bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on multi-section continuum robot wire-tension feedback control and load manipulability
Authors: Yeshmukhametov Azamat Nurlanovich , Koganezawa Koichi , Buribayev Zholdas , Amirgaliyev Yedilkhan , Yamamoto Yoshio
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel hybrid pre-tension mechanism for continuum manipulators to prevent wire slack and improve continuum robot payload capacity, as well as to present a new method to control continuum manipulators’ shape.

Design/methodology/approach

This research explains the hardware design of a hybrid pre-tension mechanism device and proposes a mathematic formulation wire-tension based on robot design. Also, the wire-tension control method and payload estimation model would be discussed.

Findings

Wire-tension is directly related to the continuum manipulators’ rigidity and accuracy. However, in the case of robot motion, wires lose their tension and such an issue leads to the inaccuracy and twist deformation. Therefore, the proposed design assists in preventing any wire slack and derailing the problem of the wires.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is proposed pre-tension mechanism device design and control schematics. Proposed pre-tension mechanism designed to maintain up to eight wires simultaneously.
Exploring the role of intrinsic motivation in ISSP compliance: enterprise digital rights management system case
Authors: Jeon Soohyun , Son Insoo , Han Jinyoung
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Employee compliance with information system security policies (ISSPs) has been emphasized as a key factor in protecting information assets against insider threats. Even though previous studies have identified extrinsic factors (in the form of external pressure, rewards and social norms) influencing employee compliance, the functioning of employees' intrinsic motivation has not been clearly analyzed. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the influence of intrinsic motivations on employees' ISSP compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a survey approach and conducts structural equation modeling using WarpPLS 5.0 to test the research model and hypotheses. The survey respondents are users of an enterprise digital rights management (EDRM) system.

Findings

The analysis results demonstrate that work impediments, perceived responsibility and self-efficacy significantly influence the intention to comply with ISSP. Additionally, autonomy significantly affects self-efficacy and perceived responsibility. Furthermore, autonomy plays a moderating role in the relationship between work impediment and ISSP compliance intentions.

Originality/value

This study initiatively explores the effect of intrinsic motivations on ISSP compliance intention of employees for a specific information security system (i.e. the EDRM system). This study clarifies the enabling role of intrinsic motivations in ISSP compliance and helps organizations to understand that employee's self-motivated intention, i.e. autonomy, is an essential factor that achieves a higher level of ISSP compliance in the workplace.
Domestic abuse orders: risk, vulnerability and training
Authors: Ewin Rob , Bates Elizabeth A. , Taylor Julie C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The use of emergency barring orders (EBO) in the form of domestic violence protection notices and orders (DVPN-O) in reported domestic abuse (DA) cases is a relatively new development in the UK; the effectiveness of these orders has been challenged. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing their issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Freedom of information (FOI) requests were used alongside a survey tool. Practitioners (n= 76; mainly police practitioners) were asked about approaches to EBO application, risk and training around DA.

Findings

The findings indicate that applications are impacted largely by domestic abuse stalking harassment risk grading, typically resulting in high-risk cases receiving the most attention. Criticisms suggesting that DVPN-Os are of limited use receive some support from this study; however, as their use is restricted to these higher-risk cases, the full effect of the orders may be limited. The most important factors in decision-making are the level of physical violence, repeated victimization and the victims support for a DVPN-O. Police intelligence and the presence of children also have an effect on risk ratings. Less importance was given to lower risk–graded cases, wider intelligence from family members and information from social networks. Findings also indicate that police training is largely limited to “on-the-job” experience, e-learning and e-mail bulletins.

Practical implications

Respondents proposed that training could be enhanced through victim stories, cross-discipline approaches and wider knowledge beyond isolated specialisms. A number of recommendations are made in line with: structuring professional judgment, using victim accounts in police training and movement toward an evidence-led approach.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates a clear link to the way in which risk and the use of EBO are used by police officers. This research also highlights the desire to see and hear from victims in police training. The value of this research is shown in both the combined approach of FOI requests and a survey and assessing a currently under-researched area of DA response.
Order fulfillment errors and military aircraft readiness
Authors: Weber Michael , Steeneck Daniel , Cunningham William
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the effect of supply discrepancy reports (SDRs) on military aircraft readiness metrics, including aircraft availability, not mission capable supply (NMCS) hours, cannibalizations and mission-impaired capability awaiting parts (MICAP) hours.

Design/methodology/approach

Monthly SDR, NMCS, aircraft cannibalizations and MICAP data from 2009 to 2018 are analyzed using linear regression and independent samples t-tests to examine whether discrepant shipments negatively impact aircraft readiness.

Findings

Results of linear regression were significant in 4 of 12 analyses, suggesting that SDRs are a significant predictor of increased cannibalizations. Results of independent samples t-tests found MICAP hours were significantly higher on discrepant shipments compared to nondiscrepant shipments in all three analyses.

