bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Inference for the Difference of Two Proportion Parameters in Over-Reported Two-Sample Binomial Data Using the Doubly Sample
Authors: Rahardja Dewi
Published: February 2019

We construct a point and interval estimation using a Bayesian approach for the difference of two population proportion parameters based on two independent samples of binomial data subject to one type of misclassification. Specifically, we derive an easy-to-implement closed-form algorithm for drawing from the posterior distributions. For illustration, we applied our algorithm to a real data example. Finally, we conduct simulation studies to demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm for Bayesian inference.
Psychometric Properties of the Intrapreneurial Self-Capital Scale in Malaysian University Students
Authors: Bee Seok Chua , Abd Hamid Harris Shah , Ismail Rosnah
Published: February 2019

The Intrapreneurial Self-Capital Scale (ISCS) is a 28-item measure intended to measure individual resources used to manage career and life challenges. The Intrapreneurial Self-Capital (ISC) is a higher order construct composed of seven specific constructs: core self-evaluation, hardiness, resilience, creative self-efficacy, decisiveness, goal mastery, and vigilance. In the new research area of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development, ISC constitutes a promising core of resources to face the challenges of the 21st century. The aim of the current study was to determine the factor structure and psychometric properties (i.e., reliability and concurrent validity) of a Malaysian version of ISCS among university students. The self-report questionnaire was administered to 1491 university students in Sabah, Malaysia. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the latent structure of the Malaysian ISCS. The final indices of Goodness of Fit showed satisfactory fit to the data. The Cronbach’s alpha of the Malaysian ISCS is 0.81. The Malaysian ISCS correlates with Career Adaptability r = 0.31 (p < 0.01) and with Life Project Reflexivity r = 0.44 (p < 0.01), thus showing an adequate concurrent validity evidence. The Malaysian ISCS provides a promising research area in psychology (both positive and sustainability). Malaysian parents, teachers and counselors can also use this tool for their development and intervention efforts.
Firm Size and Age mediating the Firm Survival-Hedging Effect: Hayes’ 3-Way Parallel Approach
Authors: Okwo Henry , Ezenwakwelu Charity , Igwe Anthony , Imhanrenialena Benedict
Published: February 2019

A James Gaskin Excel Macro Analysis is performed to determine the reliability of our scales, and a 3-way parallel mediation using the Andrew Hayes’ PROCESS model is applied to test the formulated hypotheses. Results show that hedging has a direct effect on firms’ survival; firms’ size and age individually do not strongly influence these effects, but a combination of the two does. We, therefore, concluded that while the hedging-survival effect exists on all forms of hedging, the practice of hedging is consequential for firms on the premise of their ages and numbers of employees.
Vegetable Farming and Farmers’ Livelihood: Insights from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Rai Mohan Kumar , Paudel Basanta , Zhang Yili , Khanal Narendra Raj , Nepal Pashupati , Koirala Hriday Lal
Published: February 2019

Agriculture is the main economic activity in Nepal, and vegetable farming is one of the major agricultural practices of peri-urban farmers in Kathmandu Valley (KV). In this study, it was hypothesized that vegetable farming contributes significantly to the livelihood of farmers by generating cash and providing employment opportunities. The relationship between livelihood and vegetable farming based on the practices, views, and perceptions of vegetable farmers at four different sites in the outskirts of KV was studied. A purposive sample of 140 farm households was surveyed, and key informant interviews were conducted to collect comprehensive data. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the relationships between farmer livelihood and numerous variables related to vegetable farming. It was found that the most of the surveyed farmers are migrants who have spread to different corners of KV at different times. The surveyed farmers cultivate an average area of 2551.5 m2 for vegetable farming. The major vegetable products in the study area are tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), carrot (Daucus carota), and green leafy vegetables. The model results indicate a significant positive relationship between vegetable farming and livelihood. The survey results also reveal many constraints (e.g., poor market management and lack of irrigation facilities) and challenges (e.g., haphazard urban growth, price fluctuation, and vegetable diseases). Since vegetable farming has become a major source of livelihood for farmers in the peripheral areas of KV, further interventions should be implemented to strengthen the vegetable sector and sustain this source of livelihood for peri-urban farmers.
Ambidextrous Leadership, Social Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Operational Performance
Authors: Martínez-Climent Carla , Rodríguez-García María , Zeng Juying
Published: February 2019

In the knowledge era, new forms of organizing and managing firms emerge to adapt to new situations. One such new form of organizational management is ambidextrous leadership. Ambidextrous leadership combines opening leader behaviors, such as promoting creativity, and closing leader behaviors, such as accomplishing objectives and adhering to norms. Thus, the aim is to demonstrate that a social orientation is not at odds with measures of operational performance other than profitability. The purpose of this study is to examine how ambidextrous leadership is linked to social entrepreneurial orientation and how this in turn affects operational performance. This is done through a rigorous review of the literature.
Contextual Impacts on Industrial Processes Brought by the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Savastano Marco , Amendola Carlo , Bellini Francesco , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio
Published: February 2019

