bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A knowledge-based view of people and technology: directions for a value co-creation-based learning organisation
Authors: Caputo Francesco , Garcia-Perez Alexeis , Cillo Valentina , Giacosa Elisa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the potential of knowledge management (KM) as a discipline in helping understand and manage social and economic complexity. The paper highlights some of the potential relationships between KM in organisations and their economic performance. Finally, the authors assess the role of human resources and technological infrastructures in the relationship between organisation’s approach to KM and their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses are tested via a survey on a sample of managerial-level employees of information technology organisations located in the city of Brno in Czech Republic. The data collected are analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to study the relationship between KM; the workforce’s willingness and ability to collaborate and co-create value; and the organisations’ economic performance.

Findings

The research found that there is a direct and positive relationship between an organisation’s approach to KM and its economic performance. This study also shows that the workforce’s behaviour and the technological infrastructure of the organisation have a direct effect on business performance. Finally, the authors proposed that a link between human resource management and technology orientation must be established and supported by a KM strategy.

Originality/value

This paper offers a new perspective to the approach to KM in organisations. Reflections and empirical results underline the need for organisations to invest in the implementation of KM strategies that involve both the human resources and technological infrastructure as a way to improve the impact of knowledge on the companies’ economic performances.
The business model of a Benedictine abbey, 1945-1979
Authors: Ruppenthal Tonia
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Management literature often neglects the business model developed by a monastic institution, as it does not fit the usual categorizations of an enterprise. Nevertheless, monastic institutions founded on Benedictine principles have proven to be economically viable and sustainable over centuries. This paper aims to examine, with the adoption of a single case study, the components of a Benedictine business model, their interrelationship and the role of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study combines in-depth data collection from multiple sources such as field research, archival documents and publicly available information to examine the dynamic business operations of a Benedictine abbey.

Findings

The analysis suggests that the Rule of St Benedict and the Benedictine values, and a commitment to them, are important for the success of the Benedictine abbey concept and that the business model is both place-based and sustainable.

Research limitations/implications

A single case study has its limitations compared to the use of multiple examples. Business model concepts are not simply applicable to a monastic institution and vice versa; the Benedictine model is not easily transferable to conventional enterprises.

Practical implications

Generalizations from a single case study are limited; nevertheless this paper offers practical implications through the study of a monastic institution, showing place-based and sustainable business practices from which management scholars can make assumptions.

Originality/value

This paper describes and analyses the inception, development and stabilization of a sustainable place-based business model of a Benedictine abbey according to three stages over a period of 35 years while evaluating the sustainable business model from its inception.
Multi-level drivers of catching up in complex product systems: an Iranian gas turbine producer
Authors: Safdari Ranjbar Mostafa , Park Tae-Young , Ghazinoori Soroush , Manteghi Manochehr
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the pattern of technological capability building in the gas turbine industry as a complex product system (CoPS) in an Iranian gas turbine producer named Oil Turbo Compressor Company (OTC) and to recognize multi-level (firm, industry and national) drivers influencing technological catching up in this company.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a qualitative approach and case study research strategy. A preliminary theoretical framework is proposed based on research background. Also, the data were collected from various sources, including the interview with 11 experts, studying many documents and participating in some relevant meetings and conventions. To analyze the data, the authors relied on their preliminary theoretical framework and applied the chronological sequence analysis technique.

Findings

Our findings show that, first, in contrast with mass-produced industries where capability building pattern often leads to product innovation, technological capabilities in OTC have evolved from assembling to manufacturing, upgrading and finally redesigning of existing models of gas turbines. Second, two firm-level (proper technology acquisition strategies and building organizational and managerial capabilities), two industry-level (networking, integration and collaboration among key actors and existence of local market and demand) and two national-level (government’s policies, supports and initiatives and institutional arrangement and political conditions) drivers have played indispensable roles in facilitating and accelerating technological catching up by OTC.

Research limitations/implications

Inevitably, the current research faces a few limitations. For instance, the difficulty of generalization is considered an inherent problem because it is a case study of only one Iranian latecomer company, as well as only one CoPS industry. Regarding implications, the findings suggest that technological catching up in CoPS industries in developing countries is not a simple and autonomous process and is influenced by multi-level factors, including national-, industry- and firm-level drivers.

