bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outsourcing of strategic resources and capabilities: opposing choices in the commercial aircraft manufacturing
Authors: Beaugency Aurelie , Sakinç Mustafa Erdem , Talbot Damien
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to address the questions of different outsourcing strategies between Airbus and Boeing and point out the theoretical limits of the resource-based view (RBV) approach that must be broadened with a finance perspective. Owing to the complexity of systems, the aircraft industry is nowadays structured around a well-organised value chain of product development and manufacturing. However, according to the RBV, capabilities attached to some systems and components are strategic resources and must be kept in house to maintain competitive advantage. In commercial aircraft avionics, critical systems such as flight controls fall directly under this rule, due to substantial risks of passenger safety they deal with.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on two comparative studies concerning the A330/340 and A350 programmes at Airbus and their equivalents at Boeing, the B777 and the B787. The data are both primary (financial and patent data) and secondary (semi-structured interviews and documentation.

Findings

– The main result highlights the limits of the RBV model to understand why Airbus has chosen to re-internalise the development and production of flight control systems contrary to Boeing. For both, cost reduction is the main objective of outsourcing, but European firms are more careful with critical resources. The financialisation of aircraft manufacturers’ strategies is another explanatory factor relevant to understand why Boeing outsources strategic resources such as flight controls.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors demonstrate the potential of multiplication of research methods to address a question. Second, they try to bring together different theories in a preliminary effort, which gives them some promising stuffy perspective for future works.

Practical implications

– By addressing both the RBV and the financialisation perspectives, the authors provide an interesting view of the COmplex Products and Systems (CoPS) challenges.

Social implications

– The findings of this research must provide key of interpretation for business managers, which may consider the two faces, knowledge management and financial, to explain corporate performance.

Originality/value

– Several originalities are relevant in this work. From a methodological point of view, the authors offer a comparison between the two main players of commercial aircraft manufacturing, an oligopolistic industry. Second, the data they choose to rely on are both qualitative and quantitative to strengthen the results. Third, at a micro level, this study is original in its approach of linking outsourcing to financialisation.
Learning from complex and heterogeneous experiences: the role of knowledge codification
Authors: Echajari Loubna , Thomas Catherine
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study organizational learning from complex and heterogeneous experiences. According to March (2010), this kind of high intellect learning is difficult to accomplish because it requires deliberate investments in knowledge transfer and creation. Zollo and Winter (2002) emphasized how knowledge codification can facilitate this process, as long as it is “well-performed”. However, knowledge management scholars have yet to explore what is meant by well-performed codification and how to achieve it.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper addresses this gap and provides a conceptual analysis based on two related but previously disconnected research areas: organizational learning and knowledge management.

Findings

– This paper contributes to the literature in three ways. First, a new understanding of different types of experiences and their effects on learning is proposed. Then the codification process using a critical realist paradigm to overcome the epistemological boundaries of knowledge versus knowing is discussed; in doing so, it is shown that codification can take different forms to be “well-performed”. Finally, appropriate codification strategies based on experience type are identified.

Originality/value

– The abstraction-oriented codification outlined in this paper runs counter to the logic of concrete codification that dominates both theory and practice. Thus, going beyond the traditional debate on the degree of codification (i.e. should knowledge be fully codified or just partly codified), this paper introduced a new debate about the appropriate degree of abstraction.
SECI and inter-organizational and intercultural knowledge transfer: a case-study of controversies around a project of co-operation between France and China in the health sector
Authors: Lievre Pascal , Tang Jing
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the obstacles to knowledge transfer between organizations belonging to different cultures by making use of the socialization–externalization – combination – internalization (SECI) model. The contribution made by this paper is in the use of the SECI model for studying this type of issue. Although it recognizes the epistemological duality between tacit and explicit knowledge, the traditional literature had not adopted this theoretical structure. The explanation for this is an excessively simplistic interpretation of the SECI model in its 1995 version together with a lack of knowledge about Nonaka’s more recent works – Nonakaet al.(2008).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a comparative case study opposing a failure and a success, and rely on Latour controversies to account for the context and contradictions. One of the authors worked for five years as a mediator in these projects and adopted the reflective practitioner posture of Schön.

Findings

– Using the SECI model is relevant for studying this question. The results obtained converge with the literature and mark the SECI’s first stage – socialization – as an operation of major importance. The authors show that the failure in knowledge transfer is due to a deficit of socialization, as the lack of prolonged situations of co-presence of the actors, i.e. the lack of shared context, impedes knowledge conversion.

Research limitations/implications

– To go further, conditions of the socialization context must be better specified and developed. Second, cases in other areas than the health sector to observe the circulation of knowledge could be developed.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest ways for managers to fight against knowledge transfer barriers in multicultural contexts, relying on the socialization process.

