bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cattle stratified on genetic merit segregate on carcass characteristics, but there is scope for improvement1
Authors: Berry Donagh P , Pabiou Thierry , Brennan Denis , Hegarthy Patrick J , Judge Michelle M
Published: May 2019

The study objective was to quantify the ability of genetic merit for a generated carcass index to differentiate animals on primal carcass cut weights using data from 1,446 herds on 9,414 heifers and 22,413 steers with weights for 14 different primal carcass cuts (plus 3 generated groups of cuts). The carcass genetic merit index was compromised of carcass weight (positive weight), conformation (positive weight), and fat score (negative weight), each equally weighted within the index. The association analyses were undertaken using linear mixed models; models were run with or without carcass weight as a covariate. In a further series of analyses, carcass weight and carcass fat score were both included as covariates in the models. Whether the association between primal cut yield and carcass weight differed by genetic merit stratum was also investigated. Genetic merit was associated (P < 0.001) with the weight of all cuts evaluated even when adjusted to a common carcass weight (P < 0.01); when simultaneously adjusted to a common carcass weight and fat score, genetic merit was not associated with the weight of the cuberoll or the group cuts termed minced-meat. The weight of the different primal cuts increased almost linearly within increasing genetic merit, with the exception of the rump and bavette. The difference in mean primal cut weight between the very low and very high genetic merit strata, as a proportion of the overall mean weight of that cut in the entire data set, varied from 0.05 (bavette) to 0.28 (eye of round); the average was 0.17. Following adjustment for differences in carcass weight, there was no difference in cut weight between the very low and very high strata for the rump, chuck tender, and mince cut group; the remaining cuts were heavier in the higher index animals with the exception of the cuberoll and bavette, which were lighter in the very high index animals. The association between carcass weight and the weight of each of the evaluated primal cuts differed (P < 0.05) by genetic merit stratum for all cuts evaluated with the exception of the rump, striploin, and brisket as well as the group cuts of frying and mincing. With the exception of these 5 primal (group) cuts, the regression coefficients of primal cut weight on carcass weight increased consistently for all traits with increasing genetic merit stratum, other than for the fillet, cuberoll, bavette, chuck and neck, and heel and shank.
Phylogenetic insights into the diversity of Chryseobacterium species
Authors: Siddaramappa Shivakumara , Narjala Anushree , Viswanathan Vandana , Maliye Chaitra , Lakshminarayanan Raghavendran
Published: May 2019

The genus

Chryseobacterium

was formally established in 1994 and contains 112 species with validly published names. Most of these species are yellow or orange coloured, and contain a flexirubin-type pigment. The genomes of 83 of these 112 species have been sequenced in view of their importance in clinical microbiology and potential applications in biotechnology. The National Center for Biotechnology Information taxonomy browser lists 1415 strains as members of the genus

Chryseobacterium

, of which the genomes of 94 strains have been sequenced. In this study, by comparing the 16S rDNA and the deduced proteome sequences, at least 20 of these strains have been proposed to represent novel species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

. Furthermore, a yellow-coloured bacterium isolated from dry soil in the USA (and identified as

Flavobacterium

sp. strain B-14859) has also been reconciled as a novel member of the genus

Chryseobacterium

based on the analysis of 16S rDNA sequences and the presence of flexirubin. Yet another bacterium (isolated from a water sample collected in the Western Ghats of India and identified as

Chryseobacterium

sp. strain WG4) was also found to represent a novel species. These proposals need to be validated using polyphasic taxonomic approaches.
C. elegans Runx/CBFβ suppresses POP-1(TCF) to convert asymmetric to proliferative division of stem cell-like seam cells
Authors: van der Horst Suzanne E. M. , Cravo Janine , Woollard Alison , Teapal Juliane , van den Heuvel Sander
Published: May 2019

A correct balance between proliferative and asymmetric cell divisions underlies normal development, stem cell maintenance and tissue homeostasis. What determines whether cells undergo symmetric or asymmetric cell division is poorly understood. To gain insight in the mechanisms involved, we studied the stem cell-like seam cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis. Seam cells go through a reproducible pattern of asymmetric divisions, instructed by non-canonical Wnt/β-catenin asymmetry signaling, and symmetric divisions that increase the seam cell number. Using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we show that symmetric cell divisions maintain the asymmetric localization of Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Observations based on lineage-specific knockout and GFP-tagging of endogenous pop-1 support the model that POP-1TCF induces differentiation at a high nuclear level, while low nuclear POP-1 promotes seam cell self-renewal. Before symmetric division, the transcriptional regulator rnt-1Runx and cofactor bro-1CBFβ temporarily bypass Wnt/β-catenin asymmetry by downregulating pop-1 expression. Thereby, RNT-1/BRO-1 appears to render POP-1 below the level required for its repressor function, which converts differentiation into self-renewal. Thus, opposition between the C. elegans Runx/CBFβ and TCF stem-cell regulators controls the switch between asymmetric and symmetric seam cell division.
Microbiota of the alien species Paraleucilla magna (Porifera, Calcarea) from the Southwestern Atlantic, and a comparison with that of other calcareous sponges
Authors: Lopes Maira Ferreira , Mágna Beatriz , Klautau Michelle , Esteves Eduardo Leal , Albano Rodolpho M.
Published: May 2019

