bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drying technology of mesquite pods (Prosopis laevigata) and microstructural insights
Authors: Sandoval Torres Sadoth , Lopez Cravioto Daniel , Rodríguez Ramírez Juan , Méndez Lagunas Lilia L. , Barriada Bernal Luis Gerardo , González Laura V. Aquino
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Mesquite pods offer a high nutritional content; A flour can be produced from them; nevertheless, the moisture content makes the milling process difficult. Then, before the milling operation a drying process must be implemented, but drying technology must be studied in order to characterise the process and identify the effect of drying temperature on the magnitude of drying rate.

Design/methodology/approach

Prosopis Laevigata pods were collected in Oaxaca (Southern of Mexico) and they were dried. Three stages of maturity were identified and pods in the stage three of maturity were dried by forced convection. The internal structure of the pods was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pods were dried in a tunnel dryer at 40, 50, 60 and 70° C, 10% relative humidity and air velocity of 2.6 m/s. From experimental data, a lumped analysis was conducted for drying.

Findings

We found that the internal microstructure of this material is a limiting factor for moisture migration. In order to reduce the moisture content in the pods, a minimum air temperature of 60° C must be applied. The characteristic drying curve shows a good agreement with the experimental drying kinetics. The nutritional composition (carbohydrates, sugar and protein) of pods reveals important applications for the food industry.

Practical implications

The mesquite pods are important ethnic foods. In order to obtain flour, the drying of pods is mandatory. Drying must be applied in stage three of maturity which can be identified based on color changes and moisture content. The moisture content affects the performance of milling operation, then a minimum drying temperature of 60° C and low relative humidity must be applied. SEM images show the complex microstructure of the pods which hinders the moisture diffusion. The drying characteristic curve was deduced for the first time; it helps to understand the drying behavior of pods. The chemical composition of mesquite pods reveals interesting applications for the food industry. The methodology for drying is useful for researchers and producers.

Originality/value

Mezquite pods is an interesting ethnic food for people with celiac disease. This is the first time a research paper describes the drying process at detail. The SEM images, the convective drying operation and the characteristic curve are presented for the first time. The information will be useful for the industry and academia.
The Forecasting Challenge for EC-Creamery
Authors: Hofer Christian
Published: May 2020

EC-Creamery is an Eau Claire, WI based dairy processor selling yogurt products throughout the Midwest region of the U.S. Inaccurate forecasts have wreaked havoc in the company, leading to frequent stockouts and creating operational challenges. Your task is to draw on the information you obtain from your colleagues to develop sales forecasts, document your choices and procedures and share your thoughts and insights on issues related to forecasting and sales & operations planning.
Joiner & Sons Hardware: Exploring Multichannel Opportunities to Prepare for Developing an Omnichannel Strategy
Authors: Farris Theodore
Published: May 2020

The premise of the case is how to make best use of customer shopping time while staying competitive and profitable: The increase in the number of ecommerce-based channels and the growth of Amazon and Wal*Mart have forced brick-and-mortar retailers to seek alternative ways to reach potential customers in a cost- and time-efficient manner. In the U.S., an average of 0.74 hours per day is spent purchasing goods and services, while an average of 1.77 hours per day is spent doing household activities. Regardless of location, customers all have the same 24 hours in a day and only so much of it can be spent shopping.

One of the benefits of ecommerce has been an increase in product variety offered to customers. The online marketplace has enabled consumers in many industries to locate, evaluate and purchase a far wider variety of products than they can with traditional brick-and mortar channels. 30% to 40% of Amazon book sales are titles that wouldn't normally be found in brick-and-mortar stores.
Enjoying or refraining from risk? The impact of implicit need for achievement and risk perception on SME internationalization
Authors: Handrito Radityo Putro , Slabbinck Hendrik , Vanderstraeten Johanna
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how an entrepreneur's implicit need for achievement and risk reception contribute to internationalization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves 176 Indonesian entrepreneurs. The authors use the Operant Motive Test to assess the entrepreneur's implicit needs and apply hierarchical Tobit regression to assess the interplay between implicit need for achievement, risk perception and internationalization.