Practical implications

This research will increase awareness of the extent to which SDRs degrade aircraft readiness, and provide an opportunity for United States Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain leaders to take action to improve order fulfillment performance in their organizations.

Originality/value

Little research has been done investigating the impact of SDRs within the DoD, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has examined the effect of SDRs on military aircraft readiness metrics.
Optimization of special cryptocurrency portfolios
Authors: Schellinger Benjamin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to elaborate on the optimization of two particular cryptocurrency portfolios in a mean-variance framework. In general, cryptocurrencies can be classified to as coins and tokens where the first can be thought of as a medium of exchange and the latter accounts for security or utility tokens depending upon its design.

Design/methodology/approach

Against this backdrop, this empirical study distinguishes, in particular, between pure coin and token portfolios. Both portfolios are optimized by maximizing the Sharpe ratio and, subsequently, compared with alternative portfolio strategies.

Findings

The empirical findings demonstrate that the maximum utility portfolio of coins, with a risk aversion of λ = 10, outweighs alternative frameworks. The portfolios optimized by maximizing the Sharpe ratio for both coins and tokens indicate a rather poor performance. Testing the maximized utility for different levels of risk aversion confirms the findings of this empirical study and confers them more robustness.

Research limitations/implications

Further investigation is strongly recommended as tokens represent a new phenomenon in the cryptocurrency universe, for which only a limited amount of data are available, which restricts the sampling. Furthermore, future study is to include more sophisticated optimization models using different constraints in portfolio creation.

Practical implications

In light of the persistently substantial volatility in cryptocurrency markets, the empirical findings assert that portfolio managers are advised to construct a global minimum variance portfolio. In the absence of sophisticated optimization models, private investors can invest according to the market values of cryptocurrencies. Despite minor differences in the risk and reward ratios of the portfolios tested, tokens tend to be more speculative, especially, if the Tether token is excluded, which may require enhanced supervision and investor protection by regulating authorities.

Originality/value

As the current literature investigates on diversification effects of blended cryptocurrency portfolios rather than making an explicit distinction, this paper reflects one of the first to explore the investability and role of diversifying coins and tokens using a classic Markowitz approach.
Comparing the productivity of major shipyards in China, South Korea, and Japan – an application of a metafrontier framework
Authors: Chao Shih-Liang , Yeh Yi-Hung
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to measure the productivity of 21 major shipyards in China, South Korea and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis was applied to measure the productivity of shipyards. The contemporaneous and intertemporal productivity scores of each shipyard were measured. Additionally, the technical gaps among shipyards in China, South Korea and Japan were measured and compared.

Findings

The results indicate that Japan led the global shipbuilding industry in 2014 and South Korea dominated in 2015. Additionally, from 2014 to 2015, shipyards in South Korea and Japan maintained their levels of productivity. Comparatively, major shipyards in China made substantial progress from 2014 to 2015, revealing their strong ambition to improve productivity.

Originality/value

This study first used a metafrontier framework to measure the technical gap of shipyards among major shipbuilding countries. The model and approach objectively analyze the productivity of major shipyards and considers their nationalities. Additionally, this study is the first to measure changes in the productivity of shipyards. By decomposing the metafrontier Malmquist productivity index, major shipyards were categorized into eight sets. The results of this study can provide a clear direction for shipyards to improve their productivity.
Low-voiding solder pastes in LED assembly
Authors: Dziurdzia Barbara , Sobolewski Maciej , Mikołajek Janusz , Wroński Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate voiding phenomena in solder joints under thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) assembled in mass production environment by reflow soldering by using seven low-voiding lead-free solder pastes.

Design/methodology/approach

The solder pastes investigated are of SAC305 type, Innolot type or they are especially formulated by the manufacturers on the base of (SnAgCu) alloys with addition of some alloying elements such as Bi, In, Sb and Ti to provide low-void contents. The SnPb solder paste – OM5100 – was used as a benchmark. The solder paste coverage of LED solder pads was chosen as a measure of void contents in solder joints because of common usage of this parameter in industry practice.

Findings

It was found that the highest coverage and, related to it, the least void contents are in solder joints formed with the pastes LMPA-Q and REL61, which are characterized by the coverage of mean value 93.13% [standard deviation (SD) = 2.72%] and 92.93% (SD = 2.77%), respectively. The void diameters reach the mean value equal to 0.061 mm (SD = 0.044 mm) for LMPA-Q and 0.074 mm (SD = 0.052 mm) for REL61. The results are presented in the form of histograms, plot boxes and X-ray images. Some selected solder joints were observed with 3D computer tomography.

