bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource-capability of halal logistics services, its extent and impact on performance
Authors: Noorliza K.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of emergent resource-capability, its configurations and its impacts on customer service innovation and cost advantages in the context of the halal dynamic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study performed a cluster analysis on a sample of 123 Malaysian halal-based third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

Findings

The findings reveal that the emergent resource-capability comprising physical, technology, knowledge, relational and organizational is advanced uniformly into low, medium and high level. The high resource-capability is significantly different with the medium and low resource-capability, while the medium resource-capability is significantly different with the low resource-capability. The extent of emergent resource-capability has a significantly positive effect on customer service innovation and cost advantage. Especially, high and medium resource-capabilities have enhanced greater customer service innovation and cost advantage significantly, indicating the higher the extent of resource-capability, the greater the enhancement of performance.

Practical implications

3PL providers or logistician professionals should understand the extent of emergent resource-capability to empower the competitiveness of service innovation and cost in the dynamic environment.

Originality/value

The study expands the knowledge with regard to resource-capability complexities which clarify the uniform extent of five emergent resource-capability naturally and provides empirical evidence on the emergent resource-capability of halal logistics services that can empower a successful halal logistics services and competitiveness.
Reverse engineering legal professional privilege in a globalising world – the Australian case
Authors: Goldbarsht Doron
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ways in which the international standards in the field of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) have reshaped regulatory regimes in a globalised world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deconstructs the origins and development of international standards in the field of AML and CTF dealing with longstanding legal professional privilege. This paper adopts both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The qualitative aspect comprises a literature review of sources, including scholarly works, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, reports and domestic laws. The quantitative aspect analyses a unique and comprehensive table reproduced below, that indicates Australia’s compliance with all the FATF recommendations over more than a decade with full alternation to FATF’s revisions of its recommendations.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that an understanding of the influence of the FATF norms can shed light on the departure from regular lawmaking processes and emerging forms of international governance. The conclusion suggests that tranche II is coming and Australia will amend it in domestic regime to comply with the international standard, applying the AML/CTF regime to the legal profession and thus interfering with legal professional privilege. The question is not if but when.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gaps in the existing literature by contemplating the future of legal professional privilege globally and in Australia, which provides a case study of a regime that does not yet comply fully with AML and CTF international standard. This approach differs significantly from that of other literature in the field, which deals comprehensively with the theoretical foundations of legal professional privilege, as well as its practicalities and limitations, without considering the influence of the international non-binding norms.
Spillovers between US real estate and financial assets in time and frequency domains
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar , André Christophe , Gupta Rangan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Assessing the strength and time variation of spillovers between returns on residential real estate, real estate investment trusts (REITs), stocks and bonds in the United States. Spillovers reduce the benefits of portfolio diversification, especially in crisis times, when asset returns tend to be more correlated.

Design/methodology/approach

The Diebold–Yilmaz approach in the time domain and the Baruník–Krehlík methodology in the frequency domain are used. The latter allows distinguishing spillovers generating only short-lived volatility from those with a more persistent effect.

Findings

On average, spillovers between housing, stock and bond returns are relatively modest and shocks to stock and bond markets affect housing returns more than the other way round, even though with variations over time. Spillovers in both directions are much stronger between REITs and stocks than between REITs and housing. Shocks originating in the housing market are most persistent, particularly in the aftermath of the subprime crisis.

Practical implications

Housing provides a hedge against volatility in financial (including REITs) markets. However, hedging strategies involving housing need to take into account potential tail events such as the GFC and the investment horizon.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge of the authors, this paper is the first to apply the Baruník–Krehlík methodology to real estate price spillovers. Although the Diebold–Yilmaz methodology has been used in several studies on spillovers between residential real estate and financial asset returns, this paper covers a new set of variables and time span.
The future of tourism in light of increasing natural disasters
Authors: Bhaskara Gde Indra , Filimonau Viachaslau , Wijaya Ni Made Sofia , Suryasih Ida Ayu
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the need to better understand the determinants of adopting (more) collaborative, integrated approaches in strategic destination management plans and operational business procedures which is to improve destination and business resilience towards the growing frequency, increasing number and accelerating impacts of natural disasters around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews literature on the topic of tourism planning, development and management in light of natural disasters.

