bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoprophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism in Operative Treatment of Fractures of the Tibia and Distal Bones: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Patterson Joseph T. , Morshed Saam
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Clinical practice has shifted from therapeutic anticoagulation of any lower extremity venous thromboembolism (VTE) to only thromboses with risk of proximal extension or embolization—clinically important VTE (CIVTE). Isolated operative fractures of the tibia or distal bone of the lower extremity are associated with low-to-intermediate VTE risk, and there is wide variability in the choice to anticoagulate as well as anticoagulant. We sought to evaluate the role for chemoprophylaxis of VTE and CIVTE in these injuries by meta-analysis of Level I evidence.

Data Sources:

Articles in English, Chinese, French, and German in MEDLINE, Biosis, and EMBASE from 1988 to 2016.

Study Selection:

Randomized controlled trials describing chemoprophylaxis of VTE after operative management of fractures of the tibia and distal bones. Independent review of 1502 citations yielded 5 studies (1181 patients) meeting inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction:

Chemoprophylaxis regimen, VTE, CIVTE, and major bleeding events were recorded. Study quality was assessed with regard to randomization, outcome assessment allocation and treatment concealment, and commercial funding.

Data Synthesis:

A random-effects model meta-analysis determined that chemoprophylaxis with a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) compared with placebo or no intervention significantly reduced the risk of any VTE [pooled relative risk (RR) = 0.696, 95% confidence interval (0.490–0.989), P = 0.043; homogeneity P = 0.818, I2 = 0%]. However, chemoprophylaxis with a LMWH compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the risk of CIVTE [RR = 0.865, 95% confidence interval (pooled RR = 0.112–3.863), P = 0.790; homogeneity P = 0.718, I2 = 0%]. No major bleeding events occurred. Funnel plots did not suggest publication bias. The number needed to treat was 31 patients treated with chemoprophylaxis using a LMWH to prevent 1 VTE and 584 patients to prevent 1 CIVTE.

Conclusions:

Meta-analysis of Level I evidence suggests that routine postoperative anticoagulation after surgical management of an isolated fracture of the tibia or distal bone in patients without risk factors for VTE is unlikely to provide a clinical benefit, based on the absence of a treatment effect for preventing VTE warranting therapeutic anticoagulation.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Low-grade Cribriform Cystadenocarcinoma: A Review of the Literature and Case Report
Authors: Wakabayashi Nao , Umezawa Hiroki , Matsumoto Noriko M. , Endo Yoko , Naito Zenya , Ogawa Rei
Published: April 2017

Low-grade cribriform cystadenocarcinoma (LGCCC) is a rare tumor of the salivary gland that most often arises from the parotid gland. A 51-year-old man developed a small mass on the right parotid gland 5 years ago. A preoperative magnetic resonance image showed abnormal intensity, an atypical characteristic for such a tumor; therefore, the diagnosis was difficult. Thus, a superficial parotidectomy was performed as a total excisional biopsy to remove the tumor. Histopathological analyses revealed that the tumor was composed of a single cyst comprising cells containing mucosal fluid, with proliferation of large cells. Also, proliferation of the tumor epithelium showed a papillary cribriform pattern of proliferation with a partial ring form, and the tissue inside the tumor was replaced by a hematoma. Mild cellular atypia was observed. Immunostaining for S-100 was positive, and the Ki-67 ratio was <5%. These histopathological findings led to a diagnosis of LGCCC of the parotid gland. At 54 months after surgery, the patient has had no recurrence or facial palsy. LGCCC is a rare neoplasm of the salivary gland and is listed in the current World Health Organization classification (2005) as a variant of cystadenocarcinoma. This case suggests that a thorough preoperative examination can lead to better diagnosis of rare tumors, including LGCCC. Thus, if a plastic surgeon is to correctly diagnose and treat parotid grand tumors, including LGCCC, then a detailed preoperative examination, including imaging, a disease course review, a physical examination, and differential diagnosis, should be considered carefully.
Nonoperative Treatment of Patellar Instability
Authors: Dixit Sameer , Deu Rajwinder S.
Published: April 2017