Originality/value

The statistical analyses are carried out on the basis of 2D X-ray images with using Origin software. They enable to compare features of various solder pastes recommended by manufacturers as low voiding. The results might be useful for solder paste manufacturers or electronic manufacturing services.
Role of SPRED1 in keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis
Authors: Li Xinhua , Li Junqin , Lu Funa , Cao Yue , Xing Jianxiao , Li Juan , Hou Ruixia , Yin Guohua , Zhang Kaiming
Published: May 2020

Psoriasis is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease, affecting approximately 2% of the population. Previous studies have demonstrated that psoriatic dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSC) stimulated keratinocyte (KC) proliferation and that psoriasis exhibited missense SPRED1 mutations. To further investigate the molecular mechanism by which psoriatic DMSC stimulate KC proliferation, and the role of missense SPRED1 mutations in psoriasis, we assessed expression levels of miRNA, and both mRNA and protein of SPRED1 in normal human epidermal keratinocyte cells (NHEK) cocultured with either psoriatic or control DMSC. Expression levels of miRNA and mRNA were determined by RNA sequencing. Expression levels of spred1 protein were assessed using western blot analysis. Moreover, the variation in SPRED1 was also examined by whole‐genome sequencing in 665 psoriatic patients, and verified by Sanger sequencing. Our results showed that coculture of NHEK with psoriatic DMSC induced 32 differentially expressed miRNA, in which expression levels of miR‐1 increased approximately 16‐fold over control DMSC‐treated NHEK (P < 0.05). Likewise, expression levels of miR‐21‐3p increased over twofold (P < 0.05). Moreover, coculture of NHEK with psoriatic DMSC induced marked increase in expression levels of mRNA for MAPK3, CDC25B and CDC25C, while decreasing expression levels of SPRED1 mRNA and protein in comparison with control DMSC treatment (P < 0.05 for all between cocultured with control and psoriatic DMSC). Furthermore, psoriasis displayed non‐synonymous mutation of SPRED1 enriched in exon 7: c.A881T:p.Y294F (chr15:38351210). These results suggest that dysregulation and mutations of SPRED1 may participate in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including epidermal hyperproliferation.
Identification of the minimum region of Bordetella pertussis Vag8 required for interaction with C1 inhibitor
Authors: Onoda Naoki , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Teruya Shihono , Suzuki Koichiro , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: May 2020

An autotransporter of Bordetella pertussis, virulence‐associated gene 8 (Vag8), binds and inactivates the complement regulator, C1 inhibitor (C1‐Inh), and plays a role in evasion of the complement system. However, the molecular interaction between Vag8 and C1‐Inh remains unclear. Here, we localized the minimum region of Vag8 required for interaction with C1‐Inh by examining the differently truncated Vag8 derivatives for the ability to bind and inactivate C1‐Inh. The truncated Vag8 containing amino‐acid residues 102–548, but not 102–479 and 202–648, showed the full activity of intact Vag8, suggesting that the separate 102–202 and 548–648 amino‐acid regions of Vag8 mediate the interaction with C1‐Inh.
Correcting density/sonic logs for total organic carbon to reduce uncertainty in pore pressure prediction
Authors: Green Sam , Vernik Lev
Published: May 2020

Pore pressure prediction in shales undergoing compaction, including both mechanical and chemical processes, is customarily related to the mechanism referred to disequilibrium compaction. However, even when this mechanism is established and the normal compaction trend in sonic velocity, as a proxy for shale porosity, is well constrained, the pore pressure prediction may be in error because of the lithological variation in shale composition. The presence of solid organic matter in excess amounts in shale formations that have never been exposed to the pressure–temperature conditions in the oil window is an example of these lithological effects, causing marked overprediction of pore pressure even in thermally immature mudrocks. This necessitates implementation of bulk density and sonic velocity log corrections in organic‐rich shales prior to performing standard pore pressure prediction workflows. In this paper, it is shown how these corrections can be made and the outcomes of the pore pressure prediction can be dramatically improved by using combination of rock physics models relating bulk density to total organic carbon and P‐wave velocity to bulk density in organic‐rich and conventional shales, respectively. To illustrate the workflow, a case study from a well drilled through the Kimmeridge Clay Formation in the North Sea, a well‐recognized source rock with total organic carbon content in the 2%–12% range and significant variation in clay content from 25% to 60%, both of which strongly affect the most commonly utilized log responses recorded in this formation. Using this old but data‐rich well, the importance of accounting for both total organic carbon and clay content variations in pore pressure prediction is demonstrated. It is also recognized that this workflow does not immediately apply to unconventional shale plays, where the pore pressure generation mechanisms are more complex and cannot be solely ascribed to compaction disequilibrium.
Shark movement strategies influence poaching risk and can guide enforcement decisions in a large, remote marine protected area
Authors: Jacoby David M. P. , Ferretti Francesco , Freeman Robin , Carlisle Aaron B. , Chapple Taylor K. , Curnick David J. , Dale Jonathan J. , Schallert Robert J. , Tickler David , Block Barbara A.
Published: May 2020

Large, remote marine protected areas (MPAs) containing both reef and pelagic habitats, have been shown to offer considerable refuge to populations of reef‐associated sharks. Many large MPAs are, however, impacted by illegal fishing activity conducted by unlicensed vessels. While enforcement of these reserves is often expensive, it would likely benefit from the integration of ecological data on the mobile animals they are designed to protect. Consequently, shark populations in some protected areas continue to decline, as they remain a prime target for illegal fishers.

