bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the mechanical behaviour of wooden construction materials from “quinta lobeira de cima”
Authors: Raposo Patricia , Martins João , Correia José , Salavessa Maria E. , Reis Cristina , Xavier José , Jesus Abilio M.P. de
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The antique structures are part of the inheritance that our elders left, being important to preserve their memories. It is important to preserve, rehabilitate and restore the historic buildings protecting the cultural patrimony, attending to the actual comfort and habitability requirements. It is necessary to study the behaviour of the various elements that compose antique structures (masonry and wood) in order to develop assessment measures according to the characteristics of the original materials. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental campaign to characterize the mechanical behaviour of the wood of the roof of the “sequeiro” of “Quinta Lobeira de Cima”, a building from the twentieth century located in Minho, was carried out. The tested wood specimens are from two different species: chestnut and oak. Compression, tension and static flexion tests according to parallel to the grain direction were performed. Other parameters, such as density, moisture content and longitudinal modulus of elasticity in compression and in tension, were also obtained. The measurement of displacements was made with Digital Image Correlation (DIC).

Findings

The results of this study show the similarity between experimental and empirical values for the studied woods species.

Originality/value

This original study aimed at characterizing the mechanical properties using DIC of wood of the roof of the “sequeiro” of “Quinta Lobeira de Cima”, a building from the twentieth century located in Minho (Portugal). This study is part of master thesis of João Martins, an original research work.
Locating periods of institutional change agency: a mixed methods approach
Authors: Brodnik Christoph , Brown Rebekah
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper presents a new mixed methods approach which allows researchers to scan industry sectors for institutional change periods and to locate periods of significant institutional change agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is grounded on the institutional logics perspective and on institutional entrepreneurship theory and combines an automated quantitative content analysis with a cognitive mapping exercise.

Findings

The paper describes the development of this approach and its application to the urban water management sector of Australia. Three periods of significant institutional change agency are identified, described and discussed.

Originality/value

The paper puts forward a new methodological approach that enables a robust and objective identification of actor-driven institutional change periods which can be used as a precursor for more targeted qualitative inquiries into institutional change research.
Managing reversed (global) outsourcing – the role of knowledge, technology and time
Authors: Nujen Bella Belerivana , Halse Lise Lillebrygfjeld , Damm Rickard , Gammelsæter Hallgeir
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Against the recent trend toward reversed global outsourcing, the purpose of this paper is to provide insights on how the internal process can be handled once the decision on reverse outsourcing has been made. The authors focus in particular on in-house knowledge and technology requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the topic at hand, the researchers conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with five companies operating in two different industry sectors.

Findings

Reversed outsourcing accentuates challenges relating to retained knowledge. When embarking on reversed outsourcing, companies need to acknowledge the effort to revive and renew capabilities in order to perform technical operations and advanced manufacturing production.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on case studies in a Scandinavian context. Further empirical research from other high-cost locations is needed to validate the findings.

Originality/value

Explorative qualitative research is scarce in the emergent literature on reversed outsourcing. The paper provides practical and theoretical insights into how to handle diminishing knowledge in companies that are re-evaluating their sourcing strategies. It adds a knowledge dimension within the emergent literature. A framework for key success factors and propositions is also provided.
Local competence building and international venture capital in low-income countries
Authors: Hain Daniel Stefan , Jurowetzki Roman
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the changing pattern and characteristics of international financial flows in the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), provide a novel taxonomy to classify and analyze them, and discuss how such investments contribute to competence building and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

In an exploratory study, the authors analyze the characteristics of international venture capital investors and the start-ups receiving funding in Kenya and map their interaction. The authors proceed by developing a novel taxonomy, classifying investors according to their main rationales (for-profit-for-impact), and start-ups according to the locus of needs and markets addressed by the start-up (local-global) and the locus of the start-ups capacity and knowledge (local-global).

Findings

The authors observe a new type of mainly western investors who support innovative ideas in SSA by identifying and investing in domestically developed technical innovations with the potential to address global market needs. The authors find such innovations to be mainly developed at the intersect of global and local knowledge.

Originality/value

The authors shed light on the – up to now – under-researched emerging phenomenon of international high-tech investments in SSA, and develop a novel taxonomy of technology investments in low-income countries, guiding further research on the conditions, impact, practical, and policy implications of this new form of finance flows.
Examining the behavioral intention to participate in a CashWaqf-Financial Cooperative-Musharakah Mutanaqisahhome financing model
Authors: Zabri Mohd Zaidi Md , Mohammed Mustafa Omar
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Malaysian homeowners’ intention to participate in the CashWaqf-Financial Cooperative-Musharakah Mutanaqisah(CWFCMM) home financing model using rigorous scale validation procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

An adapted questionnaire with 26 items was administered to 382 academic and supporting staffs, postgraduate and undergraduate students in three states in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with SPSS 21 and AMOS 21, respectively.

