bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (in)coherence in accounting for goodwill
Authors: Garzella Stefano , Ferri Salvatore , Fiorentino Raffaele , Paolone Francesco
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In the process of harmonizing International Accounting Standards (IAS/IFRS), scholars and standard setters still need to overcome unresolved issues related to both goodwill duration and accounting recognition. This paper aims to compare the academic background on goodwill with current IAS. Specifically, the goal is to criticize existing practices and advance a revision of accounting for goodwill.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of the relevant literature on notions, theories and accounting approaches on goodwill and on an investigation of IAS/IFRS on accounting for goodwill. By critically integrating literature and practices, the authors provide implications for a revision of IAS.

Findings

The findings show the two main internally coherent theoretical approaches and the incoherence in current goodwill accounting standards. The paper contributes to the debate on accounting for goodwill by suggesting new conceptual arguments in relation to the controversies related to its accounting treatment.

Practical implications

The findings offer insights and guidelines that can help standard setters revise current accounting standards. Inter alia, standards setters should revisit issues related to goodwill evaluation and record limitations in future debates to find better solutions.

Originality/value

This study shows the incoherence of current accounting standards. Furthermore, the findings contradict the general opinion that, in current IAS, goodwill can be recognized only if acquired in business combinations and not if internally generated. Thereby, the authors suggest to shift the international accounting standards board focus from the preference between amortization and impairment to the coherence of goodwill accounting approaches.
Vehicle routing analyses with integrated order picking and delivery problem under carbon cap and trade policy
Authors: Jharkharia Sanjay , Das Chiranjit
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to model a vehicle routing problem with integrated picking and delivery under carbon cap and trade policy. This study also provides sensitivity analyses of carbon cap and price to the total cost.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to model the vehicle routing with integrated order picking and delivery constraints. The model is then solved by using the CPLEX solver. Carbon footprint is estimated by a fuel consumption function that is dependent on two factors, distance and vehicle speed. The model is analyzed by considering 10 suppliers and 20 customers. The distance and vehicle speed data are generated using simulation with random numbers.

Findings

Significant amount of carbon footprint can be reduced through the adoption of eco-efficient vehicle routing with a marginal increase in total transportation cost. Sensitivity analysis indicates that compared to carbon cap, carbon price has more influence on the total cost.

Research limitations/implications

The model considers mid-sized problem instances. To analyze large size problems, heuristics and meta-heuristics may be used.

Practical implications

This study provides an analysis of carbon cap and price model that would assist practitioners and policymakers in formulating their policy in the context of carbon emissions.

Originality/value

This study provides two significant contributions to low carbon supply chain management. First, it provides a vehicle routing model under carbon cap and trade policy. Second, it provides a sensitivity analysis of carbon cap and price in the model.
The conceptual foundations of educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0
Authors: Fonina Tatiana B. , Nazarov Andrey G. , Larionova Elena I. , Bychkova Svetlana G. , Gerasimova Elena B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to specify the conceptual foundations of educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0 for maximizing its efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

For determining the efficiency of educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0 in modern Russia, the authors use the information and analytical materials on the results of monitoring of effectiveness of the activities of educational organizations of higher education in 2018. They use the indicators of the number of cooperation agreements and efficiency of cooperation – employment of graduates and the share of non-budget assets in revenues from the educational activities. These indicators are studied with the help of the method of regression analysis. The objects of the research are the flagship universities of the Central and the Southern Federal District of the Russian Federation.

Findings

Low efficiency of the educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0 in modern Russia is observed. The authors show by the example of the flagship universities of the Central and Southern Federal Districts of the Russian Federation in 2018 that multiple agreements on their cooperation with the companies of regions in which they are located do not ensure high values of the indicators of employment of their graduates and the share of non-budget assets in revenues from the educational activities.

Originality/value

An algorithm of developing the educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0 and a model of educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0 are offered. The authors’ recommendations specify the conceptual foundations of the educational cooperation of universities and companies of Industry 4.0, as they orient the participants of this cooperation at achievement of specific formalized results and show the mechanism of achieving them.
Police social work and social service collaboration strategies one hundred years after Vollmer
Authors: Patterson George T. , Swan Philip G.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a systematic review that examined police social work and social service collaboration strategies implemented to address social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted to identify the components of police social work and social service collaboration strategies. A total of 11 databases were searched. The inclusion criteria centered on the social problem, focus population, service providers, collaboration components and geographic location. Any methodological approach was included provided that a collaboration between police and social service providers focused on addressing a social problem was implemented and described.

