bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining manufacturing system changes based on new product specifications
Authors: Schou Casper , Sørensen Daniel Grud Hellerup , Li Chen , Brunø Thomas Ditlev , Madsen Ole
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how necessary changes in a manufacturing system can be determined based on a new product specification. It proposes a formal modelling approach, enhancing the utilization of changeability of a manufacturing system given a set of changes in a product.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the proposed modelling approach, a design science research method is used to iteratively frame an issue, develop a solution and evaluate it in a relevant environment. Evaluation is carried out through a case study.

Findings

A stepwise method is introduced, facilitating the creation of a model describing the relations between product characteristics within a product family and the changeability of a manufacturing system. Limitations of each manufacturing system module are evaluated to determine permittable changes in the product domain. This establishes clear relations between product attributes and manufacturing capabilities. Through this, users receive feedback on which parts of the manufacturing system must change, depending on changes in product attributes.

Research limitations/implications

Testing has been carried out in an academic learning factory setting. Products and processes are thus less complicated than an industrial setting. The system used for validation is highly modular by design.

Practical implications

The proposed approach could be used during product development, when determining characteristics and variety of new products, evaluating the consequences of changing the solution space. This implies a shorter time-to-market and lower product costs.

Social implications

Faster product development and shorter time-to-market would give manufacturers increased agility to track market needs, and ultimately lead to greater fulfilment of customer requirements.

Originality/value

The current body of literature focus on modelling either products or manufacturing systems. Little literature addresses both, but does not touch on identifying changes within parts of the manufacturing system, nor supports the high changeability proposed in this research.
Suspicious activity reports (SARs) regime: reforming institutional culture
Authors: Loh XiaoTong
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Against a backdrop of money laundering scandals in the banking industry, this study aims to assess anti-money laundering (AML) reporting obligations of bankers in the UK. By evaluating the effectiveness of the current suspicious activity report (SAR) regime, this study seeks to use the senior management functions of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) to achieve the goals of AML law within the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study firstly evaluates the efficiencies of the available risk-based sanctions aimed at making the banks the gatekeeper for money laundering. It points out the three-fold deficiencies of the SAR regime in the UK. Lastly, it discusses and examines the merits of multiple proposals for reformation.

Findings

It is argued that the risk-based sanctions have failed to achieve their goals to deter banks from abusing their products and services to facilitate money laundering activities. In revealing the three-fold deficiencies of the SAR regime – theoretical flaws, practical inapplicability and institutional culture – this study argues for both the retainment of the current regime and the repositioning of regulation focus on the reformation of institutional culture, particularly within large or multinational corporates, in terms of their commitment to fulfilling AML obligations.

Originality/value

This essay has concluded that the regime has correct tools under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and the SMCR to address problems associated with AML reporting obligations imposed on the banking sector.
Money laundering in the modern crime system
Authors: Rusanov Georgy , Pudovochkin Yury
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the role of money laundering in the system of modern crime.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this research will include the study of quite obvious relationships, which in themselves do not need special substantiation today, namely, money laundering and terrorism; money laundering and corruption; money laundering and organized crime.

Findings

The following methods are used in the research process: studying the sentences of the courts of the Russian Federation related to the conviction of persons for money laundering; analysis of national judicial statistics and statistics of international organizations related to money laundering; a survey of 96 experts (law enforcement officers, scientists specializing in the study of combating money laundering, government officials whose powers include activities to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism).

Originality/value

Based on the results of the study, a number of conclusions were made. In particular, at present, in view of the built-up effective system of measures to control the income received as a result of certain types of criminal activity (corruption crime, organized crime, economic crime), money laundering has taken a leading role in the structure of modern crime.
Tackling suspect wealth: towards an accountable and transparent future?
Authors: Wang Sally Junsong
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical comparative analysis on cross-border suspect wealth issues and international efforts to curb corruption-related suspect wealth. Through the lens of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) Initiative, this paper illustrates the strength and limitations of current anti-corruption frames and as a result, sheds lights on the dilemmas of tackling suspect wealth on the ground.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with an overview of the magnitude of suspect wealth; then it compares the focuses of the UNCAC and the StAR Initiative. The author draws upon lessons from previous suspect wealth settlement cases to illustrate the limitations of applying the international frameworks. Finally, this paper takes China as case study to highlight lessons for future anti-corruption efforts.