Findings

The paper pinpoints a number of factors that hamper the adoption of a (better) integrated and (more) collaborative framework of disaster and destination management among tourism stakeholders. It further proposes how these factors can at least partially be addressed and highlights the role of scholarly research in this endeavour.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the determinants of adopting more integrated and collaborative approaches to managing natural disasters by individual tourism businesses and entire tourist destinations and proposes how these can be harnessed.
Parasitism in ecosystem engineer species: A key factor controlling marine ecosystem functioning
Authors: Pascal Ludovic , Grémare Antoine , de Montaudouin Xavier , Deflandre Bruno , Romero‐Ramirez Alicia , Maire Olivier
Published: April 2020

Although parasites represent a substantial part of marine communities’ biomass and diversity, their influence on ecosystem functioning, especially via the modification of host behaviour, remains largely unknown. Here, we explored the effects of the bopyrid ectoparasiteGyge branchialison the engineering activities of the thalassinid crustaceanUpogebia pusillaand the cascading effects on intertidal ecosystem processes (e.g. sediment bioturbation) and functions (e.g. nutrient regeneration).

Laboratory experiments revealed that the overall activity level of parasitized mud shrimp is reduced by a factor 3.3 due to a decrease in time allocated to burrowing and ventilating activities (by factors 1.9 and 2.9, respectively).

Decrease in activity level led to strong reductions of bioturbation rates and biogeochemical fluxes at the sediment–water interface.

Given the world‐wide distribution of mud shrimp and their key role in biogeochemical processes, parasite‐mediated alteration of their engineering behaviour has undoubtedly broad ecological impacts on marine coastal systems functioning.

Our results illustrate further the need to consider host–parasite interactions (including trait‐mediated indirect effects) when assessing the contribution of species to ecosystem properties, functions and services.
Leadership in agricultural machinery circles: experimental evidence from Tajikistan
Authors: Müller Malte
Published: April 2020

Leadership is critical for the viability of rural groups. The way in which leadership is legitimised can mediate leader and group member behaviour in the face of social dilemmas. Yet there has been scant research on leader‐follower dynamics in naturally occurring groups. Highlighting the case of agricultural machinery circles in Tajikistan, the effect of leading by example on investments to a collective good is studied in a framed field experiment. To increase realism, and contrary to standard economic experiments, this investment is a voucher allowing the group to make a real‐world machinery purchase at reduced costs. Two treatments manipulate leaders’ legitimisation. Elected leaders achieve 30 per cent higher contributions to the collective investment against a baseline version without a leader. Contributions remain, on average, relatively stable over the course of the game. The results are discussed with reference to the debate on external intervention in agricultural producer organisations.
Resistance in melon toMonosporascus cannonballusandM. eutypoides: Fungal pathogens associated with Monosporascus root rot and vine decline
Authors: Castro Gabriel , Perpiñá Gorka , Esteras Cristina , Armengol Josep , Picó Belén , Pérez‐de‐Castro Ana
Published: April 2020

The fungal speciesMonosporascus cannonballusandM.eutypoideshave been described as the causal agents of Monosporascus root rot and vine decline disease (MRRVD), which mainly affects melon and watermelon crops. Resistance toM.cannonballushas been reported in some melon cultivars (ssp.melo). Moreover, melon ssp.agrestisaccessions have proven to be better resistance sources. This is the case of the Korean accession ‘Pat 81’, highly resistant under field and artificial inoculation. The objective of the work here presented was the evaluation of the resistance to MRRVD of different accessions representing the variability ofCucumis melossp.agrestis, against both,M.cannonballusandM.eutypoides, in a multiyear assay under different infection conditions. In general,M.eutypoideswas less aggressive thanM.cannonballusin the different environmental conditions. There was a strong influence of temperature on MRRVD, with more severe symptoms with higher temperatures and with variable effect of infection on plant development depending on the fungal species considered. Resistance to MRRVD has been confirmed in ‘Pat 81’ and in its derived F1 with a susceptible Piel de Sapo melon. Among the new germplasm explored, African accessions (both wildagrestisand exotic cultivated acidulus) showed good performance in artificial inoculation assays and in field conditions. These sources do not present compatibility problems with commercial melons, so they can be introduced in backcrossing programs. The accession assayed of the wild relativeCucumis metuliferus, also resistant to Fusarium wilt and to root‐knot nematode, was highly resistant to MRRVD. The interest of this accession mainly relies in its advantages as a rootstock for melon.
How Heritable are Parental Sensitivity and Limit‐Setting? A Longitudinal Child‐Based Twin Study on Observed Parenting
Authors: Euser Saskia , Bosdriesz Jizzo R. , Vrijhof Claudia I. , van den Bulk Bianca G. , van Hees Debby , de Vet Sanne M. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: April 2020

We examined the relative contribution of genetic, shared environmental and non‐shared environmental factors to the covariance between parental sensitivity and limit‐setting observed twice in a longitudinal study using a child‐based twin design. Parental sensitivity and parental limit‐setting were observed in 236 parents with each of their same‐sex toddler twin children (Mage = 3.8 years; 58% monozygotic). Bivariate behavioral genetic models indicated substantial effects of similar shared environmental factors on parental sensitivity and limit‐setting and on the overlap within sensitivity and limit‐setting across 1 year. Moderate child‐driven genetic effects were found for parental limit‐setting in year 1 and across 1 year. Genetic child factors contributing to explaining the variance in limit‐setting over time were the same, whereas shared environmental factors showed some overlap.
Association of bacterial load in drinking water and allergic diseases in childhood
Authors: Turkalj Mirjana , Drkulec Vlado , Haider Sadia , Plavec Davor , Banić Ivana , Malev Olga , Erceg Damir , Woodcock Ashley , Nogalo Boro , Custovic Adnan
Published: April 2020

Background

Treatment of drinking water may decrease microbial exposure.

