bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advertisement recommendation based on personal interests and ad push fairness
Authors: Liu Duen-Ren , Liao Yu-Shan , Chung Ya-Han , Chen Kuan-Yu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Online advertisement brings huge revenue to many websites. There are many types of online advertisement; this paper aims to focus on the online banner ads which are usually placed in a particular news website. The investigated news website adopts a pay-per-ad payment model, where the advertisers are charged when they rent a banner from the website during a particular period. In this payment model, the website needs to ensure that the ad pushed frequency of each ad on the banner is similar. Under such advertisement push rules, an ad-recommendation mechanism considering ad push fairness is required.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a novel ad recommendation method that considers both ad-push fairness and personal interests. The authors take every ad’s exposure time into consideration and investigate users’ three different usage experiences in the website to identify the main factors affecting the interests of users. Online ad recommendation is conducted on the investigated news website.

Findings

The results of the experiments show that the proposed approach performs better than the traditional approach. This method can not only enhance the average click rate of all ads in the website but also ensure reasonable fairness of exposure frequency of each ad. The online experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.

Originality/value

Existing researches had not considered both the advertisement recommendation and ad-push fairness together. With the proposed novel ad recommendation model, the authors can improve the ad click-through rate of ads with reasonable push fairness. The website provider can thereby increase the commercial value of advertising and user satisfaction.
Evaluating the role of gamification and flow in e-consumers: millennials versus generation X
Authors: García-Jurado Alejandro , Castro-González Pilar , Torres-Jiménez Mercedes , Leal-Rodríguez Antonio L.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This research has three main objectives. First, it examines influence of gamification on the behavioral intention to use an e-commerce platform. Second, it analyzes the role of the flow state given its importance in terms of behavior in online environments. Finally, the study aims to detect and analyze differences between Millennials and Generation X.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical basis for this study stems from technology acceptance model. The extended model incorporates gamification and the optimal state of intrinsic motivation, flow state, as additional constructs. An online consumer panel was used to collect data from 253 Spanish Amazon users. A structural equation modeling, partial least squares, is proposed and multi-group moderation was studied.

Findings

Gamification in Millennials has positive and significant indirect effects on behavioral intention through the flow state. In the case of the Generation X, it has been detected that flow interferes in its perception of ease of use. The behavioral intention of using the Web page is directly correlated with the purchase intention. Companies should offer a fun interface to Millennials and an environment easier to use to the Generation X, for gamification to be successful.

Originality/value

This study expands the research scope in gamification by focusing on e-commerce sector, a field where scientific research is still scarcely developed. It emphasizes the importance of flow as mediator. Age differences confirm the need for segmentation when applying gamification and marketing strategies in e-commerce.
Buyer–seller relationship, sales effectiveness and sales revenue: a social network perspective
Authors: Che Yu , Li Yongqiang , Fam Kim-Shyan , Bai Xuan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the underlying mechanism of buyer–seller ties and salespeople’s performance. Also examined was the moderating effects of the density of the customer network in which the salesperson is embedded.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a framework incorporating five key variables: strength of ties, network benefits, network density, sales effectiveness and sales revenue. The framework was tested using data from insurance companies in China.

Findings

Process regression and stepwise regression results indicated that information, influence and solidarity benefit will mediate the effects of strength of ties on sales effectiveness both when taken as a set and separately. Information, influence and solidarity benefit will mediate the effects of strength of ties on sales revenue when taken as a set, but only influence will mediate the effect separately. In addition, the positive relationship between strength of ties and solidarity benefit is weaker when network density is high.

Practical implications

Sales managers should initiate trainings and workshops about how to obtain high-quality information from customers, improving influencing power and establishing solidarity with customers. Moreover, salespeople should avoid conducting business with a group of customers if they are densely connected to one another.

Originality/value

On the one hand, this study contributes to the underlying mechanism research on buyer–seller ties and sales performance. On the other hand, it contributes to the contingency research on sales performance and the development of social network theory.
Uses of 4,4-dicyano-3-phenyl-but-3-enoic acid phenylamide for the synthesis of new compounds: antimicrobial and textile finishing evaluations
Authors: Abdallah Amira E.M. , Mohareb Rafat M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This work aims to synthesize a series of novel acyclic and/or heterocyclic systems, as precursors for dyes with potential antimicrobial activity that could be used for simultaneous dyeing and antimicrobial textile finishing. Thus, a series of novel pyridine, thiophene and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives were synthesized, and their antimicrobial and textile finishing properties were studied and evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The synthesis, structure elucidation and antimicrobial activities of the newly synthesized compounds based on 4,4-dicyano-3-phenyl-but-3-enoic acid phenylamide (1) were demonstrated. The minimal inhibitory concentration in μg/mL of the compounds showed significant antimicrobial activity against most of the tested organisms. On the other hand, their spectral characteristics and fastness properties were measured and evaluated. Antimicrobial activities of the dyed fabrics in terms of inhibition zones (mm) were measured and evaluated.