Findings

The results further support the parsimonious nature theory of planned behavior (TPB) with its three original construct of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control and an additional construct of perceived cost advantages of the CWFCMM Model. A validated TPB scale with 24 items measured can be proposed to be used as an evaluative tool to assess the level to which the homeowners are interested to participate in the CWFCMM Model.

Research limitations/implications

The modified TPB scale would also facilitate the identifications of factors that influence homeowners’ intention to opt for Islamic home financing (IHF) by non-bank Islamic financial institutions such as financial cooperative.

Practical implications

The CWFCMM Model aims to harness the potential synergy between third-sector economy players such aswaqfand financial cooperatives in offering affordable IHF solution to potential homeowners.

Social implications

The CWFCMM Model may enable the Malaysian homeowners to enjoy a more affordable IHF solution, thereby, among others, reducing the purchase and monthly repayment affordability of Malaysians.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of Islamic financial services selection studies, especially within the non-banking, Islamic financial services milieu. The CWFCMM Model, which has been developed by the authors, enriches the limited literature on this subject matter. It will also add value to understand how the customers would react to an alternative IHF provider.
The airline industry in South Africa: drivers of operational efficiency and impacts
Authors: Mhlanga Oswald , Steyn Jacobus , Spencer John
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The airline industry is structurally challenged by its very nature, because of high overhead and capital costs. This is further exacerbated by macro-predictability and micro-uncertainty, thereby making it difficult for airlines in South Africa to attain operational efficiency. The purpose of this study is to identify drivers of operational efficiency and their impacts on airline performances in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive data collection using primary and secondary sources enabled the researchers to gather data on all the airlines operating in South Africa, for the period of 2012-2016, on a variety of parameters. A two-stage empirical analysis was carried out, which involved estimation of operational efficiencies during the first stage by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and determination of performance drivers during the second stage by using a two-way random-effects generalised least squares regression and also a Tobit model.

Findings

From the study, it is clear that two structural drivers, namely, “aircraft size” and “seat load factor”, and two executional drivers, namely, “low cost business model” and “revenue hours per aircraft”, significantly impacted (p < 0.05) positively on airline efficiencies in South Africa. To improve efficiency, management should first concentrate on the drivers that can be changed in the short-term (executional drivers) and later focus on the drivers that require long-term planning (structural drivers). However, among the structural drivers, only “aircraft families” had a negative impact on airline efficiencies, whilst among executional drivers, only “block hours” negatively impacted on airline efficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the importance of this study, it is not free of limitations. Firstly, because of the small size of the industry, fewer airlines and lack of detailed data, the study could not consider other important factors such as optimal routing and network structure. Secondly, although non-aeronautical revenues have become increasingly important in airline management, they were not included in this study. Further studies may investigate the impact of these factors on airline efficiency.

Practical implications

The results have potential policy implications. Firstly, as the domestic airline market in South Africa is too small to operate with a smaller aircraft efficiently, airlines that intend to make use of smaller aircraft should first identify niche markets where they can have a route monopoly, such as SA Airlink. Secondly, as block time negatively affected airline efficiency, airlines can undertake schedule adjustments to reduce block time and thus improve technical efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to identify drivers of operational efficiency in the airline industry in South Africa. The results indicate that DEA is a useful tool to identify factors impacting airline efficiency and could improve airline performances in South Africa.
Presenting a model of corporate entrepreneurship with corporate governance approach
Authors: Ziyae Babak
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a model of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) considering corporate governance in the brokerage industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is qualitative using grounded theory as the method for research operation. The qualitative data were collected using an in-depth interview technique. Using snowball sampling method, 18 chief executive officers of Iranian brokerage listed in Iran’s Securities and Exchange organization were selected for the current study.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that CE at inbound, outbound and composition is defined as strategies that enhance corporate governance. Research findings also recommend that by using CE strategies corporate governance will be enhanced in the brokerage industry.

Research limitations/implications

Possibility of proper applying, deploying and implementing CE and its various methods will require the necessary fields and infrastructures in the considered organization. On the other hand, according to the research results, at inbound, outbound and composition levels, CE is defined as a practice or strategy that enhances corporate governance.