Objective

To investigate whether bacterial load in drinking water is associated with altered risk of allergic diseases.

Methods

We recruited 1,110 schoolchildren aged 6‐16 years between 2011 and 2013 in Požega‐Slavonia County in Croatia, where we capitalized on a natural experiment whereby individuals receive drinking water through public mains supply or individual wells. We obtained data on microbial content of drinking water for all participants; 585 children were randomly selected for more detailed assessments, including skin prick testing. Since water supply was highly correlated with rural residence, we compared clinical outcomes across four groups (Rural/Individual, Rural/Public, Urban/Individual and Urban/Public). For each child, we derived quantitative index of microbial exposure (bacterial load in the drinking water measured during the child's first year of life).

Results

Cumulative bacterial load in drinking water was higher (median [IQR]: 6390 [4190‐9550] vs 0 [0‐0]; P < .0001), and lifetime prevalence of allergic diseases was significantly lower among children with individual supply (5.5% vs 2.3%, P = .01; 14.4% vs 6.7%, P < .001; 25.2% vs 15.1%, P < .001; asthma, atopic dermatitis [AD] and rhinitis, respectively). Compared with the reference group (Urban/Public), there was a significant reduction in the risk of ever asthma, AD and rhinitis amongst rural children with individual supply: OR [95% CI]: 0.14 [0.03,0.67], P = .013; 0.20 [0.09,0.43], P < .001; 0.17 [0.10,0.32], P < .001. Protection was also observed in the Rural/Public group, but the effect was consistently highest among Rural/Individual children. In the quantitative analysis, the risk of allergic diseases decreased significantly with increasing bacterial load in drinking water in the first year of life (0.79 [0.70,0.88], P < .001; 0.90 [0.83,0.99], P = .025; 0.80 [0.74,0.86], P < .001; current wheeze, AD and rhinitis).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

High commensal bacterial content in drinking water may protect against allergic diseases.
Immunoexpression of bone resorption biomarkers in apical periodontitis in diabetics and normoglycaemics
Authors: Sarmento E. B. , Gomes C. C. , Pires F. R. , Pinto L. C. , Antunes L. A. A. , Armada L.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To compare the immunoexpression of RANK, MMP‐9 and PTHrP in apical periodontitis lesions of diabetic and normoglycaemic individuals.

Methodology

Primary chronic apical periodontitis lesions associated with teeth indicated for extraction in 13 type 2 diabetic individuals and 13 normoglycaemic individuals who were screened for the glycaemic index and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were analysed. Individuals with other systemic diseases and users of anti‐inflammatories and/or antibiotics in the previous 3 months were excluded. Silanized slides with paraffin sections were used for immunohistochemical reactions and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histopathological classification. The images were analysed with an optical microscope, and the slides were subdivided into five large fields assigning scores (0–2), according to the number of positive markings for each antibody. Fisher's exact test evaluated the parameters: gender, type of lesion, location and position in the arch. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney test was used for age, HbA1c values and comparison of marker expression. The chi‐squared test was used to associate the expression of the markers. And the Spearman’s coefficient correlated the markers with the size of the periapical lesion.

Results

The samples consisted of 69% periapical granulomas and 31% periapical cysts in each group. RANK expression was considered weak/moderate and strong in, respectively, 62% and 38% of the cases in both groups. MMP‐9 expression was weak/moderate and strong in, respectively, 38% and 62% of the cases from the diabetic group, in comparison with 38% and 38% in the normoglycaemics (24% cases from this group were negative). In contrast, PTHrP expression was negative, weak/moderate and strong in, respectively, 46%, 46% and 8% of the cases from the diabetic group, in comparison with 38% negative and 62% weak/moderate in normoglycaemics. Quantitative analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in the immunoexpression of RANK (P = 0.26), MMP‐9 (P = 0.17) and PTHrP (P = 0.43) between the groups. There was no significant correlation between the expression of bone resorption markers and the macroscopic size of the periapical lesions (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The bone resorption mediators analysed had similar immunoexpression in the periapical lesions of diabetic and normoglycaemic individuals.
Parenteral nutrition in adults during acute illness: a clinical perspective for clinicians
Authors: Fetterplace Kate , Holt Darcy , Udy Andrew , Ridley Emma
Published: April 2020

