bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of effective safety risk mitigating factors for well control drilling operation
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Hassan Razali Bin , Sherwani Fahad , Abbas Zaheer , Shahbaz Muhammad Saeed , Soomro Qadir Mehmood
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Every year, hundreds of people have died and thousands have been injured because of insufficient management of well control at oil and gas drilling and production sites. Major causes which have been reported in previous studies included uncontrollable blowouts and failure of blowout preventers because of insufficient safety practices. These onshore and offshore blowout disasters not only harm the work force but also critically affect the environment and marine life. In this research paper, a detailed quantitative survey and qualitative risk assessments (RA) have been carried out for assessing the potentially hazardous activities associated with well control along with their appropriate controls and risk reduction factors and mitigating measures in Middle East and south East Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The sequential explanatory research design has been adopted in this study. Whereas, descriptive statistical approach has been used for the quantitative data analysis of this study. While, in-depth interview approach has been used for qualitative data collection. Similarly, what-if analysis method has been adopted in this study for the identification of effective safety and health risk mitigating factors because it provides in-depth information from health and safety environment experts.

Findings

The cumulative quantitative results based on the response from Saudi Arabian drilling industry have indicated that the well control operation is highly hazardous then Malaysian and Pakistani oil and gas industries. Likewise, findings from what-if analysis approach demonstrate that the drilling crewmembers have repetitively faced life threatening hazards which occur (safety and chemical) during well control onshore and offshore operation because of oil base mud, confined space at site, pinch points and falling during working on blow out preventers. According to the overall result, respondents have highly recommended engineering and administrative hazard controlling factors as most suitable for the elimination of safety and chemical hazards during well control activities.

Practical implications

Besides, the developed methodological framework for the identification of suitable hazard controls can also be effectively used for potential hazards reorganization and identification of suitable hazard controls for other drilling and production industries and regions for accident prevention and safety and health management.

Originality/value

This is a first comparative research study which has been carried out in Malaysian, Saudi Arabian and Pakistani onshore and offshore oil and gas industries for well control health and safety management and reorganization of most effective hazards mitigating factors at drilling sites.
The invention of the shopping mall
Authors: Styhre Alexander
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The economic system of competitive capitalism strives toward liquid markets wherein the cost for transacting is minimized. Liquidity is mostly addressed in association with abstract markets (e.g. the securities market), but also consumer markets are determined by liquidity concerns. The purpose of this paper is to examine the shopping mall concept, developed by the architect and social reformer Victor Gruen during the early 1950s, as a form of production of capitalist space, intended to reduce transaction costs. As an auxiliary benefit, Gruen envisioned the shopping mall as a cultural and civic center in the midst of the satellite town of suburbia, the new site of urban expansion during the post-war boom decades.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews secondary literature on the historical development of the shopping mall as a consumer space. In addition, relevant economic and social science literature is referenced.

Findings

The architecture, design, ornamentation and day-to-day management of the shopping mall were premised on a consumerist way of life, ultimately serving as an all-too-visual index of the triumph of competitive capitalism in the cold war era. However, Gruen’s accomplishments were gradually compromised by the interest of money-minded developers and construction industry actors, and the shopping mall arguably never fulfilled the social and cultural function that Gruen anticipated. Regardless of such outcomes, the production of capitalist space as scripted by Gruen is still determining everyday life in consumer society, making Gruen a key figure, albeit only limitedly recognized, in the history of late modern society and in the capitalist economy.

Originality/value

The paper emphasizes the role of Victor Gruen in the post-Second World War period, being one of the most influential practitioners and social reformers in the era. Furthermore, the paper stresses how market liquidity is a key concern in Gruen’s project to create a communal space for the American suburban population in the era of the expanding welfare state.
Determinants of dividend payout of construction companies: a panel data analysis
Authors: Singla Harish Kumar , Samanta Pradeepta Kumar
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the determinants of the dividend policy of the construction companies in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 2011 to 2016 (six years) of 45 listed construction companies in India are collected, and a strong balanced panel is created. Dividend per share is dependent variable, and profitability, unstable earnings, institutional holding, cash flow, tangibility, liquidity, growth opportunities, age of the firm, life cycle, leverage, size of firm and taxation are explanatory variables. The panel is tested for stationarity and finally fixed and random-effect panel regression model with robust estimation option is performed.

Findings

The random effect model is found fit with an R2 of 62 per cent, and profitability, life cycle and size of the firm show a significant positive effect on dividend payment. Cash flow shows a negative significant relationship, indicating the presence of agency problem. Rest of the variables indicated an insignificant relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study is carried out on a small sample of 45 companies with data of only six years. Further, there may be behavioral and psychological factors that drive the decision to declare dividend. Those factors have not been considered in present study. Despite considerable efforts, the author could not find more studies specific to the construction sector. Hence, the variables identified in the present study are more generic, even though a few sector-specific studies have been included.

