bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrutinization of different shaped nanoparticle of molybdenum disulfide suspended nanofluid flow over a radial porous fin
Authors: G. Sowmya , B.J. Gireesha , B.C. Prasannakumara
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the thermal behaviour of radial porous fin wetted with nanofluid containing different shaped nanoparticles in the presence of natural convection and radiation. Here, the nanofluid suspended with molybdenum disulfide nanoparticle with base fluid as water is considered. The influence of non-spherical nanoparticles such as platelet, cylinder, brick and blade shapes is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The modeled equations are non-dimensionalized and solved numerically via Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method combined with shooting scheme.

Findings

The flow natures of the pertinent parameter are represented graphically and discussed their physical significance. From the validation of obtained outcome, it is found that the use nanofluid has significant influence on heat transfer rate. Among platelet, cylinder, brick and blade shapes, brick-shaped nanoparticle shows better heat transfer rate.

Originality/value

The present paper deals with an analysis of the flow of molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles suspended in water over a porous fin of a radial profile. The effect of differently shaped nanoparticles on the heat transfer enhancement through the radial porous fin is investigated for the first time. The natural convection and radiation effects are also considered. The modeled equations are non-dimensionalized and solved numerically via Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method combined with shooting scheme. The effect of pertinent parameters on temperature field is examined. From the validation of obtained outcome it is found that the use nanofluid has significant influence on heat transfer rate. Among platelet, cylinder, brick and blade shapes, brick-shaped nanoparticle shows better heat transfer rate.
The state of IFRS in Africa
Authors: Tawiah Vincent
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to appraise existing literature on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Africa. It covers all 54 African countries and their membership in regional and international accounting bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses qualitative research methods, including review and synthesis of a variety of archival materials.

Findings

Unlike the numerous variations in IFRS adoption on other continents, IFRS countries in Africa have adopted the standards as issued by International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). However, most countries are slow to implement the ROSC (AA) recommendations for IFRS adoption due to lack of institutional and professional capacity. With regards to the unintended consequences, IFRS adoption has made international professional qualifications such as Association of Certified Chartered Accountants popular in Africa; hence, national accounting qualifications are not attractive to prospective accountants. Similarly, IFRS adoption has created a competitive advantage for the Big4 audit firms because companies in IFRS countries prefer the services of the Big4 to that of the local audit firms.

Originality/value

It is concluded that international organisations that recommend IFRS to Africa, such as the IFRS foundation, IMF and World Bank, should build the sustainable professional and institutional capacity of the countries before persuading them to adopt IFRS, because in Africa, adopting a law is easy but operationalising it has always been the challenge.
Entrepreneurial selling in context
Authors: Dalecki Linden
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a general review of the existing academic and practitioner literatures, pertaining to entrepreneurial selling with a view to articulate major entrepreneurial selling practices, patterns and principles that lead to entrepreneurial success and to propose two four-quadrant matrices.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores commonalities and distinctions in the entrepreneurial selling concepts articulated by Deutsch and Wortmann and Onyemah and Rivera-Pesquera – and relevant writings by Blank as well as Sarasvathy – are explored and analyzed.

Findings

It was found that the early stage entrepreneurial selling activities of founders – as a means of gleaning prospective customer feedback for product prototyping – form the core of contemporary entrepreneurial selling conceptualizations. Two provisional four-quadrant entrepreneurial selling matrices are proposed corresponding to the literature reviewed.

Research limitations/implications

It is hoped that the two four-quadrant matrices might serve as a springboard for future researchers interested in exploring entrepreneurial selling. The notion of preliminary selling as a valuable form of marketing research is also worthy of future research.

Practical implications

Given the extent to which the perspectives of entrepreneurship practitioners, clinical professors and consultants are cited and explored, manifold aspects of entrepreneurial selling are put forth. The various approaches to preliminary selling that are explored are of especially high value to practitioners.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to fully explore the commonalities and distinctions across the entrepreneurial selling conceptualizations developed by Deutsch and Wortmann, as well as by Onyemah and Rivera-Pesquera, and the first to propose a conceptual framework focused specifically on entrepreneurial selling.
Borrowing place brands: product branding from SMEs in the publishing industry
Authors: Noorda Rachel L.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test how company size affects the use of Scotland’s place brand in product branding by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the book industry in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a mixed-method approach to investigate place brand adoption for product branding by SMEs in the Scottish book industry through the analysis of Scotland’s place brand identifiers in a corpus of 208 online book blurbs.

