women’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy is a strong and useful mediator of the effect of informal institutional support on venture performance. Unexpectedly, formal institutional support shows no correlation with entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Practical implications

This study proposes that perceived social legitimacy may lead to increased entrepreneurial self-efficacy, thereby enhancing venture performance. This finding can clarify the institutional force pathways to foster entrepreneurial confidence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of female entrepreneurship by examining institutional antecedents of women’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Focused on the case of Japanese female entrepreneurs, this study is unique and valuable.
Determinants of bank’s profitability: role of poor asset quality in Asia
Authors: Salike Nimesh , Ao Biao
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of Asian banks’ profitability with particular focus on the role of asset quality. This concern has been particularly important as the Basel III imposed more stringent requirements in banking regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses fixed effect estimation for the panel data of the sample that consists of 947 banks from 12 Asian economies over the period of 2001-2015.

Findings

The authors find that poor asset quality (measured as impaired loans over gross loans) has a significant negative impact on banks’ profitability. Other bank-specific variables – capital adequacy, income diversification and operating inefficiency – are also important determinants. With regard to macroeconomic factors – real gross domestic product growth has most significant influence on the performance of banks.

Research limitations/implications

The authors also find that the banks operating in non-advanced economies enjoy higher profit margin than banks operating in advanced economies.

Practical implications

Although the average asset quality in Asian banks improved over the years, governments could promote more competition, particularly in non-advanced economies. Banks in the region are recommended to diversify their income by avoiding over reliance on interest income.

Originality/value

Although there are prior studies that looked into asset quality, in particular with regard to the European and US experience, to the best of the authors’ knowledge there is no such study that explores cross-country Asian countries. In addition, the other primary determinants of Asian banks’ profitability are investigated. Further, the authors also looked in depth at the performance of the banks in advanced and non-advanced Asian economies.
Motivating students on ICT-related study programs to engage with the subject of sustainable development
Authors: Hilty Lorenz M. , Huber Patrizia
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Sustainable development (SD) does not usually form part of the curriculum of ICT-related study programs such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, and Informatics. However, many topics form a bridge between SD and ICT and could potentially be integrated into ICT-related study programs. This paper reports the findings of a study into which specific topics in the field of SD have the greatest potential to motivate students on ICT-related study programs to engage with the topic of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory study, the authors evaluated Bachelor’s and Master’s courses that introduced the topic of SD to students on ICT-related study programs. The evaluation focuses on the insights that the students gained into sustainability and the extent to which their motivation to engage with the subject was increased. The evaluation combines qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Findings

The authors identify five thematic clusters with the greatest potential to motivate students to engage with the topic of sustainability: A conceptual model of the positive and negative impacts of ICT; Reports on the recycling of ICT hardware; Examples of using ICT to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with a focus on the substitution of virtual for physical presence; Statistical data on post-industrial seemingly dematerialized economies and the contradiction with regard to the total material demand of such economies; Evidence for rebound effects that lead to increasing demand for goods or services that are produced with less energy input or can be consumed faster.

Originality/value

ICT is a transformational and to a certain extent disruptive technology. It is therefore important to discuss the development of ICT and its applications in the context of SD. Several authors have pointed out the need to integrate the topic of sustainability into ICT courses at universities and similar, but few have discussed how this can be done in practice. Our study is the first to explore which topics have the greatest potential to motivate students on ICT-related programs to engage with the area of SD.
The role of business intelligence in sustainability reporting for South African higher education institutions
Authors: Calitz Andre , Bosire Samual , Cullen Margaret
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to show that business intelligence (BI) is a key component of a sustainability-reporting framework for higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Four questionnaires were administered to Registrars and managers at 21 South African HEIs and at selected international HEIs. The data analysis entailed both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The study confirmed that factors such as management buy-in, the availability of BI reports and the provision of reporting guidelines were positively related to effective strategic planning. The study shows that the use of BI by South African HEIs is still at a low maturity level.

Research limitations/implications

The case study used is the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The implications are relevant for all 26 HEIs in South Africa.

Practical implications

HEIs must invest in technological tools, including BI to provide information in understandable and usable formats for management and other relevant stakeholders.