Originality/value

The dividend policy determinants for the construction sector in India are investigated, and a comprehensive model based on 12 explanatory variables is tested to find the drivers of dividend payout in Indian construction companies. From the investor’s point of view, the sector has immense potential in terms of dividend as well as capital appreciation. Therefore, the study can be useful to the investors to understand the drivers of dividend payout in the construction sector. It can also be crucial for companies to create an appropriate dividend policy so as to attract and retain investors. The study contributes significantly to the existing body of knowledge by recommending the salient drivers of dividend payout in the construction sector based on a comprehensive dataset and using robust methodology.
Characterization of SAC – x NiO nano-reinforced lead-free solder joint in an ultra-fine package assembly
Authors: Che Ani Fakhrozi , Jalar Azman , Saad Abdullah Aziz , Khor Chu Yee , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Bachok Zuraihana , Othman Norinsan Kamil
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the NiO nano-reinforced solder joint characteristics of ultra-fine electronic package.

Design/methodology/approach

Lead-free Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder paste was mixed with various percentages of NiO nanoparticles to prepare the new form of nano-reinforced solder paste. The solder paste was applied to assemble the ultra-fine capacitor using the reflow soldering process. A focussed ion beam, high resolution transmission electron microscopy system equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used in this study. In addition, X-ray inspection system, field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nanoindenter were used to analyse the solder void, microstructure, hardness and fillet height of the solder joint.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the highest fillet height was obtained with the content of 0.01 Wt.% of nano-reinforced NiO, which fulfilled the reliability requirements of the international IPC standard. However, the presence of the NiO in the lead-free solder paste only slightly influenced the changes of the intermetallic layer with the increment of weighted percentage. Moreover, the simulation method was applied to observe the distribution of NiO nanoparticles in the solder joint.

Originality/value

The findings are expected to provide a profound understanding of nano-reinforced solder joint’s characteristics of the ultra-fine package.
Investigating the role of EFQM enablers in innovation performance
Authors: Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Gotzamani Katerina
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework to investigate how the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model enablers influence the four types (product, process, organizational and marketing) of innovation performance of a manufacturing firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey data from a sample of 580 manufacturing firms in Greece and employs structural equation modeling to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that enablers of the EFQM model are either directly or indirectly associated with the four types of innovation. Furthermore, the findings show that it is essential for a firm to manage all the facilitating enablers included in the EFQM model, since they cannot boost innovation when implemented in isolation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to one country (Greece). In addition, researchers have to assess the same relationships considering the effect of external factors such as environmental uncertainty. The potential consequences of enablers on innovation performance may be mediated by customer or people results.

Practical implications

The empirical findings of the present study help managers to develop the appropriate quality strategies and allocate the respective resources according to the desired type of innovation.

Originality/value

Based on the multi-dimensional structure of quality, this empirical study determines the contribution of EFQM model enablers to specific innovation performance dimensions of manufacturing companies.
Asocial memories, ‘poisonous knowledge’, and haunting in Mongolia
Authors: Buyandelger Manduhai
Published: December 2018

This article argues that memories that come from contexts that are adversarial, and that are not always based on communication and sociality, should be better integrated within the existing theories of social memory. Shamans in postsocialist Mongolia claim that previously suppressed origin spirits demand that their descendants become initiated as shamans in exchange for ceasing to harass them for forgetting and abandonment. Some clients refuse to become initiated as shamans and thus choose to sever their relationship with their past. In this article I explore one such refusal, which led to a disintegration of existing social ties, while also yielding unexpected memories. These memories are different from the shared memories that emerge in the context of organized shamanic rituals. Circulated through rumour and supposition instead of positive sociality and sharing, these ‘asocial’ memories also act as a particular kind of ‘poisonous knowledge’, prompting each individual to withdraw from the network as a way of avoiding the alleged harm from unattended spirits. Owing to divergent subject positioning, where one person's remembering is another's forgetting, the haunting by unwanted memories continues, as resolution through unifying communal ritual is not possible.
Current knowledge of buttermilk: Composition, applications in the food industry, nutritional and beneficial health characteristics
Authors: Ali Abdelmoneim H
Published: December 2018

Buttermilk is one of the most important by‐products of the dairy industry. Approximately 2 million tonnes were produced within the European Union in 2015. Recently, buttermilk has gained increasing attention due to its unique structure, characteristics, and promising applications. It is classified as a functional food because it contains water‐soluble components, polar lipids and milk fat globule membranes. This review is focused on buttermilk composition, global production, and applications in several food industries. Furthermore, the beneficial characteristics of buttermilk for human health are highlighted.
Banishment
Authors: Torres Jose A. , Apkarian Jacob
Published: December 2018

Research Summary

We test the degree to which a public housing banishment policy specifically deters overall drug and violent offenses in public housing using a stratified sample of 345 individuals, banned between 2004 and 2012, in one public housing authority (PHA). We find that individual offending (trespass, drug, violent, gun, and property offenses) in public housing increases after being banned. Increases in trespass offenses, specifically for male offenders with limited history of offending prior to being banned, primarily explain the increases. Being banned, however, significantly reduced drug and violent offending for individuals with histories of drug and violent offending in public housing. These individuals were arrested when they were banned, which suggests to us that bans alone may not reduce drug and violent offending.