The treatment of patellar instability is challenging and typically begins with nonoperative methods. Clinical decisions are made on an individual basis and may vary according to a number of factors. First-time patellar dislocations most commonly occur during sports participation. Initial evaluation, including patient history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging, determines care. Although nonoperative treatment consists primarily of regressive immobilization and physical therapy, there is little evidence to support particular protocols for either. Factors that may contraindicate nonoperative treatment include osteochondral lesions and recurrent instability. In these cases, surgery is considered. Reported recurrence rates after nonoperative treatment of acute patellar dislocation are 15% to 44%. Well-designed studies are needed to determine not only the outcomes of nonoperative versus surgical treatment of patellar instability but also the risk factors that may predict poor outcomes in either group.
Genetic and environmental factors significant for the presentation and development of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dragasevic Sanja , Stankovic Biljana , Milosavljevic Tomica , Sokic-Milutinovic Aleksandra , Lukic Snezana , Alempijevic Tamara , Zukic Branka , Kotur Nikola , Nikcevic Gordana , Pavlovic Sonja , Popovic Dragan
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presentation and variants in NOD2, TLR4, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-RN genes in order to identify possible environmental factors that may affect IBD occurrence, investigate potential predictors for surgical treatment of IBD, and correlate the presence of granulomas in biopsy specimens with clinical characteristics of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients.

Patients and methods

We genotyped 167 IBD patients using PCR-based methodology and tested for disease genotype–phenotype associations.

Results

In CD patients ileal localization of disease was more frequent in NOD2 variant carriers. Ileal CD was associated with IL-6 GC+CC genotypes, identifying C allele as a possible marker of increased risk for ileal CD. In CD patients a positive family history for IBD was related to earlier onset of disease, higher risk for CD-related surgery, and appendectomy. CD patients who are TLR4 299Gly carriers are at higher risk for surgery at onset of the disease compared with TLR4 299Asp variant carriers. The presence of granuloma in biopsy specimens was more frequent in patients in whom a diagnosis of CD was made during emergency surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that CD carriers of the 299Gly allele had a 4.6-fold higher risk for emergency surgery before CD diagnosis is established compared with noncarriers, suggesting an aggressive disease course. Granuloma in endoscopic biopsies is detected 5.4-fold more frequently in patients treated surgically at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Genetic variants together with epidemiological and clinical data of IBD patients could potentially be used as predictors of the disease course.
Duodenal histopathology and laboratory deficiencies related to bone metabolism in coeliac disease
Authors: Posthumus Lotte , Al-Toma Abdul
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated small intestine enteropathy precipitated by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Adult presentation is often atypical and malabsorption of vitamins and minerals is common, with a consequent disturbance of bone metabolism. We aim to evaluate laboratory deficiencies related to bone metabolism and the relationship between severity of histological damage and degree of bone mass loss at diagnosis of CD.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study of 176 adult coeliac patients was carried out. All patients fulfilled the histopathological criteria for CD. Biochemical data were analysed (calcium/phosphate/alkaline-phosphatase/vitamin D/parathormone). Duodenal histology was classified according to the Marsh classification. Bone mass density (BMD) at the lumbar and femoral regions measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

No correlation was found between the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms and the Marsh histopathological stage (P>0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was most common (44.5%), whereas only 5.7% had hypocalcaemia. Calcium was lower (P<0.05) and parathormone was higher (P=0.01) in patients with Marsh III. These patients had lower lumbar T-score (P<0.05). Although low BMD occurred in all age groups, most osteoporotic patients were aged 45–49 years (81.8%). A multiple regression analysis showed that the Marsh histopathological stage could be a predictor of lower lumbar BMD (r=0.322, B=−1.146, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Laboratory deficiencies and decreased BMD could be severe and unrelated to the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. At diagnosis, the Marsh histopathological stage could predict the occurrence of low BMD, which carries a risk of developing into osteoporosis. In coeliac patients older than 30 years, evaluation of bone biomarkers and dual X-ray absorptiometry examination should be considered.
Novel Mutations Resulting in a Moderate to Severe Phenotypic Manifestation of Hemophilia A in a Female
Authors: Barge Luani , Holmes Amy J. , Slade James , Pati Nalini
Published: April 2017

Hemophilia A is an X-linked, recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the f8 gene. Here we report the rare case of a female compound heterozygote with mild factor VIII deficiency (fVIII:C 9%) and moderate phenotype. On investigation she was confirmed to have normal Von Willebrand factor studies with a 46XY genotype. Further genetic testing revealed 3 mutations in the f8 gene: 1 novel missense mutation (c.6142T>G), 1 novel in-frame deletion (c.1281_1292del), and another missense mutation of unclear significance (c.3780C>G). Both parents had normal coagulation profiles; however, the 2 novel mutations were present in the patient’s mother and the known missense mutation was present in her father. This unusual case demonstrates the utility in genetic analysis for f8 gene mutational analysis and suggests a compound effect of the 3 identified mutations as a cause for factor deficiency.
Retinotopic Organization of Scene Areas in Macaque Inferior Temporal Cortex
Authors: Arcaro Michael J. , Livingstone Margaret S.
Published: April 2017