Social implications

– Accounting for the problem of knowledge transfer in a multicultural context through the SECI model, which focusses on the interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge, opens a fruitful line of reflexion. It would organize trips for French managers in China with a strong intercultural dimension.

Originality/value

– Accounting for the problem of knowledge transfer in a multi culural context through the SECI model, which focusses on the interaction between tacit and explicit knowledge, opens a fruitful line of reflexion.
Humidity sensing properties of surface modified polyaniline ZnO nanocomposites
Authors: Alhartomy Omar
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to investigate the humidity-sensing of polyaniline–zinc oxide (PANI–ZnO) nanocomposites. Humidity sensor has wide applications in drug industries, food industries and domestic purpose to regulate the humidity level.

Design/methodology/approach

– PANI–ZnO composites were prepared by in situ polymerization method, and further humidity response was tested by using a two-probe sensor setup.

Findings

– PANI-ZnO composites surface were modified by using camphor sulphonic acid. DC conductivity is due to the hopping of polorans. Thermal coefficient value varies from 1.7 to 2.3. The 30 weight per cent composite shows high sensitivity among other composites.

Research limitations/implications

– These composites can be used only at room temperature or moderate temperature, i.e. below 280°C.

Practical implications

– The composites are prepared in tetrapod shape that has a large surface area and more stability. Therefore, these materials would be the replacement for conventional materials.

Social implications

– These sensors have many applications in food and drug preservation, domestic purposes, etc.

Originality/value

– This work is original, and not being considered for publication elsewhere. In this work, the charge transport properties were evaluated based on the resistivity change when samples were exposed to humidity.
Sensors distribution optimization for impact localization using NSGA-II
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Yuhua , Hu Jingru , Zhou Jianmin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study which resulted in this work is to propose an optimization method of sensors distribution for structural impact localization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a multi-objective optimization study of a novel sensors distribution technique, where two optimization objective functions are considered: sensors number and sensors location optimization performance index. In addition, the finite element analysis, the time-frequency transform and the principal component analysis are combined to quantize the above objective functions. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to acquire Pareto solutions.

Findings

– The effectiveness of this method is validated through a prototype laboratory called the piezoelectric intelligent structure where promising results are obtained.

Originality/value

– An optimization method of this novel sensors distribution technique is built and produced a set of efficiency solutions for the real-world problem of impact localization where two conflicting objectives are involved.
Analytical, numerical and experimental investigation of a giant magnetostrictive (GM) force sensor
Authors: Ghodsi Mojtaba , Mirzamohamadi Shahed , Talebian Soheil , Hojjat Yousef , Sheikhi Mohammadmorad , Al-Yahmedi Amur , Özer Abdullah
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate a novel giant magnetostrictive (GM) force sensor using Terfenol-D rod.

Design/methodology/approach

– First of all, principle of GM force sensor based on positive magnetostriction of Terfenol-D is presented. Then, design procedure of the GM force sensor is stated. Magnetic properties such as B-H curve and permeability of Terfenol-D are measured by a novel experimental setup and the results are used in analytical model, sensitivity estimation and numerical simulations. Then, an analytical model is presented and a numerical simulation using CST Studio Suite 2011 software is done. So as a result of numerical simulations, optimum geometry of the GM force sensor is obtained related to the condition in which the GM force sensor has highest sensitivity. After that, the sensor is fabricated using the simulation results and is tested by means of an experimental setup. Characteristic curve of the GM force sensor in several conditions is measured and the optimum operational condition is obtained considering highest sensitivity condition of the sensor. Also operational diagrams of the GM force sensor is plotted in loading and unloading conditions. Characteristics of the GM force sensor in optimum condition are presented.

Findings

– It was found that the GM force sensor has maximum sensitivity and maximum linearity in 0.8A current, which can be known as optimum condition of application. In this sensor, maximum sensitivity is 0.51 mV/N (while current is 0.8A), which is highest among older investigations.

Originality/value

– At last, theoretical, numerical and experimental results are compared and the criteria for magnetostrictive sensor design are presented.
Discourse, Affect and Affliction
Authors: Sointu Eeva
Published: September 2015

While much recent theorizing into affect has challenged the primacy of discourse in understanding social life, this paper is premised on the intertwining of affective experience with discursive meaning. Furthermore, appreciating the entwining of affect and discourse facilitates broader understanding into the illness experience, medical decision-making and experiences of healing. Today, the biomedical discourse carries particular affective weight that can saturate experiences of affliction. Cultural understandings of disease similarly shape affect that may emerge in affliction. Social meaning, more specifically stereotypes pertaining to identities, interweave with emotion also in the context of medical practice. The doctor-patient relationship is an affect-laden encounter where the entwining of affect with social assumptions carries important, yet poorly understood, repercussions for treatment decisions and for the furthering of health inequalities. Both the elusiveness and the power of affect that unfolds in relation to discursive meaning rest on the way in which affect dwells in and resounds through the body.
Do Homeowners Mark to Market? A Comparison of Self‐Reported and Estimated Market Home Values During the Housing Boom and Bust
Authors: Chan Sewin , Dastrup Samuel , Ellen Ingrid Gould
Published: September 2015