Originality/value

In terms of theory, this paper tends to investigate and explain the catching-up process in OTC as an Iranian gas turbine producer by applying a multi-level theoretical framework that consists of firm-, industry- and national-level drivers. In terms of practice, this paper aims at investigating drivers affecting the catching-up process in a CoPS industry in a developing country that was faced with vast international sanctions, while many other studies in this area examined cases from developing countries such as Korea and China that had the opportunity of enjoying international collaborations and overseas knowledge flows.
Marketing library and information resources and services using social media platforms: the security question
Authors: Okike Benedict Ifeanyichukwu , Oyeniyi Esther W.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Information resources and services are considered tangible assets which are valuable in decision making. Information can fulfill this function only if it is delivered via effective marketing at the end users’ doorsteps. The evolution of ICT, social media in particular, has created changes in all productive sectors and service-oriented organizations such as libraries. As well as discussing the need and use of social media by libraries for marketing efforts, this paper focuses on understanding the myriad of security implications that may exist.
Consumer electronics show 2019, from connected devices and big data to artificial intelligence: implications for libraries
Authors: Kesselman Martin A. , Esquivel Wilson
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Report of the CES 2019 Conference

Design/methodology/approach

Attendance at the conference

Findings

Implications for libraries

Originality/value

Original thoughts
Continuing professional development and special librarians in Jamaica
Authors: Robinson Marsha-Gay
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the continuing professional development (CPD) activities undertaken by special librarians in Jamaica, their motivation, the challenges faced and the areas of interest for professional development.

Design/methodology/approach

Special librarians working in Jamaica were surveyed using an online questionnaire which was disseminated via e-mail.

Findings

The study indicates that special librarians in Jamaica were engaged in both formal and informal CPD activities. They were motivated by factors such as keeping up to date with changes in librarianship and personal satisfaction. Challenges to participating in CPD include, lack of funding, time constraints and lack of worthwhile options. Areas of interest for CPD were mainly information technology-based.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the contact lists of the special libraries section of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) and the Government Library and Information Network of the Jamaica Library and Information Network (JAMLIN).

Practical implications

The results have implications for the planning and implementation of continuing professional activities for Jamaica’s special librarians. It also fills a gap in library literature regarding the continuing professional activities of special librarians.

Originality/value

The paper is one of few studies focusing on the CPD activities of special librarians undertaken in a developing country.
Does executive directors from controlling shareholders improve corporate governance?
Authors: Guangguo Sun , Ruiqi Sun , Hezun Li
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The existence of controlling shareholders creates a remarkable difference between the corporate governance structures of Chinese firms and those of western firms. Despite the increasing importance of controlling shareholders, it remains disputable whether they are playing the “tunneling” roles or the “governance” roles. Therefore, more research is needed on what roles controlling shareholders are playing and how they play their roles. Previous empirical studies document a common phenomenon that directors play dual roles both on the board and in the top management team. Because of information asymmetry, the board of directors may not be able to perform its supervisory and strategic decision-making functions. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate whether controlling shareholders participate in firm management by appointing the executive directors and examine the economic consequences of controlling shareholder involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

In the empirical tests, the authors use the split share structure reform in China as a natural experiment. Using the data from Chinese listed firms between 2001 and 2015 and difference-in-differences analysis, the authors examine the impact of the split share structure reform on the executive directors of controlling shareholders and the governance effect of controlling shareholders’ appointing executive directors to the management.

Findings

The authors find that controlling shareholders get involved in firm management by appointing executive directors to strengthen the supervision and incentives of managers. The authors also find that firms exhibit a lower level of earnings management and enhance and higher pay-performance sensitivity after controlling shareholders appoint executive directors to the top management team.

Originality/value

As the natural experiment of the split share structure reform enables us to mitigate endogeneity, the authors investigate the channels through, which controlling shareholders get involved in firm management from the unique perspective of executive director appointment. The study expands the literature on corporate governance and board functions. The findings provide new insights to the effect of controlling shareholder governance and casts light on a new way for controlling shareholders of Chinese firms to participate in firm management – by appointing executive directors.
The lean prescription for non-traditional adult learners
Authors: Singh Jitendra
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how lean management principles can be used in teaching and learning processes while preparing classes for non-traditional adult learners (NALs). Careful planning and the application of lean methods can result in NALs’ enhanced engagement and success at academic institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The fundamental concepts of the lean philosophy, value, value streams, flow, pull and perfection were used to carefully examine the teaching and learning process at academic institutions. Efforts were made to identify non-value-added activities in the process and explore methods to enhance the learning experience for NALs.

Findings

This paper provides a comprehensive approach on how to plan a class using lean methodology. Identification and removal of non-value-added activities in teaching and learning processes can help to engage students in the classroom.

Practical implications

This research has practical implications for academic institutions. Incorporation of lean methodology may lead to identification and elimination of waste in teaching and learning processes. This may allow instructors to re-evaluate existing course delivery methods and offer equal or higher quality curricula while reducing cost at the same time.