Findings

The authors show that an entrepreneur's basic needs and risk perception play an essential role in SME internationalization. More specifically, the authors reveal a positive association between the entrepreneur's need for achievement and small and medium enterprises (SME) internationalization. They also show a U-shaped relationship for the moderation effect of risk perception on this relationship. That is, for a high need for achievement-motivated entrepreneur, the level of internationalization is at the highest when risk perception is either very low or very high.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors argue that analyses at the entrepreneur's individual level are indispensable to better understand firm internationalization. The authors argue that the role of psycho-cognitive characteristics of individuals (such as motivational dispositions) received too little attention, compared to factors at the firm or environmental level. This study examines such personality aspects and finds that implicit need for achievement and risk perception impact SME internationalization.
Financing Russian firms: Ireland and round tripping
Authors: Doyle Cillian , Stewart Jim
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Ireland has become one of the main sources of finance for Russian based firms. The purpose of this paper is to quantify and analyse these flows to examine governance and regulatory issues, in particular the possible effect of sanctions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on detailed searches of publicly available filings in Company House, Ireland to identify Russian connected conduits. Data was extracted from available accounts and prospectuses for 106 conduits operating in Ireland for some or all of the period 2005-2017.

Findings

The paper shows gross flows from Irish based conduits to Russian firms amounted to €118bn for 2005-2017; flows may be partly explained by round tripping; sanctions have also affected flows; flows are facilitated by close linkages with professional networks both within Ireland, and other offshore financial centres, especially London; The conduits examined have no employees and are mostly owned by a charitable trust or trust. They have become a major part of a largely unregulated shadow banking system.

Originality/value

This paper used searches of publicly available company filings to create a unique database of individual firms. Data on the use of financial centres by individual firms is hard to obtain and the results of this study may be indicative of the use and nature of conduits in other financial centres which form part of the shadow banking sector.
A cyclic symmetric model for the investigation of vibration reduction of hard-coating blisk
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Shuai , Gao Junnan , Yan Xianfei
Published: May 2020

Purpose

It is very important to create a useful cyclic symmetric model for the investigation of the vibration reduction effect of hard-coating blisk. This study aims to develop a cyclic symmetry algorithm which can determine the mode of blisk in the sector coordinate system directly.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the exponential and real quasi-equivalent Fourier matrices, the formulas for solving the sector mode were derived, and the relationship between the two kinds of sector modes was also discussed. Based on the proposed cyclic symmetry algorithm, the vibration characteristics of an academic blisk were solved, and the formulas for solving the natural characteristics and vibration responses of the coated blisk were given.

Findings

A blisk with NiCrAlCoY+YSZ hard coating on both sides of each blade was chosen as a case to demonstrate the presented method. Based on the verification analysis model, the influences of coating thickness on the vibration reduction effect of the blisk were discussed. The results show that the hard coating has good vibration reduction effect on the blisk even the coating thickness is very thin and the vibration reduction effect of hard coating in the high frequency range is obviously better than that in the low frequency range.

Originality/value

As a large number of reduced order modeling methods of blisk are implemented based on the sector modes, the proposed method which can obtain the sector modes directly will significantly improve the efficiency of dynamic modeling and analysis of the coated blisk structure.
When friends become enemies: co-opetition relationships between banks and third-party payment providers
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Yang Defeng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the conditions under which working with an incumbent downstream competitor could be a beneficial strategy for upstream firms as the case of the relationship between banks and third-party payment providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a game model, this study considers a market with two upstream firms (banks) and two downstream firms (third-party payment providers). One downstream firm is an incumbent that poses a competitive threat to the upstream market, and the other downstream firm does not.

Findings

The results show that the optimal decision for banks depends on the number of loyal users the incumbent third-party payment providers and banks have. When the bank has more loyal users than the competitive third-party provider to a certain level, it would terminate cooperation with the provider; otherwise, the bank would maintain cooperation. This is true whether the duopoly banks are symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Originality/value

This study makes contribution to the theory of co-opetition lies in the fact that it examines a special case of competition and cooperation between vertical enterprises in the bank context. This study investigates how the upstream firms do when threatened by a downstream firm while the upstream firms have other options. This study also contributes to bank marketing theory through providing explanations for some of the incomprehensible cooperation in China's payment market, which is characterized by consumer loyalty. This study extends previous new-entry competition for banks by differentiating between incumbent and new-entry downstream firms.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJBM-11-2019-0414
Efficient team formation from pool of talent: comparing AHP-LP and TOPSIS-LP approach
Authors: Dwivedi Preeti , Chaturvedi Vijit , Vashist Jugal Kishore
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This research focuses on suggesting an optimized model for selecting best employees using advanced multi-criteria decision making method to a supply chain firm, who is planning to start a new cold chain business vertical.

Design/methodology/approach

Study has been conducted in a supply chain firm in North India, who wants to expand its business with the help of efficient team members. In total 38 applicants were considered for the study, as selected by the firm after initial screening from pool of talent. AHP-LP and TOPSIS-LP integrated approach were applied separately for evaluation and implementation of personnel selection model. Further, both the approaches were compared to find the best fit and optimized model.

