bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management, policy uncertainty and firm life cycle stages: evidence from publicly traded companies in the USA and Brazil
Authors: Roma Carolina Magda da Silva , Louzada Luiz Cláudio , Roma Paula Magda da Silva , Goto Hiromitsu , Souma Wataru
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the combined effect of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and the firm life cycle on the degree of accrual-based earnings management of publicly traded companies in the USA and Brazilian stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The EPU index used was the one developed by Baker et al. (2016), the Kothari et al. (2005) model was used in the main analysis to obtain the discretionary accruals and the classification of firms into different life cycles was based on the Dickinson (2011) approach, which relies on the sign of operating, investment and financing cash flows. The methodology includes correlation matrix and panel regression with fixed effects.

Findings

The overall results for the USA sample suggest that economic policy uncertainty does have a heterogeneous influence on the firms’ accrual earnings management conditional on their life cycle where firms in the introduction, growth and decline stages decrease this practice when policy uncertainty increases. For the Brazilian case, in general, there is no combined effect between these variables. These contrasting findings can be associated with either the different underlying characteristics of both stock markets or the reduced sample size for the emerging market analyzed.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the earnings management literature examining how policy uncertainty is related to accruals manipulation under different life cycle stages and institutional environments. It is also one of the first studies to explore this conditioning effect.
Agile asset criticality assessment approach using decision-making grid
Authors: Karar Ahmed Noaman , Labib Ashraf
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The main purpose is to provide a demonstration of the utility of the DMG as a streamlined approach of a prescriptive-type model that can facilitate strategic and dynamic methodology to the decision-maker with respect to what policies, strategies or actions should be carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a framework for an agile criticality assessment process using decision-making grid (DMG) to accommodate the needs of this dynamic environment.

Findings

The proposed new approach has delivered better results with more consistency when applied by different teams and achieved better distribution of assets over the criticality scale.

Practical implications

The proposed approach has been validated through an industrial case study related to a steam generation system (SGS).

Originality/value

The implementation of the proposed approach in a petroleum refinery to assess the criticality of steam generation system (SGS) has shown positive results in terms of time and effort optimization. This research contributes to production planning and control literature with respect to one of its core activities of maintenance, through an innovative, systematic and practical approach.
Review of blast analysis and design for industrial/residential buildings and ammunition storage facilities
Authors: Bedair Osama
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper reviews engineering work developed for blast analysis and design of industrial/residential and ammunition storage facilities. The review also covers work done for progressive collapse analysis and blast deflectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper describes characteristics of various types of explosions. Empirical and numerical models that were developed to estimate structural capacity are reviewed. The structural idealization, theoretical basis, and merits of various methods are also described. The influence of various parameters affecting the structural performance is discussed.

Findings

The material of the paper captures recent engineering developments that can be used by practitioners for blast analysis and design for industrial and residential buildings. Little emphasis was given in the published literature to develop simplified analytical models that can be used in practice to compute the dynamic response of buildings subject to accidental explosions. Furthermore, analytical expressions are required to compute the reduction in the stiffness due to impact loading.

Originality/value

Current building codes address conventional live, dead, wind and earthquake loads. Very few guidelines are available in practice for design of buildings subject to blast loading. The objective of this paper is to review and piece together recent engineering work developed for blast analysis and design of industrial/residential buildings and ammunition facilities. The paper provides useful resource material for the engineers in practice using recent techniques to design these structures. The review covers past three decades that can be used as a baseline for future developments.
Mapping the implications and competencies for Industry 4.0 to hard and soft total quality management
Authors: Babatunde Oluwayomi Kayode
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to map the implications and competencies for Industry 4.0 to the hard and soft aspects of total quality management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

The author/s collected data from purposively drawn samples of early-career engineering professionals (ECEPs) using a cross-sectional survey. A total of 20 ECEPs from three small-class cohorts (2014, 2016 and 2018) participated in the survey. The author/s analyzed data using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test to establish the effect of cohort and gender on the implications and competencies for Industry 4.0. The author/s then mapped the top- and bottom-ranked implications and competencies onto the hard and soft aspects of TQM using a matrix.

Findings

Based on the cohort, significant differencesp < 0.05 existed in the interests and competencies for Industry 4.0. In congruence, the 2014 cohort had the highest number of “unique” top- and bottom-ranked competencies and implications spanning the hard and soft TQM. Based on gender, nonsignificant differencesp < 0.05 existed in the interests and competencies for Industry 4.0. The male and female ECEPs' “common” top-ranked implications appeared under the hard and soft TQM. All their “common” top-ranked competencies appeared under the hard TQM, while all their “common” bottom-ranked competencies appeared under the soft TQM.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size, context/discipline and perceptual data are limitations.

Practical implications

Optimizing an existing TQM framework/matrix to design Industry 4.0 TQM, advanced as TQM 4.0.