The digital transformation of manufacturing (a phenomenon also known as “Industry 4.0” or “Smart Manufacturing”) is finding a growing interest both at practitioner and academic levels, but is still in its infancy and needs deeper investigation. Even though current and potential advantages of digital manufacturing are remarkable, in terms of improved efficiency, sustainability, customization, and flexibility, only a limited number of companies has already developed ad hoc strategies necessary to achieve a superior performance. Through a systematic review, this study aims at assessing the current state of the art of the academic literature regarding the paradigm shift occurring in the manufacturing settings, in order to provide definitions as well as point out recurring patterns and gaps to be addressed by future research. For the literature search, the most representative keywords, strict criteria, and classification schemes based on authoritative reference studies were used. The final sample of 156 primary publications was analyzed through a systematic coding process to identify theoretical and methodological approaches, together with other significant elements. This analysis allowed a mapping of the literature based on clusters of critical themes to synthesize the developments of different research streams and provide the most representative picture of its current state. Research areas, insights, and gaps resulting from this analysis contributed to create a schematic research agenda, which clearly indicates the space for future evolutions of the state of knowledge in this field.
Temporal and Spatial Changes of Non-Point Source N and P and Its Decoupling from Agricultural Development in Water Source Area of Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Wang Zhanqi , Chai Ji , Fu Yongpeng , Wei Chao , Wang Ying
Published: February 2019

The quantitative estimation of non-point source (NPS) pollution provides the scientific basis for sustainability in ecologically sensitive regions. This study combined the export coefficient model and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation to estimate the NPS nitrogen (NPS-N) and NPS phosphorus (NPS-P) loads and then evaluated their relationship with Primary Industrial Output Value (PIOV) in the water source area of the middle route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) for 2000–2015. The estimated results show that: (1) dissolved nitrogen (DN) load increased 0.55%, and dissolved phosphorus (DP) load decreased 4.60% during the 15 years. Annual loads of adsorbed nitrogen (AN) and adsorbed phosphorus (AP) increased significantly before 2005 and then decreased after 2005. Compared with 2000, AN and AP loads in 2015 significantly decreased by 32.72% and 30.81%, respectively. Hanzhong Basin and Ankang Basin are key areas for controlling dissolved pollution, and southern and northern regions are key areas for adsorbed pollution. (2) From 2000 to 2005, NPS pollutants and PIOV showed weak decoupling status. By 2015, NPS pollutants had strong decoupling from PIOV in most counties. (3) Land use has been the main source of NPS-N and NPS-P pollution, accounting for about 75% of NPS-N and 50% of NPS-P based on the average value over the study period. In the future, various measures—such as returning cropland to forest and reducing the number of livestock—could be adopted to reduce the risk of NPS pollution. NPS pollution caused by livestock was grown over the past 15 years and had not yet been effectively controlled, which still needs to be urgently addressed. Collecting ground monitoring data and revising parameters are effective means to improve the accuracy of simulation, which deserve further study. The results will also provide scientific support for sustainable development in similar regions.
Activity-Based Standard Costing Product-Mix Decision in the Future Digital Era: Green Recycling Steel-Scrap Material for Steel Industry
Authors: Tsai Wen-Hsien , Lan Shu-Hui , Huang Cheng-Tsu
Published: February 2019

According to the advanced technologies of digitalization and automation, the interconnection with each individual object is created from data acquisitions into data feedback in the integrated platform of the Manufacturing Execution System (MES). MES automatically and immediately links various functional systems. The time of electronic production management is coming soon, and Activity-Based Standard Costing (ABSC) will be used in the new era. On the other hand, there are environmental protection issues; thus, the high-tech method of the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) uses the complicated recycling material of steel-scrap, which hypothetically enhances product-mix decisions, as based on the ABSC theory, with a mathematical programming approach.
Can Common Reed Fiber Become an Effective Construction Material? Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Mortar Mixture Containing Common Reed Fiber
Authors: Shon Chang-Seon , Mukashev Temirlan , Lee Deuckhang , Zhang Dichuan , Kim Jong R.
Published: February 2019

