bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional deliveries in India: a study of associates and inequality
Authors: Kumar Rishi , Mandava Shravanth
Published: February 2022

Purpose

India has shown good progress in maternal health outcome indicators. However, an area for improvement is to ensure all deliveries take place in institutions under the supervision of skilled birth attendants. This paper attempts to identify the factors that affect institutional deliveries using nationally representative National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. Further, the authors investigate the factors contributing to the wealth-based inequality in institutional deliveries.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the first aspect of identifying the factors associated with undergoing an institutional delivery, the authors have used logistic and multinominal logistic models. The explanatory variables are broadly socio-economic indicators of the mother and a few other household characteristics. Further, the concentration index and regression-based decomposition were used to carry out an inequality analysis in the institutional deliveries across different wealth groups.

Findings

The authors found that women belonging to poor households, backward social groups and rural areas have significantly fewer odds of undergoing an institutional delivery. Age and education level of the mother, number of antenatal visits during pregnancy and place of residence (urban/rural) have contributed to the inequality in institutional deliveries in 2005–2006. However, the inequality due to these factors went down drastically in 2015–2016.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is a distinct attempt to use pooled data of the NFHS-3 [2005–2006] and NFHS-4 [2015–2016] in identifying factors contributing to a woman undergoing an institutional-based delivery. The study also decomposes the wealth-based inequality in the factors contributing to having an institutional delivery and analyses the contributions to inequality across the two time periods.
Asymmetric dependence structures and decoupling hypothesis: Islamic versus conventional equity indices with copula approach
Authors: Houidi Fatma , Ellouze Siwar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the dependence structure between the US conventional stock market and each Islamic and conventional stock market provided by the Dow Jones index, namely, for the UK, Canada, Europe, the emerging countries and Asia-Pacific. This paper considers both the bearish and bullish market phases of the 2008 global financial crisis to analyze the financial contagion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors implement the copula framework-based GJR-GARCH-t model for the period from December 31, 2004 to September 30, 2016.

Findings

The marginal models suggest a strong persistence of volatility in all stock markets. The dependence structure for stock market pairs under-consideration is not all strictly symmetrical. Moreover, the Islamic stock markets witness the same behavior as their conventional counterparts. Finally, the resilience and the decoupling hypotheses are not all around upheld by the empirical proof.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper are very important for global investors in their risk management during extreme market events. As the Sukuk is considered as a safe haven during crisis episodes, the investors are invited to take it into account for further portfolio diversification.
Analysis of effectiveness of dispute resolution council and expenses of the disputants in Mardan-Pakistan
Authors: Jan Muhammad Asad , Jan Bushra Hasan , Ahmad Shakeel , Khan Younas
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study was conducted with the primary objective of measuring the association between the disputant’s expenses and Dispute Resolution Council (DRC) effectiveness in the study area.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study followed a quantitative research design. To obtain the study objectives, data was collected from a sample of 387 respondents in the selected three Tehsils of District Mardan, Pakistan. The respondents were selected through multistage stratified random sampling. At bivariate and multivariate level analyses, chi-square test and Gamma (γ) test statistics were used to test the relationship between variables (expenses of the disputants and effectiveness of DRC). Gender, monthly income and literacy status were used as control variables at the multivariate level.

Findings

At the bivariate level analysis, the study found a significant association (P = 0.05) of office of DRC is easily accessible, DRC as a cost-effective justice system as compared to other, availability of a vehicle to reach the DRC office and affordable amount for preparation of documents and filing the case with the effectiveness of DRC. At the multivariate level, the study portrayed that the expenses of the disputants enhance the effectiveness of DRC in males to a greater extent than females. However, the costs of the disputants were a universal feature to explain the efficacy of DRC irrespective of monthly income and literacy status.

Research limitations/implications

The present study was limited to cost and expenditure of the disputants which was associated with effectiveness of DRC with collaboration of gender, monthly income and literacy status. Moreover, a representation of “387” was only selected but it was enough for validity and reliability of the research dynamics.

Practical implications

The current study is highly significant for the policymakers for devising alternate policies for disputes resolution as the study focused on the cost and expenditure and recommend suggestions that how to improve the effectiveness of DRC in easy and timely disposal of disputes.

Social implications

The main objectives of the study is to examine the association between cost and expenditure of the disputant and effectiveness of DRC. In addition, to measure the influence of gender, income and literacy status on the association between the association between cost and expenditure of the disputant and effectiveness of DRC.

Originality/value

The current study is highly significant for policymakers to devise alternate policies for dispute resolution. The study focused on the cost and expenditure and recommended suggestions for improving the effectiveness of DRC in easy and timely disposal of disputes.
Competition, concentration and default-risk in the Indian banking industry
Authors: Khan Mohammad Azeem , Ahmad Wasim
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study investigates the impact of bank market competition and concentration on the bank default-risk using the data for 36 Indian scheduled commercial banks from 1999 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the dynamic panel generalised method of moments (GMM) and panel quantile models to obtain the results.