This article examines homeowners’ self‐reported values in the American Housing Survey and the Health and Retirement Study from the start of the recent housing price run‐ups through recent price declines. We compare ZIP‐Code‐level market‐based estimates of housing prices to those derived from homeowners’ self‐reported values. We show that there are systematic differences which vary with market conditions and the amount of equity owners hold in their homes. When prices have fallen, homeowners systematically state that their homes are worth more than market estimates suggest, and homeowners with little or no equity in their homes state values above the market estimates to a greater degree. Over time, homeowners appear to adjust their assessments to be more in line with past market trends, but only slowly. Our results suggest that underwater borrowers are likely to understate their losses and either may not be aware that their mortgages are underwater or underestimate the degree to which they are.
Ceramic Technology And Resource Use During The Early Neolithic In Central‐Southern Portugal
Authors: Masucci M. , Carvalho A. F.
Published: September 2015

Petrographic analysis of 49 sediments and 63 Neolithic ceramics from eight sites of Estremadura and six sites of the Algarve of central and southern Portugal, respectively, discerned distinct production technologies for each area. Raw materials available near archaeological sites were utilized. Fabrics that do not correspond to regionally available materials, however, indicate imports or migration. This suggests the existence of bidirectional maritime routes rather than south–north only, as predicted in current models of the neolithization of coastal Portugal. Seven ceramics and seven sediments were selected for elemental analysis. The results supported the patterns in the petrographic analysis.
Streets of fire: motorbike mobilities in Vietnam
Authors: Gillen Jamie
Published: September 2015

This paper explores the relationship between travelling on a motorbike and the fieldwork experience in Vietnam. In doing so it adds to the literature on mobilities and fieldwork in the Global South by showcasing an aspect of research that has thus far been underexplored in geography: what role does moving through the fieldsite have on researcher–participant relationships? Through two sections outlining driving and passengering on a motorbike, I encourage more spatially contingent understandings of fieldwork mobilities.
Quality parameterization of educational resources from the perspective of a teacher
Authors: Karolčík Štefan , Čipková Elena , Veselský Milan , Hrubišková Helena , Matulčíková Mária
Published: September 2015

Objective assessment of the quality of available educational resources presupposes the existence of specific quality standards and specific evaluation tools which consider the specificities of digital products with educational ambitions. The study presents the results of research conducted on a representative sample of teachers who commented on issues related to the importance of measuring the quality of available educational resources and the hierarchy of the key characteristics of such devices. The research results clearly confirmed teachers' interest in knowing the quality of educational resources available and they requested a presentation of the resulting evaluation together with the methodological guidelines on a separate website. The teachers identified clearness, ease of use and adequacy of the educational content as the key and fundamental characteristics of such resources from a user perspective.
The Curse of Expertise: When More Knowledge Leads to Miscalibrated Explanatory Insight
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Keil Frank C.
Published: September 2015

Does expertise within a domain of knowledge predict accurate self‐assessment of the ability to explain topics in that domain? We find that expertise increases confidence in the ability to explain a wide variety of phenomena. However, this confidence is unwarranted; after actually offering full explanations, people are surprised by the limitations in their understanding. For passive expertise (familiar topics), miscalibration is moderated by education; those with more education are accurate in their self‐assessments (Experiment 1). But when those with more education consider topics related to their area of concentrated study (college major), they also display an illusion of understanding (Experiment 2). This “curse of expertise” is explained by a failure to recognize the amount of detailed information that had been forgotten (Experiment 3). While expertise can sometimes lead to accurate self‐knowledge, it can also create illusions of competence.
Hepatitis C knowledge among gay and other homosexually active men in Australia
Authors: Lea Toby , Hopwood Max , Aggleton Peter
Published: September 2015

Introduction and Aims

Gay and other homosexually active men (hereafter ‘gay men’) are at elevated risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) via injecting drug use and sexual risk practices. This paper aimed to measure HCV knowledge among gay men in Australia and whether knowledge differed according to HCV risk.

Design and Methods

In 2013, a cross‐sectional, online survey of 405 Australian gay men explored the social aspects of HCV. Bivariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to examine factors associated with higher HCV knowledge.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 39.2 years (SD = 13.3), and most men (75.3%) were born in Australia. According to self‐report, 32.1% were HIV‐positive, 3.0% were HCV‐positive and 8.9% were HIV/HCV co‐infected. The mean number of correct HCV knowledge items was 8.2 (SD = 3.9; range 0–15). In a multivariate analysis, higher HCV knowledge was associated with higher educational attainment, being HCV‐positive, being HIV‐positive and injecting drug use.

