bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating credit and profit scoring of a Brazilian credit union with logistic regression and machine-learning techniques
Authors: de Paula Daniel Abreu Vasconcellos , Artes Rinaldo , Ayres Fabio , Minardi Andrea Maria Accioly Fonseca
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Although credit unions are nonprofit organizations, their objectives depend on the efficient management of their resources and credit risk aligned with the principles of the cooperative doctrine. This paper aims to propose the combined use of credit scoring and profit scoring to increase the effectiveness of the loan-granting process in credit unions.

Design/methodology/approach

This sample is composed by the data of personal loans transactions of a Brazilian credit union.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the use of statistical methods improves significantly the predictability of default when compared to the use of subjective techniques and the superiority of the random forests model in estimating credit scoring and profit scoring when compared to logit and ordinary least squares method (OLS) regression. The study also illustrates how both analyses can be used jointly for more effective decision-making.

Originality/value

Replacing subjective analysis with objective credit analysis using deterministic models will benefit Brazilian credit unions. The credit decision will be based on the input variables and on clear criteria, turning the decision-making process impartial. The joint use of credit scoring and profit scoring allows granting credit for the clients with the highest potential to pay debt obligation and, at the same time, to certify that the transaction profitability meets the goals of the organization: to be sustainable and to provide loans and investment opportunities at attractive rates to members.
Correlation of microstructural evolution and hardness properties of 99.0Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu (SAC0307) lead-free solder under blast wave condition
Authors: Wan Yusoff Wan Yusmawati , Ismail Norliza , Safee Nur Shafiqa , Ismail Ariffin , Jalar Azman , Abu Bakar Maria
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of a blast wave on the microstructure, intermetallic layers and hardness properties of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu (SAC0307) lead-free solder.

Design/methodology/approach

Soldered samples were exposed to the blast wave by using trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive. Microstructure and intermetallic layer thickness were identified using Alicona ® Infinite Focus Measurement software. Hardness properties of investigated solders were determined using a nanoindentation approach.

Findings

Microstructure and intermetallic layers changed under blast wave condition. Hardness properties of exposed solders decreased with an increase in the TNT explosive weight.

Originality/value

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the exposed solder to the blast wave provide a fundamental understanding on how blast waves can affect the reliability of a solder joint, especially for military applications.
Mechanical properties and erosive behaviour of 10TiO2-Cr2O3 coated CA6NM turbine steel under accelerated conditions
Authors: Goyal Khushdeep
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical properties and slurry erosion behaviour of 10TiO2-Cr2O3 coated turbine steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Slurry erosion experiments were performed on the coated turbine steel specimens using slurry erosion test rig under accelerated conditions such as rotational speed, average particle size and slurry concentration. Surface roughness tester, Vickers microhardness tester and scanning electron microscope were used to analyse erosion mechanism.

Findings

Under all experimental conditions, 10TiO2-Cr2O3 coated steel showed better slurry erosion resistance in comparison with Al2O3 coated and uncoated steel specimens. Each experimental condition indicated a significant effect on the erosion rate of both coatings and uncoated steel. The surface analysis of uncoated eroded specimen revealed that plastic deformation, ploughing and deep craters formation were the reasons for mass loss, whereas microchipping, ploughing and microcutting were the reasons for mass loss of coated specimens.

Originality/value

The present investigation provides novel insight into the comparative slurry erosion performance of high velocity oxy fuel deposited 10TiO2-Cr2O3 and Cr2O3 coatings under various environmental conditions. To form modified powder, 10 Wt.% TiO2 was added to 90 Wt.% Cr2O3.
Review of pipeline span analysis
Authors: Shittu Abdulhakim Adeoye , Kara Fuat , Aliyu Ahmed , Unaeze Obinna
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to mainly review the state-of-the-art developments in the field of hydrodynamics of offshore pipelines, identifying the key tools for analysis of pipeline free spans, their applications, their qualifying characteristics and capabilities and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

These different analytical, numerical and semi-empirical tools available for predicting such hydrodynamic loads and their effects include VIVANA, PIPESIN, VIVSIM, SIMULATOR, FATFREE, amongst others. Inherent in these models are current effects, wave effects and/ or pipe–soil interactions.