Findings

A series of novel heterocyclic compounds (Schemes 1-3) were synthesized based on starting material (1). Compounds (1), 2, 4a, 8a and 9c exhibited comparable or even higher antibacterial activities than the selected standards (ampicillin), while compounds 2, 3c, 3d, 4a and 8b revealed higher antifungal activities than the selected standard (cycloheximide). On the other hand, some dyes showed high antimicrobial evaluation on the dyed fabrics (nylon 66, acetate and polyester) expressed as size (mm) of inhibition zones (Tables I-IV).

Practical implications

Results revealed that many hydrazo and azo derivatives were synthesized from some pyridines and thiophenes. The antimicrobial evaluation and textile finishing of the newly synthesized products revealed significant and potent values of antimicrobial activity.

Originality/value

All the synthesized compounds were novel and most of them exhibited higher antimicrobial activities than the selected standards antibiotics, thus are valuable for simultaneous dyeing and antimicrobial functional finishing of textile fabrics.
3D printing technology in musical instrument research: reviewing the potential
Authors: Kantaros Antreas , Diegel Olaf
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of applications for musical instruments. It examines the main AM technologies used in musical instruments, goes through a history of musical applications of AM and raises the questions about the application of AM to create completely new wind instruments that would be impossible to produce with conventional manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature research is presented which covers a historical application of AM to musical instruments and hypothesizes on some potential new applications.

Findings

AM has found extensive application to create conventional musical instruments with unique aesthetics designs. It’s true potential to create entirely new sounds, however, remains largely untapped.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed to truly assess the potential of additive manufacturing to create entirely new sounds for musical instrument.

Practical implications

The application of AM in music could herald an entirely new class of musical instruments with unique sounds.

Originality/value

This study highlights musical instruments as an unusual application of AM. It highlights the potential of AM to create entirely new sounds, which could create a whole new class of musical instruments.
Performance, combustion and exhaust emissions analysis of HCNG fuelled single cylinder diesel engine at different injection opening pressures
Authors: Quadri Syed Azam Pasha , Rentala Girish Srivatsa , Sarap Raghavendra
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Over past decades, the fossil fuel reserves in the world have been decreasing at an alarming rate and a lack of crude oil is expected in the early decades of this century. Also, the eco-neutral pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrigen (NOx) and unburnt hydrocarbons (UHC) are also increasing. This calls for innovative research in non-conventional fuels to replace fossil fuels. Hydrogen is one such fuel which has an exceptional combustion property and appears to be proving itself as the best transportation fuel of the future. On the other hand, compressed natural gas(CNG) has already been credited as a remarkable fuel for its better emission characteristics and has been implemented as a transportation fuel in metros. Therefore, the use of hydrogen blended with natural gas seems to be a viable alternative to pure fossil fuels because of the expected reduction of the total pollutants and increase of efficiency. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present experimental investigation, 10 and 20 per cent of hydrogen–CNG mixture(HCNG) by mass of fuel is inducted into the combustion chamber in conjunction with air in HCNG–diesel dual fuel mode. The variation in injection opening pressure is assessed to optimize the performance and emission characteristics.

Findings

Experiments were conducted at three different injection opening pressures, i.e. 200, 220 and 240 bar, at full-load condition and the performance characteristics were calculated. The effect of injection operating pressure(IOP) on emissions were measured and compared with pure diesel mode.

Originality/value

Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was increased by 1.2 per cent at 220 bar. Minimum BSFC of 0.2302 kg/kWh, 0.2114 kg/kWh was noticed for 220 bar with a changing ratio of 20 per cent of HCNG. It was noticed that CO and UHC decreased with variation in IOP and HCNG content in the blend. However, there was an increase in NOx emissions.
CEO Incentives, Takeover Protection and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Mazouz Khelifa , Zhao Yang
Published: October 2018

This study examines the effects of CEO equity‐based compensation and anti‐takeover provisions on corporate innovation. Using a large sample of US firms over the period 1996–2014, we find that long‐term incentives have a stronger influence on innovation when combined with takeover threats. We also show that equity‐based compensation is more likely to spur innovation for small firms and firms in industries with high product market competition and innovation pressure. However, this effect is somewhat weaker in the presence of anti‐takeover provisions, suggesting that takeover protection encourages managerial shirking even when external competition is high. Finally, in addition to the existing evidence on the valuation effect of CEO equity‐based compensation, we identify innovation as an important channel through which managerial incentives can enhance firm value. Our results have potential implications for shareholders, managers and policymakers.
Investigative ignorance in international investigations: how United Nations Panels of Experts create new relations of power by seeking information
Authors: Niederberger Aurel
Published: October 2018