Findings

Bank market competition and concentration foster financial fragility in terms of high default-risk. This implies that concentration does not mean a lack of competition in the Indian banking market. The findings from the quantile model reveal that the stated relationships become weaker under the tails of the conditional distribution of the risk measure.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that non-structural measures (Lerner index and H-statistic) should be preferred over the concentration measures (HHI and CR3) to characterise bank market competition in India. Based on the evidence of persistence in the bank risk variable, from the methodological perspective, dynamic panel data models are better choices for bank-level analyses compared to the conventional panel data models.

Practical implications

To improve the health of banks, price competition should be reduced among them. This objective should be achieved by creating new avenues to increase the banks' non-interest income parallelly with the consolidation of the market.

riginality/value

First, it tries to answer whether concentration implies a lack of competition for a banking system like India. Second, the quantile regression technique enables us to understand the varying nature of the impact of market competition on bank risk at different locations on the latter's conditional distribution. Earlier studies have not looked at these aspects in the Indian context.
The impact of counterparty risk on the basis risk of industry loss warranties and on (collateralized) reinsurance under (non-)linear dependence structures
Authors: Bockius Heike , Gatzert Nadine
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of counterparty risk on the basis risk of industry loss warranties as well as on reinsurance with and without collateral under different dependence structures. The authors additionally compare the solvency and Sharpe ratio for different premium loadings and contract parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a model framework extension to account for the counterparty risk of risk transfer arrangements. Copulas are used to also take into account non-linear dependencies between risk factors, and Monte Carlo simulation is employed to derive numerical results and to conduct sensitivity analyses.

Findings

The authors show that the impact of counterparty risk is particularly pronounced for higher degrees of dependencies and tail dependent losses, i.e. in cases of basis risk levels that appear low if counterparty risk is not considered. With respect to counterparty risk management, the authors find that already partial collateralization limits counterparty and basis risk to more acceptable levels.

Practical implications

The study results are particularly relevant to practitioners, as insurers may not only underestimate the “true” basis risk of index-linked instruments, but also the effect of counterparty risk of reinsurance contracts along with the consequences for solvency and profitability.

Originality/value

The authors extend existing literature by allowing for the (partial) default of industry loss warranties and reinsurance under different dependence structures. Furthermore, the authors include profitability in addition to risk considerations. The interaction effects between counterparty risk and the basis risk of index-based alternative risk transfer instruments are largely unstudied, despite their considerable relevance in practice.
Bibliometric study on SDG 6: analysing main content aspects by using Web of Science data from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Dibbern Thais Aparecida , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Pavan Serafim Milena , Bertazzoli Rodnei , Leal Filho Walter , Anholon Rosley
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to understand how the literature has been addressing the United Nations' Sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to obtain an overview of the current scenario and future perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

For that, a bibliometric analysis will be conducted with documents published between 2015 and 2021 and present in the Web of Science database. Initially, 328 documents were identified, and after careful reading of titles and abstracts, 239 documents were analysed. The documents were analysed using tools available on the Web of Science database and the software Bibliometrix.

Findings

Amongst the results generated, it should be highlighted the identification of the motor themes “sustainable development” + “developing countries” and “water security”, presenting a significant relevance to the field and a high development level. In addition, “human rights” was verified as an emerging theme in the context of SDG 6 debates.

Originality/value

The information provided here offers good documentation of the extent to which SDG 6 is documented in the literature and can be helpful for researchers interested in the topic.
Macroeconomic factors, R&D expenditure and research productivity in economics and finance
Authors: Uyar Ali , Kuzey Cemil , Kilic Karamahmutoglu Merve
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Drawing on institutional theory and knowledge spillover, the study aims to examine whether there is a causality relationship between macroeconomic factors and research productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses fixed-effects (FE) panel regression analysis, utilizing 1,614 country–year observations and 541,732 citable publications between 1996 and 2017, to explore the relationship between macroeconomic factors, research and development (R&D) expenditure and research productivity in economics and finance.

Findings

The results highlight a two-way relationship between R&D expenditure and economic development and research productivity. However, research productivity has no relationship with foreign direct investment (FDI), trade and financial development. In terms of remaining macroeconomic factors, financial development, trade and FDI have insignificant associations with research productivity in both directions of causality. In line with institutional theory, the findings support the notion that economically more developed countries and countries dedicating greater R&D funds have more potential to support research activities. On the other hand, in line with knowledge spillover, the research output of nations contributes to the economic development and expansion of R&D budgets. The results are robust to alternative methodology, endogeneity concerns, additional control variables, alternative sampling and alternative research productivity proxy.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests practical implications for nations to formulate macro-policies and a better research environment for academicians and to establish links between academic research and macroeconomic factors.

