bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are publicly funded Czech incubators effective? The comparison of performance of supported and non-supported firms
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej , Longo Maria Cristina , Blažková Ivana , Lukeš Martin , Andera Michal
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Even in established economies, empirical studies on the relationship between business incubation and firm performance do not show unequivocally positive results. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this debate based on the empirical evidence from the under-researched Central and Eastern European region in which no similar study has been conducted before. Due to the shorter experience with the management of business incubators and less developed institutions, business incubators may not be so effective in supporting their tenants in this region.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilise firm-level data from incubated Czech enterprises (n=205) founded after 2003 and compare them with those that have not received support from incubators. The authors implement three matching techniques to pair incubated and non-incubated companies. The outcome variables measured sales, price-cost margin, assets turnover, value added, size of total assets and size of personnel costs.

Findings

Compared to the control group, incubated firms reported on average lower values of the above-mentioned indicators. Presented study shows that Czech incubators have not been successful in supporting growth of incubated firms.

Practical implications

The study suggests that there is a clear room for improvements. Incubators should improve in attracting and selecting high potentials and in providing more effective support focussed on tenants’ growth, whereas policymakers should exercise stricter control regarding the money spent and effectiveness of incubators.

Originality/value

The empirical analysis was conducted based on the research gap in the studies related to the impact of business incubation in the under-researched Central and Eastern European region. It also shows that positive results from similar studies done in established economies cannot be taken for granted as they depend on the quality of institutions in a particular country.
Domain-specific readability measures to improve information retrieval in the Persian language
Authors: Arastoopoor Sholeh
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The degree to which a text is considered readable depends on the capability of the reader. This assumption puts different information retrieval systems at the risk of retrieving unreadable or hard-to-be-read yet relevant documents for their users. This paper aims to examine the potential use of concept-based readability measures along with classic measures for re-ranking search results in information retrieval systems, specifically in the Persian language.

Design/methodology/approach

Flesch–Dayani as a classic readability measure along with document scope (DS) and document cohesion (DC) as domain-specific measures have been applied for scoring the retrieved documents from Google (181 documents) and the RICeST database (215 documents) in the field of computer science and information technology (IT). The re-ranked result has been compared with the ranking of potential users regarding their readability.

Findings

The results show that there is a difference among subcategories of the computer science and IT field according to their readability and understandability. This study also shows that it is possible to develop a hybrid score based on DS and DC measures and, among all four applied scores in re-ranking the documents, the re-ranked list of documents based on the DSDC score shows correlation with re-ranking of the participants in both groups.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would foster a new option in re-ranking search results based on their difficulty for experts and non-experts in different fields.

Originality/value

The findings and the two-mode re-ranking model proposed in this paper along with its primary focus on domain-specific readability in the Persian language would help Web search engines and online databases in further refining the search results in pursuit of retrieving useful texts for users with differing expertise.
How signaling mechanisms reduce “lemons” from online group buying (OGB) markets? A study of China
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Alamgir , Rahman Shams , Chowdhury Tamgid Ahmed , Chan Caroline , Yang Xiaoyan , Su Qingxin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

A major transformation in retail logistics over the few years is backed by enormous improvements in internet technologies. It is now easy for e-retailers to entertain delivery progression, or consumers can share use-experience with future customers and thereby reducing information asymmetry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of different signals on consumer behavior in the presence of information asymmetry, in the context of online group buying (OGB) markets in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the lemon market theory (LMT) and signaling theory, the study develops a research model of the OGB consumers’ context in China, which is validated using data from an online survey. A total of 528 responses are used for data analysis applying structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings of the study show that perceived vendor quality (PVQ) and perceived product quality (PPQ) have significantly positive effects on intention to purchase from OGB websites. PVQ is associated with perceived reputation and perceived trustworthiness (PT) of vendor, and the determinants of PPQ are quality assurance information of products, and information about mer-chants. Further, PT has a mediating effect, while asymmetry of information has a moderating effect.

Research limitations/implications

The research model is valid as a generic OGB model that can be investigated in other contexts to understand the generalizability of the findings. Future research is needed to incorporate additional relevant factors (e.g. price, advertising activity/investments) that may help increase the acceptability of the model to a wide range of e-commerce contexts. Two of the control variables (gender and prior internet experience) were found to be significant; this could be further examined in future studies to determine the relative impact on each causal relationship.

Originality/value

Whereas prior studies in the domain of consumer service proposed different signaling mechanisms that were believed to eliminate information asymmetry from a market, the study sheds light on the effectiveness of the signals in the OGB context. This is a unique effort that applies and extends LMT and signaling theory in OGB context by theorizing the associated dimensions and their causal effects.
Knowledge and use of self-archiving options among academic librarians working in universities in Africa
Authors: Baro Ebikabowei Emmanuel , Tralagba Eriye Chris , Ebiagbe Ebiere Joyce
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which academic librarians in African universities know and use self-archiving options to make their papers visible globally.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed using SurveyMonkey software to collect data from 455 academic librarians working in 52 universities in Africa.