Findings

As per the findings, both AHP and TOPSIS can be used to select the best candidate among the alternatives available. TOPSIS was found easier to implement as it involves ranking of applicants with respect to each skills required for respective job profile only once, whereas AHP involves pair-wise comparison among candidates with respect to each skills required for respective job profile and normalization of each comparison, resulting in the formation of number of comparison matrices. However, AHP is more reliable as it considers consistency check for each level of pair-wise comparison. Hence, there is a chance to avoid or revise the human judgment error. Integrated ranking and optimization approach minimizes the cost by suggesting the relevant positions to be filed to make an efficient team.

Research limitations/implications

Group of interviewers are involved in the decision-making process, hence there are chances of biasness in ranking method which can influence the group decision. Research is limited to a particular geography of North India therefore needs to be tested for other regions also in order to generalize. The research will help the third party logistics (3PL) and other related firms in efficient team selection.

Originality/value

The researcher focuses on formalizing a method for potential candidate selection by considering the constraints of the organization. It has been observed that limited researches have been done on the application of AHP-LP or TOPSIS-LP integrated approach for selection process. Hence, this research proposes two integrated ranking-optimization method and suggests the best fit by comparing both the approaches.
Algorithm of real estate mass appraisal with inequality restricted least squares (IRLS) estimation
Authors: Doszyń Mariusz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm of real estate mass appraisal in which the impact of attributes (real estate features) is estimated by inequality restricted least squares (IRLS) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the algorithm of real estate mass appraisal, which was also presented in the form of an econometric model. Vital problem related to econometric models of mass appraisal is multicollinearity. In this paper,a prioriknowledge about parameters is used by imposing restrictions in the form of inequalities. IRLS model is therefore used to limit negative consequences of multicollinearity. In ordinary least squares (OLS) models, estimator variances might be inflated by multicollinearity, which could lead to wrong signs of estimates. In IRLS models, estimators efficiency is higher (estimator variances are lower), which could result in better appraisals.

Findings

The final effect of the analysis is a vector of the impact of real estate attributes on their value in the mass appraisal algorithm. After making expert corrections, the algorithm was used to evaluate 318 properties from the test set. Valuation errors were also discussed.

Originality/value

Restrictions in the form of inequalities were imposed on the parameters of the econometric model, ensuring the non-negativity and monotonicity of real estate attribute impact. In case of real estate, variables are usually correlated. OLS estimators are then inflated and inefficient. Imposing restrictions in form of inequalities could improve results because IRLS estimators are more efficient. In the case of results inconsistent with theoretical assumptions, the real estate mass appraisal algorithm enables having the obtained results adjusted by an expert. This can be important for low quality databases, which is often the case in underdeveloped real estate markets. Another reason for expert correction may be the low efficiency of a given real estate market.
Market frictions and the geographical location of global stock exchanges. Evidence from the S&P Global Index
Authors: Gregoriou Andros , Hudson Robert
Published: May 2020

Purpose

We examine the impact of market frictions in the form of trading costs on investor average holding periods for stocks in the S&P global 1200 index to examine constraints on international portfolio diversification.

Design/methodology/approach

We determine whether it is appropriate to pool stocks listed in the USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Japan, Asia and Australia into investigations using the same empirical specification. This is very important because the pooled effects may not provide consistent estimates of the average.

Findings

We report overwhelming econometric evidence that it is not valid to pool stocks in all the underlying regional equity indices for our investigation, indicating that the effect of frictions varies between markets.

Research limitations/implications

When we pool the stocks within markets, we discover that for companies listed in the USA, Europe, Canada and Australia, market frictions do not significantly influence holding periods and hence are not a barrier to portfolio rebalancing. However, companies listed in Latin America and Asia face market frictions, which are significant in terms of increasing holding periods.

Practical implications

We ascertain that taking into account the properties of stock markets in different geographical locations is vital for understanding the limits on achieving international portfolio diversification.

Originality/value

Unlike prior research, we overcome the problems caused by contemporaneous correlation, endogeneity and joint determination of investor average holding periods and trading costs by employing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) system panel estimator. This makes our empirical estimates robust and more reliable than the previous empirical research in this area.
Application of virtual reality in people with ASD from 1996 to 2019
Authors: Lorenzo Gonzalo , Lorenzo-Lledó Alejandro , Lledó Asunción , Pérez-Vázquez Elena
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Diversity is one of the main characteristics of modern societies. To be teachers and trainers, it is necessary to use all the tools to respond to students with diversified needs. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to review the scientific production in Web of Science (WOS) and SCOPUS of 1996-2019 on the application of Virtual reality in people with Autism Spectrum Disoders (ASD) for the improvement of social skills.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, two databases have been used: The Web of Science (WOS) and SCOPUS from the advanced search tab. After applying the search terms, 267 documents were obtained which were analysed according to a series of indicators.