Sponges (Porifera) co-evolved with microorganisms in a well-established symbiotic relationship. Based on this characteristic, sponges can be separated into high microbial abundance (HMA) and low microbial abundance (LMA) species. Paraleucilla magna (Calcarea, Porifera) is an alien species of ecological importance in the Brazilian coastline. Little is known about the composition of its microbiota and that of other calcareous species, especially those inhabiting the Southwest Atlantic. Here, we describe the microbiota of P. magna and compare it to that of other calcareous sponge species for which such data exist. P. magna’s microbiota shows a lower diversity than that of Clathrina clathrus, C. coriacea, Leucosolenia sp., Leuconia sp. and Leucetta antarctica. P. magna microbiota is dominated by two bacterial OTUs of the Alphaproteobacteria class, that could not be classified beyond class (OTU001) and family levels (OTU002; Rhodospirillaceae). The Thaumarcheota was the predominant archaeal phylum in P. magna, with OTUs mainly affiliated to the genus candidatus Nitrosopumilus. The comparison with other calcareous species showed that microbiota composition correlated well with sponge phylogenetic affiliation. Metabolic prediction with PICRUSt software of P. magna bacterial microbiota indicated that membrane transport and carbohydrate, amino acid and energy metabolisms were most abundant while, for the archaeal domain, pathways related to translation, and energy metabolisms were predominant. Predicted metabolic features were compared between the different sponge species and seawater samples, showing that pathways related to cell motility, membrane transport, genetic information processing, xenobiotics metabolism and signal transduction are higher in the former while amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, translation, replication and repair, folding, sorting and degradation and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism are abundant in the latter. This study shows that P. magna’s microbiota is typical of an LMA sponge and that it differs from the microbiota of other calcareous sponges both in its composition and in predicted metabolic pathways.
Genomic basis of European ash tree resistance to ash dieback fungus
Authors: Stocks Jonathan J. , Metheringham Carey L. , Plumb William , Lee Steve J. , Kelly Laura J. , Nichols Richard A. , Buggs Richard J. A.
Published: May 2019

Populations of European ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) are being devastated by the invasive alien fungusHymenoscyphus fraxineus, which causes ash dieback (ADB). We sequenced whole genomic DNA from 1250 ash trees in 31 DNA pools, each pool containing trees with the same ADB damage status in a screening trial and from the same seed-source zone. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 3,149 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with low versus high ADB damage. Sixty-one of the 203 most significant SNPs were in, or close to, genes with putative homologs already known to be involved in pathogen responses in other plant species. We also used the pooled sequence data to train a genomic prediction (GP) model, cross-validated using individual whole genome sequence data generated for 75 healthy and 75 damaged trees from a single seed source. Using the top 30% of our genomic estimated breeding values from 200 SNPs, we could predict tree health with over 90% accuracy. We infer that ash dieback resistance inF. excelsioris a polygenic trait that should respond well to both natural selection and breeding, which could be accelerated using GP.
Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement Practices Among Dissemination & Implementation Scientists: Results from an Online Survey
Authors: Knoepke Christopher E. , Pilar Ingle M. , Matlock Daniel D. , Brownson Ross C. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

There has been an increasing focus on disseminating research findings, but less about practices specific to disseminating and engaging non-researchers. The present project sought to describe dissemination practices and engagement of stakeholders among dissemination & implementation (D&I) scientists.

Methods

Methods to disseminate to and engage non-research stakeholders were assessed using an online survey sent to a broad, diverse sample of D&I scientists.

Results

Surveys were received from 210 participants. The majority of respondents were from university or research settings in the U.S. (69%) or Canada (13%), representing a mix of clinical (28%) and community settings (34%). 26% had received formal training in D&I. Respondents indicated routinely engaging in a variety of dissemination-related activities, with academic journal publications (88%), conference presentations (86%), and reports to funders (74%) being the most frequent. Journal publication was identified as the most impactful on respondents’ careers (94%), but face-to-face meetings with stakeholders were rated as most impactful on practice or policy (40%). Stakeholder involvement in research was common, with clinical and community-based researchers engaging stakeholder groups in broadly similar ways, but with critical differences noted between researchers with greater seniority, those with more D&I training, those based in the US, and those in community vs, clinical research settings.