Due to the increased demands of adapting the sustainability concept in the construction industry, many researchers have developed and evaluated the composite materials made with agricultural by-products, such as straws, fruit-shells, and cobs, as construction materials. Because no research work has been reported regarding the incorporation of common reed fiber (CRF) into a concrete composite to produce the green and sustainable concrete, this research has focused on the evaluation of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of mortar mixture containing CRF regarding density, porosity, compressive and flexural strengths, and thermal conductivity. In total, six mixtures with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% CRF; 0.5% steel fiber (SF); and the combination of 6% CRF and 0.5% SF were prepared. Based on the experimental outputs, a simple analysis of heat loss was also been performed. The test results presented that the incorporation of CRF into mortar mixture proportionally reduced its unit weight and significantly increased its absorption capacity and porosity. Although the use of only CRF in the mortar mixture did not improve both compressive and flexural strengths compared to the plain mixture, the combined use of CRF and SF to increase both compressive and flexural strengths generated a synergetic effect to increase both strengths. The addition of CRF to the mixture has the benefit of producing a significant decrease in heat loss for a typical building in Astana due to the lower thermal conductivity and higher porosity to density ratio.
The Economic Feasibility of the Valorization of Water Hyacinth for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Wang Zanxin , Zheng Fangyuan , Xue Shiya
Published: February 2019

One approach to effectively control the rapid expansion of water hyacinth is to use it as a feedstock in producing valuable goods. While it is technically feasible to produce bioethanol using water hyacinth, the economic feasibility of this valorization is yet unknown. This article conducted an ex-ante cost-benefit analysis of the production of bioethanol from water hyacinth. The results show that in comparison with the active control approach of collection and landfill, it is economically feasible to produce bioethanol from the collected biomass. In addition to its contribution to energy diversification, the production of bioethanol using water hyacinth as a feedstock cannot only control the rapid expansion of water hyacinth but can also contribute to carbon emissions reduction and water quality improvement. While the production cost of bioethanol is high, environmental values play an important role in the economic justification of the production. The coupled use of water hyacinth as a phytoremediation plant and bioethanol feedstock is a potential response to green development strategies.
Indigenous Agricultural Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka: Management Transformation Assessment and Sustainability
Authors: Abeywardana Nuwan , Schütt Brigitta , Wagalawatta Thusitha , Bebermeier Wiebke
Published: February 2019

The tank-based irrigated agricultural system in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest historically evolved agricultural systems in the world. The main component of the system consists of a connected series of man-made tanks constructed in shallow valleys to store, convey and utilize water for paddy cultivation. Up to 10,000 tanks originating from the heydays of ancient kingdoms are still integrated in the current agricultural landscape. During the last two millennia, this indigenous system has undergone many changes in technological, management and socio-cultural norms. This research aimed to analyze the current management practices and existing indigenous aspects of the Dry Zone irrigated agricultural system from the viewpoint of farmers who are the main stakeholders of the system. Altogether, 49 semi-structured interviews were conducted in seven villages in the Anuradhapura district and a detailed survey was conducted in the village of Manewa with a mixed research approach. The basic elements of the indigenous landscape, agricultural practices and management structures based on Farmer Organizations were mapped and examined in detail. The analysis of results shows that the sustainability of the indigenous agricultural system is vulnerable to rapid changes due to modernization, market changes, education levels, and inconsistent management decisions. The case study demonstrates the value of preserving indigenous agricultural systems and the negative outcomes of current management interventions that neglect the indigenous system. Therefore, careful interventions and innovations are needed to adapt the tank-based indigenous agricultural system of the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka so as to preserve ecological and socio-economic sustainability.
Economic Diversification Potential in the Rentier States towards a Sustainable Development: A Theoretical Model
Authors: Kaya Abdullah , Tok Evren , Koc Muammer , Mezher Toufic , Tsai I-Tsung
Published: February 2019

This paper develops a theoretical model to analyze whether a rentier state can diversify its economy away from the rent revenue and hence sustain the economic development and preserve the status-quo. Considering the decarbonization process of the global economy and rapidly fall in economic value of hydrocarbons in the face of the supply glut, rentier states depending on oil and gas revenues urgently need to diversify their economies to avoid social backlash and political upheaval. There are three intertwining factors that determine an effective economic diversification away from the rent revenue: The profitability of non-rentier sectors, the size of the domestic economy to induce a “Big Push” for industrialization to non-rentier sectors, and the level of economic inclusivity. For an optimal level of economic diversification in a rentier state: (1) Non-rentier sectors should be attractive to private agents without the entry barriers; (2) domestic economy should be large enough to induce investment into non-rentier sectors; (3) the ruler(s) should have sufficient tolerance (inclusivity) for private agents investing into non-rentier sectors. Our findings indicate that a rentier state can achieve an optimal level of economic diversification provided that the conditions above are met even without any political change.
Water Services Sustainability: Institutional Arrangements and Shared Responsibilities
Authors: Jama Abdinur Ali , Mourad Khaldoon A.
Published: February 2019