Findings

The database searches identified 3,065 hits. After first eliminating duplicate titles, then reviewing and eliminating titles and abstracts that did not met the inclusion criteria, 119 full-text studies were reviewed. Among the 81 studies included in the systematic review, 83 implemented collaborations were found. The most collaborations were implemented in the USA, whereas only one implemented collaboration was found among the majority of the countries. Interpersonal violence was the most frequent social problem addressed by the collaborations followed by mental illness, crime, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and substance use and abuse. Interventions were predominantly delivered by social workers who provided referrals and collaboration with social service agencies that assisted adults.

Practical implications

Given that police officers are first responders to a wide range of social problems, investigating and disseminating information about the characteristics of police social service collaboration strategies is an important endeavor. Whereas investigating the effectiveness of collaborations was not the aim of this review, several practical implications can be derived from the findings. These findings show the types of social problems, partners and tasks that comprise the collaborations. The present findings suggest that law enforcement agencies do not have accessible name brand social work and social service collaboration models that can be replicated. The majority of the collaborations found appear to be unique models implemented between law enforcement and social service agencies. More outcome studies are needed that investigate whether the social problem has improved among citizens that received services from the collaboration.

Originality/value

This paper is the first systematic review focused on police social work and social service collaboration strategies implemented to address social problems.
Temperature relevant performance and calibration of spin-valve sensor
Authors: Zhu Huachen , Qian Zhenghong , Zhang Jiaofeng , Sun Yucheng , Bai Ru , Zhu Jianguo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

It has been noted that the spin-valve sensor exhibits lower sensitivity with higher temperature because of the variation of GMR ratio, which could lead to the measurement error in applications where working temperature changes largely over seasons or times. This paper aims to investigate and compensate the temperature effect of the spin-valve sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

A spin-valve sensor is fabricated based on microelectronic process, and its temperature relevant properties are investigated, in which the transfer curves are acquired within a temperature range of −50°C to 125°C with a Helmholtz coil and temperature chamber.

Findings

It is found that the sensitivity of spin-valve sensor decreases with temperature linearly, where the temperature coefficient is calculated at −0.25 %/°C. The relationship between sensitivity of spin-valve sensor and temperature is well-modeled.

Originality/value

The temperature drift model of the spin-valve sensor’s sensitivity is highly correlated with tested results, which could be used to compensate the temperature influence on the sensor output. A self-compensation sensor system is proposed and built based on the expression modeled for the temperature dependence of the sensor, which exhibits a great improvement on temperature stability.
A new approach to map landscape variation in forest restoration success in tropical and temperate forest biomes
Authors: Crouzeilles Renato , Barros Felipe S. M. , Molin Paulo G. , Ferreira Mariana S. , Junqueira André B. , Chazdon Robin L. , Lindenmayer David B. , Tymus Julio R. C. , Strassburg Bernardo B. N. , Brancalion Pedro H. S.
Published: September 2019

A high level of variation of biodiversity recovery within a landscape during forest restoration presents obstacles to ensure large‐scale, cost‐effective and long‐lasting ecological restoration. There is an urgent need to predict landscape variation in forest restoration success at a global scale.

We conducted a meta‐analysis comprising 135 study landscapes to predict and map landscape variation in forest restoration success in tropical and temperate forest biomes. Our analysis was based on the amount of forest cover within a landscape — a key driver of forest restoration success. We contrasted 17 generalized linear models measuring forest cover at different landscape sizes (with buffers varying from 5 to 200 km radii). We identified the most plausible model to predict and map landscape variation in forest restoration success. We then weighted landscape variation by the amount of potentially restorable areas (agriculture and pasture land areas) within the same landscape. Finally, we estimated restoration costs of implementing Bonn Challenge commitments in three specific temperate and tropical forest biome types in the United States, Brazil and Uganda.

Landscape variation decreased exponentially as the amount of forest cover increased in the landscape, with stronger effects within a 5 km radius. Thirty‐eight per cent of forest biomes have landscapes with more than 27% of forest cover and showed levels of landscape variation below 10%. Landscapes with less than 6% of forest cover showed levels of variation in forest restoration success above 50%.

At the biome level, Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests had the lowest (12.6%), whereas Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests had the highest (22.9%) average of weighted landscape variation in forest restoration success. Our approach can lead to a reduction in implementation costs for each Bonn Challenge commitment between US$ 973 Mi and 9.9 Bi.

Policy implications. Our approach identifies landscape characteristics that increase the likelihood of biodiversity recovery during forest restoration — and potentially the chances of natural regeneration and long‐term ecological sustainability and functionality. Identifying areas with low levels of landscape variation can help to reduce the risks and financial costs associated with implementing ambitious restoration commitments.
Performance of a state‐space multispecies model: What are the consequences of ignoring predation and process errors in stock assessments?
Authors: Trijoulet Vanessa , Fay Gavin , Miller Timothy J.
Published: September 2019

Having a realistic representation of ecosystems in fisheries models is important in the context of ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM). While different modelling approaches support EBFM, accounting for trophic interactions and uncertainty in stock dynamics is important for management advice. Multispecies models exist, but are rarely used for assessments. Most stock assessments are single species models and predation is subsumed into natural mortality, which is often an assumed known value. The use of state‐space assessment models, which account for stochasticity in unobserved processes (process errors), is increasing. However, many stocks are managed assuming deterministic processes. Little is known of how ignoring predation and process errors in stock assessment can impact the perception of the stocks and therefore fisheries management.