To understand shark movements and their vulnerability to illegal fishing, 3 years of acoustic tracking data, from 101 reef‐associated sharks, were analysed as movement networks to explore the predictability of movement patterns and identify key movement corridors within the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) MPA. We examined how space use and connectivity overlap with spatially explicit risk of illegal fishing, through data obtained from the management consultancy enforcing the MPA.

Using individual‐based models, the movement networks of two sympatric shark species were efficiently predicted with distance‐decay functions (>95% movements accurately predicted). Model outliers were used to highlight the locations with unexpectedly high movement rates where MPA enforcement patrols might most efficiently mitigate predator removal.

Activity space estimates and network metrics illustrate that silvertip sharks were more dynamic, less resident and link larger components of the MPA than grey reef sharks. However, we show that this behaviour potentially enhances their exposure to illegal fishing activity.

Synthesis and applications. Marine protected area (MPA) enforcement strategies are often limited by resources. The British Indian Ocean Territory MPA, one of the world's largest ‘no take’ MPAs, has a single patrol vessel to enforce 640,000 km2 of open ocean, atoll and reef ecosystems. We argue that to optimize the patrol vessel search strategy and thus enhance their protective capacity, ecological data on the space use and movements of desirable species, such as large‐bodied reef predators, must be incorporated into management plans. Here, we use electronic tracking data to evaluate how shark movement dynamics influence species mortality trajectories in exploited reef ecosystems. In doing so we discuss how network analyses of such data might be applied for protected area enforcement.
Chassis engineering of Escherichia coli for trans‐4‐hydroxy‐l‐proline production
Authors: Chen Xiulai , Yi Juyang , Song Wei , Liu Jia , Luo Qiuling , Liu Liming
Published: May 2020

Microbial production of trans‐4‐hydroxy‐l‐proline (Hyp) offers significant advantages over conventional chemical extraction. However, it is still challenging for industrial production of Hyp due to its low production efficiency. Here, chassis engineering was used for tailoring Escherichia coli cellular metabolism to enhance enzymatic production of Hyp. Specifically, four proline 4‐hydroxylases (P4H) were selected to convert l‐proline to Hyp, and the recombinant strain overexpressing DsP4H produced 32.5 g l−1 Hyp with α‐ketoglutarate addition. To produce Hyp without α‐ketoglutarate addition, α‐ketoglutarate supply was enhanced by rewiring the TCA cycle and l‐proline degradation pathway, and oxygen transfer was improved by fine‐tuning heterologous haemoglobin expression. In a 5‐l fermenter, the engineered strain E. coliΔsucCDΔputA‐VHb(L)‐DsP4H showed a significant increase in Hyp titre, conversion rate and productivity up to 49.8 g l−1, 87.4% and 1.38 g l−1 h−1 respectively. This strategy described here provides an efficient method for production of Hyp, and it has a great potential in industrial application.
Does institutional patient accrual volume impact overall survival in patients with inoperable non‐small‐cell lung cancer receiving radical (chemo)radiation? A secondary analysis of TROG 99.05
Authors: Tan Mun Yee , Fisher Richard , Ball David
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Increased hospital patient volume, reflecting greater experience, has been shown to be associated with improved survival for some cancers. However, there is no evidence to support the volume–outcome hypothesis for inoperable non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients within the Australasian setting. We examined the relationship between overall survival (OS) and institutional patient accrual volume (IPAV) in a large prospective Australasian NSCLC database (TROG 99.05).

Methods

TROG 99.05 was an observational study which accrued patients from 1999 to 2007 to examine the relationship between primary lung cancer volume and survival. To be eligible for inclusion, patients had to have inoperable, biopsy‐proven NSCLC planned for radiotherapy to a minimum dose of 50Gy in 20 fractions, with or without chemotherapy. Participating institutions were de‐identified and grouped according to whether accrual was low, medium or high. OS was compared between groups and adjusted for prognostic factors using Cox regression.

Results

About 509 patients were accrued from 16 centres. Median potential follow‐up time was 60 months. Median survival for all groups was 20 months (95% CI 18.3–21.8 months). There were no statistically significant differences in OS with increasing patient accrual across the three groups after adjustment for prognostic factors (P = 0.84, 2 df). The hazard ratios (HR) for group accrual volumes, relative to that for high‐accrual volume, were as follows: low, 1.18; medium, 1.14. Test for trend: HR = 0.91 per group (95% CI 0.76–1.09, P = 0.31).

