bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
choice in government software procurement: A winning strategy
Authors: Sieverding McLean
Published: December 2018

Court decisions, based largely on principles of equal protection and non-discrimination, throw out laws with preferences for open source software, demonstrating that such laws are not only bad public policy, but may also be illegal, and that neutrality and choice in software procurement is the better approach.
A brief history and review of purchasing card use by the U.S. government: 1990-2005
Authors: Gupta Mahendra , Palmer Richard J.
Published: December 2018

After fifteen years of use by U.S. Federal government agencies, purchase cards are still caught in a debate between the drive to improve governmental efficiency and the need to prudently manage and control spending of taxpayer resources. This paper gives decision makers facts by which to evaluate the purchase card experience to date by providing a brief history of legislative actions related to purchase cards, analyzing patterns of purchase card spending by Federal government agencies, estimating the potential size of the purchase card program, and identifying the costs and benefits of shifting low-value transactions to the purchase card. The paper concludes with recommendations for government action.
The implications of a muddled definition of public procurement
Authors: Prier Eric , McCue Clifford P.
Published: December 2018

At all levels of government, inconsistencies exist regarding the terminology and the body of knowledge used to understand public procurement. Perspectives on what public procurement is, or should be, ranges from routine ordering to sophisticated analysis of government spending. Definitional ambiguities have hampered attempts to define the field and unify its focus. This exploratory article examines the implications of the muddled nature of public procurement that has led to debate and uncertainty about the proper role of public procurement practitioners. To address these limitations, three dimensions of all public procurement systems are identified, and a general definition is proposed for describing the field and its institutionalized practices.
The economics of procurement contract awarding: problems and solutions in theory and practice
Authors: Angelo Mori Pier , Doni Nicola
Published: December 2018

The main aim of this paper is to review some of the newest and most promising advances in auction theory with an eye to applications to procurement practice. Here we focus in particular on four topics related to multidimensional auctions: 1) how to define a proper scoring rule when the awarding bodies lack the necessary information regarding its own preferences and suppliers’ technology; 2) how to cope with the information disclosure policy regarding the discretional evaluation of some aspects of each contractual proposal; 3) how to use contractors’ reputations based on their past performance in the awarding process; 4) how to control the risk of collusion and corruption in the awarding phase.
An evaluation of the performance information procurement system (PiPS)
Authors: van Duren Joop , Dorée André
Published: December 2018

Since procurement is seen as a crucial element in project success, many methods have been developed to manage this process and many papers written about this issue. A remarkable contribution in this field comes from Dean Kashiwagi who underpins his support for the Performance Information Procurement System (PiPS) with claims of high project performance and client satisfaction. Kashiwagi’s explanation for PiPS’s success is based on a theoretical framework that is related to staff members’ ability to deal appropriately with information by making sound decisions based on more than implicit expectations and tacit experience. This does not, however, provide a fully satisfactory explanation. Our paper provides an overview of perspectives taken from the New Institutional Economics which, we argue, are better able to explain the effects of PiPS. The linking of these ideas to innovative PiPS elements makes it possible to effectively select and apply appropriate PiPS elements within suitable projects in the Dutch construction industry. This will enhance industry performance and should thus be of interest to all stakeholders.
Government obligations in public-private partnership contracts
Authors: Verma Sandeep
Published: December 2018

Traditional models of full and open competition are generally applied for ordinary public procurement contracts, whereas special competitive procedures (such as unsolicited proposals) are permissible under various international and domestic frameworks for “Public-Private Partnership” (PPP) contracts. In case of the latter category of contracts, some concerns about relative lack of transparency and competition in the award process have begun to surface, while they are being increasingly relied upon for development of public infrastructure and services. This paper focuses on certain aspects of competition and transparency in the award of PPP contracts, vis-à-vis normal public procurement contracts. To facilitate a sharper identification of legal issues, it compares the relevant regulations and case law in India applicable to unsolicited proposals (UNPs) with that in the United States and those under available international frameworks. It concludes with recommendations on identified legal dimensions of UNPs with reference to government obligations on transparency and competition, so as to adequately preserve these elements in procurement of PPP infrastructure projects.
Recent reforms to promote social responsibility procurement in east asian states: a comparative analysis
Authors: Jones David Seth
Published: December 2018

In many countries, public procurement of goods, services and works is required to serve wider social purposes apart from the needs of the user agencies (which may be referred to as social responsibility procurement). In recent years, reforms have been implemented in the countries of East Asia to promote social responsibility procurement. They have entailed four main types of social responsibility: (a) supporting small and medium enterprises; (b) creating opportunities for small or start up venture firms; (c) fostering environmental sustainability through green purchasing, and environmentally sustainable construction (in the case of public works); (d) promoting work safety in site management in public works. The paper will examine the reforms in the countries of the region under which various preferential arrangements have been implemented to meet these objectives. It will consider why the reforms were adopted and also the differences between the countries of the region in the priority given to each of the reforms.
Risk management in humanitarian procurement and supply chain
Authors: Pontré Jacqueline , Welter Volker , Veiga Malta Joao N. , Faria Ibrahim , Chernyshova Anna
Published: December 2018

