bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional sports teams: going beyond the core
Authors: Pritchard Adrian , Cook David , Jones Andrew , Bason Tom , Salisbury Paul , Hickman Ellie
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The addition of products to the core of matches by professional sports teams (PSTs) has received much coverage. However, there has been limited work as to how their stadiums are used to stage non-sporting events. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how clubs in the English Football League (EFL) use their venues to diversify into other markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary sources were used to categorise the teams who played in the EFL by: average division turnover, stadium capacity and stadium age. Semi-structured interviews were held with a member of the commercial teams of 21 clubs.

Findings

Clubs use their stadiums to supply a range of products and working with partners is commonplace. These products are targeted at a range of stakeholders, such as supporters, the local community and regionally based organisations. In addition to their own efforts, increased geographical coverage for clubs usually develops in three ways: via internal marketing by local organisations who use the facilities, agents who market the stadium for the club and the EFL who market the league/clubs holistically.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a stadium allows PSTs to diversify by providing new products for new markets. In this instance it has led to the development of capabilities in areas such as conferencing, funerals and weddings.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to examine the capabilities developed by PSTs that lie outside the staging of matches.
The development of “Islamic welfare regime” in South East Asia
Authors: Yuda Tauchid Komara
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Using evidence from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia, the purpose of this paper is to explore how Islamic welfare regime notion evolves in a South East Asian (SEA) context.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain a broad frame of reference in discussing Islamic welfare regimes in SEA, this paper employs a combined political-economic and cultural approach to analyze how Islamic welfare ethics in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia are developed. The specific criterion used to make a comparative analysis of these countries is an interconnection between four levels of Islamic welfare actors (state, market, community and household/relatives) in providing social welfare.

Findings

Malaysia and Indonesia have demonstrated the most balanced form of “Islamic welfare diamond” in the relationship between welfare actors, even as the state-centered welfare initiative continues to be expanded, while Brunei has taken a different route. A monarchical political system underpinned by high economic growth has enabled the state to play a major role in welfare distribution, rather than other welfare actors. For this reason, Malaysia and Indonesia are described as having an “Islamic inclusive welfare regime,” while Brunei is reported to have an “Islamic welfare state regime.”

Originality/value

For the purpose of theoretical advancements, there is no doubt that this paper has proposed an alternative framework to developing an understanding of how the Islamic ethical code is articulated in a wide range of welfare configurations within the “South East Asian context.”
Does Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) certification benefit winemakers in British Columbia (BC), Canada?
Authors: Pankowska Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the significance of British Columbia Vintners Quality Alliance (BC VQA) certification that constitutes BC’s wine appellation and its influence on wine prices, the volume of wine sales and winemakers’ revenues.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage endogenous dummy variable specification that addresses the endogeneity of the VQA certification is used. The data used in this research come from the BC liquor distribution branch, and it is composed of a monthly scanner wholesales data of all wines sold by the BC estate wineries located in the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys of BC in 2011-2015.

Findings

The obtained results suggest that VQA certification has a positive and marginally significant effect on the average volume of sales of BC produced wines, but it seems not to influence the average wine prices and the average revenue share. The results imply then that VQA certification allows rent dissipation via over-certification, which, in turn, allows arbitraging away of producers’ rents.

Originality/value

The research constitutes the first attempt of the use of three-stage endogenous dummy variable modeling approach to correct for the endogeneity of the VQA certification in BC. The analysis is essential for BC winemakers as it can inform them about the current role of the VQA certification in BC. This knowledge is especially important now when the BC wine region is developing its collective, regional reputation and is in the process of introduction of new appellations and sub-appellations.
Wine tourism
Authors: Ramos Karen , Cuamea Onesimo , Galván-León Jorge Alfonso
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In Mexico, wine tourism has become a relevant issue in the past 20 years. Research in this region is in a nascent stage and largely focused on the supply side. Nevertheless, consumer behavior research on wine tourists of the region is needed to improve the wine region positioning. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to find out the predictors for revisit intention (RI) to the Valle de Guadalupe wine route.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was obtained by applying an exit poll survey to a sample of 422 wine tourists at the micro, small and medium wineries in Ensenada, Mexico. The spatial-temporal model was used to predict the wine tourist RI. Three dimensions were used: pre-visit, in situ experience and travel to/from. Multiple linear regressions were carried out to assess the relation between the three dimensions and RI.

Findings

The results obtained show that the pre-visit and in situ dimensions have an effect on RI to the wine route.

