bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of choice principles under realizability
Authors: Dihoum Eman , Rathjen Michael
Published: January 2019

Especially nice models of intuitionistic set theories are realizability models $V({\mathcal A})$, where $\mathcal A$ is an applicative structure or partial combinatory algebra. This paper is concerned with the preservation of various choice principles in $V({\mathcal A})$ if assumed in the underlying universe $V$, adopting Constructive Zermelo–Fraenkel as background theory for all of these investigations. Examples of choice principles are the axiom schemes of countable choice, dependent choice, relativized dependent choice and the presentation axiom. It is shown that any of these axioms holds in $V(\mathcal{A})$ for every applicative structure $\mathcal A$ if it holds in the background universe.1 It is also shown that a weak form of the countable axiom of choice, $\textbf{AC}^{\boldsymbol{\omega , \omega }}$, is rendered true in any $V(\mathcal{A})$ regardless of whether it holds in the background universe. The paper extends work by McCarty (1984, Realizability and Recursive Mathematics, PhD Thesis) and Rathjen (2006, Realizability for constructive Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory. In Logic Colloquium 03, pp. 282–314).
Effect of Previous-Season Influenza Vaccination on Serologic Response in Children During 3 Seasons, 2013–2014 Through 2015–2016
Authors: McLean Huong Q , King Jennifer P , Talley Pamela , Flannery Brendan , Spencer Sarah , Levine Min Z , Friedrich Thomas C , Belongia Edward A
Published: January 2019

Background

The effects of repeated influenza vaccination in children are not well understood. In this study, we evaluated previous vaccination effects on antibody response after vaccination with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) or quadrivalent live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) among school-aged children (5–17 years) across 3 seasons.

Methods

Children were enrolled in the fall of 2013, 2014, and 2015. The participants received IIV or LAIV according to parent preference (2013–2014) or our randomization scheme (2014–2015). All study children received IIV in 2015–2016. Hemagglutination-inhibition assays measured antibody response to egg-grown vaccine strains from prevaccination and postvaccination serum samples. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and increases in GMTs from before to after vaccination (geometric mean fold rise [GMFR]) were estimated from repeated-measures linear mixed models.

Results

We enrolled 161 children in 2013–2014, 128 in 2014–2015, and 126 in 2015–2016. Among the IIV recipients, responses to the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and B vaccine strains were lowest among children who had received a previous-season IIV. The GMFRs for strains A(H1N1)pdm09 and B were 1.5 to 2.3 for previous-season IIV and 4.3 to 12.9 for previous-season LAIV or no previous vaccine. GMFRs were lower for strain A(H3N2), and differences according to previous-season vaccination history were smaller and not significant in most seasons. Most children had a post-IIV vaccination titer of ≥40 for vaccine strains in all seasons, regardless of previous-season vaccination history. Little to no increase in antibody levels was observed after vaccination with LAIV.

Conclusions

Serologic response to vaccination was greatest for IIV, but previous-season vaccination modified IIV response to A(H1N1)pdm09 and B. Influenza A(H3N2) responses were low in all groups, and LAIV generated minimal serologic response against all strains.
Biological Validation of Self-Reported Unprotected Sex and Comparison of Underreporting Over Two Different Recall Periods Among Female Sex Workers in Benin
Authors: Giguère Katia , Béhanzin Luc , Guédou Fernand A , Leblond François A , Goma-Matsétsé Ella , Zannou Djimon M , Affolabi Dissou , Kêkê René K , Gangbo Flore , Bachabi Moussa , Alary Michel
Published: January 2019

Background

Self-reported unprotected sex validity is questionable and is thought to decline with longer recall periods. We used biomarkers of semen to validate self-reported unprotected sex and to compare underreporting of unprotected sex between 2 recall periods among female sex workers (FSW).

Methods

At baseline of an early antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis demonstration study conducted among FSW in Cotonou, Benin, unprotected sex was assessed with retrospective questionnaires, and with vaginal detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Y-chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (Yc-DNA). Underreporting in the last 2 or 14 days was defined as having reported no unprotected sex in the recall period while testing positive for PSA or Yc-DNA, respectively. Log-binomial regression was used to compare underreporting over the 2 recall periods.

Results

Unprotected sex prevalence among 334 participants was 25.8% (50.3%) according to self-report in the last 2 (or 14) days, 32.0% according to PSA, and 44.3% according to Yc-DNA. The proportion of participants underreporting unprotected sex was similar when considering the last 2 (18.9%) or 14 days (21.0%; proportion ratio = 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.13). Among the 107 participants who tested positive for PSA, 19 (17.8%) tested negative for Yc-DNA.

