bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supply chain performance: how lean practices efficiently drive improvements
Authors: Tortorella Guilherme Luz , Giglio Ricardo , Limon-Romero Jorge 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper aims at investigating which lean supply chain management (LSCM) practices efficiently improve the supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve that, a cross-sectional survey was carried out with 113 manufacturing companies undergoing a lean implementation. The proposed method combines complementary methods of multivariate data analysis in order to determine which bundles of LSCM practices more efficiently entail improvements on supply chain performance.

Findings
The findings justify why some LSCM initiatives may find larger barriers than others, compromising their success due to misguided implementation efforts according to the desired performance improvement.

Originality/value
The empirical examination on the efficiency of LSCM practices with regards to a certain set of performance indicators provides guidelines with respect to LSCM implementation depending on which performance indicators are envisioned for improvement.
Determinants of collaborative interfaces in public-private IT outsourcing relationships
Authors: Duhamel Francois Bernard , Gutiérrez-Martínez Isis , Picazo-Vela Sergio , Luna-Reyes Luis 
Published: April 2018

PurposeCollaborations between public administrations and private sector represent a specific challenge to manage contractual and organizational relationships among partners with different goals, working cultures, norms, rules and processes. Therefore, the main research question of this paper is: What are the antecedents of effective collaboration in public-private IT outsourcing relations? Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of collaborative interface characteristics as scaffolding structures to manage public-private IT outsourcing relations effectively.Design/methodology/approachTwo cases of public-private IT outsourcing relationships in Mexico were used to compare and contrast the main antecedents of collaborative interface characteristics. Case selection was based on the success in each case, as perceived by the collaborating members involved. A successful case and a less successful case of application development for the provision of public services from two state administrations in Mexico were chosen. Data gathering took place via face-to-face interviews.FindingsThe quality of the organizational interface depends on the interactions between exchange of knowledge and mutual trust, along with the commitment between partners. Trust, commitment and knowledge sharing interacted to enhance interface characteristics that have an impact on public and political values.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper used and extended an outsourcing technology enactment model to emphasize the quality of organizational interfaces as a main antecedent for the success of public-private IT outsourcing relations.Practical implicationsEffectively designing work practices and contracts implies the development of flexible contracts, objects and routines to adjust project requirements to fulfill better public-private goals. Such flexible contracts and practices are only possible in a trusting environment where participants shape their mutual understanding of the project.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on public-private IT outsourcing relationships by offering a theoretical framework on key antecedents and processes of success of these relationships.
Nature, extent and ecological implications of night‐time light from road vehicles
Authors: Gaston Kevin J. , Holt Lauren A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The erosion of night‐time by the introduction of artificial lighting constitutes a profound pressure on the natural environment. It has altered what had for millennia been reliable signals from natural light cycles used for regulating a host of biological processes, with impacts ranging from changes in gene expression to ecosystem processes.

Studies of these impacts have focused almost exclusively on those resulting from stationary sources of light emissions, and particularly streetlights. However, mobile sources, especially road vehicle headlights, contribute substantial additional emissions.

The ecological impacts of light emissions from vehicle headlights are likely to be especially high because these are (1) focused so as to light roadsides at higher intensities than commonly experienced from other sources, and well above activation thresholds for many biological processes; (2) projected largely in a horizontal plane and thus can carry over long distances; (3) introduced into much larger areas of the landscape than experience street lighting; (4) typically broad “white” spectrum, which substantially overlaps the action spectra of many biological processes and (5) often experienced at roadsides as series of pulses of light (produced by passage of vehicles), a dynamic known to have major biological impacts.

The ecological impacts of road vehicle headlights will markedly increase with projected global growth in numbers of vehicles and the road network, increasing the local severity of emissions (because vehicle numbers are increasing faster than growth in the road network) and introducing emissions into areas from which they were previously absent. The effects will be further exacerbated by technological developments that are increasing the intensity of headlight emissions and the amounts of blue light in emission spectra.