Findings

Results from the analysis show that, amongst SMEs in the Scottish publishing industry, smaller companies are more likely to use Scotland place brand identifiers in product marketing.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze book blurbs from a marketing perspective and it is one of the few articles on product-place co-branding. Additionally, branding in SMEs is a relatively new and uncharted area of research to which this study contributes, and branding in book publishing is also a scarcely researched area, to which this study offers new, empirical data about the relationship between place brands and product brands.
Segmenting Islamic fashion lifestyle on Indonesian woman
Authors: Kartajaya Hermawan , Iqbal Mohammad , Alfisyahr Rizal , Deasyana Rahma Devita Lusy , Ismail Taufiq
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the typology of fashion lifestyle that is relevant to predict the individual difference in evaluating Islamic fashion product.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved female respondents aged above 16 years and wearing hijab. The sample of this research is 697 respondents from four big cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Malang) with the population in this study constituting 264 million Indonesian people. A random procedure with socio-demographic (sex, age and habitat) quotas was used for selecting respondent, and data is obtained using questionnaire research instruments.

Findings

There are 11 factors and 6 segments for clustering the respondents of Islamic fashion lifestyle. The cluster analysis demonstrated that the mean of personality pursuit, Sharia dressing style orientation and religiousity is greater than 4.00 on all clusters. This score proves that the consumers of Islamic fashion among six clusters have high level or religiousity and Sharia dressing style.

Originality/value

Considering the upcoming issue on Indonesia Moslem market subculture, this research explores market segmentation based on Islamic fashion lifestyle. In 2015, Indonesia reached the fifth rank in the world Islamic fashion market with $13.28bn potential market value and the average of 10.17% fashion industry growth annually (Euromonitor, 2018).
Impact of liquidity and financial leverage on firm’s profitability – an empirical analysis of the textile industry of Pakistan
Authors: Samo Asif Hussain , Murad Hadeeqa
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to determine the impact of liquidity and financial leverage on the profitability, using a sample of 40 selected publicly quoted companies in the textile sector of the Pakistani economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Through quantitative approach, pooled panel regression and descriptive statistics models are used by taking annual data of Pakistan’s textile sectors from 2006 to 2016. Secondary data has been gathered from financial statements of the firms.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between liquidity and profitability and negative relationship between financial leverage and profitability. The results for liquidity measure CR revealed positive strong impact on ROA and the financial leverage measure D_E ratio showed negative but not strong impact on ROA. The other part of result concluded that there is a positive strong impact of C_R on ROE too and D_E has a negative impact on ROE.

Research limitations/implications

The results are showing the impact among these ratios for the textile sector of Pakistan only.

Practical implications

This study can help higher management of textile firms firm in decision-making stating clearly about how to perform well to enhance financial health of company, which can encourage investors to invest in companies having sound market standing.

Originality/value

This study takes the latest empirical data with different analysis technique.
Thyroid dysfunction in patients with psoriasis: Higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Namiki Kaoru , Kamata Masahiro , Shimizu Teruo , Chijiwa Chika , Uchida Hideaki , Okinaga Shogo , Harafuji Midori , Nagata Mayumi , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Ohnishi Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi
Published: December 2019

The association of psoriasis with thyroid dysfunction has been investigated; however, it remains controversial. Some papers indicate it, and others do not. Thereby, we investigated the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), and the relationship between the severity of psoriasis with serum free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels. Data on 85 psoriatic patients visiting our hospital from January 2015 to November 2017 (54 men and 31 women; 51 PsV, 23 PsA 23 and 11 GPP) were retrospectively analyzed. Fourteen percent of psoriatic patients had thyroid dysfunction. The percentage of patients with thyroid dysfunction was the highest in those with GPP (45% GPP, 13% PsA, 8% PsV). Patients with thyroid dysfunction demonstrated significantly higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and elevated serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels than those without thyroid dysfunction. A significant negative correlation was observed between the serum levels of CRP and fT3 (P = 0.0032,r = −0.4635). Our data indicate that thyroid dysfunction in patients with psoriasis is associated with inflammation caused by psoriasis.
Mating system and historical climate conditions affect population mean seed mass: Evidence for adaptation and a new component of the selfing syndrome in Clarkia
Authors: Mazer Susan J. , Park Isaac M. , Kimura Matthew , Maul Emma M. , Yim Aaron M. , Peach Kristen
Published: December 2019

The evolution of seed size may be influenced by intrinsic attributes of populations, such as mating system and extrinsic factors, such as climate. Several hypotheses propose that the evolution of self‐fertilization from an outcrossing progenitor will be accompanied by a reduction in seed size, but this prediction has not been rigorously tested. Many studies report that the mean seed size of populations or taxa is associated with long‐term climate conditions. Here, we examined the effects on seed size of both mating system and climate within a single genus.

In the California wildflower genus, Clarkia (Onagraceae), we sampled seeds from 58 populations representing three pairs of sister taxa; each pair included a predominantly outcrossing and a facultatively selfing taxon. We then examined the independent effects on population mean seed size of mating system, elevation, long‐term (30‐year) climate conditions, and climate anomalies (the deviation between conditions in the year of collection and the long‐term mean), focusing on maximum monthly temperature (Tmax), cumulative moisture deficit and cumulative precipitation (PPT) during Clarkia's growing season (fall, winter and spring).