Originality/value

First, as there is limited research focusing on the bidirectional causality between the macroeconomic environment and academic research activity, the study adds to the understanding of the causality relationship between these two constructs. Second, it examines the bidirectional relationship between macroeconomic factors and research output at a global scale, while prior studies mostly focus on a single country, or a certain region or continent. Further, it is one of the few attempts particularly focusing on economics and finance research's bidirectional relation with the macroeconomic environment.
Is recapitalisation regulation a disrupter? Survival and sustainability of indigenous Ghanaian banks
Authors: Takyi Lydia Nyankom , Naidoo Vannie
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the implementation of the recapitalisation by the Bank of Ghana disrupted the indigenous banks’ sources of accessing capital to raise the required amount within the mandatory stipulated time/deadline.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used purposive sampling techniques to interview key role players and senior members involved in the bank’s recapitalisation process and/or have in-depth information on the 2017–2018 recapitalisation period.

Findings

This study revealed that government directives significantly shape banks regulations and strategy; accordingly, any state-directed policies must be communicated cautiously, well explained and implemented to reduce any negative consequences.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to knowledge by exploring how directives (arbitrary) of regulatory bodies can influence the business as well as its other stakeholders (such as the depositors, public, among others). Secondly, the study highlights how the delays in government support may not derive the benefits expected by the regulator.
Buy together, but recycle alone: sentiment-driven herding behavior in oceanic dry bulk shipping
Authors: Melas Konstantinos D. , Michail Nektarios A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The authors employ the vessels that comprise the dry bulk segment of the maritime industry and examine how market sentiment affects the herding behavior of shipping investors in a real asset market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a threshold regression model to examine how changes in market sentiment can affect herding behavior in oceanic dry bulk shipping.

Findings

The results show that the behavioral aspect of investing, measured through intentional and unintentional herding, contrary to the results for financial markets, is affected by sentiment on the buy side (newbuildings) but not on the sell side (scrapping). Furthermore, the authors provide evidence that when market sentiment is negative, investors tend to follow market leaders (intentional herding), while, when sentiment is positive, unintentional herding leads to common investment practices among shipping investors.

Originality/value

The results have significant implications both for academics and for practitioners since they reflect a clear distinction of the pattern of investment decisions for real assets, compared to financial assets.
3D Modeling and Determination of Factors Responsible for Zinc‐Lead Mineralization in the Mehdiabad Deposit, Central Iran, based on Statistical Analysis of Geochemical Data
Authors: BONYADI Zahra
Published: February 2022

Although the Mehdiabad zinc‐lead deposit is one of the most well‐known deposits in the central Iran structural zone, the genesis of the deposit remains controversial. The host rock of the ore is a dolomitic limestone of the Lower Cretaceous Taft Formation. In the two main orebodies of the deposit, which includes the Black Hill and East Ridge ore zones, the oxide and sulfide ores are observed at the surface and at depth, respectively. The elements Zn, Fe, Mn and Mg are more abundant in the East Ridge ore zone (in both sulfide and oxide ores), with Ba, Pb, Ag and Cu being more abundant in the Black Hill oxide ore. Based on the distribution of elements and their correlation with each other in these ore zones, the elements are divided into three general groups, that of terrigenous elements, chemically‐deposited elements and ore‐forming (hydrothermally deposited) elements, a division that is supported by the results of factor analyses. The spatial distribution of elements is jointly affected by contact with host rocks, the boundary of oxide‐sulfide ores and fault zones. The main factors governing the distribution of elements are the mechanical transfer of detrital sediments, chemical sedimentation, transfer by hydrothermal fluids, oxidation and surface dissolution, all of which affected the spatial distribution of elements. The ore‐forming elements are mostly affected by hydrothermal fluids and oxidation. This study not only provides additional information about the genesis of the Mehdiabad deposit, but also could assist in the exploitation of ore and further exploration purposes. The results of this study can aid in the exploration and exploitation of the Mehdiabad deposit and similar deposits in the region.
Cavernous Weathering in Aeolian Sandstones: An Example from the Yongningshan Hill of the Loess Plateau, Northwest China
Authors: CHEN Liuqin , MIGOŃ Piotr , GUO Fusheng , PAN Zhixin , WU Hao
Published: February 2022