Primates have specialized domains in inferior temporal (IT) cortex that are responsive to particular image categories. Though IT traditionally has been regarded as lacking retinotopy, several recent studies in monkeys have shown that retinotopic maps extend to face patches along the lower bank of the superior temporal sulcus (STS) in IT cortex. Here, we confirm the presence of visual field maps within and around the lower bank of the STS and extend these prior findings to scene-selective cortex in the ventral-most regions of IT. Within the occipito-temporal sulcus (OTS), we identified two retinotopic areas, OTS1 and OTS2. The polar angle representation of OTS2 was a mirror reversal of the OTS1 representation. These regions contained representations of the contralateral periphery and were selectively active for scene vs. face, body, or object images. The extent of this retinotopy parallels that in humans and shows that the organization of the scene network is preserved across primate species. In addition retinotopic maps were identified in dorsal extrastriate, posterior parietal, and frontal cortex as well as the thalamus, including both the LGN and pulvinar. Taken together, it appears that most, if not all, of the macaque visual system contains organized representations of visual space.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Primates have specialized domains in inferior temporal (IT) cortex that are responsive to particular image categories. Though retinotopic maps are considered a fundamental organizing principle of posterior visual cortex, IT traditionally has been regarded as lacking retinotopy. Recent imaging studies have demonstrated the presence of several visual field maps within lateral IT. Using neuroimaging, we found multiple representations of visual space within ventral IT cortex of macaques that included scene-selective IT cortex. The scene domains were biased towards the peripheral visual field. These data demonstrate the prevalence of visual field maps throughout the primate visual system, including late stages in the ventral visual hierarchy, and support the idea that domains representing different categories are biased towards different parts of the visual field.
Crystal structure of a new spiro-polytetrahydrofuran compound with translational pseudosymmetry: rac-(2S,2′S,5′R)-2-methyl-5′-[(1R,2R,5S,5′R)-1,4,4,5′-tetramethyldihydro-3′H-3,8-dioxaspiro[bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,2′-furan]-5′-yl]hexahydro[2,2′-bifuran]-5(2H)-one
Authors: Piccialli Vincenzo , Tuzi Angela , Centore Roberto
Published: April 2017

The title compound, C22H34O6, is a product of oxidation of squalene with the catalytic system RuO4(cat.)/NaIO4. The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent molecules of very similar geometry approximately related by the non-crystallographic translation vector c/2. As a consequence, the average diffracted intensity in the hkl layers with odd l is systematically lower than in the layers with even l. In one molecule, the lactone ring and part of the adjacent tetrahydrofuran ring are disordered over two orientations with refined occupancy ratio of 0.831 (10):0.169 (10). The crystal structure is mainly governed by van der Waals forces.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-oxours-12-ene-27a,28-dioic acid (quafrinoic acid)
Authors: Bankeu Kezetas Jean Jules , Dietagoum Madjouka Stéphanie , Kumar Rajesh , Ali Muhammad Shaiq , Lenta Njakou Bruno , Yousuf Sammer
Published: April 2017

The title compound, C30H44O5, is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the Cameroonian medicinal plant Nauclea Pobeguinii and known as quafrinoic acid. The molecule is composed of five fused six-membered rings, four of which adopt a chair conformation and one a half-chair conformation. Intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen-bond interactions exist, which generate S6 and S8 rings. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, linking R
2
2(8) rings into chains running parallel to the a axis; these chains are further connected into layers parallel to the ab plane by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (79.4%) and O...H (20.4%) interactions.
Big data in the Danish industry: application and value creation
Authors: Müller Sune Dueholm , Jensen Preben
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The development within storage and processing technologies combined with the growing collection of data has created opportunities for companies to create value through the application of big data. The purpose of this paper is to focus on how small and medium-sized companies in Denmark are using big data to create value.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a literature review and on data collected from 457 Danish companies through an online survey. The paper looks at big data from the perspective of SMEs in order to answer the following research question: to what extent does the application of big data create value for small and medium-sized companies.

Findings

The findings show clear links between the application of big data and value creation. The analysis also shows that the value created through big data does not arise from data or technology alone but is dependent on the organizational context and managerial action. A holistic perspective on big data is advocated, not only focusing on the capture, storage, and analysis of data, but also leadership through goal setting and alignment of business strategies and goals, IT capabilities, and analytical skills. Managers are advised to communicate the business value of big data, adapt business processes to data-driven business opportunities, and in general act on the basis of data.