In each taxon pair, the selfing taxon had smaller seeds than the outcrosser. Local, long‐term (1921–1980 and 1981–2000) mean Tmax, PPT and elevation were independently and negatively associated with seed size. Long‐term means for Tmax and PPT explain geographical variation in seed size better than climate anomalies in the year of collection.

Synthesis. We corroborated two key hypotheses concerning the drivers of geographical variation in mean seed size. Small seeds in Clarkia co‐evolve with selfing (although the mechanism remains elusive) and in response to chronically warm and wet conditions. The effect of long‐term mean precipitation on seed size differs qualitatively from the effect of precipitation anomalies; relatively large seeds are produced in populations experiencing wetter‐than‐normal years. Ongoing climate change may therefore generate conflicting selection on seed size in Clarkia: intensifying drought is likely to lead to an evolutionary increase in seed size due to its effects on seedling survivorship, while climate‐driven declines in pollinators or selection favouring more rapid reproduction may promote the evolution of self‐pollination, facilitating the evolution of smaller seeds.
Factors and scenarios affecting a farmer’s grain harvest logistics
Authors: Kingwell Ross , Loxton Ryan , Mardaneh Elham
Published: December 2019

This paper explores how changes in Australia’s grain industry supply chains are likely to impact on the nature and profitability of an Australian farmer’s grain harvest logistics. A simulation model is used to show how receival site rationalisation, cheaper on‐farm storage, larger trucks, higher‐yielding crops and new harvest technologies, separately and in combination, affect the nature and profitability of a farmer’s grain harvest logistics. Applying the model to a typical Australian grain farm shows that many of these changes unambiguously advantage the farm business, and often, the combination of these changes increases a farmer’s harvest profits by at least 10 per cent. For many farmers, the task of efficiently designing and managing harvest logistics will be an increasingly difficult yet important series of choices due to the range of storage options, grain pathways, crop portfolios and market opportunities that are arising. A farmer’s decisions about cost‐effective on‐farm storage and transport, and their judicious use, will be a key contributor to additional profit in future years.
CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) as transcriptional repression tool for Hungateiclostridium thermocellum DSM 1313
Authors: Ganguly Joyshree , Martin‐Pascual Maria , van Kranenburg Richard
Published: December 2019

Hungateiclostridium thermocellum DSM 1313 has biotechnological potential as a whole‐cell biocatalyst for ethanol production using lignocellulosic renewable sources. The full exploitation of H. thermocellum has been hampered due to the lack of simple and high‐throughput genome engineering tools. Recently in our research group, a thermophilic bacterial CRISPR–Cas9‐based system has been developed as a transcriptional suppression tool for regulation of gene expression. We applied ThermoCas9‐based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to repress the H. thermocellum central metabolic lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) and phosphotransacetylase (pta) genes. The effects of repression on target genes were studied based on transcriptional expression and product formation. Single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) under the control of native intergenic 16S/23S rRNA promoter from H. thermocellum directing the ThermodCas9 to the promoter region of both pta and ldh silencing transformants reduced expression up to 67% and 62% respectively. This resulted in 24% and 17% decrease in lactate and acetate production, correspondingly. Hence, the CRISPRi approach for H. thermocellum to downregulate metabolic genes can be used for remodelling of metabolic pathways without the requisite for genome engineering. These data established for the first time the feasibility of employing CRISPRi‐mediated gene repression of metabolic genes in H. thermocellum DSM 1313.
LeafByte: A mobile application that measures leaf area and herbivory quickly and accurately
Authors: Getman‐Pickering Zoe L. , Campbell A. , Aflitto Nicholas , Grele Ari , Davis Julie K. , Ugine Todd A.
Published: December 2019

In both basic and applied studies, quantification of herbivory on foliage is a key metric in characterizing plant–herbivore interactions, which underpin many ecological, evolutionary and agricultural processes. Current methods of quantifying herbivory are slow or inaccurate. We present LeafByte, a free iOS application for measuring leaf area and herbivory. LeafByte can save data automatically, read and record barcodes, handle both light and dark coloured plant tissue, and be used non‐destructively.

We evaluate its accuracy and efficiency relative to existing herbivory assessment tools.

LeafByte has the same accuracy as ImageJ, the field standard, but is 50% faster. Other tools, such as BioLeaf and grid quantification, are quick and accurate, but limited in the information they can provide. Visual estimation is quickest, but it only provides a coarse measure of leaf damage and tends to overestimate herbivory.