Findings

The study revealed that the academic librarians in Africa are aware of ResearchGate, institutional repository, personal website/server, kudos and Mendeley and they actually upload papers to self-archiving platforms such as institutional repository, ResearchGate, academia.edu and personal websites/servers. Factors such as increased exposure of one’s previously published work, provides exposure for works not previously published (e.g. seminar papers), broadens the dissemination of academic research generally and increases one’s institutions’ visibility were among the options the academic librarians rated as very important factors that motivate them to submit their scholarly output to the self-archiving options. It was also found that majority of the academic librarians in Africa checked the publishers’ website for copyright policy compliance before submitting their papers to the platform.

Practical implications

The study called for academic librarians in developing countries to voluntarily sign-up to register with self-archiving options such as ResearchGate, kudos, Mendeley.com, academia.edu and others to enable them self-archive their published papers for access globally by students, researchers, etc.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will add to the body of knowledge by bringing to light the extent of awareness and use of self-archiving options by academic librarians in universities in Africa.
Universal healthcare and universal basic income
Authors: Gerard Nathan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw parallels between universal basic income (UBI) and universal healthcare, highlighting their conceptual alignment and combined implications for health management and organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The idea that everyone should receive a set amount of money regardless of employment finds renewed momentum amid increasingly precarious work arrangements and an uncertain job market. Less explored, however, is the connection between this idea and the more established notion of universal healthcare. This paper brings these two ideas together by examining their shared underpinnings in capitalist work relations, and more broadly a global economic system organized by and for corporations at the expense of workers.

Findings

The argument is made that the underlying dynamics of contemporary capitalism cannot be relied upon to provide for basic health and wealth. These limitations must be offset with social assurances that not only mitigate capitalism’s liabilities, but also facilitate innovation and sustainable growth.

Originality/value

Rarely have UBI and universal healthcare been considered together. This paper examines their shared origins in a capitalist world system and demonstrates their shared justification in a future increasingly devoid of stable work.
Delivering primary health care as envisioned
Authors: Rayner Jennifer , Muldoon Laura , Bayoumi Imaan , McMurchy Dale , Mulligan Kate , Tharao Wangari
Published: May 2018

Purpose

For over 40 years, Canadian and international bodies have endorsed comprehensive primary health care (PHC), yet very little work has been done to describe how services and programs are delivered within these organizations. Because health equity is now of greater interest to policy makers and the public, it is important to describe an evidence-informed framework for the delivery of integrated and equitable PHC. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a “Model of Health and Well-being” (MHWB) that provides a roadmap to the delivery of PHC in a successful network of community-governed PHC organizations in Ontario, Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

The MHWB was developed through an iterative process that involved members of community-governed PHC organizations in Ontario and key stakeholders. This included literature review and consultation to ensure that the model was evidence informed and reflected actual practice.

Findings

The MHWB has three guiding principles: highest quality health and well-being for people and communities; health equity and social justice; and community vitality and belonging. In addition, there are eight attributes that describe how services are provided. There is a reasonable evidence base underpinning the all principles and attributes.

Originality/value

As comprehensive, equitable PHC organizations become increasingly recognized as critical parts of the health care system, it is important to have a means to describe their approach to care and the values that drive their care. The MHWB provides a blueprint for comprehensive PHC as delivered by over 100 Community Governed Primary Health Care (CGPHC) organizations in Ontario. All CGPHC organizations have endorsed, adopted and operationalized this model as a guide for optimum care delivery.
“Playing school”
Authors: Bryan Nathaniel , Jett Christopher C.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Much of the extant research literature on the initiatives to attract, inspire and recruit Black males to the teaching profession has focused on middle and high school students. Black boys’ socialization into dominant narratives regarding who can and cannot become teachers occurs as early as in early childhood classrooms; however, little attention has been given to ways to attract, inspire and recruit them to the professional teaching ranks where a paltry 2 per cent are Black men.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the concept of imaginative play experiences with respect to Black boys and unearths possibilities for future Black male teachers through culturally relevant play.

Findings

Based on findings from the literature, this conceptual paper makes connections between the early childhood play literature and the Black male teacher recruitment and retention literature to create possibilities to inspire Black boys to enter the teaching profession.