Policy Implications

Banishment enforcement should be tailored toward drug and violent offenders using focused deterrence strategies. Targeted enforcement could minimize the harm done to those who are violating bans with legitimate reasons for being in public housing, such as those fulfilling familial obligations, while still producing crime reduction benefits. As a benefit, these changes may increase police legitimacy among public housing residents as they watch police in their communities provide fair and meaningful solutions as it relates to crime brought on by nonresidents.
Network analysis for co‐occurrence of pest insects on host crops
Authors: Do Yuno , Choi Moon Bo
Published: December 2018

In this study, the co‐occurrence patterns of 618 pest insects for 47 host crops, including vegetables, grains, and fruits, were identified. To identify the pest co‐occurrence patterns for various crops, and the interactions among the pest insects and crops, we employed social network analysis methods. We used three traditional centrality measures (degree, closeness, and eigenvector) to determine the relative significance of each crop and pest as a node in the network. Throughout the network analysis, crops and pest nodes were divided into six groups, based on modularity. Crops in the same group could be considered as alternate hosts for pests from the same group. There were clear differences in the cultural practices between groups (i.e., dryland farming versus wetland farming). This indicated that dryland crop pests do not use wetland crops as resources. Pome fruit trees, such as apple and pear, had high centrality indices, which indicated the importance of these crops in the network and their high vulnerability to damage by a multitude of pests. In this study, although it was assumed that all crops were cultivated on the same piece of land during a single growing season, the complex interactions between the whole units were visualized and analyzed as a computable network.
Insecticidal and antifeeding activity of Perilla frutescens‐derived material against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyung , Cho Sun‐Ran , Kim Gil‐Hah
Published: December 2018

Insecticidal and antifeeding activities against Plutella xylostella were observed using whole‐plant‐derived Perilla frutescens material. The active ingredient in P. frutescens was identified by spectroscopic analysis as the sesquiterpenoid α‐farnesene, which showed insecticidal activity against third‐instar larva of P. xylostella in a leaf‐dipping bioassay based on 24‐h LD50 values (LD50 = 53.7 ppm). The feeding inhibition rate of α‐farnesene was 82.98% against P. xylostella at 10 ppm, and the antifeeding responses were determined using an oscilloscope to detect electrophysiological responses. The electrophysiological responses of the medial styloconic sensillum (MSS) were approximately 7‐fold more sensitive at 100 ppm than those of the lateral styloconic sensillum (LSS). These results suggest that the insecticidal and antifeeding effect of α‐farnesene, which is a P. frutescens‐derived material, can be used as a potential control agent for P. xylostella.
Occurrence of Heterocyclic Amines in Commercial Fast‐Food Meat Products Available on the Chinese Market and Assessment of Human Exposure to these Compounds
Authors: Khan Iftikhar Ali , Yiqun Cheng , Zongshuai Zhu , Ijaz Muhammad Umair , Brohi Sarfaraz Ahmed , Ahmad Muhammad Ijaz , Shi Caiyue , Hussain Muzahir , Huang Jichao , Huang Ming
Published: December 2018

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) have been identified as highly mutagenic and are risk factors for human cancer. In recent years, the intake of fast‐food meat products has increased exponentially due to their convenience. Therefore, it is important to assess the health risks of HCAs and provide useful public dietary guidelines. Eight fast‐food meat products were selected from the Chinese market, including chicken, beef, and fish, to evaluate their health risk in conjunction with HCAs. Crispy chicken drumsticks contained the maximum level of total HCAs (24.18 ± 3.57 ng/g), followed by crispy fried chicken burgers (19.99 ± 1.41 ng/g) and traditional Chinese nuggets (19.17 ± 1.23 ng/g), whereas shrimp cake burgers had the lowest levels (13.17 ± 1.77 ng/g). Crispy chicken drumsticks (men: 169.12 ng/day, women: 108.70 ng/day), hot chicken wings (men: 126.32 ng/day, women: 142.11 ng/day), and crispy fried chicken burgers (men: 129.78 ng/day, women: 59.91 ng/day) were found to provide the highest dietary intake of HCAs in both genders, which may lead to an increase in colorectal and breast cancers.

