bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of fraud on mobile money services in Ghana: an exploratory study
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Andoh Charles , Akomea-Frimpong Agnes , Dwomoh-Okudzeto Yvonne
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Fraud is a global economic menace which threatens the survival of individuals, firms, industries and economies, and the mobile money service is no exception. This paper aims to explore the main causes of fraud in the mobile money services in Ghana and the measures to combat the menace by the key stakeholders connected to the mobile money services. The paper is motivated by recent reports of numerous fraudulent transactions on the mobile money platform, and the need to clamp down these nefarious transactions with effective and practical measures to sustain the service.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review of existing studies on fraud risk relating to mobile money services was done revealing a paucity of literature on the subject. Primary data were gathered using an interview guide to explore the magnitude of the problem based on the views of employees of mobile money operators, mobile money agents, banking supervisors from Bank of Ghana, employees of partnering banks, employees of National Communications Authority and mobile money subscribers.

Findings

The study revealed that fraud in mobile money services is caused by weak internal controls and systems, lack of sophisticated information technology tools to detect the menace, inadequate education and training and the poor remuneration of employees. These factors disrupt the growth, and the smooth-running of the services. To curb this menace, a detailed legal code and internal fraud policy should be developed and used by mobile money operators and partner banks. Adequate training for mobile money agents should be encouraged coupled with public awareness campaigns to educate stakeholders especially the mobile money subscribers on the tricks of the fraudsters.

Research limitations/implications

With the chosen research methodology and limited sample size, the findings may not reflect the views of all the stakeholders connected to the mobile money services. Therefore, future studies on this subject are entreated to use research methods which embrace larger samples to get more details about this menace.

Practical implications

The study will assist in tackling the mobile money fraud to sustain the service in the foreseeable future.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to scanty literature on fraud relating to the mobile money services by drawing lessons from a middle-income country.
Unearthing money laundering at Brazilian oil giant Petrobras
Authors: Maragno Lucas , Borba José Alonso
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of key points pertaining to financial crimes taking place during the single largest fraud scandal in Brazilian history. The authors provide details on how the historic fraud was carried out at Petrobras, as well as an overview of recent anti-money laundering regulation in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an analysis of the scandal and on legal ramifications enacted by the prevailing Public Ministry taking place through the “Lava Jato” operation.

Findings

Fraud perpetrators continue to find new ways to move laundered money into campaign finance. The authors provide details on how the scheme was perpetrated at the placement, layering and integration stages.

Research limitations/implications

This study comprehends the first stage of the Federal Police’s operation, comprising 14 allegations of financial crimes.

Practical implications

A disconnect between regulations in effect and the reality of money laundering in Brazil over several years has failed to impede numerous cases of fraud. However, changes in legislation have allowed state agents to discover cases of fraud, with more and more wrongdoings being investigated.

Originality/value

The Petrobras fraud, individual experiences of organized financial crime and a widespread lack of understanding of how to detect and prevent fraud on this scale.
How organizational green culture influences green performance and competitive advantage
Authors: Wang Chao-Hung
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Growing public concern about the natural environment is rapidly transforming the competitive landscape and forcing firms to adopt green innovation strategies. Many manufacturing firms have recognized the concept of green innovation, though there has been relatively little research on considerations of its driver and effect. The purpose of this paper is to empirically develop and test a theoretical model that analyzes how organizational green culture (OGC) influences green performance and competitive advantage. Specifically, this model explains how green innovation mediates these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper collected data from 327 manufacturing firms of different industry sectors in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling with AMOS 11 software was applied to analyze the data. Data on specific environmental innovation issues at the firm level are not usually available from published sources, so this paper uses a questionnaire. The questionnaire is developed based on the literature.

Findings

The findings of this paper suggest that OGC significantly predicted green performance and competitive advantage, respectively. Moreover, the results show that both green innovation completely mediates between OGC and green performance, and that it has a partially mediating effect on the relationship between organization green culture and competitive advantage under environmental pressure.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations that point to the future lines of research. Perhaps, the biggest limitation of the study is that the data are from a single country, which may hamper generalization. This study is also limited in that it is based on cross-sectional data. A final limitation is the origin of organizational culture vs employee attitude culture.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on organizational culture and innovation by considering green environmental concerns, which have not been empirically explored. This study also offers a unique theoretical argument describing the relationships by considering the mediating effect of green innovation strategy.
Investigating the influence of knowledge management on organizational innovation in higher educational institutions
Authors: Sadeghi Boroujerdi Saeed , Hasani Kaveh , Delshab Vahid
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organizational innovation (OI) in higher educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method in the study was the descriptive – correlative type and was applied research based on the target. The study population consisted of managers and staff members of 63 Iranian higher educational institutions. In this research, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. To analyse research data, descriptive statistics, and for inferential statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient test, the simple linear regression test and multiple regression tests were used. For data analysis, SPSS software was used.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between KM and OI, and all alternative hypotheses were confirmed. In addition, KM predicted the aspects of organizational innovation in higher educational institutions.

