bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Colon and Rectal Cancer Incidence in Australia from 1982 to 2014: Analysis of Data on Over 375,000 Cases
Authors: Feletto Eleonora , Yu Xue Qin , Lew Jie-Bin , St John D. James B. , Jenkins Mark A. , Macrae Finlay A. , Mahady Suzanne E. , Canfell Karen
Published: December 2018

Background:

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Emerging evidence from several countries suggests increasing incidence in people aged <50 years.

Methods:

We assessed colon and rectal cancer incidence trends in people aged 20+ in Australia from 1982 to 2014. We used data on 375,008 incident cases (248,162 colon and 126,846 rectal). We quantified the annual percentage change (APC) in rates by age group using Joinpoint regression.

Results:

For people aged <50 years, colon cancer rates increased from the mid-2000s, with the increase in APCs ranging from 1.7% to 9.3% per annum (depending on specific age group); rectal cancer rates increased from the early 1990s, with APCs ranging from 0.9% to 7.1% per annum. For people aged 50 to 69 years, colon and rectal cancer rates decreased from the mid-1990s, with the decrease in APCs in specific age groups ranging from 0.8% to 4.8% per annum (except for colon cancer in those ages 65 to 69 years, where similar rate decreases were observed from 2007). An overall reduction in older persons (>70 years) was estimated at 1.9% to 4.9% per annum for colon cancer from 2010 onward and 1.1% to 1.8% per annum in rectal cancer from the early 2000s onward.

Conclusions:

Colon and rectal cancer incidence has increased in people aged <50 years in Australia over the last two decades. However, colon and rectal cancer rates decreased in people aged 50+, likely due to de facto and organized bowel cancer screening.

Impact:

Further research is needed to examine the cause of the increase and to quantify the impact of future trends on the cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for those <50 years.
The Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype Mediates Oncogene-induced Senescence in Pediatric Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Authors: Buhl Juliane L. , Selt Florian , Hielscher Thomas , Guiho Romain , Ecker Jonas , Sahm Felix , Ridinger Johannes , Riehl Dennis , Usta Diren , Ismer Britta , Sommerkamp Alexander C. , Martinez-Barbera J.P. , Wefers Annika K. , Remke Marc , Picard Daniel , Pusch Stefan , Gronych Jan , Oehme Ina , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Kool Marcel , Kuhn Daniela , Capper David , von Deimling Andreas , Schuhmann Martin U. , Herold-Mende Christel , Korshunov Andrey , Brummer Tilman , Pfister Stefan M. , Jones David T.W. , Witt Olaf , Milde Till
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common childhood brain tumor, characterized by constitutive MAPK activation. MAPK signaling induces oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), which may cause unpredictable growth behavior of pilocytic astrocytomas. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has been shown to regulate OIS, but its role in pilocytic astrocytoma remains unknown.

Experimental Design: The patient-derived pilocytic astrocytoma cell culture model, DKFZ-BT66, was used to demonstrate presence of the SASP and analyze its impact on OIS in pilocytic astrocytoma. The model allows for doxycycline-inducible switching between proliferation and OIS. Both states were studied using gene expression profiling (GEP), Western blot, ELISA, and cell viability testing. Primary pilocytic astrocytoma tumors were analyzed by GEP and multiplex assay.

Results:

SASP factors were upregulated in primary human and murine pilocytic astrocytoma and during OIS in DKFZ-BT66 cells. Conditioned medium induced growth arrest of proliferating pilocytic astrocytoma cells. The SASP factors IL1B and IL6 were upregulated in primary pilocytic astrocytoma, and both pathways were regulated during OIS in DKFZ-BT66. Stimulation with rIL1B but not rIL6 reduced growth of DKFZ-BT66 cells and induced the SASP. Anti-inflammatory treatment with dexamethasone induced regrowth of senescent cells and inhibited the SASP. Senescent DKFZ-BT66 cells responded to senolytic BCL2 inhibitors. High IL1B and SASP expression in pilocytic astrocytoma tumors was associated with favorable progression-free survival.

Conclusions:

We provide evidence for the SASP regulating OIS in pediatric pilocytic astrocytoma, with IL1B as a relevant mediator. SASP expression could enable prediction of progression in patients with pilocytic astrocytoma. Further investigation of the SASP driving the unpredictable growth of pilocytic astrocytomas, and its possible therapeutic application, is warranted.
The Management of Acute Ischemic Strokes and the Prevalence of Large Vessel Occlusion in Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Rice Cory J. , Cho Sung-Min , Zhang Lucy Q. , Hassett Catherine , Starling Randall C. , Uchino Ken
Published: December 2018