LeafByte is a quick and accurate means of measuring leaf area and herbivory, making it a useful tool for research in fields such as ecology, entomology, agronomy and plant science.
Gender norms and intrahousehold allocation of labor in Mozambique: A CGE application to household and agricultural economics
Authors: Arora Diksha , Rada Codrina
Published: December 2019

We model intrahousehold dynamics in two rural provinces of Mozambique through the lens of computable general equilibrium (CGE) methods. The main features of our modeling framework are as follows: (a) a household social accounting matrix that captures allocation of labor and resources, and transfers among household members; (b) the explicit use of social norms in labor allocation across gender; (c) a mechanism that links agricultural production to time poverty; (d) identification of leisure as a commodity that is being produced. Simulation results and sensitivity analyses show how social norms interact with the allocation of labor and resources at the household level to impact farm production or limit the gains from technological improvements.
Physician and Pharmacist: Attitudes, Facilitators, and Barriers to Prescribing Naloxone for Home Rescue
Authors: Martino Janine G. , Smith Shawn R. , Rafie Sally , Rafie Samantha , Marienfeld Carla
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

We implemented a naloxone education and distribution program in our academic health system. Despite the program, naloxone prescribing was not fully realized. This study aimed to identify the barriers to prescribing.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods study of naloxone prescribers. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their prescribing practices, attitudes, facilitators, and barriers to prescribing naloxone. Participants were then invited for an interview to further explore these topics and elicit more in‐depth explanations.

Results

Sixty‐four physicians and eight pharmacists completed the questionnaire (n = 72). The most commonly reported barrier to prescribing naloxone was time constraints (33%). During the interviews, 14 subthemes emerged within four themes: provider competency, provider beliefs, health care system, and patient factors/social climate.

Discussion

Prescribers identified barriers to naloxone prescribing despite implementation of an institutional overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program. The results were similar to those previously reported prior to initiation of such programs.

Conclusion

In this study, we examined barriers and facilitators to naloxone prescribing. Although previous studies have shown that health care providers endorsed similar barriers, our study indicates that some of those barriers persist despite a concerted effort to educate and promote prescribing via an OEND. While our study is limited by a small, selective sample size the results indicate that improvements to our OEND program are warranted.

Scientific Significance

Our study addressed an unexplored area of OEND research and may inform future program development. (Am J Addict 2019;00:00–00)
Establishment and characterization of immortalized human eutopic endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Huang Zhi‐Xiong , Mao Xiao‐Mei , Lin Dian‐Chao , Hong Yi‐Huang , Liang Gui‐Shuang , Chen Qing‐Xi , Chen Qiong‐Hua
Published: December 2019

Problem

The application of primary eutopic endometrial cells from endometriosis patients in research is restricted for short life span, dedifferentiation of hormone responsiveness.

Method of Study

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)‐induced immortalized cells (iheESCs) were infected by lentivirus. mRNA level was examined by qRT‐PCR, and protein expression was quantified by Western blot. CCK‐8 and EdU assay were assigned to assess the proliferation. The migration and invasion of cells were assessed by transwell assay. Clone formation assay and nude mouse tumorigenicity assay were used to evaluate colony‐formation and tumorigenesis abilities.

Results

hTERT mRNA and protein were significantly expressed higher in iheESCs compared to primary cells. iheESCs grew without morphological change for 42 passages which is much longer than 18 passages of primary cells. There was no obvious difference between primary cells and iheESCs in growth, mobility, and chromosome karyotype. Furthermore, the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and estrogen/progesterone receptors remained unchanged. The decidualization of iheESCs could be induced by progesterone and cAMP. Estrogen increased the proliferation and mobility of iheESCs, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced the IL‐1β and IL‐6 promoting inflammatory response. The colony‐forming ability of iheESCs, like primary cells, was lower than Ishikawa cells. In addition, tumorigenicity assay indicated that iheESCs were unable to trigger tumor formation in BALB/c nude mouse.

Conclusions

This study established and characterized iheESCs that kept the cellular physiology of primary cells and were not available with tumorigenic ability. Thus, iheESCs would be useful as in vitro cell model to investigate pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Peripheral blood blast rate of clearance is an independent predictor of clinical response and outcomes in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Holtzman Noa G. , El Chaer Firas , Baer Maria R. , Ali Omer , Patel Ameet , Duong Vu H. , Sausville Edward A. , Singh Zeba N. , Koka Rima , Zou Ying S. , Etemadi Arash , Emadi Ashkan
Published: December 2019