Findings

Amongst these models, the most attention was given to the new VIVANA model because this model take into account the vortex-induced effects with respect to free-spanning pipelines (which have dominant effect in the span analysis in deep water) better than other semi-empirical models (such as Shear 7). Recent improvements in VIVANA include its ability to have arbitrary variation in speed and direction of current, as well as the ability for calculation of pure IL and combined IL-CF response. Improvements in fatigue assessments at free spans, i.e. pipe–soil interaction have been achieved through the combined frequency domain and non-linear time domain analysis methodology adopted. Semi-empirical models are still the de facto currently used in the design of free-spanning pipelines. However, there is need for further research on free-span hydrodynamic coefficients and on how in-line and cross-flow vibrations interact. Again, there is still the challenge due to VIV complexity in fully understanding the fluid structure interaction problem, as there is no consolidated procedure for its analysis. It has been observed that there is large scatter between the different codes adopted in the prediction of fatigue damage, as there lacks full-scale test data devoted to determination/validation of the coefficients used in the semi-empirical models. A case study of the preliminary design of a typical 48 in. pipeline has been presented in this study to demonstrate the use of the free-span analysis tool, DNV RP F105. Excel spreadsheet has been applied in the execution of formulas.

Originality/value

This review paper is the first of its kind to study the state-of-the-art development in pipeline free-span analysis models and demonstrate the use of analysis tool, DNV for MAFSL calculation. Hence, information obtained from this paper would be invaluable in assisting designers both in the industry and academia.
FoxNet: An individual‐based model framework to support management of an invasive predator, the red fox
Authors: Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Kelly Luke T. , Robley Alan , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: April 2019

Invasive predators are a key driver of biodiversity decline, and effective predator management is an important conservation issue globally. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) poses a significant threat to wildlife, livestock and human health across Eurasia, North America and Australia. Despite worldwide investment in red fox management, decision makers still lack flexible tools for predicting control efficacy.

We have developed FoxNet, a spatially explicit, individual‐based model (IBM) framework that can be customised to predict red fox population dynamics, including responses to control and landscape productivity. High‐resolution models can be run across northern and southern hemisphere landscapes. We present four case‐study models to verify FoxNet outputs, explore key sensitivities and demonstrate the framework's utility as a management planning tool.

FoxNet models were largely successful in reproducing the demographic structure of two red fox populations in highly contrasting landscapes. They also accurately generated the relationship between home‐range size and fox‐family density for home‐range sizes between 1.0 and 9.6 km2, and captured the rapid decline and seasonally driven recovery of a red fox population following poison‐baiting.

An exploration of alternative poison‐baiting scenarios for a conservation reserve predicted that current management suppresses red fox density by ~70% and showed that frequent baiting is required to combat recolonisation. Baiting at higher densities or establishing a baited buffer would further reduce red fox density. Predictions were sensitive to home‐range and litter size assumptions, illustrating the value of region‐specific data on red fox movement and biology.

Synthesis and applications. We have developed a versatile individual‐based model framework to guide management of the red fox, a globally significant invasive predator. Our framework, FoxNet, can be customised to generate realistic predictions of red fox population dynamics in diverse landscapes, making it immediately applicable to the design and optimisation of predator control programmes at scales relevant to management. Future extensions could explore competitor and prey responses to red fox control and the effects of habitat disturbance on predator population dynamics.
Feeding modes shape the acquisition and structure of the initial gut microbiota in newborn lambs
Authors: Bi Yanliang , Cox Madison S. , Zhang Fan , Suen Garret , Zhang Naifeng , Tu Yan , Diao Qiyu
Published: April 2019

Early gut microbial colonization is important for postnatal metabolic and immune development. However, little is known about the effects of different feeding modes (suckling versus bottle‐feeding) or microbial sources on this process in farm animals. We found that suckled and bottle‐fed newborn lambs had their own distinct gut microbiota. Results from 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR showed that, compared with suckling, bottle feeding significantly increased the abundances ofEscherichia/Shigella,Butyricicoccus, andClostridiumXlVa, while significantly decreased the abundance ofClostridiumXI. The higher levels ofEscherichia/Shigellain bottle‐fed lambs suggest that artificial feeding may increase the number of potential pathogens and delay the establishment of the anaerobic environment and anaerobic microbes. Feeding modes also affected the direct transmission of bacteria from the mother and the environment to newborns. The SourceTracker analysis estimated that the early gut microbes of suckled lambs were mainly derived from the mother's teats (43%) and ambient air (28%); whereas those of bottle‐fed lambs were dominated by bacteria from the mother's vagina (46%), ambient air (31%), and the sheep pen floor (12%). These findings advance our understanding of gut microbiota in early life and may help design techniques to improve gut microbiota and health.
Two forms of phosphomannomutase in gammaproteobacteria: The overlooked membrane‐bound form of AlgC is required for twitching motility of Lysobacter enzymogenes
Authors: Qian Guoliang , Fei Shifang , Galperin Michael Y.
Published: April 2019

