bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Document viewer with DSpace: a practical approach
Authors: Hazarika Hirak Jyoti , Ravikumar S.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the need and current development of document viewers for digitized objects in DSpace repositories, including a local viewer developed for a document collection as like research papers, thesis and dissertation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed the concept for the to preserve and store all types of document in one data base with the help of open source software (OSS). The authors used Java Script programing to integrated and developed the system.

Findings

The major finding of our work is that large document file can be accommodated in DSpace without modifying the originality of the documents and viewing the document in a different dimension as a specialist needs. The combination of current technologies such as Google Doc Viewer and the Internet Archive Book Reader, as well as the growing number of digital repositories hosting digitized content, suggests that the DSpace community will probably benefit with an “out-of-the-box.”

Originality/value

In addition, to exploring the opportunities of OSS implementation in different research institutes, the study includes issues related to the implementation of the open source repository. This is the first time in India, as well as DSpace history to created and developed Document Viewer with the help of DSpace OSS. The study would have value for library professionals and the developer to understand the market in the context of OSS.
Efficient working capital management, bond quality rating, and debt refinancing risk
Authors: Gill Amarjit , Amiraslany Afshin , Obradovich John , Mathur Neil
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of efficient working capital management (WCM) on a firm’s bond quality ratings (BQR) and debt refinancing risk (RFR).

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill its purpose, this study adopted a co-relational research design. Additionally, the COMPUSTAT of Wharton Research Data Services was used to collect data from American production firms for a period of five years (from 2013 to 2017).

Findings

The results of this study suggest that efficient WCM does, in fact, play a role in improving BQR of American production firms. Furthermore, the findings go on to suggest that efficient WCM plays a very little role in reducing RFR for American production firms.

Research limitations/implications

This is a correlational study that investigated the presence of an association between efficient WCM and firms’ BQR and between efficient WCM and RFR. However, the two do not necessarily share a causal relationship. Moreover, the findings of this study may only be generalized to firms that are similar to those that were included in this research.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on financial factors that improve a firm’s BQR. Firms should consider maintaining an optimal net working capital as it improves BQR. Moreover, the findings of this study may prove useful for financial managers, investors, financial management consultants and other stakeholders.
Alkaline-based curcumin extraction from selected zingiberaceae for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
Authors: Othman Rashidi , Abdurasid Mohd Akram , Mahmad Noraini , Ahmad Fadzillah Nurrulhidayah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extract, characterise and quantify curcumin from selected Zingiberaceae of “kunyit” or turmeric (Curcuma longa), “temu lawak” or Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), “temu pauh” (Curcuma mangga), “lempoyang” (Zingiber zerumbet) and “bonglai” (Zingiber cassumunar) using alkaline and chemical-based extraction method for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the alkaline-based extraction method, all parts of rhizome samples were freeze-dried for 72 h before grounded into a fine powder and kept at −20°C. The powdered sample (0.1 g) was weighed and placed in a 50 mL tube. About 20 mL of 2 M NaOH solution was added into the tube. The solution was allowed to stand for 30 min. Then, 20 mL of ethyl acetate was added into the tube. The solution was mixed well then centrifuged at 13,500 rpm for 3 min. The upper layer was collected using a pipette. The process was repeated until the upper layer became almost colourless. The collected ethyl acetate solution was concentrated using a rotary evaporator to remove the ethyl acetate from the extracted compound. The concentrated curcumin was placed in a universal bottle, which was then dried from the remaining ethyl acetate using nitrogen drying process. The dried curcumin was then stored inside the freezer at −20ºC. The antimicrobial activities were using agar diffusion method against bacterial and fungi, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay.

Findings

All the samples successfully showed a single peak (curcumin) that gained from the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram analysis (at 425 nm) using the alkaline-based extraction method and the highest curcumin content was in turmeric (12.95 ± 1.07mg/g DW). At 10.0 mg/mL curcumin concentration, the best antibacterial activity was against on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with 7.50 ± 0.71 mm inhibition zone, while the best antifungal activity was against on Aspergillus niger with 8.00 ± 0.41 mm inhibition zone. The DPPH antioxidant test resulted in the highest inhibition (110.41 per cent) was at 0.25 mg/mL curcumin concentration.

