bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is bitcoin a near stock? Linear and non-linear causal evidence from a price–volume relationship
Authors: Sahoo Pradipta Kumar , Sethi Dinabandhu , Acharya Debashis
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the price–volume relationship in the bitcoin market to validate near-stock properties of bitcoin.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily data of bitcoin returns, returns volatility and trading volume (TV) are utilized for the period August 17, 2010–April 16, 2017. Linear and non-linear causality tests are employed to examine price–volume relationship in the bitcoin market.

Findings

The linear causality analysis indicates that the bitcoin TV cannot be used to predict return; however, the reverse causality is significant. In contrast, the non-linear causality analysis shows that there are non-linear feedbacks between the bitcoin TV and returns. The bitcoin TV, which represents new information, leads to price changes, and large positive price changes lead to increased trading activity. Similarly, in recent periods (post-break period), the results of the non-linear causality test show a unidirectional causality from TV to the volatility of returns.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses the average index value of major bitcoin exchanges. But further research on this relationship using data from different bitcoin exchanges may provide further insights into the price–volume relationship of bitcoin and its near-stock properties.

Practical implications

These findings from the non-linear causality analysis, therefore, suggest that investors cannot simply base their decisions on the linear dynamics of the bitcoin market. This is because new information in terms of the TV is neither linearly related to the price nor it is a one-to-one kind of relationship as most investors commonly understand it to be. Rather, investors’ decisions should be based on non-linear models, in general, and the best-fitting non-linear model, in particular.

Originality/value

The study examines bitcoin’s near-stock properties in a price–volume relationship framework with the help of both linear and non-linear causality tests, which to the best of the authors’ knowledge remains unexplored.
Experimental study on frictional loss of high-speed bearings based on free-deceleration and energy-balance methods
Authors: Tian Shengli , Chen Xiaoan , Chen Tianchi , He Ye
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate accurate and effective experimental methods for measuring the frictional loss of bearings (FLB) in mechanical systems and to measure the effect of various operating parameters on the frictional loss of high-speed mechanical systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Two novel methods were studied in this paper to measure the FLB: the free-deceleration method and the energy-balance method. A special high-speed motorised spindle and a friction loss test rig were designed and built to measure the effects of rotational speed, lubrication, preload and operating temperature on the FLB.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the frictional torque of bearings increases initially but then decreases with an increase in rotational speed. Similarly, the FLB decreases initially and then increases with an increase in temperature because of the influence of the viscosity–temperature relationship of the lubricant and the thermomechanical coupling factor. The optimal lubricant flow was determined, and the effectiveness of a novel preload online adjusting device was verified through experiments.

Originality/value

The research results of this paper provide the basis and methods for the measurement, reduction and prediction of the FLB in mechanical systems.
Continuity and change in development discourses and the rhetoric role of accounting
Authors: Jayasinghe Kelum , Uddin Shahzad
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the case study of development projects in Sri Lanka and development reports published from 1978 to 2006 to trace how the World Bank has utilised accounting rhetoric/languages in articulating development discourses at different stages of global capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple research methods are employed, such as archival research, observations and interviews. Development reports published by the World Bank (1978–2006) are closely examined using discourse analysis.

Findings

Development projects in Sri Lanka and development reports during the last three decades demonstrate that ideological shifts brought about the changes in accounting rhetoric in development discourses. The paper further shows that the articulation and re-articulation of development discourses communicated by accounting rhetoric have yet to grasp the real complexity of the local problems in those villages in Sri Lanka. The mere focus on management and governance styles (albeit important) driven by the development ideology and rational accounting rhetoric of the World Bank seems to bring little reward to villagers or, indeed, to the policy makers.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the literature on the use of accounting languages in development discourses, especially in the context of less developed countries. It will be of great value to researchers and practitioners seeking to gain a better understanding of reforms driven by a particular set of accounting technology in distant places.
Audit management, need for closure and detection of misstatements
Authors: Safipour Afshar Mojtaba , Pourheidari Omid , Al-Gamrh Bakr , Afshar Jahanshahi Asghar
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study whether diverting auditors to erroneous accounts leads to higher effectiveness and detection of errors. Also, this paper investigates the effect of the need for cognitive closure of auditors on audit effectiveness and detection of errors in the presence of audit management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a financial statement containing a diverting statement and several errors for measuring audit management and used a survey to measure auditors’ need for closure. Research sample consisted of 79 independent auditors having above three years of audit experience. The set of financial statement and questionnaire (measuring the need for closure of auditors) was given to auditors and they had enough time to fill them.

Findings

Results show that diverting auditors to accounts containing error does not lead to higher effectiveness and detection of errors. Also, auditors need for closure character does not affect their effectiveness and detection of errors in the financial statements.

