bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food consumption choice and demand by the Sri Lankan households
Authors: Pallegedara Asankha
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Food consumption patterns have changed in many Asian countries over the past two–three decades. It is important to understand the changes in food consumption patterns and its drivers in different country settings as each country has different food cultures, tastes and habits. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the patterns and determinants of food consumption choice and demand in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Household Income and Expenditure Survey 1990/1991, 2002 and 2012/2013 data, this study explores the relationship between food consumption patterns and the observed changes reported in per capita income, urbanization, structural transformations and demographics. Specifically, present study estimates the probability of consuming main food items such as rice, bread, dhal, vegetables and fish using a multivariate probit model and also estimates income and price elasticities of household major food items by applying Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System.

Findings

This study demonstrates that per capita income, food prices, education level of the household heads, rural–urban affiliation and ethnic background significantly affect the consumption decision of the major food items. Sri Lankan households in general seem to consider that rice and dhal are necessary commodities, whereas bread and fish are luxury commodities.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of panel data and several missing districts in two survey rounds for analysis are limitations of the study.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study for Sri Lanka that examines food consumption choice and demand using nationwide data for the last two decades. This study applies novel econometric techniques to account for various issues in data analysis.
What drives Malaysian consumers’ organic food purchase intention? The role of moral norm, self-identity, environmental concern and price consciousness
Authors: Saleki Reza , Quoquab Farzana , Mohammad Jihad
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that may affect consumer intention and behaviour to purchase organic food in a non-western context.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were obtained from 246 organic food consumers using judgemental sampling. Data were analysed using partial least squares–structural equation modelling to examine the strength of the relationships among the constructs.

Findings

The findings reveal that attitude, subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioural control, moral norm (MN), self-identity (SI) and environmental concern (EC) exert significant positive effect on purchase intention (PI). Furthermore, PI is found to mediate the relationship among attitude, SN, perceived behavioural control, MN, SI and EC with purchase behaviour (PB). Moreover, the findings indicate that price consciousness moderates the relationship between PI and PB.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study emphasised that marketers need to implement various marketing strategies including discount, advertisements and new product development to bring positive change in consumers’ intention and to attract them towards purchasing organic food. Moreover, marketers may take some initiatives to reduce the price of organic food through various strategies which eventually can reduce the cost of organic foods for local consumers.

Originality/value

This study extends the theory of planned behaviour (TBP) by incorporating MN, SI and EC. The expanded theoretical framework improved the predictive ability of the TBP.
Recession effect in pricing efficiency of rubber futures: the emerging market’s experience
Authors: Thazhugal Govindan Nair Saji
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the recession effects in market efficiency of natural rubber futures contracts traded in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws inferences from Granger causality and Engle–Granger cointegration tests, which are administered separately on 14 year daily price data spanning into two distinct, non-overlapping time series of 2004–2008 and 2009–2017.

Findings

Analysis shows that rubber futures market is informationally efficient in price discovery. The results of cointegartion tests indicate that a long-term relationship does exist between futures and spot prices of the natural rubber in India. The recession effects in the market efficiency of rubber futures contracts are evident from the increase in optimal hedge ratios estimated with the cointegration methodology.

Research limitations/implications

The study pursues a simple cointegration methodology to assess the causal relations between spot and futures market prices in the Indian context. Future studies investigating the long-run causal relations, with error correction framework, between spot and future prices of rubber from other leading rubber producing countries can validate the findings more on this issue.

Practical implications

The research expects to pass on vital information inputs on the implications of future contracts to rubber traders for managing their portfolios. The study of this kind definitely will be a great help to farmers and exporters who are potentially interested in gaining access to a hedging vehicle.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in terms of understanding the effects of economic recession in information efficiency of futures market. Moreover, a limited number of studies have explored the functional utilities of rubber futures in emerging market context.
A generalized Livestock Gross Margin insurance program for the developing countries
Authors: Sun Yan , Tan Ken Seng
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new margin protection (MP) scheme for the producers of hog, cattle and dairy in the developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed MP scheme is inspired by the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) program that has been successfully implemented in US directly implementing the LGM program in developing countries can be difficult due to the rudimentary of the futures market with limited futures listing. To address this issue, the authors proxy the futures prices by relating to some relevant spot prices via an econometric model. The proxied futures prices, in turn, enable the implementation of a generalized LGM, which the authors denote as the MP scheme.

Findings

As China is the world’s largest consumption and production of pork, the authors describe the proposed MP scheme by demonstrating how a generalized LGM can be constructed for the Chinese hog producers. By empirically comparing to the pilot hog price index insurance for the Beijing’s hog producers, the authors find that the proposed MP scheme is more effective in providing MP for the producers.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed MP scheme still requires the availability of some relevant spot prices in order to use an econometric model to proxy the missing futures prices.