We developed an age‐structured multispecies operating model that simulated data with errors in observations, recruitment and fish abundance. Four estimation models (EMs) that differed according to whether or not they accounted for predation or process errors were fitted to the simulated data. Relative differences between true and predicted outputs were estimated as a measure of bias. Equilibrium unfished biomass was estimated for each model as a proxy reference point.

Ignoring predation had the largest impact on stock perception and resulted in large bias in parameters, derived outputs and absolute or relative reference points. Estimating unobserved processes was not sufficient in limiting the bias when natural mortality was misspecified.

Ignoring process errors had limited bias but the bias increased when no contrasts existed in fishing mortality over time.

Looking solely at likelihood values to choose among models is misleading and predictive ability could be used to prevent selecting models that overfit the data.

Synthesis and applications. Ignoring trophic interactions that occur in marine ecosystems induces bias in stock assessment outputs and results in low model predictive ability with subsequently biased reference points. While it may be difficult to estimate natural mortality when no data exist to inform it, stock managers should remember that, if predation is large, assuming a constant mortality over time and/or age could have large consequences on stock perception and reference point estimates and affect resulting management advice.
Long‐term dynamics of liana seedlings suggest decelerating increases in liana relative abundance over time
Authors: Umaña María N. , Manzané‐Pinzón Eric , Comita Liza S.
Published: September 2019

Over the past decades, tropical forests have experienced both compositional and structural changes. In the Neotropics, researchers at multiple sites have observed significant increases in the abundance and biomass of lianas (i.e. woody vines) relative to trees. However, the role of dynamics at early life stages in contributing to increasing liana abundance remains unclear.

We took advantage of a unique dataset on seedling dynamics over 16 years in ~20 000 1‐m2 plots in a tropical forest in Panama to examine temporal and spatial trends in liana and tree seedling abundance.

We found that the relative abundance of liana seedlings increased across the study period, from 0.18 in 2001 to 0.24 in 2017. However, increases in liana seedling relative abundance appear to have levelled off in more recent years. The observed increases in liana relative abundance appear to be the result of both higher survival and higher recruitment rates of liana seedlings compared to tree seedlings.

Increasing liana abundance in the seedling layer was not explained by annual variation in dry season length, total rainfall or the proportion of area occupied by canopy gaps. In addition, liana seedlings did not exhibit a demographic advantage (i.e. higher recruitment or survival) over tree seedlings in dry habitats.

Synthesis. Our results reveal that seedling communities experienced important compositional changes in the past, but liana seedling relative abundance may have stabilized in recent years. Longer‐term monitoring is needed to determine whether tropical forests will continue to experience compositional changes that may alter forest structure and ecosystem function.
Under the cover of the kippah: on Jewish settlers, performance, and belonging in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Harel Assaf
Published: September 2019

What can a kippah – the Jewish head cover – reveal about settlers’ politics of belonging in the Israeli‐Palestinian space? During fieldwork among settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank, I selectively put on and took off the kippah, using it to control social identity and interactions, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. This article interrogates my use of the kippah as a reflexive means of highlighting its powerful meanings and effects within the Israeli‐Palestinian space. In showing how the wearing and removal of the kippah bears upon the social construction of Jewish identity, this article offers new insights into the sociopolitical significance of sartorial practices in Israel/Palestine. These insights contribute more broadly to debates at the intersection of studies of settler colonialism, material culture, identity, and performativity.
A Pilot Study Comparing Postmortem and Antemortem CT for the Identification of Unknowns: Could a Forensic Pathologist Do It?
Authors: Ali Zabiullah , Mourtzinos Nikki , Ali Bakr B. , Fowler David R.
Published: September 2019

Forensic pathologists are commonly tasked with identifying human remains. Although DNA analysis remains the gold standard in identification, time and cost make it particularly prohibitive. Radiological examination, more specifically analog imaging, is more cost‐effective and has been widely used in the medical examiner setting as a means of identification. In the United States, CT imaging is a fairly new imaging modality in the forensic setting, but in more recent years, offices are acquiring CT scans or collaborating with local hospitals to utilize the technology. To broaden the spectrum of potential identifying characteristics, we collected 20 cases with antemortem and postmortem CT images. The results were qualitatively assessed by a forensic pathologist and a nonmedically trained intern, and all cases were correctly identified. This study demonstrates that identification of human remains using visual comparison could be performed with ease by a forensic pathologist with limited CT experience.
Reputation and adverse selection: theory and evidence from eBay
Authors: Saeedi Maryam
Published: September 2019