Originality/value

Through HPLC analysis, all samples successfully showed a single peak of curcumin at 425 nm. The total carotenoid determination from turmeric revealed that the samples content was substantially higher using alkaline-based extraction (18.40 ± 0.07 mg/g DW) compared to chemical-based extraction (9.42 ± 0.20 mg/g ± SD).
Multifunctional outdoor fabrics with ATO and TiO2 embedded PU coatings
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yao Jiming , Wang Shuo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to invent a new functional coated fabric based on nanomaterials to shield UV and IR. Multifunctional surface coatings with ultraviolet (UV)/near infrared radiations protection and waterproof were widely applied in outdoor fabrics. Herein, ultrafine TiO2 and nano-antimony doped tin dioxide (ATO) were prepared and embedded into water-based polyurethane (PU) coatings and then coated on the nylon fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

ATO was prepared using the sol–gel method and the two powders were dispersed by ball milling. The results of zeta potential and particle size distribution showed that the ultrafine TiO2 and nano-ATO could be stably dispersed in water at pH 8 with the presence of sodium polycarboxylate. The optimal process was screened out by orthogonal design and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV protection, thermal insulation and water-pressure resistance were tested. SEM images indicated the nanoparticles could be uniformly dispersed in the coatings.

Findings

The effect of UV prevention can get to UPF > 50, UVA < 5 per cent, which meet up with the AATCC 183-2014. Coatings can effectively lower the temperature of fabric surface by 8∼9ºC through the self-made closed test system and by 3ºC through the open test system.

Originality/value

These PU coatings are environment-friendly and adhesive to impart waterproof, UV-proof and thermal insulation properties to nylon fabrics by coating finishing.
The anticorrosive performance of cost saving zeolites
Authors: Abd El-Gawad Walaa M. , Ahmed Nivin M. , Selim Mohamed M. , Hamed E. , Souaya Eglal R.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In recent years, zeolites have been highlighted as a new component in many industrial applications owing to their unique properties. The purpose of this study is to apply three prepared types of zeolites Na-X, Na-Y and hydroxysodalite (Na-HS) in anticorrosive paint formulations to be evaluated as a partial replacement to zinc phosphate in anticorrosive paint formulations to protect carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The three types of zeolites were characterized using different instrumental analysis such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence. Evaluation of zeolites was done using American society for material and testing. Then, they were incorporated in paint formulations based on medium oil-modified soya-bean dehydrated castor oil alkyd resin in the presence and absence of zinc phosphate. Their corrosion behavior was estimated using both immersion test and electrochemical impedance measurements in 3.5% NaCl.

Findings

Generally, the prepared zeolites exhibited good corrosion protection performance, but in presence of zinc phosphate the performance was better. This proves that, zeolites by themselves can resist corrosion but not efficiently, while in presence of zinc phosphate and owing to a synergistic effect between them, the performance was better. This opens the way to partial replacement of zinc phosphate with another safer and cheaper ingredient, which is zeolite.

Practical implications

The three zeolites can be applied in many industries besides the paint industry, such as reinforcing filler in rubber, plastics and ceramic composites, also can be applied in paper filling, paper coatings and electrical insulation.

Originality/value

The three zeolites are environmentally friendly materials that can partially replace other expensive anticorrosive pigments (e.g. zinc phosphate).
Assessing the impact of ISO: 9001 implementation on school teaching and learning processes
Authors: Fernández-Cruz Francisco José , Rodríguez-Mantilla Jesús Miguel , Fernández-Díaz Ma José
Published: June 2019

Purpose

A growing number of schools are now implementing quality management systems (QMS). As a result, studies are being conducted to assess the educational benefits of these systems and their capacity to identify areas for improvement in school processes and performance. The purpose the present study is to assess the impact of ISO:9001 implementation on teaching-learning processes in the classroom, and in schools with at least three years’ experience of applying this standard.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, a questionnaire was administered to a final sample of 2,185 subjects from 80 pre-school, primary and secondary education schools in the regions of Madrid, Castile and León, Andalusia and Valencia (Spain).

Findings

The results show that ISO:9001 implementation yielded a higher than average impact on teaching-learning processes. Specifically, improvements were observed in the subdomains of tutorials, evaluation and classroom teaching methodologies as a result of implementing this QMS.

Originality/value

This impact was higher in state-subsidized private schools in Valencia and Andalusia with over nine years’ experience of ISO:9001 in schools with internal funding plans and in those with fewer than 29 teachers on the staff.
Behavioral biases in pension fund trustees’ decision making
Authors: Weiss-Cohen Leonardo , Ayton Peter , Clacher Iain , Thoma Volker
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Behavioral finance research has almost exclusively investigated the decision making of lay individuals, mostly ignoring more sophisticated institutional investors. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the relatively unexplored field of investment decisions made by pension fund trustees, an important subset of institutional investors, and identify future avenues of further exploration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts by setting out the landscape in which pension fund trustees operate and make their decisions, followed by a literature review of the extant behavioral finance research applicable to similar situations.