Originality/value

This paper presents a nuanced integration of imaginative play and culturally relevant pedagogy with specific attention to Black males.
Prison psychiatry: is the training experience safe?
Authors: Page Ruairi , Tovey Matthew , Hynes Fiona
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Training in the prison settings is a mandatory part of higher training in forensic psychiatry. Violence in prisons is a recognised issue, which can impact on trainee safety and overall training experience. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have produced guidelines regarding the safety of the environment in inpatient mental health settings, but there is currently no such guidance regarding the prison setting. The purpose of this paper is to report on a survey of UK-based ST4-6 trainees in forensic psychiatry regarding their training experience in prisons, focusing on supervision and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors constructed an electronic survey which comprised of 18 items. This was sent to each UK training programme director in forensic psychiatry, who were asked to distribute the survey to trainees in their region.

Findings

There were 36 unique responses, out of an approximate total of 100 trainees. The questions fell into two broad categories: trainee safety and trainee supervision. The main themes that arose were that the majority of trainees (59 per cent) reported that they had not received a formal induction at their prison and had not received training in using the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork framework (58 per cent) and serious incident review protocol (83 per cent). The vast majority (76 per cent) reported not being allocated a personal safety alarm, and 27 per cent reported having received a direct threat from a patient in prison. Responses with regards to consultant supervision were varied. The majority indicated that they received weekly supervision (62 per cent).

Originality/value

The findings indicate that there are a number of areas where both safety and supervision within the prison environment may be improved. This is concerning given the standards outlined by Promoting Excellence (General Medical Council), which highlights the importance of a safe and supported learning environment, and suggests the need for further analysis locally of training opportunities within prisons.
An investigation into the economies of scale in turkish ministry of health hospitals
Authors: Tarcan Menderes , Çelik Yusuf , Plante Catherine , Younis Mustafa
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to estimate economies of scale in Turkish Ministry of Health hospitals. Turkey is in the process of changing their healthcare system. Estimating economies of scale for Turkish hospitals will help funding decisions as Turkey determines whether to build, expand, or consolidate hospitals. The structural changes currently taking place provide an opportunity to revamp the way healthcare is provided so that access to and efficiency within healthcare can be increased in a cost effective manner. Data are collected from the Ministry of Health. The results suggest there is an optimal size for Turkish hospitals. Also, this study shows that hospitals in certain regions of Turkey are more efficient than other regions. Determining the characteristics of efficient hospitals is important if Turkey is to properly allocate scarce healthcare funding.
Patterns and trends from a quantitative analysis of the Culture Excellence assessment program
Authors: Taylor Joanne Zaida , Budworth Luke
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in safety and quality culture, using quantitative data gathered from food companies who have taken the Culture Excellence assessment. It is the fourth paper in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative elements of the Culture Excellence assessment were analysed, exploring the differences between different dimensions of culture and the potential variation between managers, supervisors and operators.

Findings

Managers were found to generate higher scores for the culture of their company than operators, and to have particularly higher scores in certain dimensions of culture (e.g. Empowerment). Operators however reported receiving food safety training more frequently. Operators were also more likely to have a positive result on practical elements of the assessment (e.g. targets) than psychological ones (e.g. reward). All of the above findings were statistically significant at p < 001 with small to medium effect sizes.

Originality/value

This paper introduces quantitative data on food safety culture from the food industry with quantitative analysis to highlight issues and trends. It will be of value to food safety and quality practitioners, trainers, auditors and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Kane Kevin , Taylor Joanne Zaida , Teare Richard
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to profile the WHATT theme issue “Can the culture of safety and quality in organizations be measured and changed?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors and writing team.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper draws on a specialist team of researchers and practitioners to examine the extent to which the culture of safety and quality in organizations (with particular reference to food management) can be measured and changed. It reflects on research and stakeholder interaction that is helping to shape current and future thinking about food safety culture in hospitality organizations and provides practical ways of reviewing and improving it.

Practical implications

The theme issue outcomes provide lines of enquiry for others to explore and they reinforce the value of WHATT’s approach to collaborative working and writing.

Originality/value

This theme issue builds on prior work (reported in earlier theme issues) and profiles a well-researched and practical approach to reviewing, measuring and improving the culture of safety and quality in hotel and catering operations.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of continuous acitretin monotherapy for three children with different severe hyperkeratotic disorders in China
Authors: Liang Jingyao , Chen Pingjiao , Chen Huiheng , Tian Xin , Wu Zhenguang , Zhang Sanqan , Li Changxing , Zhang Xibao
Published: May 2018