Originality/value

Perspectives of early-career professionals for TQM 4.0 implementation.
The response of carbon assimilation and storage to long‐term drought in tropical trees is dependent on light availability
Authors: Rowland Lucy , da Costa Antonio C. L. , Oliveira Rafael S. , Bittencourt Paulo R. L. , Giles André L. , Coughlin Ingrid , de Britto Costa Patricia , Bartholomew David , Domingues Tomas F. , Miatto Raquel C. , Ferreira Leandro V. , Vasconcelos Steel S. , Junior Joao A. S. , Oliveira Alex A. R. , Mencuccini Maurizio , Meir Patrick
Published: September 2020

Whether tropical trees acclimate to long‐term drought stress remains unclear. This uncertainty is amplified if drought stress is accompanied by changes in other drivers such as the increases in canopy light exposure that might be induced by tree mortality or other disturbances.

Photosynthetic capacity, leaf respiration, non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) storage and stomatal conductance were measured on 162 trees at the world's longest running (15 years) tropical forest drought experiment. We test whether surviving trees have altered strategies for carbon storage and carbon use in the drier and elevated light conditions present following drought‐related tree mortality.

Relative to control trees, the surviving trees experiencing the drought treatment showed functional responses including: (a) moderately reduced photosynthetic capacity; (b) increased total leaf NSC; and (c) a switch from starch to soluble sugars as the main store of branch NSC. This contrasts with earlier findings at this experiment of no change in photosynthetic capacity or NSC storage. The changes detected here only occurred in the subset of drought‐stressed trees with canopies exposed to high radiation and were absent in trees with less‐exposed canopies and also in the community average. In contrast to previous results acquired through less intensive species sampling from this experiment, we also observe no species‐average drought‐induced change in leaf respiration.

Our results suggest that long‐term responses to drought stress are strongly influenced by a tree's full‐canopy light environment and therefore that disturbance‐induced changes in stand density and dynamics are likely to substantially impact tropical forest responses to climate change. We also demonstrate that, while challenging, intensive sampling is essential in tropical forests to avoid sampling biases caused by limited taxonomic coverage.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Collision between biological process and statistical analysis revealed by mean centring
Authors: Westneat David F. , Araya‐Ajoy Yimen G. , Allegue Hassen , Class Barbara , Dingemanse Niels , Dochtermann Ned A. , Garamszegi László Zsolt , Martin Julien G. A. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Réale Denis , Schielzeth Holger
Published: September 2020

Animal ecologists often collect hierarchically structured data and analyse these with linear mixed‐effects models. Specific complications arise when the effect sizes of covariates vary on multiple levels (e.g. within vs. among subjects). Mean centring of covariates within subjects offers a useful approach in such situations, but is not without problems.

A statistical model represents a hypothesis about the underlying biological process. Mean centring within clusters assumes that the lower level responses (e.g. within subjects) depend on the deviation from the subject mean (relative) rather than on the absolute scale of the covariate. This may or may not be biologically realistic. We show that mismatch between the nature of the generating (i.e. biological) process and the form of the statistical analysis produce major conceptual and operational challenges for empiricists.

We explored the consequences of mismatches by simulating data with three response‐generating processes differing in the source of correlation between a covariate and the response. These data were then analysed by three different analysis equations. We asked how robustly different analysis equations estimate key parameters of interest and under which circumstances biases arise.

Mismatches between generating and analytical equations created several intractable problems for estimating key parameters. The most widely misestimated parameter was the among‐subject variance in response. We found that no single analysis equation was robust in estimating all parameters generated by all equations. Importantly, even when response‐generating and analysis equations matched mathematically, bias in some parameters arose when sampling across the range of the covariate was limited.

Our results have general implications for how we collect and analyse data. They also remind us more generally that conclusions from statistical analysis of data are conditional on a hypothesis, sometimes implicit, for the process(es) that generated the attributes we measure. We discuss strategies for real data analysis in face of uncertainty about the underlying biological process.
Firearms and violence in American life—50 years later
Authors: Zimring Franklin E.
Published: September 2020

This article identifies the two key issues in the Firearms and Violence Task Force of the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence and briefly describes research and policy findings on these questions in the half century since the the report was published. The key issues were the impact of weapon dangerousness on the death rate from violence assault and the positive linkage between increases in civilian gun ownership and increasing use of guns in violence.
Post mortem insect colonization and body weight loss in rabbit carcasses
Authors: Park Jun‐Kyu , Kim Chang‐Jun , Do Yuno
Published: September 2020