Discussion and Conclusions

HCV knowledge among gay men was moderately good, although knowledge of testing, treatment and natural history of HCV was generally quite poor. Encouragingly, higher knowledge was reported among men at highest HCV risk. Viral hepatitis and HIV organisations, together with general practitioners and other health services, should continue to target gay men at a high risk of acquiring HCV with education and health promotion. [Lea T, Hopwood M, Aggleton P. Hepatitis C knowledge among gay and other homosexually active men in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:477–483]
Patterns of variation and covariation in the shapes of mandibular bones of juvenile salmonids in the genus Oncorhynchus
Authors: Kimmel Charles B. , Watson Sawyer , Couture Ryan B. , McKibben Natasha S. , Nichols James T. , Richardson Shannon E. , Noakes David L. G.
Published: September 2015

What is the nature of evolutionary divergence of the jaw skeleton within the genus Oncorhynchus? How can two associated bones evolve new shapes and still maintain functional integration? Here, we introduce and test a “concordance” hypothesis, in which an extraordinary matching of the evolutionary shape changes of the dentary and angular articular serves to preserve their fitting together. To test this hypothesis, we examined morphologies of the dentary and angular articular at parr (juvenile) stage, and at three levels of biological organization—between salmon and trout, between sister species within both salmon and trout, and among three types differing in life histories within one species, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The comparisons show bone shape divergences among the groups at each level; morphological divergence between salmon and trout is marked even at this relatively early life history stage. We observed substantial matching between the two mandibular bones in both pattern and amount of shape variation, and in shape covariation across species. These findings strongly support the concordance hypothesis, and reflect functional and/or developmental constraint on morphological evolution. We present evidence for developmental modularity within both bones. The locations of module boundaries were predicted from the patterns of evolutionary divergences, and for the dentary, at least, would appear to facilitate its functional association with the angular articular. The modularity results suggest that development has biased the course of evolution.
The effect of heterotopic noxious conditioning stimulation on Aδ‐, C‐ and Aβ‐fibre brain responses in humans
Authors: Torta Diana M. , Churyukanov Maxim V. , Plaghki Leon , Mouraux André
Published: September 2015

Human studies have shown that heterotopic nociceptive conditioning stimulation (HNCS) applied to a given body location reduces the percept and brain responses elicited by noxious test stimuli delivered at a remote body location. It remains unclear to what extent this effect of HNCS relies on the spinal–bulbar–spinal loop mediating the effect of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNICs) described in animals, and/or on top‐down cortical mechanisms modulating nociception. Importantly, some studies have examined the effects of HNCS on the brain responses to nociceptive input conveyed by Aδ‐fibres. In contrast, no studies have explored the effects of HNCS on the responses to selective nociceptive C‐fibre input and non‐nociceptive Aβ‐fibre input. In this study, we measured the intensity of perception and event‐related potentials (ERPs) to stimuli activating Aδ‐, C‐ and Aβ‐fibres, before, during and after HNCS, obtained by immersing one foot in painful cold water. We observed that (i) the perceived intensity of nociceptive Aδ‐ and C‐stimuli was reduced during HNCS, and (ii) the ERPs elicited by Aδ‐ and Aβ‐ and C‐stimuli were also reduced during HNCS. Importantly, because Aβ‐ERPs are related to primary afferents that ascend directly through the dorsal columns without being relayed at spinal level, the modulation of these responses may not be explained by an influence of descending projections modulating the transmission of nociceptive input at spinal level. Therefore, our results indicate that, in humans, HNCS should be used with caution as a direct measure of DNIC‐related mechanisms.
Mechanisms regulating spill‐over of synaptic glutamate to extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in mouse substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Wild A. R. , Bollands M. , Morris P. G. , Jones S.
Published: September 2015

N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) contribute to neural development, plasticity and survival, but they are also linked with neurodegeneration. NMDARs at synapses are activated by coincident glutamate release and depolarization. NMDARs distal to synapses can sometimes be recruited by ‘spill‐over’ of glutamate during high‐frequency synaptic stimulation or when glutamate uptake is compromised, and this influences the shape of NMDAR‐mediated postsynaptic responses. In substantia nigra dopamine neurons, activation of NMDARs beyond the synapse during different frequencies of presynaptic stimulation has not been explored, even though excitatory afferents from the subthalamic nucleus show a range of firing frequencies, and these frequencies change in human and experimental Parkinson's disease. This study reports that high‐frequency stimulation (80 Hz/200 ms) evoked NMDAR‐excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that were larger and longer lasting than those evoked by single stimuli at low frequency (0.1 Hz). MK‐801, which irreversibly blocked NMDAR‐EPSCs activated during 0.1‐Hz stimulation, left a proportion of NMDAR‐EPSCs that could be activated by 80‐Hz stimulation and that may represent activity of NMDARs distal to synapses. TBOA, which blocks glutamate transporters, significantly increased NMDAR‐EPSCs in response to 80‐Hz stimulation, particularly when metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) were also blocked, indicating that recruitment of NMDARs distal to synapses is regulated by glutamate transporters and mGluRs. These regulatory mechanisms may be essential in the substantia nigra for restricting glutamate diffusion from synaptic sites and keeping NMDAR‐EPSCs in dopamine neurons relatively small and fast. Failure of glutamate transporters may contribute to the declining health of dopamine neurons during pathological conditions.
Dissecting π‐helices: sequence, structure and function
Authors: Kumar Prasun , Bansal Manju
Published: September 2015