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the administration of a nutritional formula by means other than the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The formula may include carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, electrolytes and/or micronutrients. The primary indications for PN are intestinal failure (IF) due to an underlying disease or treatment, or if the GI tract is not accessible. The goals of PN should be to ensure adequate nutrition provision to meet patient needs while minimising the risk of complications. PN should be commenced in <48 h in patients who are malnourished or otherwise within 7 days if oral or enteral nutrition is not possible or insufficient. There has been evolution in PN techniques and technology, and the risks associated with PN administration have been reduced. Monitoring clinical, laboratory and metabolic parameters in acute IF is essential to provision of safe nutritional support. When provided to appropriate patients with IF in a timely and considered manner, PN has been shown to be safe, improve nutritional parameters and reduce complications associated with malnutrition. This review aims to provide clinicians a practical guide for the management of PN in adult patients within the acute setting.
Successful kidney transplantation in a patient with stable multiple myeloma
Authors: Lai Christina , Ying Tracey , Ho P. Joy , Wyburn Kate , Gallagher Martin , Chadban Steve
Published: April 2020

Renal failure is a common feature of multiple myeloma affecting 20–55% of patients at the initial presentation and is being associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Renal transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma is rarely considered given the incurable nature of the disease, the risk of post‐transplant disease progression and perceived high risk of infections. Here we report a 57‐year‐old man with end‐stage renal failure attributed to presumed IgA nephropathy, with pre‐existing stable multiple myeloma, who received a kidney transplant from a two haplotype‐matched sibling. Transplantation has been successful and with excellent kidney function and stable multiple myeloma 6 years post‐transplant. This case highlights the potential benefits of renal transplantation in highly selected patients with multiple myeloma.
Practitioners’ application of Let’s Talk about Children intervention in adult mental health services
Authors: Allchin Becca , O’Hanlon Brendan , Weimand Bente M. , Goodyear Melinda
Published: April 2020

Family‐focused interventions can improve outcomes for families where a parent has a mental illness. One such intervention, Let’s Talk about Children (Let’s Talk), is a series of parent–practitioner conversations in adult mental health with demonstrated improved outcomes for child, parent, and family well‐being. This study used a questionnaire to understand the application of Let’s Talk by n = 73 trained practitioners from eight adult mental health services who were previously involved in a randomized controlled study in Victoria, Australia. Data were analysed to establish the application of Let’s Talk, and statistical analyses were undertaken to identify what influenced practitioners’ delivery of Let’s Talk. The study details how practitioners used Let’s Talk and indicates that most used it as designed, with the majority offering it to parents and approximately 40% delivering it. The findings indicate there is a decline over time in both the number of practitioners using Let’s Talk and the number of deliveries over time. Practitioners’ use of Let’s Talk was influenced by their gender, profession, access to support, time since training, and caseload. The article discusses the implications of these results for sustaining Let’s Talk in adult mental health services. While this study gives a baseline of practitioners’ application of Let’s Talk, further exploration of the experience of practitioners and parents as well as other system factors will be helpful to understand barriers and enablers to continued practice.
Commemoration and Emotional Imperialism
Authors: Archer Alfred , Matheson Benjamin
Published: April 2020

The Northern Irish footballer James McClean chooses not to take part in the practice of wearing a plastic red poppy to commemorate those who have died fighting for the British Armed Forces. Each year he faces abuse, including occasional death threats, for his choice. This forms part of a wider trend towards ‘poppy enforcement’, the pressuring of people, particularly public figures, to wear the poppy. This enforcement seems wrong in part because, at least in some cases, it involves abuse. But is there anything else wrong with it? We will consider the various ways the existing literature on the ethics of commemoration might help us understand what is wrong with poppy enforcement. We will argue that this cannot provide a complete account of what is wrong with poppy enforcement. We then argue that such pressure can constitute two distinct forms of affective injustice, which are wrongs done to people specifically in their capacity as affective beings. In McClean’s case, we argue first that poppy enforcement is a violation of affective rights and second that he faces a particular type of affective injustice that we call ‘emotional imperialism’.
Effect of incisal preparation design on load‐to‐failure of ceramic veneers
Authors: Chai Sy Yin , Bennani Vincent , Aarts John M. , Lyons Karl , Lowe Bronwyn
Published: April 2020

Objective

This in vitro study aims to evaluate load‐to‐failure of ceramic veneers with butt joint (BJ) and feathered edge (FE) incisal preparation designs, and to correlate these results to the failure mode of the restorations.