Cavernous weathering is commonly found on sandstone slopes in different environments. Either a single dominant process or polygenetic agents require to be invoked in order to interpret the development. The Yongningshan hill of the central Loess Plateau is representative of cliff dwellings in Northwest China, which is characterized by well‐developed cavernous weathering features and provides a good opportunity for the better understanding of sandstone weathering in the Loess Plateau. Multiple methods, including field survey, in‐situ rock strength measurement, along with experiments on samples for microscopic observation, element composition and salt chemistry, were employed to investigate the controlling factors of cavernous weathering. The results show that cavern development is different on the four slopes with the western slope hosting massive honeycombs, tafoni and hardened surfaces. The porous and permeable aeolian sandstones are fundamental, because they provide space and pathways for the transportation of water and salt, honeycombs dominantly aligning within the lamination of cross‐beds. The environmental factors such as the seasonal wetting and drying cycle, aeolian salt, moisture and water vapor are key factors for the development of cavernous weathering forms. The northern and northwestern wind‐blown dust storms have brought abundant salts, the lengthier dry periods of the wetting and drying cycle being beneficial for salt accumulation within caverns, favoring salt weathering.
Evolution and predicted functions of the microbiota of the medium‐slow growing chicken during the first 4 weeks of chick development
Authors: Saati‐Santamaría Zaki , Revilla‐Martín Isabel , García‐Fraile Paula , Palacios‐Riocerezo Carlos
Published: February 2022

Chicken gut microbiota–host interactions play essential roles in the productivity and health of chickens. Deciphering the microbial composition and its functions are crucial for understanding the roles of gut microbiota within chickens. Although there are some research studies focusing on different chicken microbiota, none of them have considered medium‐slow growing chicken as a model host. Here, the microbial composition of the faeces of medium‐slow growing chicken, grown in an organic farming system, has been elucidated through 16S rRNA gene amplicon‐based metagenomics. We found a diverse microbiota that does not present major shifts during the first 4 weeks of the animal's life, although the abundance of only 2 OTUs (LactobacillusandBacteroides) increase during this time.Lactobacillusappear to govern the bacterial composition, followed distantly byClostridiales(mainlyFaecalibacterium,Ruminococcusand unidentified genera from the familiesPeptostreptococaceaeandRuminococcaceae) andBacteroidales(BacteroidesandParabacteroides). The roles of Redbro faeces microbiota have been revealed through in silico functional predictions. We found thatLactobacillusmembers may play relevant roles within its host and seem to highly influence the metabolism of fructose and mannose among other relevant functions.
Assessing combined effects of varenicline and N‐acetylcysteine on reducing nicotine seeking in rats
Authors: Nall Rusty W. , Beloate Lauren N. , Meyerink Michael E. , Penaloza Tiffany , Doolittle Jade , Froeliger Brett , Kalivas Peter W. , Garcia‐Keller Constanza
Published: February 2022

Nicotine addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disorder, and cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Currently, the most effective pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is Varenicline (VRN), which reduces both positive and negative reinforcement by nicotine. Clinically, VRN attenuates withdrawal symptoms and promotes abstinence, but >50% of smokers relapse within 3 months following a quit attempt. This may indicate that VRN fails to ameliorate components of nicotine‐induced neuroplasticity that promote relapse vulnerability. Animal models reveal that glutamate dysregulation in the nucleus accumbens is associated with nicotine relapse. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) normalizes glutamate transmission and prolongs cocaine abstinence. Thus, combining VRN and NAC may promote and maintain, respectively, nicotine abstinence. In rats, we found that VRN effectively reduced nicotine self‐administration and seeking in early abstinence, but not seeking later in abstinence. In contrast, NAC reduced seeking only later in abstinence. Because VRN and NAC are sometimes associated with mild adverse effects, we also evaluated a sequential approach combining subthreshold doses of VRN during self‐administration and early abstinence with subthreshold doses of NAC during late abstinence. As expected, subthreshold VRN did not reduce nicotine intake. However, subthreshold VRN and NAC reduced seeking in late abstinence, suggesting a combined effect. Overall, our results suggest that combining subthreshold VRN and NAC is a viable and drug‐specific approach to promote abstinence and reduce relapse while minimizing adverse effects. Our data also suggest that different components and time points in addiction engage the different neurocircuits targeted by VRN and NAC.
Synergistic impact of semiochemicals of plant parts and prey on chemotaxis response of Chrysoperla carnea
Authors: Zaib Muhammad Shah , Abbas Khalid , Zakria Muhammad , Zaka Syed Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Diaphorina citri is a major pest of citrus tress because it is the vector of citrus greening. Growers rely on insecticides to manage D. citri, but these have side effects (e.g., pollution, public health issues, pest resistance, etc.). There is a need to assess the role of semiochemicals in the biological control of D. citri.

A four‐armed olfactometer was used to evaluate the orientation response of larval Chrysoperla carnea, a natural enemy, to odours produced by young leaves, mature leaves, ripe fruit and fruit peel of mandarine orange (Citrus reticulata). Lacewing responses to both uninfested plant parts and infested with D. citri were measured.

Results showed that C. carnea discriminated between the volatiles emitted by plant parts and citrus psyllid. In all tested combinations (I‐V), both in the absence and presence of citrus psyllid, all first, second and three C. carnea preferred the volatiles of fresh leaves and old leaves over other plant parts. Moreover, all three instars of the predator significantly preferred the area having volatile of citrus psyllid.

