bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of digital library education in library and information science curriculum in Nigerian universities
Authors: Okeji Chukwuma Clement , Mayowa-Adebara Okeoghene
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the library school’s curriculum in Nigeria with the aim of comparing it with international and national library and information science (LIS) guidelines regarding provision of “digital libraries” course.

Design/methodology/approach

This study covered 31 universities offering LIS approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The main instrument for data collection for the study was analysis of departmental documents containing the LIS curriculum. Second, some library and information science educators from universities that were yet to integrate the course digital libraries in their LIS curriculum were interviewed.

Findings

This study revealed that majority of the library schools offer the course “digital libraries” or related areas as core course in their curricula. However, only few library schools have computer laboratories for students to enhance digital library skills. Some LIS educators in the library schools identified challenges such as lack of qualified information and communication technology (ICT) staff to handle the course coupled with lack of computer laboratories equipped with modern computers with stable internet facilities in the LIS departments in Nigeria.

Practical implications

The findings from this study may inform curriculum revision and updating efforts to make it more relevant by incorporating a stand-alone course on “digital libraries” and provision of computer laboratories in the LIS departments to produce future ICT/digital librarians.

Originality/value

If university administrators, decision-making body in the departments and LIS educators understand the factors that are currently standing in the way of integrating a course on digital libraries, then those barriers can be removed or lowered. If the enabling factors are appreciated, then actions can be taken to stimulate the implementation of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN)/NUC recommendations in all library schools in Nigerian universities.
Intersecting viruses: a clarion call for a new direction in diversity theorizing
Authors: Nkomo Stella M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provoke diversity scholars to think about the implications of the confluence of the racial disparities in the effects of the Coronavirus and the persistence of racial inequality for a new direction of theorizing in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon three major analogies between the Coronavirus and the virus of racism, the author discusses their similarities as a means to think about why racism persists despite efforts to eradicate it. The history of racism in the United States forms a key part of the discussion.

Findings

The current theoretical tools diversity scholars primarily use to address racial inequality in organizations may only at best mitigate, not eradicate, racism in organizations. There is a need to direct theoretical development toward the concepts of racialization and deracialization.

Research limitations/implications

The views and proposals for new theorizing reflect the author's positionality and biases. It also relies on three of the many possible analogies that can be made between racism as a virus and the Coronavirus.

Practical implications

Understanding racism through the lens of racialization and deracialization can help organizations and the leaders of them to identify the structures that embed racism and also how to change them.

Social implications

Understanding racism and processes of racialization is critical to achieving racial equality. Organizations are one of the main societal institutions that shape and perpetuate the racism and inequality among African-Americans and other people of color experience. Awareness of the continuing effects of racism is critical to anticipating how virus pandemics increase the vulnerability of marginalized racial groups to greater health risks and precariousness.

Originality/value

This essay provokes diversity scholars to engage in reflexive discomfort about the current path of theorizing in the field. It suggests ways that the concept of racialization can be used descriptively and normatively to theorize racism in organizations. In addition, it proposes deracialization as a frame for supplanting the ideology of White supremacy and theorizing nonracial organizations.
You change, I change: an empirical investigation of users' supported incremental technological change in mobile social media
Authors: Pan Zhao , Lu Yaobin , Gupta Sumeet , Hu Qian
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The intense competitive and dynamic environment in mobile social-media market forces service providers to introduce incremental technological changes to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate what and how the user attitude to change influences members' behavioral support for incremental technological change in mobile social media service.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the tripartite model of attitude, this study examines the influence of the cognitive aspect (empowerment with change), affective aspect (arousal with change) and behavioral aspect (habit to change) of attitude toward change on members' behavioral support for incremental technological change. Drawing on the commitment to change theory, we assessed the underlying mechanism by which attitudes toward change influences behavioral support for incremental technological change through the two components of commitment to change (i.e. affective and normative commitment to change). We tested the model using structural equation modeling on the data collected from the popular mobile social media services in China.

Findings

Our results indicate that the effect of empowerment with change, arousal with change and habit to change varies with different dimensions of commitment to change and significant influence of commitment to change on members' behavioral support for incremental technological change.

Practical implications

The findings of this study contribute to better insights for services providers for implementing incremental technological change strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theory of incremental technological changes by empirical examination of the impacts of users' attitudes toward change on members' behavioral support for incremental technological change in mobile social media. The paper extends the commitment to change theory with the discussion of the mediating effect of commitment to change in the continuing members' behavioral support for incremental technological change in mobile social media.
An investigation into the role of the quantity surveyor in the value management workshop process
Authors: Spellacy Jack , Edwards David John , Roberts Chris J. , Hayhow Susan , Shelbourn Mark
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the value management workshop process and specifically identifies the roles and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor within this. Information accrued is then used to develop a novel template value management workshop that provides a platform for educating future quantity surveying and other construction professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a mixed philosophical epistemological design that uses interpretivism with elements of postpositivism. Specifically, a cross-sectional study of extant literature informs the development of a structured questionnaire that is posed to focus group participants (consisting of experienced industrial practitioners) to secure qualitative feedback and validate the template.