Practical implications

Diverting auditors to erroneous accounts leads to higher detection of earning management. With this regard, the results increase the awareness of auditors that diverting auditors away from important errors to easy-to-detect erroneous accounts leads to their belief of achieving the audit objectives by detecting phony errors and misstatements. In other words, the results alert auditors of managers’ techniques of audit management.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on audit management and need for cognitive closure of auditors in Iran’s audit environment and introduces these concepts to this environment. The paper will be of value to Association of Iranian Certified Public accountants to include stricter measure in appraisal of audit firms’ quality and educate its participants about audit management and mediating effect of the need for closure of auditors on the detection of errors and misstatements in financial statements.
Internet financial reporting adoption
Authors: Bananuka Juma , Night Sadress , Ngoma Muhammed , Najjemba Grace Muganga
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the contribution of board role performance and isomorphic forces on internet financial reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 40 financial services firms. The study’s unit of analysis was a firm. Chief Internal Auditors and Chief Finance Officers were the study’s unit of inquiry. Data were analyzed through correlation coefficients and linear regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Findings

The results suggest that board role performance and isomorphic forces are significant predictors of internet financial reporting. However, board role performance is not a significant predictor of internet financial reporting in the presence of isomorphic forces. The control and strategic roles of the board are positively and significantly associated with internet financial reporting unlike the service role. Only the coercive isomorphism is positively and significantly associated with internet financial reporting unlike the normative and mimetic isomorphism.

Originality/value

This study provides initial empirical evidence on the contribution of board role performance and isomorphic forces on internet financial reporting using evidence from Uganda’s financial service firms. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first perception-based study on internet financial reporting.
Estimation and updating methods for hedonic valuation
Authors: Mayer Michael , Bourassa Steven C. , Hoesli Martin , Scognamiglio Donato
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the accuracy and volatility of different methods for estimating and updating hedonic valuation models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply six estimation methods (linear least squares, robust regression, mixed-effects regression, random forests, gradient boosting and neural networks) and two updating methods (moving and extending windows). They use a large and rich data set consisting of over 123,000 single-family houses sold in Switzerland between 2005 and 2017.

Findings

The gradient boosting method yields the greatest accuracy, while the robust method provides the least volatile predictions. There is a clear trade-off across methods depending on whether the goal is to improve accuracy or avoid volatility. The choice between moving and extending windows has only a modest effect on the results.

Originality/value

This paper compares a range of linear and machine learning techniques in the context of moving or extending window scenarios that are used in practice but which have not been considered in prior research. The techniques include robust regression, which has not previously been used in this context. The data updating allows for analysis of the volatility in addition to the accuracy of predictions. The results should prove useful in improving hedonic models used by property tax assessors, mortgage underwriters, valuation firms and regulatory authorities.
Public knowledge about oral cancer in Uganda: a free dental camp experience
Authors: Nabirye Rose Chalo , Kamulegeya Adriane
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer, its causes and or risk factors among Ugandan patients seeking oral healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross-sectional study on adult patients who attended a free dental camp. An assistant-administered questionnaire either in English or Luganda was provided to every even-numbered registered adult who consented to participate in the study. Information on demographics and known risk factors for oral cancer were captured. The two knowledge questions on oral cancers were scored by adding up all the correctly identified causes, non-causes and risk factors then scored out of the total. Data analysis was done by calculating proportions, Student’s’ t-tests and χ2 tests with significant p-value set at 0.05.

Findings

The results showed a low level of awareness/knowledge about oral cancer in studied population. In total, 60 percent and less than 50 percent of respondents identified smoking and alcohol use as risk factors for oral cancer, respectively. Majority of respondents (88.8 percent) would seek help from medical personnel if diagnosed with oral cancer. Screening for cancer was low despite awareness and knowledge that it improves the chances of successful treatment.

Research limitations/implications

Emphasis on risk factors including alcohol use in public health messages, use of mass media, religious and community leaders to disseminate messages to the communities and further research were recommended.

Practical implications

We need to emphasize the role of alcohol in oral cancer causation just as we do for tobacco consumption.

Originality/value

No study has been conducted in Uganda on the level of awareness yet the incidence of the disease and use of high-risk products are rising.
Student Managed Funds – a panel discussion
Authors: Holzhauer Hunter M. , Krause Timothy A. , Russell Judson , Harrell Deborah , Bandopadhyaya Arindam
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Student Managed Funds (SMFs) are extremely popular investment programs at many colleges and universities that provide their students with experiential learning opportunities to manage real money. However, the size, scope and specific features of these SMFs differ substantially. The purpose of this paper is to deliberate about a panel discussion on several important SMF issues that took place at the Southern Finance Association conference in November, 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel includes one moderator and four panelists, all of whom serve as SMF faculty directors at their respective schools.