Volatiles of fresh leaves and old leaves can be used in the management of citrus psyllid. Moreover, this tritrophic interaction could play a vital role in developing IPM strategies for the management of citrus psylla.
Colonial Financial Infrastructures and Kenya’s Uneven Fintech Boom
Authors: Bernards Nick
Published: February 2022

Kenya is a widely cited case for proponents of fintech for development. This article shows how Kenya’s fintech boom replicates patterns of uneven development inherited from the colonial era. In particular, fintech use is unevenly distributed between urban and rural areas, and heavily concentrated on Nairobi and Mombasa in particular. The article seeks to explain these patterns by situating them in relation to the spatiality and political economy of settler‐colonial agriculture, tracing successive (unsuccessful) efforts at reforming the financial system to ameliorate social and spatial disparities inherited from the colonial era. It does so drawing on recent debates about “financial infrastructures”, alongside considerations of the political economy of land, property relations, and the state.
Evaluation of postsale endoscopy as a predictor of future racing performance in an Australian thoroughbred yearling population
Authors: Ahern BJ , Sole A , de Klerk K , Hogg LR , Vallance S A , Bertin FR , Franklin SH
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Upper airway endoscopy of thoroughbred (TB) yearlings is commonly used in an attempt to predict laryngeal function (LF) and its impact on future race performance. The aim of this study was to determine if different grading systems and laryngeal grades were correlated with future performance.

Materials and Methods

Postsale endoscopic recordings were obtained from an Australian TB yearling sale during a four‐year period from 2008 to 2011. Horses were included if they had a diagnostic postsale video endoscopic recording and raced within Australia. Recordings were graded using the Havemeyer system and subsequently recategorised according to the Lane scale and two condensed scales. Performance data were sourced from Racing Australia and comparisons were made between groups.

Results

A total of 1244 horses met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in sex or sales price between groups. There were no significant differences in the number of starts or wins between groups for any grading system. For the condensed Havemeyer scale, horses with intermediate LF were separated into two groups. Significant differences in earnings were found between ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ (P = 0.02) and ‘intermediate‐low’ and ‘abnormal’ grades (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between horses with ‘intermediate‐high’ and ‘abnormal’ grades (P = 0.40). No significant differences were found between the two intermediate grades (P = 0.60) or between horses with normal LF and either ‘intermediate‐low’ or ‘intermediate‐high’ grades (P = 0.99).

Discussion

Resting LF in Australian yearling TBs assessed using a condensed Havemeyer grading scale had some predictive value for future racing performance. This information should be considered when performing yearling endoscopic examinations.
Should large sessile serrated lesions be treated with cold snare polypectomy?
Authors: Suzuki Sho , Ikehara Hisatomo , Gotoda Takuji
Published: February 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by Y. Takeuchi et al., p 274‐283 of the issue DEN 34:2.
Multicenter, cross‐sectional study of the costs of illness and cost‐driving factors in adult patients with epilepsy
Authors: Willems Laurent M. , Hochbaum Maja , Frey Katharina , Schulz Juliane , Menzler Katja , Langenbruch Lisa , Kovac Stjepana , Immisch Ilka , von Podewils Felix , Hamacher Mario , Siebenbrodt Kai , Rosenow Felix , Reese Jens‐Peter , Strzelczyk Adam
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to quantify epilepsy‐related costs of illness (COI) in Germany and identify cost‐driving factors.

Methods

COI were calculated among adults with epilepsy of different etiologies and severities. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine any epilepsy‐related and sociodemographic factors that serve as cost‐driving factors.

Results

In total, 486 patients were included, with a mean age of 40.5 ± 15.5 years (range = 18–83 years, 58.2% women). Mean 3‐month COI were estimated at €4911, €2782, and €2598 for focal, genetic generalized, and unclassified epilepsy, respectively. The mean COI for patients with drug‐refractory epilepsy (DRE; €7850) were higher than those for patients with non‐DRE (€4720), patients with occasional seizures (€3596), or patients with seizures in remission for >1 year (€2409). Identified cost‐driving factors for total COI included relevant disability (unstandardized regression coefficient b = €2218), poorer education (b = €2114), living alone (b = €2612), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385). Younger age groups of 18–24 years (b = −€2945) and 25–34 years (b = −€1418) were found to have lower overall expenditures. A relevant disability (b = €441), DRE (b = €1253), frequent seizures (b = €735), and the need for specialized daycare (b = €749) were associated with higher direct COI, and poorer education (b = €1969), living alone (b = €2612), the presence of a relevant disability (b = €1809), DRE (b = €1831), and frequent seizures (b = €2385) were associated with higher indirect COI.

