bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting reliability of estimates at completion for department of defense contracts
Authors: Kim Deborah B. , White Edward D. , Ritschel Jonathan D. , Millette Chad A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Within earned value management, the cost performance index (CPI) and the critical ratio (CR) are used to generate the estimates at completion (EACs). According to the research in the 1990s, estimating the final contract’s cost at completion (CAC) using EACCR is a quicker predictor of the actual final cost versus using EACCPI. This paper aims to investigate whether this trend stills holds for modern department of defense contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

Accessing the Cost Assessment Data Enterprise (CADE) database, 451 contracts consisting of 863 contract line item numbers (CLINs) were initially retrieved and analyzed in three stages. The first replicated the work conducted in 1990s. The second stage entailed calculating 95 per cent confidence intervals and hypothesis tests regarding percentage accuracy of EACs for a contract’s final CAC. Lastly, regression analysis was conducted to characterize major, moderate and minor influencers on EAC reliability.

Findings

For modern contracts, EACCR aligns more with EACCPI and no longer demonstrates early accuracy of a contract’s final CAC. Contract percentage completion strongly reduced the per cent error of estimating CAC, while cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts and those with no work breakdown structure greater than Level 2 negatively affected accuracy.

Social implications

To militate against optimism of early assessment of a contract's true cost.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence that EACCR behaves more like EACCPI with respect to modern contracts, suggesting that today’s contracts have relatively high SPI. Therefore, caution is warranted for program managers when estimating the CAC from contract initiation up to and slightly beyond the mid-point of completion.
Implementing public procurement of innovations in an organization: lessons from Norway
Authors: Mwesiumo Deodat , Olsen Kjetil Magnus , Svenning Geir Arne , Glavee-Geo Richard
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the drivers, enablers, barriers, key success factors, pitfalls and benefits of implementing public procurement of innovations (PPoI) in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deployed multiple-case design, whereby six case organizations were selected according to purposeful sampling. Data collection was carried out through in-depth semi-structured one-on-one interviews with key informants. Data analysis involved coding, synthesis, categorization and aggregation.

Findings

The study revealed that implementation of PPoI represents significant change in an organization, and thus, it identifies key enablers and barriers that organizations must overcome. Furthermore, the study revealed that implementation of PPoI is a necessary but not sufficient condition for reaping its benefits. Moreover, the study identified key success factors for achieving the desirable results and potential pitfalls that organizations should avoid to ensure that the execution phase is not hurt.

Social implications

Overall, the findings of the study imply that PPoI and the practices associated with it are valuable to the organizations implementing it and society at large. Thus, time and financial investments and the costs associated with the challenges and barriers of implementing it are justified by the resulting wider benefits and outcomes.

Originality/value

The study contributes by providing useful insights related to implementation of PPoI at an organizational level. Considering that extant literature provides limited insights on this subject, findings of this study should be of interest to researchers, public authorities, procurement practitioners, small- and medium-sized enterprises and other stakeholders. In particular, the study contributes to the body of knowledge on PPoI and offers actionable implications to both practitioners and policymakers.
Innovation obstacles in an emerging high tech sector
Authors: Lachman Jeremias , López Andrés
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the factors that act as innovation obstacles in precision agriculture (PA) technologies in Argentina, one of the world leading exporters of cereals and oilseeds. The focus of this study is on the supply side, i.e. the factors that are perceived by PA firms as obstacles for the expansion of their market.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey to 67 firms that develop PA technologies in Argentina, this study examines the impact of different types of obstacles on firms’ growth and innovation activities. This analysis is complemented with the results that emerge from a series of interviews with different stakeholders (such as firms’ managers, policymakers and experts).

Findings

In this study, it was determined that market and cost factors negatively affect firms’ growth, while institutional obstacles reduce the amount of innovation efforts. In turn, knowledge barriers positively impact on the relevance firms assigned to R&D activities. This study helps identify different strategies that firms have put in place to overcome the barriers they face. Finally, policy implications of the results are discussed.

Originality/value

PA technologies may contribute to greening agricultural production and offer an opportunity for the emergence of domestic suppliers of innovative equipment and services based on the use of data science, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things. To the bets of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the obstacles that prevent growth and impact on innovation activities of PA firms. The insights from this study are valuable for both researchers and policymakers aiming to foster emergence of high-tech clusters in developing countries.
In vino veritas? Indigenous wine and indigenization in Israeli settlements
Authors: MCGONIGLE IAN
Published: August 2019