Research limitations/implications

The generalization of the results may be limited due to fact that only the repeated visitors of the autumn season are included; therefore, it is not applicable to summer (high season of wine tourism) and first-time visitors.

Practical implications

The results provide implications for the owners of the micro, small and medium wineries seeking to improve the experience and increasing the tourist RI to the wine route.

Originality/value

The theoretical added value of this paper is its contribution to the body of knowledge about the wine tourism spatial-temporal model, evaluating the complete wine tourism experience to predict RI.
Influence of iron–aluminum alloy on the tribological performance of non-asbestos brake friction materials – a solution for copper replacement
Authors: G. Saikrishnan , L.S. Jayakumari , R. Vijay , D. Lenin Singaravelu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of commercially available iron–aluminum alloy compared to copper, iron and aluminum powders on the tribological performances of friction composites. The main objective is to replace copper from the friction composite formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, friction composites were fabricated as of standard brake pads using commercially available iron–aluminum alloy and compared to copper powder, iron powder and aluminum powder-based without varying the other ingredients. The brake pads were developed as per the industrial procedure. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the developed brake pads were analyzed as per industrial standards. Tribological properties were analyzed using the chase test. Initial speed and deceleration tests in a real-time braking scenario were performed using a full-scale inertia brake dynamometer. Worn surface analysis was done using a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

The results indicate that iron–aluminum alloy (mechanomade)-based friction composites possess good physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties with stable fade and recovery characteristics due to its composition and flake morphology. During initial speed and deceleration braking conditions, iron–aluminum alloy also showed good tribological behavior.

Originality/value

This paper explains the influence of commercially available iron–aluminum alloy in friction composites in enhancing tribological performance by its composition and flake morphology, which could potentially replace copper in friction composites by solving subsequent problems.
Review of empirical arguments on contractor pre-qualification criteria
Authors: Acheamfour Victor Karikari , Kissi Ernest , Adjei-Kumi Theophilus , Adinyira Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The studies on contractor prequalification focus more on the review of models and algorithms rather than review of the criteria for contractor prequalification. However, the basis of every prequalification model primarily relates to the measurement and judgement of prospective contractors based on a set of decision criteria. This paper aims to address the gap by reviewing academic papers on contractor prequalification criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A desktop search was conducted under the “T/A/K (title/abstract/keyword)” field of the Scopus search engine. A total of 49 papers were initially identified; however, only peer reviewed journals were selected for the study; therefore, a sample of 36 was subsequently used. Further filtering was done in which 26 papers were found valid for further analysis as it was realized that, not all the identified papers presented empirical arguments about the issue of contractor pre-qualification criteria. The selected 26 papers were subjected to content analysis to identify the key contractor pre-qualification criteria.

Findings

A total of 41 criteria were identified which were subsequently classified into six main categories, namely, technical considerations, management considerations, financial considerations, reputation considerations, general experience considerations and health, safety and environmental considerations. There was an indication that, the involvement of health, safety and environmental considerations in contractor prequalification proceedings is limited.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this research was the limited number of papers selected for further analysis based on the Scopus search engine. The identified criteria serve as a basis for further empirical studies on contractor prequalification criteria.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study broadens the understanding of practitioners and researchers on the various criteria for contractor prequalification.

Originality/value

By critically reviewing available literature on contractor prequalification, the study sets the tone for further empirical studies on contractor prequalification.
Price formation of FICC research following MiFID II unbundling rules
Authors: Tata Fidelio
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Traditionally, full-service broker/dealers catering to institutional investors have bundled trade execution with investment research. Since 2018, new market regulation has forced broker/dealers to unbundle and to sell research separately. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the expected pricing of research.

Design/methodology/approach

A stylized model is presented in this study in which a monopolist fixed income, currencies and commodities (FICC) research provider faces a linear demand function and picks an appropriate price schedule.

Findings

It is shown that it is important to initiate the price discovery process using a low price and that some broker/dealers will not be able to identify a regulatory compliant price/quantity solution because their research-production fixed cost is very high compared to the research demand function they face.

Practical implications

There are three main findings from our model: pricing research at cost is not always possible; if there is a unique solution, an iterative approach only works when starting off with a low-enough initial price; and if there are two solutions, only the low-cost/high-volume solution can be discovered in an iterative process.