How do political investigations affect relations of power? Earlier studies have focused on the empowering effects of political knowledge – in contrast, I analyse how the pursuit of such knowledge makes the investigator dependent on others. I hypothesize that where the will to know empowers others, ignorance becomes a strategic alternative. This mechanism should play out strongly at the intersection of global governance and local political crises: here, global governance actors lack knowledge, investigations often constitute the first direct interaction between actors from both sides, and solidification of power (instead of empowering others) should be a central interest of global governance actors. I first explore the hypothesized mechanisms theoretically and develop a framework to analyse dependencies between investigators and their interlocutors. This framework then facilitates a within‐case comparison of investigative approaches of United Nations Panels of Experts. The results support and elucidate the hypothesized mechanisms. The study shows how the analysis of social interaction can create new views of the much‐studied relationship between knowledge and power.
An Analysis of the Determinants of Inflation‐linked Bond Prices in Korea
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Lee Soonhee
Published: October 2018

We estimate term structure using Korean financial data such as nominal spot rates, monthly inflation rates, and a survey of inflation forecasts, and examine the factors affecting Korean inflation‐linked bond prices. Inflation‐linked bond market yields are higher than the model yields generated using the term structure and the market‐model yield differential is explained by the expected inflation rate, on‐the‐run/off‐the‐run spread, trading volume, and bond fund cash flows. This shows that inflation‐linked bond investors understand the additional benefit of the tax exemption on the notional amount increment caused by inflation that the term structure model ignores, and the inflation‐linked bond price is also affected by liquidity and supply–demand pressure.
Work of breathing influences muscle sympathetic nerve activity during semi‐recumbent cycle exercise
Authors: Dominelli Paolo B. , Katayama Keisho , Vermeulen Tyler D. , Stuckless Troy J.R. , Brown Courtney V. , Foster Glen E. , Sheel Andrew William
Published: October 2018

Reducing the work of breathing during exercise improves locomotor muscle blood flow and reduces diaphragm and locomotor muscle fatigue and is thought to be the result of a sympathetically mediated reflex.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) when the work of breathing is experimentally lowered during dynamic exercise.

Methods

Healthy subjects (n = 12; age = 29 ± 9 years) performed semi‐recumbent cycling trials at 40%, 60%, and 80% of peak workload. Exercise trials consisted of spontaneous breathing, reduced work of breathing (proportional assist ventilator), followed by further spontaneous breathing (post‐ventilator). MSNA was recorded from the median nerve.

Results

There was no difference in work of breathing between PAV and post‐PAV at 40% peak work. At 60% peak work, the ventilator significantly (P < 0.05) reduced work of breathing (103 ± 39 vs 144 ± 47 J min−1), sympathetic nerve activity (35 ± 5 vs 42 ± 8 burst min−1), and (2.4 ± 0.5 vs 2.6 ± 0.5 L min−1) without influencing ventilation (86 ± 9 vs 82 ± 10 L min−1; P > 0.05), for PAV and post‐PAV respectively. During 80% peak work (n = 8), the ventilator significantly (P < 0.05) reduced work of breathing (235 ± 110 vs. 361 ± 150 J min−1), MSNA (48 ± 7 vs 54 ± 11 burst min−1), and (2.9 ± 0.6 vs 3.2 ± 0.7 L min−1) but not ventilation (121 ± 20 vs 123 ± 20 L min−1; P > 0.05), for PAV and post‐PAV respectively. There was a significant relationship between MSNA and (P < 0.0001) with a significant interaction due to the ventilator (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lowering the normally occurring work of breathing during exercise results in commensurate reductions in MSNA. Our findings provide evidence of a sympathetically mediated vasoconstrictor effect emanating from respiratory muscles during exercise.
Toll‐like receptors 2, 4 and 9 and hypoxia markers HIF‐1alpha and CAIX in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Leppänen Joni , Helminen Olli , Huhta Heikki , Kauppila Joonas H. , Isohookana Joel , Haapasaari Kirsi‐Maria , Karihtala Peeter , Parkkila Seppo , Saarnio Juha , Lehenkari Petri P. , Karttunen Tuomo J.
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic cancer arises from precursor lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) characterized by inflammatory microenvironment. In pancreatic cancer, strong innate immunity and hypoxia responses are typical. Occurrence and relationship of these responses in human PanINs is unknown. We have studied the expression of toll‐like receptors (TLR) TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9, and hypoxia markers HIF‐1alpha and Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) in normal and inflamed pancreatic ducts, in PanINs and in cancers. The samples of 69 surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients were stained using immunohistochemistry. We found TLR2, TLR9, HIF‐1alpha and CAIX to be prominently expressed in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Expression of TLR2 showed a linear increase from PanIN1 to PanIN3, while the highest TLR4 expression was detected in inflamed ducts, and TLR9 expression in PanIN1 lesions. Within the PanIN1‐group, nuclear HIF‐1alpha correlated with membranous and cytoplasmic TLR2 expression (ρ = 0.982 and 0.815; p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively), and in the PanIN2‐group nuclear HIF‐1alpha correlated with nuclear TLR9 expression 0.636, p = 0.026). Our findings show that the expression of TLRs 2, 4 and 9, and hypoxia markers HIF‐1alpha and CAIX is abnormal in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia suggesting that both the innate immunity activation and hypoxia response are involved in early pancreatic carcinogenesis. However, these processes might be independent.
Internal Audit Outsourcing: A Literature Synthesis and Future Directions
Authors: Mubako Grace
Published: October 2018