Public procurement in many countries is one of the most important factors in governance and is a priority target of reform. In many humanitarian situations however, service delivery cannot wait for procurement reform. The needs of many of the Millennium Development Goals are immediate, while procurement reform may take years to institutionalize. Under these circumstances, international organisations such as the United Nations have both implementation and capacity-building roles, often placing them in high-risk situations. This has led to the development of procurement risk assessment and management tools, designed to provide objectivity in country procurement risk monitoring and review, as well as assist capacity building. The procurement risk assessment methodology that follows uses established risk modeling to provide procurement risk ratings in 60 HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria programs in 26 countries, and is successfully promoting procurement strengthening within high-risk country offices.
Different design - different cost: An empirical analysis of combinatorial public procurement bidding of road maintenance
Authors: Lunander Anders , Lundberg Sofia
Published: December 2018

This paper is an empirical analysis of first-price sealed-bid procurement auctions in Sweden, with and without combinatorial bidding. The data comprises procurement auctions of identical contracts (road resurfacing) with identical bidders conducted under the same time period (2009-2011) in two different regions in Sweden. Given the comparison of the suppliersʼ offered price per tons of asphalt, we cannot reject the hypothesis of identical distribution of standalone bids generated in both types of auction. The distribution of package bids within the combinatorial format is significantly lower than the distribution of standalone bids within the non-combinatorial format, suggesting substantial cost reduction of allowing package bidding. Also, within the combinatorial format, our analysis of data indicates higher costs when packages are predetermined by the purchaser rather than chosen freely by the suppliers.
Examining the relationship between the barriers and current practices of sustainable procurement: A survey of un organizations
Authors: Hasselbalch Jacob , Costa Nives , Blecken Alexander
Published: December 2018

This paper presents the results of a survey of perceptions on sustainable procurement (SP) in the United Nations (UN). It is the first of its kind to systematically analyse the issue of SP in the UN system. While the UN has a tremendous opportunity to support their objective of sustainable development through SP practices, significant obstacles still block the full implementation of this goal. The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers to implementing SP practices in the UN system. Based on an online survey that yielded 282 responses, we identified a framework of SP measures and barriers, and conducted a regression analysis to identify underlying correlations. We find significant correlation between good SP practices and low demand, performance measurement and tool barriers.
Public procurement mechanisms for public-private partnerships
Authors: Vinogradov Dmitri , Shadrina Elena , Kokareva Larissa
Published: December 2018

Why do some countries (often developing and emerging economies) adopt special laws on PPP, whilst in others PPPs are governed by the legislation on public procurement and related bylaws? This paper explains the above global discrepancies from an institutional perspective. In a contract-theoretical framework we demonstrate how PPPs can enable projects that are not feasible through standard public procurement arrangements. Incentives for private partners are created through extra benefits (often non-contractible) from their collaboration with the government (e.g. risk reduction, reputational gains, access to additional resources, lower bureaucratic burden, etc.). In a well-developed institutional environment these benefits are implicitly guaranteed, suggesting no need in a specialized PPP-enabling legislation. Otherwise, a PPP law should establish an institutional architecture to provide the above benefits.
Implementing sustainability in public procurement: The limited role of procurement managers and party-political executives
Authors: Gelderman Cees J. , Semeijn Janjaap , Bouma Frank
Published: December 2018

Little is known about the way local government utilizes the procurement function to promote sustainability. Sustainability is a political theme of considerable importance at the local government level. We investigated the relationships between municipal executive councillors and procurement managers in three Dutch municipalities. We found that the party-political councillors focus on initiatives affecting citizens to create public visibility and electoral support. Procurement managers however, are primarily concerned with stakeholders within the organization serving different interests. Sustainability initiatives appear largely input-based rather than result-based. Procurement managers rarely consult with the councillors. Rather, department heads have the final say in allocating funds in the course of sustainability initiatives.
Five dilemmas in public procurement
Authors: McCue Clifford P. , Prier Eric , Swanson David
Published: December 2018

