bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring blockchain technology in international trade
Authors: Chang Shuchih Ernest , Chen Yi-Chian , Wu Tzu-Ching
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of blockchain technology in international trade process from a perspective of letter of credit payment.

Design/methodology/approach

A blockchain-based re-engineering process is designed by employing the blockchain and its affiliated smart contract technology to harvest the benefits of distributed ledger and distributed business workflow automation.

Findings

Comparative analysis and feasibility study were conducted to identify and validate the prospects, in terms of facilitating process flow and enhancing overall trade performance, of the proposed blockchain-based international trade process model.

Practical implications

Traditional trade processes suffer from a great number of issues about intermediaries, information latency and trust, which, in turn, hinder overall process efficiency. The emerging blockchain technology may have potentials to mitigate those issues by revolutionizing business processes across enterprise borders in various industries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the conceptual design of a blockchain- and smart-contract-based process along with a provision of practical case in business process re-engineering. Further endeavors devoted to blockchain research and application across different sectors are suggested to reach better performance of business process operations.
Exploring relationship between value perception and luxury purchase intention
Authors: Jain Sheetal
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Although India is home to the world’s largest millennial population, so far, hardly any studies exist that explain the key drivers leading to the luxury goods consumption among this generational cohort. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop and empirically test the conceptual framework designed to measure the relationship between luxury value perceptions and purchase intentions among the young Indian luxury consumers, and, second, to examine the moderating effect of gender in the relationship between luxury value perceptions and purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling technique was employed to collect the data from young luxury fashion consumers. Statistical tests including confirmatory factor analysis, multi-group analysis and structural equation modeling were applied for data analysis.

Findings

The findings show that the conspicuous value is the most significant determinant of luxury purchase intention followed by the experiential value, susceptibility to normative influence and utilitarian value. The uniqueness value was found to have weak relationship with purchase intention. Furthermore, results revealed that the relationship between the luxury values and the luxury buying intentions does not vary significantly between male and female.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that provides meaningful insights to the academicians and marketing practitioners about why millennials buy luxury fashion brands in emerging markets like India.
The role of bite force in the evolution of head shape and head shape dimorphism in Anolis lizards
Authors: De Meyer Jens , Irschick Duncan J. , Vanhooydonck Bieke , Losos Jonathan B. , Adriaens Dominique , Herrel Anthony
Published: August 2019

Patterns of convergent evolution in head shape, combined with performance measures, provide ideal opportunities to understand the processes driving its evolution. Anole lizards represent an excellent subject to test this, as recurrent habitat specialists or ecomorphs evolved independently across different islands.

We show that phenotypic similarity corresponds to both phylogenetic similarity and similarity in habitat, indicating that there is convergent evolution in head shape among ecomorphs. Moreover, we show that the evolution of tall, wide heads correlate with the evolution of higher bite forces, driving head shape variation among and within ecomorphs.

In addition, the processes affecting head shape variation can differ between sexes, leading to sexual head shape dimorphism. These processes might, however, still depend on the habitat. Consequently, there could also be convergent evolution in head shape dimorphism among ecomorphs.

We found no evidence for convergent evolution in sexual head shape dimorphism. Moreover, the sexual head shape dimorphism correlates poorly with bite force, suggesting that intersexual head shape differences are related to other functions. Different processes are thus driving the evolution of head shape and head shape dimorphism.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Tracking seasonal activity of the western blacklegged tick across California
Authors: MacDonald Andrew J. , O’Neill Craig , Yoshimizu Melissa H. , Padgett Kerry A. , Larsen Ashley E.
Published: August 2019

Understanding seasonal patterns of activity, or phenology, of vector species is fundamental to determining seasonality of disease risk and epidemics of vector‐borne disease. Spatiotemporal variation in abiotic conditions can influence variation in phenological patterns and life history events, which can dramatically influence the ecological role and human impact of a species. For arthropod vectors of human diseases such as ticks, these phenological patterns determine human exposure risk, yet how abiotic conditions interact to determine suitable conditions for host‐seeking of vector species is difficult to disentangle.

Here, we use MaxEnt to model spatial patterns and differences in host‐seeking phenology of the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) in California using spatially and temporally refined adult tick occurrence data and similarly refined climate and environmental data. We empirically validate the model using phenological data from field studies conducted at sites across California's latitudinal gradient.

We find adult tick host‐seeking activity varies substantially throughout the year, as well as across the large latitudinal gradient in the state. Suitable conditions for host‐seeking are found earlier in fall and later in the spring in northern than in southern California. These seasonal patterns are primarily associated with monthly precipitation, minimum winter temperature, and winter precipitation, with maximum monthly temperature possibly playing a more prominent role in limiting host‐seeking activity earlier in the spring in southern than northern California.