Conclusions

Underreporting of unprotected sex was high among FSW but did not seem to be influenced by the recall period length. Reasons for discrepancies between PSA and Yc-DNA detection, where women tested positive for PSA but negative for Yc-DNA, should be further investigated.
Elevating the Scientific and Public Policy Discourse on Crime Prevention: Taking Stock of the ‘What Works’ Report’s Influence 20 Years on
Authors: Welsh Brandon C , Wexler Andrea B
Published: January 2019

In 1997, the Office of Justice Programs published Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising (Sherman, L. W., Gottfredson, D. C., MacKenzie, D. L., Eck, J. E., Reuter, P., and Bushway, S. D. (1997). Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising. Washington, DC: Office of Justice Programs). The report was commissioned by the US Congress and was prepared by a team of criminologists from the University of Maryland. It aspired to be a methodologically rigorous and comprehensive review of the effectiveness of crime prevention programmes, ranging from prenatal home visits to community policing to parole. This 20-year review of the ‘what works’ report finds that it has been influential in elevating both the scientific and public policy discourse on crime prevention. It did this on three main fronts. First, it reaffirmed that not all evaluation designs are equally valid and made clear that only designs that provide confidence in observed effects should contribute to the evidence base. Secondly, it advanced the equally important task of assessing research evidence and, despite some limitations, adopted a more rigorous method for this purpose. Thirdly, undergirding all of this was the report’s commitment to the communication of science for the benefit of all parties: policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and the public. Implications for policy—with special reference to evidence-based policing—and research are discussed.
Muscle Activity During Aquatic and Land Exercises in People With and Without Low Back Pain
Authors: Psycharakis Stelios G , Coleman Simon G S , Linton Linda , Kaliarntas Konstantinos , Valentin Stephanie
Published: January 2019

Background

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Aquatic exercises are commonly used by physical therapists for CLBP treatment and management; however, there are no data on trunk muscle activation during aquatic exercises in people with CLBP.

Objective

We quantified activation of trunk and gluteal muscles, exercise intensity, pain, and perceived exertion in people with and without CLBP when performing water and land exercises.

Design

The study used a cross-sectional design.

Methods

Twenty participants with nonspecific CLBP and 20 healthy participants performed 15 aquatic exercises and 15 similar land exercises. Mean and peak muscle activation were measured bilaterally from erector spinae, multifidus, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique using waterproof and wireless surface electromyography. Exercise intensity (heart rate), perceived exertion (Borg scale), and, for the CLBP group, pain (visual analog scale) were recorded.

Results

There were no significant between-group differences. Significant between-environment differences were found in heart rate (always higher on land), exertion (higher in the water for 3 exercises and on land for 6 exercises), and muscle activation (higher on land in 29% and in the water in 5% of comparisons). Pain levels were low, but pain was reported more than twice as frequently on land than in water (7.7% vs 3.7%, respectively).

Limitations

People with high levels of disability and CLBP classification were not included.

Conclusions

People with mild-to-moderate CLBP had similar exercise responses to healthy controls. Aquatic exercise produced sufficient muscle activation, intensity, and exertion, and should not be assumed to be less strenuous or less effective in activating trunk and pelvic muscles than exercise on land. These data can be used to inform design and prescription of rehabilitation programs and interventions.
The failure of the UK to tax adequately tobacco company profits
Authors: Branston J Robert , Gilmore Anna B
Published: January 2019

Background

A key driver of the global tobacco epidemic is the massive profit earned from manufacturing tobacco products despite high levels of product taxation. Two of the four major Transnational Tobacco companies are based in the UK, where there is growing evidence of corporate tax avoidance by transnational firms and where there are calls for the industry to pay more towards the harms caused by tobacco products.

Objectives/Methods

UK tobacco company profit and corporation tax data between 2009 and 2016 is obtained from publically available sources. The intention is not to perform a piece of forensic accounting but to establish the broad pattern of profit and taxation in order to inform consideration of tobacco product and firm taxation, and hence public health.

Results

Very little profit based taxation has been paid in the UK despite high levels of reported profits, both in the domestic market and globally.

Conclusions

The UK needs better reporting and corporate taxation standards. Tobacco companies should be made to pay more profit based taxation, such as by extending the surcharge on corporation tax currently paid by UK banks, and by making sure companies pay appropriate taxes when reorganizing corporate structures.
Association of Sunlight Exposure and Consumption of Vitamin D-Rich Foods During Pregnancy with Adverse Birth Outcomes in an African Population
Authors: Balogun Hamudat , Jaakkola Jouni J K , Amegah A Kofi
Published: January 2019

Background

Our objective was to assess whether dietary vitamin D (vitD) intake and sunlight exposure during pregnancy is associated with birth outcomes in a healthy Ghanaian population.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study that included 703 mother-infant pairs accessing postnatal services at the five main health facilities in Cape Coast, Ghana was conducted in 2016. Information on sunlight exposure practices and consumption of vitD-rich foods during pregnancy was collected.

