bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-authorship networks of Argentine economists
Authors: Larrosa Juan M.C.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide information about the structure of collaborative work among Argentinian economics. The study provides specific applied research of social network analysis focus on this profession in this specific country.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution opted for applying social network analysis tools to papers presented in a congress and published in its proceedings. The authors focus in detecting main actors, groups of co-authorship, professionals acting as bridges between groups and differences between genders.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about how co-authorship has evolved between Argentine economists. The authors find that structural properties of the network, main actors, both male and female, main universities or center that affiliates them, a gender gap that might be closing out.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the network for the period 1964-2014 without a more detailed dynamic. It also does not explain main topics worked by the authors.

Practical implications

The work provides knowledge about how groups are created in Economics in Argentina, how cooperation has evolved and what has been the role of women in this development. It also shows how different departments and entities collaborate with diverse success in the creation of new knowledge in Economics in Argentina.

Originality/value

The paper works with data from a source of information non-previously studied and contributes in explaining a particular type of collaborative work in a profession in Argentina.
The role of knowledge and organizational support in explaining managers’ active risk management behavior
Authors: Kim Sang Soo
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Effective risk management (RM) requires not only proactive prevention, but also reactive response where the role of individual managers is pivotal as they are the main players to perform RM behavior. Hence, the key questions related to effective corporate RM can be identified as how actively managers engage in RM behaviors and how well the firm supports their RM behavior. The purpose of this paper is to understand the mechanism of managers’ engagement in an active RM behavior and highlight the role of knowledge and organizational support in explaining the mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model built on the theory of planned behavior and the institutional theory is proposed to empirically examine the factors affecting managers’ RM intention. The survey of 150 senior managers from different divisions of six major companies in Korean food industry was conducted.

Findings

The data analysis brings forward three key findings: individual factors (behavioral belief about RM, social pressure and RM knowledge) positively influence RM intention; organizational factor (organizational RM support) positively affects managers’ RM knowledge; and both individual and organizational factors are affected by organizational environment and/or RM championship.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying the mechanism in that managers perform RM behavior voluntarily. This study also contributes to the practice by informing practitioners of the importance of implementing a company-wide RM system and motivating managers for an active RM behavior.
Finding a turn in Canadian management through archival sources
Authors: Russell Jason
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal something about a turn that occurred in Canadian management from the 1960s to 1980s through an empirical analysis of three different archival research sources. It considers three sub-themes that collectively help to reveal empirically major changes in management identity that happened in Canada from the late 1960s to the early 1980s.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is divided into several sub-sections and uses social history methodology, although it is principally intended to be an empirical analysis. The rationale for selecting three specific sources and how they relate to each other is discussed. The sources are different in terms of form and periodization, yet they collectively provide coherent insights into the management experience in Canada from the 1960s to 1980s.

Findings

As a methodology paper, this analysis reveals the unique nature of archival sources that are not often found in management history and also shows how they relate to each other.

Research limitations/implications

This paper may seem specific to Canadian management history, but it is intended to present sources and methodology that are applicable regardless of locale.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to present the value of using new methodologies in the study of management history and, while building on existing literature, it helps to reveal the complexity of the management experience in important decades in post-Second World War Canada.
Family influence mediates the relation between helicopter-parenting and millennial work attitudes
Authors: Gomes Shelomi B. , Deuling Jacqueline K.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Drawing from life course theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of family influence on career development (FICD) on the relationship of helicopter-parenting (over-parenting behavior) and US millennials’ work attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1 (n=268), confirmatory factor analysis was tested on all scales to derive fit models. Mediation analyses using PROCESS (Preacher and Hayes, 2004) were conducted on Study 1 and Study 2 (n=196) on survey collected data sets.

Findings

Capturing life course theorists’ proposition that parental involvement now extends itself through childhood and into millennials’ adulthood, results from both studies indicate helicopter-parenting is related to FICD. Further, for both studies, information support (FICD factor) positively mediates the relationship between helicopter-parenting and, affective commitment and job satisfaction, and negatively mediates the relationship between helicopter-parenting and turnover intentions. Additionally, direct effects on helicopter-parenting on work outcomes were found in both studies.