Social implications

BI reporting can assist all stakeholders to obtain the relevant and required information relating to HEI operations and strategic management initiatives and activities.

Originality/value

The study concludes that HEIs ought to invest in BI technologies that can assist the sustainability reporting process to ensure stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
The cost of sustainability in higher education: staff and student views of a campus food culture
Authors: Shaw Amy , Capetola Teresa , Lawson Justin T. , Henderson-Wilson Claire , Murphy Berni
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the sustainability of the food culture at Deakin University and to determine what the barriers to increasing the sustainability of food on the Burwood campus may be.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of staff and students from the Faculty of Health at the Burwood campus of Deakin University (n = 697) was undertaken. The survey included questions relating to eating habits on campus, views on the current food culture, food security, food disposal, visions for the future and demographic information. In addition, a short paper-based survey was developed for the ten food outlets on campus.

Findings

The results show that although sustainability considerations are important to staff and students, cost is the main issue and is a significant barrier to the development of a more sustainable food culture. It is also a significant barrier to staff and students making healthy choices when it comes to the purchase of food on campus. However, sustainable food initiatives such as community gardens could help alleviate this barrier and also contribute to improving student engagement.

Research limitations/implications

The online survey was limited to the Faculty of Health, and, therefore, a potential bias exists towards individuals who may have an interest in health. This should be considered when interpreting the results.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates that although cost may be a barrier to universities improving the sustainability of their food culture, there are other ways in which universities can create an environment that embraces sustainable food production to benefit both the environment and the university community.
Delighted or outraged? Uncovering key drivers of exceedingly positive and negative theme park guest experiences
Authors: Torres Edwin N. , Milman Ady , Park Soona
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Despite multiple studies of customer delight in various service industries, limited research exists in the hedonically driven theme park context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the key drivers of customer delight and outrage in theme parks by analyzing TripAdvisor’s comments from visitors to the top 20 North American theme parks.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the analysis of thousands of extremely positive and negative comments using MAXQDA qualitative software, keywords drivers of delight and outrage were identified. The researchers applied both thematic and root cause in order to ascertain the sources leading to both positive and negative consumer feedback.

Findings

Delighted guests relayed various aspects of their experience including positive affect experience, positive value perceptions, and limited wait times. Root causes that influenced customer delight included: excellent core product, quality food and beverage, servicescape, pricing decisions, and low visitor demand or sensible admissions policies. Outraged guests described various aspects of their experiences such as negative perceptions of value, long waits, poor customer service, and negative emotions. Root causes for customer outrage included low quality or deficient core products, poor quality of food and beverage, poor facility maintenance, aggressive pricing decisions, poor staff selection, training, and working conditions, and high customer demand on any given date or aggressive admissions policies.

Originality/value

The present research is unique in that it exposes the key themes of customer delight and outrage in the theme park setting, presents a conceptual model, and analyzes its root causes.
General strain theory of Internet addiction and deviant behaviour in social networking sites (SNS)
Authors: Mubarak AR , Quinn Steve
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore the association between internet addiction and problem behaviours on social networking sites (SNS) using the general strain theory (Agnew, 1992).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the purposive sampling method, a survey was conducted, which collected data from 414 college students studying in two public universities in South Australia. The Delphi method was used to develop the questionnaire used for the survey.

Findings

'Results of this research indicated a significant association between internet addiction and problem behaviours on SNS. Respondents who had engaged in problem behaviours on SNS had high internet addiction test scores (Young, 1998). On the basis of this finding, the present research argues that the general strains associated with the suffering of newly emerging challenges such as internet addiction might contribute to victimisation and deviant and problem behaviours on SNS in specific and possibly in cyberspace in general.

Research limitations/implications

Results of the present study need to be interpreted cautiously due to many limitations it has. This research is a cross-sectional study, which might not adequately explain the associations between internet addiction and problem behaviours on SNS. Longitudinal studies involving larger samples might have added significant value to this study. The present study uses purposive sampling technique, which has limited its generalizability, and its findings may not be generalised to large populations.