Synthesis and applications. Modelling the seasonal activity of the western blacklegged tick, we find both a longer window for host‐feeding and more protracted risk of human exposure to this vector species in northern than southern California. We further identify key environmental factors associated with these patterns, including precipitation and temperature that are otherwise challenging to elucidate in field and laboratory studies over large spatial scales. Moreover, we illustrate how species distribution models, in combination with temporally refined species occurrence and environmental data, can be used to investigate environmental factors predictive of geographic variation in seasonality or phenology of vector species. This produces not only novel ecological insight, but key information for public health practitioners in managing vector‐borne disease transmission and targeting public outreach and interventions.
Grassland restoration characteristics influence phylogenetic and taxonomic structure of plant communities and suggest assembly mechanisms
Authors: Barber Nicholas A. , Farrell Anna K. , Blackburn Ryan C. , Bauer Jonathan T. , Groves Anna M. , Brudvig Lars A. , Jones Holly P.
Published: August 2019

Phylogenetic and species‐based taxonomic descriptions of community structure may provide complementary information about the mechanisms driving community assembly across different environments. Environmental filtering may have similar effects on taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity under the assumption of niche conservatism, whereas competitive exclusion could produce contrasting patterns in these diversity metrics. In grassland restorations, these diversity patterns might then reveal potential assembly mechanisms underlying the impacts of restoration and management conditions on community structure.

We compared plant community structure (alpha diversity, composition, and within‐site beta diversity) from both phylogenetic and taxonomic perspectives. Using surveys from 120 tallgrass prairie restorations in four regions of the Midwestern United States, we examined the effects of four potential drivers or environmental gradients: precipitation in the first year of restoration, seed mix richness, time since last prescribed fire, and restoration age, and included soil conditions as a covariate.

First‐year precipitation influenced taxonomic community structure, but had weak effects on phylogenetic diversity and composition. Similarly, greater seed mix richness increased taxonomic diversity but did not influence phylogenetic diversity. Taxonomic, but not phylogenetic, diversity generally was lower in older restorations and those with a longer time since the last prescribed fire. These drivers consistently explained more variation in taxonomic than phylogenetic diversity and composition, perhaps in part because species turnover was largely among related species, producing weak impacts on phylogenetic community measures.

An impact of precipitation on taxonomic but not phylogenetic diversity suggests that there may not be large differences in drought tolerance among clades that would cause phylogenetic patterns to arise from this environmental filter. Declining taxonomic diversity but not phylogenetic diversity is consistent with competitive exclusion as an assembly mechanism when competition is strongest between related species.

Synthesis. This research shows how studying taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of ecosystem restorations can inform plant community ecology and help natural resource managers better predict the outcomes of restoration actions and management.
Teacher attitudes in Italy after 40 years of inclusion
Authors: Saloviita Timo , Consegnati Simone
Published: August 2019

In 1977, Italy adopted a policy to fully include students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. This study surveyed the attitudes of Italian teachers towards inclusive education 40 years after this reform. The data were collected from 153 basic school teachers using the Teachers' Attitudes towards Inclusion Scale (TAIS). The results indicate that the Italian teachers had a high level of commitment to inclusive education. Approximately 90% of the respondents agreed that students with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream classrooms, and only 7% felt that they should be transferred to special education classrooms instead. To improve the quality of inclusive education, the teachers most frequently mentioned the need for more in‐service training, smaller class sizes, and additional help from support teachers and therapists in the classroom.
An Adaptive, Contextual, Technology‐Aided Support (ACTS) System for Chronic Illness Self‐Management
Authors: GLASGOW RUSSELL E. , HUEBSCHMANN AMY G. , KRIST ALEX H. , DEGRUY FRANK V.
Published: August 2019

Policy Points

Fundamental changes are needed in how complex chronic illness conditions are conceptualized and managed.

Health management plans for chronic illness need to be integrated, adaptive, contextual, technology aided, patient driven, and designed to address the multilevel social environment of patients’ lives.

Such primary care–based health management plans are feasible today but will be even more effective and sustainable if supported by systems thinking, technological advances, and policies that create and reinforce home, work, and health care collaborations.

Context

The current health care system is failing patients with chronic illness, especially those with complex comorbid conditions and social determinants of health challenges. The current system combined with unsustainable health care costs, lack of support for primary care in the United States, and aging demographics create a frightening probable future.

Methods

Recent developments, including integrated behavioral health, community resources to address social determinants, population health infrastructure, patient‐centered digital‐health self‐management support, and complexity science have the potential to help address these alarming trends. This article describes, first, the opportunity to integrate these trends and, second, a proposal for an integrated, patient‐directed, adaptive, contextual, and technology‐aided support (ACTS) system, based on a patient's life context and home/primary care/work‐setting “support triangle.”