This study considers the impact of various treatments of rabbit carcasses on post mortem insect colonization and weight loss. A statistically accurate time for the change in carcass weight and insect access time was determined using time series analysis depending on different carcass treatments that determined insect access. The decomposition stage was relatively short. Fifteen freshly killed white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) weighing between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg were used as animal models in this study. Three carcasses were treated in each of five ways: normal, burnt, wrapped, hung, and immersed. A total of thirteen insect species were attracted to normal, burnt, and hung carcasses. Insects were not collected from sealed and immersed carcasses. The normal and burnt carcasses had a higher number of species and abundance compared to hung carcasses. The present study found no difference in insect colonization in normal and burnt carcasses. The determination of the weight of remaining carcass was clearly divided into the insect‐accessible (i.e., normal, burnt, and hung carcasses) and insect‐inaccessible carcasses (i.e., sealed and immersed carcasses), although no difference was found in the decrease in the rate of the remaining carcass in insect‐inaccessible carcasses.
Birth outcomes in women with body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or greater stratified by planned and actual mode of birth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: D’Souza Rohan , Horyn Ivan , Jacob Claude‐Emilie , Zaffar Nusrat , Horn Daphne , Maxwell Cynthia
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 are at an increased risk of requiring planned‐ and unplanned cesarean deliveries (CD). The aim of this systematic review is to compare outcomes in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 based on planned and actual mode of birth.

Material and Methods

Five databases were searched for English and French‐language publications until February 2019, and all studies reporting on delivery outcomes in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, stratified by planned and actual mode of birth, were included. Risk‐of‐bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Ten observational studies were included. Anticipated vaginal birth vs planned CD (5 studies, n = 2216) was associated with higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage (13.0% vs 4.1%, P < .001, numbers needed to harm (NNH = 11), I2 = 0%) but lower risk for wound complications (7.6% vs 14.5%, P < .001, numbers needed to treat (NNT = 15), I2 = 58.3%). Planned trial of labor vs repeat CD (3 studies, n = 4144) was associated with higher risk for uterine dehiscence (0.94% vs 0.42%, P = .04, NNH = 200, I2 = 0%), endometritis (5.1% vs 2.2%, P < .001, NNH = 35, I2 = 0%), prolonged hospitalization (one study, 30.3% vs 26.0%, P = .003, NNH = 23), low five‐minute Apgar scores (4.9% vs 1.7%, RR 2.95 (2.03, 4.28), NNH = 30, I2 = 0%) and birth trauma (1.1% vs 0.2%, P < .001, NNH = 111, I2 = 0%). Successful vaginal birth vs intrapartum CD (n = 3625) was associated with lower risk of postpartum hemorrhage (15.1% vs 70%, P < .001, NNT = 2, I2 = 0%), wound complications (one study, 0% vs 4.4%, P = .007, NNT = 23), prolonged hospitalization (one study, 1.9% vs 6.7%, 0.04, NNT = 21) and low five‐minute Apgar scores (one study, 1.0% vs 5.6%, P = .03, NNT = 22), but more birth trauma (5.9% vs 0.6%, P = .005, NNH = 19, I2 = 0%). Compared groups had dissimilar demographic characteristics. Although studies scored 6‐7/9 on risk‐of‐bias assessment, they were at high‐risk for confounding by indication.

Conclusions

Evidence from observational studies suggests clinical equipoise regarding the optimal mode of delivery in women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 and no prior CD. This question is best answered by a randomized trial. Based on an unplanned subgroup analysis, for women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 and prior CD, repeat CD may be associated with better clinical outcomes.
Genotype–phenotype spectrum in isolated and syndromic nanophthalmos
Authors: Lang Elena , Koller Samuel , Atac David , Pfäffli Oliver A. , Hanson James V.M. , Feil Silke , Bähr Luzy , Bahr Angela , Kottke Raimund , Joset Pascal , Fasler Katrin , Barthelmes Daniel , Steindl Katharina , Konrad Daniel , Wille David‐Alexander , Berger Wolfgang , Gerth‐Kahlert Christina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To (i) describe a series of patients with isolated or syndromic nanophthalmos with the underlying genetic causes, including novel pathogenic variants and their functional characterization and (ii) to study the association of retinal dystrophy in patients with MFRP variants, based on a detailed literature review of genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

Patients with nanophthalmos and available family members received a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Genetic analysis was based on whole‐exome sequencing and variant calling in core genes including MFRP, BEST1, TMEM98, PRSS56, CRB1, GJA1, C1QTNF5, MYRF and FAM111A. A minigene assay was performed for functional characterization of a splice site variant.

Results

Seven patients, aged between three and 65 years, from five unrelated families were included. Novel pathogenic variants in MFRP (c.497C>T, c.899‐3C>A, c.1180G>A), and PRSS56 (c.1202C>A), and a recurrent de novo variant in FAM111A (c.1706G>A) in a patient with Kenny–Caffey syndrome type 2, were identified. In addition, we report co‐inheritance of MFRP‐related nanophthalmos and ADAR‐related Aicardi–Goutières syndrome.

Conclusion

Nanophthalmos is a genetically heterogeneous condition, and the severity of ocular manifestations appears not to correlate with variants in a specific gene. However, retinal dystrophy is only observed in patients harbouring pathogenic MFRP variants. Furthermore, heterozygous carriers of MFRP and PRSS56 should be screened for the presence of high hyperopia. Identifying nanophthalmos as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome has implications for counselling and can accelerate the interdisciplinary care of patients.
The corneoscleral shape in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Vanhonsebrouck Eva , Consejo Alejandra , Coucke Paul J. , Leroy Bart P. , Kreps Elke O.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To investigate the corneoscleral shape in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients.