Synthesis and applications. Emissions from vehicle headlights need to be considered as a major, and growing, source of ecological impacts of artificial night‐time lighting. It will be a significant challenge to minimise these impacts whilst balancing drivers' needs at night and avoiding risk and discomfort for other road users. Nonetheless, there is potential to identify solutions to these conflicts, both through the design of headlights and that of roads.
Power, Process, Plumbing: Big G and Small g Gender in Victoria's Family Violence Policy Subsystem
Authors: Yates Sophie 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article, I introduce the framework of ‘big G’ (categorical) and ‘small g’ (process) gender to explore the varied ways in which actors in Victoria's family violence policy subsystem talk about and understand gender. I explain why such varied definitions of gender pose a problem for domestic and family violence (DFV) advocates, and how big G definitions might be associated with reluctance to accept gendered explanations for DFV. Conversely, I show how small g definitions (coupled with an analysis of power in relationships) can help us appreciate the way gender influences a variety of forms of DFV, and thus understand how to address the problem. Lastly, I use examples from interviews with policy actors to connect participants’ understanding of gender with their attitudes to the role of gender in DFV, and discuss the practical and theoretical implications of my research for feminist DFV advocates and policymakers.
Accuracy of medication information sources compared to the best possible medication history for patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Chen Hayley H , Taylor Simone E , Harding Andrew M , Taylor David McD 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the accuracy of medication information sources available for adult patients presenting to the ED, compared to a best possible medication history (BPMH).MethodsThis prospective observational study was undertaken in the ED of a major tertiary‐referral teaching hospital. A convenience sample of consecutive adult patients taking one or more regular medications was included. A BPMH was ascertained using patient/carer interviews, where available, and confirmed with one or more other sources. For residential care facility (RCF) patients, the RCF medication chart and at least one other source were used. Information sources compared with the BPMH were community pharmacy dispensing history, patient's own medications, patient's medication list, general practitioner letter, medications stored in and labelled on dose administration aids (DAAs) and the RCF chart. Number of discrepancies per patient for each source was determined by comparing medications and dose regimens to those documented in the BPMH.ResultsA total of 455 patients (median age 71 years) took a median of six ‘regular’ and two ‘as required’ medications. The median number (range) of discrepancies per patient for regular medication names and dosages were RCF chart 0 (0–3), DAA contents 2.0 (0–9), patient's medication list 2.5 (0–16), DAA medications label 3.0 (0–7), community pharmacy history 3.0 (0–19), general practitioner letter 3.0 (0–18) and patient's own medications 4.0 (0–16). Overall, 40.4% of discrepancies were deemed ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ clinical significance. Omission errors accounted for 55.6% of discrepancies.ConclusionsA combination of sources is essential to determine the BPMH. RCF charts provided the most accurate information. Other sources had two to four regular medication‐related discrepancies per patient.
Perhaps quality of life should not be used as a trigger for discussing resuscitation and advance care plans
Authors: Rose Michael , Welz Martina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAs a subjective measure, quality of life should not be used as a trigger for discussing resuscitation, goals of care or advanced care plans. Limitations and challenges in measurement and assessment of quality of life have been recognised. It is a fluid construct and subject to changes and response shifts. Surrogate quality of life estimations may misrepresent individual worth and self‐perceived quality of life. Disagreement over quality of life statements may cause harm.
Wait times are not the problem! Detailed analysis of unsolicited patient complaints from a metropolitan Australian emergency department
Authors: Lawrence Petra , Jarugula Rajeev , Hazelwood Sarah , Fincher Gavin , Hay Karen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe characteristics of ED admissions that resulted in unsolicited complaints and compare with overall ED admissions. The site utilised is an inner city tertiary hospital, with 630 beds, with approximately 82 600 annual presentations, where 32.5% were children.MethodsComplaints between the dates of 27 November 2012 and 10 March 2016 were reviewed. Performance indicators and the distribution of presentations by diagnostic code were reviewed.ResultsA total of 572 different complaint reasons were found and grouped into 12 categories. The most common reasons for complaints were treatment (33.2%) and communication (28.3%), and most complaints concerned medical staff. Other variables including wait times have no effect on patient complaints. Utilising aggregate numbers, the overall paediatric complaint ratio was 0.98:1000 presentations, and the total adult department complaints were 1.78:1000 presentations.ConclusionAs seen in this study the vast majority of patient complaints were associated with treatment and communication issues and skewed towards doctors. It may be feasible for medical staff to undertake communication training as clinician‐patient communication in the ED is an important aspect in the improvement of patient satisfaction and in decreasing patient complaints as waiting times and triage categories had no major influence on patient complaints.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein evaluates liver function and predicts prognosis in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xu Wen Ping , Wang Ze Rui , Zou Xia , Zhao Chen , Wang Rui , Shi Pei Mei , Yuan Zong Li , Yang Fang , Zeng Xin , Wang Pei Qin , Sultan Sakhawat , Zhang Yan , Xie Wei Fen 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE
Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) is a novel glycobiomarker for evaluating liver fibrosis, but less is known about its role in liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to investigate the utility of WFA+‐M2BP in evaluating liver function and predicting prognosis of cirrhotic patients.METHODSWe retrospectively included 197 patients with LC between 2013 and 2016. Serum WFA+‐M2BP and various biochemical parameters were measured in all patients. With a median follow‐up of 23 months, liver‐related complications and deaths of 160 patients were recorded. The accuracy of WFA+‐M2BP in evaluating liver function, predicting decompensation and mortality were measured by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, logistic and Cox's regression analyses, respectively.RESULTSWFA+‐M2BP levels increased with elevated Child–Pugh classification, especially in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ROC analysis confirmed the high reliability of WFA+‐M2BP for the assessment of liver function using Child–Pugh classification. WFA+‐M2BP was also significantly positively correlated with the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated WFA+‐M2BP as an independent predictor of clinical decompensation for compensated patients (odds ratio 11.958, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.876–76.226, P = 0.009), and multivariate Cox's regression analysis verified WFA+‐M2BP as an independent risk factor for liver‐related death in patients with HBV infection (hazards ratio 10.596, 95% CI 1.356–82.820, P = 0.024).CONCLUSIONSerum WFA+‐M2BP is a reliable predictor of liver function and prognosis in LC and could be incorporated into clinical surveillance strategies for LC patients, especially those with HBV infection.