Originality/value

The results presented are important to broker/dealers about to discover the market demand for their FICC research publications on the back of the implementation of MiFID II. Having distributed FICC research for free in the past, they have no knowledge about the demand function (other than what is demanded at a price of zero). Because research publications are highly differentiated products, observing the pricing of competitors is insufficient. Iteratively gaining knowledge about the demand function using price adjustments and customer questionnaires becomes the most likely mean for discovering the demand function. It is important to initiate the price discovery process with a low price. Some broker/dealers will not be able to identify a regulatory compliant price/quantity solution because their research-production fixed cost is too high compared to the research demand function they face. Finally, it is shown that these broker/dealers with two possible equilibriums face difficulty in identifying the high-price/low-volume research equilibrium because of the non-converging nature of the iterative process.
Presenting hotels in virtual reality: does it influence the booking intention?
Authors: Israel Kai , Zerres Christopher , Tscheulin Dieter K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of telepresence while using a smartphone-based virtual reality system (SBVR) to explore a hotel virtually and to determine the influence of this immersive experience on the booking intention of the potential customer.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of this study, a conceptual research model was developed which covered utilitarian and hedonic aspects of the user experience of SBVRs and showed their relevance for the booking intention. A virtual reality application was programmed especially for the study, in which the test persons were able to virtually explore a hotel complex. A total of 569 people participated in the study. A questionnaire was used for the data collection. The structural equation modelling and hypothesis verification were carried out using the partial least squares method.

Findings

The immersive feeling of telepresence increases the perceived enjoyment and usefulness of the potential customer. In addition, the user's curiosity is aroused by the telepresence, which also significantly increases the perceived enjoyment as well as the perceived usefulness. The hedonic and utilitarian value of the virtual hotel experience increases the probability that the customer will book the travel accommodation.

Research limitations/implications

The virtual reality application developed for the study is based on static panoramic images and does not contain audio-visual elements (e.g. sound, video, animation). Audio-visual elements might increase the degree of immersion and could therefore be investigated in future research.

Practical implications

The results of the study show that the SBVR is a suitable marketing tool to present hotels in an informative and entertaining way, and can thereby increase sales and profits.

Originality/value

For the first time, this study investigates the potential of SBVRs for the virtual product presentation of hotels and provides empirical evidence that the availability of this innovative form of presentation leads to a higher booking intention.
Google Trends in tourism and hospitality research: a systematic literature review
Authors: Dinis Gorete , Breda Zélia , Costa Carlos , Pacheco Osvaldo
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a review of the literature published, between 2006 and 2018, that used search engine data on tourism and hospitality research, namely, Google Insights for Search and Google Trends. More specifically, it intends to identify the purpose and context of the data use, ascertaining the main findings and reviewing the methodological approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of Scopus indexed research has been carried out. Given the novelty of search engine data use in tourism and hospitality research and the relatively low number of search results in Scopus, other databases were used to broaden the scope of analysis, namely, EBSCO and Google Scholar. The papers selected were subjected to content and statistical analyses.

Findings

Google Trends data use in tourism and hospitality research has increased significantly from 2012 to 2017, mainly for tourism forecasting/nowcasting; knowing the interest of users’ searches for tourist attractions or destinations; showing the relationship between the official tourism statistics and the search volume index of Google Trends; and estimating the effect of one event on tourism demand. The categories and search terms used vary with the purpose of the study; however, they mostly focus on the travel category and use the country as the search term.

Originality/value

Google Trends has been increasingly used in research publications in tourism and hospitality, but the range of its applications and methods used has not yet been reviewed. Therefore, a systematic review of the existing literature increases awareness of its potential uses in tourism and hospitality research and facilitates a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses as a research tool.
Determinants of Muslims’ willingness to pay for halal certified food
Authors: Parvin Hosseini Seyed Mehrshad , Mirzaei Maryam , Iranmanesh Mohammad
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors that motivate Muslim consumers to pay for halal-certified food.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of 272 Muslim consumers in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

The results showed that animal slaughter, halal logo, food quality and religious commitment have a positive effect on the willingness to pay for halal food. Religious commitment positively moderates the relationship between storage and transportation and the willingness to pay for halal-certified food.

Practical implications

Policy makers as well as managers of halal food companies can benefit from this study which provides insight into ways to increase demand for halal food.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on halal foods by illustrating the factors that determine Muslim consumers’ willingness to pay for halal food. This study also extends the literature by testing the moderating role of religious commitment.
Boosting service performance by dark chocolate seduction
Authors: Verhulst Nanouk , Slabbinck Hendrik , Vermeir Iris
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Past research suggests that small details during a service may have a big impact on the service experience. Drawing from this literature, this study aims to test the impact of offering dark chocolate during a service on service performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Three scenario-based studies and one field study tested the hypotheses. The scenario-based experiments varied in both service context (e.g. restaurant and mobile phone store) and service quality.