Originality/value

Limited information is available pertaining to the association between problem behaviours on SNS and internet addiction. The present study is a pioneering effort, which argues that rapid popularity of SNS is likely to increase internet addiction and the frustration of not getting proper treatment for their internet addiction might lead to deviant behaviours on SNS.
Manufacturing relocation through offshoring and backshoring: the case of Sweden
Authors: Johansson Malin , Olhager Jan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present recent empirical results concerning offshoring and backshoring of manufacturing from and to Sweden, to increase the understanding of manufacturing relocation in an international context. In particular, extent, geographies, type of production, drivers, and benefits of moving manufacturing in both directions are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data from 373 manufacturing plants. The same set of questions is used for both offshoring and backshoring between 2010 and 2015, which allows similarities and differences in decision-making and results between the two relocation directions to be identified.

Findings

There are many significant differences between offshoring and backshoring projects. Labour cost is the dominating factor in offshoring, as driver and benefit, while backshoring is related to many drivers and benefits, such as quality, lead-time, flexibility, access to skills and knowledge, access to technology, and proximity to R&D. This is also reflected in the type of production that is relocated; labour-intensive production is offshored and complex production is backshored.

Research limitations/implications

Plants that have both offshored and backshored think and act differently than plants that have only offshored or backshored, which is why it is important to distinguish between these plant types in the context of manufacturing relocations.

Practical implications

The experience of Swedish manufacturing plants reported here can be used as a point of reference for internal manufacturing operations.

Originality/value

The survey design allows a unique comparison between offshoring and backshoring activity. Since Swedish firms in general have been quite active in rearranging their manufacturing footprint and have experience from movements in both directions, it is an appropriate geographical area to study in this context.
Leading cultural coherence: cases from New Hampshire
Authors: Welch Matthew James
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper is concerned with the cultural components of change and district coherence. The purpose of this paper is to present two district cases studies, illustrating their experiences with a particular initiative that guided local leaders through both structural and cultural changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses two qualitative case studies to illustrate how a new initiative led by an external partner might help local district leaders learn to shift from financial pass-through or compliance-oriented observer to coherence-making, capacity-building force for schools. Cases were conducted in New Hampshire, USA, studying two districts implementing an RTI-related initiative.

Findings

The project was an opportunity to use a common objective – improving learning for all students – and several common school elements – team meetings, student data and job-embedded professional development – in combination to impact how staff work and how they work together for the benefit of students. In particular, team-based leadership, instructional coaching, and collaboration structured around instruction and student data were all powerful practices with structural and cultural impacts.

Research limitations/implications

It remains to be seen if the districts can both initiate these changes on their own as well as sustain these culture-making roles over time.

Practical implications

The paper illustrates several activities that other districts may use to work toward becoming cultural learning organizations.

Originality/value

The value of district central offices taking on new roles, such as learning organization or cultural coherence maker, is established by authors like Honig. This paper illustrates on way district offices might learn to take on these roles.
Does the crowd mean business? An analysis of rewards-based crowdfunding as a source of finance for start-ups and small businesses
Authors: Cox Joe , Nguyen Thang
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which rewards-based crowdfunding really does provide financial support for start-ups and small businesses relative to other types of activity such as creative and cultural projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports findings from a series of multiple regression on a unique data set covering around 205,000 rewards-based crowdfunding projects across a number of leading platforms in the USA, the UK and Canada.

Findings

The authors report two main findings. First, rewards-based crowdfunding is highly inequitably distributed and that success is concentrated within a relatively small number of platforms and campaigns. Second, crowdfunding campaigns explicitly related to business perform relatively poorly compared with those in other categories; particularly those in creative areas such as music and dance.

Originality/value

These findings call into question the extent to which rewards-based crowdfunding really is a means by which significant numbers of start-ups can bridge gaps in the provision of finance.
The two sides of empowering consumers to co-design innovations
Authors: Sembada Agung
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how empowering consumers by means of co-designing activities influences both positive and negative consumer engagement with new service innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies tested the proposed hypotheses. Participants were asked to imagine co-designing a hypothetical innovation, and then respond to scales that measured intervening variables. The first study measured participants’ valuation of the innovation as well as the intention to recommend it. The second study partially replicated the first one but measured participants’ perceived severity after a scenario where the innovation failed to deliver its promised performance.