Lysobacter enzymogenes, a member of Xanthomonadaceae, is a promising tool to control crop‐destroying fungal pathogens. One of its key antifungal virulence factors is the type IV pili that are required for twitching motility. Transposon mutagenesis of L. enzymogenes revealed that the production of type IV pili required the presence of the Le2152 gene, which encodes an AlgC‐type phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (PMM). However, in addition to the cytoplasmic PMM domain, the Le2152 gene product contains a ~200‐aa N‐terminal periplasmic domain that is anchored in the membrane by two transmembrane segments and belongs to the dCache superfamily of periplasmic sensor domains. Sequence analysis identified similar membrane‐anchored PMMs, encoded in conserved coaBC‐dut‐algC gene clusters, in a variety of gammaproteobacteria, either as the sole PMM gene in the entire genome or in addition to the gene encoding the stand‐alone enzymatic domain. Previously overlooked N‐terminal periplasmic sensor domains were detected in the well‐characterized PMMs of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Xanthomonas campestris, albeit not in the enzymes from Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida or Azotobacter vinelandii. It appears that after the initial cloning of the enzymatically active soluble part of P. aeruginosa AlgC in 1991, all subsequent studies utilized N‐terminally truncated open reading frames. The N‐terminal dCache sensor domain of AlgC is predicted to modulate the PMM activity of the cytoplasmic domain in response to as yet unidentified environmental signal(s). AlgC‐like membrane‐bound PMMs appear to comprise yet another environmental signalling system that regulates the production of type IV pili and potentially other systems in certain gammaproteobacteria.
Effects of pitfall trap size and sampling duration on collection of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in temperate forests
Authors: Jung Jong‐Kook , Jeong Jong‐Chul , Lee Joon‐Ho
Published: April 2019

Pitfall trapping is a standard sampling method to compare the abundance or community structure of ground beetles. However, effects of sampling duration on biodiversity estimation of ground beetles according to different trap sizes have not been experimentally evaluated in temperate forests in Korea. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the interaction between trap sizes (SB, small‐sized bottle; MB, medium‐sized bottle; PC, plastic cup; PJ, plastic jar; PT, perforated type trap; FT, funnel‐type trap) and sampling duration (T1, 2 weeks × 2 sessions, 28 days; T2, 2 weeks × 4 sessions, 56 days; T3, 4 weeks × 2 sessions, 56 days) on estimation of ground beetle assemblages in Naejangsan National Park, a temperate forest in Korea. Funnel type and larger pitfall traps collected higher numbers of individuals and species than other trap sizes. Species composition of ground beetles was different by size of traps (SB, MB, and PCvs. PJ, PT, and FT). In particular, ground beetle composition in larger traps (PJ, PT, and FT) appeared to be influenced by environmental characteristics according to localities (e.g., soil characters and dominant tree species). These findings from our study support that pitfall trapping of ground beetles can be influenced by trap sizesper seas well as sampling durations and environmental characteristics. Thus, biodiversity monitoring in temperate forests should be conducted with long sampling duration (at least 28 days) using large‐sized traps (> 7.5 cm in diameter of trap mouthpart) considering expenses and study aims.
Tendinosis develops from age‐ and oxygen tension‐dependent modulation of Rac1 activity
Authors: McBeath Rowena , Edwards Richard W. , O’Hara Brian J. , Maltenfort Mitchell G. , Parks Susan M. , Steplewski Andrzej , Osterman A. Lee , Shapiro Irving M.
Published: April 2019

Age‐related tendon degeneration (tendinosis) is characterized by a phenotypic change in which tenocytes display characteristics of fibrochondrocytes and mineralized fibrochondrocytes. As tendon degeneration has been noted in vivo in areas of decreased tendon vascularity, we hypothesized that hypoxia is responsible for the development of the tendinosis phenotype, and that these effects are more pronounced in aged tenocytes. Hypoxic (1% O2) culture of aged, tendinotic, and young human tenocytes resulted in a mineralized fibrochondrocyte phenotype in aged tenocytes, and a fibrochondrocyte phenotype in young and tendinotic tenocytes. Investigation of the molecular mechanism responsible for this phenotype change revealed that the fibrochondrocyte phenotype in aged tenocytes occurs with decreased Rac1 activity in response to hypoxia. In young hypoxic tenocytes, however, the fibrochondrocyte phenotype occurs with concomitant decreased Rac1 activity coupled with increased RhoA activity. Using pharmacologic and adenoviral manipulation, we confirmed that these hypoxic effects on the tenocyte phenotype are linked directly to the activity of RhoA/Rac1 GTPase in in vitro human cell culture and tendon explants. These results demonstrate that hypoxia drives tenocyte phenotypic changes, and provide a molecular insight into the development of human tendinosis that occurs with aging.
Treatment‐resistant depression as risk factor for substance use disorders—a nation‐wide register‐based cohort study
Authors: Brenner Philip , Brandt Lena , Li Gang , DiBernardo Allitia , Bodén Robert , Reutfors Johan
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

Treatment‐resistant depression (TRD) is common among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD may increase the risk for developing substance use disorders (SUD). The aim of this study was to investigate the risk for developing SUD among patients with TRD compared with other depressed patients.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Nation‐wide governmental health registers in Sweden.