Originality/value

The value of this research stems from demonstrating how an MP scheme can be constructed for developing countries that have rudimentary futures markets.
Toward developing an environmental efficacy construct
Authors: Basil Debra Z. , Basil Michael , Lavack Anne Marie , Deshpande Sameer
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose environmental efficacy as the perception of social, physical resource and temporal factors at one’s disposal that promote or impede behavior. In this exploratory study, four focus groups and a two-country survey provide support for a new environmental efficacy construct as an adjunct to self and response efficacies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines environmental efficacy within the context of workplace safety. The research engaged participants from four focus groups as well as a survey of 358 young Canadian males and 494 young American males to test the proposed construct.

Findings

First, qualitative responses from the focus groups supported environmental efficacy as a viable construct. Second, a factor analysis demonstrated environmental efficacy is distinct from self- and response efficacies. Third, regressions demonstrated that environmental efficacy predicts motivation to act, above and beyond self- and response efficacies.

Research limitations/implications

As an exploratory study, only a limited number of scale items were included. The research was conducted within the workplace safety context, using young males, and the stimuli involved the use of fear appeals. These restrictions warrant additional research in the area of environmental efficacy.

Practical implications

This study suggests that further development of the environmental efficacy construct may offer social marketers a more effective means of identifying and addressing barriers to desired behavior change. Such a measure should allow social marketers to improve understanding of the importance of environmental forces.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel concept, environmental efficacy, and demonstrates that it is a distinctive and useful concept for understanding motivation to act. This concept is potentially valuable to social marketers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their programs. It offers a tool to help identify barriers that can thwart the effectiveness of interventions.
Social media usage and commercialization performance: role of networking capability
Authors: Maghsoudi Ganjeh Yasser , Khani Naser , Alem Tabriz Akbar
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose and test a research model that links social media usage with networking capabilities on the commercialization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population of this study consisted of 530 managers and experts in knowledge-based firms in Science and Technology Parks of Isfahan (Iran), which were active in the electronics and electronic engineering, bio, renewable energy, nano and information and communication technologies. To determine the effects of the social media and networking capability on the commercialization performance in knowledge-based firms, this study collected the data through a questionnaire survey with knowledge-based firms and conducted statistical analysis. The unit of analysis is the entire firm. The random sampling method was applied in this study. This study mainly uses the validated existing scales of previous studies on Likert-type scales with response options ranging from 1 to 5. To increase the response rate and accuracy, the researchers in this study also conducted phone and e-mail survey. A total of 230 questionnaires were conducted to remove the questionnaires with inadequate or missing answers, and the final 220 cases were selected as valid samples.

Findings

First, this research confirmed that social media usage can positively improve commercialization performance. Second, this research confirmed the mediating role of the networking capability on the relationship between social media usage and commercialization performance. In fact, social media tools represent a potential vehicle to help firms create better relationships with partners and increase commercialization performance via these mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating the domains of social media usage and business networks perspective. Social media has revolutionized the way firms interact with business partners. A salient characteristic of today’s business setting is that partners use social media to nurture and sustain their network relationships with others (Kimet al., 2016). Moreover, based on the dynamic capability theory and business networks perspective, the authors introduce the impression management capability as a networking capability dimension that has been neglected and mentioned only briefly.
Smart healthcare
Authors: Zeadally Sherali , Siddiqui Farhan , Baig Zubair , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify some of the challenges that need to be addressed to accelerate the deployment and adoption of smart health technologies for ubiquitous healthcare access. The paper also explores how internet of things (IoT) and big data technologies can be combined with smart health to provide better healthcare solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature to identify the challenges which have slowed down the deployment and adoption of smart health.

Findings

The authors discussed how IoT and big data technologies can be integrated with smart health to address some of the challenges to improve health-care availability, access and costs.

Originality/value

The results of this paper will help health-care designers, professionals and researchers design better health-care information systems.
Challenges facing social entrepreneurship
Authors: Seda Amr , Ismail Mamdouh
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Although there are over 55,000 social enterprises operating in Egypt, the social entrepreneurship field is still failing to create the desired social change. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by the field with a special focus on government related challenges as well as offer a set of recommendations to the Egyptian government to enhance the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out in two phases; reviewing the literature around the topic through a secondary research followed by an empirical research interviewing four social enterprises, the ministry of social solidarity and experts in the field of social entrepreneurship.