Background: Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are frequent complications among those with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Scarce data exist regarding the prevalence of acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) and treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in this setting. Methods: We reviewed prospectively collected data of LVAD patient registry from a single, tertiary center from October 2004 to November 2016. Among those with AIS complications, patients were divided into early stroke (during implantation hospitalization) and late stroke (post-discharge) groups, and neuroimaging was reviewed and data on acute stroke therapy were collected. Results: Of 477 persons with LVAD, 49 (10.3%) AIS occurred. The majority (29/49, 59%) of AIS occurred in-hospital. Thirty-two (65%) persons had international normalized ratios less than 1.7 at the time of AIS, but none qualified to receive acute intravenous thrombolysis. Of 25 (51%) persons who underwent CT angiography (CTA), 33% (16/49) had acute LVOs. Thirty-one percent (5/16) of persons with acute LVOs underwent intra-arterial endovascular therapy. All of 5 cases presented with middle cerebral artery syndrome with a median pre-procedural National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of 13 (interquartile range 10–18). Successful recanalization was achieved in all 5 cases. Conclusions: In-hospital strokes and acute LVOs are common in LVAD-associated AIS. Prompt evaluation with CTA and endovascular therapy should be pursued for these critically ill patients.
Nomogram Model to Predict Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1 in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Fan Zeyuan , Li Yang , Ji Hanhua , Jian Xinwen
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Cardiorenal syndrome type 1(CRS1) is a serious clinical condition in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although several biomarkers for identifying CRS1 have been reported, early and accurate predicting CRS1 still remains a challenge. This study was aimed to develop and validate an individualized predictive nomogram for the risk of CRS1 in patients with AHF. Methods: A total of 1235 AHF patients between 2013 and 2018 were included in this study. The patients were randomly classified into training set (n=823) and validation set (n=412). All data of the training set were used to screen the predictors of CRS1 via univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was developed based on these predictors and validated by internal and external validation. The nomogram validation comprised discriminative ability determined by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the predictive accuracy by calibration plots. Results: The overall incidence of CRS1 was 31.7%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age, diabetes, NYHA class, eGFR, hs-CRP and uAGT were independently associated with CRS1. A nomogram developed based on the six variables was with the AUC 0.885 and 0.823 on internal and external validation, respectively. Calibration plots showed that the predicted and actual CRS1 probabilities were fitted well on both internal and external validation. Conclusion: The proposed nomogram could predict the individualized risk of CRS1 with good accuracy, high discrimination, and potential clinical applicability in patients with AHF.
Inhibition of Glutathione Synthesis via Decreased Glucose Metabolism in Stored RBCs
Authors: Xiong Yanlian , Xiong Yanlei , Wang Yueming , Wang Zhuoya , Zhang Aiping , Zhao Nannan , Zhao Dongmei , Yu Zhenhai , Wang Zhiqiang , Yi Junzhu , Luan Xiying
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Although red blood cells (RBCs) transfusions can be lifesaving, they are not without risk. RBCs storage is associated with the abnormal metabolism of glutathione (GSH), which may increase the risk of the oxidative damage of RBCs after transfusion. The responsible mechanisms remain unknown. Methods: We determined the L-cysteine efflux and influx by evaluating the changes of free -SH concentrations in stored RBCs. The glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) activities and protein content in stored RBCs was determined by fluorescence assay and western blotting. In addition, the glucose metabolism enzyme activity of RBCs was measured by spectrophotometric assay under in vitro incubation conditions. Results: We found that both L-cysteine transport and GCL activity significantly declined, thereby inducing the dysfunction of GSH synthesis during blood storage, which could be attenuated by ATP supplement and DTT treatment. In addition, the glycometabolic enzyme (G6PDH, HK, PK and LDH) activity significantly decreased after 6 weeks storage. Oxidant stress-induced dysfunction in glucose metabolism was the driving force for decreased GSH synthesis during storage. Conclusion: These experimental findings reflect an underlying molecular mechanism that oxidant stress induced glucose metabolism dysfunction contribute to decreased GSH synthesis in stored RBCs.
Circular RNA circPVT1 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion Through Sponging miR-125b and Activating E2F2 Signaling in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Xiuyuan , Zhang Zenglei , Jiang Hua , Li Qiang , Wang Ruliang , Pan Hongliang , Niu Yingying , Liu Fenghai , Gu Hongmei , Fan Xingjun , Gao Jinxia 
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators in the development and progression of human cancers, however its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumorigenesis is not well understood. The aim of this study is to identify the expression level of circPVT1 in NSCLC and further investigated its functional relevance with NSCLC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Quantative real-time PCR was used for the measurement of circPVT1 in NSCLC specimens and cell lines. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH) assay was used for the identification of sublocation of circPVT1 in NSCLC cells. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to verify the binding of c-Fos at circPVT1 promoter region, and the direct interaction between circPVT1 and miR-125b. Gain- or loss-function assays were performed to evaluate the effects of circPVT1 on cell proliferation and invasion. Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to detect the protein levels involved in E2F2 pathway. Results: We found that circPVT1 was upregulated in NSCLC specimens and cells. The transcription factor c-Fos binded to the promoter region of circPVT1, resulting in the overexpression of circPVT1 in NSCLC. Knockdown of circPVT1 suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis. In addition, circPVT1 mediated NSCLC progression via the regulation of E2F2 signaling pathway. More importantly, circPVT1 was predominantly abundant in the cytoplasm of NSCLC cells, and circPVT1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate E2F2 expression and tumorigenesis in a miR-125b-dependent manner, which is further verified by using an in vivo xenograft model. Conclusion: circPVT1 promotes NSCLC cell growth and invasion, and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC patients. Therefore, silence of circPVT1 could be a future direction to develop a novel treatment strategy.
High‐Sensitivity Troponin I in Hospitalized and Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From the Heart Failure Clinical Research Network
Authors: Fudim Marat , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Sun Jie‐Lena , Anstrom Kevin J. , Bart Bradley A. , Butler Javed , AbouEzzeddine Omar , Greene Stephen J. , Mentz Robert J. , Redfield Margaret M. , Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Braunwald Eugene , Hernandez Adrian F. , Borlaug Barry A. , Felker G. Michael
Published: December 2018