Conclusion

In the setting of a clinical trial with rigorous quality assurance, we found no evidence for an association between institutional accrual and survival.
A de novo chromosome‐level genome assembly of Coregonus sp. “Balchen”: One representative of the Swiss Alpine whitefish radiation
Authors: De‐Kayne Rishi , Zoller Stefan , Feulner Philine G. D.
Published: May 2020

Salmonids are of particular interest to evolutionary biologists due to their incredible diversity of life‐history strategies and the speed at which many salmonid species have diversified. In Switzerland alone, over 30 species of Alpine whitefish from the subfamily Coregoninae have evolved since the last glacial maximum, with species exhibiting a diverse range of morphological and behavioural phenotypes. This, combined with the whole genome duplication which occurred in the ancestor of all salmonids, makes the Alpine whitefish radiation a particularly interesting system in which to study the genetic basis of adaptation and speciation and the impacts of ploidy changes and subsequent rediploidization on genome evolution. Although well‐curated genome assemblies exist for many species within Salmonidae, genomic resources for the subfamily Coregoninae are lacking. To assemble a whitefish reference genome, we carried out PacBio sequencing from one wild‐caught Coregonus sp. “Balchen” from Lake Thun to ~90× coverage. PacBio reads were assembled independently using three different assemblers, falcon, canu and wtdbg2 and subsequently scaffolded with additional Hi‐C data. All three assemblies were highly contiguous, had strong synteny to a previously published Coregonus linkage map, and when mapping additional short‐read data to each of the assemblies, coverage was fairly even across most chromosome‐scale scaffolds. Here, we present the first de novo genome assembly for the Salmonid subfamily Coregoninae. The final 2.2‐Gb wtdbg2 assembly included 40 scaffolds, an N50 of 51.9 Mb and was 93.3% complete for BUSCOs. The assembly consisted of ~52% transposable elements and contained 44,525 genes.
Differential sunlight exposure affects settling behaviour of hemlock woolly adelgid crawlers
Authors: Mayfield Albert E. , Jetton Robert M.
Published: May 2020

Previous research demonstrated that elevated sunlight improves carbon balance and growth of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) seedlings infested with the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand).

This study examined the hypothesis that elevated visible and ultraviolet sunlight directly affects the settling behaviour of A. tsugae crawlers.

Hemlock seedlings were manually infested with equal densities of A. tsugae and placed into artificial shade treatments (0%, 40% and 80% shade). The density of settled nymphs of the ensuing generation on shaded seedlings was three times higher than the density on unshaded seedlings.

Adelges tsugae ovisacs were also attached to hydrated hemlock branches placed beneath acrylic filter treatments that selectively allowed transmission of various sunlight wavelengths. The proportion of adelgid crawlers that settled on the branch (vs. dropping from it) was higher beneath filters that blocked the widest spectrum of solar radiation (opaque and amber filters) than beneath full sun. In the March‐April trial, exposure to full sun and the full visible spectrum only (clear‐UV filter) significantly increased the proportion of crawlers that settled on the bottom (vs. top) side of the branch.

Our results suggest that A. tsugae crawlers are negatively phototactic and/or thermotactic, with behaviour influenced more by visible light than ultraviolet light.
Post‐discharge opioid prescribing after laparoscopic appendicectomy and cholecystectomy
Authors: Zhao Jie , Peters Luke , Gelzinnis Scott , Carroll Rosemary , Nolan Jennifer , Di Sano Suzanne , Pockney Peter , Smith Stephen
Published: May 2020

Background

Opioid over‐prescription following surgery is a significant public health issue in most developed countries. Multiple studies have been conducted in the USA demonstrating and investigating the issue; however, there is a lack of literature addressing this topic in the Australian setting. The aim of this study is to review prescribing practices at an Australian tertiary referral hospital on discharge in patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or laparoscopic appendicetomy (LA). Additionally, to identify potential factors which influence medical officer prescribing practices.

Methods

A retrospective observational study on opioid prescribing practice on all patients who underwent LC or LA over a 12‐month period at an Australian tertiary referral hospital.

Results

A total of 435 patients (223 LC, 214 LA) were prescribed a mean opioid dose on discharge of 25 oral morphine milli‐equivalents (range 0–180 morphine milli‐equivalents). Less opioids were prescribed following elective procedures (42% versus 10%, P < 0.001). There is a downward trend of opioid prescribing on discharge as the Junior Medical Officer clinical year progresses (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a lower rate of opiate prescription on discharge for LC and LA in an Australian setting when compared to the US data. There is a wide diversity of prescribing demonstrated. This indicates the need for better training of opioid prescribers to reduce over‐prescribing.
Laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: an updated systematic review
Authors: Wang Weier , Fei Yanhong , Liu Jie , Yu Tunan , Tang Jianming , Wei Fangqiang
Published: May 2020

Background

The role of laparoscopic surgery (Lap) and robotic surgery (Rob) for radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is not clear. We summarized the safety and feasibility of Lap and Rob for HC.