In recent years, wineries have proliferated in Israel’s West Bank settlements, some of which are now producing world‐class wine. However, growing grapes and making wine in this context represents more than simply commercial viticulture. These wineries are part of a trend to re‐establish ancient Jewish winemaking practices, which fosters the imagination of returning and reconnecting to biblical sites. Moreover, high‐tech grape science is now being employed to engineer wines from so‐called indigenous varietals to create a wine identity for Israel. Some religious settlers regard these developments as the fulfilment of a messianic biblical prophecy. This pursuit of indigenous wine thus bolsters a religiously inflected historical imagination of indigeneity that naturalizes the Jewish presence in this contested territory. This article shows that claims to authentic indigeneity emerging from viticulture entangle high‐tech grape science, biblical prophecy and an aesthetic connection to the land so that indigenous wine and an indigenous identity are co‐produced in a mutually constitutive process.
Scotland's post‐referenda futures
Authors: MANLEY GABRIELA
Published: August 2019

In the midst of chaotic Brexit negotiations and the failing political processes of Westminster, the Scottish National Party (SNP) is preparing to call a new independence referendum, arguing that Scotland should not be taken out of Europe against its will. As the SNP begins campaigning for a new referendum, two different visions of Scotland’s independent future emerge: one based on concrete economic and welfare policies championed by the party, the other, an unofficial activist‐driven orientation of the future as ‘empty’. The first makes the future tangible, populated with wishful images and achievable goals. The second promises the future as a blank slate, to be authored only after a successful independence vote. These two orientations exist in tension with one another, in continuous negotiation as they are played out on the SNP campaign trail.
Clearing homicides
Authors: Wellford Charles F. , Lum Cynthia , Scott Thomas , Vovak Heather , Scherer J. Amber
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

Since the RAND Corporation studies on investigations were published, there has been a widely held belief among scholars that police agencies and investigative effort matter little to solving crimes. A few researchers have recently challenged this belief, however, producing results that show that investigative effort does play a role in clearing crimes. In this study, we replicate the methodological approach of the RAND studies and use multiagency, multimethod, detailed case files, as well as organizational analysis, to examine the association among investigative effort, case features, organizational factors, and the clearance of homicide cases. The results show that variation between the homicide clearances in agencies can be explained by case attributes, investigative practices, and organizational differences. Future research should be aimed at building on these results using a similar design with a larger number of agencies.

Policy Implications

An agency's ability to clear homicides is a function of the resources it applies to conduct investigations and how it organizes its effort. Agencies seeking to increase their ability to clear homicides should focus on increasing investigative efforts for cases (i.e., thoroughness of the initial investigative response) and prioritize oversight, management, and evaluation of investigation work. The results of our study show that providing justice to the family, friends, and communities of homicide victims is an achievable goal for law enforcement agencies when they attend to investigative efforts.
Failing victims? Challenges of the police response to human trafficking
Authors: Farrell Amy , Dank Meredith , de Vries Ieke , Kafafian Matthew , Hughes Andrea , Lockwood Sarah
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

The police have a duty to provide assistance to crime victims. Despite the importance of this role, scholars examining police effectiveness have historically been less attentive to the needs of victims. As the police are increasingly called on to combat sex and labor trafficking crimes, it is timely to explore how this new population of victims is served by the police. Information from a review of human trafficking investigations and in‐depth interviews with police and service providers in three U.S. communities indicates that human trafficking victims often do not trust the police and rarely seek their assistance. When the police do respond, human trafficking victims seek affirmation of their experiences and safety from future harm.

Policy Implications

Recommendations are offered to improve police responses to human trafficking victims including efforts to build trust, promote victim safety, and meet the needs of victims outside of the justice system.
Trainee research requirements of Australasian medical colleges: How does the Faculty of Radiation Oncology compare?
Authors: Roos Daniel E , Foley Elizabeth F , Wonders Tim J
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) currently allows several pathways for trainees to satisfy its mandatory original research requirement. In practice, the majority need to have a manuscript ‘accepted to peer review’ by one of five specified radiation oncology (RO) journals before being eligible to sit for the final examination. The purpose of this work was to determine the corresponding trainee research requirements of the other Australasian medical colleges and compare them with FRO as a companion to a planned FRO trainee survey on the same topic.

Methods

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website lists 16 colleges conferring medical fellowships, four of which have various sub‐faculties, and the New Zealand Medical Council website lists three other separate colleges (69 entities in all). Their individual websites were interrogated to determine and tabulate their respective trainee research requirements.

Results

7/69 entities (10%) do not include a research component in their published training programme. Four (5.8%) mandate actual publication of a manuscript (and additionally, FRO does also require this for journals other than the five specified). The other training programmes have less rigorous submission requirements, for example internal assessment of a research report. In addition, many allow attainment of a research higher degree (including FRO) or multiple other options as an alternative pathway. Eleven entities (including FRO) stipulate that their requirement needs to be satisfied before sitting for the exit examination.