Originality/value

This study supported the members of higher educational institutions to understand how to increase OIbetter and to improve the knowledge and experience of the employees through KM.
Association of OSR‐1 With Vascular Dysfunction and Hypertension in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kocyigit Ismail , Taheri Serpil , Eroglu Eray , Zararsiz Gokmen , Sener Elif Funda , Uzun Ilknur , Imamoglu Hakan , Mehmetbeyoglu Ecmel , Unal Aydin , Korkmaz Keziban , Sipahioglu Murat Hayri , Oymak Oktay , Tokgoz Bulent
Published: April 2019

Autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is associated with oxidative stress and hypertension development before renal function decline and cardiovascular disease development. Oxidative stress‐responsive kinase‐1 (OSR‐1) participates in the signaling regulating Na+ transport during oxidative stress and also plays a role in the regulation of cell volume and blood pressure. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential role of OSR‐1 in ADPKD patients. Eighty ADPKD patients, 80 healthy controls, and 80 non‐ADPKD patients with hypertension were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted in all participants. Blood samples were taken after 12‐h fasting for the measurement of biochemical parameters and OSR‐1 gene expression. Vascular dysfunction was assessed using ischemia‐induced forearm flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD). Briefly, of the 80 ADPKD patients, 41(51%) were male, and 53(66%) of them were hypertensive. The mean age of the 80 controls was 35.3 ± 12.6 years, and 37(46%) of them were male. The mean age of the 80 non‐ADPKD patients with hypertension was 44.6 ± 11.9 years, and 38(47.5) of them were male. There were significant differences in serum OSR‐1 gene expression between the ADPKD patients and the control subjects. Serum OSR‐1 gene expression was also significantly increased in hypertensive ADPKD patients in comparison with both normotensive ADPKD counterparts and non‐ADPKD hypertensive subjects. Serum OSR‐1 gene expression was increased in patients with ADPKD than healthy subjects. Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), OSR‐1 gene expression, total kidney volume (TKV), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were also independently associated with hypertension in ADPKD patients.
Safety and efficacy of thermal ablation for subpleural lung cancers
Authors: Cao Fei , Xie Lin , Qi Han , Chen Shuanggang , Shen Lujun , Song Ze , Fan Weijun
Published: April 2019

Background

The study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of thermal ablation for the treatment of subpleural lung cancer.

Methods

Eighty‐nine patients with 101 subpleural lung cancers were identified between January 2012 and July 2018 in our database and included in this study. Tumors were classified as adhering to cervical, costal, diaphragmatic, and mediastinal pleurae. Lesions were categorized based on their relationship to the pleura: close to the pleura, causing pleural indentation, and involving the pleura. The complete ablation rate, local progression‐free survival, complications, and associated factors were analyzed.

Results

Subpleural lung cancers included lesions located under costal (n = 69), mediastinal (n = 17), cervical (n = 8), and diaphragmatic (n = 7) pleurae. The rate of complete ablation was 87.1% and the local progression‐free survival rates at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 86%, 77%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. Tumor size was the most important factor influencing technique efficacy (P < 0.05), with a complete ablation rate of only 55.6% in lung cancers measuring > 30 mm. There were nine (10.11%) major complications, including one chest abscess, five cases of pneumothorax, and three cases of hemothorax. The occurrence of major complications was associated with increased levels of pain within 48 hours post‐procedure (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Local thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for subpleural lung cancers. Tumor size was the most significant factor affecting technique efficacy. Post‐procedure pain indicated the possibility of major complications.
Integrated population models: Model assumptions and inference
Authors: Riecke Thomas V. , Williams Perry J. , Behnke Tessa L. , Gibson Daniel , Leach Alan G. , Sedinger Benjamin S. , Street Phillip A. , Sedinger James S.
Published: April 2019

Integrated population models (IPMs) have become increasingly popular for the modelling of populations, as investigators seek to combine survey and demographic data to understand processes governing population dynamics. These models are particularly useful for identifying and exploring knowledge gaps within life histories, because they allow investigators to estimate biologically meaningful parameters, such as immigration or reproduction, that were previously unidentifiable without additional data. As IPMs have been developed relatively recently, there is much to learn about model behaviour. Behaviour of parameters, such as estimates near boundaries, and the consequences of varying degrees of dependency among datasets, has been explored. However, the reliability of parameter estimates remains underexamined, particularly when models include parameters that are not identifiable from one data source, but are indirectly identifiable from multiple datasets and a presumed model structure, such as the estimation of immigration using capture‐recapture, fecundity and count data, combined with a life‐history model.