Poor water services in developing countries after national conflict as a result of institutional setups and devastating infrastructures. This study assesses how institutional arrangements have affected the poor water services in Somalia, through thematic analyses. The huge gap in the literature about Somalia highlights the significant need of such research works and the originality of this paper. For this paper, different stakeholders were interviewed from seven zones of the city of Garowe. The results show that public private partnerships (PPP) play a vital role in providing drinking water. The results show that the institutions involved in the water sector in Puntland are not well organized. Roles and responsibilities were unclear, and different governmental institutions criticized each other for deliberately taking over others’ responsibilities, leading to poor and over-priced domestic water quality. Most consumers cannot afford a drinking water supply to their homes, so they are forced to walk long distances and queue for a long time in order to access water. Our analysis shows that it will be difficult for Somalia to achieve Sustainable Development Goal six (SDG 6) (target one) under the current institutional arrangements. Institutional reforms are recommended in the water sector in order to achieve SDG 6 (Target one), and to ensure safe drinking water in Puntland by 2030.
Cooperative and Delay Minimization Routing Schemes for Dense Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ullah Ubaid , Khan Anwar , Altowaijri Saleh M. , Ali Ihsan , Rahman Atiq Ur , Kumar V. Vijay , Ali Munsif , Mahmood Hasan
Published: February 2019

Symmetry in nodes operation in underwater wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is crucial so that nodes consume their energy in a balanced fashion. This prevents rapid death of nodes close to water surface and enhances network life span. Symmetry can be achieved by minimizing delay and ensuring reliable packets delivery to sea surface. It is because delay minimization and reliability are very important in underwater WSNs. Particularly, in dense underworks, packets reliability is of serious concern when a large number of nodes advance packets. The packets collide and are lost. This inefficiently consumes energy and introduces extra delay as the lost packets are usually retransmitted. This is further worsened by adaptation of long routes by packets as the network size grows, as this increases the collision probability of packets. To cope with these issues, two routing schemes are designed for dense underwater WSNs in this paper: delay minimization routing (DMR) and cooperative delay minimization routing (CoDMR). In the DMR scheme, the entire network is divided into four equal regions. The minor sink nodes are placed at center of each region, one in each of the four regions. Unlike the conventional approach, the placement of minor sink nodes in the network involves timer based operation and is independent of the geographical knowledge of the position of every minor sink. All nodes having physical distance from sink lower than the communication range are able to broadcast packets directly to the minor sink nodes, otherwise multi-hopping is used. Placement of the minor sinks in the four regions of the network avoids packets delivery to water surface through long distance multi-hopping, which minimizes delay and balances energy utilization. However, DMR is vulnerable to information reliability due to single path routing. For reliability, CoDMR scheme is designed that adds reliability to DMR using cooperative routing. In CoDMR, a node having physical distance from the sink greater than its communication range, sends the information packets by utilizing cooperation with a single relay node. The destination and the relay nodes are chosen by considering the lowest physical distance with respect to the desired minor sink node. The received packets at the destination node are merged by fixed ratio combining as a diversity technique. The physical distance computation is independent of the geographical knowledge of nodes, unlike the geographical routing protocols. This makes the proposed schemes computationally efficient. Simulation shows that DMR and CoDMR algorithms outperform the counterpart algorithms in terms of total energy cost, energy balancing, packet delivery ratio (PDR), latency, energy left in the battery and nodes depleted of battery power.
Improved Hydrodynamic Analysis of 3-D Hydrofoil and Marine Propeller Using the Potential Panel Method Based on B-Spline Scheme
Authors: Chen Chen-Wei , Li Ming
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the hydrodynamic performance of lift-body marine propellers and hydrofoils is analyzed using a B-spline potential-based panel method. The potential panel method, based on a combination of two singularity elements, is proposed, and a B-spline curve interpolation method is integrated with the interpolation of the corner points and collocation points to ensure accuracy and continuity of the interpolation points. The B-spline interpolation is used for the distribution of the singularity elements on a complex surface to ensure continuity of the results for the intensity of the singular points and to reduce the possibility of abrupt changes in the surface velocity potential to a certain extent. A conventional cubic spline method is also implemented as a comparison of the proposed method. The surface pressure coefficient and lift the performance of 2-D and 3-D hydrofoils of sweepback and dihedral type with different aspect ratios are analyzed to verify the rationality and feasibility of the present method. The surface pressure distribution and coefficients of thrust and torque are calculated for different marine propellers and compared with the experimental data. A parametric study on the propeller wake model was carried out. The validated results show that it is practical to improve the accuracy of hydrodynamic performance prediction using the improved potential panel method proposed.
Chen Inequalities for Warped Product Pointwise Bi-Slant Submanifolds of Complex Space Forms and Its Applications
Authors: Ali Akram , Alkhaldi Ali H.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, by using new-concept pointwise bi-slant immersions, we derive a fundamental inequality theorem for the squared norm of the mean curvature via isometric warped-product pointwise bi-slant immersions into complex space forms, involving the constant holomorphic sectional curvature c, the Laplacian of the well-defined warping function, the squared norm of the warping function, and pointwise slant functions. Some applications are also given.
Casimir Physics and Applications
Authors: Milton Kimball , Brevik Iver
Published: February 2019