Materials and methods

One hundred and forty‐eight typodont teeth (customized Nissin A25A‐UL19B) were divided into two different preparation configurations BJ and FE and two different loading angulations, 0° and 20°. Lithium disilicate ceramic veneers (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were milled using computer‐aided‐design‐and‐computer‐aided‐manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. Veneers were bonded to typodont teeth with resin cement (IPS Variolink Esthetic, Ivoclar Vivadent). Each group was loaded at the incisal edge using an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.01 mm/s till failure.

Results

Pairwise comparison showed veneers from the BJ groups had a significantly higher load‐to‐failure value compared to the FE groups. Veneers with a FE preparation design loaded at 20° angulation had the lowest load‐to‐failure value.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, both incisal preparation designs and loading angulations have significant effects on the load‐to‐failure values of ceramic veneers. BJ group exhibits a significantly higher load‐to‐failure value compared to the FE group.

Clinical significance

BJ incisal preparation is preferred over FE preparation design.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of the 5As of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain
Authors: Weeks Ashley , Halili Lyra , Ferraro Zachary M. , Harvey Alysha LJ , Deonandan Raywat , Adamo Kristi B.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Gestational weight gain (GWG) outside of the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines may be harmful to women and their fetuses. Prenatal health care providers (HCPs) are important sources of health information, but not all discuss GWG with their patients. The Canadian Obesity Network's 5As (ask, assess, advise, agree, and assist) of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain (5As) is a tool developed to help HCPs counsel their patients on GWG. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 5As tool on patient perceptions of GWG discussions with their HCP and to identify suggestions to improve the tool.

Methods

A quasiexperimental study design was conducted whereby HCPs were trained in using the 5As tool (intervention). Patients were then queried at baseline and postintervention using an electronic questionnaire measuring patient‐perceived 5As counseling. Inclusion criteria for pregnant women were (1) currently attending their first appointment with participating HCPs, (2) English‐speaking, and (3) over 18 years of age.

Results

One hundred pregnant women (50 baseline, 50 postintervention) and 15 HCPs (11 midwives, 4 obstetricians) participated. Participants receiving care from 5As‐trained HCPs reported scores twice as high (P = .047) in being asked about and were approximately 3 times more likely to be advised an exact amount of target weight gain (P = .03). HCPs suggested improving patient handouts and HCP education on GWG guidelines as well as reducing the content presented in the 5As tool.

Discussion

The 5As Tool is effective at initiating HCP‐mediated GWG counseling; further research is needed to examine the usefulness of the 5As in clinical practice throughout the length of a full pregnancy. Whether the uptake of the 5As tool contributes to prenatal behavior change remains to be established. Future steps include modifying the tool based on HCP feedback, the development of novel knowledge translation tools, and improved HCP and patient education.
Estimation of pharyngeal residue after swallowing by retronasal aroma
Authors: Okawa Jumpei , Hori Kazuhiro , Fujiwara Shigehiro , Uehara Fumiko , Shitara Satoko , Kodama Shohei , Ono Takahiro
Published: April 2020

Background

Pharyngeal residue can trigger aspiration and choking after swallowing. Various studies to assess the amount of pharyngeal residue have been conducted; however, an easy and quantitative method is yet to be established. The aroma released from the pharyngeal residue is thought to be delivered from the pharynx to the nasal cavity via velopharynx by expiration, that is, retronasal pathway.

Objective

This study verified that the amount of pharyngeal residue could be estimated by aroma intensity.

Methods

Ten healthy adult subjects had tubes in from the oral cavity to the pharynx. Varying amounts of essence were dispensed into the pharynx through the tube either at rest or after swallowing the essence. Pharyngeal residue was simulated by retention essence in the pharynx without swallowing. An odour sensor was placed in the nostril, and the aroma intensity of the retained essence was measured over time.

Results

The aroma intensity level flattened after a certain period of time had elapsed, and a significant correlation was found between the amount of essence dispensed and the flattened aroma intensity, both at rest and after swallowing. Furthermore, to estimate in a short period of time, changes in aroma intensity over time were estimated by fitting to a decay curve. The estimated intensity at convergence, calculated from the fitted curve from 80 to 120 seconds after swallowing, was significantly correlated to the measured intensity.

Conclusion

The amount of pharyngeal residue can be estimated in a short period of time by measuring the aroma intensity.
Critical review of leaflets about conservative management used in uk renal services
Authors: Winterbottom Anna E. , Mooney Andrew , Russon Lynne , Hipkiss Vicki , Williams Richard , Ziegler Lucy , Bekker Hilary L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Written information supplements nurse‐led education about treatment options. It is unclear if this information enhances patients’ reasoning about conservative management (CM) and renal replacement therapy decisions.

Aim

This study describes a critical review of resources U.K. renal staff use when providing CM options to people with Established Kidney Disease (EKD) during usual pre‐dialysis education.