Background

We sought to study the prevalence of high‐sensitivity troponin and its association with cardiac structure and outcomes in ambulatory and hospitalized patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
).

Methods and Results

A post hoc analysis utilized data from
HF
p
EF
patients:
DOSE
(Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation) and
CARRESS
‐
HF
(Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure) enrolled patients hospitalized with acute
HF
p
EF
, and
RELAX
(Phosphodiesterase‐5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) enrolled ambulatory patients with
HF
p
EF
. High‐sensitivity troponin I (hs‐TnI) was measured in hospitalized patients at baseline, at 72 to 96 hours, on day 7, and on day 60. In ambulatory patients hs‐TnI was measured at baseline and at week 24. In the ambulatory cohort, correlations between hs‐TnI and cardiac structure and function were assessed. The association between hs‐TnI and a 60‐day composite of emergency room visits, readmissions, and death was assessed for hospitalized patients using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. The study population included 139 hospitalized and 212 ambulatory patients with
HF
p
EF
and hs‐TnI measured at baseline. The median (25th, 75th percentiles) baseline troponin was 17.6 (11.1, 41.0) ng/L in hospitalized patients and 9.5 (5.3, 19.7) ng/L in ambulatory patients (
P
<0.001). The prevalence of elevated hs‐TnI (>99% percentile upper reference limit was 86% in hospitalized patients and 53% among ambulatory patients, with stable elevation in ambulatory patients during follow‐up.
HF
p
EF
patients with a hs‐TnI above the median were older with worse left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Continuously valued hs‐TnI (per doubling) was associated with increased risk of composite end point (adjusted hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.00‐1.43;
P
=0.042).

Conclusions

Hs‐TnI is commonly elevated among both hospitalized and ambulatory patients with
HF
p
EF
. Increased hs‐TnI levels are associated with worse cardiac structure and increased risk of adverse events.
Sexual and Religious Regimes of the Self in Dutch Discourses about Homosexuality: A Queer Theological Analysis and Alternative
Authors: Derks Marco
Published: December 2018

This article discusses two major ways in which sexual and religious identities are conceptualized in Dutch public discourses about homosexuality. In a secular discourse that stresses that LGBTs should be able to ‘be themselves’, certain religious identities are often ignored, subordinated or attacked, while the self that needs to be realized is rendered primarily a sexual self. A conservative Protestant (counter-)discourse on ‘being in Christ’ subordinates (homo)sexual identity to Christian identity—or even rejects it. To move beyond such (Late) Modern oppositional constructions of religion and homosexuality in terms of (religious/sexual) “identity”, this article explores the (queer) Catholic concept of sacramental characters—as an anti-identity—and suggests that it has the potential to unsettle some of the deadlocks in public discourses about homosexuality and sexual diversity.
A Corporate Understanding of Biblical Salvation and Its Application to Climate Change Mitigation Measures
Authors: Choi Sungho
Published: December 2018

This article deals with a theological approach to the issue of climate change and examines some of the misconceptions found within Christianity with regards the environment. These distortions of understanding can be traced back to the way in which salvation is articulated and perceived. In the circumstances it becomes a pressing public task to consider the key biblical conceptions of salvation. Of critical significance is how the salvific tradition is understood to be corporate rather than individualistic. That is so right from the beginning of Israel’s redemptive history and carries through the biblical material to include God’s redemptive work in Christ which is itself extended through to the rest of creation. The current mitigation measures (and their limitations) with regards to climate change are critically evaluated alongside these salvific claims.
Angry Preaching: A Grounded Theory Analysis from South Africa
Authors: Wepener Cas , Pieterse Hendrik J.C.
Published: December 2018