Findings

None of these encouraging trends is a panacea, and although most have been described previously, they have not been integrated. Here we discuss an example of integration using these components and how our proposed model (termed My Own Health Report) can be applied, along with its strengths, limitations, implications, and opportunities for practice, policy, and research.

Conclusions

This ACTS system builds on and extends the current chronic illness management approaches. It is feasible today and can produce even more dramatic improvements in the future.
Sexual functioning and its correlates in premenopausal married Indian women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pinto Benzeeta , Grover Sandeep , Dhooria Aadhaar , Rathi Manish , Sharma Aman
Published: August 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate sexual functioning and its association with disease activity, damage, marital satisfaction, fatigue and psychiatric comorbidity in married women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

One hundred and twelve premenopausal married women with SLE were included in the study. Disease activity and damage were assessed using Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA‐SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) respectively. Female sexual function index (FSFI) and couple satisfaction index (CSI) were used to evaluate sexual function and marital satisfaction respectively. Depression, anxiety and fatigue were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) respectively.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 34.0 (SD 6.8) years. Mean SELENA‐SLEDAI was 3.67 (SD 4.2) and mean SDI was 0.25 (SD 0.62). Median steroid dose at the time of evaluation was 7.5 mg/d of prednisolone. Based on FSFI total score, impaired sexual functioning was found in 60.7%. However, when the cut‐off of different domains was considered, more than 90% of the participants reported problems in desire, arousal and lubrication. The mean CSI score was 130.39 ± 26.17. Eighteen patients (16.1%) had CSI lower than the cut‐off score (104.5) suggestive of marital distress. On univariate analysis sexual function showed a correlation with marital satisfaction (r = .34, P < .001), dose of steroids(r = −.26, P = .008), disease activity (r = −.21, P = .027), depression (r = −.19, P = .039) and anxiety (r = −.201, P = .034).

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in premenopausal married females with SLE. Higher dose of steroids, disease activity, depression,anxiety and marital satisfaction were associated with poor sexual functioning in one or more domains.
General practice registrars’ experiences of antenatal care: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Pappalardo Emma , Magin Parker , Tapley Amanda , Davey Andrew , Holliday Elizabeth G. , Ball Jean , Spike Neil , FitzGerald Kristen , Morgan Simon , van Driel Mieke L.
Published: August 2019

Background

General practitioners play an important role in diagnosis and ongoing management of pregnancies. Some GP registrars entering GP training may have had no post‐graduate experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. GP registrars’ involvement in antenatal care is under‐researched.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associations of Australian GP registrars’ clinical consultations involving antenatal care.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training (ReCEnT) cohort study. GP registrars record details of 60 consecutive consultations during each of three six‐month training terms. Associations of managing pregnancy‐related problems (compared to all other problems) were analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Independent variables included registrar, practice, patient, consultation and educational factors.

Results

Antenatal care comprised 3277 (1.1%) of registrar problems/diagnoses. Consultations involving pregnancy‐related problems were significantly associated with registrars being female, in term three, younger, and having post‐graduate qualifications in obstetrics/gynaecology. Patients were significantly more likely to be from a non‐English speaking background. Pregnancy‐related problems/diagnoses were more likely to be seen in lower socioeconomic areas. Consultation factors significantly associated with a pregnancy‐related problem/diagnosis included ordering imaging, ordering pathology, arranging referrals, and a longer duration of consultation. Registrars were less likely to prescribe medication or generate learning goals.

Conclusions

GP registrars see fewer antenatal problems compared to established GPs. Male registrars, especially, have significantly less exposure to antenatal care, suggesting potential limitation of opportunity to gain skills and experience in antenatal care.
Debt‐Bonded Brick Kiln Workers and Their Intent to Return: Towards a Labour Geography of Smallholder Farming Persistence in Cambodia
Authors: Natarajan Nithya , Parsons Laurie , Brickell Katherine
Published: August 2019

Despite the increasing preponderance of non‐farm work in Cambodia, labour migrants across a range of working conditions remain linked to their rural homesteads through durable financial and social arrangements. This article explores this phenomenon through the case of debt‐bonded brick kiln workers in Phnom Penh, formerly smallholder farmers in villages. Drawing on the field of labour geography, the article first examines the process by which labourers became debt‐bonded, thus situating them within the country’s broader agrarian transition and recasting peasants as rural labour. It then explores workers’ perceptions of rural life, suggesting that the unfreedom of kiln work, contrasted with the fixedness and potential for mobility in rural life, makes workers aspire to return to their land. The article ultimately highlights how the persistence of smallholder farmers can be understood as an issue of poor work under neoliberalism in Cambodia, and draws light on the agency of labour in understanding this.
At Once the Saviours and the Saved: “Diaspora Girls”, Dangerous Places, and Smart Power
Authors: Wilson Kalpana
Published: August 2019