Practical implications

CEOs and managers seem perplexed on how to manage millennial workers. Understanding the co-occurring positive and negative effects of the millennial-parent relationship on work attitudes can help alleviate this conundrum to create better supervision, retention and engagement of millennial workers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the sparse empirical literature on millennial’s work attitudes and is the first to provide empirical evidence of the role parents play in shaping millennial’s work attitudes. The findings highlight the concerns CEOs have in managing their millennial workers via their parental relationship and provide insightful management strategies.
A new mineral policy development framework for Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Hamid , Cawood Frederick
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a mineral policy development framework for Pakistan based on seven key elements derived from the gap analysis of Pakistan’s current framework with leading developing minerals-based economies. Pakistan is gifted with significant mineral resources that have the potential to lift its economy and bring prosperity to its citizens. For this to happen, Pakistan must formulate a mineral policy based on leading practices to attract mining investment for economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a new mineral policy framework from the lessons derived from the gap analysis conducted in the first paper of this research. These lessons are called the “elements of development” which, after evaluation with the existing framework, will provide the suggested strategic fit measures for the formulation of the new mineral policy framework for Pakistan.

Findings

A new mineral policy framework is proposed based on seven key enablers, namely, institutional framework, stable political economy, legal framework, regulatory framework, fiscal framework, stakeholder participation and sustainable development. A new organisational structure of the Ministry is also proposed based on the generally accepted organisational structure of tiers, implementation and regulatory bodies.

Practical implications

The key constraints for Pakistan’s mineral sector are as follows: the sector is lacking an enabling institutional framework for efficient access to mineral resources and lacks an enabling fiscal and regulatory framework including secure mineral rights system for mining to enhance the economic attractiveness of the sector.

Originality/value

This paper presents original work on the development of a new mineral policy framework for Pakistan to extract maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
How the human-machine interchange will transform business operations
Authors: Butner Karen , Ho Grace
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Machine learning is beginning to transform the way businesses organize their operations and benefit from technology investments.

Design/methodology/approach

To learn more about how far along organizations are in deploying intelligent automation and in developing plans and strategies for its adoption, the IBM Institute for Business Value, in collaboration with Oxford Economics surveyed and interviewed 550 technology and operations executives.

Findings

The primary purpose of intelligent automation is to augment employees’ skills, experience and expertise, extending the human mind in ways that allow for higher productivity, creative problem-solving and more engaging jobs for employees.

Practical implications

Automation is not a plug-and-play solution: companies cannot just buy the technology, flip the switch and watch robots run the business without any human intervention.

Originality/value

This recent survey of operations executive with specific knowledge of their companies plans provides insights into best practice. Executives believe that layering new technologies on top of old business processes is apt to be less productive ? and less cost-effective ? than rethinking processes to make the most of intelligent automation. Executives must optimize workflows for automation; this means envisioning the end result, enabling it through logical steps and prototyping the process ? then repairing as necessary before scaling.
Strategic negotiations: three essentials for successful partnerships with startups
Authors: Freytag Rudolf
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The author presents a tried-and-tested strategy for how startups can systematically and efficiently negotiate partnerships with established companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept consists of three elements: strategic balance, stakeholder alignment, and negotiation space. Real-world examples illustrate how this strategy can be applied.

Findings

The “strategic balance” element weighs the strategic benefits of the partnership against the strategic costs. This determines the negotiation strategy. The “stakeholder alignment” element gives due consideration to the interests and priorities of all stakeholder groups. Lastly, the “negotiation space” element is instrumental in streamlining the negotiations by focusing on the issues that are actually negotiable.

Practical implications

The concept can generally be applied to all aspects of negotiations between startups and established companies and has a long and proven track record in the real world. The issue of strategic balance in particular is useful in recognizing the strategic costs, which are sometimes hard to discern and only manifest themselves down the road, and comparing them with the strategic benefits, which are frequently obvious. A careful stakeholder alignment increases the chance that negotiations will succeed while building a foundation for constructive collaboration in the eventual partnership.

Originality/value

Startups that use this tried-and-tested strategy have a tool that can help them systematically and efficiently negotiate partnerships with established companies. The tool also helps the partners recognize early on whether negotiations actually have any prospect for success. The concept can also serve as a guideline for a corporate in negotiating a successful partnership with a startup.
The financial performance of rural banks in Ghana
Authors: Awo Joyce Patience , Akotey Joseph Oscar
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Rural and community banks (RCBs) provide financial services to small enterprises in rural and sub-urban areas. The purpose of this paper is to examine their financial performance through a case-specific evaluation of a small bank situated in the northern part of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a triangulation method comprising relative ratio analysis, bivariate and generalized method of moments (GMM) techniques for the evaluation of the audited annual financial statements of the bank covering a period of 15 years.