Participants

All patients aged 18–69 years with an MDD diagnosis in specialized health care who had received at least one antidepressant prescription during 2006–14 were identified. Patients with at least three treatment trials within a single depressive episode were classified with TRD.

Measurements

Patients with TRD were compared with the whole MDD cohort regarding risk for obtaining a SUD diagnosis or medication using survival analyses adjusted for socio‐demographics and comorbidities.

Findings

Of 121 669 MDD patients, 13% were classified with TRD. Among the patients without any history of SUD, patients with TRD had a risk increase for any SUD both ≤ 1 and > 1 year after antidepressant initiation [> 1 year hazard ratio (HR) = 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–1.5]. Risks were elevated for the subcategories of opioid (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5) and sedative SUD (HR = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.2–3.2). Patients with a history of SUD had a risk increase for any SUD ≤ 1 year after start of treatment (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1–1.4), and both ≤ 1 year and > 1 year for sedative (> 1 year HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3–3.0) and multiple substance SUD (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5).

Conclusions

Patients with treatment‐resistant depression may be at greater risk for substance use disorders compared with other patients with major depressive disorder. Patterns may differ for patients with and without a history of substance use disorders, and for different categories of substance use disorder.
Does land use change influence predation of bird nests?
Authors: Okada Sachiko , Lindenmayer David B. , Wood Jeff T.
Published: April 2019

Worldwide, many areas of agricultural land which were once covered with native vegetation have been converted to tree plantations. Such landscape transformation can influence the dynamics of wildlife populations through, for example, altering rates of predation (e.g. predation of nests of birds). Nest predation can influence reproductive success and, in turn, may alter populations by affecting juvenile recruitment. We quantified predation of bird nests in woodland remnants surrounded by two types of land use, grazing farmland and exotic Radiata pine (Pinus radiata) plantation. We also examined differences in predation rates between artificial and natural nests. We found both artificial and natural nests were more susceptible to nest predation in woodland remnants surrounded by a pine plantation than in woodland remnants located within farmland. Our study suggests that higher levels of nest predation may reduce occupancy of woodland remnants by small‐bodied birds over time, including species of conservation concern. This may have been occurred as a result of the conversion of semi‐cleared grazing land to exotic pine plantation.
Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)
Authors: Du C. , Deng T. , Zhou Y. , Ye T. , Zhou Z. , Zhang S. , Shao B. , Wei P. , Sun H. , Khan F. A. , Yang L. , Hua G.
Published: April 2019

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome‐wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.
Spontaneous atopic dermatitis in mice with a defective skin barrier is independent of ILC2 and mediated by IL‐1β
Authors: Schwartz Christian , Moran Tara , Saunders Sean P. , Kaszlikowska Agnieszka , Floudas Achilleas , Bom Joana , Nunez Gabriel , Iwakura Yoichiro , O’Neill Luke , Irvine Alan D. , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Ogg Graham , Walsh Patrick T. , Demengeot Jocelyne , Fallon Padraic G.
Published: April 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases with a multifactorial etiology. Mutations leading to loss of skin barrier function are associated with the development of AD with group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) promoting acute skin inflammation. Filaggrin‐mutant (Flgft/ft) mice develop spontaneous skin inflammation accompanied by an increase in skin ILC2 numbers, IL‐1β production, and other cytokines recapitulating human AD. Here, we investigated the role of ILC2, effector cytokines, inflammasome activation, and mast cell function on the development of chronic AD‐like inflammation in mice.

Methods

Mice with a frameshift mutation in the filaggrin gene develop spontaneous dermatitis. Flgft/ft mice were crossed to cell‐ or cytokine‐deficient mouse strains, or bred under germ‐free conditions. Skin inflammation was scored, and microbiome composition was analyzed. Skin protein expression was measured by multiplex immunoassay. Infiltrating cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Wild‐type and Flgft/ft mice significantly differ in their microbiome composition. Furthermore, mutant mice do not develop skin inflammation under germ‐free conditions. ILC2 deficiency did not ameliorate chronic dermatitis in Flgft/ft mice, which was also independent of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐9, IL‐13, IL‐17A, and IL‐22. Inflammation was independent of NLRP3 inflammasome activation but required IL‐1β and IL‐1R1‐signaling. Mechanistically, IL‐1β promoted hyperactivation of IL‐1R1‐expressing mast cells. Treatment with anti‐IL‐1β‐antibody alleviated dermatitis exacerbation, while antibiotic intervention ameliorated dermatitis in neonatal mice but not in adults with established inflammation.