Practical implications

This study established that corporate governance in the Iranian brokerage firms is weak. The aforementioned firms do not have particular units to deal with stock market risks. The findings explain why some Iranian brokerage firms either collapsed or were facing financial distress. The research therefore recommends that Iranian brokerage firms should strengthen their governance structure and risk mitigation mechanisms. Therefore, CE practice facilitates the development of appropriate strategic actions for brokerage corporate success.

Originality/value

This study has been conducted due to the lack of theoretical literature in CE to deal with the ultimate goals of corporate governance in the brokerage industry.
The effects of e-marketing orientation on strategic business performance
Authors: Yousaf Zahid , Sahar Noor , Majid Abdul , Rafiq Amajad
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of e-marketing orientation (EMO) on strategic business performance (SBP) in presence of e-trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from CEOs, finance managers, IT managers, Policy makers, owners and Managing Directors of SMEs located in two big cities of Pakistan (Islamabad and Peshawar). Correlation, regression and bootstrap analysis was conducted to check the relationship among independent, mediating and dependent variables.

Findings

Based on empirical findings of the responses from managerial staff, it is suggested that strategic performance largely depends on EMO and e-trust.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend that further studies are required to test the propositions in longitudinal research design for achieving in-depth insights.

Practical implications

It has been observed that SMEs in developing countries pay less attention toward its strategic goals. This research discusses an implementation approach based on solid theoretical foundations to achieve the SBP.

Originality/value

This study tests e-trust as a mediator between EMO and SBP, therefore, makes a significant contribution to the literature of SMEs by focusing on the link between EMO, e-trust and SBP.
High‐definition frequency decomposition
Authors: Eckersley Adam John , Lowell James , Szafian Peter
Published: May 2018

Spectral decomposition is a widely used technique in analysis and interpretation of seismic data. According to the uncertainty principle, there exists a lower bound for the joint time–frequency resolution of seismic signals. The highest temporal resolution is achieved by a matching pursuit approach which uses waveforms from a dictionary of functions (atoms). This method, in its pure mathematical form can result in atoms whose shape and phase have no relation to the seismic trace. The high‐definition frequency decomposition algorithm presented in this paper interleaves iterations of atom matching and optimization. It divides the seismic trace into independent sections delineated by envelope troughs, and simultaneously matches atoms to all peaks. Co‐optimization of overlapping atoms ensures that the effects of interference between them are minimized. Finally, a second atom matching and optimization phase is performed in order to minimize the difference between the original and the reconstructed trace. The fully reconstructed traces can be used as inputs for a frequency‐based reconstruction and red–green–blue colour blending. Comparison with the results of the original matching pursuit frequency decomposition illustrates that high‐definition frequency decomposition based colour blends provide a very high temporal resolution, even in the low‐energy parts of the seismic data, enabling a precise analysis of geometrical variations of geological features.
Laboratory measurements of seismic attenuation and Young's modulus dispersion in a partially and fully water‐saturated porous sample made of sintered borosilicate glass
Authors: Chapman Samuel , Quintal Beatriz , Holliger Klaus , Baumgartner Lukas , Tisato Nicola
Published: May 2018

We measured the extensional‐mode attenuation and Young's modulus in a porous sample made of sintered borosilicate glass at microseismic to seismic frequencies (0.05–50 Hz) using the forced oscillation method. Partial saturation was achieved by water imbibition, varying the water saturation from an initial dry state up to ∼99%, and by gas exsolution from an initially fully water‐saturated state down to ∼99%. During forced oscillations of the sample effective stresses up to 10 MPa were applied. We observe frequency‐dependent attenuation, with a peak at 1–5 Hz, for ∼99% water saturation achieved both by imbibition and by gas exsolution. The magnitude of this attenuation peak is consistently reduced with increasing fluid pressure and is largely insensitive to changes in effective stress. Similar observations have recently been attributed to wave‐induced gas exsolution–dissolution. At full water saturation, the left‐hand side of an attenuation curve, with a peak beyond the highest measured frequency, is observed at 3 MPa effective stress, while at 10 MPa effective stress the measured attenuation is negligible. This observation is consistent with wave‐induced fluid flow associated with mesoscopic compressibility contrasts in the sample's frame. These variations in compressibility could be due to fractures and/or compaction bands that formed between separate sets of forced‐oscillation experiments in response to the applied stresses. The agreement of the measured frequency‐dependent attenuation and Young's modulus with the Kramers–Kronig relations and additional data analyses indicate the good quality of the measurements. Our observations point to the complex interplay between structural and fluid heterogeneities on the measured seismic attenuation and they illustrate how these heterogeneities can facilitate the dominance of one attenuation mechanism over another.
Tarin, a Potential Immunomodulator and COX‐Inhibitor Lectin Found in Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Authors: Pereira Patricia Ribeiro , Corrêa Anna Carolina Nitzsche Teixeira Fernandes , Vericimo Mauricio Afonso , Paschoalin Vânia Margaret Flosi
Published: May 2018