Originality/value

The paper provides researchers and practitioners with empirically based insights into how the application of big data creates value for SMEs.
Big data integration with business processes: a literature review
Authors: Fosso Wamba Samuel , Mishra Deepa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the integration of business process management (BPM), business process re-engineering (BPR) and business process innovation (BPI) with big data. It focusses on synthesizing research published in the period 2006-2016 to establish both what the authors know and do not know about this topic, identifying areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a review of 49 published papers on big data, BPM, BPR and BPI in the top journals in the field 2006-2016.

Findings

In this paper, the authors have identified the most influential works based on citations and PageRank methods. Through network analysis the authors identify four major clusters that provide potential opportunities for future investigation.

Practical implications

It is important for practitioners to be aware of the benefits of big data, BPM, BPR and BPI integration. This paper provides valuable insights for practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review, which gives big data researchers the opportunity to understand business processes in depth. In addition, highlighting many gaps in the current literature and developing an agenda for future research, will save time and effort for readers looking to research topics within big data and business processes.
After UNGASS – where do governments go from here?
Authors: Trace Mike
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate the outcomes, implications and possibilities for responses arising from the April 2016 UNGASS meeting and statement and to identify areas for future continuation of the debate and dialogue established at UNGASS.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a practitioner and participant commentary on the implications and openings for governments and jurisdictions of a revised international policy framework.

Findings

The UNGASS statement represented an increased emphasis on health and human rights considerations and a de facto flexibility of interpretation and implementation by national governments. The statement reconciled considerable differences of approach and expectation by the participating governments and organisations. Future developments are identified and practical responses outlined. There has been some move away from rigid prohibition and authoritarian stances.

Research limitations/implications

The points made could be developed and expanded by academics and NGOs.

Practical implications

Future areas for continued international policy development and governments’ activity are identified. Governments are encouraged to consider their national needs and priorities and the ways in which these can contribute to and be strengthened by and in the international conventions.

Social implications

The ability of governments to respond to national needs and situations has been strengthened and an increased emphasis on public health and harm reduction practices is implied. Policy pluralism is recognised.

Originality/value

The paper represents an assessment of the outcomes and future potential for development of the international conventions. It is written by a long-standing participant in the international drugs policy debate and is an early contribution to the practical and formative response to UNGASS.
Work-wear pattern design to accommodate different working postures
Authors: Bragança Sara , Carvalho Miguel , Arezes Pedro , Ashdown Susan P.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper presents an analysis of several issues that are preponderant for the work-wear design. The purpose of this paper is to create a prototype of a women’s base upper body garment, based on the information gathered.

Design/methodology/approach

All the necessary information was collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and evaluation of compression forces between the different prototypes.

Findings

It was possible to conclude that to create a better design some alterations need to be made in the standard base pattern design, such as measurements across the back length.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the fact that these design changes have a great impact on the stretch ability and on the compression forces, using softer fabric, such as cotton, is always better for an increased comfort. However, in more professional situation where these fabrics should not be used, these design changes can really make a difference.

Practical implications

A test with a set of compression sensors showed that the simple alteration of one measurement in the design of the base patterns highly reduces the compression forces.

Social implications

These simple alterations allow the garments to adjust to the users’ needs, promoting higher levels of comfort and lower levels of limitations of movement.

Originality/value

The designs presented in this paper can be easily adapted to a variety of garments, such as jackets or dresses, both for leisure or professional activities.
Two fuzzy internal model control methods for nonlinear uncertain systems
Authors: Aydi Amira , Djemel Mohamed , Chtourou Mohamed
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the internal model control to deal with nonlinear stable systems affected by parametric uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamics of a considered system are approximated by a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. The parameters of the fuzzy rules premises are determined manually. However, the parameters of the fuzzy rules conclusions are updated using the descent gradient method under inequality constraints in order to ensure the stability of each local model. In fact, without making these constraints the training algorithm can procure one or several unstable local models even if the desired accuracy in the training step is achieved. The considered robust control approach is the internal model. It is synthesized based on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. Two control strategies are considered. The first one is based on the parallel distribution compensation principle. It consists in associating an internal model control for each local model. However, for the second strategy, the control law is computed based on the global Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model.