Findings

Empowerment triggered a higher sense of engagement through the mediating effects of sense of power and psychological ownership. Subsequently, this effect not only drove more positive evaluations of the innovation but also exacerbated negative evaluations if the service innovation was not delivered successfully.

Originality/value

The current study highlights the importance of adopting a psychological perspective toward engagement and shows a balanced view of empowerment in the context of new service innovations.
Linking authentic leadership to subordinate behaviors
Authors: Liu Yan , Fuller Bryan , Hester Kim , Bennett Rebecca J. , Dickerson Marcia Simmering
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how authentic leadership influences employees’ workplace behavior through three intermediate mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional surveys were conducted at a large health organization with over 500 employees. Multi-source data were drawn from 124 employees and 16 supervisors.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that authentic leadership is positively related to subordinates’ proactive behavior and negatively related to subordinates’ workplace deviance behavior through mediation effects of three psychological factors, including supervisor identification, psychological safety, and job engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the selected survey approach, the data are correlational. The small sample size of the study may reduce the ability to find statistically significant results. The current study would have benefited from organizational data on individual performance and proactive behavior, such as archival annual performance appraisals.

Practical implications

To practitioners, this study provides evidence that authentic leadership is sufficient in creating a positive work climate within which the employees feel safe to contribute their effort on their jobs. Based on the current findings, the practitioners can be more confident to hire or to promote authentic persons to be leaders in the organization.

Originality/value

This study is among those few empirical studies which help to validate the authentic leadership theory and provide a clear understanding of the mechanisms by which authentic leadership influences outcomes.
The Entrepreneur
Authors: Mason Stanley I.
Published: December 2017

Stanley I. Mason, Jr. has had an incredible impact on our lives. This feature article describes his journey to becoming an inventor and entrepreneur.
Sanctioning, qualifying, and manipulating: dramatic phases in president’s letters
Authors: Webb Andrew , Richelieu André
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the management of accounts that sport for development (SFD) agencies provide.

Design/methodology/approach

A recognized methodology for analyzing narratives is mobilized to collate a longitudinal sample of one agency’s president’s letters. Using Greimas’s actantial model as a framework, this study analyzes role allocation through president’s letters.

Findings

The analysis of empirical data demonstrates the managerial functions of sanctioning and qualifying organizational performance and manipulating current, as well as potential, partners into becoming actors in the studied network.

Originality/value

This study submits that a new typology and associated roles are needed for one categories of actors. Redefining the destinator category of actors previously used in management literature with a new sender label is proposed. Adjusting our view on the roles given to actors in this category demonstrates new meaning and intent embedded in president’s letters.
Role of Plasmapheresis in the Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Should We Abandon It?
Authors: Premuzic Vedran , Batinic Josip , Roncevic Pavle , Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Nemet Damir , Jelakovic Bojan
Published: December 2017

The aim of the current study was to determine whether plasmapheresis in combination with chemotherapy could significantly remove free light chains (FLC) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and therefore improve renal recovery and patient survival. During the study period, 29 patients with MM and AKI presented to our unit and were treated with two different therapy modalities (plasmapheresis with chemotherapy or bortezomib). At the end of treatment, a significant decrease of FLCs was present in the group treated with plasmapheresis compared to the bortezomib group. Patients treated with plasmapheresis had similar survival compared to patients treated with bortezomib. There was a significantly higher decrease of FLCs and longer survival in patients treated with three or more plasmapheresis sessions than in patients treated with two plasmapheresis sessions. Plasmapheresis therapy still remains a useful and effective method in the treatment of AKI in MM patients. Plasmapheresis significantly reduces FLCs compared to bortezomib especially with higher number of plasma exchange sessions but it must be combined with other chemotherapy agents in order to prolong renal recovery and therefore patient survival.
Analyses of Monascus pigment secretion and cellular morphology in non‐ionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Gong , Wang Meihua , Tian Xiaofei , Wu Zhenqiang
Published: December 2017