Results

A 1 µg increase in vitD intake resulted in a statistically significant 0.00505 weeks increase in gestational age (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00005, 0.01004). Mothers classified in the first quartile of vitD intake had 37% (prevalence ratio = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.69) increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) compared to their counterparts classified in the fourth quartile. Decreased vitD intake was also associated with low-to-moderate Apgar score.

Conclusion

Nutrition education of mothers on the importance of screening for vitD deficiency during early months of pregnancy is recommended.
Extensive splicing across the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome
Authors: Douglass Stephen M. , Leung Calvin S. , Johnson Tracy L.
Published: January 2019

Pre-mRNA splicing is vital for the proper function and regulation of eukaryotic gene expression. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used as a model organism for studies of RNA splicing because of the striking conservation of the spliceosome components and its catalytic activity. Nonetheless, there are relatively few annotated alternative splice forms, particularly when compared to higher eukaryotes. Here, we describe a method to combine large scale RNA sequencing data to accurately discover novel splice isoforms in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using our method, we find extensive evidence for novel splicing of annotated intron-containing genes as well as genes without previously annotated introns and splicing of transcripts that are antisense to annotated genes. By incorporating several mutant strains at varied temperatures, we find conditions which lead to differences in alternative splice form usage. Despite this, every class and category of alternative splicing we find in our datasets is found, often at lower frequency, in wildtype cells under normal growth conditions. Together, these findings show that there is widespread splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thus expanding our view of the regulatory potential of RNA splicing in yeast.

Author Summary

Pre-mRNA splicing is a fundamental step in eukaryotic gene expression. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as brewer’s yeast, is a model organism for the study of pre-mRNA splicing in eukaryotes. Through the process of pre-mRNA splicing, a single gene is capable of encoding multiple mature mRNA products, but it is often difficult to identify the splice events that lead to these mRNA products. Here, we describe a method to accurately discover novel splice events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and find evidence for extensive splicing in Saccharomyces. By utilizing a variety of strains and growth conditions, we are able to characterize many splice forms and correlate cellular conditions with prevalence of novel splice events.
Chloroplasts alter their morphology and accumulate at the pathogen interface during infection byPhytophthora infestans
Authors: Savage Zachary , Duggan Cian , Toufexi Alexia , Pandey Pooja , Liang Yuxi , Segretin María Eugenia , Yuen Lok Him , Gaboriau David C. A. , Leary Alexandre Y. , Tumtas Yasin , Khandare Virendrasinh , Ward Andrew D. , Botchway Stanley W. , Bateman Benji C. , Pan Indranil , Schattat Martin , Sparkes Imogen , Bozkurt Tolga O.
Published: January 2019

Upon immune activation, chloroplasts switch off photosynthesis, produce anti-microbial compounds, and associate with the nucleus through tubular extensions called stromules. Although it is well-established that chloroplasts alter their position in response to light, little is known about the dynamics of chloroplasts movement in response to pathogen attack. Here, we report that chloroplasts accumulate at the pathogen interface during infection by the Irish potato famine pathogenPhytophthora infestans, associating with the specialized membrane that engulfs the pathogen haustorium. Chemical inhibition of actin polymerization reduces the accumulation of chloroplasts at the pathogen haustoria, suggesting this process is partially dependent on the actin cytoskeleton. However, chloroplast accumulation at haustoria does not necessarily rely on movement of the nucleus to this interface and is not affected by light conditions. Stromules are typically induced during infection, embracing haustoria and interconnecting chloroplasts, to form dynamic organelle clusters. We found that infection-triggered stromule formation relies on BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-ASSOCIATED KINASE 1 (BAK1) mediated surface immune signaling, whereas chloroplast repositioning towards haustoria does not. Consistent with the defense-related induction of stromules, effector mediated suppression of BAK1 mediated immune signaling reduced stromule formation during infection. On the other hand, immune recognition of the same effector stimulated stromules, presumably via a different pathway. These findings implicate chloroplasts in a polarized response upon pathogen attack and point to more complex functions of these organelles in plant-pathogen interactions.
Inferring lifestyle for Aves and Theropoda: a model based on curvatures of extant avian ungual bones
Authors: Cobb Savannah E. , Sellers William I.
Published: January 2019