Practical Applications

The rapid expansion of the Chinese fast‐food industry has promoted serious health problems, such as colorectal cancer and some cardiovascular diseases. Several epidemiological studies revealed that a high intake of processed meats may increase the risk of cancer in humans because cooking food proteins, such as meat, at high temperatures could produce high levels of carcinogenic compounds, such as HCAs. Because of the vast variation in eating habits, preparation methods and the frequency of meat consumption, it is important to evaluate the accurate level of HCAs in commercially available fast‐food meat products with the aim to clarify the association between processed meats and the health risk.
Women‘s experiences of postterm induction of labor: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Lou Stina , Hvidman Lone , Uldbjerg Niels , Neumann Lone , Jensen Trine Fritzner , Haben Joke‐Gesine , Carstensen Kathrine
Published: December 2018

Background

Over the last decade, induction of labor (IOL) in postterm pregnancies has increased. Studies have shown the medical advantages of postterm IOL, but less is known about the perspectives of the pregnant women. This review aimed to summarize the current qualitative evidence on women’s experience of postterm IOL.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in three databases. A total of 3193 publications were identified, but only eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis guided the data extraction and synthesis. The Confidence in the Evidence for Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) approach was used to assess confidence in the findings.

Results

Three major findings were identified. First, for some women, IOL required a shift in expectations because the hope of spontaneous labor had to be given up. Second, the IOL decision was considered a recommendation from health care professionals and was experienced as a nondecision. Finally, the induction process was experienced as a sequential set of steps where the women were expected to fit into the existing hospital organization. The CERQual assessment suggested moderate confidence in all findings.

Discussion

The negative experiences identified in this review can be greatly reduced by a communicative and patient‐centered approach. To support informed choice and shared decision making, women need high‐quality, unbiased information about IOL, alternative options, and potential outcomes, in addition to time for reflection on their personal values and preferences. Women may need a professionally initiated and supported opportunity to re‐evaluate their hopes and expectations before IOL.
The development of mental rotation abilities through robotics‐based instruction: An experience mediated by gender
Authors: González‐Calero José Antonio , Cózar Ramón , Villena Rafael , Merino José Miguel
Published: December 2018

The research literature on the topic of “spatial ability” reveals that it has a major influence on achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Additionally, previous studies indicate the existence of a gender gap in spatial ability in favour of males. Mental rotation, one subskill of spatial ability, is an area in which gender differences are greater. At the same time, educational robotics is seen as one of the more promising technologies in educational contexts for the future. We conducted a quasi‐experimental study with 142 seven‐ and eight‐year‐old students aimed at analysing whether robotics‐based instruction may produce greater learning gains on mental rotation abilities compared to traditional instruction. The intervention was developed in the context of map‐reading tasks, which are part of the curricular content in Mathematics and Social Sciences at this age. The results showed that for males, the robotics‐based instruction promoted a significantly greater improvement in students’ mental rotation abilities compared to the control group. By contrast, no significant differences were observed for females. Although this study provides empirical evidence of the potential of robotics‐based instruction, future studies need to deeply analyse the existence of gender differences in the learning gains obtained through educational robotics.
Inflammatory and regulatory CCL and CXCL chemokine and cytokine cellular responses in patients with patentMansonella perstansfilariasis
Authors: Wangala B , Gantin RG , Voßberg P S , Vovor A , Poutouli WP , Komlan K , Banla M , Köhler C , Soboslay PT
Published: December 2018