Findings

The panelists’ answers show that almost no two SMFs are created the same, supervised the same way by different faculty directors or managed the same way by their respective students.

Originality/value

The panelists provide insight about their respective SMFs and offer advice on how to create SMFs and how to supervise students managing SMFs in a more effective manner.
Sequences of learning types for organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Seidle Russell J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how distinct sequences of organizational learning types (experiential and vicarious) underpin processes of exploratory versus exploitative innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection consists of 16 interviews conducted with senior personnel at two firms in the biopharmaceutical sector, with sequences of organizational learning types derived from the associated innovation projects. These sequences and their differential emphases on experiential or vicarious learning are used to construct a conceptual model. Propositions describe the structural differentiation and integration mechanisms useful to foster organizational ambidexterity.

Findings

Technological brokering emerges as a key means by which organizations can reconcile the learning sequences underlying exploration and exploitation. For exploration, a structure incorporating cross-industry technology brokerage during the initiation and development phases of innovation is posited. For exploitation, a structure harnessing intra-industry technology brokerage during the development phase of innovation is suggested. Integration of these projects can be accomplished through cross-unit interfaces incorporating both types of brokerage roles, with emphasis on their use during implementation.

Originality/value

This paper considers the ways in which organizations focus on separate types of organizational learning at different stages of the innovation process. Insights are provided into how firms mobilize internal and external knowledge to advance these projects independently, as well as to link these efforts and thereby facilitate ambidexterity.
Assessing Economic Changes Due to an Expanding Dairy Industry in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Guerrero Bridget , Owens Rachel , Amosson Steve , Sukcharoen Kunlapath , Richeson John , Almas Lal
Published: April 2019

The dairy industry in the Texas High Plains has experienced rapid expansion in the past two decades. This study assesses the impact of the increased presence of dairies on overall water use, crop composition, and the local economy. The increase in water use related to the dairy industry from 2000 to 2015 was primarily due to an increase in demand for drinking by the cows (direct water) as well as an increased demand for silage (indirect water). However, a comparative analysis (dairy presence vs. no dairy presence) from a single year indicates minimal impacts on total water use due to dairies. During the same time period, the number, size, and employment of related local business establishments have increased economic activity in rural areas. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on Optimizing Ogallala Aquifer Water Use to Sustain Food Systems. See the February 2019 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Google Trends and pollen concentrations in allergy and airway diseases in France
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Onorato Gabrielle L. , Oliver Gilles , Basagana Xavier , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Arnavielhe Sylvie , Besancenot Jean‐Pierre , Bosse Isabelle , Bousquet Philippe J. , André Charpin Denis , Caillaud D. , Demoly Pascal , Devillier Philippe , Mathieu‐Dupas Eve , Fontaine Jean‐François M. , Just Jocelyne , Anto Josep M. , Fonseca João , Berger Uwe , Thibaudon Michel
Published: April 2019

Background

Google Trends (GTs) is a web‐based surveillance tool that explores the searching trends of specific queries via Google. This tool proposes to reflect the real‐life epidemiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, the validation of GTs against pollen concentrations is missing at the country level.

Objectives

In the present study, we used GTs (a) to compare the terms related to allergy in France, (b) to assess seasonal variations across the country for 5 years and (c) to compare GTs and pollen concentrations for 2016.

Methods

Google Trends queries were initially searched to investigate the terms reflecting pollen and allergic diseases. 13‐ and 5‐year GTs were used in France. Then, 5‐year GTs were assessed in all metropolitan French regions to assess the seasonality of GTs. Finally, GTs were compared with pollen concentrations (Réseau National de Surveillance en Aerobiology) for 2016 in seven regions (GTs) and corresponding cities (pollen concentrations).

Results

The combination of searches for “allergy” as a disease, “pollen” as a disease cause and “ragweed” as a plant was needed to fully assess the pollen season in France. “Asthma” did not show any seasonality. Using the 5‐year GTs, an annual and clear seasonality of queries was found in all regions depending on the predicted pollen exposure for spring and a summer peak but not for winter peaks. The agreement between GT queries and pollen concentrations is usually poor except for spring trees and grasses. Moreover, cypress pollens are insufficiently reported by GTs.