This article explores how racially marked young women and girls are sought to be discursively and materially incorporated into markets and imperial economic and geopolitical strategies in spatially differentiated ways, through an examination of a series of media productions which portray the engagement of young racialised British citizens with their countries of heritage. I propose the term “diaspora girls” to refer to the protagonists of these media productions, who are understood as embodying “British” post‐feminist gender values and heroically carrying them to “dangerous” spaces of gender oppression and violence. In the context of current constructions of diasporas as agents of development, alongside the framing of migration as a “security threat” to the global North, these British citizens are viewed as ideally positioned to further the contemporary imperialist project. Their perceived empowerment is understood to be fragile and contingent, however, because of their affective connection with these spaces. Further, for those who are Muslim in particular, their perceived Britishness is understood as requiring continual reaffirmation and proof, thus reinforcing racialised structures of citizenship, and legitimising a border regime which reinscribes permanent North–South inequality.
γ‐Secretase inhibition affects viability, apoptosis, and the stem cell phenotype of endometriotic cells
Authors: Ramirez Williams Laura , Brüggemann Kathrin , Hubert Marina , Achmad Nurjannah , Kiesel Ludwig , Schäfer Sebastian D. , Greve Burkhard , Götte Martin
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Stem cells mediate cyclic regeneration of the endometrium. The upregulated expression of receptors and modulators of the notch signaling pathway in endometriosis suggests an involvement in the pathogenetic process. Here, we investigated the effects of notch pathway inhibition by a γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI) on stemness‐associated properties of the epithelial endometriotic cell line 12Z and of primary endometriotic stroma cells.

Material and methods

12Z cells and primary endometriotic stroma cells of 7 patients were treated with or without GSI, and analyzed for changes in gene expression by TaqMan low‐density arrays, quantitative PCR, and flow cytometry. The functional impact of GSI treatment was studied by MTT assay, cell cycle analysis, colony formation assay, annexin V apoptosis assay, and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity assays.

Results

In 12Z cells, GSI treatment reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and colony formation, and induced a shift to the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was increased in both cell models. GSI further induced transcriptional downregulation of the stemness‐associated factors leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), sex‐determining region Y (SRY)‐ box 2, interferon‐induced transmembrane protein 1, and hes‐related family bHLH transcription factor with YRPW motif 1, in 12Z cells and in primary cell cultures. Downregulation of LIFR expression by GSI was confirmed at the protein level by flow cytometry.

Conclusions

Our in vitro data suggest that application of GSI may be a worthwhile approach in the treatment of endometriosis that warrants further investigation.
Urokinase‐type plasminogen activator contributes to amiloride‐sensitive sodium retention in nephrotic range glomerular proteinuria in mice
Authors: Hinrichs Gitte R. , Weyer Kathrin , Friis Ulla G. , Svenningsen Per , Lund Ida K. , Nielsen Rikke , Mollet Géraldine , Antignac Corinne , Bistrup Claus , Jensen Boye L. , Birn Henrik
Published: August 2019

Aim

Activation of sodium reabsorption by urinary proteases has been implicated in sodium retention associated with nephrotic syndrome. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that nephrotic proteinuria in mice after conditional deletion of podocin leads to urokinase‐dependent, amiloride‐sensitive plasmin‐mediated sodium and water retention.

Methods

Ten days after podocin knockout, urine and faeces were collected for 10 days in metabolic cages and analysed for electrolytes, plasminogen, protease activity and ability to activate γENaC by patch clamp and western blot. Mice were treated with amiloride (2.5 mg kg−1 for 2 days and 10 mg kg−1 for 2 days) or an anti‐urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) targeting antibody (120 mg kg−1/24 h) and compared to controls.

Results

Twelve days after deletion, podocin‐deficient mice developed significant protein and albuminuria associated with increased body wt, ascites, sodium accumulation and suppressed plasma renin. This was associated with increased urinary excretion of plasmin and plasminogen that correlated with albumin excretion, urine protease activity co‐migrating with active plasmin, and the ability of urine to induce an amiloride‐sensitive inward current in M1 cells in vitro. Amiloride treatment in podocin‐deficient mice resulted in weight loss, increased sodium excretion, normalization of sodium balance and prevention of the activation of plasminogen to plasmin in urine in a reversible way. Administration of uPA targeting antibody abolished urine activation of plasminogen, attenuated sodium accumulation and prevented cleavage of γENaC.