Conclusions

The current FRO trainee research requirement is at the more stringent end of the Australasian spectrum. This has advantages and disadvantages for RO trainees and their departments. The data presented here and the trainee survey will inform the RANZCR Training and Assessment Review project, ongoing at the time of writing.
Drainage tube hole suture improvement: Removal‐free stitches
Authors: Fu Rui , Zhang Jia‐Tao , Dong Song , Chen Ying , Zhang Chao , Tang Wen‐Fang , Xia Jin , Nie Qiang , Zhong Wen‐Zhao
Published: August 2019

Surgical method improvements aim to optimize the patient experience. The problem of healing of the drainage tube hole has not received attention and is of concern because it can plague patient recovery. In this article we report on how we have improved the method of suturing the drainage tube hole and explore the safety and effectiveness of this method. Between December 2017 to August 2018, 102 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection (single port or single utility port) using different methods of suturing drainage tube holes. The intervention group received improved methods with subcuticular and intradermal suture and removal‐free stitches, whilst the control group received a conventional mattress suture and fixed chest tube. A preset line was left to tie knots and close the hole after the removal of the chest tube. The stitches were removed 7–12 days after surgery. The baseline clinical features of the patients were subsequently analyzed. The objective and subjective conditions of scars were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at one month after surgery. The intervention group (n = 71) and control group (n = 31) had balanced baseline clinical characteristics. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of three‐day postoperative pain and postoperative hospital stay. In the intervention group, three patients (4.23%) had wound splitting that required re‐suturing, which was better than five patients (16.13%) in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of pleural fluid outflow, wound infection, post‐removal pneumothorax, chest tube prolapse and incisional hernia were not different between the two groups. We conclude that the objective and subjective evaluation results of scars were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05), and the experimental group was superior to the control group. A balanced result between aesthetic appearance and safety as regards video‐assisted thoracic surgery can be achieved through the chest tube hole improved suture method. This method also improves the patient's recovery experience.
Infrastructural Discontent in the Sanitary City: Waste, Revolt, and Repression in Cairo
Authors: Arefin Mohammed Rafi
Published: August 2019

In this article, I examine the relationship between waste, revolt, and repression in Cairo's sanitation system from the early 20th century to the present. I coin the term infrastructural discontent in the sanitary city to describe how discontent slowly accretes around Cairo's sanitation system and becomes a powerful force in the city's politics—a force that can be mobilised for popular revolt and state repression. I detail three expressions of infrastructural discontent in Cairo's sanitation system, paying careful attention to the deeply related mundane and spectacular productions of these expressions. Tracing the formation of infrastructural discontent in the sanitary city, I show how resistance and repression are produced and contested in material infrastructural relations which contain the accretions of long‐standing struggles over colonialism, development, and uneven urbanisation.
The Associations between income, informal social networks, and health among older adults in South Korea: A multi‐group analysis based on the level of age‐friendly environments
Authors: Kim Sue‐Lynn , Kim Ju‐Hyun , Ju Kyong‐Hee
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present study was to empirically investigate the role of age‐friendly environments (AFE) on the associations between income, informal social networks, and health among South Korean older adults. We used data from the “2017 Age Integration Survey” collected nationally and ultimately analyzed 615 older adults over 50 years of age. Structural equation modeling and multi‐group analysis were used to test the hypothesis. Specifically, two groups of perceived levels of AFE (top 25%, bottom 25%) were compared in order to examine the moderating effects. The results indicated that poor income and scarce informal social networks each had a significantly adverse impact on health. However, the effect of income on health was no longer significant for older adults living in environments that were more age‐friendly. In both groups, the presence of fewer informal social networks adversely impacted health, although the sizes of the effects decreased when the level of AFE perceived by older adults was improved. Finally, several implications of the study findings were discussed.
Cannabichromene is a cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist
Authors: Udoh Michael , Santiago Marina , Devenish Steven , McGregor Iain S. , Connor Mark
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose

Cannabichromene (CBC) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids in Cannabis spp. It has modest antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects and potentiates some effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo. How CBC exerts these effects is poorly defined and there is little information about its efficacy at cannabinoid receptors. We sought to determine the functional activity of CBC at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Experimental Approach

AtT20 cells stably expressing haemagglutinin‐tagged human CB1 and CB2 receptors were used. Assays of cellular membrane potential and loss of cell surface receptors were performed.

Key Results

CBC activated CB2 but not CB1 receptors to produce hyperpolarization of AtT20 cells. This activation was inhibited by a CB2 receptor antagonist AM630, and sensitive to Pertussis toxin. Application of CBC reduced activation of CB2, but not CB1, receptors by subsequent co‐application of CP55,940, an efficacious CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist. Continuous CBC application induced loss of cell surface CB2 receptors and desensitization of the CB2 receptor‐induced hyperpolarization.