Expressions of anger can be observed all over South Africa and by individuals and groups from different social, economic and racial backgrounds. In this article the argument is advanced that such expressions of anger can be expressions of love and signs of hope showing that people still care. Therefore, anger should not be avoided, but instead be embraced and channelled for positive ends. This article furthermore develops an argument in favour of the celebration of angry liturgies and the preaching of angry sermons as an integral part of the on-going road towards reconciliation and healing after apartheid in general and in particular it reflects on sermons preached in Afrikaans Reformed churches in South Africa on the theme of anger between 2010 and 2015. By means of content analysis, and specifically Grounded Theory, the collected sermons were analysed and a homiletical theory for praxis regarding angry preaching developed. In conclusion the theory for praxis is presented as homiletical route markers for angry preaching as one way of liturgically embracing and meaningfully channelling anger.
Methodological Intercomparisons of Station-Based Gridded Meteorological Products: Utility, Limitations, and Paths Forward
Authors: Newman Andrew J. , Clark Martyn P. , Longman Ryan J. , Giambelluca Thomas W.
Published: December 2018

This study presents a gridded meteorology intercomparison using the State of Hawaii as a testbed. This is motivated by the goal to provide the broad user community with knowledge of interproduct differences and the reasons differences exist. More generally, the challenge of generating station-based gridded meteorological surfaces and the difficulties in attributing interproduct differences to specific methodological decisions are demonstrated. Hawaii is a useful testbed because it is traditionally underserved, yet meteorologically interesting and complex. In addition, several climatological and daily gridded meteorology datasets are now available, which are used extensively by the applications modeling community, thus an intercomparison enhances Hawaiian specific capabilities. We compare PRISM climatology and three daily datasets: new datasets from the University of Hawai‘i and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and Daymet version 3 for precipitation and temperature variables only. General conclusions that have emerged are 1) differences in input station data significantly influence the product differences, 2) explicit prediction of precipitation occurrence is crucial across multiple metrics, and 3) attribution of differences to specific methodological choices is difficult and limits the usefulness of intercomparisons. Because generating gridded meteorological fields is an elaborate process with many methodological choices interacting in complex ways, future work should 1) develop modular frameworks that allows users to easily examine the breadth of methodological choices, 2) collate available nontraditional high-quality observational datasets for true out-of-sample validation and make them publicly available, and 3) define benchmarks of acceptable performance for methodological components and products.
The Law and Economics of Excessive and Unfair Pricing:: A Review and a Proposal
Authors: Davis Peter , Mani Vivek
Published: December 2018

The law on excessive pricing by a dominant firm derives from Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), considered in the United Brands (UB) decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The UB decision described a test that requires an assessment of whether prices are excessive to the point of being unfair in the sense that it has no reasonable relation to economic value of the product supplied (either in itself or in comparison to other products). In this article, we describe a coherent microeconomic framework for understanding the proper relationships between price, economic costs, and economic value. In particular, we propose an economic approach, which we believe courts should adopt to help structure their consideration of allegations of excessive and unfair pricing. While the economics can be very helpful in structuring analysis under both limbs of the UB test, it also makes clear that ultimately judges will need to make a judgment about what is, and what is not, fair pricing by a dominant firm.
A Quantitative Methodology for Determining Relevant Geographic Markets in Higher Transportation Cost Industries
Authors: De Stefano Martino , Tsai Joanna
Published: December 2018

The U.S. Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission Horizontal Merger Guidelines describes the hypothetical monopolist test (HMT) and significant and nontransitory increase in price (SSNIP) as tools to define antitrust markets. However, the discussion leaves some ambiguities with regards to the implementation of such tools. In this article, we present a methodology for quantitatively delineating geographic markets that is consistent with the Guidelines. In particular, for geographic markets that are based on the locations of customers, the market boundaries encompass the region into which sales are made from the merging parties’ plants, and competitors in the market are firms that sell to customers in the specified region. We use two approaches to identify the competitive reach of a plant—one based on actual shipping distances, which reflect the areas where the plant actually sells; and the other based on distances at which the plant’s product can be shipped profitably, which reflect all areas where the plant can potentially compete for customers. These distances are used to “draw circles” around plants to identify areas where one merging party plant’s competitive reach overlaps with the reach of another plant belonging to the merging partner, thus identifying the overlap customers. For each identified overlap customer area, the HMT is implemented using the critical loss analysis following a SSNIP by the hypothetical monopolist. We explain how to calculate the critical loss as well as the likely actual loss from the SSNIP.
Questioni di teoria linguistica: Per un paradigma teorico della creatività semiotica
Authors: Casini Simone
Published: December 2018

Il contributo delinea il paradigma teorico della creatività intesa, da una prospettiva semiotica e di linguistica teorica, come il quadro di riferimento formale per la variazione e il cambiamento linguistico sia nei processi di generale interazione che, su piani quantitativamente maggiori, nei fenomeni in cui lingue e identità in contatto interagiscono per negoziare il senso comunicativo.