Conclusions

In summary, we identified a critical role for the microbiome and IL‐1β mediating chronic inflammation in mice with an impaired skin barrier.
Automated individualization of dialysate sodium concentration reduces intradialytic plasma sodium changes in hemodialysis
Authors: Ságová Michaela , Wojke Ralf , Maierhofer Andreas , Gross Malte , Canaud Bernard , Gauly Adelheid
Published: April 2019

In standard care, hemodialysis patients are often treated with a center‐specific fixed dialysate sodium concentration, potentially resulting in diffusive sodium changes for patients with plasma sodium concentrations below or above this level. While diffusive sodium load may be associated with thirst and higher interdialytic weight gain, excessive diffusive sodium removal may cause intradialytic symptoms. In contrast, the new hemodialysis machine option “Na control” provides automated individualization of dialysate sodium during treatment with the aim to reduce such intradialytic sodium changes without the need to determine the plasma sodium concentration. This proof‐of‐principle study on sodium control was designed as a monocentric randomized controlled crossover trial: 32 patients with residual diuresis of ≤1000 mL/day were enrolled to be treated by high‐volume post‐dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) for 2 weeks each with “Na control” (individually and automatically adjusted dialysate sodium concentration) versus “standard fixed Na” (fixed dialysate sodium 138 mmol/L), in randomized order. Pre‐ and post‐dialytic plasma sodium concentrations were determined at bedside by direct potentiometry. The study hypothesis consisted of 2 components: the mean plasma sodium change between the start and end of the treatment being within ±1.0 mmol/L for sodium‐controlled treatments, and a lower variability of the plasma sodium changes for “Na control” than for “standard fixed Na” treatments. Three hundred seventy‐two treatments of 31 adult chronic hemodialysis patients (intention‐to‐treat population) were analyzed. The estimate for the mean plasma sodium change was −0.53 mmol/L (95% confidence interval: [−1.04; −0.02] mmol/L) for “Na control” treatments and −0.95 mmol/L (95% CI: [−1.76; −0.15] mmol/L) for “standard fixed Na” treatments. The standard deviation of the plasma sodium changes was 1.39 mmol/L for “Na control” versus 2.19 mmol/L for “standard fixed Na” treatments (P = 0.0004). Whereas the 95% CI for the estimate for the mean plasma sodium change during “Na control” treatments marginally overlapped the lower border of the predefined margin ±1.0 mmol/L, the variability of intradialytic plasma sodium changes was lower during “Na control” versus “standard fixed Na” treatments. Thus, automated dialysate sodium individualization by “Na control” approaches isonatremic dialysis in the clinical setting.
Influence of Personality Traits and Moral Values on Employee Well‐Being, Resilience and Performance: A Cross‐National Study
Authors: Athota Vidya S. , Budhwar Pawan , Malik Ashish
Published: April 2019

Research examining the relationship at the interface of personality, values, moral foundations and its impact on employees’ subjective well‐being, resilience, job performance and satisfaction is almost non‐existent. This study addresses this Special Issue’s call focusing on the key antecedents and consequences of resilience on individual and/or organisational level outcomes. It does so by analysing data from two different, though comparative cross‐national studies in Australia and India. Employing a quantitative survey method, we collected data from 195 respondents in Australia and 257 respondents from India. Employing the core theory of moral foundations in association with its relationships with individual personality, values, well‐being and resilience, our findings suggest a significant relationship between personality traits and individual moral foundations, and psychological well‐being via values. The study offers distinctive contributions to the literatures on well‐being, resilience and moral foundations theory. Specifically, the personality trait of extroversion influences power and achievement or self‐enhancement values through individualised moral foundations. Second, the study found that values of benevolence and universalism, or compassionate values, form the basis for biological mechanisms of resilience through individual moral foundations of fairness/harm care. The paper concludes with implications for theory and practice.
Tomatero Circuit of Southern Appalachia–South Florida
Authors: Schmid Mary Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Drawing on the voices of tomato industry workers, this paper offers a multi‐sited ethnographic view of largely unrecognized practices in the conventional, field‐grown, fresh‐market wholesale tomato industry in the southeastern United States. Tomato industry workers—including agricultural cooperative extension agents, farmers, labor contractors, marketers, and harvesters—present their distinctive perspectives on production‐exchange relations, shifting political economic identities, and what I call emerging redistributive practices found throughout a southeastern U.S. tomato circuit. I argue that two specific emerging redistributive practices take place while the tomatoes are technically still in the production stage in certain conventional tomato fields: (i) pinhooking and (ii) buying the field. Studying these practices helps us better understand the complexities of the southeastern U.S. tomato industry. By looking at tomato enterprises that plant, cultivate, harvest, transport, and/or market produce, this paper presents a body of evidence that counter‐constructs the racialized stereotype concerning Mexicans and Mexican Americans’ contributions to agriculture in the southeastern United States. It shows how an ethnographically informed picture of a regional tomato industry circuit reveals commonly unrecognized features of social change, enterprise, production‐exchange relations, and redistributive practices. It concludes by suggesting that these enterprise arrangements and practices could support the creation of more equitable regional food production systems.
Patient behaviour in medication management: Findings from a patient usability study that may impact clinical outcomes
Authors: Schenk Ariane , Eckardt‐Felmberg Rahel , Steinhagen‐Thiessen Elisabeth , Stegemann Sven
Published: April 2019

Aims

Adequate medication management is a key condition to ensuring effective pharmacotherapy. However, it is well acknowledged that older people may encounter difficulties self‐administering medicines in a correct manner.