Impact of “high” implantation on functionality of self‐expandable bioprosthesis during the short‐ and long‐term outcome of patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Is high implantation beneficial?
Authors: Vavuranakis Manolis , Kariori Maria , Scott Lilly , Kalogeras Konstantinos , Siasos Gerasimos , Vrachatis Dimitrios , Lavda Maria , Kalantzis Charalampos , Vavuranakis Michael , Bei Evangelia , Moldovan Carmen‐Maria , Oikonomou Evangelos , Stefanadis Christodoulos , Tousoulis Dimitrios 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAimHigh position of the self‐expandable bioprosthesis CoreValve/Evolut R has been proved to affect immediate hemodynamics of the valve. Whether this may have any impact on long‐term procedural outcome has not been defined yet. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the final position of aortic bioprosthesis affects its long‐term functionality.MethodConsecutive patients (pts) who underwent successful TAVI procedure were evaluated and separated into 2 groups according to the implantation depth (ID): Group I: pts with 4 mm <ID ≤13 mm; Group II: pts with ID ≤4 mm. ID was measured utilizing the final aortography after device delivery and was defined as the distance both from the native non‐ and left coronary cusp to the deepest edge of the deployed bioprosthesis in the left ventricle. Clinical outcome and echocardiographic parameters were recorded before the procedure, at discharge, at 1‐month and 1‐year‐follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐eight pts (80 ± 5.5 years, 107 males [54%]) treated with the CoreValve/Evolut R bioprostheses were recorded. Group I appeared to have higher peak gradient (17 ± 6.5 vs 14 ± 5.5 mm Hg, P = .02) as well as Vmax (2 ± 0.4 vs 1.84 ± 0.38 m/s, P = .02) at follow‐up after 1 year when compared with Group II (ID <4 mm). Grouping for ID did not affect all‐cause 1‐year mortality. Paravalvular aortic regurgitation, as well as LVEF at discharge, proved to be independent predictors of all‐cause 1‐year mortality when adjusted for cofactors.ConclusionImplantation depth under 4 mm seems to have a favorable effect on long‐term hemodynamic valve functionality.
Antileukotriene therapy by reducing tau phosphorylation improves synaptic integrity and cognition of P301S transgenic mice
Authors: Giannopoulos Phillip F. , Chiu Jian , Praticò Domenico 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe 5‐lipoxygenase (5LO) is a source of inflammatory leukotrienes and is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. However, whether it directly modulates tau phosphorylation and the development of its typical neuropathology in the absence of Aβ or is a secondary event during the course of the disease pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect that pharmacologic blockade of this inflammatory pathway has on the phenotype of a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy, the P301S mice. Starting at 3 months of age, P301S mice were randomized to receive zileuton, a specific 5LO blocker, for 7 months; then, its effect on their behavioral deficits and neuropathology was assessed. Inhibition of leukotrienes formation was associated with a reduction in tau phosphorylation and an amelioration of memory and learning as well as synaptic integrity, which were secondary to a downregulation of the cdk5 kinase pathway. Our results demonstrate that the 5LO enzyme is a key player in modulating tau phosphorylation and pathology and that blockade of its enzymatic activity represents a desirable disease‐modifying therapeutic approach for tauopathy.
Simulated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Flow: Implications of Elliptical Deployment and Under‐Expansion at the Aortic Annulus
Authors: Sirois Eric , Mao Wenbin , Li Kewei , Calderan Joseph , Sun Wei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClinical use of transcatheter aortic valves (TAVs) has been associated with abnormal deployment, including oval deployment and under‐expansion when placed into calcified aortic annuli. In this study, we performed an integrated computational and experimental investigation to quantify the impact of abnormal deployment at the aortic annulus on TAV hemodynamics. A size 23 mm generic TAV computational model, developed and published previously, was subjected to elliptical deployment at the annulus with eccentricity levels up to 0.68 and to under‐expansion of the TAV at the annulus by up to 25%. The hemodynamic performance was quantified for each TAV deployment configuration. TAV opening geometries were fabricated using stereolithography and then subjected to steady forward flow testing in accordance with ISO‐5840. Centerline pressure profiles were compared to validate the computational model. Our findings show that slight ellipticity of the TAV may not lead to degeneration of hydrodynamic performance. However, under large ellipticity, increases in transvalvular pressure gradients were observed. Under‐expanded deployment has a much greater negative effect on the TAV hemodynamics compared with elliptical deployment. The maximum turbulent viscous shear stress (TVSS) values were found to be significantly larger in under‐expanded TAVs. Although the maximum value of TVSS was not large enough to cause hemolysis in all cases, it may cause platelets activation, especially for under‐expanded deployments.
Autophagy is induced by resistance exercise in young men, but unfolded protein response is induced regardless of age
Authors: Hentilä J. , Ahtiainen J. P. , Paulsen G. , Raastad T. , Häkkinen K. , Mero A. A. , Hulmi J. J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimAutophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR) appear to be important for skeletal muscle homoeostasis and may be altered by exercise. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise and training on indicators of UPR and autophagy in healthy untrained young men (n = 12, 27 ± 4 years) and older men (n = 8, 61 ± 6 years) as well as in resistance‐trained individuals (n = 15, 25 ± 5 years).MethodsIndicators of autophagy and UPR were investigated from the muscle biopsies after a single resistance exercise bout and after 21 weeks of resistance training.ResultsLipidated LC3II as an indicator of autophagosome content increased at 48 hours post‐resistance exercise (P < .05) and after a resistance training period (P < .01) in untrained young men but not in older men. Several UPRER markers, typically induced by protein misfolding in endoplasmic reticulum, were increased at 48 hours post‐resistance exercise in untrained young and older men (P < .05) but were unaltered after the 21‐week resistance training period regardless of age. UPR was unchanged within the first few hours after the resistance exercise bout regardless of the training status. Changes in autophagy and UPRER indicators did not correlate with a resistance training‐induced increase in muscle strength and size.ConclusionAutophagosome content is increased by resistance training in young previously untrained men, but this response may be blunted by ageing. However, unfolded protein response is induced by an unaccustomed resistance exercise bout in a delayed manner regardless of age.
Drug induced liver injury with analysis of alternative causes as confounding variables
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Danan Gaby 
Published: April 2018