Conclusions

Nephrotic range glomerular proteinuria leads to urokinase‐dependent intratubular plasminogen activation and γENaC cleavage which contribute to sodium accumulation.
Postnatal cranial ontogeny of the Greater Bulldog Bat Noctilio leporinus (Chiroptera: Noctilionidae)
Authors: Monrroy Ginna A. , Reyes‐Amaya Nicolás , Jerez Adriana
Published: August 2019

We studied the postnatal development of the skull of Noctilio leporinus, examining the relationship between ectocranial elements, including shape changes and sutures closure and fusion. Most shape changes and structure development were observed at subadults and adults; zygomatic arch, sagittal crest, occipital process and mandibular processes developed noticeably up to the adult stage. Cranial sutures closure and fusion sequences of N. leporinus agree with that of hystricomorph rodents, artiodactyls, primates, sirenians and carnivores, beginning with the cranial vault followed by the basicranium, supporting a conserved pattern for mammalia. Detailed comparisons exhibit a complete cranial sutures fusion reached earlier at Desmodus rotundus regarding N. leporinus and Pteropus sp., and an early fusion for the sutura coronalis plus late fusion for the sutura sagittalis at N. leporinus regarding Desmodus rotundus. The drastic shape changes of cranial elements, as well as sutures closure and fusion in N. leporinus at subadults and adults, seem to be closely related to the acquisition of morphological specializations during stages of development when the fisher bat begins to feed independently.
Inequality and antibiotic resistance: A contractualist perspective
Authors: Millar Michael
Published: August 2019

There are substantial inequalities associated with antibiotics and the determinants of their effectiveness, including the risk of exposure to antibiotic‐resistant microbes, access to relevant treatment advice, diagnostic facilities, risk of life‐threatening infectious disease, and access to antibiotics. Current arrangements (social, political, economic) allow inequalities in the distribution of antibiotic benefits and burdens. This article focuses on the justification of relevant inequalities from a contractualist perspective.
Testing the heritability and parent‐of‐origin hypotheses for ages at onset of psoriatic arthritis under biased sampling
Authors: Lakhal‐Chaieb Lajmi , Cook Richard J. , Zhong Yujie
Published: August 2019

The heritability and parent‐of‐origin effect hypotheses for chronic diseases can be evaluated by estimating and conducting inference about the parameters that measure the within‐family dependences in disease onset times. We model the within‐family associations in these times using a Gaussian copula whose correlation matrix accommodates the different pairwise family relationships. We derive score‐type statistics to test the heritability and parent‐of‐origin effect hypotheses when the families selection protocol induces a sampling bias. We illustrate the use of the developed methods through an application to a motivating family study in Psoriatic arthritis and provide strong evidence of excessive paternal transmission of risk.
Autoimmune encephalitis: What has changed during the past 15 years?
Authors: Pantoja‐Ruiz Camila , Santucci Catherine , Arenas Luisa , Casallas Laura , Castellanos Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Non‐infectious encephalitis has been a recognized entity for many years; however, its pathophysiology was not fully understood. Patients (usually women) presented with acute behavioral changes and were admitted to mental hospitals, without a correct diagnosis. With the new advances on antibody detection, the non‐infectious encephalitis panorama has been changing. Immune‐mediated diseases of the central nervous system encompass a variety of disorders, including the classic paraneoplastic encephalitis and the more recently discovered autoimmune encephalitis. Recognition of the new syndromes and antigens, in addition to the advances in diagnostic methods, such as antibody detection and imaging, and early implementation of immunotherapy, have changed the field of autoimmune encephalitis significantly over the past two decades. The best recognized form of autoimmune encephalitis is anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis, which usually presents with neuropsychiatric changes, seizures, autonomic dysfunction and usually a decreased level of consciousness. Nevertheless, the panorama for other types of receptors, such as anti‐α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, anti‐gamma‐aminobutyric acid and, most recently, anti‐glycine receptor, anti‐metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, dopamine receptor D2 and dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐like protein 6, which can present clinically as encephalitis, is currently changing, meaning that the panorama for diagnosis and treatment is broadening every day.
Familial relational experiences of a child born into the midst of parental drug misuse and its longevity impact
Authors: Smith Mia Dawn
Published: August 2019

This paper details a study that listened and empowered an adult (Beth, a pseudonym), through the use of a life story methodology, to reflect on her childhood experiences of parental drug misuse. Voice Relational Analysis was applied to Beth's life story to assist the researcher to unravel and cipher, through the complexities and nuances of her voice, Beth's familial relational experiences and the lengthy lineage these have had on her ability to relate with others. This paper highlights the somewhat complex composition of her interpersonal relationships and reveals how she related both positively and negatively within them.
Small–City Dualism in the Metro Hinterland: The Racialized “Brooklynization” of New York's Hudson Valley
Authors: Nevarez Leonard , Simons Joshua
Published: August 2019