Methods

A search of all HC studies in English published on PubMed up to April 2020 was conducted. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search.

Results

In total, 23 reports were enrolled: 15 involving Lap, seven using Rob and one study reporting a minimally invasive approach (Lap or Rob, not specified). A total of 205 cases of HC were documented (Lap/Rob/not specified, 99/101/5): 37 cases of Bismuth type‐I (Lap/Rob, 17/20), 22 cases of Bismuth type‐II (Lap/Rob, 15/7), 68 cases of type‐III (Lap/Rob, 39/29) and 13 cases of type‐IV (Lap/Rob, 9/4). The pooled prevalence of R0 resection was 80.1% (Lap/Rob, 85.9%/71.0%). The weighted mean for operative time, blood loss and post‐operative hospital stay was 458.4 min (Lap/Rob, 423.3/660.8 min), 615.3 mL (Lap/Rob, 521.0/1188.5 mL) and 14.0 days (Lap/Rob, 14.0/13.7 days), respectively. The pooled prevalence of conversion to open surgery, post‐operative complications, and perioperative mortality was 9.1% (Lap/Rob, 12.2%/3.8%), 47.2% (Lap/Rob, 38.4%/61.3%) and 3.0% (Lap/Rob, 4.0%/2.0%), respectively.

Conclusion

With innovations in technology and gradual accumulation of surgical experience, the feasibility and safety of performing Lap and Rob for HC will improve.
Disintegrating labour relations and depoliticised adaptation to climate change in rural São Tomé and Príncipe
Authors: Mikulewicz Michael
Published: May 2020

That climate change is a major disruptor of rural livelihoods in the low‐ and middle‐income countries, including sub‐Saharan Africa, has been a key narrative for the continent's development for at least a decade. And while the severity of climate impacts on African development should not be underestimated, in this paper I argue that the vulnerability of smallholders in São Tomé and Príncipe should be considered in the broader political economic and historical context of progressing depeasantisation and proletarianisation of global agricultural labour. Moreover, I posit that certain smallholders' vulnerability can actually increase as a result of both autonomous and externally planned adaptation strategies, the latter most commonly promoted by governments and their international development partners. To substantiate these arguments, the paper combines theoretical insights from labour geography and critical adaptation studies with ethnographic data collected in Liberdade – a village in the small island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe – which participated in a nationwide climate change adaptation project. I trace local smallholders' vulnerability back to the country's political economic history and complement this by an investigation of the changing labour relations at the community level. Here, I analyse the autonomous adaptation strategies pursued by the residents and critically assess the localised effects of planned adaptation embodied by the project, with a specific focus on how they affect local labour relations. I conclude by providing some reflections on addressing the current pitfalls of planned adaptation.
New developments in von Willebrand disease
Authors: Fogarty Helen , Doherty Dearbhla , O'Donnell James S.
Published: May 2020

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) constitutes the most common inherited human bleeding disorder. It is associated with a mucocutaneous bleeding phenotype that can significantly impact upon quality of life. Despite its prevalence and associated morbidity, the diagnosis and subclassification of VWD continue to pose significant clinical challenges. This is in part attributable to the fact that plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels vary over a wide range in the normal population, together with the multiple different physiological functions played by VWFin vivo. Over recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in elucidating the biological roles of VWF. Significant advances have also been made into defining the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning both quantitative and qualitative VWD. In particular, several new laboratory assays have been developed that enable more precise assessment of specific aspects of VWF activity. In the present review, we discuss these recent developments in the field of VWD diagnosis, and consider how these advances can impact upon clinical diagnostic algorithms for use in routine clinical practice. In addition, we review some important recent advances pertaining to the various treatment options available for managing patients with VWD.
The negative effect of lianas on tree growth varies with tree species and season
Authors: Venegas‐González Alejandro , Mello Felipe N. A. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , César Ricardo G. , Tomazello-Filho Mario
Published: May 2020

Lianas reduce tree growth, reproduction, and survival in tropical forests. Liana competition can be particularly intense in isolated forest fragments, where liana densities are high, and thus, host tree infestation is common. Furthermore, lianas appear to grow particularly well during seasonal drought, when they may compete particularly intensely with trees. Few studies, however, have experimentally quantified the seasonal effects of liana competition on multiple tree species in tropical forests. We used a liana removal experiment in a forest fragment in southeastern Brazil to test whether the effects of lianas on tree growth vary with season and tree species identity. We conducted monthly diameter measurements using dendrometer bands on 88 individuals of five tree species for 24 months. We found that lianas had a stronger negative effect on some tree species during the wet season compared to the dry season. Furthermore, lianas significantly reduced the diameter growth of two tree species but had no effect on the other three tree species. The strong negative effect of lianas on some trees, particularly during the wet season, indicates that the effect of lianas on trees varies both seasonally and with tree species identity.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Spatial heterogeneity and habitat configuration overcome habitat composition influences on alpha and beta mammal diversity
Authors: Regolin André Luis , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Martello Felipe , Melo Geruza Leal , Sponchiado Jonas , Campanha Luis F. de Castro , Sugai Larissa Sayuri Moreira , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire , Cáceres Nilton Carlos
Published: May 2020