Design

A survey using mixed methods identified and critically analysed leaflets about CM.

Participants & measurements

All 72 renal units in the United Kingdom received an 11‐item questionnaire to elicit how CM education is delivered, satisfaction and/or needs with patient resources and staff training. Copies of leaflets were requested. A coding frame was utilised to produce a quality score for each leaflet.

Results

Fifty‐four (75%) units participated. Patients discuss CM with a nephrologist (98%) or nurse (100%). Eighteen leaflets were reviewed, mean scores were 8.44 out of 12 (range 5–12, SD = 2.49) for information presentation; 3.50 out of 6 (range 0–6, SD = 1.58) for inclusion of information known to support shared decision‐making and 2.28 out of 6 (range 1–4, SD = 0.96) for presenting non‐biased information.

Conclusions

Nurses preferred communicating via face‐to‐face contact with patients and/or families because of the emotional consequences and complexity of planning treatment for the next stage of a person's worsening kidney disease. Conversations were supplemented with written information; 66% of which were produced locally. Staff perceived a need for using leaflets, and spend time and resources developing them to support their services. However, no leaflets included the components needed to help people reason about conservative care and renal replacement therapy options during EKD education consultations.
Speciation and gene flow in two sympatric small mammals from Madagascar, Microgale fotsifotsy and M. soricoides (Mammalia: Tenrecidae)
Authors: Everson Kathryn M. , Goodman Steven M. , Olson Link E.
Published: April 2020

Madagascar's shrew tenrecs (Mammalia: Tenrecidae; Microgale, Nesogale) represent an excellent system for studying speciation. Most species are endemic to the island's eastern humid forests, a region renowned for high levels of biodiversity and a high rate of in situ diversification. We set out to understand the speciation dynamics in a clade of recently described taxa: Microgale fotsifotsy and M. soricoides, which have nearly identical distributions in the moist evergreen forest, and M. nasoloi, which occurs in the western dry deciduous forest. A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA data recovered two distinct clades of M. fotsifotsy: a south clade that is sister to, and broadly sympatric with, M. soricoides, and a north clade that is sister to the dry‐forest and distantly allopatric species M. nasoloi. To better understand this result, we analysed cranioskeletal measurements and performed demographic analyses using nuclear sequence data from ultraconserved elements. Nuclear data did not support a sister relationship between M. soricoides and the south clade of M. fotsifotsy but did demonstrate introgression between these clades, which probably explains the discordance between nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies. Demographic analyses also revealed the absence of gene flow between the north and south clades of M. fotsifotsy. Morphometric data revealed several major differences between M. soricoides and M. fotsifotsy, as well as more subtle differences between the two clades of M. fotsifotsy. In light of these results, we treat the south clade of M. fotsifotsy as a new candidate species. Our findings demonstrate the utility of integrating multiple data types to understand complex speciation histories, and contribute to a growing body of evidence that species diversity on Madagascar is underestimated.
Genome editing with the CRISPR‐Cas system: an art, ethics and global regulatory perspective
Authors: Zhang Debin , Hussain Amjad , Manghwar Hakim , Xie Kabin , Xie Shengsong , Zhao Shuhong , Larkin Robert M. , Qing Ping , Jin Shuangxia , Ding Fang
Published: April 2020

Over the last three decades, the development of new genome editing techniques, such as ODM, TALENs, ZFNs and the CRISPR‐Cas system, has led to significant progress in the field of plant and animal breeding. The CRISPR‐Cas system is the most versatile genome editing tool discovered in the history of molecular biology because it can be used to alter diverse genomes (e.g. genomes from both plants and animals) including human genomes with unprecedented ease, accuracy and high efficiency. The recent development and scope of CRISPR‐Cas system have raised new regulatory challenges around the world due to moral, ethical, safety and technical concerns associated with its applications in pre‐clinical and clinical research, biomedicine and agriculture. Here, we review the art, applications and potential risks of CRISPR‐Cas system in genome editing. We also highlight the patent and ethical issues of this technology along with regulatory frameworks established by various nations to regulate CRISPR‐Cas‐modified organisms/products.
Enhancing the Financial Returns of R&D Investments through Operations Management
Authors: Yiu L. M. Daphne , Lam Hugo K. S. , Yeung Andy C. L. , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: April 2020