Long‐term systemic treatment with acitretin for severe hyperkeratotic disorders is needed to maintain quality of life of afflicted patients, but treatment has been limited owing to its potential side‐effects including skeletal malformations, particularly for children during their growth and development. A retrospective investigation was conducted with three children afflicted with a severe hyperkeratotic disorder, namely Darier's disease, bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma or lamellar ichthyosis, who were continuously maintained on 0.2–0.3 mg/kg per day acitretin for more than 12 years after an initial period at a larger acitretin dose to bring each disease under control. The patients had good responses to acitretin treatment, which was assessed for safety, skeletal abnormalities, growth retardation and other potential side‐effects. Acitretin monotherapy was an effective treatment for these children, and maintenance doses were well tolerated with no skeletal or other observable side‐effects during the course of the study.
Generalized non‐hyperbolic approximation for qP‐wave relative geometrical spreading in a layered transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis
Authors: Xu Shibo , Stovas Alexey
Published: May 2018

Compensation for geometrical spreading along the ray‐path is important in amplitude variation with offset analysis especially for not strongly attenuative media since it contributes to the seismic amplitude preservation. The P‐wave geometrical spreading factor is described by a non‐hyperbolic moveout approximation using the traveltime parameters that can be estimated from the velocity analysis. We extend the P‐wave relative geometrical spreading approximation from the rational form to the generalized non‐hyperbolic form in a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis. The acoustic approximation is used to reduce the number of parameters. The proposed generalized non‐hyperbolic approximation is developed with parameters defined by two rays: vertical and a reference rays. For numerical examples, we consider two choices for parameter selection by using two specific orientations for reference ray. We observe from the numerical tests that the proposed generalized non‐hyperbolic approximation gives more accurate results in both homogeneous and multi‐layered models than the rational counterpart.
Territorial Stigmatization and Territorial Destigmatization: A Cultural Sociology of Symbolic Strategy in the Gentrification of Parkdale (Toronto)
Authors: Horgan Mervyn
Published: May 2018

Territorial stigmatization is one of the most powerful concepts for understanding how social, spatial and symbolic processes are intertwined in producing contemporary urban inequality. Through a detailed case study of Parkdale, a Toronto neighbourhood that has been profoundly shaped by its long association with poverty, single room occupancy housing and psychiatric survivors, this article works at the points of intersection between the rapidly expanding literature on territorial stigmatization and wider social scientific interest in gentrification‐led displacement. Drawing on archival research, participant observation and interviews with residents, it demonstrates how territorial stigmatization, and a new allied concept, territorial destigmatization, operate in Parkdale. Territorial stigmatization and destigmatization work across three dimensions: legal, material and discursive. Using conceptual tools from cultural sociology to foreground symbolic elements of these three dimensions, two strategies of territorial destigmatization are delineated: one that operates in concert with gentrification‐led displacement, and the other that works to symbolically reinscribe stigmatized persons and housing forms. To complement and sharpen territorial stigmatization research, recent findings from studies of stigma are integrated to show how psychiatric survivors and housing advocates in Parkdale use territorial destigmatization to offset gentrification‐led displacement.
‘Friends that last a lifetime’: the importance of emotions amongst volunteers working with refugees in Calais
Authors: Doidge Mark , Sandri Elisa
Published: May 2018

The European ‘refugee crisis’ has generated a broad movement of volunteers offering their time and skills to support refugees across the continent, in the absence of nation states. This article focuses on volunteers who helped in the informal refugee camp in Calais called the ‘Jungle’. It looks at the importance of emotions as a motivating factor for taking on responsibilities that are usually carried out by humanitarian aid organizations. We argue that empathy is not only the initial motivator for action, but it also sustains the voluntary activity as volunteers make sense of their emotions through working in the camp. This type of volunteering has also created new spaces for sociability and community, as volunteers have formed strong emotional and relational bonds with each other and with the refugees. Finally, this article contributes to the growing body of literature that aims at repositioning emotions within the social sciences research to argue that they are an important analytical tool to understand social life and fieldwork.
Development and Validation of a High‐Quality Composite Real‐World Mortality Endpoint
Authors: Curtis Melissa D. , Griffith Sandra D. , Tucker Melisa , Taylor Michael D. , Capra William B. , Carrigan Gillis , Holzman Ben , Torres Aracelis Z. , You Paul , Arnieri Brandon , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To create a high‐quality electronic health record (EHR)–derived mortality dataset for retrospective and prospective real‐world evidence generation.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Oncology EHR data, supplemented with external commercial and US Social Security Death Index data, benchmarked to the National Death Index (NDI).

Study Design

We developed a recent, linkable, high‐quality mortality variable amalgamated from multiple data sources to supplement EHR data, benchmarked against the highest completeness U.S. mortality data, the NDI. Data quality of the mortality variable version 2.0 is reported here.

Principal Findings

For advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer, sensitivity of mortality information improved from 66 percent in EHR structured data to 91 percent in the composite dataset, with high date agreement compared to the NDI. For advanced melanoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic breast cancer, sensitivity of the final variable was 85 to 88 percent. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses showed that improving mortality data completeness minimized overestimation of survival relative to NDI‐based estimates.