Methods

Thirty eyes of 15 participants with molecularly proven MFS were included in this prospective, cross‐sectional study. Optical biometry, Scheimpflug imaging, and corneoscleral topography (Eye Surface Profiler) were performed in all patients. Topographic data were compared to data from controls (25 emmetropes and 17 myopes). The raw three‐dimensional anterior height data from MFS eyes and control eyes were exported for further analysis. Custom‐made software was used to demarcate the limbal radius and to calculate the sagittal height in different concentric annuli centred at the corneal apex, placed in a pupil plane, for the central cornea (0–4 mm radius), peripheral cornea (4–6 mm radius) and sclera (6–8 mm radius) and the corneoscleral asymmetry.

Results

Marfan syndrome (MFS) eyes had significantly lower values of mean sagittal height compared to non‐MFS eyes in all three annuli (central cornea, corneal periphery and sclera (independent t‐test, p < 0.01 except for the inferior area of the scleral radius: p > 0.05). The sclera was significantly more asymmetric in MFS eyes compared to myopes (independent t‐test, p < 0.01 for both eyes), but similar to emmetropes (independent t‐test, p = 0.17 and p = 0.93 for right and left eyes, respectively). In MFS eyes, scleral asymmetry was not found to be correlated with axial length (Pearson correlation coefficient, r < 0.30, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The peripheral cornea and sclera of Marfan syndrome patients have a significantly different shape compared to healthy controls.
How has a Christian church been aligned towards the East? Conclusions from statistical analyses of churches built between 300 and 1300
Authors: Kräuchi K.
Published: September 2020

Historically nearly nothing has been handed down about the techniques for how a Christian church was built to a certain axis angle. The main aim of the study was to investigate whether church axis angles have been aligned in a west–east direction by either ‘astronomical' or ‘equinoctial date' orientation. Axis angles of 3014 churches were measured using Internet satellite maps. Multiple regression analyses provided statistical evidence for both astronomical and equinoctial date orientation, whereby probable technical aids (e.g., gnomon, astrolabe) came into use and not direct observations of the sunrise. The left‐skewed distribution of church axis angles can be related statistically to an ‘Easter window' orientation. However, the statistical analyses also allow for the conclusion that most of the angle orientations of the church axes were rather ‘roughly estimated'. No axis angle could be significantly assigned to sunrise angles on a saint's day; however, larger samples are necessary to finally reject this hypothesis. When churches are located on or in Roman masonries, their axis angles often coincide with the orientation angles of the Roman walls, indicating a pragmatically adopted alignment. Taken together, in most cases attempts were made to align churches towards the sunrise at the equinoxes, as requested by the ecclesiastical authorities.
The Renminbi as a Trading Currency: Evidence from Selected Countries Participating in the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Gao Haihong , Li Yingting
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the effects of the renminbi (RMB) exchange rate on trade prices and volumes in selected Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries in comparison with the effects of the US dollar. The stylized facts show that the RMB is underused in bilateral trade with selected BRI countries where intermediate goods dominate. By estimating the level of exchange rate pass‐through and trade volume elasticity, we find that the RMB is significantly correlated with the volume of imports in the sample countries, predicted by the producer currency pricing (PCP) paradigm. We also regroup intermediate and final goods between China and the BRI countries. The evidence shows that dollar fluctuation affects export volumes, reflecting the role of the US as a final goods destination, whereas the RMB exerts a significant impact on the volume of intermediate goods imported from China to the sample countries due to China's important position in global value chains.
Bilateral facial nerve palsy associated with COVID‐19 and Epstein–Barr virus co‐infection
Authors: Cabrera Muras A. , Carmona‐Abellán M. M. , Collía Fernández A. , Uterga Valiente J. M. , Antón Méndez L. , García‐Moncó J. C.
Published: September 2020

COVID‐19 can occasionally be associated with cranial nerve involvement, but facial palsy, particularly if bilateral, is exceptional. We here report a patient who presented with severe bilateral facial palsy and evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection preceded by upper respiratory symptoms. He also had serological evidence of coinfection with Epstein‐Barr virus, which could have also played a role in his neurological manifestations. PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid was negative for both EBV and SARS‐CoV‐2, which suggests an indirect, immune‐mediated mechanism rather than direct, viral‐induced damage. The patient was treated with prednisone 60 mg/24h with a tapering schedule and had a favorable outcome, with an almost complete recovery in 3 weeks. SARS‐CoV‐2 adds to the list of infectious agents causative of bilateral facial palsy. Coinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 is not rare and should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Migration of adult children and quality of life of older parents left‐behind in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Deependra K , Visentin Denis C , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle
Published: September 2020

Aim

Studies regarding the impact of adult children's migration on older parents left‐behind have focused on physical and mental health. This study assessed the relationship between migration of adult children and quality of life (QOL) of older parents left‐behind in Nepal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional community‐based survey was carried out (May–July 2019) among 791 randomly selected older adults aged ≥60 years. QOL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐abbreviated scale, and migration status was assessed into three categories: no migration, internal migration only and any international migration. A range of sociodemographic characteristics were measured for adjustment. Associations between migration of children and each domain of the QOL were examined by multilevel mixed regression.