Although much research has been carried out to examine various contextual issues and moderating factors for successful R&D investments, very little research has been conducted to explore the role of a firm's operational and process characteristics. In this study, we explore how firms could possibly enhance the financial returns of R&D investments through quality management, using Six Sigma implementation as an example, and efficiency improvement, using the stochastic frontier estimation of relative efficiency as a proxy. Based on data from 468 manufacturing firms in the United States over the period 2007–2014, we construct a dynamic panel data model to capture the effects of R&D investments on firms’ financial returns in terms of Tobin's q. Using the system generalized method of moments estimator, our results indicate that the financial returns of R&D investments are significantly enhanced when firms adopt Six Sigma and improve efficiency in operations. Our additional analyses further suggest that such an enhancement effect through quality and efficiency improvements is more pronounced under high operational complexity as approximated by labor intensity and geographical diversity. Instead of considering innovation activities and process management as contradictory functions, we show that quality and efficiency improvements indeed support firms’ R&D investments, leading to higher financial returns.
Genome‐wide identification and expression analysis of detoxification efflux carriers (DTX) genes family under abiotic stresses in flax
Authors: Ali Essa , Saand Mumtaz Ali , Khan Ali Raza , Shah Jawad Munawar , Feng Simin , Ming Cai , Sun Peilong
Published: April 2020

The detoxification efflux carriers (DTX)/multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporters encompass an ancient gene family of secondary transporters involved in the process of plant detoxification. A genome‐wide analysis of these transporters was carried out in order to better understand the transport of secondary metabolites in flaxseed genome (Linum usitassimum). A total of 73 genes coding for DTX/MATE transporters were identified. Gene structure, protein domain and motif organization were found to be notably conserved over the distinct phylogenetic groups, showing the evolutionary significant role of each class. Gene ontology (GO) annotation revealed a link to transporter activities, response to stimulus and localizations. The presence of various hormone and stress‐responsive cis‐regulatory elements in promoter regions could be directly correlated with the alteration of their transcripts. Tertiary structure showed conservation for pore size and constrains in the pore, which indicate their involvement in the exclusion of toxic substances from the cell. MicroRNA target analysis revealed that LuDTXs genes were targeted by different classes of miRNA families. Twelve LuDTX genes were chosen for further quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis in response to cold, salinity and cadmium stress at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours after treatment. Altogether, the identified members of the DTX gene family, their expression profile, phylogenetic and miRNAs analysis might provide opportunities for future functional validation of this important gene family in flax.
A Bayesian Group Sequential SmallnSequential Multiple-Assignment Randomized Trial
Authors: Chao Yan-Cheng , Braun Thomas M. , Tamura Roy N. , Kidwell Kelley M.
Published: April 2020

A small n, sequential, multiple-assignment, randomized trial (called ‘snSMART’) is a small sample multistage design where participants may be rerandomized to treatment on the basis of intermediate end points. This design is motivated by the ‘A randomized multicenter study for isolated skin vasculitis’ trial (NCT02939573): an on-going snSMART design focusing on the evaluation of three drugs for isolated skin vasculitis. By formulating an interim decision rule for removing one of the treatments, we use a Bayesian model and the resulting posterior distributions to provide sufficient evidence that one treatment is inferior to the other treatments before enrolling more participants. By doing so, we can remove the worst performing treatment at an interim analysis and prevent the subsequent participants from receiving the removed treatment. On the basis of simulation results, we have evidence that the treatment response rates can still be unbiasedly and efficiently estimated in our new design, especially for the treatments with higher response rates. In addition, by adjusting the decision rule criteria for the posterior probabilities, we can control the probability of incorrectly removing an effective treatment.
What’s the meaning of the concept of caring?: a meta‐synthesis
Authors: Sebrant Lovisa , Jong Mats
Published: April 2020

Background

Registered Nurses are expected to have acquired knowledge about the fundamental concepts within nursing science throughout their training and clinical work. However, the terminology and the concept of caring are debated; therefore, there is a need for a continuous critical investigation of scientific concepts within the area of nursing.

Objectives

To illuminate nurses’ perception about the meaning of the scientific concept of caring.

Design

A qualitative systematic literature search was performed that subsequently underwent a descriptive meta‐synthesis in line with Deborah Finfgeld’s descriptive meta‐synthesis methodology.

Data sources/review method

Scientific articles published between 1 January 2003 and 25 January 2018 were identified and retrieved from CINAHL and PubMed. Each included study was assessed and critically appraised. Data were extracted, analysed and coded into categories resulting in four different themes in accordance with descriptive meta‐synthesis.

Results

Four themes emerged in the analysis: ‘To be’, ‘To want’, ‘To be able to’ and ‘To do’. These comprise different aspects within physical and metaphysical dimensions where simultaneously interact and influence each other.