Findings

The paper arrived to several challenges and they were organized into three main themes: challenges related to policy-making and other legal aspects; challenges related to institutional and operational support; and challenges related to social, educational and cultural awareness of the field and its ecosystem. The paper also came up with a set of nine recommendations directed to the Egyptian Government.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this research is that it offers first hand viewpoints of the challenges facing the field of social entrepreneurship in Egypt as well as offer practical recommendations to the Egyptian Government to overcome them.
An international perspective of job grading in the Egyptian administrative system
Authors: Amin Ibrahim
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The study seeks to analyze concepts of “career grades” and “job grading,” to highlight their importance and objectives for the efficiency of administrative systems. In addition, it identifies the international standards that can be used to draw grading systems. It explores the most important types of grade structures. It also clarifies grading systems in the Egyptian administrative system. It indicates some methods that can be considered a form of career progression.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs descriptive, analytical, as well as, legal approaches; it analyzes the information given in the study in terms of relevant legal texts.

Findings

The study identifies precise definitions of both career grades and job grading, referring to these concepts in the Egyptian administrative system. It also suggests that there is no ideal hierarchy to be applied in all administrative systems. Therefore, the study provides some criteria that help to form the appropriate grade structure for each system.

Originality/value

The study analyses some literature on “job grading,” its objectives, its criteria and its main types, presenting an integrated framework that can be used to develop career-structure systems. Finally, the study identifies some methods that can be considered as a means of grading.
Benchmarking the complex geometric profiles, dimensional accuracy and surface analysis of printed parts
Authors: Subbaian Kaliamoorthy Paridhi , Subbiah Rajkumar , Bensingh Joseph , Kader Abdul , Nayak Sanjay
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Additive manufacturing has paved a way for geometrical freedom and mass customization of new and innovative products. However, it has a few limitations in printing complex geometries and sizes. The purpose of this paper is three-dimensional printing of metal parts using selective laser melting (SLM) has several intricacies.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the capabilities of SLM, the complex geometries of varying sizes, orientations, shapes such as square and cylindrical features, thin wall structures and holes were checked for dimensional accuracy and surface roughness.

Findings

The outcome of the study represents the capabilities of SLM and provide insight for solving the technological issues and processing constraint in the manufacture of metal parts from aluminum alloy. The analysis has proven that there is significant accuracy in dimension for large features in comparison with smaller one. The dimensional reproducibility was determined with the aid of an optical measuring system and the range of errors were calculated. These results show that the dimensional accuracy of the features in the printed part was within acceptable tolerance limits. This paper also investigated the significant contributing factors influencing printing of two and three-dimensional surface roughness based on the result of surface profilometer and it was observed that the surface was smoothened with the presence of overhangs and supports.

Originality/value

The ability of SLM to fabricate conformer cooling channels to support mould fabrication was tested. From the experimental result, it was observed that the quality of printing of conformal cooling channels depended on the diameter of channels with larger distortions in the channel having smaller diameter. The innovative aspect of the work was the study of build orientation combined with the investigated material.
Design of experiments – overcome hindrances and bad practices
Authors: Costa Nuno
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address misconceptions about the design of experiments (DoE) usefulness, avoid bad practices and foster processes’ efficiency and products’ quality in a timely and cost-effective manner with this tool.

Design/methodology/approach

To revisit and discuss the hindrances to DoE usage as well as bad practices in using this tool supported on the selective literature from Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals.

Findings

A set of recommendations and guidelines to mitigate DoE hindrances and avoid common errors or wrong decisions at the planning, running and data analysis phases of DoE are provided.

Research limitations/implications

Errors or wrong decisions in planning, running and analyzing data from statistically designed experiments are always possible so the expected results from DoE usage are not always 100 percent guaranteed.

Practical implications

Novice and intermediate DoE users have another perspective for developing and improving their “test and learn” capability and be successful with DoE. To appropriately plan and run statistically designed experiments not only save the user of DoE from incorrect decisions and depreciation of their technical competencies as they can optimize processes’ efficiency and products’ quality (reliability, durability, performance, robustness, etc.) in a structured, faster and cheaper way at the design and manufacturing stages.

Social implications

DoE usefulness will be increasingly recognized in industry and academy and, as consequence, better products can be made available for consumers, business performance can improve, and the link between industry and academy can be strengthened.