To examine the behaviour of model parameter estimates, we simulated stable populations closed to immigration and emigration. We simulated two scenarios that might induce error into survival estimates: marker induced bias in the capture–mark–recapture data and heterogeneity in the mortality process. We subsequently fit capture–mark–recapture, state‐space and fecundity models, as well as IPMs that estimated additional parameters.

Simulation results suggested that when model assumptions are violated, estimation of additional, previously unidentifiable, parameters using IPMs may be extremely sensitive to these violations of model assumption. For example, when annual marker loss was simulated, estimates of survival rates were low and estimates of immigration rate from an IPM were high. When heterogeneity in the mortality process was induced, there were substantial relative differences between the medians of posterior distributions and truth for juvenile survival and fecundity.

Our results have important implications for biological inference when using IPMs, as well as future model development and implementation. Specifically, using multiple datasets to identify additional parameters resulted in the posterior distributions of additional parameters directly reflecting the effects of the violations of model assumptions in integrated modelling frameworks. We suggest that investigators interpret posterior distributions of these parameters as a combination of biological process and systematic error.
Accounting for automated identification errors in acoustic surveys
Authors: Barré Kévin , Le Viol Isabelle , Julliard Romain , Pauwels Julie , Newson Stuart E. , Julien Jean‐François , Claireau Fabien , Kerbiriou Christian , Bas Yves
Published: April 2019

Assessing the state and trend of biodiversity in the face of anthropogenic threats requires large‐scale and long‐time monitoring, for which new recording methods offer interesting possibilities. Reduced costs and a huge increase in storage capacity of acoustic recorders have resulted in an exponential use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) on a wide range of animal groups in recent years. PAM has led to a rapid growth in the quantity of acoustic data, making manual identification increasingly time‐consuming. Therefore, software detecting sound events, extracting numerous features and automatically identifying species have been developed. However, automated identification generates identification errors, which could influence analyses which look at the ecological response of species. Taking the case of bats for which PAM constitutes an efficient tool, we propose a cautious method to account for errors in acoustic identifications of any taxa without excessive manual checking of recordings.

We propose to check a representative sample of the outputs of a software commonly used in acoustic surveys (Tadarida), to model the identification success probability of 10 species and two species groups as a function of the confidence score provided for each automated identification. Using this relationship, we then investigated the effect of setting different false positive tolerances (FPTs), from a 50% to 10% false positive rate, above which data are discarded, by repeating a large‐scale analysis of bat response to environmental variables and checking for consistency in the results.

Considering estimates, standard errors and significance of species response to environmental variables, the main changes occurred between the naive (i.e. raw data) and robust analyses (i.e. using FPTs). Responses were highly stable between FPTs.

We conclude it was essential to, at least, remove data above 50% FPT to minimize false positives. We recommend systematically checking the consistency of responses for at least two contrasting FPTs (e.g. 50% and 10%), in order to ensure robustness, and only going on to conclusive interpretation when these are consistent. This study provides a huge saving of time for manual checking, which will facilitate the improvement in large‐scale monitoring, and ultimately our understanding of ecological responses.
Compliance with screening for and recommended management of maternal group B streptococcus carriage in pregnancy
Authors: Moorhead Rebecca , Daley Andrew J. , Lee Lai‐yang , Gorelik Alexandra , Garland Suzanne M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Universal screening of pregnant women at 35–37 weeks gestation is recommended for detection of anogenital group B streptococcus carriage. Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is prescribed to carriers to prevent transmission to babies, reducing early‐onset neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis.

Aims

To review compliance with, and the effects of education on group B streptococcus screening and intrapartum chemoprophylaxis practices at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective audit of women delivering in February 2016 and February–March 2017 was conducted. In February 2017, updated early‐onset group B streptococcal disease prevention guidelines were released and promoted with targeted education of clinical staff. Compliance was considered appropriate if practices followed up‐to‐date local protocols.

Results

Screening rate for group B streptococcus was 84.4% (599/710) and carriage rate 19.5% (109/558), while intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis was optimal in 83% of those labouring greater than four hours (39/47). There was no significant difference in compliance between 2016 and 2017. Of 113 women with unknown group B streptococcal status at delivery, only five of 33 (15%) with clinical risk factors for early‐onset neonatal disease received intrapartum prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Compliance remained stable, with no change during or after implementation of new protocols. Compliance with protocols was low for cases with unknown group B streptococcal status at delivery but with the presence of one or more clinical risk factors for early‐onset group B streptococcal sepsis.
The influence of Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy on the osseointegration of dental implants: An in vivo mechanical and histometrical study
Authors: Dantas Marcos Vinícius Mendes , Verzola Mário Henrique Arruda , Sanitá Paula Volpato , Dovigo Lívia Nordi , Cerri Paulo Sérgio , Gabrielli Marisa Aparecida Cabrini
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of Cisplatin on bone repair and mineralization around implants and on the mechanical properties of bone tissue.