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) corm is a rustic staple food, rich in small starch granules, fibers, and bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, tannins, phytates, micronutrients, and proteins, including tarin, a GNA‐related lectin. Tarin exhibits recognized biocide activities against viruses and insects, has antitumoral properties and is an immunomodulator molecule candidate. It has been isolated in highly purified form (>90%) from taro corms through low‐cost and single‐step affinity chromatography. It comprises 2‐domain 27 to 28 kDa protomer, posttranslational cleaved into 2 nonidentical monomers, 11.9 and 12.6 kDa, held by noncovalent binding. At least 10 tarin isoforms sharing over 70% similarity have been described. The monomers assume the β‐prism II fold, consisting of 3 antiparallel β‐sheets formed by 4 β‐strands each. Tarin exhibits an expanded‐binding site for complex and high‐mannose N‐glycan chains 49, 212, 213, 358, 465, and 477 found on cell surface antigens of viruses, insects, cancer, and hematopoietic cells, explaining its broad biological activities. Tarin may stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, enabling hosts to recover from infections or immunosuppressed status inherent to several pathological conditions. In a murine model, tarin stimulates the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of total spleen and bone marrow cells, especially B lymphocytes. Granulocyte repopulation has also been demonstrated in long‐term mice bone marrow cell cultures. As a potential immunomodulator, tarin, administered to immunosuppressed mice, attenuated cyclophosphamide‐induced leukopenia. We propose a molecular model that unites the potential prophylactic and therapeutic action of tarin on hematopoietic and cancer cells, as a potential immunomodulator.
Using Cellulose Nanofibers and Its Palm Oil Pickering Emulsion as Fat Substitutes in Emulsified Sausage
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wang Wenhang , Jia Hongjiao , Gao Guixian , Wang Xiao , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Yabin
Published: May 2018

Nano cellulose is attracting great interest in food and nutraceutical fields and also provides a potential additive to develop functional meat products such as low fat sausage. Here, we compared 1 wt% aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and its palm oil Pickering emulsion (CPOE) at the ratio of 1:1 (water: oil, v:v) for being fat alternatives replacing 30% and 50% of the original fat of the emulsified sausage. Replacing fat by CPOE and CNF resulted in lower fat content, lower cooking loss and higher moisture content and higher lightness values (P ≤ 0.05) at both fat levels. Textural analysis indicated that the products formulated with CPOE showed higher hardness, springiness, chewiness and the texture was enhanced by the addition of CNF, especially when 30% fat was substituted. Compared with the full‐fat control, the sausages formulated with CPOE became more elastic and compact, especially by the incorporation of CNF according to the rheology and scanning electron microscope results. The reformulated products with CPOE and CNF at the 30% level showed higher sensory scores (P ≤ 0.05) while at the 50% level produced comparable quality to the control, but no significant differences were found in the overall acceptability. In summary, CNF and its Pickering emulsion provide the potential as potential fat alternatives for developing low fat meat products.

Practical Applications

Cellulose nanofibers present a variety of distinguishing properties, such as large surface area, great stability and high strength. The ability to stabilize emulsions and good biocompatibility enlarge its application in food. In this study, we attempted to use cellulose nanofibers and its palm oil Pickering emulsion as fat substitutes to partly replace the original fat of pork emulsified sausages, hoping to provide some basic information for using cellulose nanofibers and its Pickering emulsion as fat substitute to high fiber, low fat meat products.
Cultural Secrecy and Anti‐corruption Disclosure in Large Multinational Companies
Authors: Blanc Renata , Branco Manuel Castelo , Patten Dennis M.
Published: May 2018

This paper analyses the relation between countries’ cultural characteristics and anti‐corruption disclosure. In particular, it extends prior research and examines whether country‐level secrecy also appears to impact differences in this type of disclosure, while controlling for factors previously shown to matter. Using Transparency International ratings of disclosures on anti‐corruption efforts by large multinational firms and an ordinal regression analysis, the paper documents that companies from more ‘secretive’ countries have significantly lower levels of anti‐corruption disclosure.
The causal role of smoking on the risk of headache. A Mendelian randomization analysis in the HUNT study
Authors: Johnsen M. B. , Winsvold B. S. , Børte S. , Vie G. Å. , Pedersen L. M. , Storheim K. , Skorpen F. , Hagen K. , Bjørngaard J. H. , Åsvold B. O. , Zwart J. A.
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

Headache has been associated with various lifestyle and psychosocial factors, one of which is smoking. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the association between smoking intensity and headache is likely to be causal.