Claws are involved in a number of behaviours including locomotion and prey capture, and as a result animals evolve claw morphologies that enable these functions. Past authors have found geometry of the keratinous sheath of the claw to correlate with mode of life for extant birds and squamates; this relationship has frequently been cited to infer lifestyles for Mesozoic theropods includingArchaeopteryx.However, claw sheaths rarely fossilise and are prone to deformation; past inferences are thus compromised. As the ungual phalanx within the claw is relatively resistant to deformation and more commonly preserved in the fossil record, geometry of this bone would provide a more useful metric for paleontological analysis. In this study, ungual bones of 108 birds and 5 squamates were imaged using X-ray techniques and a relationship was found between curvatures of the ungual bone within the claw of pedal digit III and four modes of life; ground-dwelling, perching, predatory, and scansorial; using linear discriminant analysis with Kappa equal to 0.69. Our model predicts arboreal lifestyles for certain key taxaArchaeopteryxandMicroraptorand a predatory ecology forConfuciusornis.These findings demonstrate the utility of our model in answering questions of palaeoecology, the theropod-bird transition, and the evolution of avian flight.
The emigration of adult children and smoking behaviors of parents
Authors: Luo Tianyuan , Escalante Cesar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of adult children’s migration on the smoking behavior of rural parents who are left behind and raise the concern that the rural residents’ increasing tendency to migrate to urban areas in China nowadays could encourage such a behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey and applying propensity score matching method and individual-level fixed effects model, this paper addresses the potential endogeneity issues that may arise between the children’s migration decisions and parental smoking behavior.

Findings

This study’s results indicate that rural parents left behind by their emigrant children indeed are more likely to sustain their smoking habit. The validated smoking effect of emigration calls for effective government programs that entail intervention to curb such potentially aggravating health risk, especially among middle-aged and older fathers.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to examine the impact of children’s migration on the smoking behavior of left-behind parents in rural households in China. Our findings call for immediate attention to the smoking behavior of older age cohort in China as the scale of rural−urban migration trend is expected to increase. Moreover, given that many countries in Asia, such as India, Vietnam and Indonesia, are confronting similar issues, our findings could provide useful implications for smoking cessation and control policies in those countries.
Corruption and socio-political economic structures: a case of Nigeria
Authors: Otusanya Olatunde Julius , Lauwo Sarah G.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

“Corrupt practices” is a recurring feature of media coverage. The paper seeks to encourage debates about the influence of institutional structures on agency to break away from methodological individualism. This paper aims to encourage reflections on the role of both the structures and actors which have shaped the continuous expansion of corrupt practices in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Whilst recognising that deviant behaviour by some individuals is always possible, this paper has rejected methodological individualism and shows the value of locating anti-social practices within the broader socio-political and historical context. Within a socio-political framework, this study adopts the theories of critical realism, developmental state and globalisation to understand the relationship between social agency and society, focusing upon the institutional structures and the role of social actors.

Findings

The evidence shows that socio-political and economic development, politics, power, history and globalisation have continued to reproduce and transform the institutional structures and actors which have facilitated anti-social practices in Nigeria. The paper concludes that large sums of government revenue have been undermined by the anti-social practices of the Nigerian political and economic elite (both local and international), which have enriched a few, but impoverished most, Nigerians.

Practical implications

As a consequence of recurring corrupt practices in Nigeria, there is a pressing need for reform to curb these practices which have had, and continue to have, a serious effect on Nigeria and its future development.

Originality/value

It provides a framework for understanding and explaining the inter-relations of actors and institutional structures and the linkages and influences that have shaped the practices in Nigeria.
Mapping corruption in procurement
Authors: Graycar Adam
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on understanding and preventing corruption in procurement in public sector settings. Just as not all corruption is the same, not all procurement is the same. One purpose is to analyze different types of procurements: standard, customized, intangible and complex. Corruption in procurement undermines public administration, and the purpose of this paper is to identify different types of procurements and provide readers with a framework for analysis and subsequent intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 42 actual cases of public sector corruption in procurement are examined, and from these, an analytical matrix is developed. These cases are derived from the reports of the New South Wales (Australia) Independent Commission against Corruption. These cases represent all of the procurement cases that the ICAC has taken to a formal hearing in its 30 years of existence.

Findings

While fraud is a major feature of corruption in procurement, there are significant organizational facilitators, and a number of slippage points in organizations are identified. These include peer culture, lack of due process, temptation and managerial incompetence/willful disregard, and these are built into a matrix which can be used in different countries or settings by readers wishing to understand and prevent different types of corruption in procurement in their agencies.

Originality/value

This paper uses cases that have not previously been aggregated or analyzed and provides analytical tools for practitioners and academics.
A taxing assessment
Authors: Nkoane Paul
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten the reader about the development in tax law. Moreover, the author intends to show that other measures could be implemented to supplement the existing machinery.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the duty vested in the courts to probe the merits of transactions meant to evade or avoid the burden of tax. So much of the text is based on case law. The methodology is based on literature research rather interpersonal research.