Conclusions

For EHR‐derived data to yield reliable real‐world evidence, it needs to be of known and sufficiently high quality. Considering the impact of mortality data completeness on survival endpoints, we highlight the importance of data quality assessment and advocate benchmarking to the NDI.
Arterial to end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension difference (CO2 gap) as a prognostic marker for adverse outcomes in emergency department patients presenting with suspected sepsis
Authors: Shetty Amith , Sparenberg Sebastian , Adams Kristian , Selvedran Selwyn , Tang Benjamin , Hanna Kim , Iredell Jonathan
Published: May 2018

Objective

The arterial to end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension difference (CO2 gap) correlates with physiologic dead space. The prognostic value of increased CO2 gap in trauma and respiratory distress patients is documented. Transpulmonary arteriovenous shunting is identified as a predictor of mortality in non‐pulmonary sepsis. We set out to investigate the prognostic value of the CO2 gap in a pilot study of patients with suspected sepsis from non‐respiratory causes.

Methods

Patients presenting to tertiary Australian ED with suspected sepsis (n = 215) underwent near‐simultaneous end‐tidal carbon dioxide and partial pressure of carbon dioxide measurements. We investigated the correlation of CO2 gap levels with the primary outcome of in‐hospital mortality (IHM) and secondary outcomes of sepsis (ΔSOFA ≥2) and IHM and/or intensive care unit stay ≥72 h (IHM/ICU72h) in patients with sepsis because of non‐respiratory causes.

Results

Among patients included in the analysis (n = 165), the CO2 gap showed modest positive correlation with qSOFA (ρ = 0.39) and weak positive correlation with SOFA scores (ρ = 0.29) (both P < 0.01). The CO2 gap had modest predictive value for primary outcome (IHM), area under receiver operating curve (AUROC 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.90) and IHM/ICU72h outcome (AUROC 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.86), but lower predictive value for sepsis outcome (AUROC 0.64, 95% CI 0.55–0.71) (all P < 0.001). We report modest test performance for primary outcome at CO2 gap ≥5 and ≥10 mmHg cut‐offs.

Conclusion

In this pilot study of patients with suspected sepsis from non‐respiratory causes, an increased CO2 gap demonstrates value in risk stratification and needs to be further evaluated and compared to other existent biomarkers.
Fine particulate matter associated mortality burden of lung cancer in Hebei Province, China
Authors: He Yutong , Gao Zhaoyu , Guo Tiantian , Qu Feng , Liang Di , Li Daojuan , Shi Jin , Shan Baoen
Published: May 2018

Background

The association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lung cancer (LC) mortality in China is limited. The Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei region is infamous for serious air pollution. Seven of the top 10 cities with the worst air quality are located in Hebei Province. Thus, we explored the effect of 10 years of PM2.5 on the LC mortality rate in Hebei Province.

Methods

We quantified associations between LC mortality and PM2.5 and estimated the LC mortality burden attributed to PM2.5 with predicted county level LC deaths in 2014.

Results

The 10‐year PM2.5 LC mortality associations were non‐linear, with thresholds of 63 μg/m3 overall, 69 μg/m3 for men, 68 μg/m3 for women, 66 μg/m3 for those aged 30–64 years, and 62 μg/m3 for those aged ≥ 65 years. The relative risks for these groups were 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.10), 1.06 (95% CI 1.03–1.10), 1.20 (95% CI 1.10–1.26), 1.07 (95% CI 1.05–1.11), and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07–1.13), respectively. There were 2525 (95% CI 2265–2780) LC deaths attributed to 10‐year PM2.5 in 2014, at fractions of 8.3% (95% CI 7.4–9.1%) overall, 5.7% (95% CI 2.8–9.4%) for men, 16.7% (95% CI: 8.3–21.6%) for women, 6.5% (95% CI 4.7–10.3%) for those aged 30–64 years, and 9.1% (95% CI 6.4–11.5%) for those aged ≥ 65 years.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a reduction in the PM2.5 exposure levels below thresholds would prevent a substantial number of LC deaths in Hebei Province.
Statistical inference for home range overlap
Authors: Winner Kevin , Noonan Michael J. , Fleming Christen H. , Olson Kirk A. , Mueller Thomas , Sheldon Daniel , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: May 2018

Despite the routine nature of estimating overlapping space use in ecological research, to date no formal inferential framework for home range overlap has been available to ecologists. Part of this issue is due to the inherent difficulty of comparing the estimated home ranges that underpin overlap across individuals, studies, sites, species, and times. As overlap is calculated conditionally on a pair of home range estimates, biases in these estimates will propagate into biases in overlap estimates. Further compounding the issue of comparability in home range estimators is the historical lack of confidence intervals on overlap estimates. This means that it is not currently possible to determine if a set of overlap values is statistically different from one another.