Findings

Eating dark chocolate positively impacts service performance outcomes. This effect is fully mediated through mood. However, this effect disappears in negative valenced service encounters.

Originality/value

This paper makes a unique contribution, by testing whether changing a small detail at the start of a service improves mood and, in turn, customers’ outcomes in different service quality contexts.
Exploring the role of family in enhancing the well-being of patients with developmental disorders
Authors: Lam Paula , Bianchi Constanza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how family members co-create value and improve the well-being of patients with chronic developmental disorders, such as Asperger syndrome (AS) that undertake permanent therapy services.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology is used to identify family value co-creation activities and well-being outcomes. Extensive interviews with family members and professional therapists of AS patients were conducted as the main data collection method.

Findings

Drawing from previous conceptualizations of value co-creation activities in health contexts, the findings of this study identify the specific value co-creation activities held by family members that influence the different dimensions of well-being for AS patients and their families: co-learning, combining therapies, changing ways of doing things, connecting, co-operation and co-production, managing daily life, motivating, protecting, regulating and establishing roles. The findings also reveal improvements in the following dimensions of patient well-being: autonomy, self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relationships with others, control of the environment and personal growth. In addition, value co-creation activities also improve family relationships at home and the well-being of patient family members.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the services literature and addresses a gap in transformative service research by exploring the value co-creation activities of family members for improving well-being outcomes of patients with chronic developmental disorders. People with chronic developmental disorders engage in permanent therapy services and tend to have below-average well-being scores, which also extends to their family members.
Evaluation of probiotic and synbiotic jussara sorbets
Authors: Marinho Julia Fernanda Urbano , Mazzocato Marcella Chalella , Tulini Fabricio Luiz , Silva Marluci Palazzolli , de Martinis Elaine Cristina Pereira , Fávaro-Trindade Carmen Sílvia
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was the development and the nutritional, physical-chemical and sensorial characterization of probiotic and synbiotic sorbets elaborated with jussara pulp (Euterpe edulis), Lactobacillus spp. and polydextrose.

Design/methodology/approach

Five formulations of jussara sorbets (one control, two probiotics and two synbiotics) were produced and evaluated according to their centesimal composition, pH, soluble solids, instrumental color, overrun, apparent density, sensory acceptability and purchase intent.

Findings

All sorbets exhibited low calorific value, with no difference between them (p = 0.96). The synbiotic samples (S3 and S5) showed the higher carbohydrate (30.4 and 30.2 per cent) and crude fiber content (0.4 and 0.5 per cent). Regarding to sensory acceptance, the probiotic samples (S2 and S4) presented greater global acceptability (averages acceptance 6.4 and 6.6, respectively) while the polydextrose samples (S3 and S5) showed low values (5.9 for both samples), although this prebiotic was able to increase the overrun to values above 40 per cent.

Practical implications

The functional jussara sorbets are a promising possibility for diversification of the probiotic foods already offered. The combination of its probiotic, prebiotic and bioactive properties can provide technological improvement and superior nutritional quality, with good sensorial acceptance. Likewise, jussara pulp showed nutritional properties favorable to its application in the food industry, which can help preserve its endangered palm tree.

Originality/value

The probiotics and synbiotics jussara sorbets showed to be adequate as a lactose-free and low-calorie functional product, with high nutritional, commercial and ecological value. Also, it was possible to notice that while the addition of probiotics improved the sensorial acceptance of jussara sorbets, polydextrose raised the technological quality by increasing its overrun.
Fatty acids profile of Serra da Estrela PDO cheeses and respective atherogenic and thrombogenic indices
Authors: Reis Lima Maria João , Fontes Luisa , Bahri Hamdi , Veloso Ana C.A. , Teixeira-Lemos Edite , Peres António M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to determine the physicochemical and fatty acids composition of Serra da Estrela cheese (SEC), as well as health-related lipid indices, like the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, and to evaluate the influence of producer, geographical origin and production date.

Design/methodology/approach

All 24 SEC produced between November 2017 and March 2018 were collected at selected certified producers and analyzed by NIR spectrophotometer and by GC. Data were statistically evaluated by chemometric tools.

Findings

In all evaluated SEC, 23 fatty acids were quantified. Cheese origin influenced nutritional and health-related lipid indices). The cheeses were characterized by a relative high abundance of saturated fatty acids (67-76%), followed by a medium content of monounsaturated fatty acids (17-25%) and by low level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (5-7%). A putative positive association between cheese consumption and healthy lipid indices could be reached.