Findings

The results indicate that the period 2016-2019 was the most productive and that SCOPUS has a focus on conferences and WOS is intended for journals. Furthermore, in SCOPUS, there are journals with higher quartiles (Q1) than in WOS. The study shows the great importance of virtual reality in people with ASD and its recent dissemination.

Originality/value

Currently, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no studies on the use of virtual reality in people with ASD using bibliometric indicators. The study allows us to know which databases publish higher quality research. Likewise, information can be obtained about the most productive centres and the most important authors on the subject.
How can cross-functional integration support the development of resilience capabilities? The case of collaboration in the automotive industry
Authors: Poberschnigg Tayanne Ferraz da Silva , Pimenta Marcio Lopes , Hilletofth Per
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze cross-functional integration processes and their respective impacts on resilience capabilities, with particular emphasis on collaboration, in an automotive supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in an automotive supply chain through 18 in-depth interviews with managers from six different companies, namely, two suppliers, one focal manufacturer and three customers. The automotive industry is one of the most vital industries in the Brazilian economy and is still recovering from the 2015 financial crisis, making it an interesting case for this research.

Findings

The findings reveal several links between resilience and cross-functional integration literatures through the analysis of three basic categories, namely, disruptions (lack of product, interruption of production, delivery delay, organizational bankruptcy and sales loss); capabilities (redundancy, flexibility, adaptability, collaboration, visibility and agility); and integration factors (cross-functional meetings, adequate communication, longevity of relationships, cross-functional training, recognition of interdependence and the consideration given to informal groups).

Practical implications

This research addresses several implications for practitioners. Managers should pay attention to the cross-functional teams, which may provide internal collaboration, and hence collaboration in the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a new concept for the collaboration capability. According to the results, collaboration is the capability of dealing with formal and informal factors to integrate both the internal functions and supply chain members, which can provide visibility, agility and adaptability toward supply chain resilience.
Infection, antibiotic exposure and development of atopic dermatitis: A nationwide case–control study
Authors: Choi Chong Won , Yang Bo Ram , Suh Dong In , Kim Mi‐Sook , Ohn Jungyoon , Hong Jong Soo , Lee Joongyub , Kim Kyu Han
Published: May 2020

Previous studies suggest an association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and exposure to microorganisms and antibiotics. However, these studies have limitations, and the sole influence on the development of AD was elusive. We performed a nationwide population‐based case–control study in a Korean population to investigate the association between AD and early‐life infection or antibiotic exposure. A total of 244 805 children with AD from the 2 283 601 children born between January 2010 and December 2014 and an equal number of sex‐ and age‐matched healthy children were enrolled. A conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the episode of infection and antibiotic exposure were associated with an increased risk of AD (odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58–1.63 for infection; and OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.09–1.13 for antibiotic exposure). A dose‐dependent relationship was observed between risk for AD, the number of infection episodes and antibiotic cycles and the duration of antibiotic exposure. On further analysis using a conditional logistic model, the risk of AD was less when the antibiotics were used during the infection episode than that without the use of antibiotics, especially if the duration of the infection was short. Although our study could not consider the effect of cause or severity of infection, class of antibiotics and genetic or environmental factors of enrolled subjects, our results suggested that infection and antibiotic exposure were associated with an increased risk of AD. In addition, the results also implied that the use of antibiotics during an infection episode can decrease the risk of AD induced by the infection and that appropriate management of infections can minimize the risk of AD induced by infection or antibiotics.
Velocity and event‐slope analysis using a model‐based common‐diffraction‐surface stack operator
Authors: Shahsavani Hashem , Heilmann Zeno
Published: May 2020