Findings

According to the StAR Initiative, $20–$40bn worth of public assets are stolen via corruption each year, amounting to 20% to 40% of development assistance annually. But the most recent data estimate that the total assets repatriated from OECD countries were $423m from 2006 to 2012, which was only a small fraction of estimated stolen assets. This highlights that tackling suspect wealth not only has moral value but also provides practical benefits for countries seeking development finance.

Research limitations/implications

The UNCAC has brought international cooperation and the importance of transparency to the forefront of tackling suspect wealth. It creates an international norm for recovering and repatriating stolen assets. But due to its loose implementation and enforcement, the UNCAC has left loopholes in anti-corruption policymaking, particularly in countries lacking the rule of law. By comparison, the StAR Initiative takes innovative approach such as using insolvency for asset recovery and country-based capacity building to strengthen originating countries’ ability to repatriate assets. Both the UNCAC and the StAR Initiative are well-intended, but authoritarian regimes and weak rule of law often create dilemma for international collaboration.

Practical implications

This paper provides recommendations on how to further tackle suspect wealth with existing international frameworks.

Social implications

Reducing suspect wealth contributes to society equity and restores public trust by recovering much needed public assets and development resources.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the effect of UNCAC and the StAR Initiative through a comparative lens. It demonstrates how rising authoritarianism can create dilemmas for work against corruption and suspect wealth. Finally, it provides potential policy prescriptions for navigating such dilemmas via shared international efforts.
Can artificial intelligence, RegTech and CharityTech provide effective solutions for anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing initiatives in charitable fundraising
Authors: Singh Charanjit , Lin Wangwei
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Artificial intelligence has had a major impact on organisations from Banking through to Law Firms. The rate at which technology has developed in terms of tasks that are complex, technical and time-consuming has been astounding. The purpose of this paper is to explore the solutions that AI, RegTech and CharityTech provide to charities in navigating the vast amount of anti-money laundering and counter-terror finance legislation in the UK; so that they comply with the requirements and mitigate the potential risk they face but also develop a more coherent and streamlined set of actions.

Design/methodology/approach

The subject is approached through the analysis of data, literature and, domestic and international regulation. The first part of the paper explores the current obligations and risks charities face, these are then, in the second part, set against the examination of potential technological solutions as of August 2020.

Findings

It is suggested that charities underestimate the importance of the nature and size of the threat posed to them, this is significant, as demonstrated, given the growing size and impact of the sector. Technological solutions are suggested to combat the issues charities face.

Originality/value

The study is original because it is the first to create the notion of CharityTech and to specifically explore what technological advances can assist charities in meeting the regulatory compliance challenge.
Procurement planning as a strategic tool for public procurement effectiveness: Experience from selected public procuring entities in Dodoma city, Tanzania
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Mushi Gift Onesmo , Mwaiseje Shadrack Samwel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The significance of the public procurement function is on the survival and development of procuring entities and that of a nation at large. This study aims to focus on examining the influence of procurement planning on the effectiveness of public procurement, experience from selected public procuring entities in Dodoma city, Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was adopted from which data were collected from 146 respondents who were purposively chosen from several public procuring entities located at Dodoma city in the United Republic of Tanzania by using a survey structured questionnaire and analysed through a binary logistic regression model.

Findings

Findings revealed that procurement planning as a strategic function significantly influences the effectiveness of public procurement. The binary logistic regression model included the implementation of prepared procurement plans (p = 0.039), the involvement of users as stakeholders and important institutional actors in public procurement (p = 0.033), compliance to procurement laws and regulations when planning (p = 0.016) and adequacy of budget (p = 0.042) as predictors of procurement planning were tested to be significantly related to the effectiveness of public procurement. It was concluded that public procuring entities can achieve public procurement effectiveness through procurement planning.

Social implications

The implications and policy recommendations of the findings of this study would be useful to procurement practitioners mostly in public procuring entities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to adding knowledge to the existing body of knowledge on procurement planning as an imperative activity in public procurement in Tanzania.
Discovering the linear relationship of service quality, satisfaction, attitude and loyalty for banks in Albaha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zia Adil
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that lead to loyalty in bank customers. It establishes a relationship of service quality (SQ) with satisfaction and attitude that leads to customer loyalty. The impact of SQ along with satisfaction and attitude on customer loyalty is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected from 1,097 customers of the banking service. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multiple regression analyses was used to analyse the data. The adaption of multiple regression and SEM for the analysis authenticates the similar findings in both the methods of analysis.

Findings

All the factors contribute to the formation of SQ. There exists a linear relationship of SQ, satisfaction and attitude in the formation of customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Sample can be more diverse and collected from different cities as well. Similar studies are possible for diverse demographic groups such as gender, age, education and others.