A new procedure for the identification of regular secondary structures using a Cα trace has identified 659 π‐helices in 3582 protein chains, solved at high resolution. Taking advantage of this significantly expanded database of π‐helices, we have analysed the functional and structural roles of π‐helices and determined the position‐wise amino acid propensity within and around them. These helices range from 5 to 18 residues in length with the average twist and rise being 85.2 ± 7.2° and 1.28 ± 0.31 Å, respectively. A total of 546 (~ 83%) out of 659 π‐helices occur in conjunction with α‐helices, with 101 π‐helices being interspersed between two α‐helices. The majority of interspersed π‐helices were found to be conserved across a large number of structures within a protein family and produce a significant bend in the overall helical segment as well as local distortions in the neighbouring α‐helices. The presence of a π‐helical fragment leads to appropriate orientation of the constituent residues, so as to facilitate favourable interactions and also help in proper folding of the protein chain. In addition to intra helical 6→1 N–H···O hydrogen bonds, π‐helices are also stabilized by several other non‐bonded interactions. π‐Helices show distinct positional residue preferences, which are different from those of α‐helices.
Crossing the (watershed) divide: satellite data and the changing politics of international river basins
Authors: Gleason Colin J , Hamdan Ali N
Published: September 2015

Acquiring freshwater resources is a necessary component of sustainable human settlement subject to increasing pressure from population and climate changes. This sometimes scarce resource primarily comes from rivers, and international river basins (IRBs), where watersheds and watercourses cross political boundaries, are often spaces of great political tension and conflict worldwide. Such conflict potential has garnered interest from a wide range of research communities, and each emphasises public access to hydrologic data as integral to successful international management of IRBs. However; these hydrologic data, especially measurements of river flow rate, are often closely guarded state secrets. Satellites have been cited as a key technology set to challenge this data monopoly that have yet been unable to calculate river flow rate without some form of guarded ancillary data. Now, at‐many‐stations hydraulic geometry (AMHG) offers a means of circumventing data limitations without any a priori information, and the forthcoming NASA/CNES Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite also promises to estimate flow rates solely from its novel measurements following launch. In this paper, we explore how these newly available estimates of river flow rate could reconfigure water‐management and interstate relations in IRBs, and demonstrate AMHG, for two cases: the Ganges–Brahmaputra and Mekong. For these basins we find that satellite flow rate retrievals will likely reinforce and favour state‐level negotiations of water resource governance. Also, satellite flow retrievals can have the direct, concrete effect of improving hydrologic understanding of the upstream Ganges–Brahmaputra, a sorely needed advance that will positively benefit millions of Bangladeshis and affect state‐level interactions between India, China, and Bangladesh. Finally, we avoid offering prescriptive water management solutions for each case, as local stakeholders will ultimately determine if and how such satellite retrievals will be used.
Making space for disability in eco‐homes and eco‐communities
Authors: Bhakta Amita , Pickerill Jenny
Published: September 2015

There is continued failure to build homes for diverse and disabled occupancy. We use three eco‐communities inEngland to explore how their eco‐houses and wider community spaces accommodate the complex disability of hypotonic cerebral palsy. Using site visits, video footage, spatial mapping, field diary observations, surveys and interviews, this paper argues that little attention has been paid to making eco‐communities and eco‐houses accessible. There are, we argue, three useful and productive ways to interrogate accessibility in eco‐communities, through understandings of legislation, barriers and mobility. These have three significant consequences for eco‐communities and disabled access: ecological living as practised by these eco‐communities relies upon particular bodily capacities, and thus excludes many disabled people; disabled access was only considered in relation to the house and its thresholds, not to the much broader space of the home; and eco‐communities need to be, and would benefit from being, spaces of diverse interaction.
Helicobacter pylori and Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Authors: Venerito Marino , Vasapolli Riccardo , Rokkas Theodoros , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: September 2015