Over the last two decades, scientists have introduced many ways to improve normal moveout velocity analysis by optimizing the resolution of the moveout velocity spectrum, a graph that displays a coherence value for every tested velocity traveltime pair. Almost all of these methods have failed to enhance resolution when faced with low‐fold common‐midpoint gathers, which might be caused by natural barriers or man‐made obstacles. Another problem is that many approaches are derived from very simple model assumptions that quickly break down for complex structures and do not provide enough model flexibility for an iterative and interactive velocity analysis. In this paper, we present a new velocity analysis method based on the model‐based common‐diffraction‐surface stack operator and apply it to two synthetic data sets, one with locally sparse common‐midpoint coverage and one with a laterally variable complex geological structure. We generate velocity spectra by calculating the semblance along spatial operators obtained for all possible emergence angles and an entire range of velocity models. Comparing the resolution of such velocity spectra with those obtained with the classical normal moveout velocity analysis shows, in both two analysed cases, that the stacking velocity can be estimated much more precisely. The reasons for this are that the event dip is handled independently from the velocity and that the semblance is obtained, for each zero‐offset sample, over a group of neighbouring common‐midpoint gathers instead of just one.
Zooming in on mechanistic predator–prey ecology: Integrating camera traps with experimental methods to reveal the drivers of ecological interactions
Authors: Smith Justine A. , Suraci Justin P. , Hunter Jennifer S. , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Keller Carson B. , Palmer Meredith S. , Atkins Justine L. , Castañeda Irene , Cherry Michael J. , Garvey Patrick M. , Huebner Sarah E. , Morin Dana J. , Teckentrup Lisa , Weterings Martijn J. A. , Beaudrot Lydia
Published: May 2020

Camera trap technology has galvanized the study of predator–prey ecology in wild animal communities by expanding the scale and diversity of predator–prey interactions that can be analysed. While observational data from systematic camera arrays have informed inferences on the spatiotemporal outcomes of predator–prey interactions, the capacity for observational studies to identify mechanistic drivers of species interactions is limited.

Experimental study designs that utilize camera traps uniquely allow for testing hypothesized mechanisms that drive predator and prey behaviour, incorporating environmental realism not possible in the laboratory while benefiting from the distinct capacity of camera traps to generate large datasets from multiple species with minimal observer interference. However, such pairings of camera traps with experimental methods remain underutilized.

We review recent advances in the experimental application of camera traps to investigate fundamental mechanisms underlying predator–prey ecology and present a conceptual guide for designing experimental camera trap studies.

Only 9% of camera trap studies on predator–prey ecology in our review use experimental methods, but the application of experimental approaches is increasing. To illustrate the utility of camera trap‐based experiments using a case study, we propose a study design that integrates observational and experimental techniques to test a perennial question in predator–prey ecology: how prey balance foraging and safety, as formalized by the risk allocation hypothesis. We discuss applications of camera trap‐based experiments to evaluate the diversity of anthropogenic influences on wildlife communities globally. Finally, we review challenges to conducting experimental camera trap studies.

Experimental camera trap studies have already begun to play an important role in understanding the predator–prey ecology of free‐living animals, and such methods will become increasingly critical to quantifying drivers of community interactions in a rapidly changing world. We recommend increased application of experimental methods in the study of predator and prey responses to humans, synanthropic and invasive species, and other anthropogenic disturbances.
Addressing trait selection patterns in temporary ponds in response to wildfire disturbance and seasonal succession
Authors: Cunillera‐Montcusí David , Arim Matías , Gascón Stéphanie , Tornero Irene , Sala Jordi , Boix Dani , Borthagaray Ana Inés
Published: May 2020

Mediterranean ecosystems are increasingly threatened by disturbances such as wildfires. These disturbances are expected to shift the selective pressures that determine trait‐dependent community assembly. In addition, the stochasticity in species assembly may decrease because of the introduction of strong selection regimes or may increase because of random variation in recruitment. However, these changes in the selection profile and stochasticity in disturbed communities have seldom been evaluated.

We examined the relative roles of wildfire disturbance, local conditions and successional dynamics on the assembly of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. We used the theory of community assembly by trait selection (CATS) to identify traits under selection and to estimate their dependence on wildfire disturbance and environmental gradients. We took advantage of a natural wildfire that partially burned a Mediterranean system of temporary ponds, which were surveyed before and after the wildfire, creating a natural before‐after‐control‐impact design.

Before the wildfire, the burned and unburned ponds did not show differences in the selected traits. After the wildfire event, species with larger body sizes and scrapers were favoured in the burned ponds, while collectors and active dispersers were underrepresented. Nonetheless, local environmental conditions and successional dynamics had greater relevance in the selection of traits than the wildfire. This suggests that assembly mechanisms were largely determined by seasonal successional changes regardless of wildfire disturbance. Finally, the relevance of the analysed traits diminished during the hydroperiod, suggesting more stochastic assemblages and/or a replacement in the set of selected traits.