Conclusions

There have been increases in stakeholder engagement, but few other practices since the 2012 survey, and some differences across subgroups. Methods to engage different stakeholders deserve more in-depth investigation. D&I researchers report substantial misalignment of incentives and behaviors related to dissemination to non-research audiences.
High Frequency of Enteroparasitoses in the Municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá State, Brazil, on the Border With French Guiana
Authors: Menezes Rubens Alex de Oliveira , Gomes Margarete do Socorro Mendonça , Mendes Anapaula Martins , Nascimento Silvestre Rodrigues do , Couto Álvaro Augusto Ribeiro D’ Almeida , Nacher Mathieu , Enk Martin Johannes , Machado Ricardo Luiz Dantas
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Enteroparasites represent a considerable proportion of infectious parasitic diseases worldwide. This study evaluated the frequency of enteroparasites and the correlation of enteroparasites with hemoglobin levels. This study evaluated the frequency of enteroparasites and the correlation of themwith hemoglobin levels.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in the municipality of Oiapoque in the state of Amapá in northern Brazil, which is located at the western border of the Amazon region. Fecal samples collected over a one-year period (2014/2015) were analyzed using direct methods and spontaneous sedimentation.

Results

The study included 446 individuals ranging in age from 7 to 61 years. Among the investigated individuals, 58.6% (261/446) were infected with some type of enteroparasites. Of these infected individuals, 45.2% (118/261) were infected only by helminth, 40.9% (107/261) were infected with protozoa, and 13.8% (36/261) had combined infections. Ascaris lumbricoides (19.9%, 52/261) was the most commonly detected helminth, followed by Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana that were the most frequent protozoan (17.2%, 45/261). The study showed an inversely proportional correlation between the hemoglobin level and the presence of detected parasites. Conclusions: In Oiapoque, enteroparasitosis diseases may be one of the causes of anemia in the population. The high frequency of enteroparasites is a clear reflection of the lack of sanitation in the studied region, indicating an epidemiological state of concern.
Dose-resolved serial synchrotron and XFEL structures of radiation-sensitive metalloproteins
Authors: Ebrahim Ali , Moreno-Chicano Tadeo , Appleby Martin V. , Chaplin Amanda K. , Beale John H. , Sherrell Darren A. , Duyvesteyn Helen M. E. , Owada Shigeki , Tono Kensuke , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Strange Richard W. , Worrall Jonathan A. R. , Axford Danny , Owen Robin L. , Hough Michael A.
Published: May 2019

An approach is demonstrated to obtain, in a sample- and time-efficient manner, multiple dose-resolved crystal structures from room-temperature protein microcrystals using identical fixed-target supports at both synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). This approach allows direct comparison of dose-resolved serial synchrotron and damage-free XFEL serial femtosecond crystallography structures of radiation-sensitive proteins. Specifically, serial synchrotron structures of a heme peroxidase enzyme reveal that X-ray induced changes occur at far lower doses than those at which diffraction quality is compromised (the Garman limit), consistent with previous studies on the reduction of heme proteins by low X-ray doses. In these structures, a functionally relevant bond length is shown to vary rapidly as a function of absorbed dose, with all room-temperature synchrotron structures exhibiting linear deformation of the active site compared with the XFEL structure. It is demonstrated that extrapolation of dose-dependent synchrotron structures to zero dose can closely approximate the damage-free XFEL structure. This approach is widely applicable to any protein where the crystal structure is altered by the synchrotron X-ray beam and provides a solution to the urgent requirement to determine intact structures of such proteins in a high-throughput and accessible manner.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of N-(5-iodo-4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)acetamide
Authors: Herrera-España Angel D. , Aguilera-González Jesús , Mena-Rejón Gonzalo J. , Hernández-Ortega Simón , Cáceres-Castillo David
Published: May 2019

Two crystallographically independent molecules (A and B) are present in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C11H9IN2OS, which differ mainly in the dihedral angle between the phenyl and thiazole rings [38.94 (16) and 32.12 (15)°, respectively]. In the crystal, the molecules form ...A...B...A...B... chains along the [001] and [010] directions through moderate N—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, respectively. The overall three-dimensional network is formed by I...I and I...S interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...C/C...H (26.2%), H...H (20.9%), H...I/I...H (19.4%) and H...O/O...H (6.8%) interactions.
Crystal structure of 1-anilino-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate
Authors: Moreira Olívia B. O. , Freitas Maria Clara R. , Souza Karynne C. , Jordão Alessandro K. , Resende Jackson A. L. C.
Published: May 2019