Helicobacter pylori infection is the principal trigger of gastric carcinogenesis and gastric cancer (GC) and remains the third leading cause of cancer‐related death in both sexes worldwide. In a big Japanese study, the risk of developing GC in patients with peptic ulcer disease who received H. pylori eradication therapy and annual endoscopic surveillance for a mean of 9.9 years was significantly lower after successful eradication therapy compared to the group with persistent infection (0.21%/year and 0.45%/year, respectively, p = .049). According to a recent meta‐analysis, H. pylori eradication is insufficient in GC risk reduction in subjects with advanced precancerous conditions (i.e., intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia). A microsimulation model suggested screening smokers over the age of 50 in the U.S. for serum pepsinogens. This would allow to detect advanced gastric atrophy with endoscopic follow‐up of subjects testing positive as a cost‐effective strategy to reduce GC mortality. In a Taiwanese study, the anti‐H. pylori IgG‐based test‐and‐treat program had lower incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios than that with 13C‐urea breath test in both sexes to prevent GC whereas expected years of life lost for GC were higher and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of test‐and‐treat programs were more cost‐effective in young adults (30–69 years old) than in elders (>70 years old). With respect to gastrointestinal malignancies other than GC, a meta‐analysis confirmed the inverse association between H. pylori infection and esophageal adenocarcinoma. In a Finnish study, H. pylori seropositivity was associated with an increased risk of biliary tract cancers (multivariate adjusted OR 2.63; 95% CI: 1.08–6.37), another meta‐analysis showed a slightly increased rate of pancreatic cancer in patients with CagA‐negative strains (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02–1.65), whereas current data suggest that the association between H. pylori and colorectal neoplasms may be population dependent.
Extragastric Diseases and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Franceschi Francesco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Polyzos Stergios A. , Kountouras Jannis
Published: September 2015

The extragastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection still remain a very strong topic throughout the H. pylori world. Indeed, H. pylori may interfere with many biological processes, both inside and outside of the stomach, possibly influencing or determining the occurrence of many diseases outside of the stomach. While its role in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and sideropenic anemia has already been recognized, emerging evidence suggests that H. pylori may increase the risk of acute coronary syndrome, contribute to insulin resistance and be associated with neurodegenerative, respiratory, and other miscellaneous disorders previously associated with other conditions. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been hypothesized, including the induction of a low‐grade inflammatory state and the occurrence of molecular mimicry mechanisms. This review summarizes the results of the most relevant studies published on this topic in the last year.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics
Authors: Roma Eleftheria , Miele Erasmo
Published: September 2015

This review includes the main pediatric studies published from April 2014 to March 2015. The host response of Treg cells with increases in FOXP3 and TGF‐β1 combined with a reduction in IFN‐γ by Teff cells may contribute to Helicobacter pylori susceptibility in children. Genotypic variability in H. pylori strains influences the clinical manifestation of the infection. Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with variables indicative of a crowded environment and poor living conditions, while breast‐feeding has a protective effect. Intrafamilial infection, especially from mother to children and from sibling to sibling, is the dominant transmission route. Studies showed conflicting results regarding the association between H. pylori infection and iron deficiency anemia. One study suggests that H. pylori eradication plays a role in the management of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura in H. pylori‐infected children and adolescents. The prevalence of H. pylori was higher in chronic urticaria patients than in controls and, following H. pylori eradication, urticarial symptoms disappeared. An inverse relationship between H. pylori infection and allergic disease was reported. Antibiotic resistance and insufficient compliance to treatment limit the efficacy of eradication therapy. Sequential therapy had no advantage over standard triple therapy. In countries where H. pylori infection is prevalent, studies focusing on virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility may provide anticipation of the prognosis and may be helpful to reduce morbidity and mortality.
The Dark Figure of Disablist Violence
Authors: THORNEYCROFT RYAN , ASQUITH NICOLE L.
Published: September 2015

While there is a paucity of research pertaining to the phenomenon of disablist violence, one key feature has emerged: it is widely under‐reported and under‐recorded. The reasons for this are diverse: many are representative of reporting issues attributable to all forms of (hate) crime, and others are unique to the individual and social conditions of living with a disability (Sin). This article provides a conceptual and contextual overview of disablist violence before proceeding to a critical literature review of the reasons why the phenomenon is largely under‐reported. Against this backdrop, we offer a critical examination of the various policing strategies necessary for addressing the problem of under‐reporting of disablist violence.
Analysis of the association between polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP20, TIMP1, and TIMP2 genes with white spot lesions and early childhood caries
Authors: Antunes Lívia Azeredo , Antunes Leonardo Santos , Küchler Erika Calvano , Lopes Ludiana Barbosa , Moura Alex , Bigonha Rhyan Silva , Abreu Fernanda Volpe , Granjeiro José Mauro , de Amorim Lidia Maria da Fonte , Paixão Izabel Christina N. P.
Published: September 2015

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors might be involved in enamel formation.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP20, TIMP1, and TIMP2 with white spot lesions (WSL) and early childhood caries (ECC).