The effects of habitat fragmentation on different taxa and ecosystems are subject to intense debate, and disentangling them is of utmost importance to support conservation and management strategies. We evaluated the importance of landscape composition and configuration, and spatial heterogeneity to explain α‐ and β‐diversity of mammals across a gradient of percent woody cover and land use diversity. We expected species richness to be positively related to all predictive variables, with the strongest relationship with landscape composition and configuration, and spatial heterogeneity respectively. We also expected landscape to influence β‐diversity in the same order of importance expected for species richness, with a stronger influence on nestedness due to deterministic loss of species more sensitive to habitat disturbance. We analyzed landscape structure using: (a) landscape metrics based on thematic maps and (b) image texture of a vegetation index. We compared a set of univariate explanatory models of species richness using AIC, and evaluated how dissimilarities in landscape composition and configuration and spatial heterogeneity affect β‐diversity components using a Multiple Regression on distance Matrix. Contrary with our expectations, landscape configuration was the main driver of species richness, followed by spatial heterogeneity and last by landscape composition. Nestedness was explained, in order of importance, by spatial heterogeneity, landscape configuration, and landscape composition. Although conservation policies tend to focus mainly on habitat amount, we advocate that landscape management must include strategies to preserve and improve habitat quality and complexity in natural patches and the surrounding matrix, enabling landscapes to harbor high species diversity.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Towards a child‐centred public health: Lessons from rheumatic fever prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Spray Julie
Published: May 2020

Children's perspectives rarely appear at strategic levels in public health. Policy‐makers can hold adult‐centric assumptions about children, and may be uncertain about how to interpret and apply children's perspectives in policy. Yet how children experience and perceive health interventions can shape the success of services. What, then, might child‐centred approaches to health policy consider? Through ethnographic work in New Zealand, I document how children engage with a school rheumatic fever prevention service, and provide a framework of three lenses through which policy‐makers can more meaningfully consider children's perspectives on health: (a) The embodied‐child; (b) the social‐child, and (c) the public‐child.
Feasibility of encouraging participation in colorectal cancer screening campaigns by motivating people through the social network, Facebook
Authors: Koïvogui A. , Levi S. , Finkler M. , Lewkowicz S. , Gombeaud T. , Sabate J. M. , Duclos C. , Benamouzig R.
Published: May 2020

Aim

To describe the results of a feasibility phase and the expected results of a new approach to increase the participation rate in a Colorectal Cancer Organized Screening Program (CRCSP) through Facebook awareness messages.

Method

This approach targets people aged 50–74 years, who reside in an urban deprived area and regularly connect to Facebook. The feasibility phase ran over 2 months (December 2018 and January 2019) in six municipalities (Seine‐Saint‐Denis, France). The full provisional campaign will run over a year. The approach consists of sending electronic awareness messages on the importance of screening for colorectal cancer using a specific Facebook module. Subjects who consent to screening complete a test‐kit application form. The eligibility of each subject to participate in screening is determined by a doctor before the kit is sent out.

Results

A total of 39 900 people were reached by the feasibility phase campaign, and 9200 were able to watch at least one Facebook message/video. Of those, 4450 people logged to learn more about the CRCSP, 298 applied for a test kit, 160 test kit applicants were eligible to participate and the test completion rate was 41.9%. According to these feasibility results, 366 120 targeted people would connect regularly in the tested area, 141 541 of whom would be interested in a specific promotional message posted on Facebook. Requests could be made for 9770 kits, with 5246 people being eligible to participate in screening. The expected test‐completion rate is estimated at 42%–89%. This would represent 5%–11% of the tests carried out in the area during the same period by ‘classical’ CRCSP.

Conclusion

Implementation of the Facebook strategy would significantly improve the rate of participation in the CRCSP by mobilizing people with no previous participation, including younger subjects.
Cadmium induces mitophagy via AMP‐activated protein kinases activation in a PINK1/Parkin‐dependent manner in PC12 cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhu Qiaoping , Cao Binbin , Yuan Yan , Wen Shuangquan , Liu Zongping
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Cadmium (Cd) induces mitophagy in neuronal cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate these mechanisms.

Materials and methods

The effects of Cd on the mitophagy in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells were detected, and the role of PINK1/Parkin pathway in Cd‐induced mitophagy was also analysed by using PINK1 siRNA. In order to explore the relationship between AMPK and PINK1/Parkin in Cd‐induced mitophagy in PC12 cells, the CRISPR‐Cas9 system was used to knock down AMPK expression.