Despite the prominent role of seasonal succession over wildfire, this disturbance was associated with a change in the selection strength over specific traits related with feeding strategies and species life histories. Both hydroperiod and wildfire highlighted a strong role of trait‐mediated processes (i.e. niche assembly). Therefore, the predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires is likely to result in community functional shifts. Furthermore, stochasticity was also important for community assembly, particularly from the middle towards the end of the hydroperiod. Our results evidenced the strong relevance of successional changes in trait‐mediated assembly mechanisms and its interplay with wildfire disturbance in temporary pond communities.
The use of Minecraft in the treatment of trauma for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Gerhardt Lisa , Smith Jill
Published: May 2020

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to be the victims of child abuse and neglect than neurotypical children. This paper explores the impact of trauma on children and families, specifically children with ASD, and takes into consideration the overlapping symptoms of attachment disorders. Due to the social, behavioural, communication, and emotion regulation deficits commonly experienced by children with ASD and the overlap with disrupted attachment, treating trauma in ASD children poses its own unique challenges. At the same time, family support and involvement in the treatment of trauma for a child with ASD is crucial to the child’s recovery. This case study explores how the narrative component of TF‐CBT was adapted using a video game called Minecraft to provide a structure for an 11‐year‐old boy with ASD and a history of abuse and neglect to process his traumatic experiences in a narrative format, with his father as his support person. As a result, the client demonstrated improvements in depression symptoms and reduced perseveration about the trauma itself. The client’s father benefitted from this process as well, in that he reworked his own thinking about his and the client’s relationships with extended family members.

Practitioner points

It is challenging to treat trauma in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder due to deficits in cognition, behaviour, communication, and emotion regulation

Symptoms of attachment disorders overlap with symptoms of ASD, which also presents a challenge to treatment

It is important to consider family history and its impact on attachment when treating trauma symptoms in a child with ASD

This method allowed for a helpful and effective processing and narration of the child’s traumatic experiences, and changes in the father’s perspective of his son’s experiences
Do oil price changes really matter to the trade balance? Evidence from Korea‐ASEAN commodity trade data
Authors: Baek Jungho , Choi Yoon Jung
Published: May 2020

The contribution of this article is to assess the effect of oil prices have on the trade balance in the framework of bilateral commodity trade data between Korea and each of the four ASEAN member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. To examine this subject thoroughly, we first assume the effects of oil price changes to be symmetric and apply the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to the subject. We find that the price of crude oil indeed has an important role in affecting Korea's trade balance with those four ASEAN economies in both the long‐ and short‐run. We then separate oil price hikes from oil price plunges and implement the nonlinear ARDL method to reveal that there is evidence that changes in oil prices appear to have asymmetric effects on the trade balance for certain products in the long‐ and short‐run.
The Trade‐Off between Insurance and Incentives in Differentiated Unemployment Policies
Authors: Spinnewijn Johannes
Published: May 2020

In this paper, I revisit the central trade‐off between insurance and incentives in the design of unemployment insurance policies. The generosity of unemployment insurance benefits differs not only across countries, but also across workers within countries. After illustrating some important dimensions of heterogeneity in a cross‐country analysis, I extend the standard Baily–Chetty formula to identify the key empirical moments and elasticities required to evaluate the differentiated unemployment policy within a country. I also review some prior work and aim to provide guidance for future work trying to inform the design of unemployment policies.
Definitive lobectomy without frozen section analysis is a treatment option for large or deep nodules selected carefully with clinical diagnosis of malignancy
Authors: Mori Shohei , Noda Yuki , Shibazaki Takamasa , Kato Daiki , Matsudaira Hideki , Hirano Jun , Ohtsuka Takashi
Published: May 2020

Background

Tissue harvesting for patients with a lung nodule is sometimes unsuitable due to the size and location of the nodule. In such cases, it is unclear whether it is acceptable to proceed to definitive lobectomy without intraoperative frozen section analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent definitive lobectomy or wedge resection for frozen section analysis at our institution between 2014 and 2018. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracies of the clinical and frozen section diagnoses were evaluated against the final pathological diagnosis.

Results

There were 141 patients in the definitive lobectomy group and 58 patients in the frozen section analysis group, with the latter having smaller and less deep nodules and a lower rate of malignancy on clinical and final pathological diagnoses. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clinical diagnosis were 100%, 82%, and 95%, respectively, in the frozen section analysis group and 99%, 67%, and 97%, respectively, in the definitive lobectomy group; values of frozen section diagnosis were 98%, 82%, and 93%, respectively. On subgroup analysis, all ground‐glass nodules clinically diagnosed as malignant had a final pathological diagnosis of malignancy.