Design

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 786 children aged from 2 to 6 years in Brazil. After clinical evaluation, they were classified into groups with disease (the presence of WSL and/or ECC) and without disease (the absence of WSL or ECC). Genotyping of the selected polymorphisms was carried out with TaqMan real‐time PCR, using genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between groups. Chi‐square test, odds ratio (OR), and logistic regression were used (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

The dmft score was 1.3 (SD: 2.4), and 41.34% of the children have at least one caries lesion. In MMP9, the GG genotype was more frequent in the group without disease (P = 0.006). In a recessive model, WSL was associated with the marker rs1711437 in MMP20 (P = 0.019; OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.42). The marker rs1784418 in MMP20 showed an association between the allele G distribution for the WSL group (P = 0.020; OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96).

Conclusion

MMP9 and MMP20 are involved in WSL and ECC development.
A Message from the Incoming Editor Team
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter
Published: September 2015

A transition in editor teams will occur at the Journal of Business Logistics before the end of the year. This brief editorial addresses vital facets of the transition. We emphasize the importance of maintaining the journal's key traditions, namely publishing applied logistics and supply chain research yielding meaningful managerial implications. We speak to remaining open to diverse research questions and assorted research methods, while emphasizing the imperative for state‐of‐the‐art application of methods. Next, we iterate important aspects of the journal's review process. The provision of timely, knowledgeable, constructive, and detailed reviews is underscored as essential to assuring JBL's reputation as the “journal of choice” for leading‐edge logistics and supply chain research.
Evidence‐ and consensus‐based (S3) Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis – International League of Dermatological Societies in cooperation with the European Dermatology Forum – Short version
Authors: Werner R.N. , Stockfleth E. , Connolly S.M. , Correia O. , Erdmann R. , Foley P. , Gupta A.K. , Jacobs A. , Kerl H. , Lim H.W. , Martin G. , Paquet M. , Pariser D.M. , Rosumeck S. , Röwert‐Huber H.‐J. , Sahota A. , Sangueza O.P. , Shumack S. , Sporbeck B. , Swanson N.A. , Torezan L. , Nast A.
Published: September 2015

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a frequent health condition attributable to chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Several treatment options are available and evidence based guidelines are missing.

Objectives

The goal of these evidence‐ and consensus‐based guidelines was the development of treatment recommendations appropriate for different subgroups of patients presenting with AK. A secondary aim of these guidelines was the implementation of knowledge relating to the clinical background of AK, including consensus‐based recommendations for the histopathological definition, diagnosis and the assessment of patients.

Methods

The guidelines development followed a pre‐defined and structured process. For the underlying systematic literature review of interventions for AK, the methodology suggested by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was adapted. All recommendations were consented during a consensus conference using a formal consensus methodology. Strength of recommendations was expressed based on the GRADE approach. If expert opinion without external evidence was incorporated into the reasoning for making a certain recommendation, the rationale was provided. The Guidelines underwent open public review and approval by the commissioning societies.

Results

Various interventions for the treatment of AK have been assessed for their efficacy. The consenting procedure led to a treatment algorithm as shown in the guidelines document. Based on expert consensus, the present guidelines present recommendations on the classification of patients, diagnosis and histopathological definition of AK. Details on the methods and results of the systematic literature review and guideline development process have been published separately.

Conclusions

International guidelines are intended to be adapted to national or regional circumstances (regulatory approval, availability and reimbursement of treatments).
Frequency of undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis among psoriasis patients in Australian dermatology practice
Authors: Spelman L. , Su J.C. , Fernandez‐Peñas P. , Varigos G.A. , Cooper A.J. , Baker C.S. , Lee M. , Ring J.M. , Thirunavukkarasu K.
Published: September 2015

Background

Psoriatic arthritis commonly develops in psoriasis patients and, if undiagnosed, can lead to potentially avoidable joint damage and an increased risk of comorbidity and mortality. Increased awareness of PsA symptoms among dermatologists provides an opportunity for earlier diagnosis, more timely therapy and prevention of disability.

Objective

To provide Australian epidemiological data on the frequency of undiagnosed PsA among psoriasis patients in dermatology practice, and to investigate the impact of psoriasis on quality of life and work productivity.

Methods

Nine tertiary centre dermatology practices enrolled patients presenting with plaque psoriasis and no prior rheumatologist‐confirmed PsA diagnosis. Patients were screened using the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire and were referred to a rheumatologist for assessment of PsA status using CASPAR criteria if they had a PASE score ≥44.

Results

Based on the composite and sequential application of PASE and CASPAR criteria, undiagnosed PsA among psoriasis patients in this study is 9% [95% CI: 6, 12]. The PPV of PASE in this setting is 26% [95% CI: 19, 34]. Nail involvement and chronic large plaque psoriasis were identified as independent positive predictors of PsA, whereas scalp psoriasis was an independent negative predictor of PsA. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis (PASI ≥15) had lower quality of life scores than patients with less severe psoriasis.