Findings

According to the simulation results, the stability of all local models is obtained and the proposed fuzzy internal model control approaches ensure robustness against parametric uncertainties.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a method for the identification of fuzzy model parameters ensuring the stability of all local models. Using the resulting fuzzy model, two fuzzy internal model control designs are presented.
A distributed real-time data prediction framework for large-scale time-series data using stream processing
Authors: Wu Kehe , Zhu Yayun , Li Quan , Wu Ziwei
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a data prediction framework for scenarios which require forecasting demand for large-scale data sources, e.g., sensor networks, securities exchange, electric power secondary system, etc. Concretely, the proposed framework should handle several difficult requirements including the management of gigantic data sources, the need for a fast self-adaptive algorithm, the relatively accurate prediction of multiple time series, and the real-time demand.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the autoregressive integrated moving average-based prediction algorithm is introduced. Second, the processing framework is designed, which includes a time-series data storage model based on the HBase, and a real-time distributed prediction platform based on Storm. Then, the work principle of this platform is described. Finally, a proof-of-concept testbed is illustrated to verify the proposed framework.

Findings

Several tests based on Power Grid monitoring data are provided for the proposed framework. The experimental results indicate that prediction data are basically consistent with actual data, processing efficiency is relatively high, and resources consumption is reasonable.

Originality/value

This paper provides a distributed real-time data prediction framework for large-scale time-series data, which can exactly achieve the requirement of the effective management, prediction efficiency, accuracy, and high concurrency for massive data sources.
Fuzz-TIME: an intelligent system for managing fuzzy temporal information
Authors: Gammoudi Aymen , Hadjali Allel , Ben Yaghlane Boutheina
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Time modeling is a crucial feature in many application domains. However, temporal information often is not crisp, but is subjective and fuzzy. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue related to the modeling and handling of imperfection inherent to both temporal relations and intervals.

Design/methodology/approach

On the one hand, fuzzy extensions of Allen temporal relations are investigated and, on the other hand, extended temporal relations to define the positions of two fuzzy time intervals are introduced. Then, a database system, called Fuzzy Temporal Information Management and Exploitation (Fuzz-TIME), is developed for the purpose of processing fuzzy temporal queries.

Findings

To evaluate the proposal, the authors have implemented a Fuzz-TIME system and created a fuzzy historical database for the querying purpose. Some demonstrative scenarios from history domain are proposed and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have conducted some experiments on archaeological data to show the effectiveness of the Fuzz-TIME system. However, thorough experiments on large-scale databases are highly desirable to show the behavior of the tool with respect to the performance and time execution criteria.

Practical implications

The tool developed (Fuzz-TIME) can have many practical applications where time information has to be dealt with. In particular, in several real-world applications like history, medicine, criminal and financial domains, where time is often perceived or expressed in an imprecise/fuzzy manner.

Social implications

The social implications of this work can be expected, more particularly, in two domains: in the museum to manage, exploit and analysis the piece of information related to archives and historic data; and in the hospitals/medical organizations to deal with time information inherent to data about patients and diseases.

Originality/value

This paper presents the design and characterization of a novel and intelligent database system to process and manage the imperfection inherent to both temporal relations and intervals.
Wastewater treatment control method based on a rule adaptive recurrent fuzzy neural network
Authors: Qiao Junfei , Han Gaitang , Han Honggui , Chai Wei
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an on-line modeling and controlling scheme based on the dynamic recurrent neural network for wastewater treatment system.

Design/methodology/approach

A control strategy based on rule adaptive recurrent neural network (RARFNN) is proposed in this paper to control the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and nitrate nitrogen (SNo) concentration. The structure of the RARFNN is self-organized by a rule adaptive algorithm, and the rule adaptive algorithm considers the overall information processing ability of neural network. Furthermore, a stability analysis method is given to prove the convergence of the proposed RARFNN.

Findings

By application in the control problem of wastewater treatment process (WWTP), results show that the proposed control method achieves better performance compared to other methods.

Originality/value

The proposed on-line modeling and controlling method uses the RARFNN to model and control the dynamic WWTP. The RARFNN can adjust its structure and parameters according to the changes of biochemical reactions and pollutant concentrations. And, the rule adaptive mechanism considers the overall information processing ability judgment of the neural network, which can ensure that the neural network contains the information of the biochemical reactions.
Health-related quality of life in Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union in Germany
Authors: Nesterko Yuriy , Friedrich Michael , Seidel Nadja , Glaesmer Heide
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a hypothesized structure of interrelations between pre-migration dispositional factors (cultural identity and optimism/pessimism) and immigration-related experiences (level of integration and perceived discrimination) in association with mental and physical components of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of Jewish people from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) who immigrated to Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire in Russian, including items about the immigration background, level of integration, perceived discrimination as well as cultural identity, dispositional optimism/pessimism (Life Orientation Test-R) and HRQoL (SF-12) was handed out to Jewish immigrants from the FSU living in Germany. The data of 153 participants were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Whereas no significant associations between Jewish identity and HRQoL could be found, both a positive association between optimism and level of integration with a link to physical and mental health, and an inverse relation between optimism and perceived discrimination with a link to mental health, were observed. Opposite associations were found for pessimism.