Results

The results showed that Cd treatment triggered a significant increase in mitophagosome formation and the colocalization of mitochondria and lysosomes, which was further proved by the colocalization of LC3 puncta and its receptors NDP52 or P62 with mitochondria in PC12 cells. Moreover, an accumulation of PINK1 and Parkin was found in mitochondria. Additionally, upon PINK1 knock‐down using PINK1 siRNA, Cd‐induced mitophagy was efficiently suppressed. Interestingly, chemical or genetic reversal of AMPK activation: (a) significantly inhibited the activation of mitophagy and (b) promoted NLRP3 activation by inhibiting PINK/Parkin translocation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Cd induces mitophagy via the PINK/Parkin pathway following AMPK activation in PC12 cells. Targeting the balanced activity of AMPK/PINK1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy signalling may be a potential therapeutic approach to treat Cd‐induced neurotoxicity.
Assessing the validity of the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile for telephone administration in drug health treatment populations
Authors: Deacon Rachel M. , Mammen Kristie , Holmes Jennifer , Dunlop Adrian , Bruno Raimondo , Mills Llewellyn , Graham Robert , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: May 2020

Introduction and Aims

The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief clinical tool measuring recent substance use, health and wellbeing among clients attending alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services. It has previously been assessed for concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability. In this study we examine whether it is suitable for administration over the telephone.

Design and Methods

We recruited a sample of 107 AOD clients across public sector specialist AOD treatment services in New South Wales, Australia between 2016 and 2018. Participants had a mean age of 47 years and 46% were female. Participants completed a face‐to‐face ATOP and a phone ATOP with a researcher within 5 days. Comparisons between the two administration modes were undertaken using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for continuous or ordinal variables, and Cohen's Kappa for nominal variables.

Results

Among 107 participants, 59% were attending for alcohol treatment and 41% for opioid treatment. Most ATOP items (76%) reached above 0.7 (good) or 0.9 (excellent) agreement between face‐to‐face and telephone use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the ATOP is a suitable instrument for telephone monitoring of recent substance use, health and social functioning among AOD clients. Its validation for remote use over the telephone will support staff to monitor clients' risks and outcomes—of particular relevance in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic in which services are increasingly relying on telework approaches to client monitoring.
One‐person operated endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal neoplasm using Endosaber
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Suzuki Sho , Ikehara Hisatomo
Published: May 2020

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Fungal lesion length and expansion rate for the root pathogen Armillaria ostoyae in Douglas‐fir affecting root colonization and damage
Authors: Cruickshank Michael G. , Sattler Derek F.
Published: May 2020

Plant lesions affect disease impact, progression and host resistance. Root lesions caused by Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink were inspected on 24‐ to 34‐year‐old planted Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) pulled from the soil in five locations. Four hundred seventy‐nine lesions were measured for length (mm), expansion rate (mm/year) and lesion type. Lesion types were patch lesions on a root side, girdled lesions covering the root circumference and root collar lesions on the stem below ground. Non‐linear mixed modelling revealed that fungal lesion length at girdled and collar lesions increased but the expansion rate slowed as a power function of time, indicating increasing secondary inoculum and host resistance. Average fungal lesion expansion rate in girdled root and collar lesions was 127 mm the first year which then declined non‐linearly to 26 mm/year after 10 years. Fungal lesion length in patch lesions showed little change after the first year of infection. For girdled and collar lesions, fungal lesion length increased with tree size at the time of infection. Sites with a longer frost‐free period had shorter girdled root and stem lesions, probably because of more active host defence. Results indicate that mortality would be rare from one infection event. Furthermore, patch lesions pose a lower risk of mortality than other lesions because of a lower fungal lesion expansion rate and secondary inoculum. Tree size, lesion position, lesion type and fungal lesion expansion rate need to be considered when assessing the risk of lesions to individual tree survival. Techniques to minimize the disease impact are discussed.
Intraspecific difference among herbivore lineages and their host‐plant specialization drive the strength of trophic cascades
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Bertram Raphaël , Dardenne Nathalie , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Magro Alexandra , Pujol Benoit , Danchin Etienne , Hemptinne Jean‐Louis
Published: May 2020

Trophic cascades – the indirect effect of predators on non‐adjacent lower trophic levels – are important drivers of the structure and dynamics of ecological communities. However, the influence of intraspecific trait variation on the strength of trophic cascade remains largely unexplored, which limits our understanding of the mechanisms underlying ecological networks. Here we experimentally investigated how intraspecific difference among herbivore lineages specialized on different host plants influences trophic cascade strength in a terrestrial tri‐trophic system. We found that the occurrence and strength of the trophic cascade are strongly influenced by herbivores’ lineage and host‐plant specialization but are not associated with density‐dependent effects mediated by the growth rate of herbivore populations. Our findings stress the importance of intraspecific heterogeneities and evolutionary specialization as drivers of trophic cascade strength and underline that intraspecific variation should not be overlooked to decipher the joint influence of evolutionary and ecological factors on the functioning of multi‐trophic interactions.