Originality/value

Lean management principles have been successfully applied to a variety of administrative processes at academic institutions. However, there exists very limited research that show lean can be effectively used in designing curricula for NALs. This project can provide a framework for the application of lean while teaching and learning at academic institutions.
Mixed sustainability motives, mixed results: the role of compliance and commitment in sustainable supply chain practices
Authors: Chen Yinfei , Chen Injazz J.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

As supply chain sustainability has become more urgent than ever before, this study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of how supplying firms’ sustainability motives influence their compliance and commitment, as well as sustainable performance, as they respond to buyers’ sustainable supplier management programs.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the intriguing links among sustainability motives, compliance/commitment and sustainable performance of supplying firms, this paper draws on multidisciplinary literature and collects empirical data from 281 supplying firms in China to test the proposed model and hypotheses using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Instrumental and moral motives make comparable contributions to compliance; moral motives exert stronger influence on firms’ commitment to sustainable practices. In addition, although compliance has a greater impact on economic and environmental performance, commitment is far more robust in improving environmental and social performance.

Research limitations/implications

Unlike most research on motives that has been theoretical, this study represents one of the few empirical analyses of how motives may affect sustainable performance. Examining the challenges from the perspectives of supplying firms, it also adds to the SSCM literature by making clear how compliance and commitment may differentially predict sustainable performance.

Practical implications

Although instrumental and moral motives can be complementary in advancing sustainable practices, it is imperative for firms to integrate moral considerations into sustainability decision-making and move beyond compliance, if they are to contribute meaningfully to a better society and cleaner environment.

Originality/value

This is the first large-scale empirical investigation on the links among motives, compliance, commitment and sustainable performance from the perspectives of suppliers.
Redefining social enterprise in the global world: study of China and India
Authors: Oberoi Roopinder , Cook Ian G. , Halsall Jamie P. , Snowden Michael , Woodock Pete
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Social enterprise plays a pivotal role in helping people and communities. Since the global financial crisis of 2008, there has been an upsurge of social enterprise within a local, national and global context. The purpose of this paper is to explore the debates and issues presented by social enterprise in a very complex globalized world.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors apply two geographical case studies: China and India. The purpose for selecting both China and India is their increasing economic super power on the global stage. It is argued that the concept of social enterprise within the geographical context of China and India is significant to their individual economies.

Findings

The concept of social enterprise within the geographical context of China and India is significant to their individual economies and as explored within the notion of “think global, act local” the conceptual debates of place, space and time enables people to take positive action and enable the development of healthy communities.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion around the definition of the nature of social enterprise and gives concrete examples of the contextually specific nature of the term.
Soil functionality produced by soil mixing: The role of inoculum and substrate
Authors: Kapagianni Pantelitsa D. , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi Urania , Stamou George P. , Papatheodorou Efimia M.
Published: July 2019

We performed a microcosm soil mixing incubation experiment to assess the functionality and composition of the microbial communities of “new” created soils. Sterilized soils from a deciduous beech forest in Taxiarchis (T) area and an evergreen sclerophyllous formation in Eleochoria (E) area (substrates) were either self‐ or cross‐inoculated with a small percentage (6%) of nonsterilized soils (inoculums) from E or T or an equal mixing of both. The control microcosms were prepared from original soil collected from E or T or an equal mixture of both. Three and 8 weeks after inoculation, the activity of soil enzymes engaged in the C (peroxidase, β‐glucosidase), N (N‐acetylglucosaminidase, urease and leucine‐aminopeptidase) and P (acid phosphomonoesterase) cycles was recorded. Also, the biomasses of different microbial groups were assessed by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) analysis. Concerning functionality, 3 weeks after inoculation, the type of inoculum was the considerable factor but after 8 weeks the substrate exerted the major influence on the enzymatic profile of the “new soils.” Concerning the composition of microbial communities, substrate had the major impact on both samplings, while the effect of inoculum depended on incubation period and type of substrate. Different inoculums in T substrate resulted in different communities after 8 weeks of incubation but in similar communities in E substrate. The control soil produced by the equal mixing of both (E + T) hosted a microbial community with new composition and functional potentials.
Human Rights in Policing: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Poolman Sarah , Wilshaw Richard , Grace Jamie
Published: July 2019

This article seeks to demonstrate, largely from practitioners’ perspectives, the growing evolution in understanding and implementation of meaningful human rights standards within the policing context. In the early 2000s, human rights were perceived and treated as a rather restrictive framework in UK policing. They are now more readily seen as a set of tools that guide and help the police to balance the views and interests of all parties to the criminal justice process. Human rights values enable police in the UK to better endeavour to do the right thing, ‘without fear or favour’.
Dysfunctional path dependence in mid‐century butterfat dairy farming on eastern Australia's subtropical coastlands: case studies at Moruya and Copmanhurst
Authors: Holmes John
Published: July 2019