How does the metropolis influence population change and amenity development in small cities of the adjacent hinterland? We examine one scenario in five cities of New York state's Hudson Valley, a region north of metropolitan New York City that reveals dual trajectories of urban change. In some cities, immigrant revitalization brings population growth, revitalizes main street economies, and extends cities’ majority–minority legacies. In other cities, amenity development attracts metropolitan newcomers, triggers residential and retail gentrification, sustains majority–white demographics, and fails to offset out–migration associated with rustbelt decline. These dual trajectories are connected through a metropolitan process of “Brooklynization”: sociospatial changes in hinterland regions set in motion by racialized amenity pursuits. Culturally, metropolitan outsiders encounter small cities through ‘rural’ frameworks that emphasize outdoor/agricultural amenities, small–town ‘authenticity,’ and the implicit whiteness of the hinterland landscape. Economically, immigrant revitalization and amenity development are connected via linked migration that channels an immigrant proletariat to some cities and the amenity migrants they labor for to other cities and towns.
Long‐term changes of resting and exercise right ventricular systolic performance in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension following pulmonary thromboendarterectomy – A two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiographic study
Authors: Waziri Farhad , Mellemkjær Søren , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Hjortdal Vibeke Elisabeth , Ilkjær Lars Bo , Nielsen Sten Lyager , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: August 2019

Aims

To characterize right ventricular (RV) geometry and function in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients at rest and during exercise before pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA), and at 3 and 12 months after PEA using two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography with reference to clinical performance and exercise capacity.

Methods and results

Forty subjects (20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls) were enrolled between December 2014 and January 2017. Three‐dimensional echocardiography demonstrated a significant reduction and normalization of end‐diastolic and end‐systolic RV volumes in CTEPH patients 12 months after PEA. RV systolic function improved after PEA; however, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (baseline 18 ± 6 mm vs 15 ± 3 mm at 12 months after PEA, P < .05) and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (RV‐S′) (baseline −8.3 ± 2.1 cm/s vs −7.2 ± 1.3 cm/s at 12 months after PEA, P < .05) declined significantly after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation gradient was 64 ± 21 mm Hg at baseline, 40 ± 14 mm Hg at 3 months, and 30 ± 13 at 12 months, P < .00001. RV free‐wall longitudinal strain at peak exercise was significantly increased from baseline (−10.6 ± 5.5%) to 12 months of follow‐up (−15.8 ± 5.2%), P < .005. Physical exercise capacity, measured as peak oxygen uptake, was significantly increased and correlated directly with improvement of resting and exercise‐induced RV‐EF.

Conclusion

Improvement of RV geometry and systolic function, along with the reduction of systolic pulmonary pressure, can be expected following PEA in CTEPH patients during long‐term follow‐up. Improvement of RV myocardial contractility after PEA was only revealed at peak exercise over time. Importantly, physical exercise capacity was significantly increased and was found to be directly correlated with improvement of resting and exercise‐induced RV‐EF.
Mitigation of soil compaction for boosting crop productivity at varying yield environments in southern Brazil
Authors: Pott Luan P. , Amado Telmo J. C. , Leal Otávio A. , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: August 2019

Soil compaction is one of the most relevant crop yield‐limiting factors in no‐till (NT) farming systems in southern Brazil. This study aimed to identify strategies to mitigate soil compaction and increase crop productivity at low, medium and high yield environments within a field. Treatments evaluated were: control (without intervention), PG (phosphogypsum), MC (mechanical chiselling), PCC (polyculture of cover crops), MC + PG, PCC + PG, MC + PCC and MC + PCC + PG. Soil physical and chemical attributes (soil macroporosity, bulk density, penetration resistance) and soybean yield (Glycine max L.) and black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) biomass production were evaluated. In the low and medium yield environments, MC + PCC + PG promoted the highest soybean yields: 5,455 kg ha−1 and 5,534 kg ha−1, respectively. In the high yield environment, PCC + PG promoted the highest soybean yield (5,579 kg ha−1), whereas MC decreased yields relative to the control. Black oat biomass production responded to the treatments similarly to soybean yields. Overall, integrating two or three decompaction strategies improved soil physical attributes in a greater proportion relative to single strategies and to the control, enhancing both soybean and black oat performances. Selection of the right decompaction strategies for each yield environment might help increase productivity under NT and optimize the use of time, labour, fuel and other resources.

Highlights

Soil compaction limits crop yields under no‐tillage farming in southern Brazil.

Low, medium and high yield environments were delineated with precision agriculture tools.

Single or integrated mechanical, chemical and biological soil decompaction strategies were tested.