Casimir physics encompasses all phenomena that are due to quantum field fluctuations innontrivial backgrounds, which might be gravitational, curved space, electromagnetic (backgroundfields or dielectric materials) [...]
On the Symmetry of the Bone Structure Density over the Nasopalatine Foramen via Accurate Fractal Dimension Analysis
Authors: Bornstein Michael M. , Fernández-Martínez Manuel , Guirao Juan L. G. , Gómez-García Francisco J. , Guerrero-Sánchez Yolanda , López-Jornet Pía
Published: February 2019

The objective of the present paper is to describe all the anatomical considerations surrounding the nasopalatine foramen by relating them to the study of bone structure density via an accurate fractal dimension analysis in that area. We consecutively selected a sample of 130 patients, all of them with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images performed for treatment needs. We chose a specific window (ROI), which coincides with an axial cut at the level of the anterior nasal spine. Different anthropometric measurements were analyzed and a novel fractal dimension analysis was performed. Our sample consisted of 130 patients and was divided into two groups: group one (consisting of 65 subjects without loss of teeth) and group two (consisting of 65 patients with the absence of some teeth). In the sample, 52.31% were women (68 people). Mann–Whitney tests were applied to obtain the statistical results. The mean age of the patients in that sample was 53.67 years with a standard deviation of 8.20 years. We conclude that fractal dimension, a mathematical invariant, behaves symmetrically for binary images from the CBCT scanners of each subject of our sample of study. We also conclude that there were no significant differences between all the anthropometric measures used neither in the subjects themselves nor in the different groups. Therefore, some patterns of symmetry were appreciated at a complete range of levels.
Intact Staphylococcus Enterotoxin SEB from Culture Supernatant Detected by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tonacini Jenna , Stephan Dario , Vogel Guido , Avondet Marc-André , Kalman Franka , Crovadore Julien , Lefort François , Schnyder Bruno
Published: February 2019

Routine identification of pathogens by MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry) is based on the fingerprint of intracellular proteins. This work evaluated the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of extracellular pathogen factors. A Staphylococcus aureus isolate from a food contaminant was exponentially grown in liquid cultures. Secreted proteins were collected using methanol– chloroform precipitation and analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. A main peak m/z 28,250 was demonstrated, which was identified as S.aureus enterotoxin type B (SEB) by using the pure authentic SEB reference of 28.2 kDa and by amino acid sequence analysis. SEB was also detected in this intact form following pasteurization and cooking treatments. Further application of the elaborated MALDI-TOF MS protocol resulted in the detection of SEA at m/z 27,032 and SEC at m/z 27,629. In conclusion, a simple sample preparation from S.aureus cultures and an easy-to-perform identification of pathogen factors SE in intact form represents a promising next-generation application of MALDI-TOF MS.
Occurrence and Ear Damage of Helicoverpa zea on Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Maize in the Field in Texas, U.S. and Its Susceptibility to Vip3A Protein
Authors: Yang Fei , González José C. Santiago , Williams Jayme , Cook Donald C. , Gilreath Ryan T. , Kerns David L.
Published: February 2019

The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize and cotton in the U.S. Reduced efficacy of Bt plants expressing Cry1 and Cry2 against H. zea has been reported in some areas of the U.S. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and ear damage of H. zea on transgenic Bt maize expressing Cry proteins or a combination of Vip3A and Cry proteins in the field in Texas in 2018. We found that the occurrence of H. zea larvae and the viable kernel damage area on the ear were not different between non-Bt maize and Bt maize expressing Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ab+Cry1F proteins. A total of 67.5% of the pyramided Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A was damaged by 2nd–4th instar larvae of H. zea. Diet bioassays showed that the resistance ratio against Vip3Aa51 for H. zea obtained from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize was 20.4 compared to a field population collected from Cry1F+Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 maize. Leaf tissue bioassays showed that 7-day survivorship on WideStrike3 (Cry1F+Cry1Ac+Vip3A) cotton leaves was significantly higher for the H. zea population collected from Cry1Ab+Cry1F+Vip3A maize than for a Bt-susceptible laboratory population. The results generated from this study suggest that H. zea has evolved practical resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of the Vip3A technology in Bt maize and cotton.
Geographic Distribution of HCV-GT3 Subtypes and Naturally Occurring Resistance Associated Substitutions
Authors: Bagaglio Sabrina , Messina Emanuela , Hasson Hamid , Galli Andrea , Uberti-Foppa Caterina , Morsica Giulia
Published: February 2019