Conclusions

The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis was high and was not inferior to the frozen section diagnosis. These data suggest that definitive lobectomy is an acceptable treatment option for carefully selected patients with large or deep nodules and ground‐glass nodules clinically diagnosed as malignant. To avoid unnecessary lobectomy, frozen section diagnosis should be considered for nodules likely to be benign.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis was high and was not inferior to the frozen section diagnosis.

What this study adds

Definitive lobectomy is an acceptable treatment option for carefully selected patients with large or deep nodules and ground‐glass nodules with a clinical diagnosis of malignancy.
Ustekinumab is associated with superior effectiveness outcomes compared to vedolizumab in Crohn’s disease patients with prior failure to anti‐TNF treatment
Authors: Biemans Vince B. C. , van der Woude C. Janneke , Dijkstra Gerard , van der Meulen‐de Jong Andrea E. , Löwenberg Mark , de Boer Nanne K. , Oldenburg Bas , Srivastava Nidhi , Jansen Jeroen M. , Bodelier Alexander G. L. , West Rachel L. , de Vries Annemarie C. , Haans Jeoffrey J. L. , de Jong Dirk , Hoentjen Frank , Pierik Marieke J. ,   the Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis (ICC)
Published: May 2020

Background

Both vedolizumab and ustekinumab can be considered for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) when anti‐TNF treatment fails. However, head‐to‐head trials are currently not available or planned.

Aim

To compare vedolizumab and ustekinumab in Crohn´s disease patients in a prospective registry specifically developed for comparative studies with correction for confounders.

Methods

Crohn´s disease patients, who failed anti‐TNF treatment and started vedolizumab or ustekinumab in standard care as second‐line biological, were identified in the observational prospective Dutch Initiative on Crohn and Colitis Registry. Corticosteroid‐free clinical remission (Harvey Bradshaw Index ≤4), biochemical remission (C‐reactive protein ≤5 mg/L and fecal calprotectin ≤250 µg/g), combined corticosteroid‐free clinical and biochemical remission, and safety outcomes were compared after 52 weeks of treatment. To adjust for confounding and selection bias, we used multiple logistic regression and propensity score matching.

Results

In total, 128 vedolizumab‐ and 85 ustekinumab‐treated patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After adjusting for confounders, ustekinumab‐treated patients were more likely to achieve corticosteroid‐free clinical remission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.36‐4.90, P = 0.004), biochemical remission (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10‐4.96, P = 0.027), and combined corticosteroid‐free clinical and biochemical remission (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.23‐6.09, P = 0.014), while safety outcomes (infections: OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.63‐2.54, P = 0.517; adverse events: OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.62‐2.81, P = 0.464; hospitalisations: OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.32‐1.39, P = 0.282) were comparable between the two groups. The propensity score matched cohort with sensitivity analyses showed comparable results.

Conclusions

Ustekinumab was associated with superior effectiveness outcomes when compared to vedolizumab, while safety outcomes were comparable after 52 weeks of treatment in CD patients who have failed anti‐TNF treatment.
Reducing variation in hospital mortality for alcohol‐related liver disease in North West England
Authors: Kallis Constantinos , Dixon Pete , Silberberg Benjamin , Affarah Lynn , Shawihdi Mustafa , Grainger Ruth , Prospero Nancy , Pearson Mike , Marson Anthony , Ramakrishnan Subramanian , Richardson Paul , Hood Steve , Bodger Keith
Published: May 2020

Background

Variations in emergency care quality for alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) have been highlighted.

Aim

To determine whether introduction of a regional quality improvement (QI) programme was associated with a reduction in potentially avoidable inpatient mortality.

Method

Retrospective observational cohort study using hospital administrative data spanning a 1‐year period before (2014/2015) and 3 years after a QI initiative at seven acute hospitals in North West England. The intervention included serial audit of a bundle of process metrics. An algorithm was developed to identify index (“first”) emergency admissions for ARLD (n = 3887). We created a standardised mortality ratio (SMR) to compare relative mortality and regression models to examine risk‐adjusted odds of death.

Results

In 2014/2015, three of seven hospitals had an SMR above the upper control limit (“outliers”). Adjusted odds of death for patients admitted to outlier hospitals was higher than non‐outliers (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.32‐3.44, P = 0.002). Following the QI programme there was a step‐wise reduction in outliers (none in 2017/2018). Odds of death was 67% lower in 2017/2018 compared to 2014/2015 at original outlier hospitals, but unchanged at other hospitals. Process audit performance of outliers was worse than non‐outliers at baseline, but improved after intervention.