Significance

This analysis provides up‐to‐date COI data for use in further health economics analyses, highlighting the high economic impacts associated with disease severity, disability, and disease‐related loss of productivity among adult patients with epilepsy. The identified cost drivers could be used as therapeutic and socioeconomic targets for future cost‐containment strategies.
Strength and consistency of density dependence in marine fish productivity
Authors: Rindorf Anna , van Deurs Mikael , Howell Daniel , Andonegi Eider , Berger Aaron , Bogstad Bjarte , Cadigan Noel , Elvarsson Bjarki Þór , Hintzen Niels , Savina Roland Marie , Taylor Marc , Trijoulet Vanessa , van Kooten Tobias , Zhang Fan , Collie Jeremy
Published: February 2022

The correct prediction of the shape and strength of density dependence in productivity is key to predicting future stock development and providing the best possible long‐term fisheries management advice. Here, we identify unbiased estimators of the relationship between somatic growth, recruitment and density, and apply these to 80 stocks in the Northeast Atlantic. The analyses revealed density‐dependent recruitment in 68% of the stocks. Excluding pelagic stocks exhibiting significant trends in spawning stock biomass, the probability of significant density dependence was even higher at 78%. The relationships demonstrated that at the commonly used biomass limit of 0.2 times maximum spawning stock size, only 32% of the stocks attained three quarters of their maximum recruitment. This leaves 68% of the stocks with less than three quarters of their maximum recruitment at this biomass limit. Significantly lower recruitment at high stock size than at intermediate stock size was seen in 38% of the stocks. Density dependence in late growth occurred in 54% of the stocks, whereas early growth was generally density‐independent. Pelagic stocks were less likely to exhibit density dependence in recruitment than demersal and benthic stocks. We recommend that both the degree to which productivity is related to density and the degree to which the relationship changes over time should be investigated. Both of these aspects should be considered in evaluations of whether sustainability and yield can be improved by including density dependence in forecasts of the effects of different management actions.
Short report: Characterizing HIV care among a clinical sample of transgender women living with HIV
Authors: Lacombe‐Duncan Ashley , Shokoohi Mostafa , Persad Yasmeen , Underhill Angela , Machouf Nima , Côté Pierre , Wheatley Megan , Gupta Meenakshi , Kyne Luke T. , Besharati Amir A. , Fung Raymond , Chan L. Y. Louie , Arbess Gordon , Bourns Amy , Nguyen Quang , Loutfy Mona
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to characterize and identify factors associated with HIV care among transgender (trans) women living with HIV (TWLWH) in two urban centres in Canada.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from clinic charts of TWLWH aged 16 years and older across seven family medicine, endocrinology and/or HIV clinics in Montreal and Toronto, Canada, from 2018 to 2019 (n = 86). We assessed the proportion of individuals being ever engaged in HIV care [defined as having any recorded antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen and/or viral load], current ART use, and most recent viral load (suppressed [<200 copies/ml] vs. unsuppressed) overall and compared across subgroups using χ2 tests.

Results

All TWLWH in our sample [100.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 95.8–100.0%] were engaged in HIV care; most (93.0%, 95% CI: 85.4–97.4%) were currently using ART and most (93.4%, 95% CI: 85.3–97.8%) with complete data (n = 71/76) were virally suppressed. A higher proportion of trans women of colour (100.0%) reported current ART use compared with white trans women (76.9%, p = 0.017). A higher proportion of those with no documented history of injection drug use (IDU; 96.6%) were virally suppressed compared with those with a history of IDU (66.7%, p = 0.022). Although not statistically significant, 96.2% of those currently reporting feminizing hormone use were virally suppressed, compared with 85.0% of those not reporting use (p = 0.202).

Conclusions

Once engaged in HIV care, TWLWH in Canada appear to have excellent ART use and viral suppression. Findings can be leveraged to identify target populations to enhance HIV care and to further explore the relationship between gender‐affirming medical care and HIV care.
Effects of frozen storage temperature on the quality and oxidative stability of bigeye tuna flesh after light salting
Authors: Jiang Qingqing , Du Yufan , Nakazawa Naho , Hu Yaqin , Shi Wenzheng , Wang Xichang , Osako Kazufumi , Okazaki Emiko
Published: February 2022

Effects of frozen storage temperature on the quality and oxidative stability of lightly salted tuna were investigated. The bright and vivid colour became totally brown after 4 weeks at −20 °C and 8 weeks at −30 °C, where the a*/b* value decreased from 1.35 to 0.38 and 0.58, respectively. Discoloration and lipid oxidation occurred concurrently in lightly salted tuna flesh, and it was speculated that the oxidation of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin exacerbated lipid oxidation and vice versa. Storage at −40 °C or lower temperatures effectively suppressed the discoloration and maintained the high water‐holding capacity and unique textural properties of lightly salted flesh. It was attributed to the reduction in the conformational changes and particularly hydrophobic interactions among proteins, protecting the myoglobin from oxidative damages during frozen storage. Considering the quality maintenance and energy savings, storage at −40 °C was appropriate for lightly salted tuna flesh.
Effects of enzymatic/alkali protein removal and particle size reduction on physicochemical and functional characteristics of okara dietary fibre
Authors: Xie Hexiang , Tang Xiaoming , Woo Meng Wai , Xiong Hua , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2022