Methods

A mixed method pilot study was performed to investigate medication self‐management in older and multimorbid patients with polypharmacy. The pilot study involved medication management tasks followed by semi‐structured interviews in 20 patients. The tasks and interviews were based on the patients' individual medication plans, which had been prepared earlier by the pharmacy for each patient on basis of all their prescriptions.

Results

The patients' self‐reported medication management skills differed from their actual observed medication management performance. In addition, the routines and coping strategies used by the patients to deal with the complexity of their overall medication regimen were not in accordance with the medication plan and the instructions for use on the product labels. Issues were observed on all stages of the medication process that can be considered relevant to patient adherence, especially medication plan recall, product identification, product selection, product handling and product recognition in a multicompartment compliance aid.

Conclusions

The pilot study suggested that medication management issues by older and multimorbid patients remain widely undetermined and unrecognized in primary care. Further investigation and interdisciplinary collaboration will be required to resolve the user problems and ensure adequate patient adherence.
Systematic mixed‐study review of nonpharmacological management of neonatal abstinence syndrome
Authors: MacVicar Sonya , Kelly Lauren E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a multisystem disorder resulting from exposure to maternal addictive substance use in pregnancy. Withdrawal is characterized by neonatal tremors, feeding difficulties, and sleep disruption. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the nonpharmacological management of infants at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome after prenatal exposure.

Methods

A systematic mixed‐study review was conducted. A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was performed for relevant articles published between January 2007 and June 2018. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and thematic analysis undertaken. The findings were synthesized as a narrative summary.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the review, of which nine were quality improvement initiatives and five explored complementary therapies. The most common components of nonpharmacological management were consolation therapy and rooming‐in of mother and baby. Implementation strategies incorporated family integrated care and practitioner training in the evaluation of neonatal withdrawal. When nonpharmacological management was applied, there was a reduction in the need for pharmacotherapy and a shorter hospital stay for newborns. Potential barriers to effective management included unreliable assessment tools, judgmental practitioner attitudes, and limited breastfeeding promotion.

Conclusions

Providing and optimizing nonpharmacological management for the infant at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome improves outcomes by reducing their length of hospital stay and the need for pharmacotherapy.
Parenting Teamwork: The Impact of a Fathering Intervention on Mothers and Infants in Vietnam
Authors: Rempel John K. , Rempel Lynn A. , Hoa Dinh T.P. , Vui Le T. , Long Tran K.
Published: April 2019

A multifaceted, relationally focused intervention involving group and individual pre‐ and postnatal counseling, print resources, and community resources encouraged 390 fathers of newborn infants in Vietnam to responsively support mothers and work with them as a parenting team. Both partners completed questionnaires prebirth and 1‐, 4‐, and 9‐months postbirth on measures of breastfeeding support, exclusive breastfeeding duration, relationship quality, and infant development. Compared to 412 comparison group couples, intervention couples evidenced greater father support, especially in terms of helping and responsiveness to the mother's needs. This support predicted longer exclusive breastfeeding duration, improved relationship quality, and higher levels of infant development at 9 months. Sensitively working together with mothers as a coordinated team enhanced couple's relationship functioning and improved children's developmental outcomes.
Drug consumption rooms: A systematic review of evaluation methodologies
Authors: Belackova Vendula , Salmon Allison M. , Day Carolyn A. , Ritter Alison , Shanahan Marian , Hedrich Dagmar , Kerr Thomas , Jauncey Marianne
Published: April 2019

Issues

Drug consumptions rooms (DCR) and supervised injecting facilities (SIF) are expanding internationally. Previous reviews have not systematically addressed evaluation methodologies.

Approach

Results from systematic searches of scientific databases in English until June 2017 were coded for paper type, country and year of publication. For evaluation papers, study outcome, methodology/study design and main indicators of DCR/SIF ‘exposure’ were recorded.

Key Findings

Two hundred and nineteen eligible peer‐reviewed papers were published since 1999: the majority from Canada (n = 117 papers), Europe (n = 36) and Australia (n = 32). Fifty‐six papers reported evaluation outcomes. Ecological study designs (n = 10) were used to assess the impact on overdose, public nuisance and crime; modelling techniques (n = 6) estimated impact on blood‐borne diseases, overdose deaths and costs. Papers using individual‐level data included four prospective cohorts (n = 28), cross‐sectional surveys (n = 7) and service records (n = 5). Individual‐level data were used to assess safer injecting practice, uptake into health and social services and all the other above outcomes except for impact on crime and costs. Four different indicators of DCR/SIF attendance were used to measure service ‘exposure’.