The concept of path dependence is central to the current discourse on evolutionary approaches in regional transformations. Along the subtropical coastlands of eastern Australia, low‐input, low‐income, and labour‐intensive dairy farms were subject to prolonged dysfunction. Their creation and entrenchment serve as a potent case study of path dependence and lock‐in that were driven by mutually reinforcing attributes—behavioural, socio‐economic, cultural, political, and infrastructural. Functional rigidification and incipient dissolution were scrutinised in farm surveys undertaken from 1952 to 1954 in the Moruya and Copmanhurst districts of coastal New South Wales. At both locales, the dairy industry comprised a core of long‐term stable producers located mainly on the more accessible and productive alluvial soils, together with a fluctuating number of marginal producers motivated by a variable mix of personal, locational, and temporal influences. The demise of dairying was prolonged, in part by the industry's exceptional survival capabilities and in part by the lack of any viable alternative farming staple. The belated collapse of dairy farming in the 1960s and 1970s has facilitated the emergence and lock‐in of an alternative multifunctional pathway, driven primarily by consumption with subordinate production and protection values. The two case studies reveal synergies between the closely aligned path dependence and the multifunctional trajectory/transition concepts in yielding insights into the dynamics of rural change and in offering guidelines for further research within evolutionary economic geography.
Effect of Tea Polyphenols on the Oxidation and Color Stability of Porcine Hemoglobin
Authors: Dong Jingwen , Zhou Yaoqing , Lu Yunhao , Lv Yuanping , Chi Yuanlong , He Qiang
Published: July 2019

The oxidation and color stability of porcine hemoglobin (Hb) in the presence of tea polyphenols (TP), as well as the mechanism, were investigated using the methods of color and oxidation analyses, ultraviolet‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicated that TP interacted with the tryptophan and tyrosine residues of Hb through inserting into its hydrophobic pocket. This interaction showed a concentration‐dependent effect on Hb, which might lead to completely opposite results. The presence of TP (16 mg/L) disrupted Hb (16 mg/L) structure, and the exposure of heme iron facilitated the oxidation and discoloration of Hb. However, a lower level of TP should not break Hb structure but could work as an antioxidant and restrain the formation of methemoglobin. Consequently, TP (1.6 mg/L) considerably maintained the redness of Hb (16 mg/L, P < 0.05) when stored at pH 7.4 and 25 °C for 72 hr. Results may provide scientific information for the proper use of TP in blood and meat products.

Practical Application

Proper utilization of tea polyphenols (TP) in food products is beneficial to improve antioxidant capacity and nutrition quality of food. We proved that it was potential to corporate TP into blood and meat products to prevent discoloration and oxidative deterioration.
A comparison of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR and metabarcoding for species‐specific detection in environmental DNA
Authors: Wood Susanna A. , Pochon Xavier , Laroche Olivier , von Ammon Ulla , Adamson Janet , Zaiko Anastasija
Published: July 2019

Targeted species‐specific and community‐wide molecular diagnostics tools are being used with increasing frequency to detect invasive or rare species. Few studies have compared the sensitivity and specificity of these approaches. In the present study environmental DNA from 90 filtered seawater and 120 biofouling samples was analyzed with quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and metabarcoding targeting the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 18S rRNA genes for the Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii. The qPCR analyses detected S. spallanzanii in 53% of water and 85% of biofouling samples. Using ddPCR S. spallanzanii was detected in 61% of water of water and 95% of biofouling samples. There were strong relationships between COI copy numbers determined via qPCR and ddPCR (water R2 = 0.81, p < .001, biofouling R2 = 0.68, p < .001); however, qPCR copy numbers were on average 125‐fold lower than those measured using ddPCR. Using metabarcoding there was higher detection in water samples when targeting the COI (40%) compared to 18S rRNA (5.4%). The difference was less pronounced in biofouling samples (25% COI, 29% 18S rRNA). Occupancy modelling showed that although the occupancy estimate was higher for biofouling samples (ψ = 1.0), higher probabilities of detection were derived for water samples. Detection probabilities of ddPCR (1.0) and qPCR (0.93) were nearly double metabarcoding (0.57 to 0.27 marker dependent). Studies that aim to detect specific invasive or rare species in environmental samples should consider using targeted approaches until a detailed understanding of how community and matrix complexity, and primer biases affect metabarcoding data.
Tobacco smoking and trends in histological subtypes of female lung cancer at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences over 13 years
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Vogtmann Emily , Jia Man‐man , Parascandola Mark , Li Ji‐bin , Wu Yan‐ling , Feng Qin‐fu , Zou Xiao‐nong
Published: July 2019

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in China, and incidence and mortality continue to rise despite the fact that smoking prevalence is very low among Chinese women.