Monascus pigments produced by Monascus spp. are widely used as natural food colourants. Extractive fermentation technology can facilitate the secretion of intracellular Monascus pigments into extracellular non‐ionic surfactant micelle aqueous solution, so as to avoid the feedback inhibition and decomposition. In this study, behaviour of the trans‐membrane secretion of Monascus pigments was investigated using morphological and spectroscopic analyses. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) traced that pigment secretion occurred through rapid trans‐membrane permeation in 4 min, with a simultaneous conversion in pigment characteristics. Approximately 50% of intracellular pigments (AU470) extracted to extracellular broth with 40 g l−1 Triton X‐100, indicating the capacity for pigment extraction was limited by the saturation concentrations of surfactant. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging showed some damage in the cell wall but an intact cell membrane with a slightly increased mycelial diameter. However, the physiological properties of the cell membrane, including integrity, fluorescence intensity and permeability, were altered. A diagram was provided to demonstrate the behaviour of Monascus pigment secretion induced by Triton X‐100. This study lays a foundation for the further investigation of Monascus pigment metabolism and secretion in extractive fermentation.
A systematic review of instruments for assessing parent satisfaction with family‐centred care in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Dall'Oglio Immacolata , Mascolo Rachele , Gawronski Orsola , Tiozzo Emanuela , Portanova Anna , Ragni Angela , Alvaro Rosaria , Rocco Gennaro , Latour Jos M.
Published: December 2017

This systematic review synthesised and described instruments measuring parent satisfaction with the increasing standard practice of family‐centred care (FCC) in neonatal intensive care units. We evaluated 11 studies published from January 2006 to March 2016: two studies validated a parent satisfaction questionnaire, and nine developed or modified previous questionnaires to use as outcome measures in their local settings. Most instruments were not tested on reliability and validity.

Conclusion

Only two validated instruments included all six of the FCC principles and could assess parent satisfaction with FCC in neonatal intensive care units and be considered as outcome indicators for further research.
Comparison of infliximab with adalimumab in 827 biologic‐naïve patients with Crohn's disease: a population‐based Danish cohort study
Authors: Singh S. , Andersen N. N. , Andersson M. , Loftus E. V. , Jess T.
Published: December 2017

Background

There are conflicting data on comparative effectiveness of adalimumab and infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Aims

To compare the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab and infliximab in biologic‐naïve patients with CD, in a nationwide register‐based propensity score‐matched cohort study in Denmark.

Methods

A total of 2908 Danish adults with CD had been treated with adalimumab or infliximab as their first biologic agent between 2005‐2014. By Cox regression, we compared rates of all‐cause hospitalisation, CD‐related hospitalisation, major abdominal surgery and serious infections after variable 2:1 propensity score matching, accounting for baseline disease characteristics, healthcare utilisation and use of CD‐related medications.

Results

After propensity‐score matching, we included 315 adalimumab‐ (34.9 ± 12.9 years, 41.9% males) and 512 infliximab‐treated (33.6 ± 12.6 years, 40.8% males) patients, with median disease duration 4.0 years; 36.9% had prior abdominal surgery. Over a median follow‐up 2.3 years after starting biological therapy, there were no significant differences in rate of CD‐related hospitalisation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.55‐1.20]) or major abdominal surgery (HR, 1.24 [0.66‐2.33]) between adalimumab‐ and infliximab‐treated patients, though rate of all‐cause hospitalisation was lower in adalimumab‐treated patients (HR, 0.74 [0.56‐0.97]). There was no significant difference in incidence of serious infections requiring hospitalisation (HR, 1.06 [0.26‐4.21]). These results were stable in patients treated with biological monotherapy (all‐cause hospitalisation: HR, 0.75 [0.53‐1.05]; CD‐related hospitalisation: HR, 0.82 [0.51‐1.32], abdominal surgery: HR, 1.47 [0.63‐3.47]) or in combination with immunomodulators (all‐cause hospitalisation: HR, 0.70 [0.44‐1.11]; CD‐related hospitalisation: HR, 0.80 [0.42‐1.52], abdominal surgery: HR, 1.02 [0.39‐2.64]).