Il percorso propone una analisi della creatività che spazia dagli ambiti della Filosofia antica sino alla riflessione linguistica contemporanea che si è avuta nel Novecento tra le due sponde dell’Oceano e individua nella dimensione dell’uso e della condivisione sociale tra i parlanti il principio primo capace di guidare le forme di creatività linguistica potenzialmente illimitate verso un fine che è identitario e comunicativo, al di là e molto oltre rispetto ai modelli di regolarità e norma (in senso prescrittivo) grammaticale.

Interpretare secondo questo modello il paradigma della creatività significa porre la proprietà semiotica in una posizione di prima inter pares, in cui le viene affidato non solo il “ruolo” di formatore di segni (parole, frasi, testi), ma la funzione di primaria arbitrarietà, causa ed effetto della discretizzazione delle lingue storico-naturali.
A broken chain? Colonial history, middle-class Indian migrants and intergenerational ambivalence
Authors: Gallo Ester
Published: December 2018

The article explores ambivalence among middle-class Indian migrants who return to India after their retirement. It discusses intergenerational ambivalence from the dual perspectives of the relation between older migrants and their parents, and that linking the former to their migrant children today. Older migrants’ transnationalism is an important yet under-researched topic. It offers insights into the temporal dimension of ambivalence: how family contradictions accompany and change throughout the life course, and how they orient migrants’ understandings of the past, present, and future. Central to the analysis is the relation between migrant intergenerational ambivalence and the historical development of the Malayali middle class at home and in the diaspora. Moving beyond studies on ambivalence that mainly focus on Euro-American societies, it explores the phenomenon in postcolonial locations. The article discusses the extent to which colonial forms of socio-geographical mobility shape older migrants’ ambivalence across generations, vis-á-vis broader middle-class expectations around educational/professional attainment, reproductive choices, and care provision. It suggests that a temporal perspective on ambivalence is useful to highlight how transnational family ambivalence is shaped not only by present-day uncertainties but also by political and cultural history. It also enhances our understanding of how dispersed families negotiate ambivalence in the long term, and the cumulative effects of these negotiations in the production of novel care arrangements in the present.
Development of multilaminar composites for vehicular ballistic protection using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene laminates and aramid fabrics
Authors: da Silva Leandro F , Lavoratti Alessandra , Pereira Iaci M , Dias Rafael R , Amico Sandro C , Zattera Ademir J
Published: December 2018

The development of impact resistant hybrid composites for ballistic applications is a recent trend. The increased energy absorption and reduced weight are some of the advantages for using these composites. Hybrid composites constituted of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminates and aramid fiber fabrics were obtained by autoclave molding. The dynamic compression test was performed using a Split Hopkinson pressure bar with a standard deformation rate. The V50 ballistic limit test was carried out following the military standard MIL-STD-662F. The ballistic table NIJ Standard 0108.01 was taken as a reference and 9 mm Luger FMJ and .44 Mag Lead SWC EXPP ammunition were used. The dynamic-mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were evaluated. The composites exhibited an areal density of 5.30 ± 0.05 kg.m−2, meeting the required criteria in NIJ 0108.01. The V50, maximum stress, tenacity, storage modulus and tan delta peak height depended on the proportion of UHMWPE used in the hybrid composites: the best results were obtained for the composites with 75% UHMWPE and 25% aramid.
Barriers to business model innovation in the agri-food industry: A systematic literature review
Authors: Ulvenblad Pia , Barth Henrik , Björklund Jennie Cederholm* , Hoveskog Maya , Ulvenblad Per-Ola , Ståhl Jenny
Published: December 2018

The importance of business model innovation (BMI) is widely recognized. BMI is especially important in the agri-food industry that faces enormous challenges as the demand for food increases worldwide. Much of the BMI research focuses on the technology and biomedical industries. Far less attention has been paid to the agri-food industry. This article is a systematic literature review of the BMI research in the agri-food industry. The article’s aim is to identify and categorize various barriers to BMI as described in the literature (in English) published in peer-reviewed journals between 1990 and 2014. The findings show a fairly even distribution among external and internal BMI barriers. Because the main barrier is the mind-set that is resistant to change, it is recommended the researchers and practitioners should focus more on the cognitive barriers to BMI in the agri-food industry.
Can lessons learned 30 years ago contribute to reducing the impact of the fall army worm Spodoptera frugiperda in Africa and India?
Authors: Wightman John A
Published: December 2018