Soil decompaction strategies to increase soybean yields are specific to yield environments.
The effects of plant type, AMF inoculation and water regime on rhizosphere microbial communities
Authors: Monokrousos Nikolaos , Papatheodorou Efimia M. , Orfanoudakis Michael , Jones Dylan‐Gwynn , Scullion John , Stamou George P.
Published: August 2019

Different plant species, water regimes and microbes in the rhizosphere might shape rhizosphere microbial communities due to their effects on root exudation patterns and interactions. In this study, we investigated whether rhizosphere microbial communities have distinct structures according to plant type (Festuca pratensis, Dactylis glomerata or a mixture of both species), water regime (dry and wet pots) and inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (AMF). Following a 60‐day pot experiment we assessed the rhizosphere microbial population structure via phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and soil processes via the activity of N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG), acid phosphatase and urease, and inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Higher AMF colonization was recorded in F. pratensis, although its root and shoot biomass was lower than in D. glomerata. Although growth differed between the plant types, this exerted no influence on rhizosphere microbial biomass. Low water content decreased the biomass of all microbial groups, whereas inoculation with AMF decreased the biomass of fungi and increased that of bacteria. For enzyme activities only urease showed a response to treatments. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased available P and shifted mineral N content from nitrate to ammonium. The water regime had a dominant effect on the structure of the microbial communities, suggesting a direct effect of water on microbes. In wet soils, the structure of the microbial communities was modulated mainly by inoculation; AMF‐inoculated D. glomerata soils showed distinct communities. In dry soils, plant type exerted a profound effect on rhizosphere communities; the communities of all three plant types differed, probably due to limitations in the diffusion of nutrients or via reduced root exudation. We concluded that the relative importance of factors shaping rhizosphere microbial communities varies depending on soil moisture regime.

Highlights

Microbial communities were studied in relation to water regime, plant species and AMF inoculation

In wet soils, the microbial communities of AMF‐inoculated D. glomerata plants differed from other communities

In dry soils, the microbial communities of D. glomerata and mixtures differed

AMF increased bacterial biomass and soil P but decreased nitrate:ammonium ratio
Ultra‐early continuous cardiac monitoring improves atrial fibrillation detection and prognosis of patients with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Cuadrado‐Godia E. , Benito B. , Ois A. , Vallès E. , Rodríguez‐Campello A. , Giralt‐Steinhauer E. , Cabrera S. , Alcalde O. , Jiménez‐López J. , Jiménez‐Conde J. , Martí‐Almor J. , Roquer J.
Published: August 2019

Background and purpose

Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to underlie a number of cases of cryptogenic stroke (CrS). However, there is need to define the most effective strategy for AF detection. The diagnostic usefulness was analysed of a strategy based on ultra‐early continuous monitoring in patients with CrS in terms of AF detection, oral anticoagulation treatment and stroke recurrence, in comparison to a standard outpatient strategy.

Methods

Patients with ischaemic stroke of undetermined origin and confirmed to be cryptogenic after extensive work‐up were searched for AF with (i) a conventional strategy (historical cohort, n = 101) with serial electrocardiograms and 24‐h Holter monitoring or (ii) an ultra‐early monitoring strategy with insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) implanted before discharge (prospective cohort, n = 90). AF episodes lasting >1 min, anticoagulant treatment and stroke recurrence were recorded.

Results

During admission, AF was similarly detected in both cohorts (24% of patients). After discharge (mean follow‐up 30 ± 10 months), AF detection rates were 17/80 (21.3%) and 38/65 (58.5%) for patients in the conventional versus the ultra‐early ICM group (P < 0.001). Up to 41% of AF cases in the ICM cohort were detected within the first month. Oral anticoagulation was initiated in 37.6% versus 65.5% (P < 0.001) and stroke recurrence was recorded in 10.9% versus 3.3% (P 0.04) in the conventional versus the ICM cohort.

Conclusions

Pre‐discharge ICM implant allows detection of AF during follow‐up in up to 58% of selected patients with CrS. Compared to a conventional strategy, ultra‐early ICM implant results in higher anticoagulation rates and a decrease in stroke recurrence.
Model of trawlable area using benthic terrain and oceanographic variables—Informing survey design and habitat maps in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Baker Matthew R. , Palsson Wayne , Zimmermann Mark , Rooper Christopher N.
Published: August 2019

Bottom trawl surveys provide fishery‐independent data on relative abundance and life history parameters for a wide range of marine taxa. Survey data are used to assess species distribution, biological interactions, and ecosystem structure and to manage marine resources. Not all bottom types or oceanographic conditions accommodate this survey method. We applied National Ocean Service hydrographic smooth sheets to evaluate physical attributes associated with habitat available to surveys. Random forests were used to evaluate the relative influence of benthic terrain and oceanographic predictors in determining accessibility to bottom trawl gear. We examined the marginal importance of each predictor, quantified the response gradient, and applied piecewise regression to determine threshold breakpoint values. Thresholds were used to develop predictive maps and distinguish untrawlable habitat at the scale of discrete towpaths and survey stations. Untrawlable habitat was associated with increased complexity in terrain, roughness, slope, surface curvature, substrate coarseness, current, and aspect. Maps of critical thresholds suggest different variables constrain the probability of a successful trawl in the nearshore, shelf, and continental slope. Overlay analysis of the model projection demonstrates the utility of archived smooth sheet data and identifies areas where higher resolution data might improve results. The model and maps produced in this analysis might be used to identify habitats available to and impacted by commercial trawl fisheries, inform the relative availability of various species and habitat types to bottom trawl surveys, evaluate bias in assessment indices and ecosystem metrics derived from survey data, and advance habitat‐specific biomass estimates.
Building organizational reputation in the European regulatory state: An analysis of EU agencies' communications
Authors: Rimkutė Dovilė
Published: August 2019