Conclusions and Implications

CBC is a selective CB2 receptor agonist displaying higher efficacy than tetrahydrocannabinol in hyperpolarizing AtT20 cells. CBC can also recruit CB2 receptor regulatory mechanisms. CBC may contribute to the potential therapeutic effectiveness of some cannabis preparations, potentially through CB2 receptor‐mediated modulation of inflammation.
Natural compounds as potential adjuvants to cancer therapy: Preclinical evidence
Authors: Lin Shian‐Ren , Chang Chia‐Hsiang , Hsu Che‐Fang , Tsai May‐Jwan , Cheng Henrich , Leong Max K. , Sung Ping‐Jyun , Chen Jian‐Chyi , Weng Ching‐Feng
Published: August 2019

Traditional chemotherapy is being considered due to hindrances caused by systemic toxicity. Currently, the administration of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs with different biochemical/molecular targets, known as combination chemotherapy, has attained numerous benefits like efficacy enhancement and amelioration of adverse effects that has been broadly applied to various cancer types. Additionally, seeking natural‐based alternatives with less toxicity has become more important. Experimental evidence suggests that herbal extracts such as Solanum nigrum and Claviceps purpurea and isolated herbal compounds (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, and matairesinol) combined with antitumoral drugs have the potential to attenuate resistance against cancer therapy and to exert chemoprotective actions. Plant products are not free of risks: Herb adverse effects, including herb–drug interactions, should be carefully considered.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc
Novel p97/VCP inhibitor induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in both bortezomib‐sensitive and ‐resistant multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Nishimura Nao , Radwan Mohamed O. , Amano Masayuki , Endo Shinya , Fujii Eri , Hayashi Hironori , Ueno Shikiko , Ueno Niina , Tatetsu Hiro , Hata Hiroyuki , Okamoto Yoshinari , Otsuka Masami , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Matsuoka Masao , Okuno Yutaka
Published: August 2019

p97/VCP is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐associated protein that belongs to the AAA (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) ATPase family. It has a variety of cellular functions including ER‐associated protein degradation, autophagy, and aggresome formation. Recent studies have shown emerging roles of p97/VCP and its potential as a therapeutic target in several cancer subtypes including multiple myeloma (MM). We conducted a cell‐based compound screen to exploit novel small compounds that have cytotoxic activity in myeloma cells. Among approximately 2000 compounds, OSSL_325096 showed relatively strong antiproliferative activity in MM cell lines (IC50, 100‐500 nmol/L). OSSL_325096 induced apoptosis in myeloma cell lines, including a bortezomib‐resistant cell line and primary myeloma cells purified from patients. Accumulation of poly‐ubiquitinated proteins, PERK, CHOP, and IREα, was observed in MM cell lines treated with OSSL_325096, suggesting that it induces ER stress in MM cells. OSSL_325096 has a similar chemical structure to DBeQ, a known p97/VCP inhibitor. Knockdown of the gene encoding p97/VCP induced apoptosis in myeloma cells, accompanied by accumulation of poly‐ubiquitinated protein. IC50 of OSSL_325096 to myeloma cell lines were found to be lower (0.1‐0.8 μmol/L) than those of DBeQ (2‐5 μmol/L). In silico protein–drug‐binding simulation suggested possible binding of OSSL_325096 to the ATP binding site in the D2 domain of p97/VCP. In cell‐free ATPase assays, OSSL_325096 showed dose‐dependent inhibition of p97/VCP ATPase activity. Finally, OSSL_325096 inhibited the growth of subcutaneous myeloma cell tumors in vivo. The present data suggest that OSSL_325096 exerts anti‐myeloma activity, at least in part through p97/VCP inhibition.
Genomic profile of urine has high diagnostic sensitivity compared to cytology in non‐invasive urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Hirotsu Yosuke , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Amemiya Kenji , Hagimoto Takashi , Daimon Hironori , Hosaka Kyoko , Oyama Toshio , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Omata Masao
Published: August 2019

Cytology is widely conducted for diagnosis of urothelial bladder cancer; however, its sensitivity is still low. Recent studies show that liquid biopsies can reflect tumor genomic profiles. We aim to investigate whether plasma or urine is more suitable for detecting tumor‐derived DNA in patients with early‐stage urothelial bladder cancer. Targeted sequencing of 71 genes was carried out using a total of 150 samples including primary tumor, urine supernatant, urine precipitation, plasma and buffy coat from 25 patients with bladder cancer and five patients with cystitis and benign tumor. We compared mutation profiles between each sample, identified tumor‐identical mutations and compared tumor diagnostic sensitivities between urine and conventional cytology. We identified a total of 168 somatic mutations in primary tumor. In liquid biopsies, tumor‐identical mutations were found at 53% (89/168) in urine supernatant, 48% (81/168) in urine precipitation and 2% (3/168) in plasma. The high variant allele fraction of urine was significantly related to worse clinical indicators such as tumor invasion and cytological examination. Although conventional cytology detected tumor cells in only 22% of non‐invasive tumor, tumor diagnostic sensitivity increased to 67% and 78% using urine supernatant and precipitation, respectively. Urine is an ideal liquid biopsy for detecting tumor‐derived DNA and more precisely reflects tumor mutational profiles than plasma. Genomic analysis of urine is clinically useful for diagnosis of superficial bladder cancer at early stage.
Individual differences in neonatal “imitation” fail to predict early social cognitive behaviour
Authors: Redshaw Jonathan , Nielsen Mark , Slaughter Virginia , Kennedy‐Costantini Siobhan , Oostenbroek Janine , Crimston Jessica , Suddendorf Thomas
Published: August 2019