Practical implications

The results of this study have significant implications for understanding customer loyalty for banks of Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

This research attempts to explore the factors responsible for the SQ in banks of Saudi Arabia so as to establish a relationship between SQ, satisfaction, attitude and loyalty.
Statistical models for the mechanical properties of 3D printed external medical aids
Authors: Moreno Rafael , Carou Diego , Carazo-Álvarez Daniel , Gupta Munish Kumar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

3D printing is gaining attention in the medical sector for the development of customized solutions for a wide range of applications such as temporary external implants. The materials used for the manufacturing process are critical, as they must provide biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties. This study aims to evaluate and model the influence of the printing parameters on the mechanical properties of two biocompatible materials.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the mechanical properties of 3D-printed specimens of two biocompatible materials (ABS medical and PLActive) were evaluated. The influence of several printing parameters (infill density, raster angle and layer height) was studied and modelled on three response variables: ultimate tensile strength, deformation at the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Therefore, statistical models were developed to predict the mechanical responses based on the selected printing parameters.

Findings

The used methodology allowed obtaining compact models that show good fit, particularly, for both the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Regarding the deformation at ultimate tensile strength, this output was found to be influenced by more factors and interactions, resulting in a slightly less precise model. In addition, the influence of the printing parameters was discussed in the work.

Originality/value

The presented paper proposed the use of statistical models to select the printing parameters (infill density, raster angle and layer height) to optimize the mechanical response of external medical aids. The models will help users, researchers and firms to develop optimized solutions that can reduce material costs and printing time but guaranteeing the mechanical response of the parts.
The influence of the MEX manufacturing parameters on the tensile elastic response of printed elements
Authors: Bryła Jakub
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of the manufacturing stages on three-dimensionally printed elements via material extrusion (MEX).

Design/methodology/approach

Three factors were identified: the printer, slicer and filament. The impact of each of them was considered by analysing the results from tensile tests, performed on the printed specimens. Using the Prusa MK3S and Anet A6 printers, Cura and PrusaSlicer software as well as Prusa and Plast-Spaw filaments allowed to determine the main factor which affected the differences in the observed sample responses. Additionally, two manufacturing parameters were considered: the infill density and layer height.

Findings

The obtained results showed that the experimental results depend on the process parameters. Firstly, the slicer and next, the printer, had the biggest impact on the mechanical behaviour of the samples, where the first determined the stiffness of the investigated parameter and the second determined its distribution. Finally, the presented results showed that the algorithms implemented in the slicers can have a greater significance that the defined inputs value.

Originality/value

The paper’s aim is recognition of the main sources of inaccuracies in elements produced via the MEX technology. The presented results showed that slicer inputs influenced the mean values of the printed elements’ mechanical parameters, while the printer features affected their distribution. Moreover, the results showed that mechanical behaviours of printed elements can differ significantly depending on the software used. It could explain the discrepancies presented in the conclusions by various researchers.
Understanding the relationships between global supply chain risk and supply chain resilience: the role of mitigating strategies
Authors: Um Juneho , Han Neungho
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to theoretically hypothesise and empirically explore the relationships amongst global supply chain risks, supply chain resilience and mitigating strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts supply chain resilience as a dynamic capability and resilience capability as a mediating prerequisite in addressing supply chain risk in sourcing, manufacturing and delivery. The moderating role of diverse mitigating strategies is tested to enhance supply chain resilience. Data collected via survey was used for structural equation modelling and additional tests to explore appropriate mitigating strategies for differing risk environments.

Findings

Achieving better supply chain resilience capability plays an important mediating role between supply chain risks and resilience, while the relationships depend on the performance of seven mitigating strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to the theoretical development of risk management issues in global supply chains by suggesting the role of supply chain resilience capability.

Practical implications

The findings offer managerial guidance on how to mitigate the global supply chain risk through the appropriate practice of strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in an uncertain environment.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical research examining the impact of mitigating strategies on supply chain resilience. The results provide practical implications for managing uncertain events and offering theoretical insight for future research in supply chain resilience.
Empirical analysis of dynamic spillovers between exchange rate return, return volatility and investor sentiment
Authors: Škrinjarić Tihana , Lovretin Golubić Zrinka , Orlović Zrinka
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effects of investors’ sentiment, return and risk series on one to another of selected exchange rates. The empirical analysis consists of a time-varying inter-dependence between the observed variables, with the focus on spillovers between the variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Monthly data on the index Sentix, exchange rates EUR–USD, EUR–CHF and EUR–JPY are analyzed from February 2003 to December 2019. The applied methodology consists of vector autoregression models (VAR) with Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2011) spillover indices.