Findings

Despite receiving training and accumulating experience in financial markets, these are limited and sparse; therefore, pension fund trustees are unlikely to be immune from behavioral biases. Trustees make decisions in groups, are heavily reliant on advice and make decisions on behalf of others. Research in those areas has uncovered many inefficiencies. It is still unknown how this specific context can affect the psychological effects on their decisions.

Research limitations/implications

Given how much influence trustees’ decisions have on asset allocation and by extension in financial markets, this is a surprising state of affairs. Research in behavioral finance has had a marked influence on policy in the past and so we anticipate that exploring the decisions made within pension funds may have wide ramifications for the industry.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware, no behavioral research has empirically tested pension fund trustees’ decisions to investigate how the combination of group decisions, advice and surrogacy influence their decisions and, ultimately, the sustainability of our pensions.
A method for real-time error detection in low-cost environmental sensors data
Authors: Loyola Mauricio
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a simple, fast, and effective method for detecting measurement errors in data collected with low-cost environmental sensors typically used in building monitoring, evaluation, and automation applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The method combines two unsupervised learning techniques: a distance-based anomaly detection algorithm analyzing temporal patterns in data, and a density-based algorithm comparing data across different spatially related sensors.

Findings

Results of tests using 60,000 observations of temperature and humidity collected from 20 sensors during three weeks show that the method effectively identified measurement errors and was not affected by valid unusual events. Precision, recall, and accuracy were 0.999 or higher for all cases tested.

Originality/value

The method is simple to implement, computationally inexpensive, and fast enough to be used in real-time with modest open-source microprocessors and a wide variety of environmental sensors. It is a robust and convenient approach for overcoming the hardware constraints of low-cost sensors, allowing users to improve the quality of collected data at almost no additional cost and effort.
Connections with nature for people living with dementia
Authors: Evans Simon Chester , Barrett Julie , Mapes Neil , Hennell June , Atkinson Teresa , Bray Jennifer , Garabedian Claire , Russell Chris
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The benefits of “green dementia care”, whereby people living with dementia are supported to connect with nature, are increasingly being recognised. Evidence suggests that these benefits span physical, emotional and social spheres and can make a significant contribution towards quality of life. However, care settings often present specific challenges to promoting such connections due to a range of factors including risk-averse cultures and environmental limitations. The purpose of this paper is to report on a project that aims to explore the opportunities, benefits, barriers and enablers to interaction with nature for people living with dementia in residential care and extra care housing schemes in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 144 responses to an online survey by managers/staff of extra care housing schemes and care homes in the UK. In depth-case studies were carried out at three care homes and three extra care housing schemes, involving interviews with residents, staff and family carers.

Findings

A wide variety of nature-based activities were reported, both outdoor and indoor. Positive benefits reported included improved mood, higher levels of social interaction and increased motivation for residents, and greater job satisfaction for staff. The design and layout of indoor and outdoor spaces is key, in addition to staff who feel enabled to promote connections with nature.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a relatively small research project in which the participants were self-selecting and therefore not necessarily representative.

Practical implications

The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes.

Social implications

Outdoor activities can promote social interaction for people living with dementia in care settings. The authors’ findings are relevant to the recent policy focus on social prescribing.

Originality/value

The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes.
Impacts of rainfall extremes predicted by climate‐change models on major trophic groups in the leaf litter arthropod community
Authors: Wise David H. , Lensing Janet R.
Published: June 2019

Arthropods in the leaf litter layer of forest soils influence ecosystem processes such as decomposition. Climate‐change models predict both increases and decreases in average rainfall. Increased drought may have greater impacts on the litter arthropod community. In addition to affecting survival or behaviour of desiccation‐sensitive species, lower rainfall may indirectly lower abundances of consumers that graze drought‐stressed fungi, with repercussions for higher trophic levels.

We tested the hypothesis that trophic structure will differ between the two rainfall scenarios. In particular, we hypothesized that densities of several broadly defined trophic groupings of arthropods would be lower under reduced rainfall.

To test this hypothesis, we used sprinklers to impose two rainfall treatments during three growing seasons in roofed, fenced 14‐m2plots and documented changes in abundance from initial, pre‐treatment densities of 39 arthropod taxa. Experimental plots were subjected to either LOW (fortnightly) or HIGH (weekly) average rainfall based upon climate models and the previous 100 years of regional weekly averages. Unroofed open plots, our reference treatment (REF), experienced higher than average rainfall during the experiment.

The two rainfall extremes produced clear negative effects of lowered rainfall on major trophic groups. Broad categories of fungivores, detritivores and predators were more abundant in HIGH than LOW plots by the final year. Springtails (Collembola), which graze fungal hyphae, were 3× more abundant in the HIGH rainfall treatment. Taxa of larger‐bodied fungivores and detritivores, spiders (Araneae), and non‐spider predators were 2× more abundant under HIGH rainfall. Densities of mites (Acari), which include fungivores, detritivores and predators, were 1.5× greater in HIGH rainfall plots. Abundances and community structure of arthropods were similar in REF and experimental plots, showing that effects of rainfall uncovered in the experiment are applicable to nature.