The influential hypothesis that humans imitate from birth – and that this capacity is foundational to social cognition – is currently being challenged from several angles. Most prominently, the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal study of neonatal imitation to date failed to find evidence that neonates copied any of nine actions at any of four time points (Oostenbroek et al., [2016]Current Biology, 26, 1334–1338). The authors of an alternative and statistically liberal post‐hoc analysis of these same data (Meltzoff et al., [2017]Developmental Science, 21, e12609), however, concluded that the infants actually did imitate one of the nine actions: tongue protrusion. In line with the original intentions of this longitudinal study, we here report on whether individual differences in neonatal “imitation” predict later‐developing social cognitive behaviours. We measured a variety of social cognitive behaviours in a subset of the original sample of infants (N = 71) during the first 18 months: object‐directed imitation, joint attention, synchronous imitation and mirror self‐recognition. Results show that, even using the liberal operationalization, individual scores for neonatal “imitation” of tongue protrusion failed to predict any of the later‐developing social cognitive behaviours. The average Spearman correlation was close to zero, meanrs = 0.027, 95% CI [−0.020, 0.075], with all Bonferroni adjustedpvalues > .999. These results run counter to Meltzoff et al.'s rebuttal, and to the existence of a “like me” mechanism in neonates that is foundational to human social cognition.
Resource allocation to growth or luxury consumption drives mycorrhizal responses
Authors: Riley Rohan C. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Brien Chris , Smith F. Andrew , Smith Sally E. , Berger Bettina , Garnett Trevor , Stonor Rebecca , Schilling Rhiannon K. , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Powell Jeff R.
Published: August 2019

Highly variable phenotypic responses in mycorrhizal plants challenge our functional understanding of plant‐fungal mutualisms. Using non‐invasive high‐throughput phenotyping, we observed that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi relieved phosphorus (P) limitation and enhanced growth of Brachypodium distachyon under P‐limited conditions, while photosynthetic limitation under low nitrogen (N) was exacerbated by the fungus. However, these responses were strongly dependent on host genotype: only the faster growing genotype (Bd3‐1) utilised P transferred from the fungus to achieve improved growth under P‐limited conditions. Under low N, the slower growing genotype (Bd21) had a carbon and N surplus that was linked to a less negative growth response compared with the faster growing genotype. These responses were linked to the regulation of N : P stoichiometry, couples resource allocation to growth or luxury consumption in diverse plant lineages. Our results attest strongly to a mechanism in plants by which plant genotype‐specific resource economics drive phenotypic outcomes during AM symbioses.
The Means to and Meaning of “Being There” in Responsible Fatherhood Programming with Low‐Income Fathers
Authors: Randles Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Objective

To understand how low‐income men's views of paternal responsibility shape their engagement with fatherhood program messages and services.

Background

Research on the situated contexts of fathering has found that the social and symbolic dimensions of fathering spaces influence how men construct and enact fatherhood scripts. Qualitative studies of fatherhood programs have mostly investigated parenting education and job assistance programs, revealing how fathering interventions allow disadvantaged men to shape positive paternal identities.

Method

In‐depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with a nonrandom sample of 64 primarily Black and Latino low‐income fathers who participated in a federally funded responsible fatherhood program. An inductive coding technique was used to identify reasons men enrolled, the alignment of program messages with fathers' views, and how the program allowed fathers to negotiate obstacles to sustained involvement.

Results

Fathers overwhelmingly found the program valuable because it offered the social and economic means they needed to enact varied meanings of paternal responsibility—or “being there.” Most fathers reported that the program allowed them to realize their involvement goals, thereby enabling them to better align their paternal identities and behaviors.

Conclusion

Fatherhood programming that promotes a broader idea of paternal provision to include money and care aligns with how disadvantaged fathers tailor their understandings of paternal involvement to account for socioeconomic constraints, including poverty and racism.

Implications

Fatherhood interventions can influence disadvantaged men's abilities to claim and enact responsible parent identities, but programs must address the importance of resources and opportunities, including and especially access to well‐paid work, for shaping paternal involvement.
Online engagement and cognitive function among older adults
Authors: Amini Reza , Chee Kyong Hee , Mendieta Maximiliano , Parker Shan
Published: August 2019

Aim

Social engagement is known to serve an important role in cognitive health, but there has been limited information on the role of online engagement. The present study aimed to identify the benefits of different online activities for the cognitive function of older adults.