Aim

This study investigated tobacco smoking and trends in histological subtypes of female lung cancer in a central cancer hospital in China.

Methods

Demographic, smoking history and histological information on female lung cancer patients diagnosed or treated from 2000 to 2012 was collected from the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CHCAMS). The classification of histological subtypes and clinical stages were conducted using the ICD‐O‐3 and Eighth AJCC Cancer Staging Manuals. Time‐trends of histological subtypes were analyzed based on annual percentage change (APC).

Results

Overall, 5870 female cases of lung cancer were included in the analysis. The number of female lung cancer patients increased from 509 (2000–2002) to 1744 (2011–2012). The most common histological type of lung cancer was adenocarcinoma (ADC) (72.93%), followed by small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (11.06%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (8.38%) and other (7.63%). Among smokers, the proportion of SCC decreased from 40.5% to 23.7% (P = 0.005), while ADC increased from 35.7% to 50.7% (P = 0.009). In non‐smokers, ADC increased from 63.1% to 80.6% (P = 0.006) and SCC decreased from 13.6% to 4.5% (P = 0.016). Among SCC cases, smokers made up a larger proportion of early stage (I/II: 47.1%) compared with late stages (III, 34.3%; IV, 18.6%).

Conclusion

The number of female lung cancer patients has increased in CHCAMS. In both smoking and non‐smoking cases, the proportion of adenocarcinoma increased. Squamous cell carcinomas were more likely to be diagnosed in early stages among smokers.
UAV wildlife radiotelemetry: System and methods of localization
Authors: Shafer Michael W. , Vega Gabriel , Rothfus Kellan , Flikkema Paul
Published: July 2019

The majority of bird and bat species are incapable of carrying tags that transmit their position to satellites. Given fundamental power requirements for such communication, burdened mass guidelines and battery technology, this constraint necessitates the continued use of very high frequency (VHF) radio beacons. As such, efforts should be made to mitigate their primary deficiencies: detection range, localization time and localization accuracy.

The integration of a radiotelemetry system with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) could significantly improve the capacity for data collection from VHF tags. We present a UAV‐integrated radiotelemetry system that relies on open source hardware and software. Localization methods, including signal processing, bearing estimation based on principal component analysis, localization techniques and test results, are discussed.

Using a low‐power beacon applicable for bats and small birds, testing showed that the improved vantage of the UAV‐radiotelemetry system (UAV‐RT) provided significantly higher received signal power compared to the low‐level flights (maximum range beyond 1.4 km). Flight testing of localization methods showed median bearing errors between 2.3° and 6.8°, with localization errors of between 5% and 14% of the distance to the tag. In a direct comparison to an experienced radiotelemetry user, the UAV‐RT system provided bearing and localization estimates with 53% less error.

This paper introduces the core functionality and use methods of the UAV‐RT system, while presenting baseline localization performance metrics. An associated website hosts plans for assembly and software installation. The methods of UAV‐RT use for tag detection will be further developed in future works. For both the detection and localization problems, the mobility of a flying asset drastically reduces tracker time requirements. A 7‐min flight would be sufficient to collect five equally spaced bearing estimates over a 1‐km transect. The use of a software‐defined radio on the UAV‐RT system will allow for the simultaneous detection and localization of multiple tags.
Avoiding Misdiagnosis in Patients With Posterior Circulation Ischemia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gurley Kiersten L. , Edlow Jonathan A.
Published: July 2019

Posterior circulation strokes represent 20% of all acute ischemic strokes. Posterior circulation stroke patients are misdiagnosed twice as often compared to those with anterior events. Misdiagnosed patients likely have worse outcomes than correctly diagnosed patients because they are at risk for complications of the initial stroke as well as recurrent events due to lack of secondary stroke prevention and failure to treat the underlying vascular pathology.

Understanding important anatomic variants, the clinical presentations, relevant physical examination findings, and the limitations of acute brain imaging may help reduce misdiagnosis. We present a symptom‐based review of posterior circulation ischemia focusing on the subtler presentations with a brief discussion of basilar stroke, both of which can be missed by the emergency physician. Strategies to avoid misdiagnosis include establishing an abrupt onset of symptoms, awareness of the nonspecific presentations, consideration of basilar stroke in altered patients and using a modern approach to diagnosis of the acutely dizzy patient.
Drug Policy and the Public Good: a summary of the second edition
Authors: Babor Thomas F. , Caulkins Jonathan , Fischer Benedikt , Foxcroft David , Medina‐Mora María Elena , Obot Isidore , Rehm Jürgen , Reuter Peter , Room Robin , Rossow Ingeborg , Strang John
Published: July 2019