Practical implications

The contents of some medium and long chain fatty acids as well as of nutritional and health indices were influenced by cheese producer, geographical origin and production date pointing out the need for standardizing production procedures.

Social implications

The SEC plays a key role in the local economy, being an endogenous product with unique sensory characteristics and nutritional potential, for which the knowledge of the lipids profile and health indices is of utmost relevance.

Originality/value

SEC is an iconic Portuguese cheese with Protected Designation of Origin. Based on the results, like health-related lipid indices, evaluated for the first time, a positive association between cheese consumption and healthy lipid indices could be envisaged.
The effect of fermented goat milk (kefir) fortified with vitamin D3 on total leukocyte levels in diabetic Rattus norvegicus rats
Authors: Marlina Reny , Panunggal Binar , Anjani Gemala
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus increases inflammation through pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Goat milk (kefir) and vitamin D3 have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pancreatic beta cells. Increase in total leukocyte count is one of the inflammatory and complication markers of diabetes. This study aims to analyze the effect of fermented goat milk (kefir) fortified with vitamin D3 on total leukocyte counts in diabetic brown rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design with pre- and post-test methodology of control and experimental groups was used. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control (K−), positive control (K+), kefir treatment (P1) and kefir fortified with vitamin D3 treatment (P2). The control group consisted of healthy rats; the other groups consisted of rats which were given streptozotocin–nicotinamide injections. Before and after intervention, fasting blood glucose levels and total leukocytes counts were measured. Blood glucose levels were analyzed using the GOD–PAP method and leukocyte counts were analyzed using an automatic hematological analyzer.

Findings

There was a significant decrease in total leukocyte counts in the P2 group (from 26.5 ± 7.7 to 20.4 ± 10.4 [p < 0.05]). However, the decrease in leukocyte count in theP1 group was not significant (from 22.1 ± 9.3 to 16.5 ± 6.2). The decrease in blood glucose levels in theP2 group was −81.4 ± 203.0 but not significant.

Originality/value

Kefir with vitamin D3 fortification can significantly reduce total leukocyte counts in diabetes.
Supporting higher degree research collaboration
Authors: Gasson Susan C. , Bruce Christine
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the value of a collaborative research culture framework (Gasson and Bruce, 2018a), featuring trust and respect as core elements of healthy collaborations, to support the research success of higher degree research (HDR) students. HDR is a term used in Australia to reference Doctoral and Master by research programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose that by positioning collaboration as part of a research culture built on trust and respect, discussion about and the development of healthy collaborative research culture will be facilitated. A healthy culture is defined as one that supports sustainable and productive collaborative research.

Findings

The applications of the framework demonstrate the role the framework can play in supporting researchers to understand, engage in and manage collaborations.

Research limitations/implications

Reflection on discussions to date has led to the authors’ view that collaborative success requires a unique set of skills (i.e. skills in the development of a collaborative research culture) and that the framework provides a deliberate and overt way of supporting development of those skills.

Originality/value

The framework helps HDRs develop the capacity to build healthy collaborative research cultures vital for their research productivity and longer-term success as researchers.
Scleromyxedema and lichen myxedematosus: Is it associated with viral hepatitis?
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Yu , Tzeng I‐Shiang , Lee Yung‐Yi , Ting Sze‐Wen , Chang Yao‐Yu , Ng Chau Yee
Published: August 2019

Scleromyxedema (SM) was previously known to be associated with monoclonal gammopathy. The association of SM and its counterpart lichen myxedematosus (LM) with chronic hepatitis has rarely been reported. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and histopathological reports of consecutive patients who presented at our department with the diagnosis of SM or LM from January 2001 to September 2017. The patients’ demographic details, cutaneous presentation, associated underlying diseases and hepatitic profile were studied and compared with previous published cases. In all, 28 patients were enrolled, including one SM, 19 LM and eight atypical LM. Of the patients, 50% (n = 14/28) had hepatitis. Of these, 21.4% (n = 6/28) had hepatitis C, 10.7% (n = 3/28) hepatitis B, 7.1% (n = 2/28) concurrent hepatitis B and C, whereas 10.7% (n = 3/28) had alcoholic liver disease. The prevalence of hepatitis C in our patients was 6.5‐times higher than that of the general population (28.6% vs 4.4%) and the prevalence of hepatitis B was similar (17.9% vs 17.3%). Polyclonal gammopathy was found in 28.6% (n = 8/28) of the patients and monoclonal gammopathy was found in 7.1% (n = 2/28). The extent of clonality did not correlate with disease severity. Our study did not notice a significant association with monoclonal gammopathy but the prevalence of hepatitis C was found to increase 6.5‐times in these patients compared with the general population. We recommend dermatologists to be aware of hepatitis investigations in such patients and future studies are warranted to understand the mechanism behind such association.
Imaging of elastic seismic data by least‐squares reverse time migration with weighted L2‐norm multiplicative and modified total‐variation regularizations
Authors: Ren Zhiming , Li Zhenchun
Published: August 2019