Conclusion

There are central elements to the practice of caring that are separated in their simplicity but at the same time coherent, where no part can exist without the others in the practice of caring. There are shortcomings concerning current nursing theories, nursing philosophies and organisational documents related to varied aspects based on what is included in the practice of caring.
Giant sector‐collapse structures (scalloped margins) of the Yangtze Platform and Great Bank of Guizhou, China: Implications for genesis of collapsed carbonate platform margin systems
Authors: Lehrmann Daniel J. , Minzoni Marcello , Enos Paul , Kelleher Caroline , Stepchinski Leanne , Li Xiaowei , Payne Jonathan L. , Yu Meiyi
Published: April 2020

Sector‐collapse structures ranging up to 27 km wide with up to 7.7 km bankward erosion (scalloped margins) and linear escarpments occur along the east‐north‐east‐trending, south‐facing margins of the Yangtze Platform and Great Bank of Guizhou. Exposure of one of the structures on the rotated limb of a syncline displays the geometry in profile view. Declivities range from 65° to 90° in the upper wall and decrease asymptotically to the toe. Catastrophic collapses of the margins in both platforms occurred during the late Ladinian as constrained by the ages of strata truncated along the margins and the siliciclastic turbidites that onlap collapse structures. Middle Triassic Anisian and Ladinian platform‐edge reef facies and platform‐interior facies were truncated along both the Yangtze and Great Bank of Guizhou margins. Lower Triassic facies were also truncated along the Great Bank of Guizhou margin. Gravity transport during the main episodes of collapse occurred as mud‐rich debris‐flows and as mud‐free hyper‐concentrated flows. Clasts, several to tens of metres and, exceptionally, hundreds of metres across, were transported to the basin. Following collapse, talus, carbonate turbidites and periplatform‐mud accumulated at the toe of slope. Shedding of skeletal grains and carbonate mud indicates active carbonate factories at the margin. Preserved sections of the margins demonstrate that the platforms evolved high‐relief, accretionary escarpments prior to collapse. High‐relief, without buttressing by basin‐filling sediments, predisposed the margins to collapse by development of tensile strain and fracturing within the margin due to the lack of confining stress. The linear geometry of margins and active tectonics in the region supports tectonic activity triggering the collapse. Collapse is thus interpreted to have been triggered by fault movement and seismic shock. Comparison with other systems indicates that evolution from high‐relief accretion to tectonic collapse of largely lithified margins resulted in large sector‐collapse structures and deposition of a coarse, generally mud‐poor breccia apron.
A global survey of the transcriptome of allopolyploid Brassica napus based on single‐molecule long‐read isoform sequencing and Illumina‐based RNA sequencing data
Authors: Yao Shengli , Liang Fan , Gill Rafaqat Ali , Huang Junyan , Cheng Xiaohui , Liu Yueying , Tong Chaobo , Liu Shengyi
Published: April 2020

Brassica napus is a recent allopolyploid derived from the hybridization of Brassica rapa (ArAr) and Brassica oleracea (CoCo). Because of the high sequence similarity between the An and Cn subgenomes, it is difficult to provide an accurate landscape of the whole transcriptome of B. napus. To overcome this problem, we applied a single‐molecule long‐read isoform sequencing (Iso‐Seq) technique that can produce long reads to explore the complex transcriptome of B. napus at the isoform level. From the Iso‐Seq data, we obtained 147 698 non‐redundant isoforms, capturing 37 403 annotated genes. A total of 18.1% (14 934/82 367) of the multi‐exonic genes showed alternative splicing (AS). In addition, we identified 549 long non‐coding RNAs, the majority of which displayed tissue‐specific expression profiles, and detected 7742 annotated genes that possessed isoforms containing alternative polyadenylation sites. Moreover, 31 591 AS events located in open reading frames (ORFs) lead to potential protein isoforms by in‐frame or frameshift changes in the ORF. Illumina RNA sequencing of five tissues that were pooled for Iso‐Seq was also performed and showed that 69% of the AS events were tissue‐specific. Our data provide abundant transcriptome resources for a transcript isoform catalog of B. napus, which will facilitate genome reannotation, strengthen our understanding of the B. napus transcriptome and be applied for further functional genomic research.
World Englishes and grammatical variation
Authors: Suárez‐Gómez Cristina , Loureiro‐Porto Lucía , Fuchs Robert
Published: April 2020

Less than three decades after the launch of theInternational Corpus of Englishproject, corpus‐based research on world Englishes has enjoyed continued success. A wide variety of corpora and databases are now available to researchers, which allow for the exploration of very large datasets of varieties of English all over the globe, including historical data, as found in diachronic corpora that have recently been released for varieties other than British or American English (for example, Australian, Ghanaian, Indian, Philippine, or Singapore Englishes). Research in the field has also been enriched by the emergence of new models of analysis of world Englishes (beyond the Three Circles and the dynamic model), which take into account the social dynamics of the 21st century, such as mobility, globalization and Americanization. The papers in this special issue set out to make a contribution to our understanding of general patterns of language change, and reveal how major theoretical explanations of language variation and change are better understood through the broad lens of corpus‐based research on world Englishes.