Conclusions

In this population‐based, propensity score matched, real‐life cohort study using administrative claims, there was no significant difference in effectiveness and safety of adalimumab and infliximab in biologic‐naïve patients with CD.
Solar irradiance as the proximate cue for flowering in a tropical moist forest
Authors: Wright S. Joseph , Calderón Osvaldo
Published: December 2017

We compared flowering times predicted by six possible proximate cues involving seasonal changes in rainfall and irradiance and flowering times observed over 30 years of weekly censuses for 19 tree and liana species from Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Hypotheses concerning variation in the timing and intensity of rainfall failed to predict flowering times in any species. In contrast, 10 to 12 weeks of consistent high levels of irradiance predicted flowering times well for eight species, and six or seven weeks of rapidly increasing levels of irradiance predicted flowering times well for two species. None of the six possible proximate cues predicted flowering times adequately for the nine remaining species. We conclude that high and increasing levels of irradiance are the proximate cues for flowering in many BCI species. The seasonal movements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone cause strong seasonal changes in cloud cover, atmospheric transmissivity, and irradiance reaching the BCI forest. Inter‐annual variation in the timing of movements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone is the most likely cause of inter‐annual variation in the timing of flowering in these species. Much work remains to be done as the physiological mechanisms linking flowering and irradiance are unknown and the proximate cues for flowering remain to be identified for many other BCI species.
Cognition in childhood dystonia: a systematic review
Authors: Coenen Maraike A , Eggink Hendriekje , Tijssen Marina A , Spikman Jacoba M
Published: December 2017

Aim

Cognitive impairments have been established as part of the non‐motor phenomenology of adult dystonia. In childhood dystonia, the extent of cognitive impairments is less clear. This systematic review aims to present an overview of the existing literature to elucidate the cognitive profile of primary and secondary childhood dystonia.

Method

Studies focusing on cognition in childhood dystonia were searched in MEDLINE and PsychInfo up to October 2017. We included studies on idiopathic and genetic forms of dystonia as well as dystonia secondary to cerebral palsy and inborn errors of metabolism.

Results

Thirty‐four studies of the initial 527 were included. Studies for primary dystonia showed intact cognition and IQ, but mild working memory and processing speed deficits. Studies on secondary dystonia showed more pronounced cognitive deficits and lower IQ scores with frequent intellectual disability. Data are missing for attention, language, and executive functioning.

Interpretation

This systematic review shows possible cognitive impairments in childhood dystonia. The severity of cognitive impairment seems to intensify with increasing neurological abnormalities. However, the available data on cognition in childhood dystonia are very limited and not all domains have been investigated yet. This underlines the need for future research using standardized neuropsychological procedures in this group.

What this paper adds

There is limited data on cognition in childhood dystonia.

Primary dystonia showed intact cognition and IQ, but mild working memory and processing speed deficits.

Secondary dystonia showed more pronounced deficits and lower IQ, with frequent intellectual disability.

There is a strong need for case‐control studies assessing cognition using standardized neuropsychological tests.
INTEREST RATE PROMINENCE IN CONSUMER DECISION‐MAKING
Authors: Binder Carola
Published: December 2017

Variations in consumers' responsiveness to interest rates across households and over time have important implications for monetary transmission. Responses from the Michigan Survey of Consumers provide an indication of the degree to which interest rates are a prominent consideration in spending decisions, news recollection, and financial situations. Prominence is strongest in housing attitudes, increases with income, education, and homeownership, and declined in the Great Recession. Rate prominence is associated with stronger responsiveness of consumption attitudes to monetary policy. (JEL D84, D91, E21, E40, E50)
Case management in early psychosis intervention programme: Perspectives of clients and caregivers
Authors: Wong Horng Hien , Yong Yee Huei , Shahwan Shazana , Cetty Laxman , Vaingankar Janhavi , Hon Charlene , Lee Helen , Loh Christopher , Abdin Edimansyah , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: December 2017

Aim

This qualitative study explored the perspectives of clients and caregivers on case management provided by the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP), with the intent to understand the salient aspects of case management from their perspective.

Methods

Clients and their caregivers were recruited from the EPIP outpatient clinics. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted at a community centre outside the hospital with 47 clients and 19 caregivers. Facilitators were experienced researchers who were not involved in the care of the clients and trained in qualitative research methodologies. All FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim with all participants' identifiers omitted to protect confidentiality. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis.