The second edition of Drug Policy and the Public Good presents up‐to‐date evidence relating to the development of drug policy at local, national and international levels. The book explores both illicit drug use and non‐medical use of prescription medications from a public health perspective. The core of the book is a critical review of the scientific evidence in five areas of drug policy: (1) primary prevention programs in schools and other settings; (2) treatment interventions and harm reduction approaches; (3) attempts to control the supply of illicit drugs, including drug interdiction and law enforcement; (4) penal approaches, decriminalization and other alternatives; and (5) control of the legal market through prescription drug regimens. It also discusses the trend towards legalization of some psychoactive substances in some countries and the need for a new approach to drug policy that is evidence‐based, realistic and coordinated. The accumulated evidence provides important information about effective and ineffective policies. Shifting the emphasis towards a public health approach should reduce the extent of illicit drug use, prevent the escalation of new epidemics and avoid the unintended consequences arising from the marginalization of drug users through severe criminal penalties.
Oral complementary medicine use and first‐cycle in vitro fertilisation – What are the effects on the oocyte, the embryo and the pregnancy rate?
Authors: Kieu Violet , Healey Martin , Vollenhoven Beverley
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess the effect of oral complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on the oocyte, embryo and pregnancy rate in first‐cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Method

A prospective cohort study using the International CAM Questionnaire, reviewing patient IVF outcomes. Local ethics approval was obtained.

Results

Over 18 months (October 2015 to April 2017) 25 patients were prospectively recruited, with 52% (n = 13) using herbal or dietary supplements, including Chinese medicine, fish oil, liver ‘detox’, co‐enzyme Q10, spirulina, probiotics and maca root. Comparing users to non‐users, there was no statistical difference in age, body mass index, primary infertility, gravidity or parity. Total follicle‐stimulating hormone dose was equivalent (2760 vs 2451 IU, P = 0.60), but there was a significant difference in maximum oestradiol response (4134 vs 8335, P = 0.045), on univariate analysis alone. While no difference was found in the number of follicles >11 mm (7.5 vs 11.5, P = 0.80), or eggs collected (8.0 vs 12.5, P = 0.91), there was a lower number of eggs fertilised in users (3.0 vs 4.0, P = 0.046). There was no difference in the chemical or clinical pregnancy rate.

Conclusion

This small study demonstrates a high use of oral CAM in first‐cycle IVF patients, with a wide range of types. There appears to be a lower fertilisation rate in the women who used oral CAMs. It is unclear whether this is a negative effect of the CAM or selection bias. This concern about confounders supports the need for further research into unregulated herbal medicine on IVF outcomes, given that so many women are using these substances.
In overweight and obese women, fetal ultrasound biometry accurately predicts newborn measures
Authors: O'Brien Cecelia M. , Louise Jennie , Deussen Andrea , Dodd Jodie M.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between fetal ultrasound and newborn biometry and adiposity measures in the setting of maternal obesity.

Material and Methods

The study population involved 845 overweight or obese pregnant women, who participated in the Standard Care Group of the LIMIT randomised trial (ACTRN12607000161426, 9/03/2007). At 36 weeks gestation, fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and adiposity measures including mid‐thigh fat mass (MTFM), subscapular fat mass (SSFM), and abdominal fat mass (AFM) were undertaken using ultrasound. Neonatal anthropometric measurements obtained after birth included birthweight, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and skinfold thickness measurements (SFTM) of the subscapular region and abdomen.

Results

At 36 weeks gestation, every 1 g increase in EFW was associated with a 0.94 g increase in birthweight (95% CI 0.88–0.99; P < 0.001). For every 1 mm increase in the fetal ultrasound measure, there was a 0.69 mm increase in birth HC (95% CI 0.63–0.75, P < 0.001) and 0.69 mm increase in birth AC (95% CI 0.60–0.79, P < 0.001). Subscapular fat mass in the fetus and the newborn (0.29 mm, 95% CI 0.20–0.39, P < 0.001) were moderately associated, but AFM measurements were not (0.06 mm, −0.03 to 0.15, P = 0.203). There is no evidence that these relationships differed by maternal body mass index.

Conclusion

In women who are overweight or obese, fetal ultrasound accurately predicts neonatal HC and AC along with birthweight.
Amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: a retrospective study from a single centre in the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Jeyaraman Kanakamani , Berhane Thomas , Hamilton Mark , Chandra Abhilash P. , Falhammar Henrik
Published: July 2019

Background

Lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in diabetic patients are common in the indigenous population. There is no published data from the Northern Territory.