Results

Scores for QOL were; 58.8 ± 19.8 for physical, 63.7 ± 18.0 for psychological, 60.7 ± 16.2 for social, and 61.8 ± 15.0 for environmental domains. This study identified positive and null associations between the migration of children and QOL for parents, with higher scores for physical (b = 5.16, P = 0.017) and environmental (b = 3.19, P = 0.046) domains among left‐behind parents whose children migrated internally compared with parents whose children did not migrate.

Conclusions

The findings differ from previous research showing poorer QOL among left‐behind older parents. Migration plays a significant role in shaping physical and environmental QOL among left‐behind parents living in rural areas with important implications for migrants, their families, researchers and social scientists. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1061–1066..
Cross‐reacting recombinant porcine FVIII inhibitors in patients with acquired haemophilia A
Authors: Bowyer Annette , Shepherd Fiona , Platton Sean , Guy Susan , Kitchen Steve , Maclean Rhona
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by the development of autoantibodies to endogenous human factor VIII (hFVIII). If treatment of bleeding is required, one option is recombinant porcine FVIII (rpFVIII). Cross‐reactivity between factor VIII inhibitors and rpFVIII has previously been described.

Aim

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the incidence of cross‐reacting anti‐porcine inhibitors in patients diagnosed with AHA in two UK centres.

Methods

The plasma of fifty‐one patients diagnosed with AHA via reduced FVIII:C and positive FVIII inhibitor titre as detected with a Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (NBA) was also tested by a porcine Bethesda assay (PBA). The NBA was modified by replacement of human FVIII with rpFVIII in the PBA, with determination of residual FVIII by one‐stage clotting assay.

Results

The median FVIII inhibitor titre by NBA was 22.8 BU/mL (range: 0.8‐1000 BU/mL). 37% of samples exhibited linear, type 1 kinetics in the NBA. Negative PBA was observed in 26 patients, and 25 were positive (median PBA: 3.5 BU/mL; range: 0.8‐120 BU/mL). Type 1 kinetics were observed in 40% of PBA‐positive patients. At NBA tires of greater than 100 BU/mL, the positive predictive value for the presence of porcine cross‐reactivity was 100%. At NBA below 5 BU/mL, the negative predictive value for the presence of porcine cross‐reactivity was 71%.

Conclusion

Cross‐reactivity between FVIII inhibitors and rpFVIII was observed in 49% of patients. The presence of inhibitors to rpFVIII may influence the treatment choice for patients with acquired haemophilia A.
Effects of grind size and brew time upon sensory traits, consumer likability and antioxidant activity of Arabica cold brew
Authors: Morresi Angela M. , Truglio Kristin , Specchio John , Kerrihard Adrian L.
Published: September 2020

This study examined effects of grind size (n = 3; 0.65, 1.15, 1.65 mm) and brew time (n = 3; 18, 24, 30 h) on the sensory traits, consumer likability and antioxidant activity of cold brew coffee (brewed at 4 °C). Total dissolved solids were measured to evaluate extraction efficiencies. The finest grind size demonstrated significantly greater antioxidant activity than the other samples, but grind size was not a significant factor for eighteen of the nineteen assessed sensory traits nor for hedonic assessments of appearance, flavour or overall likability. Notably, 24 h brew time samples showed consistently lower magnitudes of sensory traits, hedonic assessments and antioxidant activity than those brewed at 18 or 30 h. This effect was significant in predictive modelling and not explainable by magnitudes of dissolved solids (which increased with brew time). Findings demonstrate substantial nonlinear relationships between processing time and cold brew attributes.
The association between fetal growth and neonatal adiposity in urban South African infants
Authors: Wrottesley Stephanie V. , Prioreschi Alessandra , Norris Shane A.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To examine associations between maternal body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and fetal growth and neonatal adiposity in urban South Africans.

Methods

Maternal BMI was assessed at recruitment and GWG (kg/week) was calculated. Longitudinal fetal growth was measured via ultrasound and modelled using Superimposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR). Neonatal adiposity was assessed using air displacement plethysmography or dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between maternal BMI, GWG and SITAR fetal growth parameters and neonatal fat mass index (FMI; kg/m3) in 304 mother‐neonate pairs.

Results

In pooled analyses, longitudinally modelled abdominal circumference size (β = 0.64 kg/m3, P < .001) and velocity (β = 8.39 kg/m3, P < .001) and biparietal diameter velocity (β = 4.55 kg/m3, P = .020) were positively associated with neonatal FMI. GWG was positively associated with neonatal FMI in preliminary models (β = 1.07 kg/m3 per 1 kg/week; P = .040), with pooled models indicating mediation via fetal growth.