The internal audit function (IAF), which has traditionally been an in‐house function, is increasingly being outsourced to outside consultants, in line with global trends for other services. This study synthesises research on the outsourcing and co‐sourcing of internal audit services over the last three decades, and suggests directions for future research. It draws from professional and academic literature to highlight the nature of organisations that outsource the IAF, and the main reasons behind the outsourcing decision. The study further examines the financial impact of outsourcing, as well as its impact on financial reporting, internal audit quality and auditors’ independence. The study shows widespread adoption of outsourcing of internal auditing services, largely due to the perceived cost benefits as well as perceived improved access to specialised internal auditing resources. There are mixed findings on the impact of outsourcing of internal auditing services on quality, cost, independence and availability of resources. This study contributes to internal and external audit, corporate governance and outsourcing literature in general, by synthesising the existing research and providing a roadmap with which to understand the origins, development, present state and impact of outsourcing of internal auditing.
Do We Need to Know What We are Doing? Discovering Our ‘Working Model’ of Psychoanalytic Practice Using the Comparative Clinical Method
Authors: Spurling Laurence
Published: October 2018

There is now an extensive and highly developed literature within psychoanalysis on how best to understand the patients we work with, and their impact on the analyst or therapist, but far less on the mind of the clinician and how he or she thinks while working with the patient. One method for studying this, the Comparative Clinical Method developed by a group of European psychoanalysts, consists of a two‐step model: after a careful description of the interventions made by the analyst, an attempt is made to construct what is taken to be the analyst's implicit working model, the internal template which he or she tacitly employs to conduct the analysis. In this paper I describe this model, which I then illustrate by taking a piece of published clinical material to show what an approach based on the Comparative Clinical Method might look like. Finally I make some comments on applying this model to the work of psychoanalytic psychotherapists.
The global relevance of Canadian public administration? A bibliometric research note
Authors: Zeemering Eric S.
Published: October 2018

This research note assesses the influence of Canadian public administration research on the global study of public administration. Citation data from the Web of Science database is used to assess the reach of the Canadian public administration literature outside Canada. The research analyzes citations of the journalCanadian Public Administrationby calculating an external citation ratio to explore articles cited heavily domestically and abroad. Scholars around the globe look to Canada for insights on topics including accountability and the performance of various government reforms; but, the global public administration community can benefit from a more careful reading of what Canada can tell us about federalism, capacity for policy analysis, and government reform. Article characteristics including age and foreign authorship are related to the scope of external citations. The inquiry advances our understanding of how scholarship in Canadian public administration is influencing the global dialogue on governance and public management.
Shared ways of thinking in Brazil about the science–practice interface in ecology and conservation
Authors: Bertuol‐Garcia Diana , Morsello Carla , N. El‐Hani Charbel , Pardini Renata
Published: October 2018