Implications

Research around DCRs/SIFs has used ecological, modelling, cross‐sectional and cohort study designs. Further research could involve systematic inclusion of a control group of people who are eligible but do not access SIFs, validation of self‐reported proportion of injections at SIFs or a stepped‐wedge or a cluster trial comparing localities.

Conclusions

Methodologies appropriate for DCR/SIF evaluation have been established and can be readily replicated from the existing literature. Research on operational aspects, implementation and transferability is also warranted.
Development and validation of a screening tool for feeding/swallowing difficulties and undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bell Kristie L , Benfer Katherine A , Ware Robert S , Patrao Tania A , Garvey Josephine J , Arvedson Joan C , Boyd Roslyn N , Davies Peter S W , Weir Kelly A
Published: April 2019

Aim

To develop and validate a screening tool for feeding/swallowing difficulties and/or undernutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This cross‐sectional, observational study included 89 children withCP(63 males, 26 females; median age 6y 0mo; interquartile range 4y 0mo–8y 11mo), across all Gross Motor Function Classification System levels. Children with feeding tubes were excluded. Children were classified as well‐nourished or moderately to severely undernourished, using the paediatric Subjective Global Nutrition Assessment. Eating and drinking abilities were classified using the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) from mealtime observation and videofluoroscopic swallow studies when indicated. Parents/caregivers answered 33 screening questions regarding their child's feeding/swallowing abilities and nutritional status. The diagnostic ability of each question for identifying children with feeding/swallowing difficulties and undernutrition was calculated and the combination of questions with the highest sensitivity and specificity identified.

Results

Feeding difficulties impacted on swallow safety in 26 children (29%) and 26 children (29%) were moderately or severely undernourished. The 4‐item final tool had high sensitivity and specificity for identifying children with feeding/swallowing difficulties (81% and 79% respectively) and undernutrition (72% and 75% respectively). The tool successfully identified 100 per cent of children with severe undernutrition and 100 per cent of those classified asEDACSlevelIVor V.

Interpretation

Screening for feeding/swallowing difficulties and undernutrition will enable early identification, assessment, and management for those children in need.

What this paper adds

A screening tool with high sensitivities and specificities for identifying children with feeding/swallowing difficulties and undernutrition.

The tool identified 100 per cent of children with severe undernutrition.

The tool identified 100 per cent of children in Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System levels IV or V.
Deintensification in older patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review of approaches, rates and outcomes
Authors: Seidu Samuel , Kunutsor Setor K. , Topsever Pinar , Hambling Clare E. , Cos Francesc X. , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess deintensification approaches and rates and evaluate the harm and benefits of deintensification with antidiabetic medication and other therapies among older people (≥ 65 years) with type 2 diabetes with or without cardiometabolic conditions.

Methods

We identified relevant studies in a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases to 30 October 2018. Data were extracted on baseline characteristics, details on deintensification and outcomes, and was synthesized using a narrative approach.

Results

Ten studies (observational cohorts and interventional studies) with data on 26 558 patients with comorbidities were eligible. Deintensification approaches included complete withdrawal, discontinuation, reducing dosage, conversion, or substitution of at least one medication, but the majority of studies were based on complete withdrawal or discontinuation of antihyperglycaemic medication. Rates of deintensification approaches ranged from 13.4%–75%. The majority of studies reported no deterioration in HbA1c levels, hypoglycaemic episodes, falls or hospitalizations on deintensification. On adverse events and mortality, no significant differences were observed among the comparison groups in the majority of studies.

Conclusion

Available but limited evidence suggests that the benefits of deintensification outweigh the harm in older people with type 2 diabetes with or without comorbidities. Given the heterogeneity of patients with diabetes, further research is warranted on which deintensification approaches are appropriate and beneficial for each specific patient population.
Prognostic value of elevated lipoprotein(a) in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Gencer Baris , Rigamonti Fabio , Nanchen David , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Kern Ilse , Aghlmandi Soheila , Klingenberg Roland , Räber Lorenz , Auer Reto , Carballo David , Carballo Sebastian , Heg Dik , Windecker Stephan , Lüscher Thomas Felix , Matter Christian M. , Rodondi Nicolas , Mach François
Published: April 2019

Background

Minimal lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] target values are advocated for high‐risk cardiovascular patients. We investigated the prognostic value of Lp(a) in the acute setting of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Materials and methods

Plasma levels of Lp(a) were collected at time of angiography from 1711 patients hospitalized for ACS in a multicentre Swiss prospective cohort. Associations between elevated Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (cut‐off corresponding to the 75th percentile of the assay) or Lp(a) tertiles at baseline, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1 year, defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction or stroke, were assessed using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C], high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL‐C] and triglycerides.