Method

A total of 58 316 participants from the Nord‐Trøndelag Health (HUNT) study with information on headache status were genotyped for the rs1051730 C>T single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The SNP was used as an instrument for smoking intensity in a Mendelian randomization analysis. The association between rs1051730 T alleles and headache was estimated by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Additionally, the association between the SNP and migraine or non‐migrainous headache versus no headache was investigated. All analyses were adjusted for age and sex.

Results

There was no strong evidence that the rs1051730 T allele was associated with headache in ever smokers (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.95–1.02). Similarly, there was no association between the rs1051730 T allele and migraine or non‐migrainous headache versus no headache.

Conclusion

The findings from this study do not support that there is a strong causal relationship between smoking intensity and any type of headache. Larger Mendelian randomization studies are required to examine whether higher smoking quantity can lead to a moderate increase in the risk of headache subtypes.
Probabilistic model for length effect on fatigue life of longitudinal elements
Authors: Lan Chengming , Bai Nani , Yang Haitao , Liu Caiping , Li Hui , Spencer B.F.
Published: May 2018

This paper studies the length effect on fatigue life of longitudinal element at the macroscale. An asymptotic weakest‐link Weibull phenomenological model that incorporates a statistical length effect for the fatigue life of longitudinal element is proposed in this research. In the proposed model, the weakest‐link effect gradually becomes dominant and causes a decrease in fatigue life that increases along
, the normalized length of the longitudinal element. To this end, the fatigue life under a specified stress range is divided into 3 zones according to the normalized length
: (1)
is the zone where length effects can be ignored, and the fatigue life can be treated as a random variable; (2)
is the zone where the fatigue life is length dependent; and (3)
is the zone where the fatigue life follows asymptotic length dependence. The asymptotic threshold normalized length,
, can be evaluated by the asymptotic weakest‐link Weibull model. To validate the proposed model, 3 previously published datasets are used: (1) the fatigue data of Picciotto yarn, (2) hipo‐eutectoid steel wire with different lengths, and (3) the fatigue data of high‐strength steel wire with different lengths and different constant stress ranges. Finally, the results obtained by the proposed model are compared with those from the literature and discussed in detail. The analytical solutions obtained using the proposed model allows for assessment of the fatigue life of certain components and structures that are beyond current testing capabilities. In particular, the length effects on the fatigue life of the high‐strength steel wire in stay cables are investigated to gain insight into issues regarding safe designs.
Heparin‐free renal replacement therapy for chronic hemodialyzed patients at high risk for bleeding: a comparison of on‐line predilution hemodiafiltration with conventional hemodialysis
Authors: Brunot Vincent , Serre Jean‐Emmanuel , Mourad Georges , Klouche Kada , Pernin Vincent
Published: May 2018

Background: In chronic hemodialysis patients with high risk of bleeding, optimal anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit is challenging. Heparin‐free hemodialysis (HD) with heparin‐coated AN69ST dialyzer is now considered as a good option and recommended by experts. Predilutional hemodiafiltration (HDF) may represent also a feasible alternative but has been poorly investigated. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the performance of on‐line automated predilution heparin‐free HDF as compared to conventional heparin‐free HD with a heparin‐coated membrane.

Methods: We prospectively studied chronic hemodialysis patients at high risk of bleeding consecutively admitted to hospital who underwent heparin‐free renal replacement therapy (RRT) in our nephrology department. During 1 year, we routinely used heparin‐free HD and on‐line HDF in these settings. By using a propensity score, we compared HDF to HD regarding to session failure and efficiency.

Results: One hundred and seventy‐nine patients were included in the study. Clotting phenomena necessitating premature termination of RRT sessions were encountered in 19% of them. After propensity score matching, the comparison of 77 HD and 77 HDF sessions showed no significant differences in duration of the sessions and in dialyzer clotting. By multivariate analysis, a blood flow less than 250 mL/min and recent surgery were the only parameters associated with extracorporeal circuit thrombosis.