Findings

The relative ratio analysis show that the bank's financial performance has generally been above the average of the rural banking industry. The bivariate analysis indicates that although the loans portfolio is positive, it is not properly fitted. That is, some of its loan portfolio deviates from the path of expectation. The GMM analysis indicates that its financial performance is significantly influenced by liquidity management, bank capital and size which have enhanced its expansion and intermediation to rural households and microenterprises. However, an increase in the government treasury bill rate has a declining effect on the bank’s profitability.

Practical implications

The findings have significant policy implications for the management and supervision of RCBs. RCBs should deal with the spillover effects of the banking and MFIs’ crisis by educating and re-assuring their customers of their financial integrity. Most importantly, they differentiate their services from the other financial institutions within the space of the rural financial architecture.

Originality/value

Majority of research into this area has focused heavily on large commercial banks. This research adds value to the literature by re-focusing the searchlight on the financial performance of small banks.
High diversity and rapid spatial turnover of integron gene cassettes in soil
Authors: Ghaly Timothy M. , Geoghegan Jemma L. , Alroy John , Gillings Michael R.
Published: February 2019

Integrons are genetic elements that promote rapid adaptation in bacteria by capturing exogenous, mobile gene cassettes. Recently, a subset of gene cassettes has facilitated the global spread of antibiotic resistance. However, outside clinical settings, very little is known about their diversity and spatial ecology. To address this question, we sequenced integron gene cassettes from soils sampled across Australia and Antarctica. We recovered 44 970 open reading frames that encoded 27 215 unique proteins, representing an order of magnitude more cassettes than previous sequencing efforts. We found that cassettes have extremely high local richness, significantly greater than previously predicted, with estimates ranging from 4000 to 18 000 unique cassettes per 0.3 g of soil. We show that cassettes have a heterogeneous distribution across space, and that they exhibit rapid turnover with distance. Similarity between samples drops to between 0.1% and 10% at distances of as little as 100 m. Together, these data provide key insights into the ecology and size of the gene cassette metagenome.
Spatial separation of anaerobic ammonium oxidation and nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation in permeable riverbeds
Authors: Shen Lidong , Ouyang Liao , Zhu Yizhu , Trimmer Mark
Published: February 2019

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and nitrite‐dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n‐damo) play important roles in nitrogen and carbon cycling in fresh waters but we do not know how these two processes compete for their common electron acceptor, nitrite. Here, we investigated the spatial distribution of anammox and n‐damo across a range of permeable riverbed sediments. Anammox activity and gene abundance were detected in both gravel and sandy riverbeds and showed a simple, common vertical distribution pattern, while the patterns in n‐damo were more complex and n‐damo activity was confined to the more reduced, sandy riverbeds. Anammox was most active in surficial sediment (0–2 cm), coincident with a peak in hzsA gene abundance and nitrite. In contrast, n‐damo activity peaked deeper down (4–8 cm) in the sandy riverbeds, coincident with a peak in n‐damo 16S rRNA gene abundance and higher methane concentration. Pore water nitrite, methane and oxygen were key factors influencing the distribution of these two processes in permeable riverbeds. Furthermore, both anammox‐ and n‐damo‐ activity were positively correlated with denitrification activity, suggesting a role for denitrification in supplying both processes with nitrite. Our data reveal spatial separation between anammox and n‐damo in permeable riverbed sediments that potentially avoids them competing for nitrite.
Complexity and hybrid effects in the delivery and evaluation of youth programmes in a remote Indigenous community
Authors: Staines Zoe , Moran Mark
Published: February 2019

Indigenous Australians continue to experience entrenched disadvantage. Despite billions being spent, ‘Closing the Gap’ indicators remain resistant to change. It has become increasingly apparent that progress has been hindered by persistent administration and implementation issues in Indigenous Affairs, especially with the funding modalities deployed. This study uses the remote Queensland Indigenous community of Aurukun as a case study to examine the effectiveness and evaluation problems arising from overlapping programmes delivered to Aurukun children and youth (5–18 years of age). It documents programmatic crowding occurring in Aurukun, which has the potential to place considerable demands on the intended participants, and results in hybridised effects that are not understood. Within this context, robust evaluation – even through the use of sophisticated methods – is near impossible.
Developing Absorptive Capacity Theory for Public Service Organizations: Emerging UK Empirical Evidence
Authors: Butler Michael J. R. , Ferlie Ewan
Published: February 2019