Results

Lp(a) levels range between 2.5 and 132 mg/dL with a median value of 6 mg/dL and a mean value of 14.2 mg/dL. A total of 276 patients (23.0%) had Lp(a) plasma levels ≥30 mg/dL. Patients with elevated Lp(a) were more likely to be of female gender and to have higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL‐C, HDL‐C and triglycerides. Higher Lp(a) was associated with failure to reach the LDL‐C target <1.8 mmol/L at 1 year (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13‐2.58, P = 0.01). No association was found between elevated Lp(a) and MACE at 1 year (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.64‐1.73), nor for Lp(a) tertiles (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.52‐1.28, P > 0.20) or standardized continuous variables (0.98, 95% CI 0.82‐1.19 for each increase of standard deviation).

Conclusions

Our real‐world data suggest high Lp(a) levels at time of angiography are not predictive for cardiovascular outcomes in patients otherwise medically well controlled, but might be useful to identify patients who would not be on LDL‐C targets 1 year after ACS.
Continent‐scale phenotype mapping using citizen scientists’ photographs
Authors: Drury Jonathan P. , Barnes Morgan , Finneran Ann E. , Harris Maddie , Grether Gregory F.
Published: April 2019

Field investigations of phenotypic variation in free‐living organisms are often limited in scope owing to time and funding constraints. By collaborating with online communities of amateur naturalists, investigators can greatly increase the amount and diversity of phenotypic data in their analyses while simultaneously engaging with a public audience. Here, we present a method for quantifying phenotypes of individual organisms in citizen scientists’ photographs. We then show that our protocol for measuring wing phenotypes from photographs yields accurate measurements in two species of Calopterygid damselflies. Next, we show that, while most observations of our target species were made by members of the large and established community of amateur naturalists at iNaturalist.org, our efforts to increase recruitment through various outreach initiatives were successful. Finally, we present results from two case studies: 1) an analysis of wing pigmentation in male smoky rubyspots Hetaerina titia showing previously undocumented geographical variation in a seasonal polyphenism, and 2) an analysis of variation in the relative size of the wing spots of male banded demoiselles Calopteryx splendens in Great Britain questioning previously documented evidence for character displacement. Our results demonstrate that our protocol can be used to create high quality phenotypic datasets using citizen scientists’ photographs, and, when combined with metadata (e.g. date and location), can greatly broaden the scope of studies of geographical and temporal variation in phenotypes. Our analyses of the recruitment and engagement process also demonstrate that collaborating with an online community of amateur naturalists can be a powerful way to conduct hypothesis‐driven research aiming to elucidate the processes that impact trait evolution at landscape scales.
Proximity of restored hedgerows interacts with local floral diversity and species' traits to shape long‐term pollinator metacommunity dynamics
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , de Valpine Perry , M’Gonigle Leithen K. , Kremen Claire
Published: April 2019

Disconnected habitat fragments are poor at supporting population and community persistence; restoration ecologists, therefore, advocate for the establishment of habitat networks across landscapes. Few empirical studies, however, have considered how networks of restored habitat patches affect metacommunity dynamics. Here, using a 10‐year study on restored hedgerows and unrestored field margins within an intensive agricultural landscape, we integrate occupancy modelling with network theory to examine the interaction between local and landscape characteristics, habitat selection and dispersal in shaping pollinator metacommunity dynamics. We show that surrounding hedgerows and remnant habitat patches interact with the local floral diversity, bee diet breadth and bee body size to influence site occupancy, via colonisation and persistence dynamics. Florally diverse sites and generalist, small‐bodied species are most important for maintaining metacommunity connectivity. By providing the first in‐depth assessment of how a network of restored habitat influences long‐term population dynamics, we confirm the conservation benefit of hedgerows for pollinator populations and demonstrate the importance of restoring and maintaining habitat networks within an inhospitable matrix.
Is Financial Flexibility a Priced Factor in the Stock Market?
Authors: Oad Rajput Suresh Kumar , Wongchoti Udomsak , Chen Jianguo , Faff Robert
Published: April 2019

This paper develops a factor analysis–based measure for shifts in corporate financial flexibility (FFLEX) that can be observed from public accounting information. Companies that experience positive shifts in FFLEX are associated with higher future investment growth opportunities. We show that FFLEX is a robust determinant of future stock returns. Firms that have increased their financial flexibility are associated with lower stock returns in the subsequent period. A zero‐cost return portfolio produces a significant positive monthly premium of 0.69%, which is driven by covariance (risk). Risk inherent in the flexibility factor is not explained away by either prominent pricing characteristics or factors.