Results

There were 11 themes that emerged from the FGDs: therapeutic alliance, holistic monitoring, collaborative role with other care providers, counselling and guidance, crisis management, bridging role, client‐centred care, client empowerment and strength building, psychoeducation/education on illness, support and problem solving. “Problem solving” surfaced only from the client FGDs; the remaining themes were common to both groups.

Conclusions

The voices of clients and caregivers are important to EPIP case management service. This study has provided insights into their perspectives, understandings and lived experiences of case management and its impact on clients and caregivers.
Regulation of tumor–stroma interactions by the unfolded protein response
Authors: Obacz Joanna , Avril Tony , Rubio‐Patiño Camila , Bossowski Jozef P. , Igbaria Aeid , Ricci Jean‐Ehrland , Chevet Eric
Published: December 2017

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved adaptive pathway that helps cells cope with the protein misfolding burden within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Imbalance between protein folding demand and capacity in the ER leads to a situation called ER stress that is often observed in highly proliferative and secretory tumor cells. As such, activation of the UPR signaling has emerged as a key adaptive mechanism promoting cancer progression. It is becoming widely acknowledged that, in addition to its intrinsic effect on tumor biology, the UPR can also regulate tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss how the UPR coordinates the crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells, such as endothelial cells, normal parenchymal cells, and immune cells. In addition, we further describe the involvement of ER stress signaling in the response to current treatments as well as its impact on antitumor immunity mainly driven by immunogenic cell death. Finally, in this context, we discuss the relevance of targeting ER stress/UPR signaling as a potential anticancer approach.
Crystal structure of native β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase isolated from Aspergillus oryzae sheds light onto its substrate specificity, high stability, and regulation by propeptide
Authors: Škerlová Jana , Bláha Jan , Pachl Petr , Hofbauerová Kateřina , Kukačka Zdeněk , Man Petr , Pompach Petr , Novák Petr , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Brynda Jiří , Vaněk Ondřej , Řezáčová Pavlína
Published: December 2017

β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae is a secreted extracellular enzyme that cleaves chitobiose into constituent monosaccharides. It belongs to the GH 20 glycoside hydrolase family and consists of two N‐glycosylated catalytic cores noncovalently associated with two 10‐kDa O‐glycosylated propeptides. We used X‐ray diffraction and mass spectrometry to determine the structure of A. oryzae β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase isolated from its natural source. The three‐dimensional structure determined and refined to a resolution of 2.3 Å revealed that this enzyme is active as a uniquely tight dimeric assembly further stabilized by N‐ and O‐glycosylation. The propeptide from one subunit forms extensive noncovalent interactions with the catalytic core of the second subunit in the dimer, and this chain swap suggests the distinctive structural mechanism of the enzyme's activation. Unique structural features of β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase from A. oryzae define a very stable and robust framework suitable for biotechnological applications. The crystal structure reported here provides structural insights into the enzyme architecture as well as the detailed configuration of the active site. These insights can be applied to rational enzyme engineering.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession number 5OAR.

Enzyme

β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52).
Shared CaM‐ and S100A1‐binding epitopes in the distal TRPM4 N terminus
Authors: Bousova Kristyna , Herman Petr , Vecer Jaroslav , Bednarova Lucie , Monincova Lenka , Majer Pavel , Vyklicky Ladislav , Vondrasek Jiri , Teisinger Jan
Published: December 2017