Mansonella perstans (Mp) filariasis is present in large populations in sub-Saharan Africa, and to what extent patent Mp infection modulates the expression of immunity in patients, notably their cellular cytokine and chemokine response profile, remains not well known. We studied the spontaneous and inducible cellular production of chemokines (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) [monokine induced by interferon (IFN)-γ (MIG)], CXCL-10 [inducible protein (IP)-10], chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 24 (CCL24) (eotaxin-2), CCL22 [macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)], CCL13 [monocyte chemotactic protein-4 (MCP-4)], CCL18 [pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC)], CCL17 [thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC)] and interleukin (IL)-27 in mansonelliasis patients (Mp-PAT) and mansonelliasis-free controls (CTRL). Freshly isolated peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) were stimulated with helminth, protozoan and bacterial antigens and mitogen [phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)]. PBMC from Mp-PAT produced spontaneously (without antigen stimulation) significantly higher levels of eotaxin-2, IL-27, IL-8, MCP-4 and MDC than cells from CTRL, while IFN-γ-IP-10 was lower in Mp-PAT. Helminth antigens activated IL-27 and MCP-4 only in CTRL, while Ascaris antigen, Onchocerca antigen, Schistosoma antigen, Entamoeba antigen, Streptococcus antigen, Mycobacteria antigen and PHA stimulated MIG release in CTRL and Mp-PAT. Notably, Entamoeba antigen and PHA strongly depressed (P < 0·0001) eotaxin-2 (CCL24) production in both study groups. Multiple regression analyses disclosed in Mp-PAT and CTRL dissimilar cellular chemokine and cytokine production levels being higher in Mp-PAT for CCL24, IL-27, IL-8, MCP-4, MDC and PARC (for all P < 0·0001), at baseline (P < 0·0001), in response to Entamoeba histolytica strain HM1 antigen (EhAg) (P < 0·0001), Onchocerca volvulus adult worm-derived antigen (OvAg) (P = 0·005), PHA (P < 0·0001) and purified protein derivative (PPD) (P < 0·0001) stimulation. In Mp-PAT with hookworm co-infection, the cellular chemokine production of CXCL10 (IP-10) was diminished. In summary, the chemokine and cytokine responses in Mp-PAT were in general not depressed, PBMC from Mp-PAT produced spontaneously and selectively inducible inflammatory and regulatory chemokines and cytokines at higher levels than CTRL and such diverse and distinctive reactivity supports that patent M. perstans infection will not polarize innate and adaptive cellular immune responsiveness in patients.
The many faces of peroxisomal disorders: Lessons from a large Arab cohort
Authors: Alshenaifi Jumanah , Ewida Nour , Anazi Shams , Shamseldin Hanan E. , Patel Nisha , Maddirevula Sateesh , Al‐Sheddi Tarfa , Alomar Rana , Alobeid Eman , Ibrahim Niema , Hashem Mais , Abdulwahab Firdous , Jacob Minnie , Alhashem Amal , Alzaidan Hamad I. , Seidahmed Mohammed Z. , Alhashemi Nadia , Rawashdeh Rifaat , Eyaid Wafaa , Al‐Hassnan Zuhair N. , Rahbeeni Zuhair , Alswaid Abdulrahman , Hadid Adnan , Qari Alya , Mohammed Dia A. , El Khashab Heba Y. , Alfadhel Majid , Abanemai Mohammad , Sunbul Rawda , Al Tala Saeed , Alkhalifi Salwa , Alkharfi Turki , Abouelhoda Mohamed , Monies Dorota , Al Tassan Nada , AlDubayan Saud H. , Kurdi Wesam , Al‐Owain Mohammed , Dasouki Majed J. , Kentab Amal Y. , Atyani Suha , Makhseed Nawal , Faqeih Eissa , Shaheen Ranad , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: December 2018

Defects in the peroxisomes biogenesis and/or function result in peroxisomal disorders. In this study, we describe the largest Arab cohort to date (72 families) of clinically, biochemically and molecularly characterized patients with peroxisomal disorders. At the molecular level, we identified 43 disease‐causing variants, half of which are novel. The founder nature of many of the variants allowed us to calculate the minimum disease burden for these disorders in our population ~1:30 000, which is much higher than previous estimates in other populations. Clinically, we found an interesting trend toward genotype/phenotype correlation in terms of long‐term survival. Nearly half (40/75) of our peroxisomal disorders patients had documented survival beyond 1 year of age. Most unusual among the long‐term survivors was a multiplex family in which the affected members presented as adults with non‐specific intellectual disability and epilepsy. Other unusual presentations included the very recently described peroxisomal fatty acyl‐CoA reductase 1 disorder as well as CRD, spastic paraparesis, white matter (CRSPW) syndrome. We conclude that peroxisomal disorders are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Our data also confirm the demonstration that milder forms of Zellweger spectrum disorders cannot be ruled out by the “gold standard” very long chain fatty acids assay, which highlights the value of a genomics‐first approach in these cases.
Policy on Children's Work and Labour
Authors: Bourdillon Michael , Carothers Richard
Published: December 2018

Current international child labour policies emphasise removing children from work rather than improving their well‐being. Prohibited ‘child labour’ extends beyond work shown to be harmful, and work in poorer, majority‐world societies is particularly targeted. These policies ignore benefits that children can gain from work, and have been developed largely without the involvement of the children, families and communities most concerned, limiting chances of successful outcomes. This paper argues for alternative approaches, developed in collaboration with children and their communities, focussing on children's well‐being and development, and protecting children from harm and exploitation while allowing them to benefit from appropriate work.
Complications related to totally implantable venous access devices in children and adults following lung transplantation
Authors: Cho Joshua K. , Acord Michael , Goldfarb Samuel B. , Reddy Shilpa N. , Goldberg Hilary J. , Courtwright Andrew M.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are the preferred devices for patients with advanced lung disease who require long‐term venous access. The primary purpose of this study was to describe the natural history of TIVADs left in place at the time of transplant.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study evaluated pediatric and adult lung transplant recipients from 5/5/2005 to 12/31/17 with pretransplant TIVAD. Incident rates (IR) for infectious and mechanical complications were calculated. Poisson regression models were used to identify TIVAD characteristics associated with complications.

Results

Of 1253 transplant recipients, 82 (6.5%) had pretransplant TIVAD. Five (6.1%) TIVADs were removed at transplantation. Fifty‐five (67.1%) TIVADs were eventually removed, most commonly because they were no longer required (50.9%) or because of infection (25.5%). Overall incident rates (IR) of infectious or mechanical complications were 0.33 and 0.14, respectively. The IR of infection was highest within one year of transplant, particularly during the index hospitalization (IR = 1.67). Youngest tertile (<22 years) had the lowest incident rate ratio of TIVAD infections (IRR = 0.22).