Materials and methods

Forty‐three Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: Cisplatin (CIS, medication) and control (CTL, placebo solution), administered once a week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, implants were installed in both tibiae metaphysis. After 30 and 60 days, the animals were sacrificed and their femurs and tibiae were removed. Femurs were subjected to mechanical tests and tibiae for removal torque, arrangement and distribution of collagen fibers, morphometrical analyses (bone tissue in contact with the implant surface [BIC] and areal fraction between implant threads occupied by bone tissue [BAFO]) and scanning electron microscopy to calcium and calcium/phosphorus analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA or MANOVA, and Tukey or Games–Howell post hoc tests, respectively (α = 0.05).

Results

The CTL specimens had significantly higher values (0.0001 ≤ p≤0.036) of strength (N), removal torque (N/cm2), %BIC, and %BAFO than CIS specimens, being their best results at day 60. No significant differences were found among the groups regarding the values of deformation, percentage of calcium, and calcium/phosphorus ratio. In CIS groups, there was a reduction in the organization of collagen at the bone/implant interface, resulting in a trabecular bone with thin trabeculae and birefringent collagen and irregular arrangement.

Conclusions and clinical implications

Cisplatin interfered negatively in the repair and mineralization around dental implants, as well as on the quality of the bone tissue, mainly in the period of 30 days after the implant placement.
The effect of five mechanical instrumentation protocols on implant surface topography and roughness: A scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis
Authors: Cha Jae‐Kook , Paeng Kyeongwon , Jung Ui‐Won , Choi Seong‐Ho , Sanz Mariano , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate in vitro the changes in implant surface topography and roughness of commercial implants after instrumentation with five decontamination protocols.

Material and methods

Seventy‐two titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surface were placed 5 mm supra‐crestally. Five groups of twelve implants were instrumented with the following protocols: a metal scaler tip (SCAL), a thermoplastic scaler tip (PEEK), a round titanium brush (RBRU), a tufted brush with titanium bristles (TNBRU), and a glycine‐based air‐powder abrasive (GLYC). A sixth group with untreated implants was used as control. Scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope were utilized to evaluate the changes in the implant surfaces.

Results

The SCAL caused pronounced macroscopic alterations and damage of the implant surface, the PEEK left remnants of the plastic tip in the implant surface, and both titanium brush groups flattened the thread profile, while minimal alterations were observed in the GLYC. When compared to the control group, the roughness parameters (Sa) in the buccal aspect increased in the thread area of SCAL, and a minor reduction was observed in the PEEK while in the other groups, these values remained unchanged. In the valley areas, however the RBRU, TNBRU, and GLYC experienced a significant reduction (smoothening) indicating different accessibility of the decontamination protocols to the thread and valley. Similarly, the buccal aspects had more pronounced changes than those in the palatal aspect.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this in vitro investigation, the tested protocols induced different macroscopic alterations and surface roughness changes that varied in the thread and valley area.
Human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus in solid‐organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American society of transplantation infectious diseases community of practice
Authors: Kaul Daniel R. , Sharma Tanvi S. ,   on behalf of the AST ID Community of Practice
Published: April 2019

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of Human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus 1 (HTLV)‐1 in the pre‐ and post‐transplant period. HTLV‐1 is an oncogenic human retrovirus rare in North America but endemic in the Caribbean and parts of Africa, South America, Asia, and Oceania. While most infected persons do not develop disease, <5% will develop adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma or neurological disease. No proven antiviral treatment for established HTLV‐1 infection is available. The effect of immunosuppression on the development of HTLV‐1‐associated disease in asymptomatically infected recipients is not well characterized, and HTLV‐1‐infected individuals should be counseled that immunosuppression may increase the risk of developing HTLV‐1‐associated disease and they should be monitored post‐transplant for HTLV‐1‐associated disease. Currently approved screening assays do not distinguish between HTLV‐1 and HTLV‐2, and routine screening of deceased donors without risk factors in low seroprevalence areas is likely to result in significant organ wastage and is not recommended. Targeted screening of donors with risk factors for HTLV‐1 infection and of living donors (as time is available to perform confirmatory tests) is reasonable.
Children can optimally integrate multisensory information after a short action‐like mini game training
Authors: Nava Elena , Föcker Julia , Gori Monica
Published: April 2019