Originality/value

The results replicate prior research findings on Jews from the FSU living in Israel and the USA and suggest more detailed assessment methods for further investigations on integration processes and cultural identity in the selected group of immigrants. Additionally, HRQoL is significantly lower in the Jewish sample than in the general population. These findings underline the need for a better integration policy, especially for Jewish people from the FSU.
Defining project efficiency, effectiveness and efficacy
Authors: Zidane Youcef J.-T. , Olsson Nils O.E.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper studies how the concepts of efficiency, effectiveness and efficacy are used in project management literature. The concepts relate to the degree of success or failure of projects and the degree to which the results are achieved. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of the concepts of efficiency, efficacy and effectiveness in project management literature and among practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an extensive literature review, initially from the International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. The first phase involved searching the words “efficiency”, “effectiveness” and “efficacy” in all articles of the journal, and then quantifying the results. This was followed by a qualitative search of the same articles with the aim of understanding how the terms “project efficiency”, “project efficacy” and “project effectiveness” are used. A further intensive literature review was then conducted in other literatures in the field of project management, including, but not limited to, International Journal of Project Management and Project Management Journal. Finally, the authors complemented the review by including theories from deep searches of Google Scholar and Google Books using the parameters “project efficiency”, “project effectiveness” and “project efficacy” and checked how the three concepts are used in other fields.

Findings

This research reveals there is wide diversity in interpretations of the three concepts among research scholars and practitioners, which makes it challenging to apply these three concepts appropriately and clearly. As a consequence, the authors propose a model for describing these concepts.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on an academic and non-academic literature review. It identifies a number of inconsistencies in existing literature regarding the three concepts.

Practical implications

This review enriches understanding of project management. Clarifying the understanding of project efficiency, project effectiveness and project efficacy will help and support organisational improvement. A clear and aligned view of these concepts can also be a basis for measurements based on possible developed indicators.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the gap in the literature concerning the practical use and interpretation of the concepts “project efficiency”, “project effectiveness” and “project efficacy”.
A place to call our own: perspectives on the geographical and social marginalisation of homeless people
Authors: Hughes Caroline , Madoc-Jones Iolo , Parry Odette , Dubberley Sarah
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Notwithstanding heightened awareness of the issues faced by homeless people, the notion that homelessness is the result of individual failings and weaknesses persists. The purpose of this paper is to challenge that perception by giving voice to this marginalised group and exploring the mechanisms through which they made and remade as homeless and may be protected.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews (n=23) were carried out with a sample of homeless people who had accessed a range of homelessness services in the study area.

Findings

It is argued that largely deprived of the private sphere, which arguably renders them in most need of public space, homeless people find themselves most subject to scrutiny, surveillance, social disapprobation and exclusion.

Research limitations/implications

The authors reiterate that rather than simply being associated with rooflessness, homelessness is as a function of ongoing geographical marginalisation and social alienation.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that dedicated spaces for homeless people to occupy during the day continue to be in need of development because, whilst not unproblematic, they can disrupt processes associated with homelessness.

Social implications

Further resources should be directed towards homelessness and the issues that arise during daytime for homeless people.

Originality/value

The paper supports the literature which highlights the spatial practices by which stigmatised groups come to be separated from mainstream society.
Alcohol-related harms and street service care in entertainment districts
Authors: Quinn Catherine A. , Hides Leanne , Harding Anna , de Andrade Dominique , Wilson Hollie , Mergard Lance
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Significant alcohol use increases the risk of injuries and violence in young people. The purpose of this paper is to examine factors associated with receiving street service care for alcohol intoxication, alcohol-related injury or violence among young people in a night-time economy (NTE).

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included 217 young adults, 135 of whom required street service care on a Friday or Saturday evening in an Australian entertainment district. The remaining 88 young adults were a matched control sample. Participants were surveyed and provided a breathalyser sample. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between blood alcohol content (BAC) level, subjective intoxication, gender, illicit drug use, age, preloading, total drinks consumed, and the receipt of care for intoxication, injury, or violence.