Findings

The results of the empirical research indicate that using static analysis could result in misleading conclusions, with dynamic analysis indicating that the financial of 2007-2008 and specific negative events increase the spillovers of shock between the observed variables for all three exchange rates. The sources of shocks in the model change over time because of variables changing their positions being net emitters and net receivers of shocks.

Research limitations/implications

The shortfalls of this study include using the monthly data frequency, as this was available for the authors, namely, investors are interested to obtain new information on a weekly and daily basis, not only monthly. However, at the time of writing this research, we could obtain only monthly data.

Practical implications

As the obtained results are in line with previous literature and were found to be robust, there exists the potential to use such analysis in the future when forecasting risk and return series for portfolio management purposes. Thus, a basic comparison was made regarding the investment strategies, which were based on the results from the estimation. It was shown that using information about shock spillovers could result in strategies that can obtain better portfolio value over time compared to basic benchmark strategies.

Originality/value

First, this paper allows for the spillovers of shocks in variables within the VAR models in all directions. Second, a dynamic analysis is included in the study. Third, the mentioned spillover indices are included in the study as well.
Localised climate change defines ant communities in human‐modified tropical landscapes
Authors: Boyle Michael J. W. , Bishop Tom R. , Luke Sarah H. , van Breugel Michiel , Evans Theodore A. , Pfeifer Marion , Fayle Tom M. , Hardwick Stephen R. , Lane‐Shaw Rachel Isolde , Yusah Kalsum M. , Ashford Imogen C. R. , Ashford Oliver S. , Garnett Emma , Turner Edgar C. , Wilkinson Clare L. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Ewers Robert M.
Published: December 2020

Logging and habitat conversion create hotter microclimates in tropical forest landscapes, representing a powerful form of localised anthropogenic climate change. It is widely believed that these emergent conditions are responsible for driving changes in communities of organisms found in modified tropical forests, although the empirical evidence base for this is lacking.

Here we investigated how interactions between the physiological traits of genera and the environmental temperatures they experience lead to functional and compositional changes in communities of ants, a key organism in tropical forest ecosystems.

We found that the abundance and activity of ant genera along a gradient of forest disturbance in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, was defined by an interaction between their thermal tolerance (CTmax) and environmental temperature. In more disturbed, warmer habitats, genera with high CTmax had increased relative abundance and functional activity, and those with low CTmax had decreased relative abundance and functional activity.

This interaction determined abundance changes between primary and logged forest that differed in daily maximum temperature by a modest 1.1°C, and strengthened as the change in microclimate increased with disturbance. Between habitats that differed by 5.6°C (primary forest to oil palm) and 4.5°C (logged forest to oil palm), a 1°C difference in CTmax among genera led to a 23% and 16% change in relative abundance, and a 22% and 17% difference in functional activity. CTmax was negatively correlated with body size and trophic position, with ants becoming significantly smaller and less predatory as microclimate temperatures increased.

Our results provide evidence to support the widely held, but never directly tested, assumption that physiological tolerances underpin the influence of disturbance‐induced microclimate change on the abundance and function of invertebrates in tropical landscapes.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Disentangling interactions among mercury, immunity and infection in a Neotropical bat community
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Speer Kelly A. , Korstian Jennifer M. , Volokhov Dmitriy V. , Droke Hannah F. , Brown Alexis M. , Baijnauth Catherene L. , Padgett‐Stewart Ticha , Broders Hugh G. , Plowright Raina K. , Rainwater Thomas R. , Fenton M. Brock , Simmons Nancy B. , Chumchal Matthew M.
Published: December 2020

Contaminants such as mercury are pervasive and can have immunosuppressive effects on wildlife. Impaired immunity could be important for forecasting pathogen spillover, as many land‐use changes that generate mercury contamination also bring wildlife into close contact with humans and domestic animals. However, the interactions among contaminants, immunity and infection are difficult to study in natural systems, and empirical tests of possible directional relationships remain rare.

We capitalized on extreme mercury variation in a diverse bat community in Belize to test association among contaminants, immunity and infection. By comparing a previous dataset of bats sampled in 2014 with new data from 2017, representing a period of rapid agricultural land conversion, we first confirmed bat species more reliant on aquatic prey had higher fur mercury. Bats in the agricultural habitat also had higher mercury in recent years. We then tested covariation between mercury and cellular immunity and determined if such relationships mediated associations between mercury and bacterial pathogens. As bat ecology can dictate exposure to mercury and pathogens, we also assessed species‐specific patterns in mercury–infection relationships.