Conclusions

Google Trends cannot predict the pollen season in France.
The links of hepcidin and erythropoietin in the interplay of inflammation and iron deficiency in a large observational study of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Scholz Godehard A. , Leichtle Alexander B. , Scherer Almut , Arndt Uta , Fiedler Martin , Aeberli Daniel , Finckh Axel , Gabay Cem , Kyburz Diego , Villiger Peter M. , Möller Burkhard
Published: April 2019

Anaemia affects quality of life and radiographic outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a cross‐sectional study with 779 patients, we assessed the prognostic potential of the major haematopoietic regulators, hepcidin and erythropoietin, comparing their serum concentrations with respect to different anaemia types, inflammatory activity, anti‐cytokine‐specific treatment effects and iron deficiency (ID) indices. The results showed that clinical disease activity was more closely associated with haemoglobin levels than with anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha or interleukin 6 receptor effects. In ID, hepcidin was suppressed, independently of inflammation. Erythropoietin levels were inappropriately low in relation to the degree of anaemia, but, in contrast to low haemoglobin, not directly associated with joint damage progression. Hepcidin and erythropoietin levels are intimately connected with inflammation and ID. Interventional studies on these important targets are already in progress.
Racial Disparities in Sleep: Associations With Discrimination Among Ethnic/Racial Minority Adolescents
Authors: Yip Tiffany , Cheon Yuen Mi , Wang Yijie , Cham Heining , Tryon Warren , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the same‐day associations between discrimination and sleep among 350 adolescents ages 13–15 (M = 14.29, SD = 0.65; Asian = 41%, Black = 22%, Latinx = 37%). Assessing sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and wake minutes after sleep onset using wrist actigraphy, Black adolescents slept 35 min less than Asian and 36 min less than Latinx youth. Black adolescents suffered the most wake minutes after sleep onset, followed by Latinx and Asian youth. Latinx youth reported the highest levels of sleep disturbance, whereas Asian youth reported the highest levels of daytime dysfunction. Daily discrimination was associated with lower levels of same‐night sleep onset latency, more sleep disturbance, more next‐day daytime dysfunction, and higher next‐day daytime sleepiness.
Continuous infusion of an agonist of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 in the spinal cord improves recovery after traumatic contusive injury
Authors: Gerald Marcus J. , Bracchi‐Ricard Valerie , Ricard Jerome , Fischer Roman , Nandakumar Bharadwaj , Blumenthal Gary H. , Williams Raushaun , Kontermann Roland E. , Pfizenmaier Klaus , Moxon Karen A. , Bethea John R.
Published: April 2019

Aim

The activation of the TNFR2 receptor is beneficial in several pathologies of the central nervous system, and this study examines whether it can ameliorate the recovery process following spinal cord injury.

Methods

EHD2‐sc‐mTNFR2, an agonist specific for TNFR2, was used to treat neurons exposed to high levels of glutamate in vitro. In vivo, it was infused directly to the spinal cord via osmotic pumps immediately after a contusion to the cord at the T9 level. Locomotion behavior was assessed for 6 weeks, and the tissue was analyzed (lesion size, RNA and protein expression, cell death) after injury. Somatosensory evoked potentials were also measured in response to hindlimb stimulation.

Results

The activation of TNFR2 protected neurons from glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity through the activation of phosphoinositide‐3 kinase gamma in vitro and improved the locomotion of animals following spinal cord injury. The extent of the injury was not affected by infusing EHD2‐sc‐mTNFR2, but higher levels of neurofilament H and 2′, 3′‐cyclic‐nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase were observed 6 weeks after the injury. Finally, the activation of TNFR2 after injury increased the neural response recorded in the cortex following hindlimb stimulation.

Conclusion

The activation of TNFR2 in the spinal cord following contusive injury leads to enhanced locomotion and better cortical responses to hindlimb stimulation.
Ixazomib maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: An integrated analysis of four phase I/II studies
Authors: Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Laubach Jacob P. , Echeveste Gutierrez Maria Asunción , Grzasko Norbert , Hofmeister Craig C. , San‐Miguel Jesus F. , Kumar Shaji , Labotka Richard , Lu Vickie , Berg Deborah , Byrne Catriona , Teng Zhaoyang , Liu Guohui , van de Velde Helgi , Richardson Paul G.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of maintenance therapy with the oral proteasome inhibitor ixazomib in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) not undergoing transplantation.

Methods

Data were pooled from four NDMM phase I/II studies; patients received induction therapy with once‐ or twice‐weekly ixazomib plus lenalidomide‐dexamethasone (IRd), melphalan‐prednisone (IMP), or cyclophosphamide‐dexamethasone (ICd), followed by single‐agent ixazomib maintenance, given at the last tolerated dose during induction, until disease progression, death, or unacceptable toxicity.