Methods

Data came from the National Health and Aging Trend Study, Round I–V (2011–2015), with >8000 respondents from Medicare beneficiaries. Cognitive function was measured by the Clock Drawing Test and immediate 10‐word recall. The respondents were also asked if they carried out any of the online activities listed.

Results

Some online activities, such as email, texting and seeking medical information, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Whereas contacting a medical provider using online can increase the risk of cognitive decline.

Conclusions

Given the findings, the development of new technologies for online social engagement needs to be one of the priorities for researchers and policymakers in the field of aging and dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 918–923.
Renewable sources: applications in personal care formulations
Authors: Mellou F. , Varvaresou A. , Papageorgiou S.
Published: August 2019

A global tendency for products considered environmentally sustainable, and ecologically obtained led the industry related to personal care formulations to fund the research and the development of personal care/cosmetics containing ingredients from natural resources. Furthermore, consumers are aware of environmental and sustainability issueans, thus not harming the environment represents a key consideration when developing a new cosmetic ingredient. In this study we review some examples of active ingredients or raw materials used in cosmetics/personal care/biomedical products that are coming from either through biotechnological systems, or as byproducts of several industries. A skin formulation containing biosynthetic actives, prepared by us and the study regarding its dermocosmetic properties are also described. The need for the standardization processes, the safety assessment tools, the improvement of the exploitation methods of these renewable sources in order the production to be ecologically and economically better are also discussed.
Telmisartan cardioprotects from the ischaemic/hypoxic damage through a miR‐1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Trotta Maria Consiglia , Ferraro Bartolo , Messina Antonietta , Panarese Iacopo , Gulotta Eliana , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , D’Amico Michele , Pieretti Gorizio
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate whether telmisartan protects the heart from the ischaemia/reperfusion damage through a local microRNA‐1 modulation. Studies on the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury in vivo and on the cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation damage in vitro were done. In vivo, male Sprague‐Dawley rats administered for 3 weeks with telmisartan 12 mg/kg/d by gastric gavage underwent ischaemia/reperfusion of the left descending coronary artery. In these rats, infarct size measurement, ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that expressions of connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and the protein Bcl‐2 were significantly increased by telmisartan in the reperfused myocardium, paralleled by microRNA‐1 down‐regulation. In vitro, the transfection of cardiomyocytes with microRNA‐1 reduced the expressions of connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and Bcl‐2 in the cells. Telmisartan (50 µmol/L) 60 minutes before hypoxia/reoxygenation, while not affecting the levels of miR‐1 in transfected cells in normoxic condition, almost abolished the increment of miR‐1 induced by the hypoxia/reoxygenation to transfected cells. All together, telmisartan cardioprotected against the myocardial damage through the microRNA‐1 modulation, and consequent modifications of its downstream target connexin 43, potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily Q member 1 and Bcl‐2.
Recurrence rate and associated factors of borderline ovarian tumors in the south of Vietnam
Authors: Vo Tuan M. , Duong Kim A. , Tran Ly T.‐H. , Bui Thanh C.
Published: August 2019

Aim

This study aimed to determine the recurrence rate and related risk factors of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 433 patients who were surgically treated for primary BOT at Tu Du Hospital from 11/2008 to 09/2015. We used the life table method to estimate the cumulative recurrence rate. We used the log–rank test and Cox proportional hazard model to determine recurrence‐associated factors.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 43 months (range: 3–105 months). Eighteen patients developed recurrence. The cumulative BOT recurrence rates at year 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5–2.8), 3.0% (95% CI = 1.7–5.2), 4.6% (95% CI = 2.9–7.4), and 5.1% (95% CI = 3.2–8.0), respectively. In the final multivariate model, a higher recurrence rate was significantly associated with primary tumor stages (stage I vs stages II and III, hazards ratio [HR] = 4.44, 95% CI = 1.60–12.38), pre‐operative tumor's capsule rupture (HR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.78–9.64), and cystectomy (HR = 5.33, 95% CI = 1.43–19.91).

Conclusion

The overall BOT recurrence rate in women in southern Vietnam was moderate. Primary tumor stage, capsule rupture, and cystectomy were main factors associated with BOT recurrence. Appropriate follow‐up strategies for patients with high‐risk factors are needed for early detection and management of recurrence.
Case report of two pregnancies and deliveries by a woman with Buerger disease
Authors: Ohwada Tetsuro , Kamiyama Yoichiro , Watanabe Koji , Kamiyama Tomonari , Maeda Tsuyoshi , Mori Yu
Published: August 2019