The debate in the literature on the science–practice interface suggests a diversity of opinions on how to link science and practice to improve conservation. Understanding this diversity is key to addressing unequal power relations, avoiding the consideration of only dominant views, and identifying strategies to link science and practice. In turn, linking science and practice should promote conservation decisions that are socially robust and scientifically informed. To identify and describe the viewpoints of scientists and decision makers on how the science–practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions, we interviewed Brazilian scientists (ecologists and conservation scientists, n = 11) and decision makers (n = 11). We used Q methodology and asked participants to rank their agreement with 48 statements on how the science–practice interface should work in order to improve conservation decisions. We used principal component analysis to identify shared viewpoints. The predominant viewpoint, shared by scientists and decision makers, was characterized by valuing the integration of scientific and strategic knowledge to address environmental problems. The second viewpoint, held mostly by decision makers, was distinguished by assigning great importance to science in the decision‐making process and calling for problem‐relevant research. The third viewpoint, shared only by scientists, was characterized by an unwillingness to collaborate and a perception of scientists as producers of knowledge that may help decision makers. Most participants agreed organizations should promote collaboration and that actors and knowledge from both science and practice are relevant. Disagreements concerned specific roles assigned to actors, willingness to collaborate, and organizational and institutional arrangements considered effective to link science and practice. Our results suggest there is ample room for collaborations and that impediments lie mainly in existing organizations and formal institutional arrangements rather than in negative attitudes between scientists and decision makers.
A longitudinal evaluation of the Rural Clinical Placement Program at the University of Sydney Dental School
Authors: Johnson George , Wright Fredrick A. C. , Foster Kirsty
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Australia has a lack of dental practitioners in rural and remote regions. This study evaluates the impact of a Rural Clinical Placement Program (RCPP) offered to final year students at the University of Sydney (USYD) Dental School on the graduates working locations.

Materials and Methods

University of Sydney students who graduated between 2009 and 2013 (n = 404) were invited to complete a telephone interview. One hundred and thirty‐five graduates were interviewed, 90 RCPP participants and 45 non‐participants.

Results

The majority of graduates interviewed were from a metropolitan background (87%), 47% were female, 77% worked full time, and 70% were employed in private practice. A higher proportion (33%) of the RCPP participants were working in rural Australia compared with 18% of the non‐participants. The graduates reported that the RCPP was a high‐quality program with excellent rural clinical supervisors, provided broad clinical dentistry; they met appreciative patients and enjoyed the rural lifestyle.

Conclusions

The RCPP was a valuable and positive experience with many considering it as a highlight of their dental education. A large proportion reported the program positively influenced their employment location choices, and a higher proportion of the RCPP participants were identified as working rurally, compared to the non‐participants.
The Dynamic Interplay Between Satisfaction With Intimate Relationship Functioning and Daily Mood in Low‐Income Outpatients
Authors: Brock Rebecca L. , Franz Molly R. , O'Bleness Jessica J. , Lawrence Erika
Published: October 2018

Substantial research supports bidirectional links between intimate relationship discord and individual psychopathology, including depressive symptoms. However, few studies have utilized daily diary methods to capture the micro‐level processes underlying the association between couple discord and depression, particularly among populations that are at elevated risk for both interpersonal and individual dysfunction. To address this gap, we examined whether daily changes in satisfaction with relationship functioning were associated with daily changes in negative affect and positive affect over the span of 2 weeks among mental health outpatients of low socioeconomic status. Participants were 53 low‐income outpatients from community mental health clinics who completed a semi‐structured interview about the quality of their intimate relationships followed by 14 daily reports of positive and negative mood and satisfaction with relationship functioning across several domains. Growth curve analytic techniques revealed the hypothesized bidirectional relations. Decline in satisfaction with relationship functioning predicted escalation in negative affect and deterioration in positive affect over 2 weeks, and deterioration of mood predicted declining satisfaction with relationship functioning. This study extends existing knowledge about couple dysfunction and individual psychopathology by highlighting the immediate nature of this dynamic process as it unfolds over time.
Local adaptation of trees at the range margins impacts range shifts in the face of climate change
Authors: Solarik Kevin A. , Messier Christian , Ouimet Rock , Bergeron Yves , Gravel Dominique
Published: October 2018

Aim

The ability of tree species to track their climatic niche at rates comparable to global warming is of concern, particularly if they are constrained by local adaptation. If a species is locally adapted at its range margin, it could be beneficial for range expansion because it ensures that the genotypes colonizing new areas are the fittest, given that environmental conditions are more similar to the current ones. In trees, local adaptation can slow range expansion when climate change happens much faster than their ability to migrate.

Location

Québec, Canada.

Time period

2013–2015.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

We investigate experimentally a series of factors thought to constrain the seedling phase at the leading edge of the distribution of a dominant tree species, sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall.). We established a seed transplant experiment using six provenances, representing the latitudinal species range, and transplanted them to 12 sites within, at and beyond the current northern species range margin.

Results

At present, northern provenances provide the best opportunity for establishment beyond the current range, where climatic conditions are more similar than those of the warmer central or southern portions of the species range. Establishment was highest within the species range, but survival rates were comparable to those at the range margin and beyond, regardless of provenance. We also found that the local climate was the most influential factor for early seedling establishment and survival; however, a lack of suitable microsites also significantly constrained recruitment.