In the molecular structure of the title compound, C10H10N4O2·H2O, the angle between the triazole and arene rings is 87.39 (5)°. The water of crystallization connects the molecules in the crystal packing. The crystal structure exhibits N—H...O, O—H...O and O—H...N interactions, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional framework. The intermolecular interactions were identified and quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Effectiveness of seismic strengthening to repeated earthquakes in historic urban contexts
Authors: Putrino Valentina , D’Ayala Dina
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the dynamics of the evolution of damage to the residential buildings within the city walls of Norcia during the six-month seismic swarm that hit Central Italy in the period 24th August 2016 to end of January 2019. This is accomplished by comparing the damage recorded by the Italian Civil Protection usability form (AEDES form) during this period after each event.

Design/methodology/approach

First, these outputs are compared with a qualitative assessment conducted by means of omnidirectional camera (ODC) imagery collected on site by the authors, to explore the ability of this technology to support post-earthquake damage assessment. The damage level attributed with these two techniques is then further compared with the output of the analytical vulnerability assessment method FaMIVE, which allows to correlate damage to vulnerability. Specifically, the objective is to investigate the efficacy and performance of historic and recent strengthening interventions.

Findings

Results show that there is a good correspondence between AeDES and ODC assessments for low to medium damage grades (DG). Discrepancies in higher DGs are discussed in light of the different levels of information that can be recorded by using the two tools. The efficacy of strengthening is also well captured by the FaMIVE method. The procedure estimates a decrease of almost 40, 25 and 20 per cent of the total number of buildings failing out-of-plane, respectively, for the three seismic events considered, when restraining elements are in action.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis conducted in this work make use of deterministic values of Norcia’s masonry fabric characteristics that have been found in literature, thus implying that neither the probabilistic aspects nor the related uncertainties have been properly investigated and addressed. However, this limitation is to be considered within the more general context of the legislation for the preservation of historic buildings which limits substantially any type of semi-destructive tests, hence limiting the reliability of the values available in literature. This in turn affects the decisions informing the design and implementation of strengthening interventions which can be confidently considered reliable and effective.

Originality/value

The paper addresses for the first time a systematic investigation of damage progression in historic masonry structures, part of urban aggregates in heritage cities. The current urban fabric is discussed in view of historic building codes as the basis for determining the present seismic vulnerability of the historic city centre of Norcia. The study provides new data sets for the city of Norcia and develops a statistical correlation between cumulative damage and analytical vulnerability functions for heritage buildings exposed to a swarm of earthquakes. The analytical assessment of the effect of historic strengthening is totally novel.
Entropy generation in radiative flow of Ree-Eyring fluid due to due rotating disks
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Ahmad Khan Sohail , Hayat Tasawar , Faisal Javed Muhammad , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the flow characteristics of Ree–Eyring fluid between two rotating disks. The characteristics of heat transfer are discussed in presence of viscous dissipation, heat source/sink and nonlinear radiative heat flux.

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear flow expressions lead to ordinary ones through adequate similarity transformations. The ordinary differential system has been tackled through optimal homotopic method. The impact of different flow variables on the velocity field, entropy generation rate and temperature fields is graphically discussed. The surface drag force and heat transfer rate are numerically examined via various pertinent parameters.

Findings

By minimization of values of stretching parameter and Brinkman number, the entropy generation rate can be controlled. The entropy generation rate enhances for higher values of magnetic parameter, while the Bejan number is decreased via magnetic parameter.

Originality/value

No such work is yet published in the literature.
The effects of social media brand personality on brand loyalty in the Latvian banking industry
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Kissi Philip Siaw
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw upon social information processing theory and its purpose is twofold. First, it aims to examine the relationship among five brand personality traits (responsibility, activity, simplicity, emotionality and aggressiveness) as to brand equity created on social media in the banking industry of Latvia. Second, it aims to unveil the indirect effects of brand personality on brand loyalty, treating brand equity as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed and a survey method was employed in line with the above-mentioned purposes. Data were collected from 404 customers who followed retail banks on social media. A series of hypotheses were developed and tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that aggressiveness, followed by responsibility and activeness, form positive brand equity on social media. In contrast, emotionality and simplicity do not contribute to the brand equity of banks on social media. The results also reveal that brand equity positively impacts brand loyalty and partially mediates brand personality and brand loyalty relationship. The theoretical model is thus validated and can be used in future research.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is cross-sectional and has a limited sample size and representativeness. Nevertheless, the results of the present study bring valuable implications for marketing managers who value the role of social media in creating long-term company–customer relationships.