This pattern suggests that changes in rainfall will alter bottom‐up control processes in a critical detritus‐based food web of deciduous forests. Our results, in conjunction with other findings on the impact of desiccation on arthropods and fungal growth, suggest that drier conditions will depress densities of fungal consumers, causing declines in higher trophic levels, with possible impacts on soil processes and the larger forest food web.
T‐bet interferes with PD‐1/PD‐L1‐mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell inflammation and survival in Crohn's disease
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhao Mingning , Song Zhenyu , Wang Zhongchuan
Published: June 2019

Pathogenic inflammation mediated by overactive type 1 helper T cell (Th1) responses could exacerbate and perpetuate Crohn's disease. Programmed death (PD)‐1 and its ligand PD‐L1 pathway could be upregulated to suppress inflammation. We wondered why this pathway is ineffective at suppressing pathogenic Th1 inflammation in Crohn's disease patients. Here, we found that overexpression of T‐bet via transfection significantly reduced the expression of PD‐1. PD‐L1 was capable of suppression proinflammatory CD4+ T cells, but T‐bet transfection significantly reduced the susceptibility of CD4+ T cells toward PD‐L1‐mediated suppression, evidenced by the observations that at low PD‐L1 concentration T‐bet transfected and mock transfected CD4+ T cells presented comparable IL‐2 production, but at high PD‐L1 concentration, T‐bet transfected CD4+ T cells presented significantly higher IL‐2 than mock transfected CD4+ T cells. PD‐L1 could significantly reduce the survival of CD4+ T cells from Crohn's disease patients, but interestingly, in the absence of PD‐L1, the survival was better in mock transfected CD4+ T cells, while in the presence of PD‐L1, the survival was better in T‐bet transfected CD4+ T cells. Crohn's disease patients with greater severity presented higher T‐bet expression and lower PD‐1 expression in CD4+ T cells, demonstrating an association between T‐bet expression and disease progression. We also discovered that stimulation with bacterial antigens could upregulate the expression of T‐bet. Together, this study demonstrated that T‐bet overexpression could interfere with PD‐1/PD‐L1‐mediated suppression of CD4+ T cell inflammation and survival, and potentially contributed to the development and persistence of Crohn's disease.
Influence of renal ischaemia‐reperfusion injury on renal neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin receptor (24p3R) in rats
Authors: Arakawa Yusuke , Ushijima Kentaro , Tsuchiya Hiroyoshi , Morishige Jun‐ichi , Mii Akiko , Ando Hitoshi , Tsuruoka Shu‐ichi , Fujimura Akio
Published: June 2019

The neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) receptor (24p3R) is expressed in distal nephron and contributes to the endocytosis of NGAL in urine. This study was undertaken to evaluate an influence of renal ischaemia‐reperfusion injury on 24p3R. Unilateral renal pedicle was clamped for 0, 10, 20, 30, or 45 minutes in male Wistar rats. Urine was collected for 24 hours after reperfusion, and ischaemic kidney and blood sample were obtained. Apparent histological injury in the ischaemic kidney was detected in the 30 and 45 minutes‐treated groups. Urinary NGAL excretion elevated in rats with renal ischaemia for more than 20 minutes, while serum creatinine increased in rats for more than 30 minutes of ischaemia. Renal protein expression of NGAL did not significantly change. Renal mRNA expressions of megalin and cubilin, which are expressed at renal proximal tubules and uptake NGAL, decreased in animals with renal ischaemia for more than 20 minutes. Renal protein expression of 24p3R, which is expressed at renal distal tubules and uptake NGAL, decreased in rats with renal ischaemia for 45 min. This study showed for the first time that renal 24p3R decreased in response to renal ischaemia. As relatively longer renal ischaemia (45 minutes) decreased renal 24p3R protein and increased urinary NGAL excretion, the down‐regulation of 24p3R protein might contribute to the elevated urinary excretion of NGAL in rats with unilateral ischaemia‐reperfusion injury.
‘Get out of Traian Square!’: Roma Stigmatization as a Mobilizing Tool for the Far Right in Timişoara, Romania
Authors: Creţan Remus , O'brien Thomas
Published: June 2019