A strong public policy focus on high performance means that utilizing management knowledge effectively is at a premium for UK public service organizations. This study empirically examined two English public agencies to explore the inter‐sectoral transfer of a strategic management model originally developed in the private sector – absorptive capacity – which is one way of conceptualizing an organizational competence in such knowledge mobilization. Two theoretical contributions are made. First, a new absorptive capacity framework for public service organizations is developed which recognizes the participation of public agency project teams during an innovation process proceeding over time with phases of co‐creation, testing, metamorphosis and diffusion. Second, our novel framework modifies an early influential model of absorptive capacity. Counter to this model, we argue that realized absorptive capacity requires agency from skilled and embedded actors to turn ‘curbing routines’ into ‘enabling routines’ in all four stages. Project (middle) managers have flexibility in their roles to seize episodic moments of opportunity to innovate and achieve service delivery goals, and to build absorptive capacity capability. Absorptive capacity capability develops organically over time. Future research directions are discussed.
Influence of activation mode and preheating on intracanal irrigant temperature
Authors: Leonardi Denise Piotto , Grande Nicola Maria , Tomazinho Flávia Sens Fagundes , Marques‐da‐Silva Bruno , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Baratto‐Filho Flares , Plotino Gianluca
Published: February 2019

This ex vivo study assessed the effectiveness of two activation modes to increase the intracanal temperature of 5.25% NaOCl solution and the time for a preheated‐irrigant to return to its initial temperature. Ten single‐rooted extracted human teeth were used. Thermocouples were adapted to the root surface and the temperature was registered following two activation modes: ultrasound (US) and thermal. Furthermore, a preheated‐solution (45°C/60°C) was flushed into root canal to test the time needed to return to its initial temperature. Data were analysed using two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post‐hoc tests (P = 0.05). Statistical analysis showed differences between the activation modes. US and thermal activation increased from 37 to 40.4°C and to 62.8°C respectively in 60 s. Time for preheated‐irrigant to return to its initial temperature was longer for 60°C. Preheating irrigant at 60°C and using thermal activation to keep it warm may represent a further step of the irrigation protocol.
Asymmetric Investor Reaction around Earnings Benchmark under Economic Uncertainty
Authors: Shin Jae Eun
Published: February 2019

This study examines the effect of macro‐economic shocks on asymmetric investor reactions to earnings announcements. Specifically, we focus on a small range around the earnings benchmark and find a disproportionately large market penalty for firms with small negative earnings surprises (ESs) following an increase in macro‐uncertainty. By contrast, we find no evidence of an asymmetric market reaction to firms with small negative ESs following a decrease in macro‐uncertainty. While prior empirical research failed to document the large penalty for small negative ESs, our findings suggest macro‐economic shocks as a factor that explains the asymmetric pricing effect.
First‐trimester ultrasound features associated with subsequent miscarriage: A prospective study
Authors: Taylor Tracey J. , Quinton Ann E. , de Vries Bradley S. , Hyett Jonathon A.
Published: February 2019

Background

First‐trimester miscarriage is common, with women increasingly offered an ultrasound scan early in the first trimester to assess the status of their pregnancy. Ultrasound is uniquely situated to significantly impact the clinical management of these women.

Aims

This study aims to determine whether there were any differences in the early ultrasound appearances of pregnancies that continued to be viable or resulted in miscarriage before 12 weeks gestation.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective cohort study including ultrasound measurements: mean sac diameter (MSD), yolk sac diameter (YSD), crown‐rump length (CRL), fetal heart rate (FHR), trophoblast thickness, trophoblast volume (TTV) and mean uterine artery pulsatility index (meanUAPI). Regression models were fitted for each parameter and Z‐scores compared between cohorts that progressed or miscarried after the scan but before 12 weeks gestation. Logistic regression analysis was used to create a prediction model for miscarriage prior to 12 weeks gestation based on the standardised ultrasound measurements recorded during the early first‐trimester scan.

Results

Comparison of Z‐Scores for meanUAPI, TTV, FHR and MSD demonstrated significant variation between the two groups. The proposed logistic regression model resulted in an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.81. At a false‐positive rate of 30%, the model resulted in a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI 64–89%).

Conclusion

The combination of FHR, meanUAPI, TTV in a prediction model for miscarriage may prove to be of value for ongoing pregnancy management in the first trimester.
Low‐dose vaginal misoprostol vs vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor beyond 41st week: A randomized trial
Authors: De Bonrostro Torralba Carlos , Tejero Cabrejas Eva Lucía , Envid Lázaro Blanca Mar , Franco Royo Maria Jesús , Roca Arquillué Montserrat , Campillos Maza Jose Manuel
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a low‐dose protocol of vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor in women with post‐term pregnancies.