Combining information across different sensory modalities is of critical importance for the animal's survival and a core feature of human's everyday life. In adulthood, sensory information is often integrated in a statistically optimal fashion, so that the combined estimates of two or more senses are more reliable than the best single one. Several studies have shown that young children use one sense to calibrate the others, which results in unisensory dominance and undermines their optimal multisensory integration abilities. In this study we trained children aged 4–5 years with action‐like mini games, to determine whether it could improve their multisensory as well as their visuo‐spatial skills. Multisensory integration abilities were assessed using a visuo‐haptic size discrimination task, while visuo‐spatial attention skills were investigated using a multiple object tracking task (MOT). We found that 2‐weeks training were sufficient to observe both optimal multisensory integration and visuo‐spatial enhancements selectively in the group trained with action‐like mini games. This plastic change persisted up to 3 months, as assessed in a follow‐up. Our novel findings reveal that abilities that are commonly known to emerge in late childhood can be promoted in younger children through action‐like mini games and have long‐lasting effects. Our data have clinical implications, in that they suggest that specific trainings could potentially help children with multisensory integration deficits.
Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Modulators – The History and Renaissance of a New Migraine Drug Class
Authors: Hargreaves Richard , Olesen Jes
Published: April 2019

Several lines of evidence pointed to an important role for CGRP in migraine. These included the anatomic colocalization of CGRP and its receptor in sensory fibers innervating pain‐producing meningeal blood vessels, its release by trigeminal stimulation, the observation of elevated CGRP in the cranial circulation during migraine with normalization concomitant with headache relief by sumatriptan, and translational studies with intravenous (IV) CGRP that evoked migraine only in migraineurs. The development of small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists (CGRP‐RAs) that showed clinical antimigraine efficacy acutely and prophylactically in randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trials subsequently gave definitive pharmacological proof of the importance of CGRP in migraine. More recently, CGRP target engagement imaging studies using a CGRP receptor PET ligand [11C]MK‐4232 demonstrated that there was no brain CGRP receptor occupancy at clinically effective antimigraine doses of telcagepant, a prototypic CGRP‐RA. Taken together, these data indicated that (1) the therapeutic site of action of the CGRP‐RAs was peripheral not central; (2) that IV CGRP had most likely evoked migraine through an action at sites outside the blood‐brain barrier; and (3) that migraine pain was therefore, at least in part, peripheral in origin. The evolution of CGRP migraine science gave impetus to the development of peripherally acting drugs that could modulate CGRP chronically to prevent frequent episodic and chronic migraine. Large molecule biologic antibody (mAb) approaches that are given subcutaneously to neutralize circulating CGRP peptide (fremanezumab, galcanezumab) or block CGRP receptors (erenumab) have shown consistent efficacy and tolerability in multicenter migraine prevention trials and are now approved for clinical use. Eptinezumab, a CGRP neutralizing antibody given IV, shows promise in late stage clinical development. Recently, orally administered next‐generation small molecule CGRP‐RAs have been shown to have safety and efficacy in acute treatment (ubrogepant and rimegepant) and prevention (atogepant) of migraine, giving additional CGRP‐based therapeutic options for migraine patients.
Observational analysis of disparities in obesity in children in the UK: Has Leeds bucked the trend?
Authors: Rudolf Mary , Perera Rafael , Swanston Di , Burberry Janice , Roberts Kim , Jebb Susan
Published: April 2019

Background

The prevalence of obesity in childhood is of high concern, especially in deprived populations. We explored trends in obesity following the introduction of a citywide strategy focused on preschool children.

Methods

Analysis of obesity prevalence using the National Child Measurement Programme 2009 to 2017 for primary‐school children in Leeds using 5‐year aggregated data for Leeds, comparable cities, and England as a whole.

Results

Prevalence of obesity in Leeds for school entry children fell significantly (9.4% to 8.8%), whilst comparable cities (CC) and England as a whole showed no change (comparison of trends: P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). The reduction in Leeds was primarily in the most deprived (11.5% to 10.5%; trend comparison CC: P < 0.001, Eng: P < 0.001), but also amongst the affluent (6.8% to 6.0%; trend comparison CC: P = 0.087, Eng: P = 0.012).