Across the bat community, individuals with higher mercury had fewer neutrophils but not lymphocytes, suggesting stronger associations with innate immunity. However, the odds of infection for haemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. were generally lowest in bats with high mercury, and relationships between mercury and immunity did not mediate infection patterns. Mercury also showed species‐ and clade‐specific relationships with infection, being associated with especially low odds for haemoplasmas in Pteronotus mesoamericanus and Dermanura phaeotis. For Bartonella spp., mercury was associated with particularly low odds of infection in the genus Pteronotus but high odds in the subfamily Stenodermatinae.

Synthesis and application. Lower general infection risk in bats with high mercury despite weaker innate defense suggests contaminant‐driven loss of pathogen habitat (i.e. anemia) or vector mortality as possible causes. Greater attention to these potential pathways could help disentangle relationships among contaminants, immunity and infection in anthropogenic habitats and help forecast disease risks. Our results also suggest that contaminants may increase infection risk in some taxa but not others, emphasizing the importance of considering surveillance and management at different phylogenetic scales.
Parasites and pesticides act antagonistically on honey bee health
Authors: Bird Gwendolyn , Wilson Alan E. , Williams Geoffrey R. , Hardy Nate B.
Published: December 2020

Pesticides and parasites have each been linked to increased mortality in western honey bees (Apis mellifera). Currently, it is uncertain if one makes the other worse; several studies have tested for potential synergistic stressor effects, but results have been mixed.

Here, we use a hierarchical meta‐analysis of 63 experiments from 26 studies to gain a clearer view of the combined effects of parasites and pesticides on honey bee health.

We found that combined pesticide–parasite treatments do tend to be deadlier than uncombined treatments but are significantly less deadly than predicted additive or multiplicative effects. In other words, combined treatment effects are not synergistic, but antagonistic.

Much of the previous uncertainty about the combined effects of pesticides and parasites on honey bee health can be attributed to a bias in the previous research against stressor antagonism; many researchers have excluded the possibility of antagonism a priori.

Synthesis and applications. Meta‐analysis shows that when honey bees are stressed by a combination of pesticides and parasites, the combined stress effect is antagonistic, that is, less than the sum of its parts. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this antagonism could prove critical for effective management of honey bee health.
Combining seascape connectivity with cumulative impact assessment in support of ecosystem‐based marine spatial planning
Authors: Jonsson Per R. , Hammar Linus , Wåhlström Iréne , Pålsson Jonas , Hume Duncan , Almroth‐Rosell Elin , Mattsson Martin
Published: December 2020

Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is a promising approach to guide marine spatial planning (MSP) and management. One limitation of CIA is the neglect of seascape connectivity, which may spread the impact of localized pressures to ambient areas, e.g. through lost dispersal and recruitment of organisms.

We here, for the first time, incorporate seascape connectivity into a traditional CIA model using a connectivity matrix, exemplified by dispersal of propagules estimated through biophysical modelling. Two connectivity impacts are identified: the source impact represents downstream areas losing recruits because of reduced larval dispersal from sites affected by the pressure, and the sink impact represents loss of recruits originating from upstream areas prevented from settlement in the site affected by the local pressure.

By including seascape connectivity in the Swedish MSP‐guiding CIA tool Symphony we demonstrate how to practically account for remote effects of local environmental impact. Our example on blue mussel shows how reducing mussel fitness in a given area may have impacts on mussels far from the acting pressures. Overall, results indicate that connectivity impact for blue mussels plays a minor role in most areas, <10% of the ordinary cumulative impact. However, in some smaller areas, e.g. on offshore banks and the Danish Straits, seascape connectivity may increase ordinary cumulative impact with 20%–30%. In an example of scenario‐based CIA analyses of MSP projections, we demonstrate how impacts of particular management actions, e.g. shipping rerouting and wind power developments, can be tracked far from the original area of influence.

Depending on the dispersal ability of ecosystem components, a local pressure may impact a considerable area through seascape connectivity, transgressing management units and national borders. Although the mean connectivity impact may be modest for a single ecosystem component, the consideration of seascape connectivity across multiple ecosystem components may significantly alter the mapping of cumulative impact and the assessment of different MSP scenarios.