Originality/value

Over the past 20 years, the literature has been dominated by studies that mainly focus on the definition of brand personality and its traits. Unlike the aforementioned efforts, the current study brings new insight into the subject by focusing on brand personality created on social media and linking it to the actual consumer outcomes and exploring the mediating role of brand equity in the banking industry of Latvia.
Patients’ perspective of a dedicated biologic clinic for inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Cefai Erika , Balzan Daniela , Mercieca Cecilia , Borg Andrew
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the patient’s perspective on a dedicated clinic set up for patients diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis who are being treated with a biologic. It proposes that dedicated clinics offer better overall care. The aim of this quality improvement survey is to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with this clinic and identify any unmet needs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a quality improvement survey, which was developed using Zineldin’s five qualities model and assessed various aspects pertaining to service quality and improvement. A structured interview approach was used and 44 consecutive patients were recruited.

Findings

This paper explores key aspects that influence patient satisfaction within a rheumatology outpatient setting such as education on arthritis and biologics and involvement in decision making. It provides insight on what patients value most and it also addresses organizational aspects that can have an impact on patient satisfaction. It suggests that service quality can be linked to the degree of patient satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Direct interviewing of patients could have introduced a source of bias whilst questions are being answered. On the other hand, it provided an opportunity to clarify instantly any doubts and therefore avoiding any inadvertent errors.

Practical implications

This paper reinforces that specialized clinics enable the caring rheumatologist to provide better care for patients on biologics. Service providers should continue developing their services around the patient’s needs and perspectives in order to continue improving the service.

Social implications

Dedicated biologic clinics allow more judicious monitoring of patients who are taking these highly efficacious but costly medications.

Originality/value

This survey has reinforced that patients highly value dedicated clinics. These results strengthen the case that healthcare services should continue investing on specialized clinics.
Gynecology healthcare professionals towards safety procedures in operation rooms aiming to enhanced quality of medical services in Greece
Authors: Dinas Konstantinos , Vavoulidis Eleftherios , Pratilas Georgios Chrysostomos , Chatzistamatiou Kimon , Basonidis Alexandros , Sotiriadis Alexandros , Zepiridis Leonidas , Pantazis Konstantinos , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Aletras Vassilis , Tsiotras George
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Greece toward safety practices in gynecological Operation Rooms (ORs).

Design/methodology/approach

An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to surgical personnel asking for opinions on safety practices during vaginal deliveries (VDs) and gynecological operations (e.g. sponge/suture counting, counting documentation, etc.). The study took place in Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki including 227 participants. The team assessed and statistically analyzed the questionnaires.

Findings

Attitude toward surgical counts and counting documentation, awareness of existence and/or implementation in their workplace of other surgical safety objectives (e.g. WHO safety control list) was assessed. In total, 85.2 percent considered that surgical counting after VDs is essential and 84.9 percent admitted doing so, while far less reported counting documentation as a common practice in their workplace and admitted doing so themselves (50.5/63.3 percent). Furthermore, while 86.5 percent considered a documented protocol as necessary, only 53.9 percent admitted its implementation in their workplace. Remarkably, 53.1 percent were unaware of the WHO safety control list for gynecological surgeries.

Originality/value

Most Greek healthcare professionals are well aware of the significance of surgical counting and counting documentation in gynecology ORs. However, specific tasks and assignments are unclear to them. Greek healthcare professionals consider surgical safety measures as important but there is a critical gap in knowledge when it comes to responsibilities and standardized processes during implementation. More effective implementation and increased personnel awareness of the surgical safety protocols and international guidelines are necessary for enhanced quality of surgical safety in Greece.
Diabetes patients’ perspectives on the patients’ rights: evidence from east of Iran
Authors: Sharifzadeh Gholam Reza , Ghoddoosi-Nejad DJavad , Behdani Susan , Haghgoshayie Elaheh , Siraneh Yibeltal , Hasanpoor Edris
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The Iranian patients’ rights charter defines patient rights as a reflection of fundamental human rights in the field of medicine and incorporates all elements of patient rights accepted in international texts. The purpose of this paper is to study the way in which diabetes patients’ rights are being exercised in everyday hospital practice in Birjand, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design was used in 2014. The sample size was estimated 150 patients, out of which 108 diabetes patients completed questionnaire. The questionnaire of diabetes patients’ perspectives on the patients’ rights was used to collect data. The questionnaire consists of 22 questions. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS software (version 22). Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated with all survey items and total scores, as well as demographic data.