The rapid spread of the fall army worm ( Spodoptera frugiperda) across sub-Saharan Africa, and now South Asia, has created surprise and distress to the smallholder farmers of both regions who face hunger and economic stress because of this pest. There has been high-quality support from the international agricultural information sector, but there has also been advice that may not be applicable to the farming systems of smallholder farmers. That comment arises from lessons learned from involvement with a similar pest outbreak of a related pest species in India starting in the mid-80s. Post-rainy season groundnut (peanut) Arachis hypogaea is a high-value crop in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Changes in the management of tobacco crops to the North of the groundnut belt resulted in invasions of Spodoptera litura. The groundnut farmers responded by applying a wide range of insecticides that did nothing to protect their crops from further defoliation. Scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) initiated research that enriched the knowledge of this crop–pest relationship. For instance, they showed that groundnut plants could withstand close to complete defoliation with little loss in yield. Farmers also learned that the cessation of their insecticide regime allowed natural enemies of the caterpillars to take over the management of the pests. They were showed how to enhance the populations of the coccinellids and the birds that were the key predators. ‘Citizen Scientists’ led this process. Non- and quasi-governmental organizations took over the extension process. They were provided with ongoing personal and technical support, for instance, the provision of definitive facts about the high levels of insecticide resistance, encouraging cultural control techniques, and of exploiting natural enemies, including entomopathogens. The involvement of the ICRISAT team later extended into the groundnut fields of South East Asia.
Agriculture in a changing climate: Keeping our cool in the face of the hothouse
Authors: Thornton Philip , Dinesh Dhanush , Cramer Laura , Loboguerrero Ana Maria , Campbell Bruce
Published: December 2018

The challenges facing agriculture in the coming decades are daunting. Recent research suggests that the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food systems may be wider-ranging than previously understood. Can feasible pathways to a food secure and sustainable future be identified? The scale of change required to meet the sustainable development goals, including those of no poverty, zero hunger and the urgent action needed to address climate change, will necessitate the transformation of local and global food systems. We identify eight elements of a theory of change to drive such transformation and highlight four pathways by which transformation may occur. We conclude with some suggestions for ‘business unusual’ for agricultural research for development.
The Challenges of Conducting Research on Supermax Prisons: Results From a Survey of Scholars Who Conduct Supermax Research
Authors: Ross Jeffrey Ian , Tewksbury Richard
Published: December 2018

This article analyzes the challenges that investigators face when conducting scholarly research on supermax prisons. Drawing on existing literature, as well as results of a survey sent to researchers who have published scholarship on supermax prisons, issues and suggestions for enhancing and growing this specialized body of literature are summarized.
Relationship Between Workplace Ostracism and Unsafe Behaviors: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Detachment and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Shuang
Published: December 2018

This research tests whether the stressor-detachment model can explain the mechanism between workplace ostracism and employees’ unsafe behaviors. We used a self-report questionnaire to assess Chinese construction workers’ workplace ostracism, psychological detachment, emotional exhaustion, and unsafe behaviors. In total, 349 valid questionnaires were collected. We used cross-sectional structural equation modeling to assess our conceptual model. The results indicate that workplace ostracism has a significant effect on psychological detachment and emotional exhaustion and thus affects employees’ unsafe behaviors. In addition, workplace ostracism could influence employees’ unsafe behaviors through the sequential combination of psychological detachment and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, psychological detachment mediates the relationship between workplace ostracism and emotional exhaustion. Taken together, our findings extend the application of the stressor-detachment model by revealing how workplace ostracism influences employees’ unsafe behaviors.
Blood Donation, Sexual Practices, and Self-Perceived Risk for HIV in the United States Among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Wentz Anna E. , Merchant Roland C. , Clark Melissa A. , Liu Tao , Rosenberger Joshua G. , Bauermeister José A. , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

In the United States, all men who have sex with men (MSM) were banned from donating blood from 1985 through 2015. In 2016, the guideline was amended such that men who had sexual contact with other men within the previous 12 months could not donate blood. We aimed to identify blood donation practices and their relationship with HIV risk and testing among young adult MSM (YMSM) at risk for having HIV.

Methods:

In 2014, we recruited HIV-negative non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white YMSM aged 18-24 from across the United States through social media platforms to complete an online survey. Among these YMSM who previously donated blood, we conducted a secondary analysis examining the relationship between having donated blood within the past 12 months and sexual risk behavior from recent condomless anal intercourse (CAI), HIV testing, and self-perceived risk of having an undiagnosed HIV infection.