Main conclusions

Our study highlights the complex interaction between provenance, climate and microsite conditions that is required to ensure successful seedling recruitment. Although sugar maple is currently displaying evidence for local adaptation to facilitate range shifts, it could risk maladaptation in the future if the local climate warms beyond a threshold required to ensure seed germination and a lack of favourable microsite conditions beyond the range.
The converting sea: Religious change and cross‐cultural interaction in the early modern Mediterranean
Authors: Clines Robert John
Published: October 2018

This review article explores conversion, construed as any change that fundamentally recalibrated the religious, political, and cultural landscape of the early modern Mediterranean. By expanding the concept of conversion to include shifts in collective identity construction, institutional anxieties, literary culture, intellectual traditions, and the visual arts, we can approach a more lucid understanding of the processes of religious change, acculturation, and cross‐cultural interaction in the early modern Mediterranean. We can then speak of the early modern Mediterranean as a converting sea: one that shaped the lives of its inhabitants who in turn shaped the cultural landscape of the Middle Sea itself.
Validation of ‘ItchApp©’ in Poland and in the USA: multicentre validation study of an electronical diary for the assessment of pruritus
Authors: Schnitzler C. , Rosen J. , Szepietowski J.C. , Reich A. , Yosipovitch G. , Reszke R. , Nattkemper L.A. , Osada N. , Pihan D. , Ständer S. , Zeidler C.
Published: October 2018

Background

Although chronic pruritus affects a large part of the population, its reliable assessment remains difficult. Electronical diaries (eDiaries) are often used in multicentre clinical trials. The ItchApp© for Android was developed to assess itch intensity and course and was validated for the German language in 2017.

Objective

To validate ItchApp© for the use in the Polish and US English languages.

Methods

Fifty‐three subjects in Poland and thirty subjects in the USA with chronic pruritus completed the paper‐based and app‐based questionnaires. These questionnaires contained items for measuring the itch intensity, including a numerical rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS), and for detecting the change of pruritus since the beginning of treatment.

Results

The ItchApp© showed a high level of test–retest reliability [Intraclass correlation, Kappa and Kendall‐Tau B coefficients: 0.915–1.000 (Poland) and 0.863–1.000 (USA)]. The convergent validity showed strong correlation between the itch intensity scales on the ItchApp© (Items II‐IV = VRS mean, NRS mean and NRS worst) and the paper‐based itch intensity scales (mean and worst: VRS, NRS, VAS) [Spearman‐Rho and Pearson correlation coefficients: 0.710–0.987 (Poland) and 0.646–0.954 (USA)]. The ItchApp© items moderately correlated with the ItchyQol scores [Spearman‐Rho and Pearson correlation coefficients: 0.303–0.554 (Poland) and 0.275–0.447 (USA)]. After completing the ItchApp© questionnaire, a feasibility questionnaire was completed and showed that subjects feel the app is well suited for assessing pruritus.

Conclusion

We provide evidence for the ItchApp© as a validated eDiary for the assessment of pruritus in Polish and US English languages, enabling its use in multicentre international clinical trials.
Spatial variability in reef‐fish assemblages in shallow and upper mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Philippines
Authors: Quimpo Timothy J. R. , Cabaitan Patrick C. , Olavides Ronald D. D. , Dumalagan Jr. Edwin E. , Munar Jeffrey , Siringan Fernando P.
Published: October 2018

The variability in reef‐fish species assemblages was examined at three geographic locations in the Philippines (Apo, Abra and Patn), each showing varying levels of disturbances (low to high) at two depths, shallow‐water reef (SWR; 8–20 m) and the upper mesophotic coral ecosystem (MCE; 30–35 m). Fish species assemblages varied among locations and between depths. Differences in fish assemblages among locations corresponded to the variability in benthic assemblages and levels of disturbances, wherein locations with higher coral cover and less disturbances had the highest fish species richness, abundance and biomass. Variation in fish assemblages between depths was also associated with changes in benthic assemblages and possibly inaccessibility to local fishing techniques. Fish species richness decreased with depth in all locations, but biomass increased only in the MCEs of Apo and Abra, which is a similar pattern exhibited in many MCEs. Our results suggest that despite location differences, depth had a relatively consistent influence on fish species assemblages, particularly in locations exposed to low and intermediate disturbance. Under high disturbance, MCEs exhibit similar vulnerability to SWRs.
Convective and refractance window drying of cornelian cherry pulp: Effect on physicochemical properties
Authors: Tontul Ismail , Eroğlu Emrah , Topuz Ayhan
Published: October 2018