Conclusion: Heparin‐free on‐line predilutional HDF is a safe and effective technique for chronic hemodialysis patients with increased bleeding risk. The use of an automatic substitution volume that avoids filters hemoconcentration and of a blood flow above 250 mL/min strongly contribute to the observed performance. Further studies are, however, intended to confirm these results.
Récession, austérité et genre: étude comparative sur huit marchés du travail européens
Authors: PÉRIVIER Hélène
Published: May 2018

Si l'effondrement du PIB consécutif à la crise économique mondiale de 2008 a nui avant tout à l'emploi des hommes, les politiques d'austérité auraient davantage affecté celui des femmes. L'auteure cherche à vérifier ce scénario dans huit pays européens, en décomposant la variation trimestrielle du taux d'activité et du taux d'emploi des femmes et des hommes à l'échelon sectoriel. Elle montre que l'association entre he‐cession et she‐austerity ne se confirme pas toujours, mais que les politiques d'austérité peuvent nuire à l'égalité des sexes et aux droits de la femme par d'autres mécanismes d'action, qu'elle répertorie et commente.
La polarisation des emplois en Europe dans une perspective sectorielle
Authors: CIRILLO Valeria
Published: May 2018

L'auteure s'intéresse à la polarisation des emplois en Europe, dans une étude empirique portant sur cinq pays (Allemagne, Espagne, France, Italie et Royaume‐Uni) suivis de 1999 à 2011. Elle cherche à faire ressortir l'évolution de la structure de l'emploi dans une perspective sectorielle, en considérant quatre macrogroupes professionnels (établis en fonction du niveau de qualification et du salaire) et en tenant compte du rapport à la technologie. Un indice de polarisation est aussi utilisé. Plusieurs scénarios émergent, mais la polarisation domine dans les services et dans certains pays et conduit à rejeter la thèse d'un progrès technique biaisé en faveur des qualifcations.
Modeling how reversal of immune exhaustion elicits cure of chronic hepatitis C after the end of treatment with direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Baral Subhasish , Roy Rahul , Dixit Narendra M
Published: May 2018

A fraction of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) achieved sustained virological responses (SVR), or cure, despite having detectable viremia at the end of treatment (EOT). This observation, termed EOT+/SVR, remains puzzling and precludes rational optimization of treatment durations. One hypothesis to explain EOT+/SVR, the immunologic hypothesis, argues that the viral decline induced by DAAs during treatment reverses the exhaustion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which then clear the infection after treatment. Whether the hypothesis is consistent with data of viral load changes in patients who experienced EOT+/SVR is unknown. Here, we constructed a mathematical model of viral kinetics incorporating the immunologic hypothesis and compared its predictions with patient data. We found the predictions to be in quantitative agreement with patient data. Using the model, we unraveled an underlying bistability that gives rise to EOT+/SVR and presents a new avenue to optimize treatment durations. Infected cells trigger both activation and exhaustion of CTLs. CTLs in turn kill infected cells. Due to these competing interactions, two stable steady states, chronic infection and viral clearance, emerge, separated by an unstable steady state with intermediate viremia. When treatment during chronic infection drives viremia sufficiently below the unstable state, spontaneous viral clearance results post‐treatment, marking EOT+/SVR. The duration to achieve this desired reduction in viremia defines the minimum treatment duration required for ensuring SVR, which our model can quantify. Estimating parameters defining the CTL response of individuals to HCV infection would enable the application of our model to personalize treatment durations.
Salmon gill poxvirus disease in Atlantic salmon fry as recognized by improved immunohistochemistry also demonstrates infected cells in non‐respiratory epithelial cells
Authors: Gjessing M C , Christensen D H , Manji F , Mohammad S , Petersen P E , Saure B , Skjengen C , Weli S C , Dale O B
Published: May 2018

Gill diseases cause serious losses in farming of Atlantic salmon and the number of agents involved increases. Salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) and the gill disease in causes where SGPV apparently was the only disease‐causing agent were initially characterized. Recently, it was further shown that SGPV can be a common denominator in widely different multifactorial gill diseases. Here, we present the challenge of diagnosing gill disease with SGPV in salmon fry of 0,3–5 grams. Apoptosis of gill lamellar epithelial cells and hemophagocytosis was also observed in fry similar to findings in smolts and grow‐out fish. Using our newly developed immunohistochemistry method, we further demonstrate that some of the apoptotic epithelial cells covering the oral cavity were positive for SGPV. Thus, SGPV is not restricted to respiratory epithelium alone and may infect the fish at very early life stages. Furthermore, as the cases examined here are from Norway, Faroe Island and Scotland, we show that SGPV is more widespread than previously reported.
A new strain of white spot syndrome virus affecting Litopenaeus vannamei in Indian shrimp farms
Authors: Sivakumar S , Vimal S , Abdul Majeed S , Santhosh Kumar S , Taju G , Madan N , Rajkumar T , Thamizhvanan S , Shamsudheen K V , Scaria V , Sivasubbu S , Sahul Hameed A S
Published: May 2018