Originality/value

A supplemental perspective on how to succeed with DoE and foster its usage among managers, engineers and other technical staff is presented.
Improved target illumination at Ludvika mines of Sweden through seismic‐interferometric surface‐wave suppression
Authors: Balestrini Florencia , Draganov Deyan , Malehmir Alireza , Marsden Paul , Ghose Ranajit
Published: October 2019

In mineral exploration, new methods to improve the delineation of ore deposits at depth are in demand. For this purpose, increasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio through suitable data processing is an important requirement. Seismic reflection methods have proven to be useful to image mineral deposits. However, in most hard rock environments, surface waves constitute the most undesirable source‐generated or ambient noise in the data that, especially given their typical broadband nature, often mask the events of interest like body‐wave reflections and diffractions. In this study, we show the efficacy of a two‐step procedure to suppress surface waves in an active‐source reflection seismic dataset acquired in the Ludvika mining area of Sweden. First, we use seismic interferometry to estimate the surface‐wave energy between receivers, given that they are the most energetic arrivals in the dataset. Second, we adaptively subtract the retrieved surface waves from the original shot gathers, checking the quality of the unveiled reflections. We see that several reflections, judged to be from the mineralization zone, are enhanced and better visualized after this two‐step procedure. Our comparison with results from frequency‐wavenumber filtering verifies the effectiveness of our scheme, since the presence of linear artefacts is reduced. The results are encouraging, as they open up new possibilities for denoising hard rock seismic data and, in particular, for imaging of deep mineral deposits using seismic reflections. This approach is purely data driven and does not require significant judgment on the dip and frequency content of present surface waves, which often vary from place to place.
Can Helicobacter pylori Colonization Affect the Phosphate Binder Pill Burden in Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Korucu Berfu , Helvaci Ozant , Sadioglu Rezzan , Ozbas Burak , Yeter Hasan , Derici Ulver
Published: October 2019

Phosphate binder pill (PBP) burden is a significant problem in dialysis patients. Phosphate absorption through the paracellular pathway increases in relatively acidic pH. In this study, we evaluated the effect of factors contributing to duodenal pH—Helicobacter pylori (HP), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and NaHCO3 capsules—on PBP burden. We evaluated 255 dialysis patients with gastric biopsies and excluded patients with low Kt/V, gastrectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Patients were divided into groups and subgroups regarding HP existence, use of PPI, or NaHCO3 capsules. HP+ group had significantly higher PBP burden and PBP equivalent doses (P < 0.001; both). HP+ subgroup not using daily PPIs or NaHCO3 capsules had the highest PBP burden and PBP equivalent doses (P < 0.001; both). HP− subgroups had similar PBP and PBP equivalent doses (P = 0.446 and P = 0.382; respectively). HP colonization might affect the PBP burden in dialysis patients due to a decrease of duodenal pH.
Elsterian ice‐sheet retreat in the southern North Sea: antecedent controls on large‐scale glaciotectonics and subglacial bed conditions
Authors: Mellett Claire L. , Phillips Emrys , Lee Jonathan R. , Cotterill Carol J. , Tjelta Tor Inge , James Leo , Duffy Callum
Published: October 2019

High‐resolution shallow sub‐bottom seismic survey data obtained for the Dudgeon windfarm site located 50 km offshore of the north Norfolk coast in the southern North Sea have revealed that the chalk bedrock in this area is overlain by sediments deposited during the Elsterian and Weichselian glacial periods. A buried N–S‐trending subglacial drainage channel (tunnel valley) filled with Swarte Bank Formation (MIS 12) sediments indicates that the maximum extent of the Elsterian ice‐sheet margin occurred further to the south. Detailed cross‐sections constructed from the seismic data reveal the presence of buried thrust‐block moraine system composed of deformed (folded and thrusted) Swarte Bank Formation sediments, lying beneath a younger sequence of sediments dominated by the glacigenic Bolders Bank Formation (MIS 2). The geometry of the folds and sense of offset on the thrusts, coupled with the morphology of the ridge‐like landforms within this buried moraine system, are consistent with deformation having occurred in response to ice‐push from the N/NE. The chalk bedrock that underlies the glaciotectonized sequence is thought to have provided an antecedent control on the location and preservation of this moraine system. A three‐phase model is proposed to explain the evolution of this thrust‐moraine complex that formed at the oscillating ice margin during the overall active retreat of the Elsterian ice sheet.
Design, synthesis, antimicrobial, and DNA gyrase inhibitory properties of fluoroquinolone–dichloroacetic acid hybrids
Authors: Seliem Israa A. , Panda Siva S. , Girgis Adel S. , Nagy Yosra I. , George Riham F. , Fayad Walid , Fawzy Nehmedo G. , Ibrahim Tarek S. , Al‐Mahmoudy Amany M. M. , Sakhuja Rajeev , Abdel‐samii Zakaria K. M.
Published: October 2019