Results

A total of 121 patients achieved stable disease or better after induction (weekly IRd, n = 25; twice‐weekly IRd, n = 18; weekly or twice‐weekly IMP, n = 35; weekly ICd, n = 43) and received ≥ 1 dose of ixazomib maintenance. Grade ≥ 3 drug‐related adverse events occurred in 24% of patients during maintenance; each event was reported in ≤2% of patients. Rates of complete response were 22% after induction and 35% after maintenance. A total of 28 patients (23%) improved their response during maintenance.

Conclusions

Ixazomib maintenance following ixazomib‐based induction is associated with deepening of responses and a positive safety profile with no cumulative toxicity in patients with NDMM not undergoing transplantation, suggesting that ixazomib is feasible for long‐term administration. Phase III investigation of ixazomib maintenance is ongoing.
Tracing the footprints of a moving hybrid zone under a demographic history of speciation with gene flow
Authors: Menon Mitra , Landguth Erin , Leal‐Saenz Alejandro , Bagley Justin C. , Schoettle Anna W. , Wehenkel Christian , Flores‐Renteria Lluvia , Cushman Samuel A. , Waring Kristen M. , Eckert Andrew J.
Published: April 2019

A lack of optimal gene combinations, as well as low levels of genetic diversity, is often associated with the formation of species range margins. Conservation efforts rely on predictive modelling using abiotic variables and assessments of genetic diversity to determine target species and populations for controlled breeding, germplasm conservation and assisted migration. Biotic factors such as interspecific competition and hybridization, however, are largely ignored, despite their prevalence across diverse taxa and their role as key evolutionary forces. Hybridization between species with well‐developed barriers to reproductive isolation often results in the production of offspring with lower fitness. Generation of novel allelic combinations through hybridization, however, can also generate positive fitness consequences. Despite this possibility, hybridization‐mediated introgression is often considered a threat to biodiversity as it can blur species boundaries. The contribution of hybridization towards increasing genetic diversity of populations at range margins has only recently gathered attention in conservation studies. We assessed the extent to which hybridization contributes towards range dynamics by tracking spatio‐temporal changes in the central location of a hybrid zone between two recently diverged species of pines: Pinus strobiformis and P. flexilis. By comparing geographic cline centre estimates for global admixture coefficient with morphological traits associated with reproductive output, we demonstrate a northward shift in the hybrid zone. Using a combination of spatially explicit, individual‐based simulations and linkage disequilibrium variance partitioning, we note a significant contribution of adaptive introgression towards this northward movement, despite the potential for differences in regional population size to aid hybrid zone movement. Overall, our study demonstrates that hybridization between recently diverged species can increase genetic diversity and generate novel allelic combinations. These novel combinations may allow range margin populations to track favourable climatic conditions or facilitate adaptive evolution to ongoing and future climate change.
Risk factors, complications and management of lymphocele formation after radical prostatectomy: A mini‐review
Authors: Tsaur Igor , Thomas Christian
Published: April 2019

Lymphocele formation is the most common adverse event of pelvic lymphadenectomy during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Previous studies failed to favor one surgical technique over the other in terms of minimizing its rate. Data on risk factors for its development are still conflicting and warranting further research. In this mini‐review, we aimed to scrutinize available evidence on these aspects and outline current achievements in lymphocele prevention approaches.
Authoritarian neoliberalism in AKP's Turkey: an industrial relations perspective
Authors: Özkiziltan Didem
Published: April 2019

Authoritarian neoliberal governance of industrial relations is on the rise around the world, displaying remarkable similarities across countries with similar democratic political structures. However, despite a certain degree of resemblance, countries have been following divergent paths rendering each case unique in terms of its experience. This article explains the specific path through which authoritarian neoliberalism was materialised in the governance of Turkey's industrial relations under AKP rule. It is purported that AKP's pursuit of authoritarian neoliberalism in its governance of industrial relations shares certain similarities with the emerging market economies, which have a less democratic political system. However, it is contended that the governance of Turkey's industrial relations under AKP leadership embodies spatially and temporally distinct characteristics integrating long‐established authoritarian institutional structures and practices with neoliberal ideology, powerful political alliances, Islamic values, repressive practices and mounting resistance, thus rendering it a unique form of authoritarian neoliberalism.
Using a motion‐controlled game to teach four elementary school children with intellectual disabilities to improve hand hygiene
Authors: Kang Ya‐Shu , Chang Yao‐Jen
Published: April 2019

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) may have difficulties in performing daily living tasks. Among other daily living tasks, independent personal hygiene is an essential life skill for people with ID.

Materials and Methods

Four children in a special education class participated in the experiment. We employed the Kinect V2 sensor to gamify hand washing. Specifically, a non‐concurrent multiple baseline design was adopted to demonstrate the relation between game‐based intervention and washing hands independently.