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV)‐infected shrimp samples collected from grow‐out ponds located at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, showed WSSV negative and positive by PCR using primer sets specific to ORF119 and VP28 gene of WSSV, respectively. This indicated the deletion of genetic fragments in the genome of WSSV. The WSSV isolate along with lab strain of WSSV was subjected to next‐generation sequencing. The sequence analysis revealed a deletion of 13,170 bp at five positions in the genome of WSSV‐NS (new strain) relative to WSSV‐TH and WSSV‐LS (lab strain). The PCR analysis using the ORF's specific primer sets revealed the complete deletion of 10 ORFs in the genome of WSSV‐NS strain. The primer set was designed based on sequence covering ORF161/162/163 to amplify a product of 2,748 bp for WSSV‐LS and 402 bp for WSSV‐NS. Our surveillance programme carried out since 2002 revealed the replacement of WSSV‐LS by WSSV‐NS in Indian shrimp culture system.
Xanthine oxidase activity exerts pro‐oxidative and pro‐inflammatory effects in serum of silver catfish fed with a diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1
Authors: Baldissera M D , Souza C F , Doleski P H , Zeppenfeld C C , Descovi S , Da Silva A S , Baldisserotto B
Published: May 2018

Several studies have associated the involvement of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, a source of uric acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS), to pro‐oxidative and pro‐inflammatory effects during pathological conditions. Considering this, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether upregulation on seric XO activity may be a pathway involved in the oxidative stress in fish exposed to a diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as well as whether it may be considered a pathway involved in ROS and NOx production. Xanthine oxidase activity, as well as the uric acid, ROS and NOx levels increased in serum of fish fed with a AFB1‐contaminated diet on days 14 and 21 post‐feeding compared to fish fed with a basal diet. Based on these evidences, upregulation of seric XO activity induces pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory profiles in serum of fish fed with a AFB1‐contaminated diet due to excessive formation on uric acid. Also, the excessive uric acid induces the release of pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory mediators, as ROS and NOx, also contributing to oxidative and inflammatory profiles. In summary, the upregulation on seric XO activity may be considered a pathway involved in the oxidative stress of fish exposed to a diet contaminated with AFB1.
Substitutions in interferon sensitivity‐determining region and hepatocarcinogenesis after hepatitis C virus eradication
Authors: Yasuda Satoshi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Ishizu Yoji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim

Amino‐acid substitutions in the interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) within the NS5A region are known to be associated with responsiveness to interferon (IFN)‐based therapy. Additionally, previous studies reported that the ISDR was related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the association between substitutions in the ISDR and the development of HCC in patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between amino‐acid substitutions in the ISDR and development of HCC after SVR.

Methods

One thousand five hundred eighty‐eight patients infected with HCV who were treated with IFN‐based therapy were enrolled, and 475 patients who achieved SVR and underwent complete virological analysis at pretreatment were investigated. HCV genotypes consisted of 1a (n = 10), 1b (n = 307), 2a (n = 110), 2b (n = 41), and 3a (n = 7), and the ISDR in each genotype was examined by direct sequencing.

Results

Nineteen patients developed HCC after SVR. The cumulative incidence of HCC was 2.1% and 15.9% at 5 and 10 years after SVR, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated older age (≥ 60 years: hazard ratio [HR], 3.23; P = 0.014), higher γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase level (≥ 50 IU/L: HR, 8.42; P < 0.001) and ≥ 3 substitutions in the ISDR (HR, 3.24; P = 0.016) as independent factors that were significantly associated with HCC development.

Conclusion

Amino‐acid substitutions in the ISDR are useful to predict not only IFN responsiveness but also HCC development in patients who achieved SVR by IFN‐based therapy.
Recognition and Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Older Americans
Authors: Braley Tiffany J. , Dunietz Galit Levi , Chervin Ronald D. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Skolarus Lesli E. , Burke James F.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To estimate the proportion of older Americans at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who receive OSA evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), Round 3 survey.

Participants

Community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older (N=1,052).

Measurements

NHATS participants were asked specific questions about sleep disturbances, including items that resembled critical elements of a validated instrument used to assess OSA risk (the STOP‐Bang questionnaire). The proportion of older Americans at risk for OSA who received evaluations with home or in‐laboratory sleep studies, OSA diagnosis, and OSA treatment was examined, as well as clinical, social, and demographic correlates of OSA.

Results

Of 1,052 participants who completed the sleep module, 56% (95% confidence interval (CI)=53–59%) were estimated to be at high risk of OSA. Only 8% (95% CI=5–11%) of the high‐risk individuals had been tested for it. Of those tested, 94% (95% CI=87–100%) were diagnosed with OSA. Treatment with positive airway pressure was prescribed for 82% (95% CI=65–99%) of participants with an OSA diagnosis.