A series of new fluoroquinolone conjugates 8a–g and 9a–f were synthesized via benzotriazole‐mediated synthetic approach with good yield and purity. Some of the synthesized analogs exhibited significant antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with potency higher than that of the parent drugs through in vitro standard bioassay procedure (conjugates 8c and 8d reveal antimicrobial properties with potency 1.9, 61.9, 20.7 and 2.4, 37.1, 8.3 folds relative to the parent antibiotic 6 against E. coli, S. aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively). The observed experimental data were supported by enzymatic DNA gyrase inhibitory property. Developed BMLR‐QSAR model validates the observed experimental data and recognizes the parameters responsible for the enhanced antibacterial properties.
Chronic pelvic pain and rectal prolapse invite consideration of enterocele
Authors: Brochard C. , Ropert A. , Chambaz M. , Gouriou C. , Cardaillac C. , Grainville T. , Bouguen G. , Siproudhis L.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Data on the pathogenesis and symptoms of enterocele are limited. The objectives of this study were to determine the clinical phenotype of patients with enterocele, to highlight the main functional and/or anatomical associations and to improve the accuracy of the preoperative assessment of pelvic floor disorders.

Method

A total of 588 patients who were referred to a tertiary unit for an anorectal complaint completed a self‐administered questionnaire and underwent physical examination, anorectal manometry and defaecography. Using defaecography, enterocele was defined as a radiological hernia of the small bowel into an enlarged rectovaginal space. One hundred and thirty‐five patients with enterocele were age‐ and gender‐matched with 270 patients without enterocele. Factors associated with enterocele were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis models.

Results

Patients with enterocele were less frequently obese than patients without enterocele (8/135 vs 36/270; P = 0.02) and more frequently had a past history of pelvic surgery (51/135 vs 75/270; P = 0.04). They complained more frequently of pelvic pain on bearing down (29/135 vs 24/270; P = 0.003), anal procidentia (37/135 vs 46/270; P = 0.01) and more frequently had irritable bowel syndrome (83/135 vs 131/270; P = 0.01) and severe constipation according to the Kess score (104/135 vs 182/270; P = 0.04). Anorectal function was comparable between the two groups. Patients with enterocele had more frequent rectoceles and overt rectal prolapses than patients without enterocele.

Conclusions

Enterocele should be investigated in patients with chronic pelvic pain, overt rectal prolapse and/or a past history of pelvic surgery.
Circular RNAs in nucleus pulposus cell function and intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Li Zheng , Chen Xin , Xu Derong , Li Shugang , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K.
Published: October 2019

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common cause of low back pain, which inflicts more global disability than any other condition. Although IDD was deemed to be a natural process that comes with ageing, a growing body of evidence suggested that both genetic and environmental factors could modify the development of IDD. In this connection, aberrant function of nucleus pulposus cells has been implicated in IDD pathogenesis. Circular RNAs are a novel class of endogenous non‐coding RNAs that play crucial regulatory roles in diverse cellular processes. Recently, deregulation of circRNAs in nucleus pulposus cells was found to functionally participate in IDD development. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the deregulation of circRNAs in IDD in relation to their actions on nucleus pulposus cell functions, including cell proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis/degradation. The potential clinical utilities of circRNAs as therapeutic targets for the management of IDD are also discussed.
Efficacy of the Diabeloop closed‐loop system to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes exposed to gastronomic dinners or to sustained physical exercise
Authors: Hanaire Hélène , Franc Sylvia , Borot Sophie , Penfornis Alfred , Benhamou Pierre‐Yves , Schaepelynck Pauline , Renard Eric , Guerci Bruno , Jeandidier Nathalie , Simon Chantal , Hannaert Patrick , Xhaard Ilham , Doron Maeva , Huneker Erik , Charpentier Guillaume , Reznik Yves
Published: October 2019

Aims

To compare closed‐loop (CL) and open‐loop (OL) systems for glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) exposed to real‐life challenging situations (gastronomic dinners or sustained physical exercise).

Methods

Thirty‐eight adult patients with T1D were included in a three‐armed randomized pilot trial (Diabeloop WP6.2 trial) comparing glucose control using a CL system with use of an OL device during two crossover 72‐hour periods in one of the three following situations: large (gastronomic) dinners; sustained and repeated bouts of physical exercise (with uncontrolled food intake); or control (rest conditions). Outcomes included time in spent in the glucose ranges of 4.4‐7.8 mmol/L and 3.9‐10.0 mmol/L, and time in hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia.

Results

Time spent overnight in the tight range of 4.4 to 7.8 mmol/L was longer with CL (mean values: 63.2% vs 40.9% with OL; P ≤ .0001). Time spent during the day in the range of 3.9 to 10.0 mmol/L was also longer with CL (79.4% vs 64.1% with OL; P ≤ .0001). Participants using the CL system spent less time during the day with hyperglycaemic excursions (glucose >10.0 mmol/L) compared to those using an OL system (17.9% vs 31.9%; P ≤ .0001), and the proportions of time spent during the day with hyperglycaemic excursions of those using the CL system in the gastronomic dinner and physical exercise subgroups were of similar magnitude to those in the control subgroup (18.1 ± 6.3%, 17.2 ± 8.1% and 18.4 ± 12.5%, respectively). Finally, times spent in hypoglycaemia were short and not significantly different among the groups.