Results

Data showed that the percentage of correct task steps increased among all four participants. Social validity results showed the parents considered the video game was very useful and it had helped their children learn the hand hygiene skills effectively.

Conclusions

Although the game is a highly accepted training tool for school‐use, it currently remains error‐prone. A more technically robust system will likely result in higher participant motivation and task performance.
Micronutrient powder supplements combined with nutrition education marginally improve growth amongst children aged 6–23 months in rural Burkina Faso: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lanou Hermann B. , Osendarp Saskia J.M. , Argaw Alemayehu , De Polnay Kirrily , Ouédraogo Catherine , Kouanda Seni , Kolsteren Patrick
Published: April 2019

Micronutrients powder (MNP) can prevent anaemia amongst children 6–23 months old. However, evidence of an effect on growth is limited and concerns about the safety of iron‐containing MNP interventions limits their applicability. In a cluster randomized controlled intervention, we evaluated the effectiveness of a nutritional package including counselling and provision of MNP to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months and the effect of sustained use of MNP on morbidity in a malaria‐endemic area. Child feeding practises and nutritional status were assessed through cross‐sectional surveys. Biweekly morbidity surveillance and anthropometry measurements were carried out in a nested cohort study. No significant differences in the prevalence of wasting (−0.7% [−6.8, 5.3] points; p = .805), stunting (+4.6% [−2.9, 12.0] points; p = .201), or mean length‐for‐age z‐score and weight‐for‐length z‐score scores were found between study groups. The proportion of children with a minimum dietary diversity score and those with a minimum acceptable diet significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control by 6.5% points (p = .043) and 5.8% points (p = .037), respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of diarrhoea (RR: 1.68, 95% CI [0.94, 3.08]), fever (RR: 1.20 [0.82, 1.77]), and malaria (RR: 0.68 [0.37, 1.26]) between study groups. In the nested study, the rate of linear growth was higher in the intervention than in the control group by 0.013 SD/month (p = .027). In a programmatic intervention, MNP and nutrition education marginally improved child feeding practises and growth, without increasing morbidity from malaria or fever.
Coordinating Nigeria's micronutrient deficiency control programs is necessary to prevent deficiencies and toxicity risks
Authors: Anjorin Olufolakemi , Okpala Oluchi , Adeyemi Olutayo
Published: April 2019

Nigeria has an alarming prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies that has persisted over decades. National Micronutrient Deficiency Control (MNDC) guidelines describe several interventions to address the issue. This study identified and described currently implemented interventions, assessed coverage and coordination of the interventions, and considered the risk of overdosage and gaps. Methods included reviews of policy and program documents, key informant interviews, market, and pharmacy visits. The study found that an array of MNDC interventions were being implemented, including public health supplementation, mandatory fortification, point‐of‐use fortification, biofortification, promotion of dietary diversity, voluntary fortification, and ad hoc individual supplement use. Insufficient coordination existed for government, private, and civil society interventions within the health sector and between health and other sectors. Dosages of micronutrients supplied by different interventions were set independently of each other and target populations overlapped. Inadequate implementation of various interventions appeared to reduce the risk of excessive micronutrient intakes, but increased the risk of deficiencies. The risk of excessive intakes will likely increase with improved implementation and scale‐up. There is a need to develop effective coordination structures for MNDC in Nigeria that will critically examine the landscape, decide modalities for different interventions, and ensure that both deficiencies and risk of excessive intakes are minimized.
Structural correlates of the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala and personality in female adolescents
Authors: Delaparte Lauren , Bartlett Elizabeth , Grazioplene Rachael , Perlman Greg , Gardus John , DeLorenzo Christine , Klein Daniel N. , Kotov Roman
Published: April 2019

The five‐factor model consists of cognitive‐affective‐behavioral trait dimensions (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness) that are central to models of psychopathology. In adults, individual differences in three of the Big Five traits, neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness, have been linked to structural morphology and connectivity of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the amygdala, two brain regions critically involved in affective and regulatory processing. It is unclear whether these associations manifest in adolescence, a critical neurodevelopmental period during which many forms of psychiatric illness emerge. A total of 223 adolescent girls (ages 14–16 years) completed a multimodal neuroimaging study that utilized T1‐weighted structural MRI (e.g., cortical thickness and volume) and tractography‐based diffusion tensor imaging (64‐direction). Cortical thickness and volume were extracted from the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) and amygdala and tractography‐based fractional anisotropy was computed in the uncinate fasciculus (UF; the white matter tract connecting the OFC to the temporal lobe). We found that high neuroticism was associated with less mOFC volume (bilateral), and low conscientiousness was associated with higher white matter integrity in the UF, more amygdala volume, and less mOFC thickness (right hemisphere). Extraversion was not observed to share associations with OFC markers. These OFC‐amygdala structural correlations to personality do not match those reported in adult samples. Multimodal neuroimaging techniques can help to clarify the underpinnings of personality development between adolescence and adulthood.
Changing dialysate composition to optimize acid‐base therapy
Authors: Sargent John A. , Marano Marco , Marano Stefano , Gennari F. John
Published: April 2019