Procurement systems in democratic governments across the globe face competing demands, conflated values and goals, and are being called upon to address societies "wicked" problems under the rubric of government "reform." As a result, government purchasing professionals are being challenged to develop new flexible structures and processes that devolve purchasing responsibility, yet maintain accountability and control; limit the opportunity for fraud/mismanagement while reducing operational constraints; increase economic efficiency while satisfying political demands for minority/local/small and women owned business participation; increase open and transparent competition while achieving best value; and applying best practices while confronting legal limitations. Essentially these dilemmas have placed public procurement at the forefront of government reform efforts. The current study delineates the nature of five dilemmas that purchasing practitioners face, and the implications of these dilemmas for purchasing in the public sphere are explored. Given the complexity of these dilemmas, procurement professionals will be continually called upon to balance these inherent tensions with little guidance from policymakers or elected officials.
Do federal davis-bacon and disadvantaged business enterprise regulations affect aggressive bidding? evidence from highway resurfacing procurement auctions
Authors: Duncan Kevin C.
Published: December 2018

Previous empirical studies examine the effect of asymmetries across bidders on auction outcomes. This paper tests for asymmetries in behavior when bidders are confronted with different regulatory environments. Data from federal and state highway resurfacing projects in Colorado are used to determine if bids are more aggressive when contractors switch from federal projects, with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise regulations, to less-regulated state projects. Results from fixed effects estimates of winning bids indicate that the level of aggressive bidding is not altered with a change in regulations, at least not with respect to the policies and types of projects examined here.
The enlightenment underpinnings of the public procurement profession
Authors: Klay William Earle
Published: December 2018

Enlightenment philosophers profoundly influenced the emergence of democracy. Enlightenment ideas underlie much of the theory and practice of public procurement today. Economic theory, dating from the writings of Adam Smith and his mentor Frances Hutcheson, assumes that suppliers will act in their own self interest. Knowing this, public buyers seek to fashion incentives to align the private interests of suppliers with public needs. But Hutcheson and others argued that civic duty and benevolence should guide public servants in seeking value for their fellow citizens. That argument is the basis of our codes of ethics. The clams of public procurement to being a profession will be greatly bolstered when it is recognized that our knowledge base is rooted in the same Enlightenment thinking that undergirds other professions and academic disciplines.
Public procurement reforms in greece: The impact of improved transparency on government expenditures
Authors: *** Giotopoulos , Pavlou Grigoris , Danchev Svetoslav , Tsakanikas Aggelos
Published: December 2018

During the recent economic crisis, public procurement reforms have received a great attention as a key mechanism that enables significant cost savings and improves transparency in the public sector, particularly in countries which are under a process of extensive fiscal consolidation like Greece. This paper examines the effects of improved transparency on public procurement cost in the light of the ongoing structural reforms taking place in Greece. The basic finding indicates that ensuring transparent practices in public procurement processes reduces government expenditures by about 1.8 - 3.4 percentage points. A dataset on 2309 public supply contracts for goods was used, supplementing the pooled OLS estimates with quantile regressions.
Federal bid protests: Is the tail wagging the dog?
Authors: Hawkins Timothy G. , Yoder Cory , Gravier Michael J.
Published: December 2018

The fear of receiving a bid protest is said to affect acquisition strategies, yet it has not been empirically explored. Based on the Public Value Framework and interviews with contracting personnel, this research tests a model of antecedents to and consequences of the fear of a protest. Survey data was obtained from a sample of 350 contracting personnel. The fear of protest is mitigated by having sufficient procurement lead time and by source selection experience, and increased by protest risk. Fear of protest increases compromised technical evaluations, added procurement lead time, and transaction costs, while it decreases contracting officer authority and is associated with source selection method inappropriateness. Compromised technical evaluations, in turn, decrease contractor performance while contracting officer authority increases contractor performance. Thus, findings suggest that, indeed, the tail is wagging the dog. The research concludes with several managerial implications, study limitations and future research directions.
The role of training in dismantling barriers to sme participation in public procurement
Authors: Saastamoinen Jani , Reijonen Helen , Tammi Timo
Published: December 2018

This paper examines entry barriers to involvement in public procurement of small and medium-sized enterprises and the role of training in dismantling those barriers. We find that firms' perceptions of barriers are of five main types. Regression analysis shows that a lack of ongoing training is associated with SMEs' perceptions of resource constraints and practical skills that hinder their participation in public procurement. We also observe a positive connection between a positive attitude toward training and SMEs' participation rates in public procurement. As a managerial implication, the value of training should be appraised at the firm level, and organizing training and providing information concerning public procurement could be a recommended policy to improve the SME participation rate in public procurement.
Development of protein fabric indicator for protein contact dermatitis (PCD) patient
Authors: Mohamad Shafi Nur Shafiyah , Fatima Mariam-Aisha , Hassan Normaziana
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a new method of protein detection in fabric using purified henna extract targeted to be used as a precautionary step by protein contact dermatitis (PCD) patients.