Prevalence in older children in Leeds was unchanged whilst it increased for comparable cities and England (trend comparison CC: P < 0.001, Eng: P < 0.001). In the deprived, obesity increased: Leeds by 1.4%; CC 1.3%, England 1% (trend comparison Eng: P = 0.004). In the affluent, obesity prevalence reduced more in Leeds than elsewhere: 2% in Leeds, 0.8% in CC, and 0.7% in England (trend comparison CC: P < 0.001, Eng: P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

There has been a notable decrease in the prevalence of obesity especially amongst the most disadvantaged children at entry to primary school in Leeds. How this was achieved merits in‐depth consideration.
Factors affecting compliance with reference check requests
Authors: Hedricks Cynthia A. , Rupayana Disha D. , Fisher Peter A. , Robie Chet
Published: April 2019

Structured reference checks have been demonstrated to be a reliable and valid predictor of job performance. However, the reference check is a unique assessment method for personnel selection in that a third party, the reference provider, is the source of the critical information on the candidate. If a reference provider is unwilling to either partially or fully comply with a reference check request, the usefulness of the reference check is likely to be compromised. This study examined the factors affecting compliance of the potential reference provider with a reference check request. The sample consisted of 905 U.S. adults who were recruited through the Prolific online crowdsourcing platform (https://prolific.ac). We asked the participants a series of questions related to their actual experiences over the past year in responding to reference check requests. We also included a between‐subjects scenario that examined whether job candidate performance, relationship to job candidate, and method of providing the employment reference would affect hypothetical compliance. The results of the study can be used to more deeply understand the factors that are related to the compliance of the reference provider, and as a result, more fully understand the value of the reference check for selection.
Examination of gamma‐irradiated calcium silicate hydrates. Part I: Chemical‐structural properties
Authors: Tajuelo Rodriguez Elena , Hunnicutt William A. , Mondal Paramita , Le Pape Yann
Published: April 2019

The chemical‐structural properties of synthetic calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H) with C/S (Ca/Si) ratios of 0.75, 1 and 1.33 were studied after gamma irradiation‐absorbed doses ranging from 0.145 to 0.784 MGy and compared with those of control specimens. The results showed that the total water content given by thermogravimetric analysis and the dimension of the basal spacing given by x‐ray diffraction were comparable for control and irradiated samples, which indicate that the interlayer water content did not change. The morphology, C/S ratios, and silicate mean chain length were also found to be unaltered by the absorbed gamma doses.
Reflections on 40 Years of the Journal of Business Logistics: From the Editors
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter , Closs David J. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Stock James R. , Fawcett Stanley E. , Waller Matthew
Published: April 2019

This editorial embodies a series of essays from the current and past editors of the Journal of Business Logistics in marking the 40th anniversary of the journal. The compendium is intended to illustrate the evolution in logistics thought and practice as well as the journal's role in documenting and advancing the field. Key trends are identified in each era. Further, each editor expresses opinions of the current and future state of the discipline. This review reflects on the evolution of the Journal of Business Logistics and envisions the futures of the logistics field and supply chain discipline.
A‐kinase‐interacting protein 1 facilitates growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells via Slug‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Chen Dehu , Cao Gan , Liu Qinghong
Published: April 2019

A‐kinase‐interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) has previously been reported to act as a potential oncogenic protein in various cancers. The clinical significance and biological role of AKIP1 in gastric cancer (GC) is, however, still elusive. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the functional and molecular mechanism by which AKIP1 influences GC. AKIP1 mRNA and protein expressions in GC tissues were examined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Other methods including stably transfected against AKIP1 into gastric cancer cells, wound healing, transwell assays, CCK‐8, colony formation, qRT‐PCR and Western blot in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo were also performed. The up‐regulated expression of AKIP1 in GC specimens significantly correlated with clinical metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with GC. AKIP1 knockdown markedly suppressed GC cells proliferation, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, AKIP1 overexpression resulted in the opposite effects. Moreover, mechanistic analyses indicated that Slug‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) might be responsible for AKIP1‐influenced GC cells behaviour. Our findings demonstrated that high AKIP1 expression significantly correlated with clinical metastasis and unfavourable prognosis in patients with GC. Additionally, AKIP1 promoted GC cells proliferation, migration and invasion by activating Slug‐induced EMT.
Titanite dates crystallization: Slow Pb diffusion during super‐solidus re‐equilibration
Authors: Hartnady Michael I. H. , Kirkland Christopher L. , Clark Chris , Spaggiari Catherine V. , Smithies R. Hugh , Evans Noreen J. , McDonald Brad J.
Published: April 2019