Findings

The response rate was 72 percent. Overall, the mean score percentage of diabetes patients’ perspectives on the patients’ rights was 74.04± 8.4. Furthermore, statistical significant differences were found among diabetes patients in relation to patients’ perspectives on the patients’ rights according to highest level of education (F=16.52, p=0.002), their habitat(t=3.49, p=0.001), age groups (F=18.70, p=0.0001) and the duration of the disease (F=5.16, p=0.007). The results showed that no statistically significant differences were observed among diabetes patients in relation to diabetes patients’ perspectives on the patients’ rights according to their gender (F=1.57, p=0.12) and marital status (F=1.56, p=0.09).

Originality/value

Clinicians can provide care based on patients’ rights, and their knowledge of patients’ rights needs to be evaluated. Educational courses, leaflets, booklets and posters can be helpful in this regard. In addition, professional organizations and the Ministry of Health need to be more sensitive to this issue.
IFRS adoption, financial reporting quality and cost of capital: a life cycle perspective
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin , Hasan Mostafa Monzur
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on financial reporting quality and cost of equity. The paper further investigates whether such association varies at different life cycle stages.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows the methodologies of DeAngeloet al.(2006) and Dickinson (2011) to develop proxies for the firms’ stages in the life cycle.

Findings

Using both pre- and post-IFRS adoption period for Australian listed companies, the paper finds that financial reporting quality reduced and cost of equity increased because of the adoption of IFRS. The paper further evidences that financial reporting quality in the post-IFRS period increased cost of equity. Finally, the paper finds that mature firms produce a better quality of earnings, which result in lower cost of capital. The results indicate that a mature firm was benefited because of the adoption of IFRS.

Originality/value

The finding of this research is useful to the regulators and practitioners to understand the widespread benefit of IFRS adoption.
What are the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism in the world?
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana (Chandi)
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide answers to the question: “What are the key innovative strategies needed for future tourism in the world?” At the outset, this paper redefines the word “innovation” in the context of the hospitality and tourism industry. It then captures the essence of 13 proceeding papers on innovative initiatives in 17 countries and presents concluding remarks to this Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue on innovation (v. 11 n. 2, 2019).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws from a wide spectrum of innovation types, concepts, strategies, suggestions and solutions written by 24 authors, who cumulatively have valuable and diverse experience in managing, operating, teaching, researching and consulting on innovation.

Findings

Innovation is relevant to all macro- and micro-level aspects of all industries. In conclusion, to identify common elements in all 13 papers, the author presents a shorter definition: “Innovation is the art of implementing new ideas to improve productivity, products and services, while enhancing customer satisfaction, revenues and profitability”. In addition, he emphasizes that innovation needs vision, mission and passion!

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the emerging research theme of innovation in the hospitality and tourism industry and extends/re-defines the word: “innovation”.

Practical implications

There are significant practical implications in terms of industry approaches to use innovative strategies across the world.

Originality/value

Readers who are interested in international best practices of hospitality and tourism would benefit from this paper.
Vacation rentals in San Francisco, USA: a positive or negative disruption?
Authors: Tierney Patrick
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Vacation rentals (VRs) are growing in popularity and have disrupted the lodging industry. But they are also controversial because they can literally disrupt quiet residential neighborhoods. There is little research on users of VRs.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of 10,000 festival attendees in San Francisco determined if they stayed in VR or commercial lodging and their spending. A second survey of 402 respondents who stayed in a VR asked about their motivations for renting a VR and their evaluation of the experience.

Findings

Results showed users of VRs were motivated by low cost, a convenient location and the nature of the neighborhood. VR user groups were more likely to rent high-end properties, than commercial users. But on a per-person per-day basis, VR users spent $183 on lodging, compared with $264 spent by those opting for a CL. Over half of the respondents stated that the availability of VRs increased the likelihood of them attending the event.

Practical implications

Results suggest that VRs help cover housing costs of VR owners and provide a desired, unique and low-priced lodging opportunity, which can encourage attendance at events. But VRs have both positive and negative disruptive impacts, and more regulation is coming in high-profile urban tourist destinations to mitigate negative effects.

Originality/value

This study consists of original research into VRs, which is a rapidly evolving component of hospitality industry.
Overcoming cross-cultural differences in post-war Sri Lanka: the case of Jetwing in Jaffna
Authors: Wanigasekera Vipula
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Cross-cultural differences must be taken into consideration for tourism development. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the importance of cross-cultural differences in a location which is emerging from a dark period after a prolonged war caused by ethnic differences.