The day 14 bone marrow aspirate and biopsy (D14BM) is regularly used to predict achievement of complete remission (CR) with induction chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however its utility has been questioned. Clearance of peripheral blood blasts (PBB) may serve as an early measure of chemosensitivity. PBB rate of clearance (PBB‐RC) was calculated for treatment‐naive AML patients (n = 164) undergoing induction with an anthracycline and cytarabine (7+3) and with detectable PBB at diagnosis. PBB‐RC was defined as the percentage of the absolute PBB count on the day of diagnosis that was cleared with each day of therapy, on average, until D14 or day of PBB clearance. Each 5% increase in PBB‐RC approximately doubled the likelihood of D14BM clearance (OR = 1·81; 95% CI: 1·24–2·64,P < 0·005). PBB‐RC was also associated with improved CR rates (OR per 5% = 1·97; 95% CI: 1·27–3·01,P < 0·005) and overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) per 5% = 0·67; 95% CI: 0·52–0·87]. African American patients had poorer OS adjusted for PBB‐RC (HR = 2·18; 95% CI: 1·13–4·23), while race was not associated with D14BM or CR rate. PBB‐RC during induction chemotherapy is predictive of D14BM clearance, CR, and OS, and can therefore serve as a prognostic marker for clinical outcomes in AML.
Islands in a green ocean: Spatially structured endemism in Amazonian white‐sand vegetation
Authors: Costa Flavio M. , Terra‐Araujo Mario H. , Zartman Charles E. , Cornelius Cintia , Carvalho Fernanda A. , Hopkins Michael J. G. , Viana Pedro L. , Prata Eduardo M. B. , Vicentini Alberto
Published: December 2019

Here, we examine the influence of the spatial distribution of open white‐sand campina (WSC) in the Amazon on the species richness and beta diversity of their vascular plants. It is well known that beta diversity tends to increase with geographical distance, but the influence of habitat insularity on floristic composition and endemism is still unclear. We surveyed WSC in central and southwestern Amazon, generating lists of species occurrences by rapid‐inventory techniques to evaluate the influence of island area and connectivity on alpha and beta diversity among five landscapes in the Amazon Basin. Effects of insularity were assessed by comparing alpha and beta diversity within and among landscapes. A high proportion of species (~74%) and genera (~50%) were restricted to only one of the five landscapes and only three species and 28 genera were shared among all landscapes. At the regional scale, beta diversity increased significantly with distance. Partitioning of beta diversity showed that landscapes of higher connectivity have greater turnover and lower nestedness. We conclude that the flora of WSC is highly structured at regional scales, while at the local scale structure is evident only in low connectivity landscapes. Landscape metrics apparently play an important role in shaping patterns of diversity regionally as a result of processes operating at larger geographical scales. This emphasizes that conservation policy should not be local in its geographical focus and should account for connectivity at larger scales. This study is the first to empirically and explicitly evaluate the pattern of endemism in lowland WSC in the Amazon.

Abstract in Porteges is available with online only
Small cell lung cancer: Recent changes in clinical presentation and prognosis
Authors: Caballero Vázquez Alberto , Garcia Flores Paula , Romero Ortiz Ana , García del Moral Raimundo , Alcázar‐Navarrete Bernardino
Published: December 2019

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a leading cause of death all over the world. Diagnostic and therapeutic arsenals have improved in recent years, but we are unsure as to whether these advances have been transferred to clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in SCLC diagnostic processes and short‐term survival rates between two recent cohorts.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was conducted with patients diagnosed with SCLC (either at extensive or limited stages) in the 2011‐2016 period. Patients were divided into two cohorts (2011‐2013 and 2014‐2016) and followed up for 1 year after diagnosis.

Results

Around 713 patients with lung cancer were selected, 134 of whom had SCLC (74 patients in the 2011‐2013 cohort and 60 in the 2014‐2016 cohort). We observed a chronological increase in the use of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) between the cohorts. Overall, short‐term survival was similar between the two groups and improved survival was associated with age and limited stage.

Conclusions

Changes in diagnostic process in SCLC have been observed towards a more precise stadification. Although short‐term survival has not changed for SCLC, it is unclear that the real benefit of PET‐CT and EBUS‐TBNA is far from correct disease staging.
Diagnosis of Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae complex cutaneous infection: Correlation of tissue culture and skin biopsy
Authors: Sardiña Luis A. , Kaw Urvashi , Jour George , Knabel Daniel , Dyck Rayna M. , Procop Gary W. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Harrington Susan , Demkowicz Ryan , Piliang Melissa P.
Published: December 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus and M. chelonae belong to the rapid‐growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group, which are defined by their ability to form visible colonies on agar within 7 days of subculture. Cutaneous infections by this complex show a heterogeneous clinical presentation with varied histopathologic findings. However, the presence of vacuoles in many specimens has been reported as a specific histologic finding. Herein, we correlate the histopathology of patients with tissue‐culture positive M. abscessus/M. chelonae complex in order to identify features that may prompt a rapid categorization of the infectious etiology. The cohort includes 33 skin punch biopsy specimens from 28 patients who had associated positive tissue cultures. The most frequent clinical presentation was a single or multiple nodule. Twenty‐seven specimens (81.81%) were found to have vacuoles. The observation of certain histologic features (ie, polymorphonuclear microabscesses and epithelioid granuloma formation) should raise the possibility of infection by NTM. In addition to these findings, we believe the presence of vacuoles in the dermal and subcutaneous inflammation should raise suspicion for NTM.
Management following endoscopic resection in elderly patients with early‐stage upper gastrointestinal neoplasia
Authors: Hatta Waku , Gotoda Takuji , Koike Tomoyuki , Masamune Atsushi
Published: December 2019