Methods

All patients with diabetic foot ulcer, presenting for the first time to the multi‐disciplinary foot clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital, between January 2003 and June 2015, were included. These patients were followed until 2017, or death. LEA rates over the follow‐up period and the risk factors were studied.

Results

Of the 513 included patients, 62.8% were males and 48.2% were indigenous. The majority (93.6%) had type 2 diabetes with median diabetes duration of 7.0 years (interquartile range 3–12). During the follow‐up period of 5.8 years (interquartile range 3.1–9.8), a total of 435 LEAs (16.6% major; 34.7% minor) occurred in 263 patients (mean age 57.0 ± 11.8 years). In multivariate analysis, the following variables were associated with LEAs (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval)): prior LEA (4.49 (1.69–11.9)); peripheral vascular disease (2.67 (1.27–5.59)); forefoot ulcer (7.72 (2.61–22.7)); Wagner grade 2 (3.71 (1.87–7.36)); and Wagner grade 3 (17.02 (3.77–76.72)). Indigenous patients were 1.8 times more likely to have LEAs than non‐indigenous patients. Indigenous amputees were approximately 9 years younger than their non‐indigenous counterparts.

Conclusion

Half of patients presenting with diabetic foot ulcer had LEA during follow‐up. Prior LEAs, peripheral vascular disease, forefoot ulcers and higher Wagner grades were independent risk factors for LEA. Indigenous patients were at higher risk for LEAs and were younger at the time of amputation.
Accurate expression of PD‐L1/L2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells: A retrospective study by double immunohistochemistry
Authors: Shinchi Yusuke , Komohara Yoshihiro , Yonemitsu Kimihiro , Sato Kensaku , Ohnishi Koji , Saito Yoichi , Fujiwara Yukio , Mori Takeshi , Shiraishi Kenji , Ikeda Koei , Suzuki Makoto
Published: July 2019

The percentage of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) positivity in cancer cells, named as the tumor proportion score, is considered to be a predictive biomarker for anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy in lung cancer. PD‐L1 is expressed on not only cancer cells but also on immune cells, including macrophages. Although previous studies related to PD‐L1/2 expression in cancer tissues have been generally based on single immunohistochemistry (IHC), in the present study, we attempted to evaluate accurate PD‐L1/2 expression in cancer cells in lung adenocarcinoma cells using double IHC to also evaluate macrophages. Of the 231 patients, PD‐L1 expression was negative in 169 patients (73.2%), 1%‐49% positive in 47 patients (20.3%), and ≥50% positive in 15 patients (6.5%). Interestingly, PD‐L1 positivity was decreased when using double IHC compared with the estimation by single IHC. High PD‐L1 expression was associated with high‐grade cancer cells and in higher stage cancer. PD‐L2 was negative in 109 patients (47.2%), 1%‐49% positive in 50 patients (21.6%), and ≥50% positive in 72 patients (31.2%). The number of PD‐L2‐positive patients was increased in cases that had an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and in lower stage cancer. Thirty‐five patients (15.2%) were positive for both PD‐L1 and PD‐L2, whereas 81 patients (35.1%) were negative for both PD‐L1 and PD‐L2. Log‐rank analysis showed that progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly the longest in the PD‐L1‐negative and PD‐L2‐positive groups (P < .0001 and P = .0120). We observed lower PD‐L1 or PD‐L2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma than previously reported. Double IHC for macrophages may help clinicians to evaluate PD‐L1 or PD‐L2 expression specifically in cancer cells.
Cognitive Correlates of the Covariance in Reading and Arithmetic Fluency: Importance of Serial Retrieval Fluency
Authors: Koponen Tuire , Eklund Kenneth , Heikkilä Riikka , Salminen Jonna , Fuchs Lynn , Fuchs Douglas , Aro Mikko
Published: July 2019

This study examines the core predictors of the covariance in reading and arithmetic fluency and the domain‐general cognitive skills that explain the core predictors and covariance. Seven‐year‐old Finnish children (N = 200) were assessed on rapid automatized naming (RAN), phonological awareness, letter knowledge, verbal counting, number writing, number comparison, memory skills, and processing and articulation speed in the spring of Grade 1 and on reading and arithmetic fluency in the fall of Grade 2. RAN and verbal counting were strongly associated, and a constructed latent factor, serial retrieval fluency (SRF), was the strongest unique predictor of the shared variance. Other unique predictors were phonological awareness, number comparison, and processing speed. Findings highlight the importance of SRF in clarifying the relation between reading and arithmetic fluency.
Influence of prolonged treatment with omalizumab on the development of solid epithelial cancer in patients with atopic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Johnston Amy , Smith Christine , Zheng Carine , Aaron Shawn D. , Kelly Shannon E. , Skidmore Becky , Wells George A.
Published: July 2019

Objective

We investigated whether prolonged treatment with omalizumab influences development or progression of solid epithelial cancer in patients with atopic asthma or chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention and observational studies. Randomized controlled trials were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, comparative observational studies were assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, and non‐comparative observational studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and grey literature for eligible studies to November 2017. All searches were updated in January 2019.