Organizational‐reputation literature has advanced our understanding about the U.S. regulatory state and its agencies. However, we lack contributions on what a reputational account can add to our knowledge about the European regulatory state, the strategic behavior of supranational agencies, and their endeavors to legitimize themselves in a multilevel political system. We know little of how reputation‐management strategies vary across EU agencies and why. The study offers the very first mapping of organizational‐reputation‐management patterns across all EU agencies, as well as the first empirical assessment on how reputational considerations guide supranational agencies' legitimation strategies. The results indicate that EU agencies facing higher reputational threats revert to their avowed raison d'être (i.e., technical conduct). We find that regulatory agencies utilize a more diverse set of reputational strategies by emphasizing the technical, procedural, and moral reputations more than nonregulatory agencies, whereas social‐policy agencies foster their technical reputation more than economic‐policy agencies.
Talk is not cheap: Policy agendas, information processing, and the unusually proportional nature of European Central Bank communications policy responses
Authors: Cross James P. , Greene Derek
Published: August 2019

This article unveils the policy agenda of the European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council as found in the speeches that Governing Council Members gave between 1999 and 2018. Using a dynamic topic‐modeling approached based on non‐negative matrix factorization, we demonstrate how the issues discussed by ECB Governing Council members have evolved over time, and how the general punctuation hypothesis (Jones, B. D. & Baumgartner, F. R. (2005). The politics of attention: How government prioritizes problems. University of Chicago Press) sheds light on what drives this process. We find that unlike policy outputs from many other policymaking systems, ECB communications evolve in a proportional manner. We attribute this finding to the information‐processing capacities of the bank. Our findings speak to the literatures on central bank communications, the evolution of policy agendas, and the application of topic models to speech texts.
Innovation in the periphery: Compensation and exploitation strategies
Authors: Eder Jakob , Trippl Michaela
Published: August 2019

Recent research has challenged the urban bias in economic geography and innovation studies, showing that highly innovative and competitive firms are also located in peripheral regions. So far, however, analyses has focused on how firms innovate despite their unfavourable location and little has been said about the innovation benefits of peripheral areas. Hence, this article identifies different compensation and exploitation strategies adopted by firms in order to overcome regional innovation constraints and to reap innovation benefits found in the periphery. Drawing on 20 in‐depth qualitative interviews with innovative firms situated in the Austrian periphery, our analysis reveals that innovation in peripheral regions is the outcome of a combination of compensation and exploitation practices. The uptake and composition of these strategies depend on the firm and regional characteristics, with firm size being the most influential factor.
Managing women who decline HIV testing in pregnancy and their infants? A multidisciplinary team guideline
Authors: Astill N , Miall L , Shillito J , Winfield S , Evans A , Schoeman S , Wilson J
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The management of women at high risk of HIV infection who repeatedly decline HIV testing in pregnancy is not covered in any national guideline. In Leeds, we had a case which prompted us to consider maternal rights plus our duty of care to the infant once born.

Methods

Leeds has an established HIV and Syphilis in Pregnancy Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The main issues pertaining to a pregnant woman persistently declining HIV testing were discussed within the MDT: identification of pregnant women declining testing; universal testing versus testing by risk stratification of their infants; calculation of vertical transmission risk; definition of unacceptable risk; timing of the decision to request court authority to test the infant; advanced preparation of court authority request papers.

Results

It was decided that an HIV transmission risk > 1 in 1000 justified testing an infant at birth. The MDT decision to request court authority for infant HIV testing would be made at 32–34 weeks of gestation, allowing the court papers to be prepared in advance of delivery. The Leeds Obstetrics and Paediatric Guidelines were reviewed, amended and approved by the Trust Guideline Group, Risk Management team and legal team. These guidelines are outlined within the article. The Neonatal guideline also is accessible via this link: http://nww.lhp.leedsth.nhs.uk/common/guidelines/detail.aspx?ID=177

Conclusions

If a woman at high risk declines HIV testing in pregnancy, it remains possible to significantly reduce the risk of vertical transmission once the child is born, but the window of opportunity is small. Therefore, it is vital to have pathways already in place to address this prior to delivery.