Background: Little is known about the frequency or geographic distributions of naturally occurring resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in the nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) domain of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) genotype-3 (GT-3) different subtypes. We investigated naturally occurring GT-3 RASs that confer resistance to NS5A inhibitors. Methods: From a publicly accessible database, we retrieved 58 complete GT-3 genomes and an additional 731 worldwide NS5A sequences from patients infected with GT-3 that were naive to direct-acting antiviral treatment. Results: We performed a phylogenetic analysis of NS5A domains in complete HCV genomes to determine more precisely HCV-GT-3 subtypes, based on commonly used target regions (e.g., 5′untranslated region and NS5B partial domain). Among 789 NS5A sequences, GT-3nonA subtypes were more prevalent in Asia than in other geographic regions (p < 0.0001). The A30K RAS was detected more frequently in HCV GT-3nonA (84.6%) than in GT-3A subtypes (0.8%), and the amino acid change was polymorphic in isolates from Asia. Conclusions: These results provided information on the accuracy of HCV-3 subtyping with a phylogenetic analysis of the NS5A domain with data from the Los Alamos HCV genome database. This information and the worldwide geographic distribution of RASs according to HCV GT-3 subtypes are crucial steps in meeting the challenges of treating HCV GT-3.
Characterization of Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies Against the HA of A(H7N9) Influenza Virus
Authors: Ito Mutsumi , Yamayoshi Seiya , Murakami Kazushi , Saito Kenji , Motojima Atsuo , Nakaishi Kazunari , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: February 2019

Many cases of human infection with the H7N9 virus have been detected in China since 2013. H7N9 viruses are maintained in chickens and are transmitted to humans at live bird markets. During circulation in birds, H7N9 viruses have accumulated amino acid substitutions in their hemagglutinin (HA), which resulted in an antigenically change in the recent H7N9 viruses. Here, we characterized 46 mouse monoclonal antibodies against the HA of the prototype strain. 16 H7-HA-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) possessed hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neutralization activities by recognizing the major antigenic site A; four other H7-HA-specific clones also showed HI and neutralizing activities via recognition of the major antigenic sites A and D; seven mAbs that reacted with several HA subtypes and possibly recognized the HA stem partially protected mice from lethal infection with prototype H7N9 virus; and the remaining 19 mAbs had neither HI nor neutralization activity. All human H7N9 viruses tested showed a similar neutralization sensitivity to the first group of 16 mAbs, whereas human H7N9 viruses isolated in 2016–2017 were not neutralized by a second group of 4 mAbs. These results suggest that amino acid substitutions at the epitope of the second mAb group appear to be involved in the antigenic drift of the H7N9 viruses. Further analysis is required to fully understand the antigenic change in H7N9 viruses.
Saving Water while Doing Business: Corporate Agenda-Setting and Water Sustainability
Authors: Kemper Laura , Partzsch Lena
Published: February 2019

Organic and fair trade campaigns bring water sustainability onto public agendas, such as for example in the cotton/textile sector. Armedangels, a German company, advertises its t-shirts by arguing that their production requires only 1/10th of the water required in conventional production. This article studies the ambitions of such corporate agenda-setters. Methodologically, we develop a framework that contains six criteria and nine indicators, which allow us to code and assess the certification standards. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and participatory observations in order to better understand whose agendas certification is promulgating. The criteria encompass the social and environmental dimensions of water sustainability. Our cases include Naturland (a private organic standard), the European Union (EU) Organic Regulation (a public organic standard), the Fairtrade Labeling Organization (FLO) (a fair trade initiative), and the Fair for Life (FFL) standard (an organic and fair trade standard). Our study also looks at the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), which are two multi-stakeholder initiatives that operate on the conventional market in cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The findings demonstrate that organic and fair trade companies rightly present themselves as water policy entrepreneurs. However, crucial aspects of water sustainability remain hidden. In particular, there is a cleavage between the environmental agendas of organic movements and NGOs that are represented in certification and the urgent social water problems in the Global South.
Calculation of Joint Return Period for Connected Edge Data
Authors: Liu Guilin , Chen Baiyu , Gao Zhikang , Fu Hanliang , Jiang Song , Wang Liping , Yi Kou
Published: February 2019

For better displaying the statistical properties of measured data, it is particularly important to select a suitable multivariate joint distribution model in ocean engineering. According to the characteristics and properties of Copula functions and the correlation analysis of measured data, the nonlinear relationship between random variables can be captured. Additionally, the models based on the Copula theory have more general applicability. A series of correlation measure index, derived from Copula functions, can expand the correlation measure range among variables. In this paper, by means of the correlation analysis between the annual extreme wave height and the corresponding wind speed, their joint distribution models were studied. The newly established two-dimensional joint distribution functions of the extreme wave height and the corresponding wind speed were compared with the existing two-dimensional joint distributions.
Modelling Snowmelt in Ungauged Catchments
Authors: Massmann Carolina
Published: February 2019