Conclusion

In utero abdominal growth is predictive of neonatal adiposity. Additionally, greater fetal growth – particularly of the abdominal circumference – mediates the effect of GWG on neonatal adiposity. In settings such as South Africa, strategies to ensure healthy pregnancy weight gain can contribute to prevention of intergenerational obesity risk.
Reversing a relationship spiral: From vicious to virtuous cycles in IT outsourcing
Authors: Akkermans Henk , van Oppen Willem , Vos Bart , X. J. Ou Carol
Published: September 2020

IT outsourcing (ITO) remains a popular business practice, but many buyers and suppliers of IT services are caught in a vicious relationship spiral of low trust, bad collaboration and mediocre performance. This paper describes a novel process understanding of how vicious cycles work and suggests a new method for how they can be reversed into virtuous cycles. Based on the action research and complementary system dynamics simulation, this paper demonstrates how an ineffective ITO relationship between a European Harbour Authority and its main IT supplier ITCo was formed and, later, transformed. The method, involving collaborative redesign of service workflows, applied in this action research triggered the reversal of an otherwise downward relationship spiral. Both the empirical facts from the action research data and the system dynamics simulation data are provided as evidence. We conclude the paper with conceptual and methodological contributions as well as scope for future research.
Ultra‐large mode area mid‐infrared fiber based on chalcogenide glasses extrusion
Authors: Zhong Minghui , Liang Xiaolin , Xiao Jing , Wu Guolin , Jiao Kai , Wang Xiange , Xu Tiesong , Liu Jia , Zhao Zheming , Wang Xunsi , Wang Rongping , Zhou Yaxun , Zhang Peiqing , Liu Yongxing , Nie Qiuhua
Published: September 2020

We have prepared an ultra‐large core, high numerical aperture (NA) chalcogenide (ChG) step‐index fiber (SIF) with a mode area of >43 600 μm2at the wavelength of 5.5 μm by an improved extrusion method. The fiber based on two ChG glasses with similar softening temperature has a core diameter of 339.0 μm and ultra‐thin cladding. The fiber exhibits a minimum loss of 1.75 dB/m at 9.74 μm and an optical loss of <5.0 dB/m from 5.3 to 10.8 μm. Broadband supercontinuum (SC) covering from 1.2 μm to 13.7 μm has been generated in a 17‐cm‐long ultra‐large mode area fiber with large core and high NA. All these show that, the fiber possesses the potential for high‐power infrared laser transmission.
Two sides of the same well‐child visit: Analysis of nurses’ and families’ perspectives on empowerment in health counselling
Authors: Borges Rodrigues Sónia , Parisod Heidi , Barros Luísa , Salanterä Sanna
Published: September 2020

Aims

To explore the degree of empowering health counselling in well‐child visits, considering nurse and family perspectives and to examine its associated factors.

Background

Empowerment has gained high priority in the world health strategy, being claimed for its benefits for people's health and well‐being.

Design

The design includes an exploratory cross‐sectional, correlational study.

Methods

We collected data between January 2018‐October 2019 from a convenience sample of 82 families attending a 5‐year‐old well‐child visit and 25 nurses at Portuguese health centres. Families and nurses assessed the same counselling session using parallel statements of the Portuguese Empowering Speech Practice Scale, grouped in two subscales (nurses’ action and families’ action). Questionnaires also included the Parent's Longitudinal Continuity in Primary Care scale, the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity tool and anthropometric and sociodemographic questions. We employed descriptive statistics, paired‐samples t‐test, analysis of variance and regression analysis.

Results

Both nurses and families reported that empowerment had been practiced in high degree. The most practiced elements were those from nurses’ action subscale (e.g. constructing a positive atmosphere) and the least practiced were from families’ action (e.g. disclosure). A discrepancy between nurses’ and families’ ratings were found for individualized information and advice, disclosure and asking questions, with families reporting higher scores. Nurses’ formal training in empowerment and obesity was associated with higher scores on the nurses’ action subscale. The families’ limited experience with a regular health centre and nurse and families having children with overweight were both associated with lower scores on the two subscales.

Conclusions

Although the positive experience by nurses and families is an important finding, the reasons for the differences in perceptions of empowerment require further research.