Titanite can be found in rocks of wide compositional range, is reactive, growing or regrowing during metamorphic and hydrothermal events, and is generally amenable to U–Pb geochronology. Experimental evidence suggest that titanite has a closure temperature for Pb ranging from 550 to 650°C, and thus titanite dates are commonly interpreted as cooling ages. However, this view has been challenged in recent years by evidence from natural titanite which suggests the closure temperature may be significantly higher (up to 800°C). Here, we investigate titanite in an enclave of migmatitic gneiss included within a granite intrusion. The titanite crystals exhibit textural features characteristic of fluid‐mediated mass transfer processes on length scales of <100 µm. These textural features are associated with variation in both Pb concentrations and distinct U–Pb isotopic compositions. Zr‐in‐titanite thermometry indicates that modification of the titanite occurred at temperatures in excess of 840°C, in the presence of a high‐T silicate melt. The Pb concentration gradients preserved in these titanite crystals are used to determine the diffusivity of Pb in titanite under high‐T conditions. We estimate diffusivities ranging from 2 × 10−22 to 5 × 10−25 m2/s. These results are significantly lower than experimental data predict yet are consistent with other empirical data on natural titanites, suggesting that Pb diffusivity is similar to that of Sr. Thus our data challenge the wide‐held assumption that U–Pb titanite dates only reflect cooling ages.
Characterization of chitinase from Streptomyces luridiscabiei U05 and its antagonist potential against fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Swiontek Brzezinska Maria , Jankiewicz Urszula , Kalwasińska Agnieszka , Świątczak Joanna , Żero Klaudia
Published: April 2019

Streptomyces luridiscabiei U05 was isolated from wheat rhizosphere. It produced chitinase, which showed in vitro antifungal properties. The crude enzyme inhibited the growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Botrytis cinerea, F. culmorum and Penicillium verrucosum. The chitinase enzyme of the molecular weight of 45 kDa was purified using affinity chromatography of chitin. Streptomyces luridiscabiei U05 produced different chitinolytic enzymes. The highest enzyme activity was observed with the use of 4‐MU‐(GlcNAc), which points to the presence of an β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase. The optimum activity was obtained at 35–40°C and pH 7–8. The enzyme showed thermostability at 35–40°C during 240 min of preincubation and lost its activity at 50°C and 60°C in 60 min. The chitinase activity from S. luridiscabei U05 was strongly inhibited by Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The Ca2+, Cu2+ and Mg2+ ions stimulated the activity of the enzyme.
Effect of dietary energy on digestibilities, rumen fermentation, urinary purine derivatives and serum metabolites in Tibetan and small‐tailed Han sheep
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Wang Wenji , Jing Xiaoping , Degen Allan , Guo Yamin , Kang Jingpeng , Shang Zhanhuan , Yu Zhongxiang , Qiu Qiang , Guo Xusheng , Ding Luming , Yang Guo , Long Ruijun
Published: April 2019

Tibetan sheep are indigenous to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, graze the grassland all year round without supplementation and are well‐adapted to the harsh conditions. Small‐tailed Han sheep were introduced to the plateau and are raised mainly in feedlots. Based on their different backgrounds, we hypothesized that the ability to cope with poor diets would be better in Tibetan than in Han sheep. To test our prediction, we examined the effect of dietary energy on apparent digestibilities, rumen fermentation, urinary purine derivatives and serum metabolites by using a 4 × 4 Latin square design in each sheep breed. Four diets were formulated to be low in crude protein (~7%) but to differ in metabolizable energy concentration. Average daily gain was greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.01) and increased linearly with an increase in energy intake (p < 0.001). The digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, gross energy, and neutral and acid detergent fibres were greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH was lower (p < 0.05), while volatile fatty acids (VFAs), urea‐N, ammonia‐N and soluble protein‐N concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in Tibetan than in Han sheep. As a molar proportion of total VFA, acetate decreased (p < 0.001) with an increase in dietary energy whereas propionate and butyrate increased (p < 0.05). Urinary purine derivative excretion was greater in Tibetan than in Han sheep (p < 0.01), as was microbial nitrogen production; both parameters increased with dietary energy (p < 0.01). Serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 increased (p < 0.05) as energy level increased, while non‐esterified fatty acids and growth hormone decreased (p < 0.05). It was concluded that Tibetan sheep were better able to cope with low‐protein, low‐energy diets and, consequently, our prediction was supported.
Importance of Driving and Potential Impact of Driving Cessation for Rural and Urban Older Adults
Authors: Strogatz David , Mielenz Thelma J. , Johnson Andrew K. , Baker Ida R. , Robinson Melinda , Mebust Sean P. , Andrews Howard F. , Betz Marian E. , Eby David W. , Johnson Renee M. , Jones Vanya C. , Leu Cheng Shiun , Molnar Lisa J. , Rebok George W. , Li Guohua
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Analyses compared older drivers from urban, suburban, and rural areas on perceived importance of continuing to drive and potential impact that driving cessation would have on what they want and need to do.