As a solution, we develop the first rigorous inferential framework for home range overlap. Our framework is based on the autocorrelated‐Kernel density estimation (AKDE) family of home range estimators, which correct for biases due to autocorrelation, small effective sample size, and irregular sampling in time. Collectively, these advances allow AKDE estimates to validly be compared even when sampling strategies differ. We then couple the AKDE estimates with a novel bias‐corrected Bhattacharyya coefficient (BC) to quantify overlap. Finally, we propagate uncertainty in the AKDE estimates through to overlap and thus are able to put confidence intervals on the BC point estimate.

Using simulated data, we demonstrate how our inferential framework provides accurate overlap estimates, and reasonable coverage of the true overlap, even at small sample sizes. When applied to empirical data, we found that building an interaction network for Mongolian gazellesProcapra gutturosabased on all possible ties, vs. only those ties with statistical support, substantially influenced the network’s properties and any potential biological inferences derived from it.

Our inferential framework permits researchers to calculate overlap estimates that can validly be compared across studies, sites, species, and times, and test whether observed differences are statistically meaningful. This method is available via theRpackagectmm.
Mixed states in bipolar and major depressive disorders: systematic review and quality appraisal of guidelines
Authors: Verdolini N. , Hidalgo‐Mazzei D. , Murru A. , Pacchiarotti I. , Samalin L. , Young A. H. , Vieta E. , Carvalho A. F.
Published: May 2018

Objective

This systematic review provided a critical synthesis and a comprehensive overview of guidelines on the treatment of mixed states.

Method

The MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from inception to March 21st, 2018. International guidelines covering the treatment of mixed episodes, manic/hypomanic, or depressive episodes with mixed features were considered for inclusion. A methodological quality assessment was conducted with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation‐AGREE II.

Results

The final selection yielded six articles. Despite their heterogeneity, all guidelines agreed in interrupting an antidepressant monotherapy or adding mood‐stabilizing medications. Olanzapine seemed to have the best evidence for acute mixed hypo/manic/depressive states and maintenance treatment. Aripiprazole and paliperidone were possible alternatives for acute hypo/manic mixed states. Lurasidone and ziprasidone were useful in acute mixed depression. Valproate was recommended for the prevention of new mixed episodes while lithium and quetiapine in preventing affective episodes of all polarities. Clozapine and electroconvulsive therapy were effective in refractory mixed episodes. The AGREE II overall assessment rate ranged between 42% and 92%, indicating different quality level of included guidelines.

Conclusion

The unmet needs for the mixed symptoms treatment were associated with diagnostic issues and limitations of previous research, particularly for maintenance treatment.
Stress‐gradient hypothesis and plant distribution along ecotonal gradients
Authors: Casalini Ana I. , Bisigato Alejandro J.
Published: May 2018

The stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) predicts that, although facilitation and competition occur together, facilitative interactions will be more prevalent with increasing abiotic stress. In water‐limited ecosystems, support for the SGH has been controversial. Because of the relevance of ecotones to local and regional diversity and the susceptibility to disturbance of the species inhabiting them, these systems represent interesting opportunities to test the SGH. Our aim was to determine whether the spatial pattern of species distribution along an arid ecotone is consistent with the SGH. Vegetation surveys were performed along topographical gradients found between several palaeochannels and bars where two communities dominated by Chuquiraga avellanedae and Larrea divaricata coexist. Daily precipitation and soil water potential at three depths were measured at a palaeochannel and a bar. Univariate and bivariate distribution patterns were investigated by second‐order spatial analysis based on Ripley's K function in order to evaluate the possible existence of positive or negative interactions among plants. Soil water potential was higher at palaeochannels, indicating that a gradient of water stress exists between the palaeochannels and the bars. Whereas palaeochannels showed regularity among C. avellanedae individuals, bars showed aggregation among L. divaricata individuals and among both species. These results suggest a change in dominant interactions along the gradient from facilitative at the more xeric bars to more competitive at the relatively wetter palaeochannels in accordance with the stress‐gradient hypothesis.
Storage losses, liquidity constraints, and maize storage decisions in Benin
Authors: Kadjo Didier , Ricker‐Gilbert Jacob , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Shively Gerald , Baco Mohamed N.
Published: May 2018