Impact

The Portuguese Empowering Speech Practice Scale can be a useful tool to evaluate services, both from professionals’ and families’ perspectives and to identify areas of improvement.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress remodels alveolar bone formation after tooth extraction
Authors: Chen Yun , Guo Yue , Li Jun , Chen Ying‐Yi , Liu Qiong , Tan Li , Gao Zheng‐Rong , Zhang Shao‐Hui , Zhou Ying‐Hui , Feng Yun‐Zhi
Published: September 2020

Bone healing in tooth extraction sockets occurs in a complex environment containing saliva and many microorganisms and is affected by many factors. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress affects bone metabolism, but the role of ER stress in bone healing after tooth extraction remains unclear. We utilized a rat tooth extraction model, in which we promoted wound healing by using salubrinal to regulate the ER stress response. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of p‐eIF2α/eIF2α, Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in bone tissue, and histological assays showed irregularly arranged and new bone with more collagen fibres 14 days after tooth extraction and after modulating the degree of ER stress. Micro‐CT showed that modulating ER stress to an appropriate degree increases bone filling in regards to the density in the bottom and the surrounding bone wall of the tooth extraction wounds. Transmission electron microscopy showed rough ER expansion and newly formed collagen fibrils in osteoblasts after modulating ER stress to an appropriate degree. We also used different concentrations of salubrinal to evaluate the resistance to tunicamycin‐induced ER stress in an osteogenic induction environment. Salubrinal restored the tunicamycin‐induced decrease in the viability of primary calvarial osteoblasts and increased the expression of Runx2 and ALP, and decreased p‐eIF2α/eIF2α in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ER stress occurred after tooth extraction, and regulating the degree of ER stress can promote bone healing in tooth extraction sockets, providing clinical evidence for bone healing.
Down‐regulation of exosomal miR‐200c derived from keratinocytes in vitiligo lesions suppresses melanogenesis
Authors: Zhao Chaoshuai , Wang Dongliang , Wang Xin , Mao Yaqi , Xu Ziqian , Sun Yue , Mei Xingyu , Song Jun , Shi Weimin
Published: September 2020

Vitiligo is a refractory disfiguring skin disease. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of vitiligo have not been fully defined. Previous studies have shown that exosomes from normal human keratinocytes improve melanogenesis by up‐regulating the expression of melanogenesis‐related proteins. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be effective in modulating melanogenesis via exosomes. In the present study, it was found that the effect of exosomes derived from keratinocytes in vitiligo lesions in regulating melanin synthesis is weakened. Furthermore, miR‐200c was detected to be significantly down‐regulated in exosomes from keratinocytes in vitiligo lesions. In addition, miR‐200c enhanced the expression of melanogenesis‐related genes via suppressing SOX1 to activate β‐catenin. In conclusion, our study revealed that the effect of exosomes secreted by keratinocytes in vitiligo lesions exhibited a weaker capacity in promoting melanogenesis of melanocytes. Moreover, the expression of miR‐200c, which mediates melanogenesis in exosomes secreted by keratinocytes in vitiligo lesions, is down‐regulated, which may be one of the pathogenesis in vitiligo. Therefore, keratinocyte‐derived exosomal miR‐200c may be a potential target for the treatment of vitiligo.
Oral health and changes in lipid profile: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Song Tae‐Jin , Kim Jin‐Woo , Kim Jinkwon
Published: September 2020

Aim

We aimed to investigate the association of periodontitis and oral hygiene indicators with changes in blood lipid parameters in a nationwide, population‐based cohort in a longitudinal setting.

Materials and methods

We included nationwide health screening program participants who underwent oral health examination in 2009‐2010 and follow‐up examinations for lipid profile without exposure to lipid‐lowering agents.

Results

During the 5.19‐year median follow‐up, 65,078 individuals (mean age at baseline examination: 55.41 ± 7.30 years) underwent 286,218 health examinations. The prevalence of periodontitis was 39%. In the multivariate mixed model analysis, periodontitis and tooth loss were associated with decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (β = −0.0066 mmol/L, standard error = 0.0026, p = .013) and increased triglyceride levels (β=0.0307, mmol/L, standard error = 0.0049, p < .001), respectively. Compared with tooth brushing ≤1 time/day, tooth brushing ≥3 times/day was associated with increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (β = 0.0176 mmol/L, standard error = 0.0052, p = .006) and decreased triglyceride levels (β = −0.0285 mmol/L, standard error = 0.0090, p = .001).

Conclusions

Periodontitis and tooth loss may be attenuating factors for blood high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, respectively. Frequent tooth brushing may improve dyslipidaemia, particularly blood high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Oral hygiene improvement may reduce the risk of dyslipidaemia.
A new species of Characidium Reinhardt (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Río Huallaga, central Peruvian Amazon, with a review of secondary sexual characters in the genus
Authors: Teixeira Tulio F. , Melo Marcelo R. S.
Published: September 2020

Characidium pumarinri n. sp. is described from the affluents of Río Huallaga, a tributary of Río Marañón that drains the eastern slopes of the Andes, in the Peruvian Amazon. The new species has a deep body (24–31% in LS), 11–17 well‐marked dark bars and remarkable sexual dimorphism related to colour pattern, in which males have darker anal, dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins than females. C. pumarinri resembles some species allocated in Clade C4, mainly by having a high number of transversal bars and a deep body. In addition, a thorough review and further descriptions of the secondary sexual characteristics in Characidium are provided.
Mitochondrial TXN2 attenuates amyloidogenesis via selective inhibition of BACE1 expression
Authors: Li Kun‐Yi , Xiang Xiao‐Jiao , Song Li , Chen Jian , Luo Biao , Wen Qi‐Xin , Zhong Bi‐Rou , Zhou Gui‐Feng , Deng Xiao‐Juan , Ma Yuan‐Lin , Hu Li‐Tian , Chen Guo‐Jun
Published: September 2020