Buerger disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves blood clot formation in the medium and small arteries, resulting in thrombophlebitis. It is usually observed in middle‐aged men who smoke and is very rare in young women. Previous reports have indicated that Buerger disease worsens during pregnancy due to hypercoagulability associated with pregnancy, and newborns' birth weights were often lower than normal. This report describes a young woman with Buerger disease who experienced two pregnancies and deliveries. During the 1st pregnancy, d‐dimer and soluble fibrin levels slightly increased, but no treatment was needed. However, during the 2nd pregnancy, d‐dimer and soluble fibrin levels abruptly increased at 20 weeks of pregnancy, and heparin was administered subcutaneously. Four days after heparin administration, d‐dimer and soluble fibrin levels decreased to normal pregnancy levels. d‐dimer and soluble fibrin measurements were useful for evaluating the coagulation tendencies of this pregnant woman with Buerger disease.
Temporal profiling of simplified lemonade using temporal dominance of sensations and temporal check‐all‐that‐apply
Authors: Wu Anna Zhenan , Lee Rachel W. , Calvé Bénédicte Le , Cayeux Isabelle
Published: August 2019

Given that little is known about how sensory interactions during lemonade consumption unfold over time, we studied the impact of citric acid level and type of sweetener on dynamic perception of simplified lemonade using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal check‐all‐that‐apply (TCATA). We found that citric acid level did not impact perception of lemon flavor. Instead, the sweetener type had an impact on the rate and duration with which lemon flavor was perceived as dominant in TDS, but not its overall citation duration and rates in TCATA. In terms of licorice taste, SG 95 (95% steviol glycosides) solutions with higher levels of citric acid had relatively lower dominance/citation rates and duration than SG 95 samples with lower levels of citric acid. Sweetness was perceived to be more dominant and more frequently cited for sucrose than SG 95 solutions, especially at the early tasting stage. Finally, results showed that both TDS and TCATA provided useful and complementary information for the study of sensory interactions.

Practical Applications

Understanding the dynamic sensory interaction of cross‐modality perceptions of lemonade could help product developers to formulate the low calorie natural sweetener drink. The results elucidate the impact of sweetener type and citric acid level on dynamic perception of simplified lemonade. TDS and TCATA are able to provide complementary information on dynamic sensory perception.
Effects of supplementing broiler diets with coriander seed powder on growth performance, blood haematology, ileum microflora and economic efficiency
Authors: Taha Ayman E. , Hassan Saber S. , Shewita Ramadan S. , El‐seidy Ahmed A. , Abd El‐Hack Mohamed E. , Hussein El-sayed O.S. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Swelum Ayman A. , El‐Edel Mohamed A.
Published: August 2019

A total of 480 one‐day‐old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, each including six replicates (n = 20/replicate). Broilers in the first group (G1) were fed a basal diet without any additives (control). Broilers in groups 2, 3 and 4 (G2, G3 and G4) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed powder (CSP) respectively. Feeding trials lasted for 42 days, and after that growth, carcass traits, haematological parameters, gut microbiota and economic efficiency (EE) were evaluated. Final body weight (FBW), total weight gain (TWG), total feed intake (TFI) and red blood cell (RBC) counts of broilers in the G4 and G3 treatment groups were significantly higher (p < .05) compared with broilers in the G1 treatment group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (p < .05) in the G4 treatment group (1.72) than in the G1 treatment group (1.84). Broilers in CSP treatment groups had significantly higher haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet counts, and had lower (p < .05) Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens counts compared with broilers in the G1 treatment group. Dressing, liver, pancreas, bursa and thymus percentages were higher (p < .05) in broilers in the G4 (70.30, 3.18, 0.31, 0.10 and 0.32% respectively) treatment group, compared with broilers in the control (G1) group (66.57, 2.37, 0.23, 0.04 and 0.21% respectively). Broilers in treatment groups G4 and G3 had lower percentages of abdominal fat and lower total bacterial counts (p < .05) than broilers in treatment groups G2 and G1. The highest economic efficiency (EE) was found in treatment group G4, and EE in this group was 13.06% greater than in the control (G1) group.
An ensemble machine learning‐based modeling framework for analysis of traffic crash frequency
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Waller S. Travis , Jiang Peng
Published: August 2019

This study is, to our knowledge, the first in the literature to introduce a modeling framework for analyzing traffic crash frequency based on a series of ensemble machine learning (EML) methods. The main objectives of this study are fourfold: (a) to design a systematic EML‐based framework for crash frequency analysis, (b) to comprehensively compare the performance in analyzing crash frequency by different optimized EML models, (c) to identify significant contributors to crash frequency, and (d) to propose the approach to construct schemes to reduce traffic crashes. To achieve the research goal, the Highway Safety Information System database that includes records of over 1.5 million crashes is employed for model estimation and validation. We first optimize the EML models for crash analysis via the k‐fold cross‐training, including the two averaging methods of random forest and extremely randomized trees, and the two boosting methods of adaptive boosting and gradient tree boosting. Then, we assess the behavior of the optimized models, and conduct a sensitivity test to validate the stability of model performance. Furthermore, we evaluate the relative importance of features to crash frequency by using the Gini diversity index. The results indicate that the two averaging EML models can achieve desirable performance in crash frequency analysis, which outperform the two boosting EML models, in terms of predictive accuracy, generalization ability, and stability. From the results, we explore new insights into the significance of contributors to crash occurrence. Finally, we present the approach of safety improvements for transport facilities.
Diagnosis and treatment of otomycosis in southern China
Authors: Li Yongqi , He Lifeng
Published: August 2019