This article estimates how storage losses from mold, insects, and other pests, combined with liquidity constraints, influence a smallholder farm household's decision to store maize on farm after harvest. We analyze panel data from 309 smallholders in Benin covering the 2011 and 2013 harvest seasons. Results suggest that smallholders are driven to sell at harvest time for different reasons, depending on their motivation for storing. In households that report direct consumption as their primary goal for storing maize, liquidity constraints, not storage losses, reduce the amount they store. In contrast, households that store maize with the intention of selling it later in the year appear unaffected by liquidity constraints. Instead, these households store less when they expect to lose more during storage. These results suggest that policies to provide liquidity will be more helpful in motivating storage among consumption‐oriented households. Households motivated to store for later sale will benefit from modern storage technologies that mitigate the operational costs associated with storage losses.
Abnormal lymphatic vessel development is associated with decreased decidual regulatory T cells in severe preeclampsia
Authors: Jung Yun Ji , Park Yejin , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Lee Hwa Jin , Kim Yoo‐Na , Lee JoonHo , Kim Young‐Han , Maeng Yong‐Sun , Kwon Ja‐Young
Published: May 2018

Problem

The lymphatic vasculature controls leukocytes trafficking and limits the adaptive immune response. In previous models of preeclampsia (PE), defective immune function caused by disruption of lymphangiogenesis was shown to be involved in the disease pathophysiology. Especially, the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Treg) at the maternal‐fetal interface may be one of the causes of severe PE. In particular, activation of Tregs to obtain immune tolerance requires adequate antigen presentation through the lymphatic system. We hypothesized that impaired lymphangiogenesis and imbalanced Tregs at the maternal‐fetal interface are associated with the pathophysiology of severe PE. However, the current research addressing this hypothesis is limited. Therefore, to compare differences in lymphangiogenesis in severe PE and normal conditions, we aimed to examine the location of lymphatics at the maternal‐fetal interface and to investigate the association between lymphangiogenesis and Tregs in severe PE.

Method of Study

We obtained entire uterus from normal pregnant mice. Placental and fetal membranes, including decidua, were obtained from 10 pregnant women with severe PE and 10 gestational age‐matched controls. Immunohistochemistry for LYVE1 was used to localize the distribution of lymphatic vessels and CD4, CD25, and FOXP3 for Treg.

Results

LYVE1‐positive vessels were present in the uterine wall of mice. LYVE1‐positive lymphatic vessels were localized on the human decidua. Tubular lymphatics were abundant in the control decidua, but significantly reduced in severe PE. Furthermore, lymphatic vessel density correlated with the number of decidual Tregs.

Conclusion

Abnormal decidual lymphangiogenesis is associated with reduced numbers of decidual Tregs in severe PE.
Metabolomics as a clinical testing method for the diagnosis of vaginal dysbiosis
Authors: Watson Emiley , Reid Gregor
Published: May 2018

Microbes play an important role in vaginal health, with lactobacilli a particularly abundant species. When dysbiosis occurs, the tools to determine whether it is a condition such as bacterial vaginosis, and whether it warrants antibiotic treatment, are currently suboptimal. We propose that standardization and implementation of an affordable metabolomics‐based diagnostic technique could reduce instances of false positives, stress associated with misdiagnosis, and potentially save time and money. Basing diagnosis on the detection of pH elevated above 4.5 and specific polyamines could provide a better method to assist a physician determine whether treatment is warranted.
Getting What You Pay For: Children's Use of Market Norms to Regulate Exchanges
Authors: Echelbarger Margaret , Gelman Susan A. , Kalish Charles W.
Published: May 2018

Children are sensitive to a number of considerations influencing distributions of resources, including equality, equity, and reciprocity. We tested whether children use a specific type of reciprocity norm—market norms—in which resources are distributed differentially based strictly on amount offered in return. In two studies, 195 children 5–10 years and 60 adults distributed stickers to friends offering same or different amounts of money. Overall, participants distributed more equally when offers were the same and more unequally when offers were different. Although sensitive to why friends offered different amounts of money, children increasingly incorporated market norms into their distributions with age, as the oldest children and adults distributed more to those offering more, irrespective of the reasons provided.
Sputum‐to‐serum hydrogen sulphide ratio as a novel biomarker of predicting future risks of asthma exacerbation
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Saito J. , Kikuchi M. , Uematsu M. , Fukuhara A. , Sato S. , Munakata M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Increased level of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in sputum is reported to be a new biomarker of neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic airway disorders. However, the relationship between H2S and disease activity remains unclear.

Objective

We investigated whether H2S levels could vary during different conditions in asthma.

Method

H2S levels in sputum and serum were measured using a sulphide‐sensitive electrode in 47 stable asthmatic subjects (S‐BA), 21 uncontrolled asthmatic subjects (UC‐BA), 26 asthmatic subjects with acute exacerbation (AE‐BA) and 15 healthy subjects. Of these, H2S levels during stable, as well as exacerbation states, were obtained in 13 asthmatic subjects.