Synthesis and applications. Our extension of Cumulative Impact Assessment offers a new method for mapping and practically integrating seascape connectivity with ecosystem‐based MSP and other spatial instruments for policy making, such as marine protected areas.
The biogeography of Streptomyces in New Zealand enabled by high‐throughput sequencing of genus‐specific rpoB amplicons
Authors: Higgins S. A. , Panke‐Buisse K. , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: December 2020

We evaluated Streptomyces biogeography in soils along a 1200 km latitudinal transect across New Zealand (NZ). Streptomyces diversity was examined using high‐throughput sequencing of rpoB amplicons generated with a Streptomyces specific primer set. We detected 1287 Streptomyces rpoB operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with 159 ± 92 (average ± SD) rpoB OTUs per site. Only 12% (n = 149) of these OTUs matched rpoB sequences from cultured specimens (99% nucleotide identity cutoff). Streptomyces phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) was correlated with soil pH, mean annual temperature and plant community richness (Spearman's r: 0.77, 0.64 and −0.79, respectively; P < 0.05), but not with latitude. In addition, soil pH and plant community richness both explained significant variation in Streptomyces beta diversity. Streptomyces communities exhibited both high dissimilarity and strong dominance of one or a few species at each site. Taken together, these results suggest that dispersal limitation due to competitive interactions limits the colonization success of spores that relocate to new sites. Cultivated Streptomyces isolates represent a major source of clinically useful antibiotics, but only a small fraction of extant diversity within the genus have been identified and most species of Streptomyces have yet to be described.
The importance of understanding and measuring health system structural, functional, and clinical integration
Authors: Ridgely M. Susan , Buttorff Christine , Wolf Laura J. , Duffy Erin Lindsey , Tom Ashlyn K. , Damberg Cheryl L. , Scanlon Dennis P. , Vaiana Mary E.
Published: December 2020

Objective

We explore if there are ways to characterize health systems—not already revealed by secondary data—that could provide new insights into differences in health system performance. We sought to collect rich qualitative data to reveal whether and to what extent health systems vary in important ways across dimensions of structural, functional, and clinical integration.

Data Sources

Interviews with 162 c‐suite executives of 24 health systems in four states conducted through “virtual” site visits between 2017 and 2019.

Study Design

Exploratory study using thematic comparative analysis to describe factors that may lead to high performance.

Data Collection

We used maximum variation sampling to achieve diversity in size and performance. We conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with system executives, covering such topics as market context, health system origin, organizational structure, governance features, and relationship of health system to affiliated hospitals and POs.

Principal Findings

Health systems vary widely in size and ownership type, complexity of organization and governance arrangements, and ability to take on risk. Structural, functional, and clinical integration vary across systems, with considerable activity around centralizing business functions, aligning financial incentives with physicians, establishing enterprise‐wide EHR, and moving toward single signatory contracting. Executives describe clinical integration as more difficult to achieve, but essential. Studies that treat “health system” as a binary variable may be inappropriately aggregating for analysis health systems of very different types, at different degrees of maturity, and at different stages of structural, functional, and clinical integration. As a result, a “signal” indicating performance may be distorted by the “noise.”

Conclusions

Developing ways to account for the complex structures of today's health systems can enhance future efforts to study systems as complex organizations, to assess their performance, and to better understand the effects of payment innovation, care redesign, and other reforms.
Evolution of the home health care market: The expansion and quality performance of multi‐agency chains
Authors: Geng Fangli , Mansouri Sarah , Stevenson David G. , Grabowski David C.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine the growth and evolution of the home health agency (HHA) market and to compare quality performance across HHA ownership categories.

Data Source

Agency characteristics were extracted from Medicare cost reports and Provider of Services file. Quality of care and patient characteristics were extracted from Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings and HHA Public Use File.

Study Design

Agency‐ and state‐level analyses were conducted to describe HHA market trends. Patient characteristics and quality measures were compared across ownership categories of interest.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

All Medicare‐certified HHAs in operation, 2005‐2018.

Principal Findings

Over the study period, the HHA sector grew substantially, increasing from 7899 to 10 818 agencies, and chain‐owned HHAs doubled in number from 903 (11.4% of all agencies) to 1841 (17.0%). In 2018, across agency types, for‐profit nonchain agencies were the largest category both in the number of agencies (67.8%) and the number of Medicare enrollees served (40.7%). Additionally, for‐profit nonchain agencies grew most in total number, from 4293 (54.3%) to 7337 (67.8%), while for‐profit chain agencies grew most in the number of Medicare enrollees served, from 439 998 (12.9%) to 1 082 385 (28.3%). Regarding patient composition, for‐profit nonchain agencies served the highest proportion of dual eligible beneficiaries (42.2%) and African‐Americans (27.9%) among all agency types. Regarding quality performance, a higher star rating is significantly (P < .01) associated with chain agency status. Moreover, chain HHAs performed better on self‐reported process measures, and risk‐adjusted self‐reported outcome measures; however, they performed worse on risk‐adjusted claims‐based outcome measures. These results were similar across for‐profit and nonprofit chain agencies.