The combined effects of enzymatic/alkali protein removal treatments and superfine grinding on the characteristics of okara dietary fibre (DF) were investigated. Protein removal could effectively increase the obtained DF content and further enhance water‐holding capacity (WHC), swelling capacity (SC) and oil‐holding capacity (OHC). The DF with Alcalase treatment and superfine grind through 500‐μm mesh size had the highest total dietary fibre, WHC (12.5 g g−1), SC (12.7 mL g−1) and OHC (2.7 g g−1). Decreasing particle size will trigger a redistribution of some fibre composition from the insoluble to the soluble fraction. The WHC and SC of the sieved DFs decreased with reducing mesh size (500–40 µm). The OHC of DF with Flavourzyme treatment reduced with decreasing mesh size (500–100 µm), but improved with mesh size less than 100 µm.
COVID‐19 y disparidades por género y renta: evidencia de Filipinas
Authors: LAVADO Rouselle F. , NOWACKA Keiko , RAITZER David A. , RODGERS Yana van der Meulen , ZVEGLICH Joseph E.
Published: February 2022

La pandemia de COVID‐19 y las políticas de contención asociadas han afectado más a Filipinas que a la mayoría de los países en desarrollo por aplicar confinamientos de los más estrictos del mundo, y cierres generales de escuelas de los más prolongados. Con un modelo de simulación novedoso, se estiman los efectos de estos factores por sector, región administrativa y género en los niveles de empleo, ingresos y pobreza, con particular atención al empleo de los docentes y a los ingresos de las personas con hijos pequeños en relación con el cierre de escuelas. Se constata que la pandemia tiene repercusiones sin precedentes en la actividad económica y afecta desproporcionadamente a las mujeres.
Pharmacogenomic testing: perception of clinical utility, enablers and barriers to adoption in Australian hospitals
Authors: Pearce Angela , Terrill Bronwyn , Alffenaar Jan‐Willem , Patanwala Asad E. , Kummerfeld Sarah , Day Richard , Young Mary‐Anne , Stocker Sophie L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite healthcare professionals (HCP) endorsing the clinical utility of pharmacogenomics testing, use in clinical practice is limited.

Aims

To assess HCP' perceptions of pharmacogenomic testing and identify barriers to implementation.

Methods

HCP involved in prescribing decisions at three hospitals in Sydney, Australia, were invited to participate. The online survey assessed perceptions of pharmacogenomic testing, including: (i) demographic and practice variables; (ii) use, knowledge and confidence; (iii) perceived benefits; (iv) barriers to implementation; and (v) operational and/or system changes and personnel required to implement on site.

Results

HCP were predominantly medical practitioners (75/107) and pharmacists (25/107). HCP perceived pharmacogenomic testing was beneficial to identify reasons for drug intolerance (85/95) and risk of side‐effects (86/95). Although testing was considered relevant to their practice (79/100), few HCP (23/100) reported past or intended future use (26/100). Few HCP reported confidence in their ability to identify indications for pharmacogenomic testing (14/107), order tests (19/106) and communicate results with patients (16/107). Lack of clinical practice guidelines (62/79) and knowledge (54/77) were identified as major barriers to implementation of pharmacogenomics. Comprehensive reimbursement for testing and clinical practice guidelines, alongside models‐of‐care involving multidisciplinary teams and local clinical champions were suggested as strategies to facilitate implementation of pharmacogenomic testing into practice.

Conclusions

Pharmacogenomic testing was considered important to guide drug selection and dosing decisions. However, limited knowledge, low confidence and an absence of guidelines impede the use of pharmacogenomic testing. Establishment of local resources including multidisciplinary models‐of‐care was suggested to facilitate implementation of pharmacogenomics.
Novel deep‐red‐emitting double‐perovskite type Ca2ScNbO6:Mn4+ phosphor: Structure, spectral study, and improvement by NaF flux
Authors: Chen Zhanglin , Tian Zhaobo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Du Songmo , Zhang Shijia , Zhu Kaiming , Cui Wei , Yuan Xuanyi , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: February 2022

A novel deep‐red‐emitting phosphor Ca2ScNbO6:Mn4+ is prepared via a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction and its luminescent properties are systematically investigated. The results show that Mn4+‐activated Ca2ScNbO6 phosphors have broad absorption in ultraviolet region, and show bright deep‐red emission at 692 nm. The optimal doping concentration, crystal‐field strength, internal quantum efficiency, and mechanism of concentration and thermal quenching effects are discussed in detail. Moreover, NaF flux is screened out to improve both luminescent intensity and morphology of the phosphor. Finally, a red light‐emitting diode (LED) lamp is fabricated with as‐prepared Ca2ScNbO6:Mn4+ phosphors and a 365 nm LED chip. The electroluminescence spectra show a good overlapping with phytochrome PR and PFR absorbance. The results provided the as‐synthesized Ca2ScNbO6:Mn4+ phosphors a great potential in plant growth lighting.
New insights into the role of acidocalcisomes in trypanosomatids
Authors: Docampo Roberto , Huang Guozhong
Published: February 2022