Least‐squares reverse time migration has the potential to yield high‐quality images of the Earth. Compared with acoustic methods, elastic least‐squares reverse time migration can effectively address mode conversion and provide velocity/impendence and density perturbation models. However, elastic least‐squares reverse time migration is an ill‐posed problem and suffers from a lack of uniqueness; further, its solution is not stable. We develop two new elastic least‐squares reverse time migration methods based on weighted L2‐norm multiplicative and modified total‐variation regularizations. In the proposed methods, the original minimization problem is divided into two subproblems, and the images and auxiliary variables are updated alternatively. The method with modified total‐variation regularization solves the two subproblems, a Tikhonov regularization problem and an L2‐total‐variation regularization problem, via an efficient inversion workflow and the split‐Bregman iterative method, respectively. The method with multiplicative regularization updates the images and auxiliary variables by the efficient inversion workflow and nonlinear conjugate gradient methods in a nested fashion. We validate the proposed methods using synthetic and field seismic data. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed methods with regularization improve the resolution and fidelity of the migration profiles and exhibit superior anti‐noise ability compared with the conventional method. Moreover, the modified‐total‐variation‐based method has marginally higher accuracy than the multiplicative‐regularization‐based method for noisy data. The computational cost of the proposed two methods is approximately the same as that of the conventional least‐squares reverse time migration method because no additional forward computation is required in the inversion of auxiliary variables.
Picking the low‐hanging fruit: Why not choose oral antibiotics for skin and soft‐tissue infections in the emergency department
Authors: Hamill Laura M , Thi Yu‐Chen E , Keijzers Gerben
Published: August 2019

Skin and soft‐tissue infections are a common presentation to EDs in Australasia. In the absence of sepsis or decreased oral absorption, substantial supportive data exists that shows oral antibiotics are non‐inferior to intravenous antibiotics for uncomplicated skin and soft‐tissue infections. However, despite a fair evidence base, clinicians are not consistently putting this into practice. This perspective reviews the relevant literature, discusses barriers to the implementation of this more parsimonious approach and also proposes several potential solutions. It is important that ED clinicians are encouraged to use oral antibiotics for uncomplicated infections, as this would lead to similar clinical outcomes but with fewer resources for staff and patient, as well as increased patient satisfaction.
Time‐averaged serum uric acid and 10‐year incident diabetic kidney disease: A prospective study from China
Authors: Liu Lili , Gao Bixia , Wang Jinwei , Yang Chao , Wu Shouling , Wu Yuntao , Chen Shuohua , Li Qiuyun , Zhang Huifen , Wang Guodong , Chen Min , Zhao Ming‐Hui , Zhang Luxia
Published: August 2019

Background

The association between serum uric acid (SUA) and the risk of diabetic kidney diseases (DKD) remains controversial. We aim to investigate the association between time‐averaged SUA and long‐term incident DKD among general population‐based patients with diabetes.

Methods

Altogether 1327 patients with diabetes and without kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2, and without proteinuria) were included. Incident DKD were defined by the occurrence of renal function decline (eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2) and/or macroalbuminuria (urinary albumin‐creatinine‐ratio ≥ 30 mg/mM creatinine). The associations between baseline and time‐averaged SUA and DKD were analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 53.7 ± 8.0. During 10.2 ± 0.4 years' follow‐up, 85 (6.4%) patients developed renal function decline and 101 (7.6%) patients developed macroalbuminuria. Compared to those with time‐averaged SUA in the second quartile (207‐240 μM/L for women, 233‐272 μM/L for men), odds ratio (OR) for renal function decline was 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 3.62; P = .04) among those with SUA in the top quartile (women≥285 μM/L; men≥324 μM/L); and OR for macroalbuminuria was 1.86 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.43; P = .05) among those with SUA in the bottom quartile (women ≤207 μM/L; men ≤233 μM/L)). No significant associations were observed between baseline SUA with incident DKD.