Conclusion

Chains play a growing role in the home health sector. Substantial differences in geographic distribution, patient composition, and quality performance were observed between chain‐ and nonchain HHAs. Examining the growth and performance of multi‐agency chains can help inform quality reporting and monitoring, assess payment adequacy, and facilitate greater transparency and accountability within the HHA marketplace.
Technological Change in Dairy Farming with Increased Price Volatility
Authors: Frick Fabian , Sauer Johannes
Published: December 2020

Accompanied by steps towards market liberalisation, dairy farmers in the European Union have been confronted with increased price risk in recent years, which might affect their innovation behaviour. We examine technological change and technical efficiency of specialised dairy farms in West Germany before and during a phase of volatile milk prices. Additionally, we compare the results with mixed dairy farms, which might have an advantage by diffusing price risk through diversification. Our results indicate a slowdown in technological change in specialised as well as in mixed dairy farming coinciding with the start of a volatile market phase.
The effects of dithiothreitol (DTT) on fluorescent qPCR dyes
Authors: Hudson Brittany C. , Cox Jordan O. , Seashols‐Williams Sarah J. , Dawson Cruz Tracey
Published: December 2020

DNA extractions of semen samples commonly utilize dithiothreitol (DTT) to reduce and disrupt disulfide bonds. Although traditional extraction techniques remove DTT before downstream analyses, the forensic DNA community has recently explored Y‐screening, direct amplification, and direct cell lysis assays that omit purification but employ reducing agents to lyse spermatozoa. This study examined the impact of residual DTT on downstream processes involving fluorescent dyes. Quantification using Investigator® Quantiplex HYres revealed a significant increase in the male DNA yield (p = 0.00056) and a >150,000,000‐fold increase in the male:human DNA ratio when DTT remained in extracts versus when it was filtered out using a traditional purification method. When DTT was present with Quantifiler™ Trio, the true mean DNA yield for the large autosomal target significantly increased (p = 0.038) and the average reported DNA yields increased 1.1‐fold, >9.5‐fold, and 1.3‐fold for the small autosomal, large autosomal, and male targets, respectively. DTT‐spiked DNA standards from both kits were impacted similarly to samples with residual DTT, demonstrating that observed effects were related to DTT and not the extraction method. This study corroborates other reports that DTT adversely affects multiple dyes (e.g., Cy5, Quasar 670, SYBR Green I, TMR, and Mustang Purple®). Overall, DTT causes inaccurate quantities and, consequently, inaccurate calculated male:female ratios when used in conjunction with these kits. Thus, implementation of newer direct‐to‐PCR assays incorporating DTT should either be avoided or used only with carefully evaluated, compatible dyes.
Degrees of contrast: Detection of latent bloodstains on fabric using an alternate light source (ALS) and the effects of washing
Authors: James Matthew E.
Published: December 2020

Blood is often a piece of evidence of violent crimes and will often be on the perpetrator's clothing. If the perpetrator is wearing dark clothing, it can be easily identified by chemical means such as Bluestar®, but this can destroy the pattern, which may be evidentiary itself. This study explores the use of alternate light source (ALS) to photograph bloodstains on dark and/or patterned fabrics to provide an alternate, noninvasive tool before the use of chemical detection techniques. Sixty‐nine (69) unwashed fabrics, of various dark colored and dark patterns, were photographed in monochrome under ambient light and subsequently with and without a filter under ultraviolet (UV), violet, blue, green, and infrared light. This study used ImageJ to measure the contrast between the bloodstain and the fabric and thus the effectiveness of each wavelength. Each fabric was washed, photographed, and analyzed five times or until the bloodstain was no longer visible under ALS. Results indicated photography with ALS was a viable method for blood detection on fabrics and should be used prior to chemical means. Further, infrared, followed by violet light with no filter, was the most effective light source for viewing bloodstains on dark fabrics without the use of chemicals. However, these wavelengths were not effective on military uniforms. This study also described one effect fabric manufacturer chemical treatments have on bloodstains and the effect of washing fabrics with bloodstains.
Exploring the highs and lows of very low carbohydrate high fat diets on weight loss and diabetes‐ and cardiovascular disease‐related risk markers: A systematic review
Authors: Ross Lynda J. , Byrnes Angela , Hay Robin L. , Cawte Andrea , Musial Jane E.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Very low carbohydrate high fat diets (VLCHF) are increasingly popular for weight loss and diabetes management, but the risk implications of long‐term adherence to a high‐fat‐diet remain unclear, especially in high‐risk populations. This review aimed to examine adherence, weight loss, diabetes‐ and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related risk markers in adults consuming VLCHF diets.