Conclusions

The Diabeloop CL system is superior to OL devices in reducing hyperglycaemic excursions in patients with T1D exposed to gastronomic dinners, or exposed to physical exercise followed by uncontrolled food and carbohydrate intake.
Design thinking in pedagogy: Frameworks and uses
Authors: Luka Ineta
Published: October 2019

New learning approaches are now required to meet changing needs and develop appropriate skills and capabilities, often addressed as 21st century skills. In the last decade, design thinking has gained in popularity in higher education. This article describes the design thinking approach, its principles and models, various design thinking tools and their application in pedagogy. It presents the findings of an international study evaluating the creation and implementation of a culture‐based blended‐learning course for adult learners who are developing their 21st century skills by applying innovative teaching/learning methodologies, such as case studies, webquests and design thinking tools. Two hundred and twenty‐seven learners participated in the course and responded to a questionnaire to evaluate the learning platform, the English course developed, the teaching/learning methodologies applied and the development of their 21st century skills applying innovative learning tools. The findings highlight the benefits of the design thinking approach to skills development and point to the impact of the course content and layout and certain design thinking tools applied in developing 21st century skills.
Human habituation reduces hyrax flight initiation distance in Serengeti
Authors: Mbise Franco P. , Fredriksen Kari‐Elise , Ranke Peter S. , Jackson Craig , Fyumagwa Robert , Holmern Tomas , Fossøy Frode , Røskaft Eivin
Published: October 2019

Many animal populations are exposed to disturbance originating from human activities. In response to human disturbance, certain animals display a variety of potentially costly behavioural responses, such as increased antipredator behaviour or relocation to new areas. In contrast, other animals seemingly thrive in the presence of humans and benefit from human‐derived resources. Flight initiation distance (FID: the distance between predator and prey when prey starts to flee) is a measure commonly used to assess animals’ tolerance to humans. In this study, we tested how FID changes in relation to human presence in two hyrax species in Serengeti National Park. Hyraxes living on kopjes (rock outcrops) among human settlements showed a significantly shorter FID than hyraxes living on kopjes without human settlements. In addition, we found that hyraxes feeding before the experiment had shorter FID than hyraxes resting or being vigilant, and hyraxes disturbed during the early morning had shorter FID than hyraxes disturbed during late morning. We did not find any significant effects of group size or species composition on FID. Our results suggest that hyraxes living in the presence of humans are habituated and are not adversely affected by human settlements.
Natural hazard threats to pollinators and pollination
Authors: Nicholson Charlie C. , Egan Paul A.
Published: October 2019

Natural hazards are naturally occurring physical events that can impact human welfare both directly and indirectly, via shocks to ecosystems and the services they provide. Animal‐mediated pollination is critical for sustaining agricultural economies and biodiversity, yet stands to lose both from present exposure to natural hazards, and future climate‐driven shifts in their distribution, frequency, and intensity. In contrast to the depth of knowledge available for anthropogenic‐related threats, our understanding of how naturally occurring extreme events impact pollinators and pollination has not yet been synthesized. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the potential impacts of natural hazards on pollinators and pollination in natural and cultivated systems. From a total of 117 studies (74% of which were observational), we found evidence of community and population‐level impacts to plants and pollinators from seven hazard types, including climatological (extreme heat, fire, drought), hydrological (flooding), meteorological (hurricanes), and geophysical (volcanic activity, tsunamis). Plant and pollinator response depended on the type of natural hazard and level of biological organization observed; 19% of cases reported no significant impact, whereas the majority of hazards held consistent negative impacts. However, the effects of fire were mixed, but taxa specific; meta‐analysis revealed that bee abundance and species richness tended to increase in response to fire, differing significantly from the mainly negative response of Lepidoptera. Building from this synthesis, we highlight important future directions for pollination‐focused natural hazard research, including the need to: (a) advance climate change research beyond static “mean‐level” changes by better incorporating “shock” events; (b) identify impacts at higher levels of organization, including ecological networks and co‐evolutionary history; and (c) address the notable gap in crop pollination services research—particularly in developing regions of the world. We conclude by discussing implications for safeguarding pollination services in the face of global climate change.
Lower elevation animal species do not tend to be better competitors than their higher elevation relatives
Authors: Freeman Benjamin G.
Published: October 2019

Aim

What factors set species' range edges? One general hypothesis, often attributed to Darwin and MacArthur, is that interspecific competition prevents species from inhabiting the warmest portions along geographic gradients (i.e., low latitudes or low elevations). A prediction arising from this Darwin–MacArthur hypothesis is that lower elevation species are better competitors than related higher elevation species. An alternative prediction is that higher elevation animal taxa will tend to be better competitors because they will tend to be larger (Bergmann's rule). Here, I test these opposing predictions.