Conclusions

Long‐term exposure to both high and low SUA level are associated with increased risk of incident DKD among patients with diabetes.
Methionine metabolism and methyltransferases in the regulation of aging and lifespan extension across species
Authors: Parkhitko Andrey A. , Jouandin Patrick , Mohr Stephanie E. , Perrimon Norbert
Published: August 2019

Methionine restriction (MetR) extends lifespan across different species and exerts beneficial effects on metabolic health and inflammatory responses. In contrast, certain cancer cells exhibit methionine auxotrophy that can be exploited for therapeutic treatment, as decreasing dietary methionine selectively suppresses tumor growth. Thus, MetR represents an intervention that can extend lifespan with a complementary effect of delaying tumor growth. Beyond its function in protein synthesis, methionine feeds into complex metabolic pathways including the methionine cycle, the transsulfuration pathway, and polyamine biosynthesis. Manipulation of each of these branches extends lifespan; however, the interplay between MetR and these branches during regulation of lifespan is not well understood. In addition, a potential mechanism linking the activity of methionine metabolism and lifespan is regulation of production of the methyl donor S‐adenosylmethionine, which, after transferring its methyl group, is converted to S‐adenosylhomocysteine. Methylation regulates a wide range of processes, including those thought to be responsible for lifespan extension by MetR. Although the exact mechanisms of lifespan extension by MetR or methionine metabolism reprogramming are unknown, it may act via reducing the rate of translation, modifying gene expression, inducing a hormetic response, modulating autophagy, or inducing mitochondrial function, antioxidant defense, or other metabolic processes. Here, we review the mechanisms of lifespan extension by MetR and different branches of methionine metabolism in different species and the potential for exploiting the regulation of methyltransferases to delay aging.
Modelling the effects of field spatial scale and natural enemy colonization behaviour on pest suppression in diversified agroecosystems
Authors: Banks John E. , Laubmeier Amanda N. , Banks H. Thomas
Published: August 2019

Diversifying agroecosystems by establishing or retaining natural vegetation in and around crop areas has long been recognized as a potentially effective means of bolstering pest control as a result of attracting more numerous and diverse natural enemies, although outcomes are inconsistent across species.

Little is known about the underlying mechanisms driving such differences in species responses, creating challenges for determining how best to manage landscapes for maximizing environmental services such as biological control.

The present study addresses gaps in our understanding of the link between noncrop vegetation in field margins and pest suppression by using a system of partial differential equations to model population‐level predator–prey interactions, as well as spatial processes, aiming to capture the dynamics of crop plants, herbivores and two generalist predators.

We focus on differences in how two predators (a carabid and a ladybird beetle) colonize crop fields where they forage for prey, examining differences in how they move into the fields from adjacent vegetation as a potential driver of differences in overall pest suppression.

The results obtained demonstrate that predator colonization behaviour and spatial scale are important factors with respect to determining the effectiveness of biological control.
The ratio between bryophyte functional groups impacts vascular plants in rich fens
Authors: Singh Patrícia , Těšitel Jakub , Plesková Zuzana , Peterka Tomáš , Hájková Petra , Dítě Daniel , Pawlikowski Paweł , Hájek Michal
Published: August 2019

Question

Fens have a well‐developed bryophyte layer covering most of the ground. Non‐sphagnaceous bryophytes, especially the group of so‐called brown mosses, prevail over sphagna under alkaline conditions. In sub‐alkaline conditions, rich fens allow the co‐occurrence of both these functional groups, but sphagna are competitively superior over non‐sphagnaceous bryophytes and seedlings of vascular plants, and they are currently expanding in some regions. We test whether the ratio between the two major bryophyte functional groups (bryo‐ratio) accounts for the species composition of vascular plants in fens.

Location

Central and Eastern Europe.

Methods

Analysis of two existing regional‐ and continental‐scale data sets of the vegetation‐ plot records and measured local factors by Canonical Correspondence Analysis with variation partitioning (community‐level analysis) and Structural Equation Modelling (species‐level analysis).

Results

At the community level, the bryo‐ratio accounted significantly for species composition of fen‐specialized vascular plants, more obviously in the regional‐scale data set. At the species level, more fen species (50–67% according to the data set) were significantly directly affected (adjusted p < 0.05) by the bryo‐ratio than by water pH (14–17%) and by measured water table depth (WTD) in the regional data set (12.5%). In the continental data set, the comparable proportions of species were directly affected by the bryo‐ratio and WTD inferred by soil moisture indicator values (50% vs 58%). Most of the species affected significantly by the bryo‐ratio preferred the fens rich in non‐sphagnaceous bryophytes. They were largely those with a low capability of vegetative reproduction.