Material and methods

We designed a prospective, randomized, open‐labeled trial with evaluators blinded to the end‐point, including women of at least 41 weeks of gestational age with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and a Bishop score <6. They were randomized into dinoprostone or misoprostol groups in a 1:1 ratio. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours was the primary outcome variable. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (number NTC03744364).

Results

We included 198 women for analysis (99 women in each group). Vaginal birth rate within 24 hours did not differ between groups (49.5% vs 42.4%; P = 0.412). When the Bishop score was <4, dinoprostone insert showed a higher probability of vaginal delivery within 12 hours (17.8% vs 4%; P = 0.012). In the dinoprostone group, removal of the insert was more likely to be due to an adverse event (5.1% vs 14.1%; P = 0.051) and an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern during active labor (44.4% vs 58.6%; P = 0.047). Both groups were similar in neonatal outcomes including Apgar score, umbilical cord pH and neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions

Low‐dose vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert seem to be equally effective and safe for induction of labor in pregnant women with a gestational age beyond 41 weeks.
The development of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in Edinburgh: Translation from a rodent model through validation in a large mammal and then into clinical practice
Authors: Anderson Richard A. , Baird David T.
Published: February 2019

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has developed rapidly from its origins in experiments in sheep in the 1990s, and is now becoming recognized as a standard, rather than experimental, procedure. This review summarizes the origins of the technique, and key milestones in its development since the first reported sheep pregnancy in 1994 to the first successful human pregnancy in 2004, and now to the first baby born following cryopreservation of prepubertal ovarian tissue. Many challenges remain to optimize this technique, to improve the survival of follicles within the reimplanted ovarian tissue, to improve its reproducibility and hence the success rate and the lifespan of the graft. The other key area remains the possibility of the grafted tissue containing malignant cells, most importantly in leukemia.
Induction of labor at full‐term in pregnant women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Saccone Gabriele , Della Corte Luigi , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Quist‐Nelson Johanna , Raffone Antonio , De Vivo Valentino , Esposito Gennaro , Zullo Fulvio , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The lowest incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality occurs around 39‐40 weeks. Therefore, some have advocated induction of uncomplicated singleton gestations once they reach full‐term. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of cesarean delivery, and any maternal and perinatal effects of a policy of induction of labor in women with full‐term uncomplicated singleton gestations.

Material and methods

We performed an electronic search from inception of each database to August 2018. All results were then limited to randomized trial. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials of asymptomatic women with uncomplicated, singleton gestations at full‐term (ie, between 39+0 and 40+6 weeks) who were randomized to either planned induction of labor or control (ie, expectant management). Only trials on asymptomatic singleton gestations without premature rupture of membranes or any other indications for induction evaluating the effectiveness of planned induction of labor in full‐term singleton gestations were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of cesarean delivery.

Results

Seven randomized clinical trials, including 7598 participants were analyzed. Three studies enrolled only women with favorable cervix, defined as a Bishop score of ≥5 in nulliparous women or ≥4 in multiparous women. One trial included only women aged 35 years or older. Women randomized to the planned induction of labor, received scheduled induction usually at 39+0 to 39+6 weeks of gestation, whereas women in the control group received expectant management usually until 41‐42 weeks of gestation, or earlier if medically indicated. Methods of induction usually included cervical ripening, with either misoprostol or Foley catheter, in conjunction with or followed by oxytocin for women with unfavorable cervix, and oxytocin and artificial rupture of membranes for those with favorable cervix. Five trials also used artificial rupture of membranes as a method for induction. Uncomplicated full‐term singleton gestations that were randomized to receive induction of labor had similar incidence of cesarean delivery compared with controls (18.6% vs 21.4%; relative risk 0.96, 95% CI 0.78‐1.19). Regarding neonatal outcomes, induction of labor at full‐term was associated with a significantly lower rate of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (4.0% vs 13.5%; relative risk 0.32, 95% CI 0.18‐0.57), and lower mean birthweight (mean difference −98.96 g, 95% CI −126.29 to −71.63) compared with the control group. There were no between‐group differences in other adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

Induction of labor at about 39 weeks is not associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery.
Evaluation criterion for response to selection with constraint
Authors: Satoh Masahiro
Published: February 2019