With the ongoing increase in the aging population in Japan, the number of elderly patients among the total population with upper gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia has also been increasing. As elderly patients present unique age‐related variations in their physical condition, the therapeutic approach for upper GI neoplasia should be differentiated between elderly and nonelderly patients. According to the existing guidelines, additional treatment is the standard therapy in patients who undergo endoscopic resection (ER) with a possible risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for upper GI neoplasia. However, due to the relatively low rate of LNM, applying additional treatment in all elderly patients may be excessive. Although additional treatment has the advantage of reducing cancer‐specific mortality, its disadvantages include deteriorated quality of life, complications, and mortality in surgery. In patients with early gastric cancer, we propose treatment decisions be made using a risk‐scoring system for LNM and upon considering the physical condition of the patient after ER with curability C‐2. In those with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with a possible risk of LNM after ER, selective chemoradiotherapy may be a less‐invasive treatment option, although the present standard treatment is esophagectomy. When considering the treatment decision, achieving a “cure” of the tumor has been regarded as critical. However, as the main cause of mortality in elderly patients with ER for upper GI neoplasia is noncancer‐related death, both achieving a “cure” and also a good level of “care” is important in the management of elderly patients.
'I wish my health professionals understood that it's not just all about your HbA1c!'. Qualitative responses from the second Diabetes MILES – Australia (MILES‐2) study
Authors: Litterbach E. , Holmes‐Truscott E. , Pouwer F. , Speight J. , Hendrieckx C.
Published: December 2019

Aims

Optimal diabetes management requires daily selfmanagement. While little time is spent with health professionals, they can have a substantial impact on how a person manages and feels about living with diabetes. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore what people with diabetes wish their health professionals understood about living with diabetes.

Methods

Thematic analysis was conducted of responses to a single open‐ended question, ‘What do you wish your health professional understood about living with diabetes?’, which was part of the Diabetes MILES‐2 survey, assessing the psychological and behavioural aspects of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Australian adults.

Results

In total, 1316 responses (56% response rate) were collected, with 1190 responses included for analysis (54% from respondents with type 1 diabetes, 46% from those with type 2 diabetes). Seven major themes emerged; respondents wished their health professional understood: 1) the potential barriers to diabetes management; 2) that it is ‘easier said than done’; 3) the social/emotional impact; 4) that they want, need and deserve more; 5) that judgements, assumptions and negative perspective are not helpful; 6) more about diabetes; and 7) that the respondent is the expert in his/her diabetes. Other comments suggested satisfactory experiences with health professionals, highlighting that some respondents had no wish for their health professional to understand more.

Conclusions

This study highlights that, although some adults with diabetes are satisfied with their health professionals’ understanding of living with diabetes, many report unmet needs and perceive a lack of person‐centred care from their health professionals.
Effects of treatment with metformin and/or sitagliptin on beta‐cell function and insulin resistance in prediabetic women with previous gestational diabetes
Authors: Daniele Giuseppe , Tura Andrea , Dardano Angela , Bertolotto Alessandra , Bianchi Cristina , Giusti Laura , Kurumthodathu Jancy Joseph , Del Prato Stefano
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate the effect of sitagliptin (SITA) and metformin (MET) monotherapy as well as in combination (MET+SITA) on beta‐cell function and insulin sensitivity in women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM) and impaired glucose regulation (IGR: impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance).

Material and Methods

Forty women were randomly assigned to receive SITA (100 mg qd), MET (850 mg bid) or MET+SITA (50 + 850 mg bid) for 16 weeks. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and +125 mg/dL hyperglycaemic clamp followed by 5 g i.v. L‐arginine were performed at baseline and end of study. The primary outcome of the study was the mean change in arginine‐stimulated insulin secretion rate during the hyperglycaemic clamp test from baseline to 16‐week therapy.