How can a marketplace introduce mechanisms to overcome inefficiencies caused by adverse selection? In this article, I use a unique data set that follows eBay sellers to show that reputation is a major determinant of price variations. I develop a model of sellers' dynamic behavior where sellers have heterogeneous qualities unobservable by buyers. Using reputation as a signal of quality, I structurally estimate the model to uncover buyers' utility and sellers' costs and underlying qualities. I show that removing the reputation mechanism increases low‐quality sellers' market share, lowers prices, and consequently reduces sellers' profit by 66% and consumer surplus by 35%.
Introduction to the Special Section: Strengthening Institutional Collaboration for Development and Economic Growth
Authors: Klasen Andreas
Published: September 2019

Open markets, international trade and foreign direct investments (FDI) are a source of prosperity in challenging times. This Special Section looks at developed economies and emerging markets, also taking into account the role of trade for impactful capacity‐building in Least developed countries (LDCs). Specific emphasis is placed on financing economic development and trade, analysing what roles trade and development finance should play in the quest for an efficient mobilisation of private capital for growth, trade and development.
Foreign Trade Finance: Requirements and Challenges in Times of Change
Authors: Schöne Edna
Published: September 2019

The global trade world is changing. In order to support their exporters, ECAs need to adapt to a changing competitive environment and develop rules and processes that are made for todays export realities. Euler Hermes advocates an adaption of the OECD consensus and believes in digitalization as a mean to make ECA cover attractive for exporters also in the future.
Accumulation and Mobilization of Capital for Sustainable Development – Historical Perspective and Significance of ECA Financing
Authors: Kumar Ashish
Published: September 2019

Economic development is closely related to accumulation and mobilisation of capital, sources of which can either be domestic or foreign. In a developing country context, foreign capital has emerged as an important source of supplementing domestic capital, and is increasingly being channelised through official export credit agency (ECA) support. For this support to have a lasting impact, it is important that projects are designed and developed in a coordinated manner with strong involvement of the host country. Simultaneously, it is critical to devise mechanisms such as local currency financing to ensure the sustainability of such support.
The decline in youth drinking in England—is everyone drinking less? A quantile regression analysis
Authors: Oldham Melissa , Callinan Sarah , Whitaker Victoria , Fairbrother Hannah , Curtis Penny , Meier Petra , Livingston Michael , Holmes John
Published: September 2019

Background and Aims

Youth alcohol consumption has declined significantly during the past 15 years in many high‐income countries, which may have significant public health benefits. However, if the reductions in drinking occur mainly among lighter drinkers who are at lower risk, then rates of alcohol‐related harm among young people today and adults in future may not fall in line with consumption. There is conflicting evidence from Swedish school studies, with some suggesting that all young people are drinking less, while others suggest that alcohol consumption among heavier drinkers may be stable or rising while average consumption declines. This paper extends the geographical focus of previous research and examines whether the decline in youth drinking is consistent across the consumption distribution in England.

Design

Quantile regression of 15 waves of repeat cross‐sectional survey data.

Setting

England, 2001–16.

Participants

A total of 31 882 schoolchildren (50.7% male) aged 11–15 who responded to the Smoking Drinking and Drug Use among Young People surveys.

Measurements

Past‐week alcohol consumption in UK units at each fifth percentile of the consumption distribution.

Findings

Reductions in alcohol consumption occurred at all percentiles of the consumption distribution analysed between 2001 and 2016, but the magnitude of the decline differed across percentiles. The decline in consumption at the 90th percentile [β = −0.21, confidence interval (CI) = −0.24, −0.18] was significantly larger than among either lighter drinkers at the 50th percentile (β = −0.02, CI = −0.02, −0.01) or heavier drinkers at the 95th percentile (β = −0.16, CI = −0.18, −0.13).

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption among young people in England appears to be declining across the consumption distribution, and peaks among heavy drinkers. The magnitude of this decline differs significantly between percentiles of the consumption distribution, with consumption falling proportionally less among the lightest, moderate and very heaviest youth drinkers.
Normal fertility with deletion of sY84 and sY86 in AZFa region
Authors: Tang D. , Liu W. , Li G. , He X. , Zhang Z. , Zhang X. , Cao Y.
Published: September 2019

Background

Entire deletion of the azoospermia factor a (AZFa) region commonly results in non‐obstructive‐azoospermia (NOA). Although sY84 and sY86 are recommended as the first choice of sequence‐tagged sites (STSs) primers in AZFa region, and their deletions suggest a very high probability of complete deletion of AZFa, extension analysis is now compulsory to identify the deletion pattern.

Objectives

We aim to verify that extension analysis is relevant in assessing the deletion pattern of AZF by reporting a family in which two normal fertile men were confirmed to have a deletion of sY84 and sY86.