Cornelian cherry is a wild fruit contains considerable amounts of bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and phenolics. It has many different health beneficial effects due to these bioactive compounds. In the present study, convective drying and refractance window drying was employed in cornelian cherry pulp drying under different drying conditions. Moisture content (8.03–8.27 g/100 g), water activity (0.350–0.354), color properties, total monomeric anthocyanin content (247.47–347.3 mg C3G/kg dm), ascorbic acid content (0.81–0.90 g/kg dm), radical scavenging activity (0.87–1.47 g TEAA/kg dm), and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (18.80–24.10 mg/l) content of the powders were determined. According to the results, physicochemical properties of the samples produced by refractance window drying were better than those of convective drying. Higher drying temperatures and air velocities provided higher content of total monomeric anthocyanin content and radical scavenging activity in hot air drying. However, drying temperature was found to be ineffective on all tested parameters in refractance window dried samples. Overall, refractance window drying of cornelian cherry pulp at 90 °C is recommended to achieve good physicochemical properties.

Practical applications

Refractance window drying is an innovative drying system usually used in the drying of liquid and semi‐liquid foods. The results have shown that refractance window drying provided better physicochemical properties than convective drying in very short drying time.
The antibacterial effect of chitosan‐based edible coating incorporated with a lytic bacteriophage against Escherichia coli O157:H7 on the surface of tomatoes
Authors: Amarillas Luis , Lightbourn‐Rojas Luis , Angulo‐Gaxiola Ana K. , Basilio Heredia J. , González‐Robles Arturo , León‐Félix Josefina
Published: October 2018

Edible coating can be used as carriers of bacteriophages, whose release into the food surface could control bacterial growth. The aim of the study was to isolate and characterize bacteriophages against a wide range of E. coli strains. Furthermore, the efficacy of chitosan‐based edible coating incorporated with a lytic bacteriophage in the biological control of E. coli on the surface of tomatoes was evaluated and discussed. Three phages were isolated from raw beef and goat stool samples, and were characterized by host range, virion structure, and DNA restriction profiles. Analysis by electron microscopy revealed that the three phages belong to the Caudovirales order. Based on the host range of the phages, they have wide infection abilities against the Enterobacteriaceae family. Phages isolated have dsDNA genomes at about 40 kbp according to restriction digest of complete phage genome. The results demonstrate that the chitosan‐based edible coating can stabilize phage vB_EcoMH2W without significant loss in lytic activity of phage over a period of one week. Moreover, the results of bacterial growth analysis showed an approximately 3 log differences in microbial levels between the control and the treatment samples. Therefore, chitosan as edible coating would enhance the microbial safety of foods during storage.

Practical applications

The development of functional edible coatings formulations incorporated with antimicrobial agents to minimize the risk of foodborne contamination by pathogens, inactivate pathogens present in the food, and limit pathogen growth is an environmentally friendly alternative that offers substantial advantages. Several antimicrobial agents, including phages, that can be incorporated into edible coating as packaging strategy to reducing levels of pathogenic bacterial. The edible coating incorporated with lytic phages have several potential applications in the food industry as a natural method for biocontrol of food‐borne pathogens, which can be released into the food slowly and steadily extending the antimicrobial activity.
Effects of different areca nut chewing habits on the gut microbiota of mice: High‐throughput sequencing analysis
Authors: Zhao Ziwei , Wu Zhongkun , Wang Chuanhua , Cheng Huan , Yi Shuhan , Li Ke , Li Zongjun , Wang Yuanliang
Published: October 2018

The chewing of areca nut is closely associated with human diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis and immune related diseases. Recent studies have focused on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of areca nut chewing, and have largely overlooked the effects on intestinal microbiota. In this study, we sought to understand how different methods of areca consumption affect intestinal microflora composition. A total of 60 male and 60 female Kunming mice were each randomly divided into six groups and fed different areca preparations to mimic different areca nut chewing habits. The preparations included fresh areca fruit; areca fruit with betel leaf or cured tobacco; brined areca; smoked brined areca; and a control. The fecal microbiota of mice in the 12 groups was compared after 28 days of oral gavage administration. To determine the composition and diversity of the fecal microbiota, we performed high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. In both male and female mice, the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of the experimental groups were higher than those in the control groups. Furthermore, different areca preparations had different effects on the diversity, abundance, and composition of the intestinal flora of Kunming mice.