Conclusion

Although TIVAD complication rates in lung transplant recipients are similar to non‐transplant and other immunocompromised patients, TIVAD removal at transplant or within the first post‐transplant year may minimize the risk of TIVAD infections.
Merkel cell carcinoma arising in association with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: A potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Zoumberos Nicholas A. , McMullen Emily , Wang Lisha , Wang Xiaoming , Harms Kelly L. , Tejasvi Trilokraj , Chan May P. , Fullen Douglas R. , Hristov Alexandra C. , Harms Paul W.
Published: December 2018

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with increased prevalence in patients with immunosuppression or B‐cell neoplasms. To the best of our knowledge, an association with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) has not been previously described. In this report, we present two cases of MCC arising in the setting of CTCL. The first case was a female during her 70s with previously diagnosed stage IVA1 Sezary syndrome. Biopsy of a scaly patch showed two distinct abnormal cell populations. The first population consisted of hyperchromatic dermal and epidermotropic lymphocytes, expressing CD3 and CD4 with diminished CD7. The second population consisted of intraepidermal clusters of larger atypical cells that expressed synaptophysin, neurofilament, CK20, and Merkel cell polyomavirus transcript. The combination of findings was consistent with intraepidermal MCC in a background of CTCL. Excision showed residual intraepidermal MCC without dermal involvement. The second case was a male during his 50s with a longstanding history of mycosis fungoides, who presented with a new lesion on his right thigh. Biopsy and excision showed dermal MCC without secondary involvement by CTCL. Our cases show that MCC may rarely occur in the setting of T‐cell lymphoma, and that intraepidermal MCC may mimic epidermotropic T‐cells.
Dental trauma on primary teeth at different root resorption stages—A dynamic finite element impact analysis of the effect on the permanent tooth germ
Authors: Vilela Andomar B. F. , Soares Priscilla B. F. , de Oliveira Fabiana S. , Garcia‐Silva Tales C. , Estrela Carlos , Versluis Antheunis , Soares Carlos J.
Published: December 2018

Background/Aim

Dental trauma is a common emergency in children with primary teeth. The aim of this study was to determine stress propagation to the permanent tooth germ and surrounding bone and soft tissues during dental trauma to primary central incisors with three levels of physiological root resorption.

Material and Methods

Stresses were determined using finite element analysis (FEA). Cross‐sectional models were created using cone‐beam computed tomography images of 3.5, 5, and 6 years olds, representing three different physiological root resorption stages of a maxillary primary central incisor. The models included periodontal ligament, bone, and soft tissues. An impact with an asphalt block moving at 1 m/s,was simulated for two impact two directions, frontal on the labial tooth surface, and on the incisal edge. Stresses and strains were recorded during impact.

Results

The impact caused stress concentrations in the surrounding bone and soft tissues and permanent tooth germ, regardless of the direction of impact and the primary tooth resorption stage. Impact stresses in dental follicles and surrounding bone increased in models with more physiological root resorption of the primary tooth. Incisal impact generated higher stress concentrations in surrounding bone and soft tissues and permanent tooth germ regardless of physiological root resorption stage. The primary incisor with no physiological root resorption showed high stress concentrations at its root apex.

Conclusion

During impact to a primary incisor, stresses most significant for potential damage to the formation of permanent enamel and dentin were at the dental follicle and surrounding bone tissue with the three levels of physiological root resorption.
Acute ischaemic lesions are associated with cortical superficial siderosis in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Revel‐Mouroz P. , Viguier A. , Cazzola V. , Calviere L. , Patsoura S. , Rousseau V. , Sommet A. , Albucher J. F. , Cognard C. , Olivot J. M. , Bonneville F. , Raposo N.
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) commonly detects acute ischaemic lesions in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), especially with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We investigated the relationship between cortical superficial siderosis (cSS), a neuroimaging marker of CAA, and DWI lesions in patients with acute ICH.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with acute supratentorial ICH who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging within 10 days after symptom onset. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed for DWI lesions, cSS and other markers for small‐vessel disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between cSS and DWI lesions.

Results

Among 246 ICH survivors (mean age 71.4 ± 12.6 years) who were enrolled, 126 had lobar ICH and 120 had deep ICH. Overall, DWI lesions were observed in 38 (15.4%) patients and were more common in patients with lobar ICH than deep ICH (22.2% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.003). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the extent of white matter hyperintensities [odds ratio (OR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.58; P = 0.02] and cSS severity (focal cSS: OR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.28–9.84; disseminated cSS: OR, 4.41; 95% CI, 1.78–10.97; P = 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of DWI lesions.