AimsDrug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is rare compared to the worldwide frequent acute or chronic liver diseases. Therefore, patients included in series of suspected DILI are at high risk of not having DILI, whereby alternative causes may confound the DILI diagnosis. The aim of this review is to evaluate published case series of DILI for alternative causes.MethodsRelevant studies were identified using a computerized search of the Medline database for publications from 1993 through 30 October 2017. We used the following terms: drug hepatotoxicity, drug induced liver injury, hepatotoxic drugs combined with diagnosis, causality assessment and alternative causes.ResultsAlternative causes as variables confounding the DILI diagnosis emerged in 22 published DILI case series, ranging from 4 to 47%. Among 13 335 cases of suspected DILI, alternative causes were found to be more likely in 4555 patients (34.2%), suggesting that the suspected DILI was probably not DILI. Biliary diseases such as biliary obstruction, cholangitis, choledocholithiasis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis were among the most missed diagnoses. Alternative causes included hepatitis B, C and E, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, ischemic hepatitis, cardiac hepatopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and alcoholic liver disease.ConclusionsIn more than one‐third of published global DILI case series, alternative causes as published in these reports confounded the DILI diagnosis. In the future, published DILI case series should include only patients with secured DILI diagnosis, preferentially established by prospective use of scored items provided by robust diagnostic algorithms such as the updated Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method.