Results:

Of the 2261 YMSM surveyed, 1104 (48.8%) had ever previously donated blood and 305 (13.5%) had donated blood within the past 12 months. Of the 305 blood donors, 50 (16.4%) had ever had CAI before their most recent blood donation. Among YMSM who donated blood, past–12-month blood donation was more likely among YMSM who never had CAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.73) than among YMSM who had CAI and more likely among YMSM who believed it was not possible at all that they had an undiagnosed HIV infection (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.16) than among YMSM who believed there was any possibility of having an undiagnosed HIV infection; it was not related to past–12-month HIV testing.

Conclusions:

YMSM donated blood frequently, suggesting that the deferral process in place did not prevent YMSM from donating blood. The current donor screening process should be reconsidered if it is to prevent YMSM from donating blood. Future research could identify screening questions that permit YMSM with a low risk of HIV infection to donate blood while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.
Roll-to-roll electrochemical fabrication of non-polarizable silver/silver chloride-coated nylon yarn for biological signal monitoring
Authors: Haddad Peter A , Servati Amir , Soltanian Saeid , Servati Peyman , Ko Frank
Published: December 2018

The main goal of this work is to develop a fabrication process and system for silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl)-coated yarn, as Ag/AgCl is the preferred non-polarizing material for interfacing with the body in a clinical setting when monitoring biological signals. A roll-to-roll electrochemical system was designed and built to deposit AgCl on Ag-coated nylon 6,6 yarn in a controllable process. In particular, the movement of the yarn, voltage limit and mixing of 0.9% sodium chloride solution were held constant while the applied current was varied. The Ag-coated nylon acted as the working electrode with two counter electrodes made of platinum. The optimal Ag/AgCl yarns were then further characterized. The roll-to-roll parameters identified include the applied current of approximately 1.82 mA/cm2 for the Ag-coated nylon yarn with a voltage limit of 2.00 V while in the electrochemical chamber. In addition, the yarn had a uniform movement of 0.08 cm/s, which meant that 7 cm of yarn was in the chamber for approximately 89.17 s. The fabrication process was relatively repeatable, yielding the average resistance of 11.0 ± 1.8 Ω/cm for the optimal Ag/AgCl-coated yarn with a low standard deviation between different fabrication processes. A proof-of-concept system was developed and parameters important for the fabrication of functional Ag/AgCl electronic textiles (e-textiles) were detailed. An effective roll-to-roll fabrication method for Ag/AgCl-coated yarns has the potential to significantly contribute to the design and development of wearable e-textile biological monitoring systems that require Ag/AgCl sensor materials.
India’s Turn to Rights-Based Legislation (2004–2014): A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Nilsen Alf Gunvald
Published: December 2018

This article surveys the academic literature on rights-based legislation and critically discusses key findings and arguments that emerge from this literature. I conduct this survey and discussion in light of a wider understanding of the political economy of Indian democracy as resilient but limited in terms of substantial forms of redistribution and recognition in favour of subaltern groups. This contradiction has arguably become especially pronounced in the context of neoliberalisation, where, despite the active participation of the poor in electoral democracy, socioeconomic inequality has reached dramatic heights, and I discuss rights-based legislation as a response to this. In conclusion, I reflect on whether rights-based legislation has anything to offer an oppositional political project to break with this spiral of dispossession and impoverishment.
Book review: Ghazala Jamil, Accumulation by Segregation
Authors: Khan Aasim
Published: December 2018

Ghazala Jamil, Accumulation by Segregation. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2017, 244 pp., ₹600, ISBN: 9780199091485.
Book review: Hardeep Singh Puri, Perilous Interventions: The Security Council and the Politics of Chaos
Authors: Ahmad Talmiz
Published: December 2018

Hardeep Singh Puri, Perilous Interventions: The Security Council and the Politics of Chaos. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers India, 2016, 264 pp., ₹599, ISBN: 9789351777601.
Organisational Response to Child Trafficking in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Hagos Zeray , Schmidt Glen
Published: December 2018

Organisations such as the United Nations and the United States Department of State have noted that child trafficking in Ethiopia is a very serious problem. Famine, war and disease have devastated many Ethiopian families and children are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking that is internal and external in nature. This qualitative exploratory research examined the perceived effectiveness of the agency and organiational responses to the problem of child trafficking in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. A total of 13 child care organisational managers and directors were recruited from the Tigray regional capital of Mekelle. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis pointed to challenges and difficulties in funding childcare organisations, problems in identifying victims, poor coordination between agencies, and a lack of leadership from the Mekelle Child Centre Forum.
Analysis of Incidence and Determinants of Poverty Among Scheduled Caste Households in Rural Punjab
Authors: Jain Neha , Singh Gian , Kaur Rupinder
Published: December 2018