Post‐communist Central and Eastern Europe has seen far right movements and parties gain considerable ground by drawing on nativist and ethnic claims to call for a return to an imagined past. In Romania, far right groups have been able to capitalize on a sense of injustice while also playing on historically negative feelings towards the Roma community. These patterns have been observed in Timişoara, where the group Noua Dreaptă (New Right) has established a foothold over the past decade by emphasizing claims that blame the Roma for loss of built heritage and corruption in the administration of property restitution. The aims of this article are to examine the emergence of Noua Dreaptă and its use of Roma stigmatization, and to consider the ways in which extreme views are normalized by appealing to beliefs and perceptions. The findings of the article show that pre‐existing prejudices can be a powerful force that not only targets marginalized communities, but also challenges administrative practices and builds organizational support. At the level of the city, it is possible to identify the way in which these claims can be more precisely calibrated to draw on concerns that circulate within the community.
Understanding the Relations Among the Storage, Soaking, and Cooking Behavior of Pulses: A Scientific Basis for Innovations in Sustainable Foods for the Future
Authors: Chigwedere Claire M. , Njoroge Daniel M. , Van Loey Ann M. , Hendrickx Marc E.
Published: June 2019

The world faces challenges that require sustainable solutions: food and nutrition insecurity; replacement of animal‐based protein sources; and increasing demand for convenient, nutritious, and health‐beneficial foods; as well as functional ingredients. The irrefutable potential of pulses as future sustainable food systems is undermined by the hardening phenomenon that develops upon their storage under adverse conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Occurrence of this phenomenon indicates storage instability. In this review, the application of a material science approach, in particular the glass transition temperature concept, is presented to explain phenomena of storage instability such as the occurrence of hardening and loss of viability under adverse storage conditions. In addition to storage (in)stability, application of this concept during processing of pulses is discussed. The state‐of‐the‐art on how hardening occurs, that is, mechanistic insights, is provided, including a critical evaluation of some of the existing postulations using recent research findings. Moreover, the influence of hardening on the properties and processing of pulses is included. Prevention of hardening and curative actions for pulses affected by the hardening phenomenon are described in addition to the current trends on uses of pulses and pulse‐derived products. Based on the knowledge progress presented in this review, suggestions for the future include: first, the need for innovation toward implementation of recommended solutions for the prevention of hardening; second, the optimization of the identified most effective and efficient curative action against hardening; and third, areas to focus on for elucidation of mechanisms of hardening, although existing analytical methods require advancement.
Forensic Facial Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Nasal Prediction Techniques
Authors: Paim Strapasson Raíssa Ananda , Stocco Baccarin Leandro , Haltenhoff Melani Rodolfo Francisco
Published: June 2019

Prediction facial features from the skull are recurring theme on the forensic literature. The nose has been investigated since it has a significant role in facial recognition and the literature shows that there is not an universal method for nasal prediction. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review to analyze what are the most consistent techniques of nasal reconstruction. Primary studies describing or validating nasal reconstruction techniques in adults and published in journals of Forensic Sciences were included in this review. Tedeschi‐Oliveira's method positioned nasal tip with acceptable accuracy as Gerasimov's method. The Krogman's and Iscan's technique underestimated nasal projection in North Americans. The Prokopec's and Ubelaker's method obtained accuracy in Caucasoid. George's method presented results similar to reference standard in Caucasoid. In a supplementary way, studies are needed to accurately estimate the nasal width.
Initial detections and spread of invasive Spodoptera frugiperda in China and comparisons with other noctuid larvae in cornfields using molecular techniques
Authors: Jing Da‐Peng , Guo Jing‐Fei , Jiang Yu‐Ying , Zhao Jian‐Zhou , Sethi Amit , He Kang‐Lai , Wang Zhen‐Ying
Published: June 2019

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a species native to the Americas and has spread to many countries in Africa and Asia in recent years. Proactive actions for potential invasion of S. frugiperda to China coordinated by government agencies and agricultural extension systems resulted in timely detection in January 2019 in Yunnan province neighboring onto Myanmar. The extensive monitoring in southern provinces of China since February 2019 resulted in dynamic tracking of S. frugiperda spreading to 13 provincial regions in China within 4 months by May 10, 2019, which is crucial for timely management actions in the fields. The first detections of S. frugiperda (corn strain) in China were confirmed using cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) genes molecular marker method. In addition to S. frugiperda, larvae of three other noctuid species with similar morphological appearance (S. litura, S. exigua and Mythimna separata) can occur simultaneously and cause similar damage in cornfields in southern China. Thus, we can use both morphological and molecular marker methods to compare larval stages of four noctuid species. Further, we discuss the risk of potential spread of invasive S. frugiperda to other regions and impact on corn production in China.
Elucidation of the novel role of ethnicity and diabetes in poorer outcomes after cardiac surgery in a multiethnic Southeast Asian cohort
Authors: Moorthy Vikaesh , Liu Weiling , Chan Siew‐Pang , Chew Sophia Tsong Huey , Ti Lian Kah
Published: June 2019

Background

Although diabetes is associated with ethnicity and worse cardiac surgery outcomes, no research has been done to study the effect of both diabetes and ethnicity on cardiac surgery outcomes in a multiethnic Southeast Asian cohort. Hence, this study aimed to delineate the association of ethnicity on outcomes after cardiac surgery among diabetics in a multiethnic Southeast Asian population.