Materials and methods

According to the EAA/EMQN recommendation, AZF evaluation was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with six STSs, and extension analysis was performed to identify the deletion pattern due to the deletions of sY84 and sY86. And the further exploration was conducted to map the breakpoints of deleted DNA fragment.

Results

Deletion of sY84 and sY86 was found in the case with coinstantaneous normal semen analysis. An identically partial deletion pattern of AZFa region with the absence of an hg38Y fragment (12470437~12690385, 219949 bp in total) was found in both the case and his father, which includes three pseudogenes and one non‐coding‐RNA gene.

Discussion and conclusion

The extension analysis has permitted the diagnosis of a partial AZFa deletion and confirmed the importance of the extension analysis in order to provide a more accurate prediction for the testis phenotype.
Induction of labor with high‐ or low‐dosage oral misoprostol—A Danish descriptive retrospective cohort study 2015‐16
Authors: Bendix Jane M. , Friis Petersen Jesper , Andersen Betina R. , Bødker Birgit , Løkkegaard Ellen C.
Published: September 2019

Introduction

In Denmark, the rate of induced labor from 37 gestational weeks has increased by 108% from 12.4% in 2000 to 25.1% in 2012, and today more than 1 in 4 deliveries are induced. Standard procedure at North Zealand Hospital changed in 2016 from a dosage of 50 µg oral misoprostol 2‐3 times daily, to 25 µg up to 8 times daily. Also, since 2016 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies (primiparous and multiparous) have been offered induction as an outpatient procedure. This study aimed to compare the current low‐dosage procedure (25 µg) with the former high‐dosage procedure (50 µg) in terms of induction to delivery time, maternal and fetal outcomes, and risk of uterine hyperstimulation.

Material and methods

Data from June 2015 to October 2016 were included. Comparable baseline, demographic, and obstetric data for women induced according to high‐dosage or low‐dosage protocols were retrieved from local medical files. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi‐squared tests, Kaplan‐Meier survival estimates, and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The study included 816 induced deliveries. The high‐ and low‐dosage groups differed in rates of plurality and place of induction. Induction to delivery times lasting longer than 72 hours were significantly decreased in the low‐dosage group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.27 to 0.86). Women in the low‐dosage group also less often needed additional induction (P = 0.02), and the rate of uterine hyperstimulation was low irrespective of protocol (1% vs 3%, P = 0.16). There were no cases of uterine rupture in either group. The probability of vaginal delivery in the low‐dosage group increased (adjusted hazard ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.49), as did the risk of delivery with vacuum extraction (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.15), whereas delivery by cesarean section slightly decreased (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.33). The risk of meconium‐stained liquor was nonsignificantly decreased (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.23).

Conclusions

The low‐dosage induction protocol was associated with favorable obstetric outcomes in terms of increased probability of vaginal delivery, but with higher risk of vacuum extraction. Protracted inductions and additional nonmedical interventions were reduced. There were no cases of uterine rupture. Statistically nonsignificant, the risk of uterine hyperstimulation was increased whereas the risk of meconium‐stained liquor and of cesarean section was slightly decreased.
Taming anger and trusting others: Roles of skin conductance, anger regulation, and trust in children's aggression
Authors: Song Ju‐Hyun , Colasante Tyler , Malti Tina
Published: September 2019

Proactive and reactive aggression subtypes are distinguishable as early as the preschool years. However, their early physiological and social–emotional correlates have not been examined simultaneously. We tested whether children's skin conductance level, anger regulation, and trust in others were differentially related to their proactive and reactive aggression. Four‐year‐olds and their primary caregivers were recruited from a large Canadian city (N = 150). Controlling for reactive aggression, higher trust was associated with lower proactive aggression, but only for children with low anger regulation or skin conductance level. Controlling for proactive aggression, lower anger regulation was related to higher reactive aggression, and higher trust was related to higher reactive aggression for children with high skin conductance level. Findings highlight the unique and collective relations of physiology, emotion regulation, and trust to different forms of aggression in early childhood.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject

Proactive and reactive aggression subtypes are distinguishable as early as the preschool years.

Unique physiological and social–emotional correlates of each subtype have been studied in middle and late childhood.

Trust is a critical milestone for positive social interactions in early childhood and has been linked to aggression.

What the present study adds

Physiological and social–emotional correlates are uniquely linked to subtypes of aggression already at age 4.