Results

At week 16, body mass index declined in all groups (−1.2 ± 0.2 kg/m2; P < 0.05). MET+SITA gave a greater increase of first phase(2–10 min) insulin secretion and arginine‐stimulated response (720.3 ± 299.0 to 995.5 ± 370.3 pmol/L and 3.2 ± 0.6 to 4.8 ± 1.0 pmoL/min, respectively, both P < 0.05) compared with MET and SITA. Similarly, MET+SITA was more effective in increasing OGTT‐based glucose sensitivity (55.7 ± 11.3 to 108 ± 56.2 pmol x min−1 m−2 x mM−1; P = 0.04) and insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal (M/I: 2.2 ± 0.5 to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/kg/min÷μIU/min/ml; P = 0.04; Matsuda index [SI]: 3.1 ± 0.4 to 5.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.03) compared with either MET or SITA. Disposition index (ISSI‐2) increased with MET+SITA and SITA (both P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in MET. Among MET+SITA women, 33% reverted to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) compared with 14% with MET and 7% with SITA (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study shows that MET+SITA is superior to SITA and MET monotherapy regarding beta‐cell function and insulin sensitivity improvement in IGR women with previous GDM, and may offer a potential pharmacologic intervention to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in this high‐risk population.
Control of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback, using composting
Authors: Noble Ralph , Woodhall James W. , Dobrovin‐Pennington Andreja , Perkins Kate , Somoza‐Valdeolmillos Eder , Gómez Haizea L. , Lu Yi , Macarthur Roy , Henry Christine M.
Published: December 2019

Viability of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus inocula following temperature treatments for different exposure times was examined in vitro and in aerated flask‐ and large‐scale composting tests using green waste. After an exposure for up to 10 days at 20°C, 97.3% of H. fraxineus mycelium and pseudosclerotia plate cultures remained viable. No viability was detected following a 3‐day exposure to 40°C or a 1‐day exposure to 45°C although pseudosclerotia were more tolerant than mycelium to an exposure to 35°C. Primordial apothecia of H. fraxineus emerged from 62%–100% of infected ash rachises collected from two infected sites and stored at 4°C for 0–5 months; exposure to compost for up to 10 days at 20°C did not affect this emergence. No emergence of H. fraxineus apothecia was observed from ash rachises that were exposed to compost at 45°C for 1 day or at 35°C or 40°C for 3 days in flasks or at 40°C for 1 day or at 30°C for 5 days in a large‐scale composting system. Based on a fitted model, estimates of the survival of H. fraxineus inoculum in infected ash rachises exposed to compost at 50°C for 1 day were 0.081% of that in the untreated H. fraxineus ash rachis inoculum. Increasing loss in viability of H. fraxineus inoculum in infected ash rachises during longer and warmer exposures to compost at 35°C–45°C corresponded with a reduced concentration of pathogen DNA detected in the rachises using real‐time PCR. However, exposure of rachises to compost at >53°C resulted in a smaller reduction in pathogen DNA detected than exposure to compost at lower temperatures, possibly due to the inhibition of enzymatic degradation of DNA at elevated temperatures.
Substrate stoichiometry determines nitrogen fixation throughout succession in southern Chinese forests
Authors: Zheng Mianhai , Chen Hao , Li Dejun , Luo Yiqi , Mo Jiangming
Published: December 2019

The traditional view holds that biological nitrogen (N) fixation often peaks in early‐ or mid‐successional ecosystems and declines throughout succession based on the hypothesis that soil N richness and/or phosphorus (P) depletion become disadvantageous to N fixers. This view, however, fails to support the observation that N fixers can remain active in many old‐growth forests despite the presence of N‐rich and/or P‐limiting soils. Here, we found unexpected increases in N fixation rates in the soil, forest floor, and moss throughout three successional forests and along six age‐gradient forests in southern China. We further found that the variation in N fixation was controlled by substrate carbon(C) : N and C : (N : P) stoichiometry rather than by substrate N or P. Our findings highlight the utility of ecological stoichiometry in illuminating the mechanisms that couple forest succession and N cycling.
Situation‐centered goal reinforcement of activities of daily living in smart home environments
Authors: Oyeleke Richard O. , Chang Carl K. , Margrett Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Older adults with early‐stage dementia (ED) can experience confusion or lack clarity when performing routine activities of daily living (ADLs). These circumstances predispose the older adult to safety‐critical and often risky situations. A safety‐critical risky situation is one that constitutes a hazard. To support independent living, a sensor‐laden smart environment can be employed to mitigate such hazards. In this paper, we propose a situation‐centered goal reinforcement framework that supports older adults with ED in their decision making, and guides them through their ADL in order to fulfill their goal or intention and avoid hazards. First, we employ an LSTM (Long Short‐Term Memory) model to infer the current goal of the resident, using their previously observed normal ADL patterns. Secondly, we identify potentially risky situations in their currently observed goal path. We then incorporate a situ‐learning agent (SLA) that helps an inhabitant to make the right decision, thus preventing adverse events while guiding her through the task sequence that leads to her goal state. In addition, we use a naïve agent to simulate episodes of confusion similar to those that might be experienced by older adults with ED. We validated our method against an open‐source dementia dataset (Quesada et al., 2015) by considering four types of ADLs as case studies. We achieved an accuracy of 90.1% for our goal inference model, higher than the accuracies reported by related studies. We also reported other metrics including precision, recall and f1‐score for goal inference model. Finally, SLA's action recommendations relevance was evaluated accordingly.
Neighborhood Dynamics with Unharmonized Longitudinal Data
Authors: Dias Fabio , Silver Daniel
Published: December 2019