To analyse and discuss the clinical features and pathogenic characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with otomycosis in southern China. Two hundred fifty‐six patients from southern China diagnosed with otomycosis were randomly separated into two groups: the drug filling group and drug smearing group. Patients in the drug filling group were first examined and then had the pathogenic secretions in their external auditory canals cleared by otoendoscopy. Then, the local antifungal cream triamcinolone acetonide clotrimazole was injected into the external auditory canal. The same treatment was undertaken 1 week later and repeated once or twice more. Patients in the drug smearing group were also treated by otoendoscopy. Then, they were told to smear their external auditory canals once per day with the antifungal cream. All cases were followed for more than 6 months after the 3‐ to 4‐week treatment. The main symptoms and otoendoscopic examination were used to evaluate the prognosis. Aspergillus was the commonest fungus. The cure rate was 93% in the drug filling group and 81% in the drug smearing group. Otomycosis is very common in southern China, but it lacks characteristic features in its early stages. Once diagnosed, the local lesions in the external auditory canal should be cleared thoroughly using otoendoscopy, and then, the local antifungal cream is injected into external auditory canal. The cure rate can be significantly improved with the foregoing treatment.
Imaging and spatial analysis of hematopoietic stem cell niches
Authors: Gomariz Alvaro , Isringhausen Stephan , Helbling Patrick M. , Nombela‐Arrieta César
Published: August 2019

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been long proposed to reside in defined anatomical locations within bone marrow (BM) tissues in direct contact or close proximity to nurturing cell types. Imaging techniques that allow the simultaneous mapping of HSCs and interacting cell types have been central to the discovery of basic principles of these so‐called HSC niches. Despite major progress in the field, a quantitative and comprehensive model of the cellular and molecular components that define these specialized microenvironments is lacking to date, and uncertainties remain on the preferential localization of HSCs in the context of complex BM tissue landscapes. Recent technological breakthroughs currently allow for the quantitative spatial analysis of BM cellular components with extraordinary precision. Here, we critically discuss essential technical aspects related to imaging approaches, image processing tools, and spatial statistics, which constitute the three basic elements of rigorous quantitative spatial analyses of HSC niches in the BM microenvironment.
Focusing on the nuclear and subnuclear dynamics of light and circadian signalling
Authors: Ronald James , Davis Seth J.
Published: August 2019

Circadian clocks provide organisms the ability to synchronize their internal physiological responses with the external environment. This process, termed entrainment, occurs through the perception of internal and external stimuli. As with other organisms, in plants, the perception of light is a critical for the entrainment and sustainment of circadian rhythms. Red, blue, far‐red, and UV‐B light are perceived by the oscillator through the activity of photoreceptors. Four classes of photoreceptors signal to the oscillator: phytochromes, cryptochromes, UVR8, and LOV‐KELCH domain proteins. In most cases, these photoreceptors localize to the nucleus in response to light and can associate to subnuclear structures to initiate downstream signalling. In this review, we will highlight the recent advances made in understanding the mechanisms facilitating the nuclear and subnuclear localization of photoreceptors and the role these subnuclear bodies have in photoreceptor signalling, including to the oscillator. We will also highlight recent progress that has been made in understanding the regulation of the nuclear and subnuclear localization of components of the plant circadian clock.
PART I: The role of public health nursing in addressing health care needs of children in foster care
Authors: Carabez Rebecca , Kim Jung Eun
Published: August 2019

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to describe the role of Public Health Nurses (PHN) addressing the needs of children and adolescents in foster care.

Background

Children in foster care have more physical, mental, dental, developmental health problems than the general pediatric population. National data indicate that between 30%‐80% of children come into foster care with at least one physical health problem.

Design

An online survey was developed to describe PHN day‐to day activities, PHN funding, case load and case management responsibilities.

Method

Thirty‐nine PHNs completed the survey (72% response rate).

Results

Nurses described the most important needs as being mental and emotional health services, self‐esteem/self‐worth and dental care. Care coordination, case management and monitoring/oversight of psychotropic medications were the top responsibilities.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that public health nursing expertise is an essential part of the child welfare team in addressing medical, dental, mental and developmental needs of children in foster care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

There is an expanding role of Public Health Nurses in non‐health care settings to intervene at the system level of the Intervention Wheel that includes policy development and enforcement, community organizing, and coalition building.