Trust is differentially linked to aggression subtypes as a function of anger regulation and skin conductance level.
High‐resolution stratigraphy of a Quaternary fluvial deposit based on magnetic susceptibility variations (Jászság Basin, Hungary)
Authors: Püspöki Zoltán , Fogarassy‐Pummer Tímea , Thamó‐Bozsó Edit , Berényi Bernadett , Cserkész‐Nagy Ágnes , Szappanos Bálint , Márton Emő , Lantos Zoltán , Nádor Annamária , Fancsik Tamás , Stercel Ferenc , Tóth‐Makk Ágnes , Mcintosh Richard W. , Szőcs Teodóra , Faragó Enikő
Published: September 2019

Quaternary fluvial succession of the Jászság Basin (Hungary) was investigated, challenging the stratigraphical potential of ‘early postglacial fluvial magnetic susceptibility episodes' recognized earlier in the Körös Basin. Low field magnetic susceptibility (MS) was measured in four boreholes from the basin centre and margins, representing channel and flood‐plain environments. Statistical distributions ofMSdata contain significant sets of outliers, regardless of facies conditions. The downhole distribution of these outliers produces magnetic susceptibility cycles. Supported by magnetic susceptibility cycles, high‐resolution facies correlations were performed reflecting a steady palaeohydrographical situation in the area, with a trunk river to the southeast and tributaries to the northwest.SEM‐EDXdata revealed that ferromagnetic grains are responsible for the outlyingMSvalues. The heterogeneous association of magnetite indicates a catchment area with volcanic and metamorphic rocks, while the group of small (<5 μm) magnetite octahedrons originated from nearby rhyolitic tuff formations. Magnetic grains were transported along channel belts, while small (<2 μm) magnetic particles were floated onto flood‐plains attached to clays. Climatic control is indicated by peaks at ~100 ka frequency in spectra ofMSrecords and was also detected in palaeosol development and in flood frequency using the spectra of measured colour (~100 ka) and logged resistivity (~100 ka, ~41 ka), respectively. The climate‐dependentMSsignal traceable far into the basin in both channel and flood‐plain environments can be summoned when the Quaternary fluvial succession of the Pannonian Basin is investigated, assuming some sources of magnetite in the catchment areas. According to the concept of ‘fluvial magnetic susceptibility episodes’, the early postglacial escape and spreading of the magnetite fraction control theMSsignal that can support mapping of the unconformable Quaternary base and building of high‐resolution models of aquifers.
Late Miocene evaporite geochemistry of Lorca and Fortuna basins (Eastern Betics, SE Spain): Evidence of restriction and continentalization
Authors: García‐Veigas Javier , Gibert Luis , Cendón Dioni I. , Artiaga David , Corbí Hugo , Soria Jesús M. , Lowenstein Tim K. , Sanz Enrique
Published: September 2019

The Lorca and Fortuna basins are two intramontane Neogene basins located in the eastern Betic Cordillera (SE Spain). During the Late Tortonian—Early Messinian, marine and continental evaporites precipitated in these basins as a consequence of increased marine restriction and isolation. Here we show a stratigraphic correlation between the evaporite records of these basins based on geochemical indicators. We use SO4 isotope compositions and Sr isotopic ratios in gypsum, and halite Br contents to characterize these units and to identify the marine or continental source of the waters feeding the evaporite basins. In addition, we review the available chronological information used to date these evaporites in Lorca (La Serrata Fm), including a thick saline deposit, that we correlate with the First Evaporitic Group in Fortuna (Los Baños Fm). This correlation is also supported by micropalaeontological data, giving a Late Tortonian age for this sequence. The Second Evaporitic Group, (Chicamo Fm), and the Third Evaporitic Group (Rambla Salada Fm) developed only in Fortuna during the Messinian. According to the palaeogeographical scheme presented here, the evaporites of the Lorca and Fortuna basins were formed during the Late Tortonian—Early Messinian, close to the Betic Seaway closure. Sulphate isotope compositions and Sr isotopic ratios of the Ribera Gypsum Mb, at the base of the Rambla Salada Fm (Fortuna basin), match those of the Late Messinian selenite gypsum beds in San Miguel de Salinas, in the near Bajo Segura basin (40 km to the East), and other Messinian Salinity Crisis gypsum deposits in the Mediterranean. According to these geochemical indicators and the uncertainty of the chronology of this unit, the assignment of the Rambla Salada Fm to the MSC cannot be ruled out.
Behavioral and Emotional Development of African American Boys Growing Up in Risky Environments
Authors: Barbarin Oscar A. , Hitti Aline , Copeland‐Linder Nikeea
Published: September 2019

Black males experience extraordinary developmental risks as a consequence of the combined effects of male gender, poverty, and race. These risks are reflected in atypical behavioral and emotional development often observed in middle childhood. Not all Black males succumb to these risks. Whether or not they do is a function of exposure to adverse childhood events resulting from poverty, the experience of racial bias, and access to mitigating cultural resources and familial supports. Reducing household poverty and increasing access to early childhood programs, school‐based programs, and mentoring are promising interventions to increase the probability of positive outcomes.
Osteoclastogenesis inhibition by mutated IGSF23 results in human osteopetrosis
Authors: Yuan Ying , Yang Li , Liu Ting , Zhang Hong , Lu Qiong
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Osteopetrosis is a rare inherited skeletal disease characterized by increased bone mineral density due to the loss of osteoclast function or differentiation potential.