Design/methodology/approach

Henna contains lawsone, which is known for its reaction with amino acid, resulting in the formation of a highly coloured compound. Dye exhaustion test of 2 per cent purified henna extract was done on both protein and non-protein fabric, and the results were analysed using independent samples t-test to assess the significant differences of the comparison. Then, protein fabric indicator was developed by incorporating purified henna extract. It was tested for its dye ability and stability.

Findings

Protein fabrics showed a significant higher dye exhaustion (p = 0.001) in which pure silk came in first with 21.70 per cent ± 2.53, silk/rayon, 13.96 per cent ± 0.55, viscose/wool, 9.57 per cent ± 1.36, cotton/spandex, 5.89 per cent ± 0.86, linen/cotton, 5.26 per cent ± 1.29, cotton, 4.87 per cent ± 1.51, polyester/viscose, 4.69 per cent ± 1.09, linen, 4.56 per cent ± 0.86, polyester/cotton, 3.90 per cent ± 0.29 and polyester and 3.88 per cent ± 0.66. Two different forms of protein fabric indicator were developed: capsule and tablet. Both indicators showed good observable dye exhaustion and fixation results. Orange henna dye was fixed on protein fabric while non-protein fabric returned to its original colour after washing procedure. However, the tablet form showed better performance in terms of functionality and stability.

Originality/value

This study will help general community to better understand fibre and its constituents, especially protein where clothing is an integral part of human life because it comes in direct contact with the human skin. As PCD caused by clothing and textile is an uncommon disease, it may also help in creating awareness on how some people may develop contact dermatitis through fabric. This is because the fabric’s protein content is a causative allergen, which most people tend to overlook. For the researcher, this study helps to elucidate some critical areas in PCD for clothing and textile as this topic can be considered an understudy. There is no standard method to detect protein in fabric, especially blended fabric. Thus, a portable kit to detect protein in fabric will be developed in this study. This kit will benefit PCD patients to ease them in finding the right fabric for their skin.
The ball of wax we call HR analytics
Authors: Fernandez Julie
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The debate surrounding automating analytics processes continues as technology becomes more prominent and advanced in the workplace. Specifically, when it comes to HR analytics, it is important to recognize that human judgment as it is used in recruiting today is flawed. One tool that can provide further analysis and measurement beyond performance indicators and predictors is machine learning. Through automation, HR professionals may someday be able to compare characteristics, apply regression analysis to identify the influence of a characteristic and make adjustments based on new hires, retention and promotion results.

Design/methodology/approach

With more and more companies using artificial intelligence, it is difficult to see how it will revolutionize the HR process. As humans already have biases, will they transfer over to these artificial intelligence machines? Human judgment is already flawed in the recruiting process, so it is crucial to take a look into how it plays a role when AI is becoming built into the process as well.

Findings

Advancements in automation and HR technology are not slowing down anytime soon. As HR departments become increasingly reliant on advanced technologies and the numbers they produce, they also will experience the need for new skillsets required to deploy and use them. The HR process is rapidly changing, and as people, we must adapt now to see how AI is going to affect it. With a growing need for a center of expertise (COE) for HR data and technology, we will need to use this to focus resources on workforce analytics to drive business insights and recommendations.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the importance of understanding the implications of advanced analytics on recruiting and people management.
Microbial interactions in the anaerobic oxidation of methane: model simulations constrained by process rates and activity patterns
Authors: He Xiaojia , Chadwick Grayson , Kempes Christopher , Shi Yimeng , McGlynn Shawn , Orphan Victoria , Meile Christof
Published: December 2018

Proposed syntrophic interactions between the archaeal and bacterial cells mediating anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled with sulfate reduction include electron transfer through (1) the exchange of H2 or small organic molecules between methane‐oxidizing archaea and sulfate‐reducing bacteria, (2) the delivery of disulfide from methane‐oxidizing archaea to bacteria for disproportionation and (3) direct interspecies electron transfer. Each of these mechanisms was implemented in a reactive transport model. The simulated activities across different arrangements of archaeal and bacterial cells and aggregate sizes were compared to empirical data for AOM rates and intra‐aggregate spatial patterns of cell‐specific anabolic activity determined by FISH‐nanoSIMS. Simulation results showed that rates for chemical diffusion by mechanism (1) were limited by the build‐up of metabolites, while mechanisms (2) and (3) yielded cell specific rates and archaeal activity distributions that were consistent with observations from single cell resolved FISH‐nanoSIMS analyses. The novel integration of both intra‐aggregate and environmental data provided powerful constraints on the model results, but the similarities in model outcomes for mechanisms (2) and (3) highlight the need for additional observational data (e.g. genomic or physiological) on electron transfer and metabolic functioning of these globally important methanotrophic consortia.
Boundary‐making in the medico‐legal context: examining doctor–nurse dynamics in post‐sexual assault forensic medical intervention
Authors: McMillan Lesley , White Deborah
Published: December 2018