Conclusions

Evidence from this nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries suggests that high OSA risk is common but seldom investigated. When investigated, OSA is almost always confirmed and usually treated. These findings suggest a significant gap in OSA assessment for older Americans that could have public health implications.
An Experimental Study of Bond Market Pricing
Authors: WEBER MATTHIAS , DUFFY JOHN , SCHRAM ARTHUR
Published: May 2018

An important feature of bond markets is the relationship between the initial public offering (IPO) price and the probability that the issuer defaults. On the one hand, the default probability affects the IPO price; on the other hand, the IPO price affects the default probability. It is a priori unclear whether agents can competitively price such assets. Our paper is the first to explore this question. To do so, we use laboratory experiments. We develop two flexible bond market models that are easily implemented in the laboratory. We find that subjects learn to price the bonds well after only a few repetitions.
On the Asset Allocation of a Default Pension Fund
Authors: DAHLQUIST MAGNUS , SETTY OFER , VESTMAN ROINE
Published: May 2018

We characterize the optimal default fund in a defined contribution (DC) pension plan. Using detailed data on individuals' holdings inside and outside the pension system, we find substantial heterogeneity within and between passive and active investors in terms of labor income, financial wealth, and stock market participation. We build a life‐cycle consumption‐savings model, with a DC pension account and an opt‐out/default choice, that produces realistic investor heterogeneity. Relative to a common age‐based allocation, implementing the optimal default asset allocation implies a welfare gain of 1.5% during retirement. Much of the gain is attainable with a simple rule of thumb.
Retrospective study of umbilical cord ulceration related to congenital intestinal atresia: A single‐center report
Authors: Nakamura Eishin , Samejima Kouki , Takayanagi Natsuko , Ono Yoshihisa , Matsunaga Shigetaka , Nagai Tomonori , Takai Yasushi , Saitoh Masahiro , Baba Kazunori , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2018

Aim

Umbilical cord ulceration (UCU) is a disease in which an ulcer forms in the umbilical cord in the pregnant uterus and is accompanied by hemorrhaging from the same site. UCU occurs in fetuses with congenital upper‐intestinal atresia (CUIA); however, its onset mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report our investigation of cases of UCU in our hospital.

Methods

Among the 9825 deliveries performed between 2007 and 2016 at this hospital, 20 fetuses were diagnosed with CUIA, 4 (20%) of which had UCU. There was no difference in the backgrounds of the fetuses with UCU (UCU group: 4 fetuses) and those without (non‐UCU group: 16 fetuses).

Results

There was no intergroup difference in gestational age at delivery. Four cases in the UCU group had maternal age 35 weeks (26–39), weeks of delivery 35 weeks (35–36) and weight 2178.5 g (1600–2640); three out of four fetuses were female; and the location of gastrointestinal obstruction was in the duodenum in one case and in the jejunum in three cases. Death occurred in three of four fetuses in the UCU group versus none in the non‐UCU group.

Conclusion

We performed a retrospective statistical investigation on the risk of UCU onset in cases from this hospital; however, we could not identify any prognostic factors for its onset. We investigated a total of 27 past reported UCU cases and the 4 cases in this study. Mean gestational age at onset was 33.3 ± 2.7 for all 27 cases. Various methods for the early discovery of UCU have been reported in the past; however, there is currently no gold standard. Based on this report and a review of past papers, for CUIA, it is desirable to perform in‐hospital management from gestational week 30 onward and decide proper delivery timing on a case‐by‐case basis.
Demographic Variables, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Employment Outcomes for Transition‐Age Youth With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Kaya Cahit
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between demographic factors, vocational rehabilitation services, and employment outcomes for youth intellectual disabilities (ID). Findings from this study may potentially generate knowledge that could be used to inform development of new services and improvement of individualized vocational rehabilitation services for youth with ID. Chi‐squared automatic interaction detector and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate relationships between demographic variables, receipt of VR services and employment outcomes for youth with ID. The results indicate gender, race, education level, and cash benefits were significantly associated with employment outcomes for youth with ID. After controlling for the effect of demographic variables, job placement, on‐the‐job support, on‐the‐job training, maintenance, other services, technical assistance, and diagnostic and treatment services were significantly associated with competitive employment. Youth with ID who had a higher level of education were more likely to obtain competitive employment. In addition to it, job‐related services (e.g., job placement and on‐the‐job support) were significantly positively related to employment outcomes for youth with ID. There is a need for customized and supported employment, which has been found to be an effective in enhancing the employability of people with ID.