In response to rapid alkali delivery during hemodialysis, hydrogen ions (H+) are mobilized from body buffers and from stimulation of organic acid production in amounts sufficient to convert most of the delivered bicarbonate to CO2 and water. Release of H+ from nonbicarbonate buffers serves to back‐titrate them to a more alkaline state, readying them to buffer acids that accumulate in the interval between treatments. By contrast, stimulation of organic acid production only serves to remove added bicarbonate (HCO3−) from the body; the organic anions produced by this process are lost into the dialysate, irreversibly acidifying the patient as well as diverting metabolic activity from normal homeostasis. We have developed an analytic tool to quantify these acid‐base events, which has shown that almost two‐thirds of the H+ mobilized during hemodialysis comes from organic acid production when bath bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3−]) is 32 mEq/L or higher. Using data from the hemodialysis patients we studied with our analytical model, we have simulated the effect of changing bath solute on estimated organic acid production. Our simulations demonstrate that reducing bath [HCO3−] should decrease organic acid production, a change we propose as beneficial to the patient. They also highlight the differential effects of variations in bath acetate concentration, as compared to [HCO3−], on the amount and rate of alkali delivery. Our results suggest that transferring HCO3− delivery from direct influx to acetate influx and metabolism provides a more stable and predictable rate of HCO3− addition to the patient receiving bicarbonate‐based hemodialysis. Our simulations provide the groundwork for the clinical studies needed to verify these conclusions.
Patellar tendon structure responds to load over a 7‐week preseason in elite male volleyball players
Authors: Maciel Rabello Lucas , Zwerver Johannes , Stewart Roy E. , van den Akker‐Scheek Inge , Brink Michel S.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between external and internal load and the response of the patellar tendon structure assessed with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) in elite male volleyball players during preseason. Eighteen players were followed over 7 weeks, measuring four load parameters during every training and match: volume (minutes played), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (ranging from 6 to 20), weekly load (RPE*volume), and jump frequency (number of jumps). Patellar tendon structure was measured biweekly using UTC, which quantifies tendon matrix stability resulting in four different echo types (I‐IV). On average, players spent 615 min/wk on training and matches with an RPE of 13.9 and a jump frequency of 269. Load evaluation shows significant changes over the 7 weeks: Volume and weekly load parameters were significantly higher in week 3 than week 7 and in week 4 than week 2. Weekly load performed in week 4 was significantly higher than week 7. No significant changes were observed in tendon structure. On the non‐dominant side, no significant correlations were found between changes in load parameters and echo types. At the dominant side, a higher weekly volume and weekly load resulted in a decrease of echo type I and a higher mean RPE in an increase of echo type II. The results of this study show that both external and internal load influence changes in patellar tendon structure of elite male volleyball players. Monitoring load and the effect on patellar tendon structure may play an important role in injury prevention.
‘Placing’ Sustainable Food Practices by Geographical Knowledge? Insights from the German Dairy Industry
Authors: Klein Oliver
Published: April 2019

Drawing on the literature on Commodity Cultures, this paper analyses the deployment of geographical knowledge by German dairy firms in the promotion of (what they regard as) sustainable dairy production. The analysis is based on a content analysis including various materials (e.g. annual reports, sustainability reports, newsletters, advertisements) of 26 companies, covering around 75‐80 per cent of the German dairy market. The empirical findings show that specific forms of geographical knowledge, that is, knowledge about regions of origin, production methods and/or cultural settings, are used to primarily emphasise four sustainability issues: protection of natural/cultural landscapes; climate protection; family, community and local heritage; reciprocity of human‐animal‐nature relations. However, as the promotion of these issues is favoured, among others, by the ambiguity of the term ‘sustainability’, German dairy firms may capitalise on a variety of constructed narratives and pictures having the power to ‘embellish’ different dairy practices that are presumed to be sustainable.
The contribution of oxidative stress to platelet senescence during storage
Authors: Wang Li , Xie Rufeng , Fan Zhijia , Yang Jie , Liang Wei , Wu Qiang , Wu Mei X. , Wang Zhicheng , Lu Yuan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Platelets for transfusion become senescent and dysfunctional during storage, resulting in a markedly short shelf life (5 days). We hypothesized that oxidative stress might account for this decline.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Human platelets were treated with or without antioxidants before storage, and samples were collected and analyzed at different time points. Platelet senescence was determined by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase assay, and senescence‐related platelet qualities were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Sign of senescence became evident after Day 3 and continued to increase over time. We also found that chemical induction of platelet activation did not affect senescence level, whereas apoptosis inducers showed a stimulative effect on platelet senescence. Moreover, this effect was not prevented by a pan‐caspase inhibitor. Meanwhile, cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were found elevated during storage, and treatments with antioxidants successfully prevented this increase and also mitigated senescence levels of stored platelets. Finally, resveratrol, a natural antioxidant, was utilized as a novel storage additive to safely extend platelet shelf time. We showed that the addition of resveratrol efficiently postponed platelet senescence and ameliorated platelet storage lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Platelets during storage became senescent and dysfunctional over time, and we found that oxidative stress might account for this decline. The addition of antioxidants effectively postponed senescence and ameliorated platelet storage lesion, which might provide a valuable reference to future platelet storage methodologies.
A Study on the Audio-Visual Translation of Noble Love Through the Perspective of Cognitive Psychology of Translation
Authors: Yu Peng
Published: April 2019