Temperature-based snowmelt models are simple to implement and tend to give good results in gauged basins. The situation is, however, different in ungauged basins, as the lack of discharge data precludes the calibration of the snowmelt parameters. The main objective of this study was therefore to assess alternative approaches. This study compares the performance of two temperature-based snowmelt models (with and without an additional radiation term) and two energy-balance models with different data requirements in 312 catchments in the US. It considers the impact of: (i) the meteorological forcing, by using two gridded datasets (Livneh and MERRA-2), (ii) different approaches for calibrating the snowmelt parameters (an a priori approach and one based on Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS), a remote sensing-based product) and (iii) the parameterization and structure of the hydrological model used for transforming the snowmelt signal into streamflow at the basin outlet. The results show that energy-balance-based approaches achieve the best results, closely followed by the temperature-based model including a radiation term and calibrated with SNODAS data. It is also seen that data availability and quality influence the ranking of the snowmelt models.
Survival of Patients with Subglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: MacNeil S.D. , Patel K. , Liu K. , Shariff S. , Yoo J. , Nichols A. , Fung K. , Garg A.X.
Published: February 2019

Objective: Subglottic squamous cell carcinoma is a rare subsite of laryngeal cancer that behaves more aggressively and portends a worse prognosis. Using a population-based cancer registry, our objective was to report overall survival (OS) and laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) in patients diagnosed with subglottic squamous cell carcinoma, and to determine whether primary laryngectomy results in improved survival. Methods: This retrospective population-based study considered patients with a new diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the province of Ontario over a 15-year period (1995–2009). The Ontario Cancer Registry was examined for patients with the diagnosis of interest during the period of interest. Linked population-based databases were used to obtain patient demographics, comorbidity measures, staging, survival, and primary treatment with laryngectomy. Results: Of 4927 patients identified to have laryngeal carcinoma, 89 were defined as having primary subglottic carcinoma (1.8%). In the subglottic cohort, 68 patients were men (76.4%), and mean age at diagnosis was 68 years (interquartile range: 60–77 years). The 5-year OS was 47.2%, and the 5-year LFS was 31.5%. In 13 patients (15%), the primary treatment was laryngectomy, which, compared with primary radiation, did not predict for improved OS. No differences in OS or LFS were observed during the 15-year study period (OS p = 0.42, LFS p = 0.83). Conclusions: The survival of patients with subglottic carcinoma is poor and has remained stable over time (1995–2009). Compared with primary radiation, primary treatment with laryngectomy does not appear to improve OS.
A Little Help from My Friends: Social Support in Palliative Rehabilitation
Authors: Rutkowski N. A. , Lebel S. , Richardson K. , Mutsaers B. , Chasen M. , Feldstain A.
Published: February 2019

Background Social support has been shown to buffer some difficulties of living with advanced cancer. The Palliative Rehabilitation Program (prp) was an interdisciplinary outpatient program offering post-treatment palliative rehabilitation to patients with advanced cancer. Social support was directly integrated into the program. The aim of the present study was to examine the types and sources of social support that patients found most beneficial. Methods Twelve patients participated in 30-minute semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to explore the social support experiences of those patients in the prp. Patients were eligible to participate in the interview if they had completed the 8-week prp, spoke English, and did not have cognitive or auditory impairments affecting their ability to participate. Results The main sources of support reported by participants were team members and spouse, family, or close friends; peers attending the program; and spiritual beliefs. Social support varied based on sex and age, such that, compared with women, men reported relying less on social support, and the supportive needs of younger (≤50 years of age) and older participants differed. Team members were endorsed as frequently as family as social support. Discussion Emotional support was endorsed with the greatest frequency. The members of the interdisciplinary care team were also providers of emotional and informational support for patients, bolstering the support received from caregivers. Widowed or divorced women might rely on health care providers more readily than do married men, who chose their wives as support. Future rehabilitation programs might consider the importance of an interdisciplinary team, the formal integration of caregivers, and the incorporation of spirituality to meet the unique supportive needs of patients with advanced cancer.
Does the Presence of Emphysema Increase the Risk of Radiation Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients?
Authors: Kasymjanova G. , Jagoe R. T. , Pepe C. , Sakr L. , Cohen V. , Small D. , Muanza T. M. , Agulnik J. S.
Published: February 2019