Findings

The paper highlights that the current tax machinery has solved a number of tax issues. However, the machinery has not addressed the problem of fraud committed in the banking sector. The paper therefore recommends solutions to this problem.

Research limitations/implications

The paper was formulated before the current tax laws where implemented. The current law contains the solution this study advanced. In a sense, this study examines the impact of the current law and the duty of the court to probe the merits of impeachable transactions.

Practical implications

The study would give the legislature food for thought and would also guide the courts with matters of tax fraud.

Originality/value

Though the original recommendations form part of the current statute, this study is still immensely original in delivery and thought. It provide not only an original influence on the court but also the legislature with original solution to the existing problem.
A fraud investigation plan for a false accounting and theft case
Authors: Lokanan Mark Eshwar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate and propose a fraud investigation plan that forensic accountants can use to investigate financial frauds. In particular, the paper sets out the structure and rationale of the fraud investigation plan that both forensic accountants and fraud examiners can use in their investigation of false accounting and theft charges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the material facts from the Polly Peck International fraud as a prototype case upon which to build an investigation plan and detail potential areas of investigation to establish evidence for a criminal trial.

Findings

The findings revealed that the case can be used to provide insights on evidence gathering techniques and test particular models of fraud detection. The concealment and conversion evidence gathering techniques provide fodder on how to gather and triangulate both direct and circumstantial evidence that can be used to avoid mistrials in courts.

Practical implications

The case is of interest to practitioners and forensic and fraud examination students who would like to build on their existing knowledge and obtain insights into the steps to follow to conduct an investigation and gather evidence to build a case. The paper makes specific recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of investigations.

Originality/value

The paper is among one of the few to propose a fraud investigation plan designed to investigate cases involving false accounting and theft charges. More importantly, the paper uses a real case to illustrate how to examine documentation/data and how such documentation will be analysed in a trial.
To whistle or not to whistle? Determinants and consequences
Authors: Nawawi Anuar , Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Many corporate scandals that occurred recently have indicated the importance of a whistle-blowing mechanism in preventing fraud and malpractices from damaging the organizations. By selecting one organization that has experienced a corporate scandal, this study aims to examine factors that influence employee’s intention to blow the whistle to prevent malpractices in the company. In addition, this study also examines the perceptions of employees regarding the business culture in their organization and how this culture impacts their intention to whistle-blow.

Design/methodology/approach

This study engages in a mixed method of data collection, namely, survey questionnaire and interviews to gather the data.

Findings

It is found that retaliation is the most important factor that influences the employee’s intention to whistle-blow, followed by the burden to prove the malpractices, cost implications as a result of the wrongdoing and the action taken by the authority as a result of the fraud reporting. In terms of business culture, a large number of employees are reluctant to become a whistle-blower, although a secured and safe whistle-blowing mechanism is in place, indicating that Asian customs of collectivism and assertiveness play a major part in shaping the whistle-blowing mechanism in Malaysian organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide further confirmation of the determinants that influence employees to report wrongdoings in the organizations. This study however may subject to self-reported data biasness because of sensitivity of the research that related to fraud and immoral behaviours that occur in the company. Owing to this sensitivity, the study only focuses on employees’ internal whistle-blowing intentions rather than their actual intentions.

Practical implications

This study helps the management to understand the working culture in the company so that they can identify the weak area of governance which needs improvement such as whistle-blower protection.

Originality/value

This study is original, as it focuses on the employees in a big organization such as government link companies that have experienced corporate scandals albeit having whistle-blowing mechanism in place. In addition, the finding of this study contributes to the theory and body of the literature on the whistle-blowing determinants, currently scarce in the context of a developing country like Malaysia.
Female labor force participation, paid maternity, caste system and under-5 mortality in Nepal
Authors: Timilsina Kailash , Sawangdee Yothin , Hunchangsith Pojjana , Rittirong Jongjit
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The under-5 mortality rate in Nepal remains high in comparison to neighboring countries and developed nations. The result of this problem on Nepal’s social, economic, political and cultural development makes it an urgent priority requiring the Nepalese Government to address this issue. The purpose of this paper is to find out if Nepal’s high female labor force participation (FLFP), the caste system and no paid maternity leave are contributing factors to under-5 deaths in Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were taken from Nepal’s cross-sectional demographic health survey 2016–2017. The study sample included 5,060 children born to 3,074 mothers in the five years preceding the survey. Data were collected by interviewing respondents via a structured questionnaire selected through stratified random sampling methods.