A key dimension of the institutional response to sexual assault is the forensic medical examination of a victim's body conducted for purpose of documenting, collecting and testifying to corroborative evidence. Drawing upon in‐depth interviews with forensic examiners and forensic nurse practitioners in one region of England, this study addresses a gap in the existing research on medico‐legal processes, and critically examines the nature and dynamics of the relationship between doctors and nurses involved in this intervention. Using an analytic framework based on Thomas Gieryn's notion of ‘boundary‐work’, we explore how this historically gendered dyadic relationship is experienced and understood in a context influenced by both medicine and law. We demonstrate very clear boundaries demarcating (i) physicians as experts and nurses as non‐experts in the collection and representation of medical evidence, and, (ii) physicians as equated with technical competence and nurses with ‘caring’ duties. We conclude by positing implications that may stem from these professional relations with respect to sexual assault evidence, professionals and victims.
State of the field: How to study populism and adjacent topics? A plea for both more and less focus
Authors: ROODUIJN MATTHIJS
Published: December 2018

As a result of the steady rise of populist parties and politicians all over the world – and particularly since the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump – populism research has become increasingly popular and widespread. The field, however, also faces some tricky challenges. First, it is easy to confuse populism with related concepts like, for instance, ‘nativism’ and ‘Euroscepticism’. This brings the risk of sloppy conceptualisation, and, as a result, invalid inferences. Second, populism research remains relatively detached from adjacent fields, and fruitful fertilisation across literatures is still rather uncommon. In order to deal with these challenges, populism research should become both more and less focused. How can these two seemingly conflicting recommendations be reconciled? When it comes to conceptualisation/categorisation strategies and drawing conclusions from studies by other researchers, populism scholars should employ a narrow framework and be precise, distinctive and consistent. Yet when it comes to exploring the literature in search of new hypotheses, scholars should employ a more open mind‐set. After all, theories developed in adjacent fields can inspire populism scholars to formulate innovative new questions and expectations.
Nanoemulsions: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Bio‐Based Active Food Packaging
Authors: Espitia Paula J. P. , Fuenmayor Carlos A. , Otoni Caio G.
Published: December 2018

The increasing demands for foods with fresh‐like characteristics, lower synthetic additive and preservative contents, and low environmental footprint, but still safe to consume, have guided researchers and industries toward the development of milder processing technologies and more eco‐friendly packaging solutions. As sustainability acquires an increasingly critical relevance in food packaging, bio‐based and/or biodegradable materials stand out as suitable alternatives to their synthetic counterparts. In this context, the use of nanoemulsions has represented a step forward for improving the performance of sustainable food packaging devices, especially for the successful incorporation of new compounds and functionalities into conventional films and coatings. This class of emulsions, featuring unique optical stability and rheological properties, has been developed to protect, encapsulate, and deliver hydrophobic bioactive and functional compounds, including natural preservatives (such as essential oils from plants), nutraceuticals, vitamins, colors, and flavors. This article presents the surfactants (including naturally occurring proteins and carbohydrates), dispersants, and oil‐soluble functional compounds used for designing food‐grade nanoemulsions intended for packaging applications. The improved kinetic stability, bioavailability, and optical transparency of nanoemulsions over conventional emulsions are discussed considering theoretical concepts and real experiments. Bottom‐up and top‐down approaches of nanoemulsion fabrication are described, including high‐energy (such as high‐pressure homogenizers, microfluidics, ultrasound, and high‐speed devices) and low‐energy methods (for instance, phase inversion and spontaneous emulsification). Finally, incorporation of nanoemulsions in biopolymer matrixes intended for food packaging applications is also addressed, considering current characterization techniques as well as their potential antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens.
Introducing novel advanced practice roles into the health workforce: Dietitians leading in gastrostomy management
Authors: Simmance Natalie , Cortinovis Talya , Green Caitlyn , Lunardi Kim , McPhee Michelle , Steer Belinda , Wai Joseph , Martin Tracey , Porter Judi
Published: December 2018

Aim

The number of advanced practice roles in the Australian health‐care system is growing alongside contemporary health‐care reforms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing novel advanced practice dietitian roles in gastrostomy tube (g‐tube) management and develop a competency framework for progressing opportunities in dietetics practice and policy.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to service lead dietitians at six participating health‐care networks at the completion of a dedicated advanced practice funding grant, and at 12‐month follow up. Service changes (e.g. number of dietitians credentialed, service and adverse events, change in patient waiting times and staff satisfaction), enablers and barriers for the implementation of the novel roles (including pre‐, during, and post‐implementation), and clinical costing estimates to measure the financial impact on the health system were investigated. Participant feedback was also used to synthesise the development of an advanced scope of practice pathway to competency.