Findings

Of those who received care, 70.4 per cent received it for intoxication, 19.3 per cent for injury, and 10.3 per cent following a violent incident. Male gender and high BAC level were associated with receiving support following a violent incident. High-subjective intoxication and female gender were associated with receiving support for injury.

Practical implications

Results demonstrate the factors associated with receiving street service care for young people in the NTE experiencing non-emergent health needs. Further research is required to examine the impact of such a service on crime, injuries, and frontline service resources.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine factors associated with receiving street service care for alcohol intoxication, injury, or violence in a NTE. Results inform policy and practice relating to the provision of street service care in the NTE for non-emergent health problems, and how this interrelates with other frontline services.
Measuring Shariah non-compliance risk (SNCR): claw-out effect of al-bai-bithaman ajil in default
Authors: Rosly Saiful Azhar , Naim Muhammad Arzim , Lahsasna Ahcene
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning, nature and measurement of Shariah non-compliant risk faced by Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Al-bai-bithaman ajil (BBA) contract documentation is analyzed in the light of the legal environment in Malaysia and measurement of Shariah non-compliant risk based on constructed or hypothetical cases.

Findings

Shariah non-compliant risk will adversely affect bank’s earnings when BBA contracts are deemed invalid in the court of law, either in a foreclosure or ruling via court declaration.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is written based on content analysis, Malaysian legal cases with hypothetical examples for better understanding.

Practical implications

Islamic banking should be able to use the findings to estimate potential loss from Shariah non-compliant risk and make the necessary provisions.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights of risks faced by credit-intensive Islamic banks, that when relinquishing critical requirement of Islamic contract such as ownership risk will suffer loss.
Employing a visualized searching system to assist elementary students’ tactics and success of storybook searching
Authors: Chao Po-Yao , Lin Chia-Ching , Wu Ming-Shiang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a visualized search system utilizing graphical images to represent the story elements and concepts to help elementary students describe and seek their desired storybooks; and second, to explore the effect of the proposed visualized search system on elementary students’ tactics, success, and motivation for seeking storybooks.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental approach was conducted with a sample of 61 elementary students in this study. The students’ tactics, motivation and the success of their storybook searching were addressed as dependent variables for further comparisons of the visualized searching system and a conventional keyword searching system.

Findings

The results revealed that the students in the experimental group exhibited more frequent tactics and greater motivation for storybook searching than those in the control group. Further χ2 analysis indicated a significant relationship between the searching interface and the success of the students’ storybook searching.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new visual search approach which allows young children to search for storybooks by describing an intended storybook in terms of its characters, objects, or the background colors of the cover page. The findings provide some evidence of the effectiveness of the visualized searching interface in terms of promoting young children’s learning through storybook searching and reading activities.
“Reinventing the wheel” as an emerging business model innovation paradigm
Authors: Ghezzi Antonio
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to discuss how business model innovation from both incumbents and startups growingly may stem from past products, services, and approaches reinvented. This results in what is labeled the “Reinventing the Wheel (RTW)” innovation paradigm, where the future is seen through the lenses of the past.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on historical analysis of common business model innovation patterns found in a longitudinal sample of both incumbent companies and startups in the time frame 2008-2016.

Findings

The RTW paradigm unlocks business model innovation through: the reinvention of past resources and competencies; the use of digital technologies; and the centrality given to customer experience and customer journey. The resulting RTW cycle is made of five steps to follow in the attempt to make the most out of this paradigm: survey, learn, disclose, exploit, and reinvent.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs and managers are presented with the key elements, steps, and implications of an emerging business model innovation paradigm to possibly apply in their incumbent or startup context.

Originality/value

This study presents an original approach to look at business model innovation, in a way that is complementary to alternative practices like the blue ocean strategy, big-bang disruption, and lean startup.
Top soil removal reduces water pollution from phosphorus and dissolved organic matter and lowers methane emissions from rewetted peatlands
Authors: Zak Dominik , Goldhammer Tobias , Cabezas Alavaro , Gelbrecht Jörg , Gurke Robert , Wagner Carola , Reuter Hendrik , Augustin Jürgen , Klimkowska Agata , McInnes Robert
Published: April 2017

A valid strategy to mitigate the eutrophication of water bodies due to non‐point source phosphorus (P) pollution and to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases is the rewetting of degraded peatlands. However, long‐term drainage and intensive agricultural use make it unlikely that the original sink functions for nutrients and carbon (C) as well as low‐nutrient conditions can be re‐established within a human time perspective.