Methods

The AAA LongROAD Study is a prospective study of driving behaviors, patterns, and outcomes of older adults. A cohort of 2,990 women and men 65‐79 years of age was recruited during 2015‐2017 from health systems or primary care practices near 5 study sites in different parts of the United States. Participants were classified as living in urban, surburban, or rural areas and were asked to rate the importance of driving and potential impact of driving cessation. Logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and driving‐related characteristics.

Findings

The percentages of older drivers rating driving as “completely important” were 76.9%, 79.0%, and 83.8% for urban, suburban, and rural drivers, respectively (P = .009). The rural drivers were also most likely to indicate driving cessation would have a high impact on what they want or need to do (P < .001). After adjustment for sociodemographic and driving‐related characteristics, there was a 2‐fold difference for rural versus urban older drivers in odds that driving cessation would have a high impact on what they need to do (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.60‐2.58).

Conclusions

Older drivers from rural areas were more likely to rate driving as highly important and the prospect of driving cessation as very impactful. Strategies to enhance both the ability to drive safely and the accessibility of alternative sources of transportation may be especially important for older rural adults.
Reading the stars for hepatic fibrosis or how to predict the severity of liver disease in patients with NASH
Authors: Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: April 2019

See Article on Page 924
Incidence, predictive factors and clinical significance of development of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis: A prospective study
Authors: Noronha Ferreira Carlos , Marinho Rui T. , Cortez‐Pinto Helena , Ferreira Paula , Dias Margarida S. , Vasconcelos Mariana , Alexandrino Paula , Serejo Fátima , Pedro Ana Júlia , Gonçalves Afonso , Palma Sónia , Leite Inês , Reis Daniela , Damião Filipe , Valente Ana , Xavier Brito Leonor , Baldaia Cilenia , Fatela Narcisa , Ramalho Fernando , Velosa José
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

The role of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the natural history of cirrhosis is controversial. There are few prospective studies validating risk factors for development of PVT. We analysed the incidence, factors associated with PVT development and its influence on cirrhosis decompensations and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT)‐free survival.

Methods

In this prospective observational study between January 2014 and March 2019, 445 consecutive patients with chronic liver disease were screened and finally 241 with cirrhosis included. Factors associated with PVT development and its influence on cirrhosis decompensations and OLT‐free survival by time dependent covariate coding were analysed.

Results

Majority of patients belonged to Child‐Pugh class A 184 (76.3%) and the average MELD score was 10 ± 5. Previous cirrhosis decompensations occurred in 125 (52.1%), 63 (26.1%) were on NSBB and 59 (27.2%) had undergone banding for bleeding prophylaxis. Median follow‐up was 29 (1‐58) months. Cumulative incidence of PVT was 3.7% and 7.6% at 1 and 3 years. Previous decompensation of cirrhosis and low platelet counts but not NSBB independently predicted the development of PVT. During follow‐up, 82/236 (34.7%) patients developed cirrhosis decompensations. OLT‐free survival was 100% and 82.8% at 3 years, with and without PVT respectively. MELD score, but not PVT, independently predicted cirrhosis decompensations (HR 1.14; 95%CI:1.09‐1.19) and OLT‐free survival (HR 1.16;95%CI:1.11‐1.21).

Conclusion

Previous decompensations of cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia predict PVT development in cirrhosis suggesting a pathophysiologic role for severity of portal hypertension. PVT development did not independently predict cirrhosis decompensations or lower OLT‐free survival.
Adoption of Individual Flood Damage Mitigation Measures in New York City: An Extension of Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Botzen W. J. Wouter , Kunreuther Howard , Czajkowski Jeffrey , de Moel Hans
Published: April 2019

This study offers insights into factors of influence on the implementation of flood damage mitigation measures by more than 1,000 homeowners who live in flood‐prone areas in New York City. Our theoretical basis for explaining flood preparedness decisions is protection motivation theory, which we extend using a variety of other variables that can have an important influence on individual decision making under risk, such as risk attitudes, time preferences, social norms, trust, and local flood risk management policies. Our results in relation to our main hypothesis are as follows. Individuals who live in high flood risk zones take more flood‐proofing measures in their home than individuals in low‐risk zones, which suggests the former group has a high threat appraisal. With regard to coping appraisal variables, we find that a high response efficacy and a high self‐efficacy play an important role in taking flood damage mitigation measures, while perceived response cost does not. In addition, a variety of behavioral characteristics influence individual decisions to flood‐proof homes, such as risk attitudes, time preferences, and private values of being well prepared for flooding. Investments in elevating one's home are mainly influenced by building code regulations and are negatively related with expectations of receiving federal disaster relief. We discuss a variety of policy recommendations to improve individual flood preparedness decisions, including incentives for risk reduction through flood insurance, and communication campaigns focused on coping appraisals and informing people about flood risk they face over long time horizons.