Location

Global.

Time period

1971–2019.

Major taxa studied

Birds, mammals, amphibians, fishes.

Methods

I conducted a meta‐analysis of studies that measured pairwise behavioural aggression between species‐pairs of closely related animals where the two species inhabit divergent elevational distributions.

Results

I found that (a) interspecific aggression appears to be a reliable indicator of interspecific competition; (b) elevational position was not consistently linked to interspecific aggression—while lower elevation songbird species in the tropics showed stronger interspecific aggression in response to playback experiments, higher elevation species showed stronger interspecific aggression in direct observations of interspecific aggression across a range of taxa and latitudes; (c) body size was a good predictor of pairwise interspecific aggression and (d) there was limited evidence for Bergmann's rule.

Main conclusions

My results do not support the longstanding prediction that lower elevation animals are generally better competitors than their higher elevation relatives. Instead, patterns of interspecific aggression are linked to body size, with larger animals showing more aggression towards smaller relatives than vice versa. Hence, a trait—body size—that is idiosyncratically related to elevational position appear to determine the outcome of pairwise behavioural interactions. Last, I consider these results in the context of the hypothesis that behavioural interactions may impact rates of upslope range shifts associated with recent warming.
Household valuation of energy development in amenity‐rich regions
Authors: Stephens Heather M. , Weinstein Amanda L.
Published: October 2019

The juxtaposition of oil and gas wells against the Rocky Mountains on Colorado's Front Range provides a picture of the complicated interaction between Colorado's natural resources above and below ground. As hydraulic fracturing has increased oil and gas development—bringing jobs and money to an already highly sought after amenity‐rich area—it has also increased concerns about the impact on natural amenities, such as water quality and mountain views. Using data on housing sales between 2006 and 2014, we estimate how shale development is capitalized into housing prices in a booming market when households are in close proximity to other natural amenities. We find that shale development negatively impacts house prices, more so for houses with private water and houses that are closer to the mountains, but that competition for land along the Front Range has driven up house prices overall in the region. Our results also suggest the policy responses to shale development may differ for growing, amenity‐rich regions.
Synthesis, structural, mechanical, and in vitro evaluations of NiFe2O4/ZrO2 composites
Authors: Raveendran Subina , Khan Mohd. Imran K. , Dhayalan Arunkumar , Kannan S.
Published: October 2019

NiFe2O4/ZrO2 composite with varied compositional ratios was formed through solution‐based sol‐gel synthetic route. The ability to retain NiFe2O4/ZrO2 composite structures was dependent on the concomitant effect of temperature gradient and precursor concentration. The crystallization of t‐ZrO2 alongside the incidence of NiFe2O4 and NiO was evident at 900°C. However, the gradual elimination of NiO and simultaneous enhancement in NiFe2O4 content is inevitable at 1300°C. Morphological analysis of the composite revealed discrete distribution of ZrO2 and NiFe2O4 grains and also portrays the dense and pore‐free microstructures. Despite the presence of varied amount of NiFe2O4 in the composites, the resultant mechanical properties displayed relatively better values and exhibited good similarities with the hard tissue. As expected, a gradual increment in the ferrimagnetic properties as a function of enhanced NiFe2O4 content was induced. Further, in vitro analysis delivered good biocompatibility features of the investigated NiFe2O4/ZrO2 composite.
Does stardom affect the informativeness of a CEO's insider trades?
Authors: Sabherwal Sanjiv , Uddin Mohammad Riaz
Published: October 2019

This study examines whether the celebrity or star status of a chief executive officer (CEO) affects the informativeness of his insider trades. Using three different measures to identify star CEOs in a sample of S&P 1500 firms, we find that trades of non‐star CEOs predict future abnormal returns and earnings innovations and that trades of star CEOs do not. The predictive power of non‐star CEO trades is mostly attributable to opportunistic trades, not routine trades. We also find evidence suggesting that the abnormal returns associated with non‐star CEO insider trades are due to the lower visibility and consequently less scrutiny of non‐star CEOs compared with star CEOs.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Japan
Authors: Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: October 2019