Conclusions

The group of species preferring brown moss patches includes mostly rare and endangered species with a great need for generative reproduction (e.g., Primula farinosa, Triglochin palustris, Pedicularis palustris, Saxifraga hirculus). Our findings demonstrate the important role of the bryophyte layer in the structuring of vascular plant communities in fens and highlight urgent conservation needs for brown moss patches.
“Chocolate City, Rest in Peace”: White Space–Claiming and the Exclusion of Black People in Washington, DC
Authors: Helmuth Allison Suppan
Published: August 2019

Urban sociologists and gentrification scholars have long been interested in examining the combination of structural and micro–level forces that result in the displacement and exclusion of low–income residents from changing neighborhoods. However, the types of everyday activities and the social and spatial practices that exclude residents who remain in these neighborhoods are an understudied part of the gentrification story. How are exclusive spaces created? What are the specific social processes that lead to exclusive space? I draw on in–depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork to examine how white residents in a historically black neighborhood claim space through their everyday actions and interactions. These space–claiming practices are at times subtle and at times overt, but often draw on a repertoire of physical, mental, and social practices that combine to create spaces that exclude black people—including long–term black residents, black gentrifiers, and black visitors to the neighborhood—from public space.
Use of glucose‐lowering drugs in Hungary between 2008 and 2017: the increasing use of novel glucose‐lowering drug groups
Authors: Csatordai M. , Benkő R. , Matuz M. , Bor A. , Lengyel C. , Doró P.
Published: August 2019

Aims

To analyse glucose‐lowering drug utilization, focusing on the novel glucose‐lowering drug groups dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors, and the financial burden they entail.

Methods

Crude reimbursed national drug utilization and expenditure data for the entire population of Hungary were obtained from the National Health Insurance Fund for the study period: 2008 to 2017. Data were analysed using the WHO's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification/defined daily dose system and were expressed in defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day.

Results

Total glucose‐lowering drug consumption in Hungary showed an 18% increase over the study period, reaching 74.7 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day, while novel glucose‐lowering drug use increased to 11.7 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (16% of total glucose‐lowering drug use) by 2017. Dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 inhibitor consumption grew to 7.4 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day by 2017. The most widely used dipeptidyl‐peptidase 4 inhibitor was sitagliptin. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists were used the least, but by 2017 rose to 1.5 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day, led by liraglutide. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors appeared in the utilization data in 2014 and their consumption, mainly empagliflozin, reached 2.8 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day by 2017. The total expenditure on glucose‐lowering drugs increased 94% between 2008 and 2017, and the total cost of novel glucose‐lowering drug utilization comprised 44% of the total glucose‐lowering drug expenditure in 2017.

Conclusions

Both the use of and the financial burden posed by novel glucose‐lowering drugs in Hungary increased steadily between 2008 and 2017. This increase is expected to continue.
(Re)Defining success in epilepsy surgery: The importance of relative seizure reduction in patient‐reported quality of life
Authors: Sheikh Shehryar , Thompson Nic , Bingaman William , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Najm Imad , Jehi Lara
Published: August 2019

Objective

Previous work has suggested that seizure outcome is the most important predictor of quality of life (QoL) after epilepsy surgery, but it is unknown which specific seizure outcome measure should be used in judging surgical success. We assess three different seizure outcome measures (relative seizure reduction, absolute seizure reduction, and seizure freedom [yes/no]) to investigate which measure best predicts postoperative QoL.

Methods

We prospectively surveyed patients at outpatient visits before and after epilepsy surgery (n = 550). The QoL measure was the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐10) score at the patient's most recent office visit. We created multivariate regression models to predict postoperative QOLIE‐10, with a different seizure outcome measure in each model. We compared models using adjusted R2 values and Akaike information criteria (AIC).

Results

Our cohort had a high level of disease severity and complexity (17% repeat surgery, 39% extratemporal, and 18% nonlesional). For the cohort as a whole, mean absolute seizure frequency decreased from 1 per day to 0.1 per day (P < .001), and mean reduction was 73% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66%‐81%). Average improvement in QoL score was 5.3 (95% CI 4.1‐6.5) points. Of patients who reported an improvement in QoL, 27% had persistent seizures. Comparison of regression models to predict QoL showed that the worst model was provided when using “absolute seizure reduction,” but that models using “relative seizure reduction” and “seizure freedom (yes/no)” were equally strong.

Significance

In our high severity and complexity cohort, a substantial subset of patients (27%) reported improved QoL despite persistent seizures. Relative seizure reduction was at least as good a predictor of QoL as seizure freedom. A yes/no seizure freedom variable may be a suboptimal measure of surgical success, especially in high complexity cohorts.