Eligibility criteria for included studies

Randomized, quasi‐randomized, controlled clinical trials and observational studies were included if they involved patients ≥ 12 years with moderate‐to‐severe persistent asthma or chronic idiopathic urticaria treated with omalizumab for ≥ 40 weeks. Eligible comparators included standard of care, placebo, cromoglycate or no treatment.

Results

One hundred and sixty seven unique studies were eligible for inclusion; however, only twelve (7.2%, n = 11 758) reported any outcome of interest, none of which involved patients with urticaria. 195 cancer events were reported. We found no statistically significant increase in the odds of study‐emergent solid epithelial cancer in patients randomized to long‐term treatment with omalizumab compared to standard of care (Peto OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.11, 3.74, I2 = 41%). Less than one per cent of participants of non‐comparative observational studies (n = 2350) were diagnosed with a solid epithelial tumour (meta‐proportion: 0.86% [95% CI: 0.24, 1.86%, I2 = 56%]). In the only comparative observational study reporting on cancer, the proportion of study‐emergent solid epithelial tumour events was nearly identical in both study groups (omalizumab: 2.3%, standard of care: 2.2%).

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether long‐term treatment with omalizumab influences development or progression of solid epithelial cancer in these patient populations.

PROSPERO registration # CRD 42018082211.
A global plastid phylogeny of the fern genus Asplenium (Aspleniaceae)
Authors: Xu Ke‐Wang , Zhang Liang , Rothfels Carl J. , Smith Alan R. , Viane Ronald , Lorence David , Wood Kenneth R. , Chen Cheng‐Wei , Knapp Ralf , Zhou Lin , Lu Ngan Thi , Zhou Xin‐Mao , Wei Hong‐Jin , Fan Qiang , Chen Su‐Fang , Cicuzza Daniele , Gao Xin‐Fen , Liao Wen‐Bo , Zhang Li‐Bing
Published: July 2019

The infrageneric relationships and taxonomy of the largest fern genus, Asplenium (Aspleniaceae), have remained poorly understood. Previous studies have focused mainly on specific species complexes involving a few or dozens of species only, or have achieved a large taxon sampling but only one plastid marker was used. In the present study, DNA sequences from six plastid markers (atpB, rbcL, rps4, rps4‐trnS, trnL and trnL‐F) of 1030 accessions (616 of them newly sequenced here) representing c. 420 species of Asplenium (60% of estimated species diversity), 16 species of Hymenasplenium, three Diplaziopsidaceae, and four Rhachidosoraceae were used to produce the largest genus‐level phylogeny yet for ferns. Our major results include: (i) Asplenium as broadly circumscribed is monophyletic based on our inclusion of representatives of 32 of 38 named segregate genera; (ii) 11 major clades in Asplenium are identified, and their relationships are mostly well‐resolved and strongly supported; (iii) numerous species, unsampled in previous studies, suggest new relationships and numerous cryptic species and species complexes in Asplenium; and (iv) the accrued molecular evidence provides an essential foundation for further investigations of complex patterns of geographical diversification, speciation and reticulate evolution in this family.
A systematic review of the management of synthetic mesh erosion of the rectum following urogynaecological surgery
Authors: Younan H‐C. , Machin M. , Myers A. F. , Slesser A. A. P. , Mohsen Y.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Synthetic rectal mesh erosion is a challenging complication following urogynaecological surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal management of rectal mesh erosion following urogynaecological surgery.

Method

A systematic review was undertaken following a pre‐defined protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018112425) in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Searches of MEDLINE online database, Cochrane Library and clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials, ISRCTN registry) were performed. The included articles were heterogeneous – therefore a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the review: 11 case reports, one case series, one retrospective cohort and one prospective multicentre trial. Fourteen rectal mesh erosions were identified. Eight (57%) of the rectal erosions underwent major abdominal surgery. In two of these cases, the abdominal approach was used only after failure of the transanal route. Five (36%) of the mesh erosions were managed using a transanal approach. In one case, the mesh passed without intervention.

Conclusion

Synthetic rectal mesh erosion can be managed successfully via either a transanal or a transabdominal approach with a partial or complete excision of the mesh. An examination under anaesthetic with an attempted transanal removal of mesh should be considered the first step in the management of this condition before consideration of more invasive surgery.