Practical applications

The chewing of areca nuts in various forms is widespread in Asia and other areas. This manuscript first explores the effects of different areca nut chewing habits on the gut microbiota of mice. We then further clarify the impact of different areca nut chewing habits on intestinal health and provide a new direction for areca nut research. In addition, our findings will increase public understanding of areca nut usage and provide guidance for the areca nut industry.
Integrating Geriatrics Knowledge into a Medical Student Clerkship Using Twitter Poll
Authors: Jurivich Donald A. , Bande Dinesh , Theige David , Van Eck Richard , Klug Marilyn G. , Gores Shane , Hamel Amanda
Published: October 2018

A controlled, prospective, 2‐year cohort observational study was conducted to test whether weekly geriatric questions delivered through Twitter Poll could improve geriatrics knowledge during an internal medicine clerkship for third‐year medical students. Pre‐ and post‐rotation test results used a modified University of California, Los Angeles geriatric knowledge test that included questions linked to 26 Association of American Medical Colleges geriatric competencies for medical students. Data were analyzed using a general linear model repeated‐measure design and Student t‐test. The primary outcome showed that Twitter Poll participants had more than twice the geriatrics knowledge (p = .002) than students who did not use Twitter Poll. Subset analysis showed different test performances according to sex (p = .03), training site (p = .002), and cohort (p = .003). This study is the first demonstration of Twitter Poll efficacy in medical education and raises questions about whether it could be even more effective if linked to spaced timing of didactic content or supported by annotated answers to geriatrics questions. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2389–2393, 2018.
Financial Contagion in the Laboratory: Does Network Structure Matter?
Authors: DUFFY JOHN , KARADIMITROPOULOU AIKATERINI , PARRAVANO MELANIE
Published: October 2018

We explore the role of interbank network structure and premature liquidation costs for the likelihood of financial contagions in a laboratory experiment. We consider complete versus incomplete networks of banks linked together by interbank deposits, and we further vary premature liquidation costs. Subjects play the role of depositors deciding whether or not to withdraw funds from their interconnected bank. We find that when liquidation costs are high, a complete network structure is significantly less vulnerable to financial contagions than an incomplete network structure. However, when liquidation costs are low, network structure is less important for the frequency of financial contagions.
The International Bank Lending Channel of Monetary Policy Rates and QE: Credit Supply, Reach‐for‐Yield, and Real Effects
Authors: MORAIS BERNARDO , PEYDRÓ JOSÉ‐LUIS , ROLDÁN‐PEÑA JESSICA , RUIZ‐ORTEGA CLAUDIA
Published: October 2018

We identify the international credit channel by exploiting Mexican supervisory data sets and foreign monetary policy shocks in a country with a large presence of European and U.S. banks. A softening of foreign monetary policy expands credit supply of foreign banks (e.g., U.K. policy affects credit supply in Mexico via U.K. banks), inducing strong firm‐level real effects. Results support an international risk‐taking channel and spillovers of core countries’ monetary policies to emerging markets, both in the foreign monetary softening part (with higher credit and liquidity risk‐taking by foreign banks) and in the tightening part (with negative local firm‐level real effects).
Asset Allocation in Bankruptcy
Authors: BERNSTEIN SHAI , COLONNELLI EMANUELE , IVERSON BENJAMIN
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the consequences of liquidation and reorganization on the allocation and subsequent utilization of assets in bankruptcy. Using the random assignment of judges to bankruptcy cases as a natural experiment that forces some firms into liquidation, we find that the long‐run utilization of assets of liquidated firms is lower relative to assets of reorganized firms. These effects are concentrated in thin markets with few potential users and in areas with low access to finance. These findings suggest that when search frictions are large, liquidation can lead to inefficient allocation of assets in bankruptcy.
Copy number variation: A prognostic marker for young patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Gu Xiaolian , Coates Philip J. , Boldrup Linda , Wang Lixiao , Krejci Adam , Hupp Ted , Fahraeus Robin , Norberg‐Spaak Lena , Sgaramella Nicola , Wilms Torben , Nylander Karin
Published: October 2018

Background

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT) is increasing in people under age 40. There is an urgent need to identify prognostic markers that help identify young SCCOT patients with poor prognosis in order to select these for individualized treatment.

Materials and methods

To identify genetic markers that can serve as prognostic markers for young SCCOT patients, we first investigated four young (≤40 years) and five elderly patients (≥50 years) using global RNA sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing. Next, we combined our data with data on SCCOT from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), giving a total of 16 young and 104 elderly, to explore the correlations between genomic variations and clinical outcomes.

Results

In agreement with previous studies, we found that SCCOT from young and elderly patients was transcriptomically and also genomically similar with no significant differences regarding cancer driver genes, germline predisposition genes, or the burden of somatic single nucleotide variations (SNVs). However, a disparate copy number variation (CNV) was found in young patients with distinct clinical outcome. Combined with data from TCGA, we found that the overall survival was significantly better in young patients with low‐CNV (n = 5) compared to high‐CNV (n = 11) burden (P = 0.044).

Conclusions

Copy number variation burden is a useful single prognostic marker for SCCOT from young, but not elderly, patients. CNV burden thus holds promise to form an important contribution when selecting suitable treatment protocols for young patients with SCCOT.