Thioredoxin‐2 (TXN2) is a mitochondrial protein and represents one of the intrinsic antioxidant enzymes. It has long been recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesized that mitochondrial TXN2 might play a role in AD‐like pathology. In this study, we found that in SH‐SY5Y and HEK cells stably express full‐length human amyloid‐β precursor protein (HEK‐APP), TXN2 silencing or over‐expression selectively increased or decreased the transcription of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), respectively, without altering the protein levels of others enzymes involved in the catalytic processing of APP. As a result, β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) levels were significantly decreased by TXN2. In addition, in cells treated with 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP) that is known to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promote mitochondrial dysfunction, TXN2 silencing resulted in further enhancement of BACE1 protein levels, suggesting a role of TXN2 in ROS removal. The downstream signaling might involve NFκB, as TXN2 reduced the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα; and p65 knockdown significantly attenuated TXN2‐mediated regulation of BACE1. Concomitantly, the levels of cellular ROS, apoptosis‐related proteins and cell viability were altered by TXN2 silencing or over‐expression. In APPswe/PS1E9 mice, an animal model of AD, the cortical and hippocampal TXN2 protein levels were decreased at 12 months but not at 6 months, suggesting an age‐dependent decline. Collectively, TXN2 regulated BACE1 expression and amyloidogenesis via cellular ROS and NFκB signaling. TXN2 might serve as a potential target especially for early intervention of AD.

image
Filling the gap: Peasant Studies and the archaeology of medieval peasantry in light of the Northern Iberian evidence
Authors: Quirós Castillo Juan Antonio , Tejerizo‐García Carlos
Published: September 2020

A new archaeology of peasantry has emerged in Europe in the last few decades in the context of development‐led rescue excavations. As a result, new lines of inquiry, usually unconnected with other traditions of Peasant Studies, have been proposed. The main aim of this paper is to propose forms of interaction between current sociological and anthropological perspectives (Peasant Studies) and an archaeologically informed social history approach (Peasant Archaeology) in order to enrich the analysis of peasant societies, both in the past and the present. Moreover, challenging traditional approaches in historical and archaeological studies that see peasantry as a passive, subaltern, homogeneous class, avenues for a relational agency of peasantry considering archaeological records from medieval Iberia are considered.
Injectable Platelet‐Rich Fibrin (PRF): The newest biomaterial and its use in various dermatological conditions in our practice: A case series
Authors: Shashank Bansod , Bhushan Madke
Published: September 2020

Injectable platelet‐rich fibrin (I‐PRF) is a second generation, fully autologous, blood‐derived biomaterial having three‐dimensional fibrin meshwork, like that of a PRF clot, while retaining the fluid nature, just like platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). Along with platelets and its growth factors, injectable PRF predominantly has collagen type‐1, lymphocytes along with its growth factors. Preparation of injectable PRF is simple and requires minimal instrumentation and materials, making it a cost‐effective product. We have been trying using this biomaterial in the conditions where PRP and PRF clot are being used currently, like androgenetic alopecia, periorbital rejuvenation, temporary filler material and as an agent to promote wound healing with favorable results.
A case report on the use of topical cysteamine 5% cream in the management of refractory postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) resistant to triple combination cream (hydroquinone, topical corticosteroids, and retinoids)
Authors: Mathe Nomathamsanqa , Balogun Mariam , Yoo Jinah
Published: September 2020

Background

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs as a result of different inflammatory dermatoses and exogenous factors in individuals with darker skin types. With current skin lightening treatments, there are concerns about irritation leading to worsening of their underlying inflammatory skin condition or worsening of PIH.

Case

A 20‐year‐old woman with Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) V presented with facial hyperpigmented patches since childhood following an intermittent erythematous, pruritic facial rash. Skin biopsy confirmed PIH secondary to possible burnt‐out morphea. Treatment with topical adapalene 0.1% gel and triple combination cream (containing hydroquinone, topical corticosteroids, and retinoids) proved unsuccessful. Treatment with cysteamine 5% cream over 4 months resulted in significant improvement with a reduction in the melanin index.

Discussion

The current recommendation for first‐line treatment in PIH is hydroquinone or triple combination cream containing hydroquinone, which can be associated with significant short‐ and long‐term side effects. Cysteamine 5% cream is one of the latest cosmetic skin lightening products. It is hypothesized that cysteamine reduces melanin production by inhibiting key melanogenic enzymes required in melanogenesis. Its efficacy and tolerability have been demonstrated in two randomized controlled trials against placebo in patients with melasma. This report demonstrates a successful use of cysteamine 5% cream in a patient with chronic severe PIH.