Design/methodology/approach

While the existing tourism models deal with the impact of cross-cultural differences, it is difficult to apply them in certain situations, such as postwar Sri Lanka. The study therefore adopted an inductive, qualitative approach where information has been obtained from all stakeholders.

Findings

The conflict in Sri Lanka in the North and East has been interpreted differently by many individual stakeholder groups. This study reveals how economic development can bring communities together. The project elaborated in this study represents an investment of over US$6m. Given that the location of Jaffna was a focal point of the 26-year long civil war from 1983 to 2009, the risk of failure would have been extremely high.

Originality/value

The study ascertained qualitative perceptions from a cross-section of perspectives: the investor, local residents and employees. The project is shown to be a viable example of how to address socio cultural differences in the creation of a profitable venture.
Quantification of forward scattering based on the analysis of double‐pass images in the frequency domain
Authors: Martínez‐Roda Joan A. , García‐Guerra Carlos E. , Diaz‐Doutón Fernando , Pujol Jaume , Salvador Antoni , Vilaseca Meritxell
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To assess forward intraocular scattering by means of a new parameter (Frequency Scatter Index, FSI3) based on the analysing double‐pass retinal images in the frequency domain, which minimizes the impact of aberrations on the results.

Methods

A prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa (Spain) on a group of 19 patients diagnosed with nuclear cataracts of various LOCSIII grades and a control group (CG) with nine healthy eyes. We recorded double‐pass retinal images with a custom set‐up based on a high‐sensitivity digital camera. The FSI3 was then computed using spatial frequencies below three cycles per degree. A preliminary validation of the FSI3 was performed on an artificial eye and two eyes of volunteers with and without commercial diffusers, and under defocus.

Results

The FSI3 was hardly affected by defocus values up to 2.50 D. The mean (and standard deviation) FSI3 values were as follows: for the CG, 1.19 (0.21); and for LOCSIII grades nuclear opacity 1, 2 and 3, 1.30 (0.12), 1.62 (0.21) and 1.85 (0.21), respectively. Eyes with cataracts showed FSI3 values significantly different than healthy eyes (p = 0.001). A good correlation (ρ = 0.861, p < 0.001) was found between the FSI3 and objective scatter index provided by a commercial instrument.

Conclusion

Since aberrations have little impact on the FSI3, the light scatter assessment becomes less dependent on the patient's refractive error compensation and the presence of higher‐order aberrations. The FSI3 can further the clinical and scientific understanding of forward intraocular scattering.
Population‐based register study of children born in Sweden from 1997 to 2014 showed an increase in rickets during infancy
Authors: Högberg Ulf , Winbo Jenny , Fellman Vineta
Published: May 2019

Aim

This population‐based study assessed the incidence of rickets in infants up to age of one born in Sweden from 1997 to 2014. We also examined maternal and perinatal factors and co‐morbidity.

Methods

We used Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare registers and data from Statistics Sweden. The outcome measure was an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code for rickets.

Results

There were 273 cases of rickets, with an incidence of 14.7 per 100 000 and a 10‐fold incidence increase between 1997 and 2014. The majority (78.4%) were born preterm, half were small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) (birthweight <10th percentile), 4.8% were born to Asian‐born mothers and 3.5% to African‐born mothers. The adjusted odds ratios by birth week were 182 (95% CI: 121–272) before 32 weeks and 10.8 (95% CI: 6.72–17.4) by 32–36 weeks. Preterm infants with necrotising enterocolitis had very high odds for rickets and so did SGA term‐born infants and those born to African‐born mothers. The odds for rickets among preterm infants increased considerably during the later years.

Conclusion

Rickets increased 10‐fold in Sweden from 1997 to 2014 and was mainly associated with prematurity, SGA and foreign‐born mothers. Possible reasons may include increased preterm survival rates and improved clinical detection and registration.
Antithrombotic dose: Some observations from published clinical trials
Authors: Dimmitt Simon B. , Floyd Christopher N. , Ferner Robin E.
Published: May 2019

The clinical doses of antithrombotics—antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents—need to balance efficacy and safety. It is not clear from the published literature how the doses currently used in clinical practice have been derived from preclinical and clinical data. There are few large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compare outcomes with different doses vs placebo. For newer antithrombotics, RCT doses appear to have been chosen to maximise the probability of demonstrating noninferiority when compared to established agents such as warfarin or clopidogrel. Data from RCTs show that aspirin is an effective antithrombotic at doses below 75 mg daily, and that direct oral anticoagulants reduce the risk of stroke in patients with coronary disease at doses 1/4 of those recommended in atrial fibrillation. Lower doses than those currently recommended are safer and still maintain substantial efficacy.
Pharmacokinetics, exposure, efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in rituximab‐refractory follicular lymphoma patients in the GADOLIN phase III study
Authors: Gibiansky Ekaterina , Gibiansky Leonid , Buchheit Vincent , Frey Nicolas , Brewster Michael , Fingerle‐Rowson Günter , Jamois Candice
Published: May 2019

Aims

Rituximab is standard care in a number of lymphoma subtypes, including follicular lymphoma (FL), although many patients are resistant to rituximab, or develop resistance with repeated treatment, and a high proportion relapse. Obinutuzumab is a novel anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody with improved efficacy over rituximab. It is approved for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and for use with bendamustine in patients with rituximab‐relapsed/refractory FL.