Materials and Methods

The study involved a Chinese patient with osteopetrosis (the proband) and her immediate family members and 180 controls without osteopetrosis. Bone density of the femoral neck, lumbar spine and total body was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Osteoclast differentiation by the participants’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated using tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Osteoblast differentiation was examined with Alizarin Red S staining. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR was used to amplify immunoglobulin superfamily member 23 (IGSF23), c‐FOS and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATC1).

Results

We found a homozygous mutation (c.295C>T) in the IGSF23 gene in two osteopetrosis samples. The mutation led to the formation of a stop codon, causing loss of the immunoglobulin‐like domain and the whole transmembrane domain. PBMCs from the proband (IGSF23−/−) exhibited poor ability for differentiating into mature osteoclasts in vitro. Overexpression of IGSF23 rescued the ability of IGSF23−/− PBMCs to differentiate into osteoclasts. Moreover, knockdown of IGSF23 reversed the bone loss in OVX mice by injecting AAV‐shIGSF23 into mice femoral bone marrow cavity. Furthermore, we also found that the IGSF23 mutation led to decreased c‐Fos and NFATC1 expression levels by inhibiting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathways.

Conclusions

IGSF23‐mediated osteoclast differentiation of PBMCs may serve as a potential target in osteoporosis therapy.
Antagonistic, synergistic and direct effects of land use and climate on Prairie wetland ecosystems: Ghosts of the past or present?
Authors: Mantyka‐Pringle Chrystal , Leston Lionel , Messmer Dave , Asong Elvis , Bayne Erin M. , Bortolotti Lauren E. , Sekulic Gregory , Wheater Howard , Howerter David W. , Clark Robert G.
Published: September 2019

Aim

Wetland loss and degradation threaten biodiversity to an extent greater than most ecosystems. Science‐supported responses require understanding of interacting effects of land use and climate change on wetland biodiversity.

Location

Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We evaluated how current climate, climate change (as a ghost of the past), land use and wetland water quality relate to aquatic macroinvertebrates and birds.

Results

Climatic relationships and climate–land use interactions were observed on chironomid abundance, but not macroinvertebrate taxa richness (MTR) or odonate abundance, which responded to land use and water chemistry. Chironomid abundance was positively associated with cropland and negatively associated with total precipitation. Higher cropland cover and dissolved organic carbon synergistically interacted with total precipitation to affect chironomids. MTR was negatively related to salinity, yet greater area of non‐woody riparian vegetation attenuated salinity effects on MTR. Odonate abundance was negatively related to total phosphorus. Higher grassland cover also increased the negative relationship of total phosphorous to odonate abundance. Climatic relationships and climate–land use interactions were observed on bird species richness (BSR) and abundance of several bird functional groups. Higher BSR and abundances of several bird groups were positively related to average rainfall and greater warming temperatures over time. Area of non‐crop cover and wetlands was positively associated with most bird groups and BSR. Warming temperatures over time ameliorated the negative relationship of higher cropland or less shrubland on aerial insectivores and other bird groups.

Main conclusions

Climate patterns and climate change are as important as land use pressures with stronger impacts on birds. Climate change was more influential than current climate and provided novel empirical evidence that progressively warmer, wetter conditions is benefiting some bird groups, including aerial insectivores, a group of conservation concern. Riparian vegetation ameliorated the negative impacts of climate and water quality gradients on MTR and could mitigate global change impacts in agricultural systems.
Design and validation of two measures to detect anxiety disorders in epilepsy: The Epilepsy Anxiety Survey Instrument and its brief counterpart
Authors: Scott Amelia J. , Sharpe Louise , Thayer Zoe , Miller Laurie A. , Hunt Caroline , MacCann Carolyn , Parratt Kaitlyn , Nikpour Armin , Wong Toh , Gandy Milena
Published: September 2019

Objective

The study objective was to develop and validate the first epilepsy‐specific anxiety survey instrument (Epilepsy Anxiety Survey Instrument [EASI]) alongside a briefer screening instrument to detect anxiety disorders in routine clinical practice (brEASI).

Methods

The instruments were developed utilizing a mixed‐methods approach in four related studies. Pilot items were developed following qualitative interviews with people with epilepsy (PWE; Study 1) and consultation with multidisciplinary experts in anxiety and epilepsy (Study 2). PWE (n = 314) then completed pilot items alongside existing measures of anxiety and depression (Study 3). Factor analysis was conducted to refine the scale and select well‐performing items for a briefer diagnostic screener (brEASI). The brEASI was validated against a gold standard diagnostic interview in 106 PWE recruited from an outpatient epilepsy service (Study 4). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to determine the brEASI‘s diagnostic performance.