We hypothesized that the removal of the upper degraded peat layer can be a suitable measure to avoid the negative implications of excess mobilization of P and C after rewetting. To evaluate the effect of top soil removal (TSR) we performed lab and field experiments in six inundated peatlands in northern Germany without TSR compared to six inundated sites with TSR. In addition, we included data from a rewetted peatland where the degraded peat had been removed from about half of the area and groundwater level was just beneath the soil surface.

The results emphasized that following inundation newly formed detritus mud layers overlying the former peat surface are the dominating source for P and methane in particular in sites without TSR but also in sites with TSR, although at significantly lower rates. Although highly decomposed peat released more or less no methane, dissolved organic matter mobilization was highest in this substrate while less decomposed peat was characterized in general by lowest rates of mobilization.

Synthesis and applications. Top soil removal prior to rewetting can be a suitable method to avoid the negative consequences of the excess release of phosphorus (P) and carbon post‐rewetting. We developed a simple decision support schematic to assist the peatland restoration process and to better understand the implications of top soil removal. Despite the potential benefits, top soil removal should not be declared as a universal method, as it requires detailed consideration prior to application. However, this and other research demonstrate that it is inevitable that without any further management interventions high mobilization of P, dissolved organic matter and methane may persist for centuries following rewetting of peatlands.
Proteomic analysis of oral cancer reveals new potential therapeutic targets involved in the Warburg effect
Authors: Huang Yi‐Ping , Chang Nai‐Wen
Published: April 2017

Activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) has been reported to disrupt tumour metabolism and to promote anticancer activity through interfering with the Warburg effect. This study is to investigate whether Warburg effect‐related proteins also could be identified in oral tumour lesions and to explore the functional significance of PPARα in metabolic shift. Five pairs of tongue tumour tissues and adjacent reference tissues obtained from 4‐NQO/arecoline induced mouse model were analyzed by 2‐d‐gel‐electrophoresis and LC‐MS. Further, the hexokinase II level, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, and metabolites of glycolysis and TCA cycle were all examined in order to validate the effect of PPARα on metabolic shift. Changes in protein expression levels revealed that seven proteins, which were involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the respiratory chain, were down‐regulated in tumour tissues. We found that activation of PPARα through fenofibrate could inhibit oral cancer cell growth and switch the way of energy production from the Warburg effect to oxidative phosphorylation. Fenofibrate induced a reduction of hexokinase II protein levels, increases in PDH activity and metabolites of the TCA cycle, and an impairment of ATP production. These findings suggested that activation of the PPARα to reprogram the metabolic pathway might impair the Warburg effect and trigger cancer cell death. The study provides a novel view of changes in protein expression profiles involved in the Warburg effect during oral tumourigenesis. Activation of the PPARα to impair the Warburg effect might offer a new strategy for oral cancer treatment.
Naringenin prevents ischaemic stroke damage via anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects
Authors: Wang Kaihua , Chen Zhenzhen , Huang Jianmin , Huang Longjian , Luo Ning , Liang Xiulin , Liang Mingkun , Xie Wei
Published: April 2017

Apoptosis and oxidative stress are considered to be the major factors associated with the development and progression of many ischaemic cerebrovascular diseases. Naringenin (NAR) is an abundant flavanone in citrus plants and has been found to exhibit anti‐oxidant, anti‐carcinogenic and anti‐apoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects of naringenin on ischaemic stroke. In vitro, cortical neuron cells isolated from the brains of neonatal Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/Rep), NAR‐L, NAR‐M and NAR‐H groups. MTT and RT‐PCR were used for cell proliferation and apoptosis‐related proteins analyses. The effects of NAR on the Nrf2 signalling pathway were investigated using transfection approaches. Differences in mitochondrial dysfunction were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vivo, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was prepared and neurological defects and the brain wet/dry (W/D) ratio were assessed and recorded; apoptosis was measured based on the TUNEL assay. Additionally, biochemical indices were detected both in vitro and in vivo. NAR promoted cortical neuron cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and oxidative stress, and regulated the localization of Nrf2 protein (P<.05). Furthermore, silencing and overexpression of Nrf2 affected cortical neuron cell proliferation and apoptosis (P<.05). In vivo, NAR could alleviate cerebral oedema, improve neurological defects, and reduce apoptosis and oxidative stress (P<.05). These findings demonstrated that NAR could reduce apoptosis and oxidative stress and that Nrf2 signalling pathway is involved in this regulatory process. NAR has health‐promoting properties because of its anti‐apoptotic and anti‐oxidant effects in cases of ischaemic stroke.