Conclusions

Diffusion‐weighted imaging lesions are more frequently observed in patients with acute lobar ICH than in those with deep ICH. cSS severity and white matter hyperintensity extent are independent predictors for the presence of DWI lesions, suggesting that CAA may be involved in the pathogenesis of DWI lesions associated with acute ICH.
Fund selection, style allocation, and active management abilities: Evidence from funds of hedge funds’ holdings
Authors: Gao Chao , Haight Timothy D. , Yin Chengdong
Published: December 2018

This study examines whether funds of hedge funds (FOHFs) provide superior before‐fee performance through managers’ fund selection, style allocation, and active management abilities. Using reported holdings of Securities and Exchange Commission–registered FOHFs, we find that FOHF managers have fund selection abilities, as hedge funds held by FOHFs outperform their style indices and over half of the individual hedge funds in the Lipper Trading Advisor Selection System (TASS) database. We also find that FOHF managers add value through active management of FOHFs’ holdings, while evidence on their style allocation abilities is mixed. Our findings suggest that FOHFs generate superior before‐fee performance and that FOHF managers’ skillset is broader than previously documented. Thus, our study helps explain why FOHFs continue to survive and suggests that FOHF fee structure reform merits consideration.
Elevated CO2 impairs olfactory‐mediated neural and behavioral responses and gene expression in ocean‐phase coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Williams Chase R. , Dittman Andrew H. , McElhany Paul , Busch D. Shallin , Maher Michael T. , Bammler Theo K. , MacDonald James W. , Gallagher Evan P.
Published: December 2018

Elevated concentrations of CO2 in seawater can disrupt numerous sensory systems in marine fish. This is of particular concern for Pacific salmon because they rely on olfaction during all aspects of their life including during their homing migrations from the ocean back to their natal streams. We investigated the effects of elevated seawater CO2 on coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) olfactory‐mediated behavior, neural signaling, and gene expression within the peripheral and central olfactory system. Ocean‐phase coho salmon were exposed to three levels of CO2, ranging from those currently found in ambient marine water to projected future levels. Juvenile coho salmon exposed to elevated CO2 levels for 2 weeks no longer avoided a skin extract odor that elicited avoidance responses in coho salmon maintained in ambient CO2 seawater. Exposure to these elevated CO2 levels did not alter odor signaling in the olfactory epithelium, but did induce significant changes in signaling within the olfactory bulb. RNA‐Seq analysis of olfactory tissues revealed extensive disruption in expression of genes involved in neuronal signaling within the olfactory bulb of salmon exposed to elevated CO2, with lesser impacts on gene expression in the olfactory rosettes. The disruption in olfactory bulb gene pathways included genes associated with GABA signaling and maintenance of ion balance within bulbar neurons. Our results indicate that ocean‐phase coho salmon exposed to elevated CO2 can experience significant behavioral impairments likely driven by alteration in higher‐order neural signal processing within the olfactory bulb. Our study demonstrates that anadromous fish such as salmon may share a sensitivity to rising CO2 levels with obligate marine species suggesting a more wide‐scale ecological impact of ocean acidification.
Thermal constraints on body size depend on the population’s position within the species’ thermal range in temperate songbirds
Authors: Dubos Nicolas , Dehorter Olivier , Henry Pierre‐Yves , Le Viol Isabelle
Published: December 2018

Aim

There is mounting evidence that climate warming can induce morphological changes locally, particularly size reduction. However, the direction of thermal stress may differ between climatic regions. We predicted that morphological response to temperature fluctuations should vary throughout species ranges, depending on the local climate. Hot temperature anomalies are expected to induce size reduction in hot regions where species live close to their upper thermal limit, whereas size stasis (or increase) would be expected in cold regions, where species live close to their lower thermal limit.

Location

France (204 sites).

Time period

2000–2014 springs.

Major taxa studied

Songbird species (n = 9).

Methods

We tested whether the effect of temperature anomalies on juvenile body size varied along an 11 °C thermal gradient.

Results

In warmer springs, juveniles were larger overall at the coldest sites, but this effect decreased toward the hottest sites, becoming negative for two species.

Main conclusions

Warming should induce body size increases more frequently at the cold edge of species distribution ranges, and rather body size declines at the hot edg. The climate dependency of the effect of weather fluctuations on body size is still under‐acknowledged, and the pattern identified deserves to be investigated over broader climatic gradients and taxonomic coverage. Climate‐driven changes in body size are therefore not uniform across climatic regions and within species ranges.
Uptake and virological outcomes of single‐ versus multi‐tablet antiretroviral regimens among treatment‐naïve youth in the HIV Research Network
Authors: Griffith DC , Farmer C , Gebo KA , Berry SA , Aberg J , Moore RD , Gaur AH , Mathews WC , Beil R , Korthuis PT , Nijhawan AE , Rutstein RM , Agwu AL ,   for the HIV Research Network
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Several single‐tablet regimens (STRs) are now available and are recommended for first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, STR use for youth with HIV (YHIV) has not been systematically studied. We examined the characteristics associated with initiation of STRs versus multi‐tablet regimens (MTRs) and the virological outcomes for youth with nonperinatally acquired HIV (nPHIV).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of nPHIV youth aged 13–24 years initiating ART between 2006 and 2014 at 18 US HIV clinical sites in the HIV Research Network was performed. The outcomes measured were initiation of STRs versus MTRs, virological suppression (VS) at 12 months, and time to VS. Demographic and clinical factors associated with initiation of STR versus MTR ART and VS (< 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) at 12 months after initiation were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess VS within the first year.