Results

Responses were received from all participating health‐care networks. Five out of six sites successfully implemented an advanced practice role in g‐tube management, with conservative health system savings estimated at $185 000. Ten dietitians were credentialed, with a further seven trainees in progress. Over 200 service events were recorded, including those diverted from other health professionals. Enabling factors for successful introduction included strong executive and stakeholder support, resources provided by grant funding, and established credentialing governance committees. Barriers included recruitment and governance processes.

Conclusions

Opportunities exist for further expansion of advanced and extended practice roles for dietitians to meet future health‐care demands.
Antidiabetic Potential of Green Seaweed Enteromorpha prolifera Flavonoids Regulating Insulin Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Yan Xin , Yang Chengfeng , Lin Guopeng , Chen Yuqing , Miao Song , Liu Bin , Zhao Chao
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of water–ethanol extract of green macroalgae Enteromorpha prolifera (EPW) and its flavonoid‐rich fraction less than 3 kDa (EPW3) in type 2 diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin and a high‐sucrose/high‐fat diet. The major active compounds were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight‐tandem mass spectrometry. Quantitative gene expression analysis of the insulin signaling pathway was performed. The effects of EPW3 on gut microflora in diabetic mice were analyzed by high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed EPW3 treatment decreased the fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, and protected against liver and kidney injury with reduced inflammation in diabetic mice. The active principle of EPW3 revealed hypoglycemic effect as indicated by activation of the IRS1/PI3K/AKT and inhibition of the JNK1/2 insulin pathway in liver. Furthermore, the treatment significantly enriched the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Alisties, which were positive correlation of metabolic phenotypes. These findings indicated that EPW3 possessed great therapeutic potential as adjuvant therapy for type 2 diabetes.
A Review of Water Quality Responses to Air Temperature and Precipitation Changes 2: Nutrients, Algal Blooms, Sediment, Pathogens
Authors: Coffey Rory , Paul Michael J. , Stamp Jen , Hamilton Anna , Johnson Thomas
Published: December 2018

In this paper we review the published, scientific literature addressing the response of nutrients, sediment, pathogens, and cyanobacterial blooms to historical and potential future changes in air temperature and precipitation. The goal is to document how different attributes of water quality are sensitive to these drivers, to characterize future risk, to inform management responses, and to identify research needs to fill gaps in our understanding. Results suggest that anticipated future changes present a risk of water quality and ecosystem degradation in many United States locations. Understanding responses is, however, complicated by inherent high spatial and temporal variability, interactions with land use and water management, and dependence on uncertain changes in hydrology in response to future climate. Effects on pollutant loading in different watershed settings generally correlate with projected changes in precipitation and runoff. In all regions, increased heavy precipitation events are likely to drive more episodic pollutant loading to water bodies. The risk of algal blooms could increase due to an expanded seasonal window of warm water temperatures and the potential for episodic increases in nutrient loading. Increased air and water temperatures are also likely to affect the survival of waterborne pathogens. Responding to these challenges requires understanding of vulnerabilities, and management strategies to reduce risk.
Reduced Risk of Alcohol‐Induced Pancreatitis With Cannabis Use
Authors: Adejumo Adeyinka Charles , Akanbi Olalekan , Adejumo Kelechi Lauretta , Bukong Terence Ndonyi
Published: December 2018

Background

Pancreatitis is an increasingly common clinical condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Cannabis use causes conflicting effects on pancreatitis development. We conducted a larger and more detailed assessment of the impact of cannabis use on pancreatitis.

Methods

We analyzed data from 2012 to 2014 of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project—Nationwide Inpatient Sample discharge records of patients 18 years and older. We used the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition codes, to identify 3 populations: those with gallstones (379,125); abusive alcohol drinkers (762,356); and non‐alcohol‐non‐gallstones users (15,255,464). Each study population was matched for cannabis use record by age, race, and gender, to records without cannabis use. The estimation of the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of having acute and chronic pancreatitis (AP and CP) made use of conditional logistic models.