Findings

The study found that the hazard ratio for FLFP, the caste of the mother and paid maternity were 1.145, 1.485 and 0.556, respectively, with a p-value <0.001. Therefore, the risk of death in children under-5 years for a working mother, a Terai caste mother and a mother who did not get paid maternity was 14, 45 and 48 percent, respectively, higher than for non-working mothers, mothers from other castes and mothers who got paid maternity.

Originality/value

This research demonstrated that FLFP, the caste of the mother and paid maternity leave are important factors for determining the risk of death in children under the age of 5.
Prioritizing customer requirements in a product-service system (PSS) context
Authors: Haber Nicolas , Fargnoli Mario
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Product-service systems (PSSs)’s popularity has expanded significantly throughout recent years. The purpose of this paper is to integrate products and services to achieve functional results that augment the offering’s value. Nevertheless, the intangibility of services hinders the diffusion of PSSs: services are characterized by imprecisions and ambiguities that render the assessment and prioritization of customer requirements problematic. An inadequate evaluation of the latter leads to an inconsistent PSS design that results in the customer dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these concerns, the paper proposes an approach integrating the quality function deployment for product-service systems (QFDforPSS) method with Thurstone’s Law of Comparative Judgments. This approach was tested at a manufacturer in the medical sector seeking to improve his market stance through a PSS model.

Findings

Although the case study is based on a limited sample, the results achieved highlight the importance of the flow of information between the PSS provider and the customers (i.e. the PSS receivers) in the healthcare sector. The proposed approach can facilitate the company in collecting information even in the case of incomplete answers to surveys and questionnaires providing a practical method to handle the uncertainty due to incomplete data.

Originality/value

The study represents one of the first applications of the PSS approach in the healthcare sector, introducing a novel integration of easy-to-use management tools to augment the understanding of customer needs and expectations.
Estrogen dermatitis: Case report and examination of estrogen receptor‐β in the skin
Authors: Fukayama Maiko , Asano Yoshihide , Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Sato Shinichi
Published: January 2019

Many women experience some skin reaction or trouble in their monthly menstrual cycle, including the exacerbation of pre‐existing diseases and skin eruptions directly associated with sex hormones. We herein report a Japanese woman who experienced repeated systemic urticaria in her premenstrual period, and was diagnosed as having estrogen dermatitis based on a positive result of intradermal estrogen skin test. Of note, the expression of estrogen receptor‐β was increased in small dermal vessels of this case as well as in those of patients with other inflammatory skin diseases. These results suggest that inflammation may induce estrogen receptor‐β expression in small dermal vessels, which potentially modifies the pathological skin inflammation during the menstrual period, leading to the development of estrogen dermatitis.
Evolution of heterophil/lymphocyte ratios in response to ecological and life‐history traits: A comparative analysis across the avian tree of life
Authors: Minias Piotr
Published: January 2019

Lymphocytes and heterophils are the two most abundant leucocyte types, which play a major role in adaptive and innate immune defence, respectively. The ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L ratio) may reflect a readiness to cope with infection through injury (via heterophils) rather than with a communicable disease (via lymphocytes). Since elevated H/L ratio constitutes a corticosterone‐mediated response to external stressors, this trait is generally acknowledged as the robust measure of physiological stress in vertebrates.

Here, I hypothesized that baseline H/L ratios of birds (as measured under normal physiological function) could be an important evolutionary trait shaped by species’ ecology and life history. I predicted that H/L ratios should be determined by traits related to pathogen exposure (migratoriness, sociality, breeding latitude) and trade‐offs between investment in reproduction (clutch size) and self‐maintenance (longevity).

I compiled published data on leucocyte profiles for nearly 250 bird species representing over half of all extant avian orders and nearly 30% of all extant avian families. Phylogenetically informed comparative methods were used to assess evolutionary associations of H/L ratios with ecological and life‐history traits across the avian tree of life.

Relatively strong phylogenetic signal and phylogenetic autocorrelation in avian H/L ratios indicated that most diversification in this trait occurred relatively early in bird radiation. Fluctuating selection and drift were identified as the major forces responsible for the evolution of H/L ratios in birds, while low H/L ratios were identified as an ancestral state in birds. Finally, phylogenetically informed Bayesian models showed that H/L ratios correlated negatively with longevity and positively with sociality and breeding latitude.

This study was the first to describe the patterns of avian H/L ratio evolution in a broad phylogenetic framework. The results indicate that H/L ratios should not be merely recognized as a proxy for the intraspecific variation in physiological stress, but also as an important evolutionary trait, which probably have adaptive significance visible in a wider phylogenetic perspective.
Predicting common maternal postpartum complications: leveraging health administrative data and machine learning
Authors: Betts KS , Kisely S , Alati R
Published: January 2019

Objective

We aimed to predict the risk of common maternal postpartum complications requiring an inpatient episode of care.