Methods

Perioperative data from 3008 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery from 2008 to 2011 at the two main heart centers in Singapore was analyzed prospectively, and confirmatory analysis was conducted with the generalized structural equation model.

Results

Diabetes was significantly associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative hyperglycemia. Postoperative AKI, Malay ethnicity, and blood transfusion were associated with postoperative dialysis. Postoperative AKI and blood transfusion were also associated with postoperative arrhythmias. In turn, postoperative dialysis and arrhythmias increased the odds of 30‐day mortality by 7.7‐ and 18‐fold, respectively.

Conclusions

This study identified that diabetes is directly associated with postoperative hyperglycemia and AKI, and indirectly associated with arrhythmias and 30‐day mortality. Further, we showed that ethnicity not only affects the prevalence of diabetes, but also postoperative diabetes‐related outcomes.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and upadacitinib in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Song Gwan Gyu , Choi Sung Jae , Lee Young Ho
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The relative efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and upadacitinib were assessed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to conventional synthetic (cs) or biologic (b) disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Method

We performed a Bayesian network meta‐analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib and upadacitinib in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in RA patients with an inadequate cs‐ or b‐DMARD response.

Results

Nine RCTs including 5794 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 15 pairwise comparisons including 10 direct comparisons of 6 interventions. Upadacitinib 15 mg + MTX and upadacitinib 30 mg + MTX were among the most effective treatments for active RA with an inadequate cs‐ or b‐DMARD response, followed by tofacitinib 10 mg + MTX, tofacitinib 5 mg + MTX, and adalimumab + MTX. Ranking probability based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) indicated that upadacitinib 15 mg + MTX and upadacitinib 30 mg + MTX had the highest probability of being the best treatment in terms of the American College of Rheumatology 20 response rate (SUCRA = 0.820, 0.762), followed by tofacitinib 10 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.623), tofacitinib 5 mg + MTX (SUCRA = 0.424), adalimumab + MTX (SUCRA = 0.371), and placebo + MTX (SUCRA = 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of serious adverse events after treatment with tofacitinib + MTX, upadacitinib + MTX, adalimumab + MTX, or placebo + MTX.

Conclusions

In RA patients with an inadequate response to cs‐ or b‐DMARDs, upadacitinib 15 mg + MTX and upadacitinib 30 mg + MTX were the most efficacious interventions and were not associated with significant risks of serious adverse events.
Why Are People Honest? Internal and External Motivations to Report Honestly
Authors: Murphy Pamela R. , Wynes Michael , Hahn Till‐Arne , Devine Patricia G.
Published: June 2019

We create and validate measures capturing internal and external motivations to report honestly as trait‐like characteristics. Both measures have high levels of reliability, as well as convergent and divergent validity. To test their predictive validity, we conduct two experiments. In the first experiment, MTurk participants have the opportunity and incentive to misreport with no immediate consequences, and in the second experiment, participants with management experience report how they would make a hypothetical accounting allocation decision. In both experiments, we find that participants who are higher in internal motivations to report honestly are more likely to report honestly than those lower in internal motivations, confirming this measure's predictive validity. Both experiments also provide limited support for the predictive validity of our external measure, finding that those who are higher in external motivation do not report differently than those who are lower in external motivations in the absence of controls. Our study also reveals that individuals who are higher in internal motivations have a diminished reaction to different management controls: MTurk participants to a control that punishes misreporting, and manager participants to a control that rewards honest reporting. Results suggest that management and those charged with governance should consider that some employees can react negatively to controls that are perceived as constraining. Our measures are useful to researchers who investigate honest reporting by allowing them to identify, ex ante, individuals who want to be honest versus wanting to appear honest.
Transcriptome analysis reveals a complex array of differentially expressed genes accompanying a source‐to‐sink change in phytoplasma‐infected sweet cherry leaves
Authors: Tan Yue , Wang Jiawei , Davis Robert E. , Wei Hairong , Zong Xiaojuan , Wei Wei , Shao Jonathan , Zhao Yan , Liu Qingzhong
Published: June 2019