Conclusions

There was a reduction in unexplained variation in hospital mortality following the QI intervention. This challenges the pessimism that is prevalent for achieving better outcomes for patients with ARLD. Notwithstanding the limitations of an uncontrolled observational study, these data provide hope that co‐ordinated efforts to drive adoption of evidence‐based practice can save lives.
Poverty, adaptation and vulnerability: An assessment of women's work in Ghana's artisanal gold mining sector
Authors: Kumah Cynthia , Hilson Gavin , Quaicoe Ishmael
Published: May 2020

This paper contributes to the debate on the link between poverty and artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) – low‐tech, labour‐intensive mineral extraction and processing – in sub‐Saharan Africa. It specifically seeks to advance discussion on the idea that throughout the region, the sector's operators are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Drawing on ongoing research being conducted on marginalised women engaged in ASM in Ghana, an attempt is made to further nuance the “poverty trap‐ASM” narrative. In the context of sub‐Saharan Africa, debates on this issue should focus on the challenges faced by marginalised groups such as women, in particular how their growing dependence on monies earned from the sector for their livelihoods has increased their vulnerability.
Repositioning PARP inhibitors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection(COVID‐19); a new multi‐pronged therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Authors: Curtin Nicola , Bányai Krisztián , Thaventhiran James , Le Quesne John , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Bai Péter
Published: May 2020

Clinically approved PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have a mild adverse effect profile and are well tolerated as continuous daily oral therapy. We review the evidence that justifies the repurposing of PARPi to block the proliferation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and combat the life‐threatening sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) by several mechanisms. PARPi can effectively decrease IL‐6, IL‐1 and TNF‐α levels (key interleukins in SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced cytokine storm) and can alleviate subsequent lung fibrosis, as demonstrated in murine experiments and clinical trials. PARPi can tune macrophages towards a tolerogenic phenotype. PARPi may also counteract SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced and inflammation‐induced cell death and support cell survival. PARPi is effective in animal models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and ventilator‐induced lung injury. PARPi may potentiate the effectiveness of tocilizumab, anakinra, sarilumab, adalimumab, canakinumab or siltuximab therapy. The evidence suggests that PARPi would benefit COVID‐19 patients and trials should be undertaken.
The case for chronotherapy in Covid‐19‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Tamimi Faleh , Abusamak Mohammad , Akkanti Bindu , Chen Zheng , Yoo Seung‐Hee , Karmouty‐Quintana Harry
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the disease resulting from infection by a novel coronavirus, SARS‐Cov2, has rapidly spread since November 2019 leading to a global pandemic. SARS‐Cov2 has infected over four million people and caused over 290,000 deaths worldwide. Although most cases are mild, a subset of patients develop a severe and atypical presentation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that is characterised by a cytokine release storm (CRS). Paradoxically, treatment with anti‐inflammatory agents and immune regulators has been associated with worsening of ARDS. We hypothesize that the intrinsic circadian clock of the lung and the immune system may regulate individual components of CRS, and thus, chronotherapy may be used to effectively manage ARDS in COVID‐19 patients.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Timing of prophylactic colectomy in familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Koskenvuo L. , Ryynänen H. , Lepistö A.
Published: May 2020

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the timing of prophylactic colectomy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in Finland.

Method

All Finnish FAP patients were included from the years 1963–2018. Among the 452 FAP patients studied, 252 were called up as relatives of the proband. Of these, 180 underwent prophylactic colectomy. Patient data including mutation characteristics and surgical technique were collected. We assessed the timing of prophylactic colectomy in relation to the time of diagnosis, time of decision for surgery and age.

Results

There were 94 (52%) colectomies with ileorectal anastomosis, 79 (44%) proctocolectomies with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis and seven (4%) proctocolectomies with an ileostomy. Median age at diagnosis and at the time of surgery was 20.9 and 25.2 years, respectively. The median time from decision to operate to undergoing surgery was 4 months. There were eight (4%) cancers in the colectomy specimens, but none was found during the annual follow‐ups after the first‐round endoscopy. After genetic testing became available, the diagnosis was made primarily by either genetic testing in 52 (49%) or endoscopy in 54 (51%) patients at a median age of 17.8 and 19.3 years, respectively. Thirty‐eight (21%) patients died during follow‐up, 23 (61%) for FAP‐related reasons and only six from rectal cancer. The relative survival of 30 years from diagnosis was 84% and 78% in men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

For those who underwent surgery, timing of prophylactic surgery was successful as there were no unexpected colorectal cancers found in colectomy specimens among the screened patients. Two major improvements over the study period have changed the treatment of FAP patients: one is the introduction of the ileal pouch–anal anastomosis procedure and the other is the availability of genetic testing. FAP‐related extra‐colonic malignancies affect the relative survival of these patients after prophylactic surgery.