Results

Concomitant cannabis and abusive alcohol use were associated with reduced incidence of AP and CP (aOR: 0.50 [0.48 to 0.53] and 0.77 [0.71 to 0.84]). Strikingly, for individuals with gallstones, additional cannabis use did not impact the incidence of AP or CP. Among non‐alcohol‐non‐gallstones users, cannabis use was associated with increased incidence of CP, but not AP (1.28 [1.14 to 1.44] and 0.93 [0.86 to 1.01]).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a reduced incidence of only alcohol‐associated pancreatitis with cannabis use.
Loss of forest intactness elevates global extinction risk in birds
Authors: Donald P. F. , Arendarczyk B. , Spooner F. , Buchanan G. M.
Published: December 2018

Only around a third of the world's remaining forest cover survives in the form of Intact Forest Landscapes (IFL), and that proportion is declining. Loss of intactness could impact on biodiversity in many ways but the relationship between intactness and extinction risk has not been quantified. We created Extent of Suitable Habitat (ESH) maps for all the world's forest‐dependent birds and intersected them with an independently derived IFL layer. We also estimate the proportion of the total global range‐rarity of forest‐dependent birds that is captured by IFL. The majority of forest‐dependent bird species are now confined largely or entirely to be degraded, disturbed, or fragmented (non‐IFL) forests. Furthermore, only 22.5% of global hotspots of range‐rarity for forest‐dependent birds are found within intact forests. We find a very strong positive relationship between the global extinction risk of forest‐dependent birds and the proportion of forest within their ESH that is no longer intact. This effect was independent of overall range size and phylogeny. There was also a tendency for extinction risk to be higher in species that lost more intactness in their forest ESHs between 2000 and 2016. Restoring intactness to forest landscapes will reduce global extinction risk in forest‐dependent birds.
Birth cohort effects on the quantity and heritability of alcohol consumption in adulthood: a Finnish longitudinal twin study
Authors: Virtanen Suvi , Kaprio Jaakko , Viken Richard , Rose Richard J. , Latvala Antti
Published: December 2018

Aims

To estimate birth cohort effects on alcohol consumption and abstinence in Finland and to test differences between birth cohorts in genetic and environmental sources of variation in Finnish adult alcohol use.

Design

The Older Finnish Twin Cohort longitudinal survey study 1975–2011.

Setting

Finland.

Participants

A total of 26 121 same‐sex twins aged 18–95 years (full twin pairs at baseline n = 11 608).

Measurements

Outcome variables were the quantity of alcohol consumption (g/month) and abstinence (drinking zero g/month). Predictor variables were 10‐year birth cohort categories and socio‐demographic covariates. In quantitative genetic models, two larger cohorts (born 1901–20 and 1945–57) were compared.

Findings

Multi‐level models in both sexes indicated higher levels of alcohol consumption in more recent birth cohorts and lower levels in earlier cohorts, compared with twins born 1921–30 (all P < 0.003). Similarly, compared with twins born 1921–30, abstaining was more common in earlier and less common in more recent cohorts (all P < 0.05), with the exception of men born 1911–20. Birth cohort differences in the genetic and environmental variance components in alcohol consumption were found: heritability was 21% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0–56%] in the earlier‐born cohort of women [mean age 62.8, standard deviation (SD) = 5.3] and 51% (95% CI = 36–56%) in a more recent cohort (mean age 60.2, SD = 3.7) at the age of 54–74. For men, heritability was 39% (95% CI = 27–45%) in both cohorts. In alcohol abstinence, environmental influences shared between co‐twins explained a large proportion of variation in the earlier‐born cohort (43%, 95% CI = 23–63%), whereas non‐shared environmental (54%, 95% CI = 39–72%) and additive genetic influences (40%, 95% CI = 13–61%) were more important among more recent cohorts of men and women.

Conclusion

The contribution of genetic and environmental variability to variability in alcohol consumption in the Finnish population appears to vary by birth cohort.
Does a “Blue Revolution” help the poor? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Shahidur , Minot Nicholas , Lemma Solomon
Published: December 2018

The rapid growth in aquaculture production, globally and in Bangladesh is well documented. Over 2000–2010, per capita production of aquaculture grew 76%, while the consumer price of fish declined 45%. Previous studies have suggested pro‐poor effects of aquaculture based on fish production and consumption patterns. This study attempts to quantify the contribution of aquaculture to income growth and poverty reduction in Bangladesh, using household survey data and a microsimulation approach based on an expanded version of Deaton's concept of net benefit ratio. We estimate that aquaculture's contribution to income growth between 2000 and 2010 was 2.1%, including both price and quantity effects. This income growth was translated into poverty reduction of 1.7 percentage points. Although these estimates seem small, they represent almost 10% of the overall poverty reduction in Bangladesh during the first decade of the 21st century. Put differently, of the 18 million Bengalis who escaped poverty during 2000–2010, about 1.8 million of them managed to do so because of the rapid growth in aquaculture, which contributed to rural income while making fish more accessible to consumers.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: high prevalence and cost of continued aminosalicylate use in patients with ulcerative colitis escalated to immunosuppressive and biological therapies
Authors: Ma Christopher , Guizzetti Leonardo , Cipriano Lauren E. , Parker Claire E. , Nguyen Tran M. , Gregor James C. , Chande Nilesh , Feagan Brian G. , Jairath Vipul
Published: December 2018

Background

Aminosalicylates are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). In the absence of empirical evidence, clinicians are uncertain whether to continue aminosalicylates in patients with UC after escalating therapy.