The aims of the present study are to represent the concept of restricted breeding values algebraically and to propose a criterion for evaluating the genetic responses achieved by using a restricted selection procedure. An additive genetic mixed model characterized by multiple traits with constraints was assumed. If the random errors approach zero and the fixed effects can be completely estimated correctly in the model, the restricted best linear unbiased predictor of breeding values (uR) is equal to , where G0, C0, and u are the additive genetic variance‐covariance matrix for the q traits, the matrix for restriction, and the vector of breeding values, respectively. Therefore, if we want to evaluate the response to restricted selection, such as by a stochastic computer simulation study with known breeding values, we can use uR as only one criterion.
Measurement Error Correction and Sensitivity Analysis in Longitudinal Dietary Intervention Studies Using an External Validation Study
Authors: Siddique Juned , Daniels Michael J. , Carroll Raymond J. , Raghunathan Trivellore E. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Freedman Laurence S.
Published: February 2019

In lifestyle intervention trials, where the goal is to change a participant's weight or modify their eating behavior, self-reported diet is a longitudinal outcome variable that is subject to measurement error. We propose a statistical framework for correcting for measurement error in longitudinal self-reported dietary data by combining intervention data with auxiliary data from an external biomarker validation study where both self-reported and recovery biomarkers of dietary intake are available. In this setting, dietary intake measured without error in the intervention trial is missing data and multiple imputation is used to fill in the missing measurements. Since most validation studies are cross-sectional, they do not contain information on whether the nature of the measurement error changes over time or differs between treatment and control groups. We use sensitivity analyses to address the influence of these unverifiable assumptions involving the measurement error process and how they affect inferences regarding the effect of treatment. We apply our methods to self-reported sodium intake from the PREMIER study, a multi-component lifestyle intervention trial.
Academic staff perspectives on technology for assessment (TfA) in higher education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Brady Mairead , Devitt Ann , Kiersey Rachel A.
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a systematic literature review of academic staff experiences and perceptions of adopting Technology for Assessment OF/FOR/AS Learning in Higher Education. This paper is a qualitative synthesis of 65 peer‐reviewed journal articles published between 2012 and 2017 reporting on the use of technology for assessment (TfA). The results suggest that there are some efficiencies for staff in implementing TfA but this can come with a cost at the set‐up and maintenance phases. Furthermore, results indicated that assessment design is not of foremost concern to academic staff when introducing TfA, but that a wide variety of pressures and both educational and operational drivers are present. There were inconclusive findings in relation to understandings of appropriate institutional environments and supports for TfA to flourish in higher education. There is a need for empirical research, particularly longitudinal investigations, of academic experiences of implementations of TfA to investigate sustainability of adoption. The imperative of exploring the academic staff perspective as the instigator and manager of both the technology and the student learning experience requires deep consideration as TfA adoption progresses.
The impact of cytogenetics on duration of response and overall survival in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (long‐term follow‐up results from BSBMT/UKMF Myeloma X Relapse [Intensive]): a randomised, open‐label, phase 3 trial
Authors: Cook Gordon , Royle Kara‐Louise , O'Connor Sheila , Cairns David A. , Ashcroft A. John , Williams Cathy D. , Hockaday Anna , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Snowden John A. , Ademokun Debo , Tholouli Eleni , Andrews Vivienne E. , Jenner Matthew , Parrish Christopher , Yong Kwee , Cavet Jim , Hunter Hannah , Bird Jenny M. , Pratt Guy , Drayson Mark T. , Brown Julia M. , Morris Treen C. M. ,   the National Cancer Research Institute Haemato‐oncology Clinical Studies Group
Published: February 2019

The Myeloma X trial (ISCRTN60123120) registered patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Participants were randomised between salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or weekly cyclophosphamide following re‐induction therapy. Cytogenetic analysis performed at trial registration defined t(4;14), t(14;16) and del(17p) as high‐risk. The effect of cytogenetics on time to progression (TTP) and overall survival was investigated. At 76 months median follow‐up, ASCT improved TTP compared to cyclophosphamide (19 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 16–26) vs. 11 months (9–12), hazard ratio [HR]: 0·40, 95% CI: 0·29–0·56, P < 0·001), on which the presence of any single high‐risk lesion had a detrimental impact [likelihood ratio test (LRT): P = 0·011]. ASCT also improved OS [67 months (95% CI 59‐not reached) vs. 55 months (44–67), HR: 0·64, 95% CI: 0·42–0·99, P = 0·0435], with evidence of a detrimental impact with MYC rearrangement (LRT: P = 0·021). Twenty‐one (24·7%) cyclophosphamide patients received an ASCT post‐trial, median OS was not reached (95% CI: 39‐not reached) for these participants compared to 31 months (22–39), in those who did not receive a post‐trial ASCT. The analysis further supports the benefit of salvage ASCT, which may still be beneficial after second relapse in surviving patients. There is evidence that this benefit reduces in cytogenetic high‐risk patients, highlighting the need for targeted study in this patient group.
Phase I dose‐escalation study of capmatinib (INC280) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Esaki Taito , Hirai Fumihiko , Makiyama Akitaka , Seto Takashi , Bando Hideaki , Naito Yoichi , Yoh Kiyotaka , Ishihara Kae , Kakizume Tomoyuki , Natsume Kazuto , Myers Andrea , Doi Toshihiko
Published: February 2019