Results

Twenty‐six pilot items were generated based on the findings of Studies 1 and 2. Analyses in Study 3 resulted in an 18‐item EASI, and eight well‐performing items were selected for the brEASI. The area under the curve (AUC) of brEASI was excellent (AUC = 0.89, 95% confidence interval = 0.82‐0.94). At a cutoff of 7, it demonstrated a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 84% for identifying Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition anxiety disorders.

Significance

The EASI and brEASI represent the first valid and reliable epilepsy‐specific anxiety instruments. The EASI has been designed to comprehensively assess anxiety in PWE, whereas the brEASI may be used within busy neurology settings to provide rapid information to aid diagnoses of anxiety disorders. Given the significant prevalence and burden of anxiety in PWE, these tools are important potential solutions to improve the understanding and detection of anxiety in epilepsy.
Management of Childhood Migraine by Headache Specialist vs Non‐Headache Specialists
Authors: Gutta Radhika , Valentini Kelly J. , Kaur Gunjanpreet , Farooqi Ahmad A. , Sivaswamy Lalitha
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study aims to compare the management practices of a headache specialist with non‐headache specialists in the treatment of children with migraine. The use of appropriate rescue medications and prophylactic agents, application of neuroimaging, and short‐term outcomes are compared in children treated by the two groups of physicians.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted by utilizing the electronic medical records of children 3‐18 years of age with migraine, who were evaluated at a tertiary care children's hospital from 2016 to 2018.

Results

Of the 849 patients who met the study criteria, 469 children were classified as having chronic migraine or high‐frequency episodic migraine and were followed‐up on at least 1 occasion by the neurologists. Imaging was obtained in 66.5% of all children with migraine. The headache specialist used 5‐HT agonists (“triptans”) for migraine management in 56.7% (76/135) of cases compared to non‐headache specialists who prescribed them in 28.7% (96/334) of cases (P < .001). Of the children with chronic migraine, the headache specialist evaluated 135 patients while the non‐headache specialists treated 334 children. Non‐headache specialists prescribed prophylaxis in the form of natural supplements more frequently (63.8% of cases) compared to the headache specialist (38.5% of children) (P < .001). Moreover, prophylaxis with prescription drugs was utilized more often by headache specialist (66.7%) than non‐headache specialists (37.4%) (P < .001).

Conclusions

Imaging appears to be commonly recommended by both headache specialists and non‐headache specialists in children with migraine. The headache specialist was more likely to use triptans as rescue medications for pediatric migraine. Outcomes in the short‐term were not statistically different whether children were being managed by the headache specialist or the non‐headache specialists.
Minding the gap: The impact of B‐cell tolerance on the microbial antibody repertoire
Authors: Finney Joel , Watanabe Akiko , Kelsoe Garnett , Kuraoka Masayuki
Published: September 2019

B lymphocytes must respond to vast numbers of foreign antigens, including those of microbial pathogens. To do so, developing B cells use combinatorial joining of V‐, D‐, and J‐gene segments to generate an extraordinarily diverse repertoire of B‐cell antigen receptors (BCRs). Unsurprisingly, a large fraction of this initial BCR repertoire reacts to self‐antigens, and these “forbidden” B cells are culled by immunological tolerance from mature B‐cell populations. While culling of autoreactive BCRs mitigates the risk of autoimmunity, it also opens gaps in the BCR repertoire, which are exploited by pathogens that mimic the forbidden self‐epitopes. Consequently, immunological tolerance, necessary for averting autoimmune disease, also acts to limit effective microbial immunity. In this brief review, we recount the evidence for the linkage of tolerance and impaired microbial immunity, consider the implications of this linkage for vaccine development, and discuss modulating tolerance as a potential strategy for strengthening humoral immune responses.
Conditional value‐at‐risk beyond finance: a survey
Authors: Filippi C. , Guastaroba G. , Speranza M.G.
Published: September 2019

A large number of problems involve making decisions in an uncertain environment and, hence, with unknown outcomes. Optimization models aimed at controlling the trade‐off between risk and return in finance have been widely studied since the seminal work by Markowitz in 1952. In financial applications, shortfall or quantile risk measures are receiving ever‐increasing attention. Conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) is arguably the most popular of such measures. In the last decades, optimization models aimed at controlling risk have been applied to several application domains different from financial optimization. This survey provides an overview of the main contributions where CVaR is incorporated into an optimization approach and applied to a context different from financial engineering. The literature is classified following an application‐oriented perspective. The applications cover classical areas studied in operational research—such as supply chain management, scheduling, and networks—and less classical areas such as energy and medicine. For each area, concise paper excerpts are provided that convey the main ideas of the problems studied, and analyze how the CVaR has been used to cope with different sources of uncertainty. Finally, some open research directions are outlined.