Design and setting

Maternal data from the beginning of gestation up to and including the delivery, and neonatal data recorded at delivery, were used to predict postpartum complications.

Sample

Administrative health data of all inpatient live births (n = 422 509) in the Australian state of Queensland between January 2009 and October 2015.

Method

Gradient boosted trees were used with five‐fold cross‐validation to compare model performance. The best performing models for each outcome were then assessed in the independent validation data using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC‐ROC).

Main outcome measure

Postpartum complications occurring in the first 12 weeks after delivery requiring hospital admission.

Results

Postpartum hypertensive disorders obtained good discrimination in the independent validation data (AUC = 0.879, 95% CI 0.846–0.912), as did obstetric surgical wound infection (AUC = 0.856, 95% CI 0.838–0.873), whereas postpartum sepsis and haemorrhage obtained poor discrimination.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that routinely collected health data have the potential to play an important role in helping determine women's risk of common postpartum complications leading to hospital admission. This information can be presented to clinical staff after delivery to help guide immediate postpartum care, delayed discharge, and post‐discharge patient follow up. For such a system to be effective and valued, it must produce accurate predictions, and our findings suggest areas where routine data collection could be strengthened to this end.

Tweetable abstract

Improved prediction of maternal postnatal hypertensive disorders and wound infection via machine learning.
Examining Both Sides of the Transaction: Bargaining in the Housing Market
Authors: Hayunga Darren K. , Munneke Henry J.
Published: January 2019

This article examines the bargaining power and information advantages of housing market participants with special interest in the outcomes of individuals compared to real estate agents. Prior studies examining agents’ sales of their own properties find that they obtain higher prices than their clients, which is notable because it suggests a possible conflict of interest. In addition to reexamining agents’ sales after correcting for a simultaneity issue, we consider agents’ purchases of their own properties as well as the sales and purchases of the other market participants. Agents’ purchases offer direct evidence of their ability to transact while in competition with other market participants without the potential conflict of interest. The results demonstrate that agents hold bargaining power relative to individuals. Companies (investors) also exhibit bargaining power over individuals, which seems to concentrate in vacant properties as well as during economic expansionary periods.
Microwave Processing: Current Background and Effects on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Aspects of Dairy Products
Authors: Martins Carolina P. C. , Cavalcanti Rodrigo N. , Couto Silvia M. , Moraes Jeremias , Esmerino Erick A. , Silva Marcia Cristina , Raices Renata S. L. , Gut Jorge A. W. , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Tadini Carmen C. , Cruz Adriano G.
Published: January 2019

Overheating is still a major problem in the use of conventional heating for milk and various dairy products, because it leads to the lowering of quality and sensory and nutritional values. Microwave (MW) heating has been credited with providing superior‐quality dairy‐based products with extended shelf‐life, representing a good alternative to conventional heat treatment. The main drawback of MW heating refers to nonuniform temperature distribution, resulting in hot and cold spots mainly in solid and semisolid products; however, MW heating has been shown to be suitable for liquid foods, especially in a continuous fluid system. This review aims to describe the main factors and parameters necessary for the application of MW heating technology for dairy processing, considering the theoretical fundamentals and its effects on quality and safety aspects of milk and dairy products. MW heating has demonstrated great ability for the destruction of pathogenic/spoilage microorganisms and their spores, and also inactivation of enzymes, thereby preserving fresh characteristics of dairy products.
Appropriateness of adult plain abdominal radiograph requesting in a regional Emergency Department
Authors: Fernandez Michelle , Craig Simon
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Although commonly ordered, abdominal x‐rays are thought to be overused and unhelpful in many emergency department patients. Our objectives were to evaluate the appropriateness of plain abdominal X‐ray (AXR) requests in adult patients presenting to a Victorian regional emergency department (ED).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all adult patients with a plain AXR requested by ED medical staff members in a regional healthcare centre in Victoria, Australia in 2016. Patient demographics, ED disposition and any further imaging results were extracted from the medical record. Indications for X‐ray and clinician seniority were determined from the radiology request slips signed by the treating emergency doctor. Appropriateness of imaging was determined by comparing the indication for abdominal radiograph to local evidence‐based guidelines.

Results

One hundred and nine episodes of plain AXR requests met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 40 were considered inappropriate according to clinical guidelines. Overall, 36% (39/109) had normal or non‐specific findings and 42% (46/109) demonstrated faecal loading, while 22% (24/109) identified pathology. Thirty‐three patients had further imaging, mostly with computed tomography (CT). Junior staff members were responsible for most of the AXR requests.