Capmatinib is a highly specific, potent and selective MET inhibitor. This was an open‐label, multicenter, dose‐escalation, phase I study conducted in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors (not selected based on their MET status). The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or highest studied dose being safe. Secondary objectives included safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary antitumor activity. Dose escalation was guided by a Bayesian Logistic Regression Model dependent on dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) in cycle 1. Of 44 adult Japanese patients with confirmed advanced solid tumors enrolled, 29 received capmatinib capsules (doses ranging from 100 mg once daily [q.d.] to 600 mg twice daily [b.i.d.]) and 15 received tablets (200 mg b.i.d. and 400 mg b.i.d.). DLT occurred in two patients: grade 2 suicidal ideation (600 mg b.i.d. capsule) and grade 3 depression (400 mg b.i.d. tablet). MTD was not reached. The highest studied dose determined to be safe as tablet was 400 mg b.i.d., whereas it is not yet determined for capsules. Most common adverse events suspected to be drug‐related were increased blood creatinine, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Following repeated daily dosing up to day 15 by q.d. or b.i.d. regimen using capsules, median time to reach maximum plasma drug concentration (Tmax) was 1.0‐4.0 hours; absorption was more rapid after dosing using tablets, with median Tmax of 1.0 hour on both days 1 and 15. Eight patients had a best overall response of stable disease. These data support further clinical development of capmatinib.
Sex‐specific associations between insulin resistance and bone parameters in overweight and obese older adults
Authors: Mesinovic Jakub , McMillan Lachlan B. , Shore‐Lorenti Catherine , Zengin Ayse , De Courten Barbora , Ebeling Peter R. , Scott David
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To determine sex‐specific associations between insulin resistance and bone parameters measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in overweight and obese community‐dwelling older adults.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study of 79 community‐dwelling overweight and obese adults (mean ± SD age 62.8 ± 7.9 years; body mass index 32.3 ± 6.1 kg/m2; 58% women).

Main outcome measures

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography assessed distal radius and tibia trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and proximal radius and tibia cortical vBMD, periosteal circumference, endosteal circumference and stress‐strain index. The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) score was calculated from fasting glucose and insulin values. Lean mass was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Total minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were calculated using the Active Australia Survey.

Results

Men and women in this cohort had no significant differences in fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, HOMA‐IR values and diabetes prevalence (all P > 0.05). In women, HOMA‐IR was positively correlated with proximal radius periosteal and endosteal circumference (r = 0.331; P = 0.034 and r = 0.325; P = 0.038, respectively). These associations became nonsignificant in multivariable regression analyses; however, HOMA‐IR was negatively associated with proximal radius cortical vBMD (B = −4.79; 95% CI −8.66, −0.92) after adjusting for age, lean mass and MVPA. All associations between HOMA‐IR and bone parameters became nonsignificant in a sensitivity analysis excluding individuals with diabetes, or self‐reported use of glucose‐lowering medications. There were no associations between HOMA‐IR and bone parameters in men.