This article proposes a novel method for data‐driven identification of spatiotemporal homogeneous regions and their dynamics, enabling the exploration of their composition and extents. Using a simple network representation, the method enables temporal regionalization without the need for geographical harmonization. To allow for a transparent corroboration of our method, we use it as a basis for an interactive and intuitive interface for the progressive exploration of the results. The interface guides the user through the original data, enabling both experts and nonexperts to characterize broad patterns of stability and change and identify detailed local processes. The proposed methodology is suitable for any region‐based data, and we validate our method with illustrative scenarios from Chicago and Toronto, with results that match the established literature. The system is publicly available, with demographic data for over forty regions in the USA and Canada between 1970 and 2010.
Characterizing Water Flow in Vegetated Lysimeters with Stable Water Isotopes and Modeling
Authors: Shajari Fatemeh , Einsiedl Florian , Rein Arno
Published: December 2019

We have used stable water isotopes (δ18O, δ2H) in combination with lumped‐parameter modeling for characterizing unsaturated flow in two lysimeters vegetated with maize. The lysimeters contained undisturbed soil cores dominated by sandy gravel (Ly1) and clayey sandy silt (Ly2). Stable water isotopes were analyzed in precipitation and lysimeter outflow water over about 3 years. The mean transit time of water T and dispersion parameter PD, obtained from modeling, were higher for the silt soil in Ly2 than for the gravel soil in Ly1 (T of 362 vs. 129 d, PD of 0.7 vs. 0.12). The consideration of preferential flow (PF) paths could substantially improve the model curve fits, with 13 and 11% contribution of PF for Ly1 and Ly2 as best estimates. Different assumptions were compared to estimate the input function, that is, stable water isotope content in the recharging water. Using the isotopic composition of precipitation as input (no modification) resulted in reasonable model estimations. Best model fits for the entire observation were obtained by weighting the recharging isotopes according to average precipitation within periods of 3 and 6 months, in correspondence to changing vegetation phases and seasonal influences. Input functions that consider actual evapotranspiration could significantly improve modeling at some periods, however, this led to deviations between modeled and observed δ18O at other periods. This may indicate the influence of variable flow, so that dividing the whole observation period into hydraulically characteristic sub‐periods for lumped‐parameter modeling (which implements steady‐state flow) is recommended for possible further improvement.
Introducing a three‐tier sustainability framework to examine bike‐sharing system use: An extension of the technology acceptance model
Authors: Jamšek Simon , Culiberg Barbara
Published: December 2019

There is growing interest among the general public and researchers in the sharing economy, because of its profound impact on individuals, businesses and governments today. A particular kind of the sharing economy is bike‐sharing systems which provide benefits for users, societies and the environment, suggesting sustainability could play an important role in their use. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to examine bike‐sharing users through a three‐tier framework, where sustainability is considered at multiple tiers, that is, micro (personality), mezzo (relations) and macro (system) tiers. In line with this proposition, the conceptual model is an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), representing factors at the macro tier, that is, perceived sustainable usefulness and ease‐of‐use, influenced by bike quality. The effect of sustainable subjective norms on loyalty plays out at the mezzo tier, while sustainable extraversion is linked to loyalty at the micro tier. The model was tested on a sample of bike‐sharing system users. The results show that bike quality positively influences perceived sustainable usefulness, but not ease‐of‐use; however, ease‐of‐use positively influences loyalty among users, while usefulness does not. In addition, sustainable subjective norms and sustainable extraversion have a significant positive effect on user bike‐sharing system loyalty. The findings offer a range of implications for the providers of bike‐sharing systems, municipalities and governments which are promoting alternative means of transportation to reduce the carbon footprint.
Disaster Situation and Humanitarian Emergency – In‐Between Responses to the Refugee Crisis in Germany
Authors: Dittmer Cordula , Lorenz Daniel F.
Published: December 2019

In 2015, the needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees who arrived in Germany could only be met by deploying all available civil protection units. This article presents procedures and practices of state and non‐state formal actors in the field of civil protection and related crisis management structures implemented and established across the board in the municipalities, the Federal Government and mass shelters, in particular in Bavaria. From a disaster research and humanitarian studies perspective we use the concept of “patterns of interpretation” to analyse the application of the “humanitarian emergency” and the “disaster situation” procedures to discuss whether the situation can really be categorized as “either‐or” or whether the coexistence of the two served a function in managing such a complex situation. Finally, we discuss some developments that occurred after 2015/16 and consider the extent to which these developments shift or expand the existing patterns of interpretation.