Conclusion

In our regional hospital ED, over one third of AXRs requested for adult patients were inappropriate according to clinical guidelines. AXRs have a low diagnostic yield and frequently do not reduce the need for further imaging. The use of a clinical practice guideline and education of junior medical staff may increase the appropriate use of plain AXRs in the regional ED setting.
Post‐seafloor spreading magmatism and associated magmatic hydrothermal systems in the Xisha uplift region, northwestern South China Sea
Authors: Gao Jinwei , Bangs Nathan , Wu Shiguo , Cai Guanqiang , Han Shuoshuo , Ma Benjun , Wang Jiliang , Xie Yangbing , Huang Wenkai , Dong Dongdong , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2019

Submarine magmatism and associated hydrothermal fluid flows has significant feedback influence on the petroleum geology of sedimentary basins. This study uses new seismic profiles and multibeam bathymetric data to examine the morphology and internal architecture of post‐seafloor spreading magmatic structures, especially volcanoes of the Xisha uplift, in extensive detail. We discover for the first time hydrothermal systems derived from magmatism in the northwestern South China Sea. Numerous solitary volcanoes and volcanic groups occur in the Xisha uplift and produce distinct seismic reflections together with plutons. Sills and other localized amplitude anomalies were fed by extrusions/intrusions and associated fluid flow through fractures and sedimentary layers that may act as conduits for magma and fluid flows transport. Hydrothermal structures such as pipes and pockmarks mainly occur in the proximity of volcanoes or accompany volcanic groups. Pipes, pockmarks and localized amplitude anomalies mainly constitute the magmatic hydrothermal systems, which are probably driven by post‐seafloor spreading volcanoes/plutons. The hydrothermal fluid flows released by magma degassing or/and related boiling of pore fluids/metamorphic dehydration reactions in sediments produced local overpressures, which drove upward flow of fluid or horizontal flow into the sediments or even seafloor. Results show that post‐seafloor spreading magmatic activity is more intense during a 5.5 Ma event than one in 2.6 Ma, whereas the hydrothermal activities are more active during 2.6 Ma than in 5.5 Ma. Our analysis indicates that post‐seafloor spreading magmatism may have a significant effect on hydrocarbon maturation and gas hydrate formation in the Xisha uplift and adjacent petroliferous basins. Consequently the study presented here improves our understanding of hydrocarbon exploration in the northwestern South China Sea.
Optimal therapeutic strategy using antigen‐containing liposomes selectively delivered to antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Iyoda Tomonori , Yamasaki Satoru , Kawamura Masami , Ueda Motoki , Son Kon , Ito Yoshihiro , Shimizu Kanako , Fujii Shin‐ichiro
Published: January 2019

Recent immunotherapies have shown clinical success. In particular, vaccines based on particulate antigen (Ag) are expected to be implemented based on their efficacy. In the current study, we describe a strategy entailing Ag‐encapsulating PEG‐modified liposomes (PGL‐Ag) as antigen protein delivery devices and show that the success of the liposome depends on the antigen‐presenting cell (APC) capacity; after administration of PGL‐Ag, dendritic cells (DCs) in particular take up the Ag and subsequently prime T cells. For the generation of antitumor T cell responses in the lymphoid tissues, the function of encapsulated Ag‐capturing DCs in vivo could be a biomarker. We next designed a prime‐boost strategy to enhance the antitumor effects of the PGL‐Ag. In the tumor sites, we show that Ag retention in nanoparticle‐capturing DCs promotes a robust antitumor response. Thus, this efficient particulate Ag‐based host antigen‐presenting cell delivery strategy provides a bridge between innate and adaptive immune response and offers a novel therapeutic option against tumor cells.
Role Fulfillment Mediates the Association Between Daily Family Assistance and Cortisol Awakening Response in Adolescents
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Ivory Susannah , Lin Lynda C. , Muscatell Keely A. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: January 2019

Family assistance (helping the family) is associated with both positive and negative psychological and biological outcomes during adolescence. However, the association between family assistance and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis remains unstudied. Thus, we assess how helping the family relates to adolescents’ diurnal cortisol, an index of HPA activity, and psychological outcomes. Three hundred and seventy ethnically diverse adolescents (ages 11–18) reported daily helping behaviors and psychological experiences for 14 days and provided four saliva samples per day for 4 days. Multilevel modeling revealed that cortisol awakening response was lower the day after adolescents helped their families more. This association was explained, in part, by perceived role fulfillment (feeling like a good son, daughter, and sibling). Results highlight a possible psychological and biological benefit of assisting the family during adolescence.