Conclusion

In this study, the frequency of undiagnosed PsA in Australian dermatology practice was 9% among plaque psoriasis patients with no prior PsA diagnosis. Compared with psoriasis alone, the impact of undiagnosed PsA on health‐related quality of life of psoriasis patients is substantial.
Analytical evaluation of nine serological assays for diagnosis of syphilis
Authors: Malm K. , Andersson S. , Fredlund H. , Norrgren H. , Biague A. , Månsson F. , Ballard R. , Unemo M.
Published: September 2015

Background

The diagnosis of syphilis is most frequently dependent on antibody detection with serological assays. Assays for both treponemal and non‐treponemal antibodies are needed to provide a sensitive and specific diagnosis. For decades, a first screening has been done with non‐treponemal assays, followed by treponemal. However, in recent years, following laboratory automation, the reverse sequence screening algorithms have been developed, using a treponemal assay as the initial screening test.

Objective

To evaluate serological assays for treponemal and non‐treponemal antibodies, to use in reverse algorithm screening of syphilis.

Material and methods

Six treponemal assays (one IgM‐specific assay), two non‐treponemal assays and one novel dual point‐of‐care (POC) assay for serological diagnosis of syphilis were evaluated. Serum samples from Guinea‐Bissau and Sweden were examined, as well as two performance panels and samples from blood donors. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each assay, using different assays as gold standard test.

Results

The Macro‐Vue RPR Card test was the most sensitive non‐treponemal test and the TrepSure Anti‐Treponema EIA Screen and the SeroDia TP‐PA were the most sensitive and specific treponemal assays. Among the automated assays, both the Liaison Treponema Screen and Architect Syphilis TP showed high sensitivity, however, the former had clearly higher specificity.

Conclusions

In resourced settings, where the reverse sequence algorithm is preferred for screening, an automated treponemal immunoassay for initial screening subsequently followed by the TrepSure test or TP‐PA assay as a second treponemal assay appear highly effective. Finally, a quantitative highly sensitive non‐treponemal assay, e.g. the Macro‐Vue RPR Card test, could then be used as a supplementary test to evaluate activity of the syphilis infection.
Yellow and orange in cutaneous lesions: clinical and dermoscopic data
Authors: Bañuls J. , Arribas P. , Berbegal L. , DeLeón F. J. , Francés L. , Zaballos P.
Published: September 2015

Colour of the lesions is clue for the clinical and dermoscopic diagnosis. Nevertheless, we have detected in the literature an uneven relevance of the colours as a diagnostic criterion. Thus, while red, brown and blue have taken important role in dermoscopic descriptions, other like yellow and orange have been given much less importance. This article reviews those lesions in which the yellow and orange colours have been considered constitutive or essential for diagnosis, and on the other hand it emphasizes the entities in which may appear these colours and are not well reflected in the literature. We believe that organize all this information will help us in a better understanding of these pathologies.
European EADV network on assessment of severity and burden of Pruritus (PruNet): first meeting on outcome tools
Authors: Ständer S. , Zeidler C. , Riepe C. , Steinke S. , Fritz F. , Bruland P. , Soto‐Rey I. , Storck M. , Agner T. , Augustin M. , Blome C. , Dalgard F. , Evers A.W.M. , Garcovich S. , Gonçalo M. , Lambert J. , Legat F.J. , Leslie T. , Misery L. , Raap U. , Reich A. , Şavk E. , Streit M. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Szepietowski J. , Wallengren J. , Weisshaar E. , Dugas M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Chronic pruritus is a frequently occurring symptom of various dermatoses that causes a high burden and impaired quality of life. An effective anti pruritic therapy is important for the patient, but its effectiveness is difficult to evaluate. Diverse methods and interpretations of pruritic metrics are utilized in clinical trials and the daily clinical practice in different countries, resulting in difficulties comparing collected data.

Methods

We founded a European Network on Assessment of Severity and Burden of Pruritus (PruNet) that is supported by the EADV. PruNet consists of 28 experts from 15 EU countries (21 dermatologists, 5 medical informaticists, 2 psychologists) and aims to unify the assessment of itch in routine dermatological care. Following a preliminary survey, a consensus conference was held in order to agree upon the prioritization of patient‐reported outcome tools.

Results

Through utilizing the Delphi method, it was agreed that tools for measuring itch intensity (ex. the visual analogue scale) and quality of life (ex. ItchyQoL) are of primary importance and should urgently be foremost validated.

Conclusion

The validation and harmonization of standards are needed for the improvement of quality care for patients suffering from pruritic dermatoses. This summer, the first validation studies in several EADV member countries already began.