Conclusions

Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance was negatively associated with radial cortical vBMD in overweight and obese older women, but not in men. Further studies are needed to clarify sex‐specific associations between insulin resistance and bone health in overweight and obese older adults.
Accounting for unintended consequences of resource policy: Connecting research that addresses displacement of environmental impacts
Authors: Lewison Rebecca L. , Johnson Andrew F. , Gan Jianbang , Pelc Robin , Westfall Katie , Helvey Mark
Published: February 2019

Natural resource policies enacted to protect environmental integrity play an important role in promoting sustainability. However, when resources are shared ecologically, economically, or through a common, global interest, policies implemented to protect resource sustainability in one domain can displace, and in some cases magnify, environmental degradation to other domains. Although such displacement has been recognized as a fundamental challenge to environmental and conservation policy within some resource sectors, there has been little cross‐disciplinary and cross‐sectoral integration to address the problem. This suggests that siloed knowledge may be impeding widespread recognition of the ubiquity of displacement and the need for mitigation. Here, we connect research across multiple disciplines to promote a broader discussion and recognition of the processes and pathways that can lead to displaced impacts that countermand or undermine resource policy and outline a number of approaches that can mitigate displacement.
Food supplementation protects Magnificent frigatebird chicks against a fatal viral disease
Authors: Sebastiano Manrico , Eens Marcel , Pineau Kévin , Chastel Olivier , Costantini David
Published: February 2019

Outbreaks of wildlife diseases are occurring at an unprecedented rate. In French Guiana, recurrent episodes of frigatebird chicks’ mortality due to a viral disease that first appeared in 2005 have recently turned into massive mortality episodes (85–95%) of chicks. One of the suggested hypotheses behind the appearance of the disease is food limitation due to the recent decline of local shrimp fishery boats on which frigatebirds rely for opportunistic feeding. We therefore experimentally fish‐supplemented frigatebird chicks with and without clinical signs of the disease. Food supplementation protected all chicks from the appearance of clinical signs of the disease and increased survival perspectives of sick chicks. These results suggest that food shortage might decrease resistance of chicks to infectious diseases and that using a specifically tailored food supplementation regime could be a complimentary tool to protect frigatebirds and other endangered birds from disease outbreaks threatening them with extinction.
Acquired neuromyotonia in children with CASPR2 and LGI1 antibodies
Authors: Surana Snehal , Kumar Ratna , Pitt Matthew , Hafner Patricia , Mclellan Ailsa , Davidson Joyce , Prabakhar Prab , Vincent Angela , Hacohen Yael , Wright Sukhvir
Published: February 2019

Acquired neuromyotonia is a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. In adults, pathogenic antibodies that target the extracellular domains of leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) and contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2) have been reported. We describe three paediatric patients with acquired neuromyotonia and CASPR2 and LGI1 serum antibodies. They all presented with acute‐onset myokymia and pain in the lower limbs; one patient also had muscle weakness. Electromyography was suggestive of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Two patients improved without immunotherapy; one treated patient remained immunotherapy‐dependent. Although not fatal, acquired paediatric neuromyotonia can be disabling. It is amenable to symptomatic treatment or may undergo spontaneous recovery. More severe cases may require rational immunotherapy.

What this paper adds

The symptoms of neuromyotonia may resolve spontaneously or may require sodium channel blockers.

Patients with debilitating symptoms who are refractory to symptomatic therapy may require immunotherapy.
Relationship between fasting plasma glucose and incidence of diabetes in children and adolescents
Authors: Yang C.‐Y. , Li H.‐Y. , Sung F.‐C. , Tan E. Chia‐Hui , Wei J.‐N. , Chuang L.‐M.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To investigate the appropriate fasting plasma glucose threshold by which to define prediabetes in children and adolescents, based on its ability to predict incident paediatric diabetes.

Methods

In a nationwide survey of diabetes and renal disease conducted between 1992 and 2000 in all school‐aged children in Taiwan, those with abnormal results in repeated urine tests received further physical examination and blood tests. Students who had blood tests for at least two time points were selected for the present study (N = 12 119). The incidence of paediatric diabetes, adjusted hazard ratio and predictive power of fasting plasma glucose were analysed.

Results

The incidence of paediatric diabetes increased with increasing fasting plasma glucose levels. Groups with fasting plasma glucose >5.6 mmol/l had a higher adjusted hazard ratio. The adjusted hazard ratio of incident diabetes for participants with higher fasting plasma glucose rose continuously when using a higher threshold for fasting plasma glucose. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for fasting plasma glucose was 0.628 for predicting paediatric diabetes. The association between fasting plasma glucose and incident paediatric diabetes and the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve were similar in boys and girls and were higher in the age group 12–18 years. According to receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal thresholds, sensitivity and specificity were 4.75 mmol/l, 65% and 51%, respectively, for those aged 6–11 years and 5.19 mmol/l, 60% and 73%, respectively, for those aged 12–18 years.

Conclusion

Fasting plasma glucose is associated with the incidence of paediatric diabetes. The results of the present study can be used as reference data to suggest a cut‐off value to define paediatric prediabetes.