Methods

Using a previously described population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of obinutuzumab in patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and CLL, we conducted an exposure‐response analysis using data from 6 clinical trials in patients with CD20+ B‐cell malignancies (CLL11, GADOLIN, GATHER, GAUDI, GAUGUIN and GAUSS) to describe the PK properties of obinutuzumab, identify covariates influencing exposure, and explore how exposure affects safety, efficacy and pharmacodynamics.

Results

A 2‐compartment model with linear and time‐dependent clearance described obinutuzumab PK. Disease type and subtype, body weight, baseline tumour size, and sex had the largest effects on PK. Obinutuzumab exposure was not associated with occurrence or severity of adverse events, but higher exposure appeared to be associated with greater efficacy, particularly longer progression‐free survival. However, in multivariate Cox regression analysis, progression‐free survival benefit in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine arm was independent of exposure.

Conclusion

The updated population PK model reported here accurately describes the PK of obinutuzumab patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and CLL. The selected obinutuzumab dosing regimen offers clinical benefit in a majority of rituximab‐refractory FL patients treated with bendamustine, irrespective of variability in exposure, whilst minimising adverse events.
Clustering preference data in the presence of response‐style bias
Authors: Takagishi Mariko , van de Velden Michel , Yadohisa Hiroshi
Published: May 2019

Preference data, such as Likert scale data, are often obtained in questionnaire‐based surveys. Clustering respondents based on survey items is useful for discovering latent structures. However, cluster analysis of preference data may be affected by response styles, that is, a respondent's systematic response tendencies irrespective of the item content. For example, some respondents may tend to select ratings at the ends of the scale, which is called an ‘extreme response style’. A cluster of respondents with an extreme response style can be mistakenly identified as a content‐based cluster. To address this problem, we propose a novel method of clustering respondents based on their indicated preferences for a set of items while correcting for response‐style bias. We first introduce a new framework to detect, and correct for, response styles by generalizing the definition of response styles used in constrained dual scaling. We then simultaneously correct for response styles and perform a cluster analysis based on the corrected preference data. A simulation study shows that the proposed method yields better clustering accuracy than the existing methods do. We apply the method to empirical data from four different countries concerning social values.
The association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder severity and risk of mild traumatic brain injury in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the United States of America: A cross‐sectional study of data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Karic Semir , DesRosiers Michael , Mizrahi Briana , Zevallos Juan , Rodriguez Pura , Barengo Noël C.
Published: May 2019

Background

As children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have shown to be at higher risk of accidents and injury, one may assume that they may also bear a higher likelihood of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). However, the current scientific evidence whether ADHD severity is associated with traumatic brain injuries is controversial. The objective of this study was too assess the association between the severity of ADHD and prevalence of mTBI in 0‐ to 18‐year‐old children with ADHD in the United States.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using secondary data gathered in 2009/10 from the National Survey of Children with Special Healthcare Needs. After excluding comorbidity and those with nonspecific attention deficits, the final study population consisted of 10,739 children with ADHD from 40,052 households. The main exposure variable was self‐reported ADHD severity (mild, moderate, or severe). The main outcome was mTBI, defined as head injury, traumatic brain injury, and/or concussion). Covariates included age, gender and race, medication status. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis were used.

Results

Children with more severe ADHD had consistently increased incidences of mTBI. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between severity of ADHD and occurrence of mTBI. The corresponding odds ratios were 1.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13, 2.18] for moderate, and 1.79 (95% CI [1.18, 2.72]) for severe ADHD, respectively, compared with mild ADHD. In males, children with moderate and severe ADHD had increased odds of mTBI. The corresponding odds ratio for mTBI in those with moderate ADHD was 1.60 (95% CI [1.07, 2.39]) and 1.86 (95% CI [1.15, 3.00]) for severe ADHD, respectively. No associations between severity and mTBI were found in girls.

Conclusions

As ADHD severity was associated with incidence of mTBI, it is important to identify those who need increased attention and counselling to prevent injury.