The transient receptor potential channel of melastatin 4 (TRPM4) belongs to a group of large ion receptors that are involved in countless cell signalling cascades. This unique member is ubiquitously expressed in many human tissues, especially in cardiomyocytes, where it plays an important role in cardiovascular processes. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) are usually constituted by intracellular N‐ and C‐ termini, which serve as mediators affecting allosteric modulation of channels, resulting in the regulation of the channel function. The TRPs tails contain a number of conserved epitopes that specifically bind the intracellular modulators. Here, we identify new binding sites for the calmodulin (CaM) and S100 calcium‐binding protein A1 (S100A1), located in the very distal part of the TRPM4 N terminus. We have used chemically synthesized peptides of the TRPM4, mimicking the binding epitopes, along with fluorescence methods to determine and specify CaM‐ and S100A1‐binding sites. We have found that the ligands binding epitopes at the TRPM4 N terminus overlap, but the interacting mechanism of both complexes is probably different. The molecular models supported by data from the fluorescence method confirmed that the complexes formations are mediated by the positively charged (R139, R140, R144) and hydrophobic (L134, L138, V143) residues present at the TRPM4 N terminus‐binding epitopes. The data suggest that the molecular complexes of TRPM4/CaM and TRPM4/S100A1 would lead to the modulation of the channel functions.
Genomic origin and nuclear localization of TERRA telomeric repeat‐containing RNA: from Darkness to Dawn
Authors: Diman Aurélie , Decottignies Anabelle
Published: December 2017

Long noncoding RNAs, produced from distinct regions of the chromosomes, are emerging as new key players in several important biological processes. The long noncoding RNAs add a new layer of complexity to cellular regulatory pathways, from transcription to cellular trafficking or chromatin remodeling. More than 25 years ago, the discovery of a transcriptional activity at telomeres of protozoa ended the long‐lasting belief that telomeres were transcriptionally silent. Since then, progressively accumulating evidences established that production of TElomeric Repeat‐containing RNA (TERRA) was a general feature of eukaryotic cells. Whether TERRA molecules always originate from the telomeres or whether they can be transcribed from internal telomeric repeats as well is however still a matter of debate. Whether TERRA transcripts always localize to telomeres and play similar roles in all eukaryotic cells is also unclear. We review the studies on TERRA localization in the cell, its composition and some aspects of its transcriptional regulation to summarize the current knowledge and controversies about the genomic origin of TERRA, with a focus on human and mouse TERRA.
Sharing the Burden? Empirical Evidence on Corporate Tax Incidence
Authors: Dwenger Nadja , Steiner Viktor , Rattenhuber Pia
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the direct incidence of the corporate income tax (CIT) through wage bargaining, using an industry-region level panel dataset on all corporations in Germany over the period 1998-2006. For the first time we account for employment effects which result from tax-induced wage changes. Workers share in reductions of the CIT burden; yet, the net effect of wage bargaining on the corporate wage bill, after an exogenous €1 decrease in the CIT burden, is as little as 19-28 cents. This is about half of the effect obtained in prior literature focussing on wages alone.
Co‐creating an Open Government Action Plan: The Case of Sekondi‐Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana
Authors: Chatwin Merlin , Arku Godwin
Published: December 2017

This paper contributes to the limited literature on open government initiatives at the subnational level in developing countries. It examines the motivations of actors in a local government authority to utilize the capabilities of various stakeholders to overcome constraints in cocreating an action plan for open government reforms. This empirical analysis utilized qualitative fieldwork conducted in Sekondi‐Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana's third largest local government. The findings demonstrate that a confluence of citizen demand for openness, and willingness within the governance stakeholders, are motivating the pursuit of open government reforms. Viewed through an open innovation framework, we argue that achieving good governance through information transparency, public participation, and accountability reforms is hindered by the institutional environment. Ghana's subnational governments need national level commitment to provide the resources, mandate, and authority to become truly “open.”
Analysing the factors that influence the Pareto frontier of a bi‐objective supply chain design problem
Authors: Palacio Antonio , Adenso‐Díaz Belarmino , Lozano Sebastián
Published: December 2017

In this paper a bi‐objective multi‐product model for the design of a production/distribution supply chain logistic network with four echelons is considered. The proposed optimization model minimizes the total cost of the network (including the fixed cost to open facilities and the transportation costs between them) and the total CO2 emissions. Five factors (network size, product complexity, cost variability, CO2 emissions generation and over‐capacity) are considered for the experimental framework. The problem is solved using the ε‐constraint method and the resulting Pareto frontiers (PF) are characterized using five new metrics specifically developed for analysing how those factors affect the resulting optimal configurations. The results show that over‐capacity and product complexity are the two most influential factors regarding the characteristics of the PF, and that their effects are in the same direction: more complexity and capacity mean a wider set of optima alternatives, some close to the ideal point, and in general with a smaller number of links used.