The present article attempts to analyse the incidence and determinants of poverty among Scheduled Caste (SC) households in rural Punjab. The study based on the primary data of 543 SC households selected from rural areas of Punjab, concluded that the incidence of consumption-based poverty among different categories is slightly less than the incidence of income-based poverty among different categories of SCs across sampled districts. One explanation for this is that SC households try to maintain a minimum standard of living by taking loans from various institutional as well as non-institutional agencies. There is a negative relationship between the income earned by SC households and the percentage of those living below the poverty line (BPL). The study suggests that the proportion of SCs living BPL can decrease with an increase in their level of income and employment.
Human Insecurity in South Asia: Challenging Market Injustice
Authors: Sobhan Rehman
Published: December 2018

The article addresses the issue of social injustice by stressing on the need for social action through state initiatives for uplifting the underprivileged segments of society. 1 It is argued that while human insecurity impacts all classes of people, it is asymmetrically distributed across South Asian societies where the resource-deprived remain more vulnerable than the more privileged members of the society. Evidences show that market forces remain one of the most important drivers of insecurity. While the ruling elite has attempted to address problems of human insecurity through various welfare palliatives ranging from feeding the vulnerable to providing shelter and subsistence income support, it is the modern welfare state that remains capable of undertaking the most institutionalised public policies to address the more fundamental sources of human insecurity. The author argues that challenging human insecurity remains a more relevant response to the conditions of human deprivation than the more conventional policy objective of moving households above a given poverty line. To that end, social protection programmes need to move beyond the protection of individual risks to address more substantive market-driven risks which originate from the structural injustices of society. A body of ideas has been outlined to reduce vulnerabilities which can provide the basis for further debate. Individual countries in South Asia may draw on these ideas to calibrate their agendas for structural change to the specific institutional arrangements and underlying political economy of their respective societies.
Book review: Manoranjan Mohanty, China’s Transformation: The Success Story and the Success Trap
Authors: Reddy D. Narasimha
Published: December 2018

Manoranjan Mohanty, China’s Transformation: The Success Story and the Success Trap. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2018, XX + 376 pp., ₹1100, ISBN: 978-9386602848 (Hardcover).
Formation of Social Capital for Community College Students: A Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Chen Yu (April) , Starobin Soko S.
Published: December 2018

Objective: This quantitative study constructed a statistical model to measure family social capital and college social capital among community college students. The authors also examined influences of these two types of social capital constructs on degree aspiration. Method: This study utilized the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Student Success Literacy Survey (SSSL) to collect data in all 15 community college districts in Iowa. With more than 5,000 responses, the authors conducted descriptive analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Results: College social capital was measured by three latent variables such as interaction with advisors, interaction with faculty members, and transfer capital. The three latent variables were further measured by 14 survey items. Family social capital was measured by six survey items that described parent–child interaction in high school. The SEM results indicated that college social capital had stronger direct influences on degree aspiration compared with family social capital. The impact of family social capital was delivered through the mediation of college social capital. Contributions: Findings contributed to the literature by emphasizing the important role of institutional agents in promoting degree aspiration. Intervention programs should be implemented to encourage interactions between institutional agents and underrepresented and disadvantaged students.
Performance evaluation and design considerations for a split air-conditioner with built-in thermal energy storage
Authors: Ahmad Jehanzeb , Najam Ul Islam M , Sabir Jawwad
Published: December 2018

The benefits of thermal energy storage using phase change materials are well documented in the literature. Despite all the potential benefits of thermal energy storage, its commercial and widespread application remains limited. This is due to the high initial cost of phase change materials, extensive rework required in buildings, major modifications in HVAC systems, and the potential for leakage, fire and toxicity hazards. There is a strong need for a simple thermal energy storage solution which can be adopted by large number of consumers. Ductless split air-conditioners are portable, low cost, efficient and account for 70% of all air-conditioning systems sold worldwide each year. The present research provides a novel and low cost solution that incorporates thermal energy storage in these air conditioners, allowing them to run without electricity for 3 h. The paper deals with the detailed design aspects and engineering challenges that arise when incorporating thermal energy storage in these small units. A prototype air-conditioner with in-built thermal energy storage was developed, and all performance parameters presented have been validated through data obtained from the prototype. Our results indicate that thermal energy storage can be incorporated in split units in low cost and with minimal drop in overall energy efficiency of the system.

Practical application: Incorporating thermal energy storage in split air-conditioners which enables them to run without grid for many hours has immense practical applications. Since around 50% power in any building is consumed by HVAC systems, being able to provide cooling during peak hours without using grid can significantly reduce load on the grid without compromising user comfort. For developing countries where load shedding is frequent, the users can run these air-conditioners without the use of generators or batteries thus saving costs and the environment.