Results

Sputum H2S levels were significantly higher in the AE‐BA subjects compared to the UC‐BA and healthy subjects (P < .05). However, serum H2S levels in the AE‐BA subjects were lower than in the S‐BA subjects (P < .001) and similar to those in healthy subjects. Thus, the sputum‐to‐serum ratio of H2S (H2S ratio) in the AE‐BA subjects was significantly higher than in the S‐BA, UC‐BA and healthy subjects (P < .05). Among all subjects, sputum H2S levels showed a trend to decrease with FEV1 %predicted and significantly positive correlations with sputum neutrophils (%), sputum IL‐8 and serum IL‐8. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that sputum H2S was independently associated with increased sputum neutrophils (%) and decreased FEV1 %predicted (P < .05). The cut‐off level of H2S ratio to indicate an exacerbation was ≥0.34 (area under the curve; 0.88, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 72.7%, P < .001). Furthermore, half of the asthmatic subjects with H2S ratios higher than the cut‐off level experienced asthma exacerbations over the following 3 months after enrolment.

Conclusions

The H2S ratio may provide useful information on predicting future risks of asthma exacerbation, as well as on obstructive neutrophilic airway inflammation as one of the non‐Th2 biomarkers, in asthma.
Self‐efficacy beliefs, faecal incontinence and health‐related quality of life in patients born with anorectal malformations
Authors: Grano C. , Fernandes M. , Bucci S. , Aminoff D. , Lucidi F. , Violani C.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are rare congenital colorectal anomalies with long lasting consequences, among which faecal incontinence is one of the most relevant since it may strongly affect patients’ health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Although a growing body of literature supports the importance of self‐efficacy in chronic disease health outcomes, only few studies have focused on self‐efficacy in ARMs and in faecal incontinence. The purpose of the present study is to examine the mediational role of self‐efficacy in the path between faecal incontinence and HRQoL in patients born with ARMs.

Method

Ninety‐eight adult patients from the Italian Association for Anorectal Malformations (AIMAR) responded to measures of faecal incontinence, self‐efficacy for managing ARM consequences, and physical and mental HRQoL (SF‐36). Data were analysed by means of structural equation models.

Results

The tested model provides support for the guiding hypothesis. Fit indices indicate that the model fits the data well (χ2 = 33.48, df = 23, P = 0.07; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.05). Faecal incontinence has negative effects on both physical and mental HRQoL, as well on self‐efficacy. In turn, self‐efficacy has a positive and direct effect on mental HRQoL.

Conclusion

Faecal incontinence is the most relevant and negative factor influencing HRQoL; in addition, self‐efficacy contributes in reducing emotional distress and in improving mental health outcomes. Longitudinal and controlled studies may be helpful to evaluate the effectiveness of self‐efficacy interventions in improving mental HRQoL in patients with faecal incontinence.
Dermatopathologische Hinweise auf Artefakte
Authors: Tittelbach Jörg , Peckruhn Melanie , Elsner Peter
Published: May 2018

Einleitung

Die Dermatitis artefacta stellt eine relevante und oft verkannte klinische Entität selbstschädigenden Verhaltens dar, bei der eine meist unbewusste Manipulation der Haut zur Dermatose führt. Nicht selten besteht bei untypischen Läsionen oder Verläufen einer Hautkrankheit ein Verdacht auf eine artifizielle Komponente, die aber in der Exploration des Patienten keine Bestätigung beziehungsweise Aufklärung findet. Dann kann sich an den Histologen die Frage richten, ob es in einer Hautbiopsie spezifische Merkmale gibt, die den klinischen Verdacht einer Dermatitis artefacta untermauern können.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine Recherche auf PubMed ohne zeitliche Begrenzung zu den Begriffen „dermatitis artefacta“, „factitious/factitial dermatitis“, „artefactual skin“ in Kombination mit „histology“ bzw. „pathology“. Aufgrund der geringen Trefferzahl wurde zur Identifikation spezifischer Muster eine weitere Suche mit Begriffen für Schädigungsarten (beispielsweise burn, cold) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Generell gibt es nur wenige Studien zu histologischen Befunden bei artifiziellen Dermatosen. Ein weiteres Problem ist, dass, auch wenn klinische und histologische Befunde hinweisgebend auf eine Dermatitis artefacta sind, häufig im Nachgang keine Bestätigung, sondern nur Annahmen zum Schädigungsmechanismus vorliegen. Das erschwert jedoch, je nach Schädigungsart, spezifische histologische Muster für verschiedene Schädigungsmechanismen zu definieren. Generell sollte bei den histologischen Befunden einer Blasenbildung mit geringem Entzündungsinfiltrat, bei Rissen von Kollagenfasern, bei mehrkernigen Keratinozyten und bei vertikal ausgerichteten und ausgezogenen Keratinozytenkernen an eine artifizielle Genese gedacht werden.