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) in China has recently been affected by a destructive disease that is characterised by symptoms of floral virescence and witches'‐broom growths. The etiological agent of the disease is a subgroup 16SrV‐B phytoplasma that is closely related to ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi.’ A previous study revealed that photosynthetic activity had significantly declined in symptomatic leaves of the diseased sweet cherry trees. For a deeper view into the infection, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis. A total of 62,410 unigenes were identified; among them, 1,675 were differentially expressed in symptomatic leaves of diseased versus asymptomatic leaves of healthy plants. Phytoplasma infection induced the up‐regulation of a suite of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. Expression profiles of genes related to amino acid metabolism, hormone metabolism, and signal transductions were also altered in leaves of phytoplasma‐infected trees. Findings from this study offer clues to understanding host responses to the phytoplasma infection and disease induction in sweet cherry trees. The constellation of differentially regulated genes identified in the present study may be explored as biomarkers for early detection of phytoplasma infection and as potential targets for disease control.
Earnings Management in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Authors: Fisher Timothy C.G. , Gavious Ilanit , Martel Jocelyn
Published: June 2019

We study the impact of earnings management prior to bankruptcy filing on the passage of firms through Chapter 11. Using data on public US firms, we construct three measures of earnings management: a real activities manipulation measure (abnormal operating cash flows) and two accounting manipulation measures (discretionary accruals and abnormal working capital accruals). We find that, controlling for the impact of factors known to influence earnings management and firm survival in bankruptcy, earnings management prior to bankruptcy significantly reduces the likelihood of Chapter 11 plan confirmation and emergence from Chapter 11. The results are driven primarily by extreme values of earnings management, characterized by one or two standard deviations above or below the mean. The findings are consistent with creditors reacting positively to unduly conservative earnings reports and negatively to overly optimistic earnings reports. We also find that the presence of a Big 4 auditor is associated with a higher incidence of confirmation and switching to a Big 4 auditor before filing increases the incidence of emergence.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Lung Ultrasound Performed by Novice Versus Advanced Sonographers for Pneumonia in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsou Po‐Yang , Chen Kenneth P. , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Fishe Jennifer , Gillon Jason , Lee Chien‐Chang , Deanehan Julia K. , Kuo Pei‐Lun , Yu Daniel Ta Yo
Published: June 2019

Background

Childhood pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that lung ultrasound (LUS) may be a reliable diagnostic alternative to chest x‐ray for childhood pneumonia. However, it is unclear whether sonographer experience affects the diagnostic accuracy of LUS. We summarize the diagnostic accuracy of LUS for pneumonia and compare the performance between novice and advanced sonographers with a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE from inception to February 2018 for eligible studies that evaluated the utility of LUS in children suspected of having pneumonia against the reference standard of either imaging results alone or a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging results. We reported the study using the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. We used QUADAS‐2 to appraise the included studies’ methodologic quality. We employed a random‐effect bivariate model and a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate LUS's performance characteristics. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta‐regression based on level of sonographer training to summarize and compare LUS's diagnostic accuracy for pneumonia between novice (training ≤ 7 days) and advanced sonographers.

Results

Twenty‐five studies (n = 3,353) were included in the meta‐analysis. For diagnosing pneumonia, LUS demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89 to 0.97), specificity of 0.92 (95% CI = 0.78 to 0.98), positive likelihood ratio of 12.40 (95% CI = 4.00 to 38.10), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.07 (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.12), with an area under ROC curve of 0.97 (95% CI = 0.95 to 0.98). Meta‐regression revealed a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy for pneumonia for LUS between novice and advanced sonographers (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

LUS can accurately diagnose pneumonia in children. However, this test demonstrates operator‐dependent variability, with more experienced sonographers having higher diagnostic accuracy. Further work on evidence‐based educational methods to train novice sonographers in LUS is required.
Deep brain stimulation of the orbitofrontal cortex prevents the development and reinstatement of morphine place preference
Authors: Fakhrieh‐Asl Golnaz , Sadr Seyed Shahabeddin , Karimian Seyed Morteza , Riahi Esmail
Published: June 2019