Introduction Radiotherapy (rt) plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer. One of the most common comorbidities in patients with lung cancer is pulmonary emphysema. The literature offers conflicting data about whether emphysema increases the occurrence and severity of radiation pneumonitis (rp). As a result, whether high doses of rt (with curative intent) should be avoided in patients with emphysema is still unclear. Objective We measured the documented incidence of rt in patients with and without emphysema who received curative radiation treatment. Methods This retrospective cohort study considered patients in the lung cancer clinical database of the Peter Brojde Lung Cancer Centre. Data from the database has been used previously for research studies, including a recent publication about emphysema grading, based on the percentage of lung occupied by emphysema on computed tomography (ct) imaging. Results Using previously published methods, chest ct imaging for 498 patients with lung cancer was scored for the presence of emphysema. The analysis considered 114 patients who received at least 30 Gy radiation. Of those 114 patients, 64 (56%) had emphysema, with approximately 23% having severe or very severe disease. The incidence of rp was 34.4% in patients with emphysema (n = 22) and 32.0% in patients with no emphysema (n = 16, p = 0.48). No difference in the incidence of rp was evident between patients with various grades of emphysema (p = 0.96). Similarly, no difference in the incidence of rp was evident between the two treatment protocols—that is, definitive rt 17 (37%) and combined chemotherapy–rt 21 (31%, p = 0.5). Conclusions In our cohort, the presence of emphysema on chest ct imaging was not associated with an increased risk of rp. That finding suggests that patients with lung cancer and emphysema should be offered rt when clinically indicated. However, further prospective studies will be needed for confirmation.
Anti-Yo Antibody–Mediated Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Associated with Cognitive Affective Syndrome in a Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Le May M. , Dent S.
Published: February 2019

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with 15%–25% of those tumours overexpressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2), which is associated with more aggressive disease. On rare occasions, patients present with a paraneoplastic syndrome months to years before their cancer diagnosis. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (pcd) is associated with fewer than 1% of cancers and is strongly associated with breast and gynecologic malignancies. Anti-Yo antibody is the antibody most frequently identified with the syndrome, and it is associated with a very poor prognosis. Recent studies have implicated a relationship between overexpression of her2 and anti-Yo–mediated pcd. Current pcd treatments include tumour removal, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune-suppressive treatments. Outcomes of pcd are typically poor, and no guidelines for treatment currently exist. Early recognition followed by rapid initiation of treatment remains the cornerstone of therapy.
Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis of Predictive Factors and Clinical Impact
Authors: Bouchard-Fortier A. , Baxter N.N. , Sutradhar R. , Fernandes K. , Camacho X. , Graham P. , Quan M.L.
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been increasingly common among women with unilateral invasive breast cancer (iBCa) even though the data that support it are limited. Using a population-based cohort, the objectives of the present study were to describe factors predictive of CPM in young women (≤35 years) with ibca and to evaluate the impact of the procedure on mortality. Methods: All women diagnosed during 1994–2003 and treated with CPM were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry. Logistic regression was used to identify patient and tumour factors associated with the use of CPM. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the effect of CPM on recurrence and mortality. Results: Of 614 women identified, 81 underwent CPM (13.2%). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with CPM included negative lymph node status, negative estrogen receptor status, and initial breast-conserving surgery with re-excision. At follow-up, breast cancer–specific mortality was similar for women who did and did not undergo CPM. Conclusions: Use of CPM in young women with ibca (compared with non-use) was not associated improved breast cancer–specific mortality. Factors found to be predictive of CPM were negative lymph node status, negative estrogen receptor status, and initial breast-conserving surgery followed by re-excision.
Outcomes by Treatment Modality in Elderly Patients with Localized Gastric and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Natori A. , Chan B.A. , Sim H.W. , Ma L. , Yokom D.W. , Chen E. , Liu G. , Darling G. , Swallow C. , Brar S. , Brierley J. , Ringash J. , Wong R. , Kim J. , Rogalla P. , Hafezi-Bakhtiari S. , Conner J. , Knox J. , Elimova E. , Jang R.W.
Published: February 2019

Background: We aimed to assess current treatment patterns and outcomes in elderly patients with localized gastric and esophageal (GE) cancers. Methods: This retrospective analysis considered patients 75 years of age or older with ge cancers treated during 2012–2014. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were collected. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were assessed by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for demographics. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors affecting treatment choices. Results: The 110 patients in the study cohort had a median age of 81 years (range: 75–99 years). Primary disease sites were esophageal (55%) and gastric (45%). Treatment received included radiation therapy alone (29%), surgery alone (26%), surgery plus perioperative therapy (14%), chemoradiation alone (10%), and supportive care alone (14%). In multivariable analyses, surgery (hazard ratio: 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.26 to 0.90; p = 0.02) was the only independent predictor for improved os. Patients with a good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (p = 0.008), gastric disease site (p = 0.02), and adenocarcinoma histology (p = 0.01) were more likely to undergo surgery. Conclusions: At our institution, few patients 75 years of age and older received multimodality therapy for localized ge cancers. Outcomes were better for patients who underwent surgery than for those who did not. To ensure optimal treatment selection, comprehensive geriatric assessment should be considered for patients 75 years of age and older with localized GE cancers.