Acidocalcisomes are electron‐dense organelles rich in polyphosphate and inorganic and organic cations that are acidified by proton pumps, and possess several channels, pumps, and transporters. They are present in bacteria and eukaryotes and have been studied in greater detail in trypanosomatids. Biogenesis studies of trypanosomatid acidocalcisomes found that they share properties with lysosome‐related organelles of animal cells. In addition to their described roles in autophagy, cation and phosphorus storage, osmoregulation, pH homeostasis, and pathogenesis, recent studies have defined the role of these organelles in phosphate utilization, calcium ion (Ca2+) signaling, and bioenergetics, and will be the main subject of this review.
Electrical conductivity of foods and food components: The influence of formulation processes
Authors: Kamonpatana Pitiya , Sastry Sudhir K.
Published: February 2022

Development of safety protocols for solid–liquid mixtures processed by continuous flow ohmic heating systems requires the determination of the electrical conductivity of foods. In exploiting the advantages of ohmic heating, it is necessary to formulate the product to ensure uniform heating: toward this end, it is most desirable to match electrical conductivities of all phases as closely as possible. In this work, we investigate pretreatment protocols designed both to increase and decrease electrical conductivities of various solid particles, including components of chicken chow mein. Electrical conductivities of some particles, such as carrots, water chestnuts, and celery, could be increased or decreased by blanching in a medium of higher or lower conductivity. Products such as mushroom were more difficult to alter, requiring combinations of vacuum infusion and blanching. The electrical conductivity of chicken was most difficult to alter by blanching alone and required marination in conductive media for the appropriate lengths of time. Relationships were determined between treatment solution conductivities and the conductivity of the end product. A simulation of an incompletely equilibrated blanch process showed that subsequent thermal lag between fluid and solid during ohmic heating was reduced by increasing the blanch duration, and also by addition of an intermediate equilibration step postblanching. We also detail herein, treatments needed for formulating chicken alginate particles for use as surrogate inoculated particles.

Practical applications

In this work, we investigate pretreatment protocols designed both to increase and decrease electrical conductivities of various solid particles. Electrical conductivities of some particles, such as carrots, water chestnuts, and celery, could be increased or decreased by blanching. Products such as mushroom were more difficult to alter, requiring combinations of vacuum infusion and blanching. The electrical conductivity of chicken was most difficult to alter by blanching alone and required marination.
Identification of flood‐prone areas with GeoFlood: Lessons learned from the Tiber River case study
Authors: D'Angelo Claudia , Passalacqua Paola , Fiori Aldo , Volpi Elena
Published: February 2022

Flood mapping is a vital component for sustainable land use in flood‐prone areas. Due to the frequency of flood events, local authorities demand effective yet simple methods for the preliminary identification of flood‐prone areas at large scales to subsequently define mitigation strategies. We focus here on the workflow GeoFlood, a parsimonious model which uses only high‐resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) to define the geomorphological and hydrological information necessary for flood inundation mapping, thus allowing for large‐scale simulations at a reasonable computational cost. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the conditions under which GeoFlood is able to correctly reproduce inundation scenarios (with an assigned return period) and their flooding characteristics. Specifically, we analyze its performance over a highly urbanized area, the mid‐lower portion of the Tiber River (Italy). We simulated the 200‐year return period scenario and compared the results to those provided by the local authority. A sensitivity analysis is performed to quantify the influence of the main geometric and hydraulic parameters involved. Results show that GeoFlood produces rapid flood estimation than can be used in support of standard costly methods over large scales, quickly pointing out the critical flood‐prone areas, with consideration of all the uncertainties involved.
Heterotopic cervical pregnancy: Case report and literature review
Authors: Fan Yazhen , Du Aijun , Zhang Yinfeng , Xiao Nan , Zhang Yunshan , Ma Junfang , Meng Wenjia , Luo Haining
Published: February 2022

Cervical pregnancy (CP) is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in which the embryo implants and grows inside the endocervical canal. Heterotopic cervical pregnancy is an even rare form of EP, in which at least two embryos are simultaneously implanted in different sites and only one in the uterine cavity. Although many treatment approaches are available, the ideal management remains unclear. Here, we describe two cases of CP caused by assisted reproductive technologies (ART). One case underwent fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for male factor infertility, and the other was frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) following conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). Both cases were successfully treated with ultrasound‐guided cervical pregnancy aspiration, and intrauterine pregnancies were effectively protected. To the best of our knowledge, these two were rare case reports use aspiration without additional methods and intrauterine pregnancy achieved live birth.