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is involved in compulsive drug seeking and drug relapse. Its involvement in cue‐, context‐, and stress‐induced reinstatement of drug seeking has also been confirmed in animal models. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was proposed to be an effective intervention for patients with treatment‐refractory addiction. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the potential efficacy of DBS in the OFC for controlling addictive‐like behaviors in rats. Rats were bilaterally implanted with electrodes in the OFC and trained to the morphine conditioned place preference (CPP; 3, 5, and 7 mg/kg). High‐frequency (HF; 130 Hz) or low‐frequency (LF; 13 Hz) DBS‐like stimulation was applied during the conditioning (40 minutes, once daily, 3 days) or extinction (20 minutes, once daily, 6‐10 days) trials. Following the extinction, morphine preference was reinstated by a priming dose of morphine (2 mg/kg). When applied during the conditioning phase, HF‐DBS significantly decreased preference for the morphine‐associated context. HF‐DBS during the extinction phase of morphine CPP reduced the number of days to full extinction of morphine preference and prevented morphine priming–induced recurrence of morphine preference. LF‐DBS did not change any of these addictive behaviors. HF‐DBS had no significant effect on novel object recognition memory. In conclusion, HF‐DBS of the OFC prevented morphine preference, facilitated extinction of morphine preference, and blocked drug priming–induced reinstatement of morphine seeking. These findings may indicate a potential applicability of DBS in the treatment of relapse to drug use. Further studies will be necessary to assess the translatability of these findings to the clinic.
Using wastewater‐based analysis to monitor the effects of legalized retail sales on cannabis consumption in Washington State, USA
Authors: Burgard Daniel A. , Williams Jason , Westerman Danielle , Rushing Rosie , Carpenter Riley , LaRock Addison , Sadetsky Jane , Clarke Jackson , Fryhle Heather , Pellman Melissa , Banta‐Green Caleb J.
Published: June 2019

Aims

To perform a wastewater‐based analysis to explore the impact of newly legalized retail cannabis sales on its use and to determine if this approach could estimate the size of the legal market place, which began 1 August 2014 in the study area.

Design

Laboratory study of raw wastewater samples collected and analyzed over the 3‐year period from 2014 to 2016.

Setting and Participants

Samples obtained from the two wastewater treatment plants that serviced a municipality of 200 000 people in the state of Washington, USA.

Measurements

Quantitative analysis of 24‐hour composite influent samples for the metabolite of the active ingredient in cannabis, 11‐nor‐9‐Carboxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC‐COOH) were performed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Findings

Wastewater estimates for THC‐COOH increased by 9% per quarter, suggesting a doubling in cannabis consumption from 1 December 2013 to 31 December 2016. State‐sold THC increased at nearly 70% per quarter, while stores operated from 1 August 2014 to 31 December 2016. Estimating the proportion of the total cannabis market supplied by state‐regulated cannabis from these data is not currently achievable.

Conclusion

A wastewater‐based measure of cannabis consumption suggests a significant increase in consumption in Washington, USA following legalization, and that legal sales appear to have displaced a large portion of the illicit market.
Delivery of surgical care in Samoa: perspectives on capacity, barriers and opportunities by local providers
Authors: Comery Ben , Perry William R. G. , Young Steven , Dare Anna , Matalavea Ben , Bissett Ian P. , Windsor John A.
Published: June 2019

Background

The Pacific Island nation of Samoa faces a number of challenges in delivering surgical care. Our group aimed to identify the barriers and opportunities to improving the delivery of safe, affordable, timely surgical care in Samoa.

Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was undertaken. The quantitative analysis used a modified version of the World Health Organization Emergency and Essential Surgical Checklist while the qualitative methodology used semi‐structured interviews. Respondents were asked to share their views on the capacity, quality, accessibility and future directions of surgery in Samoa. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using open and axial coding techniques.

Results

Stakeholders had a positive outlook on the delivery of surgical care, but it was suggested that existing services were not meeting needs. Respondents cited limited access to equipment and resources, compounded by insufficient organizational and logistical infrastructure. Shortage of medical staff and retention was identified as a key issue. Shortcomings in primary care and poor health literacy were seen as significant barriers to accessing care.

Conclusion

Documenting locally identified barriers and solutions to surgical care in Samoa is an important first step towards the development of formal strategies for improving surgical services nationally.
Lesion distribution in cases of canine atopic dermatitis in South Australia
Authors: Graham M , Chan WY , Hill P
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine the lesion distribution patterns in different breeds of dogs affected by atopic dermatitis in South Australia.

Methods

The presence or absence of erythematous skin lesions in 267 cases of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) was recorded across 36 anatomical sites. Breeds represented by ≥ 9 dogs were included in the analysis. The percentage of dogs showing lesions at each of the body sites was calculated and illustrated on colour‐coded diagrams. Variations in affected body sites within and between breeds were compared using Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA and Dunn's multiple comparison tests.

Results

The prevalence of skin lesions at different body sites differed significantly both in the population as a whole and within breeds. The sites affected in ≥ 75% dogs were the dorsal and ventral aspects of the front and hind paws. The sites affected in 50–74% were the medial pinnae, axillae, ventral chest, abdomen and perineum. Sites affected in 25–49% of dogs included the face, periocular region and forelimb. Remaining body sites were affected in < 25% of dogs. Analysis at the breed level revealed some differences from this standard distribution pattern.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirmed the typical lesion distributions seen in CAD and highlighted some subtle differences in breeds commonly seen in South Australia. This will be useful for clinical practitioners in prioritising differential diagnoses for pruritic skin conditions.