Hypertension is highly prevalent in Japan, affecting up to 60% of males and 45% of females. Stroke is the main adverse cardiovascular event, occurring at a higher rate than acute myocardial infarction. Reducing blood pressure (BP) therefore has an important role to play in decreasing morbidity and mortality. The high use of home BP monitoring (HBPM) in Japan is a positive, and home BP is a better predictor of cardiovascular event occurrence than office BP. New 2019 Japanese Society of Hypertension Guidelines strongly recommend the use of HBPM to facilitate control of hypertension to new lower target BP levels (office BP < 130/80 mm Hg and home BP < 125/75 mm Hg). Lifestyle modifications, especially reducing salt intake, are also an important part of hypertension management strategies in Japan. The most commonly used antihypertensive agents are calcium channel blockers followed by angiotensin receptor blockers, and the combination of agents from these two classes is the most popular combination therapy. These agents are appropriate choices in South East Asian countries given that they have been shown to reduce stroke more effectively than other antihypertensives. Morning hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, and BP variability are important targets for antihypertensive therapy based on their association with target organ damage and cardiovascular events. Use of home and ambulatory BP monitoring techniques is needed to monitor these important hypertension phenotypes. Information and communication technology‐based monitoring platforms and wearable devices are expected to facilitate better management of hypertension in Japan in the future.
Serendipitous re‐sighting of a basking shark Cetorhinus maximus reveals inter‐annual connectivity between American and European coastal hotspots
Authors: Johnston Emmett M. , Mayo Paul A. , Mensink Paul J. , Savetsky Eric , Houghton Jonathan D. R.
Published: October 2019

Transatlantic stock mixing in basking sharks Cetorhinus maximus is supported by low genetic diversity in populations throughout the Atlantic Ocean. However, despite significant focus on the species' movements; >1500 individual sharks marked for recapture and >150 individuals equipped with remote tracking tags, only a single record of transatlantic movment has been previously recorded. Within this context, the seredipitous re‐sighting of a female basking shark fitted with a satellite transmitter at Malin Head, Ireland 993 days later at Cape Cod, USA is noteworthy.
Development and pilot study of an oral health literacy tool for older adults
Authors: Wanichsaithong Pinpinut , Goodwin Michaela , Pretty Iain A.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Oral health literacy is emerging as an important element in oral health promotion, but few studies have been conducted in older adults. This work aimed to develop and validate the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Dentistry for Older Adults (OA‐TOFHLiD).

Methods

The tool was developed by a researcher and then evaluated by experts for face validity. A convenience sample was conducted to recruit 105 older adults, aged more than 60 years in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2016. 2 existing health literacy tools and the newly developed test were administered and oral health statuses were examined by a dentist.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 67.4 years (SD = 5.86). The OA‐TOFHLiD scores were positively correlated with education, income, self‐reported general literacy, health literacy scores and dental caries. However, it was negatively correlated with the number of decayed and missing teeth (P < .05). Cronbach's alpha was 0.88 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.86.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that OA‐TOFHLiD has acceptable validity and reliability; however, it is suggested that the predictive validity of this tool should be improved.
The wrist is not the brain: Estimation of sleep by clinical and consumer wearable actigraphy devices is impacted by multiple patient‐ and device‐specific factors
Authors: Danzig Rachel , Wang Mengxi , Shah Amit , Trotti Lynn Marie
Published: October 2019

Clinical actigraphy devices provide adequate estimates of some sleep measures across large groups. In practice, providers are asked to apply clinical or consumer wearable data to individual patient assessments. Inter‐individual variability in device performance will impact such patient‐specific interpretation. We assessed two devices, clinical and consumer, to determine the magnitude and predictors of this individual‐level variability. One hundred and two patients (55 [53.9%] female; 56.4 [±16.3] years old) undergoing polysomnography wore Jawbone UP3 and/or Actiwatch2. Device total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset and sleep latency were compared with polysomnography. Demographics, sleep architecture and clinical measures were compared to device performance. Actiwatch overestimated total sleep time by 27.2 min (95% confidence limits [CL], 138.3 min over to 84.0 under), overestimated sleep efficiency by 6.8% (95% CL, 34.1% over to 20.5% under), overestimated sleep onset latency by 2.6 min (95% CL, 63.3 over to 58.2 under) and underestimated wake after sleep onset by 50.7 min (95% CL, 162.5 under to 61.2 over). Jawbone overestimated total sleep time by 59.1 min (95% CL, 208.6 min over to 90.5 under) and overestimated sleep efficiency by 14.9% (95% CL, 52.6% over to 22.7% under). In multivariate models, age, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, % N1 and apnea–hypopnea index explained only some of the variance in device performance. Gender also affected performance. Actiwatch and Jawbone mis‐estimate sleep measures with very wide confidence limits and accuracy varies with multiple patient‐level characteristics. Given these large individual inaccuracies, data from these devices must be applied only with extreme caution in clinical practice.