Audio-visual translation is a special translation mode with its own peculiarities, which not only has the characteristics of general literary translation, but also is limited by various factors such as film technology and audience acceptance. In the process of audio-visual translation, the translator should take numerous factors into consideration, such as context, audience, and cultural factors etc., which form lots of blockage for subtitle translator. Then, facing plenty of factors, translator should be clear about how to make linguistic choice, and what aspects of subjective factors and cognitive weaknesses he or she need to avoid and overcome. Those issues are what we should make further researches on. In addition, cultural communication capacity is an important symbol of a country's cultural soft power, and it is one of China's current major policies to strengthen the ability of Chinese culture’s overseas publicity, which is conducive to re-shaping China's international image and enhancing the international influence of China's culture. Foreigners are especially interested in films and TV programs with Chinese cultural characteristics, and therefore, film and television translation has become a key link of communication between China and the West through film and television culture.This article is to make a brief evaluation and analysis on the audio-visual translation of Noble Love from the perspective of some relevant theories of cognitive psychology of translation.
Simulations of Non-Gaussian Property Fields Based on the Apparent Properties of Statistical Volume Elements
Authors: Baxter Sarah C. , Acton Katherine A.
Published: April 2019

The properties of composite materials with random microstructures are often defined by homogenizing the properties of a representative volume element (RVE). This results in the effective properties of an equivalent homogeneous material. This approach is useful for predicting a global response but smooths the underlying variability of the composite's properties resulting from the random microstructure. Statistical volume elements (SVEs) are partitions of an RVE. Homogenization of individual SVEs produces a population of apparent properties. While not as rigorously defined as RVEs, SVEs can still provide a repeatable framework to characterize mesoscale variability in composite properties. In particular, their statistical properties can be used as the basis for simulation studies. For this work, Voronoi tessellation was used to partition RVEs into SVEs and apparent properties developed for each SVE. The resulting field of properties is characterized with respect to its spatial autocorrelation and distribution. These autocorrelation and distribution functions (PDFs) are then used as target fields to simulate additional property fields, with the same probabilistic characteristics. Simulations based on SVEs may provide a method of further exploring the uncertainty within the underlying approximations or of highlighting effects that might be experimentally measurable or used to validate the use of an SVE mesoscale analysis in a specific predictive model. This work presents an update to an existing simulation technique developed by Joshi (1975, “A Class of Stochastic Models for Porous Media,” Ph.D. thesis, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS) and initially extended by Adler et al. (1990, “Flow in Simulated Porous Media,” Int. J. Multiphase Flow, 16(4), pp. 691–712). The simulation methodology is illustrated for three random microstructures and two SVE partitioning sizes.
A State-of-the-Art Review of Fatigue Life Prediction Models for Solder Joint
Authors: Su Sinan , Akkara Francy John , Thaper Ravinder , Alkhazali Atif , Hamasha Mohammad , Hamasha Sa'd
Published: April 2019

Fatigue failure of solder joints is one of the major causes of failure in electronic devices. Fatigue life prediction models of solder joints were first put forward in the early 1960s, and since then, numbers of methods were used to model the fatigue mechanism of solder joints. In this article, the majority fatigue life models are summarized, with emphasis on the latest developments in the fatigue life prediction methods. All the models reviewed are grouped into four categories based on the factors affecting the fatigue life of solder joints, which are: plastic strain-based fatigue models, creep damage-based fatigue models, energy-based fatigue models, and damage accumulation-based fatigue models. The models that do not fit any of the above categories are grouped into “other models.” Applications and potential limitations for those models are also discussed.