Aims

To quantify concomitant aminosalicylate use in UC randomised clinical trials (RCTs), identify factors associated with their use, and estimate treatment costs of concomitant aminosalicylate therapy.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to 1 March 2017 for placebo‐controlled RCTs of immunosuppressants, biologics, or oral small molecules in adults with UC. The proportion of patients prescribed concomitant aminosalicylates at trial entry was pooled using a random‐effects model. Meta‐regression was performed to assess trial‐level factors associated with aminosalicylate use. Treatment costs were estimated using 2018 formulary data from five Canadian provinces.

Results

Thirty‐two trials were included (23 induction only, nine induction, and maintenance trials). The pooled proportion of patients co‐prescribed aminosalicylates was 80.7% (95% CI 75.5%‐85.1%), with considerable observed heterogeneity (I2 = 95%). In univariable meta‐regression, aminosalicylate use was not associated with trial design, setting, year of publication, disease severity, disease duration, or drug class. The estimated direct annual treatment cost of concomitant aminosalicylates is ~$20 million for the Canadian UC population, assuming conservative estimates of UC prevalence, aminosalicylate use and dose, and the lowest cost formulation.

Conclusions

Approximately 80% of UC patients entering clinical trials of immunosuppressants, biologics, or oral small molecules continue to use aminosalicylates. An RCT is needed to inform the benefits and harms of continuing vs stopping aminosalicylates in patients escalating therapy.
Estimations of the Joint Distribution of Failure Time and Failure Type With Dependent Truncation
Authors: Cheng Yu-Jen , Wang Mei-Cheng , Tsai Chang-Yu
Published: December 2018

In biomedical studies involving survival data, the observation of failure times is sometimes accompanied by a variable which describes the type of failure event (Kalbeisch and Prentice, 2002). This paper considers two specific challenges which are encountered in the joint analysis of failure time and failure type. First, because the observation of failure times is subject to left truncation, the sampling bias extends to the failure type which is associated with the failure time. An analytical challenge is to deal with such sampling bias. Second, in case that the joint distribution of failure time and failure type is allowed to have a temporal trend, it is of interest to estimate the joint distribution of failure time and failure type nonparametrically. This paper develops statistical approaches to address these two analytical challenges on the basis of prevalent survival data. The proposed approaches are examined through simulation studies and illustrated by using a real data set.
Alpine Masculinity: A Gendered Figuration of Capital in the Patagonian Andes
Authors: Mendoza Marcos
Published: December 2018

This article investigates the Patagonian ecotourism industry and the spatial production of gender privilege. The analysis attends to how the spatial practices of park rangers, tourism guides and climbers create a gendered space of capital accumulation that devalues and marginalises othered subjects – such as women and non‐alpine men – within specific domains of nature. Developing the concept of a figuration of capital, this article argues that the ecotourism industry has facilitated the rise of an alpine masculine subject based upon key bodily values: robust physicality, a conservationist ethic and heroic narration about engaging wilderness.
Gender, Race and Ecotourism Assemblages in Rural Creole Belize
Authors: Johnson Melissa
Published: December 2018

Race and gender intertwine with ecotourism in Belize's northern rural Creole villages, communities that are home to protected areas renowned for birds and other wildlife. Racialising and gendering assemblages found here emerge out of Belize's long history of forest‐based slavery economies. From the early days of sport fishing and jaguar hunting in the 1950s through to contemporary bird‐and wildlife‐watching, tourism has joined these socio‐natural formations. Intersectional feminist political ecology and assemblage theory provide an analytical frame that reveals how ecotourism serves to re‐entrench gendered and racialised inequality, yet in cases where the ecotourism industry is small‐scale and locally owned, possibilitiesfor challenging those hierarchies also arise.
The Armenians of Glendale: An Ethnoburb in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley
Authors: Fittante Daniel
Published: December 2018

Glendale may house the most visible Armenian diaspora in the world; however, it remains among the most invisible in print. The following begins to shed light on this community by providing a brief background and demographic profile of Armenians in Glendale. The article then attempts to expand discussions of Chinese “ethnoburbs” by situating Glendale Armenians in these discussions. Despite scholars’ expansion of the concept, the ethnoburb has had limited application—largely, to Chinese and a few other Asian immigrant communities. However, is the concept of the ethnoburb generalizable in contexts outside of Chinese immigrant settlements? In this article, I contend that the ethnoburb model is generalizable by situating Glendale's Armenian community within this framework.