Methods

Online databases were searched for randomised controlled trials ≥3 months duration that met a pre‐defined macronutrient prescription: VLCHF ≤25%E carbohydrate, >35%E fat; low fat (LF) ≥45%E carbohydrate, ≤30%E fat; and reported energy, saturated fat (SFA), weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure (BP). Studies were excluded if the macronutrient prescription was not targeted (n = 32); not met (n = 17) or not reported (n = 13).

Results

Eight studies included: 1217 commenced; 922 completed overweight and obese adults. Diets were isocaloric moderately energy‐restricted, closely monitored with ongoing support from dietitians, physicians, and/or nurses. Four studies reported non‐adherence beyond 3 months (n = 3) and 6 months (n = 1) despite interventions of 12, 15 and 24 months. VLCHF diets were high in fat and SFA (fat 49%‐56%E; SFA 11%‐21%E) compared to LF diets (fat 13%‐29%E; SFA 5%‐11%E). All groups achieved significant weight loss and improvements in BP and blood glucose. LDL‐C reduction favoured LF, P < .05; increased HDL‐C and reduced triglyceride levels favoured VLCHF, P < .05.

Conclusions

VLCHF and LF diets with moderate energy restriction demonstrate similar weight loss and improvements to BP to 3 months. However, adherence is likely poor without intensive support from health professionals. Dietary SFA should be monitored to ensure recommended intakes, but longer‐term studies with high adherence are required to confirm the level of CVD‐risk and potential harms.
The Overseen and Unseen: Agribusiness Plantations, Indigenous Labor, and Land Struggle in Brazil
Authors: Sullivan LaShandra
Published: December 2020

This article analyzes the land conflict between plantation owners and indigenous activists in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, by ethnographically tracing the role of state‐issued identification and work documents in the subjugation of Indigenous laborers. Some state agencies contradictorily attempt to protect rural workers via the proliferation of such documents. In practice, this serves only to invisibly bind Indigenous workers to networks of local strongmen, who effectively operate as their overseers. As such, work documents facilitate new, but familiar, forms of exploitation of racialized labor. These circumstances are part of the impetus and logic of Indigenous land protesters’ “occupation” of agribusiness plantations. Activists seek to reclaim land as a counter to historical and ongoing conditions of displacement and coercion. [land conflict, labor, race, Indigeneity, Brazil]
Thick skin cutters of Siberian frozen mummies—New finds from the Tynda open air hyaena den
Authors: Diedrich Cajus G.
Published: December 2020

New crania and cranial material from along the Vilyuy River of the Tynda region, North‐East Siberia (Russia), support the identification of open air hyaena den sites.
A critical examination of the false hope harms argument
Authors: Bobier Christopher A.
Published: December 2020

Marleen Eijkholt presents a new argument in healthcare ethics, the false hope harms (FHH) argument. In brief, false hope promotes a host of individual harms (e.g., financial, physical, and psychological harms) and system‐level harms (e.g., distrust of medical practitioners, increased complexity of care and the associated costs), all of which provide reason for healthcare providers to stop promoting false hope in medicine. The goal of this paper is to show that the FHH argument is unsuccessful.
Tweeting about sexism motivates further activism: A social identity perspective
Authors: Foster Mindi D. , Tassone Adrianna , Matheson Kimberly
Published: December 2020

Women, more so than men, are using social media activism to respond to sexism. However, when they do, they are also faced with gendered criticisms 'hashtag feminism' that may instead serve to silence them. Based on social identity theory, this research examined how women's social media activism, in response to sexism, may be a first step towards further activism. Two studies used a simulated Twitter paradigm to expose women to sexism and randomly assign them to either tweet in response, or to a no‐tweet control condition. Both studies found support for a serial mediation model such that tweeting out after sexism strengthened social identity, which in turn increased collective action intentions, and in turn, behavioural collective actions. Study 2 further showed that validation from others increases the indirect effect of tweeting on behavioural collective action through collective action intentions, but group efficacy did not moderate any indirect effects. It was concluded that social media activism in response to sexism promotes an enactment of women’s social identity, thereby mobilizing them to further action.