Results

Of 987 youth, 67% initiated STRs. Of the 589 who had viral load data at 1 year, 84% of those on STRs versus 67% of those on MTRs achieved VS (P < 0.01). VS was associated with STR use [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.58], white (AOR 2.41; 95% CI 1.13–5.13) or Hispanic (AOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.32–4.27) race/ethnicity, and baseline CD4 count 351–500 cells/μL (AOR 1.94; 95% CI 1.18–3.19) and > 500 cells/μL (AOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.0–3.10). STR use was not associated with a shorter time to VS compared with MTR use [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07; 95% CI 0.90–1.28].

Conclusions

Use of STR was associated with a greater likelihood of sustained VS 12 months after ART initiation in YHIV.
Cultural Capital of Recruitment Decision‐Makers and its Influence on their Perception of Person‐Organisation Fit of Skilled Migrants
Authors: Almeida Shamika , Waxin Marie‐France , Paradies Yin
Published: December 2018

This article examines how recruitment decision‐makers’ cultural capital can influence their concerns about the organizational fit of skilled migrants (SM). We used survey data and interviews with Information Technology organizations in Australia. The study highlights the decision‐makers’ relatively poor understanding of non‐western cultures and how it negatively influences their perception of candidates from non‐western backgrounds. Furthermore, this study also notes how organisational cultural values and decision‐makers’ exposure to diverse cultures can influence their assumptions about the value of international qualifications and work experiences. Similarly, it can also influence how they assess the perception of fit based on a candidate's appearance and communication style. Consequently, the cognitive biases and judgements of resource acquisition managers can act as gatekeepers who keep non‐western SM out of the organizational resource pool. The article concludes by noting the importance of human resource practices that seek to develop cultural capital of decision‐makers.
Covenant Attachment: A Constructivist Grounded Theory of Christian Couples and God
Authors: Maxwell Mark D. , Davis Sean D. , Miller Marianne M. , Woolley Scott R.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to develop a deeper understanding of the relational system of married couples and God. We interviewed nine marital couples from Christian denominations that reported having a strong relationship with each other and with God together. We used constructivist grounded theory techniques presented by Charmaz (2006) and analyzed emergent categories of behaviors, emotions, and cognitions to construct a theory and model of Christian marital couples and their shared relationship with God. We then compared and contrasted the results and theory to existing literature on attachment theory and theorized a shared attachment to God. We applied the theological concept of kinship covenant to the results in order to organize and situate the theory into a Christian framework. Finally, we discuss clinical, pastoral, and future research implications.
Salivary alpha‐amylase and hormones levels of young adults with different body composition
Authors: Lucas Bárbara de Lima , Barbosa Taís de Souza , Castelo Paula Midori , Gavião Maria Beatriz Duarte
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in salivary biomarker levels of young adults classified according to body fat accumulation. One hundred and thirty‐four volunteers were evaluated (mean age 21 ± 2 years). Body composition was calculated through skinfold thickness: supra‐iliac, biceps, and triceps, sub‐scapular. Body fat percentage (BF%) was used to classify subjects according to fat tissue accumulation: normal‐weight (n = 37, 19 females, 18 males), overweight (n = 42, 30 females, 12 males), and obese (n = 55, 42 females, 13 males). Saliva samples were collected 30 min after awakening to determine salivary levels of 17‐beta‐estradiol. For salivary cortisol and alpha‐amylase activity (sAA) three samples were obtained, just after awakening, 30 min after awakening and at bedtime. Oral contraceptive intake was considered for the female group. The results showed that overweight and obese females using oral contraceptive presented lower levels of 17‐β‐estradiol than normal‐weight females. In overweight and obese males, sAA levels were higher 30 min post‐awakening when compared with the normal‐weight group. The comparison of sAA levels within time showed no difference for males; obese females showed significant higher values at bedtime than 30 min post‐awakening. The salivary cortisol concentration showed higher values at morning decreasing significantly at bedtime for all groups. Concluding, differences in 17‐β‐estradiol and sAA levels were found in females and males, respectively, according to body fat accumulation, showing the usefulness of salivary biomarkers in the study of systemic conditions.

Practical applications

Saliva is an advantageous biological fluid in innovative methods for diagnosis. Besides being a noninvasive method, salivary steroid measurements have the potential to provide a convenient assessment of serum free steroid concentrations.