Findings

Research findings reveal that the roles and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor in the value management workshop process have hitherto received scant academic attention. Additionally, literature has revealed that available information on workshop content is limited, leading to ineffective studies. There has also been a miscommunication among construction practitioners in relation to the quantity surveyor’s role in the workshop process. Following extensive research, a novel template has been created which identifies the content of each workshop session alongside the roles and responsibilities of the quantity surveyor (and other construction professionals) which can be used for educational purposes.

Originality/value

The literature revealed that scant academic and professional governing body(ies) attention has been paid to the education and training of future generations of quantity surveyors involved in value management. Specifically, there is limited applied case study evidence to investigate this phenomenon and, hence, the workshop curricular presents advance knowledge in this respect and provides a practical template solution.
Arms and armor collecting in America: history, community and cultural meaning
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present a history and critical analysis of arms and armor collecting in America from the late 19th century until the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The research draws from the literature on arms and armor, from primary written, visual and material evidence, and from the author’s long experience as an antique gun and sword collector.

Findings

American arms and armor collectors have included men of great wealth, museums and their curators and many enthusiasts of more modest means. Collectors, dealers and curators have created a substantial arms literature. Collectors have organized around various types of artifacts, historical periods and company brands. Dealers, auction houses and manufacturers have provisioned the market with period pieces and reproductions.

Originality/value

The history of antique arms and armor collecting is regarded as a social activity where enthusiasts have pursued “serious leisure” through consumption and brand communities. This history is further analyzed as a cultural practice wherein generations of collectors have interpreted the meaning of antique arms and armor.
Social desirability and cynicism biases in CSR surveys: an empirical study of hotels
Authors: Kuokkanen Henri , Sun William
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Previous studies support the notion that corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can have a positive effect on customers in the hospitality and tourism industry. However, most of these studies have ignored response biases and none have incorporated them into their analyses numerically. This study aims at closing this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a hybrid choice model to test for the hypothesized effects of social desirability (SD) and cynicism biases on reported purchase intention. The authors further compared the results with those of analyses that ignore these biases to demonstrate their distorting influence.

Findings

The results indicate that SD and cynicism biases have a moderating effect on reported purchase intention. Older generations and frequent travelers seem particularly prone to bias, and the biases have a distorting effect on the overall survey results.

Research limitations/implications

Traditional analyses that exclude biases, incorrectly, suggest several aspects of CSR that are significant (or insignificant) to purchase intention, provide unreliable results. The authors did not generalize bias-prone respondent segments but urge future research to investigate this.

Practical implications

Hotel managers aspiring to gain competitive advantage through CSR investment must consider biases in their market research. Otherwise, they risk developing CSR initiatives that do not instigate positive customer behaviors, leading to the failure of the investment.

Originality/value

The authors quantified SD and cynicism as significant causes of response bias, which distorts survey results. Previous studies have conceptualized SD without quantifying its impact, while cynicism has been identified as a novel source of bias in the industry. This study further introduces hybrid choice modeling as a novel approach to address response bias that could extend itself beyond the industry studied here.
Developing a sustainable model of Waqf-based Takaful for flood victims in Malaysia
Authors: Che Mohd Salleh Marhanum , Razali Siti Salwani , Megat Laksana Nan Nuhidayu , Che Embi Nor Azizan , Abdullah Nurdianawati Irwani
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Given the scarcity of Takaful products to provide financial preparation for flood victims, this study aims to propose an alternative Takaful model based on Waqf principle for the flood victims in Malaysia. This study serves as an initial stage to propose the above Takaful model and discusses the theoretical background of the model, which includes identifying the suitable Islamic principles and roles of parties involve in the model framework.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the said objectives, this paper reviews previous studies, opinions of scholars and existing Takaful models that are currently offered in the market.

Findings

In an effort to alleviate the financial burden of businesses and individuals affected by flood, Takaful industry needs to offer a special Takaful scheme to the flood victims and achieve its main objective to prepare a financial protection for social well-being. There is no harm for the various institutions (Takaful operators and State Islamic Religious Council) to do collaboration in realizing the Waqf-based Takaful model to ensure it is done in its original form to achieve the maqasid Shariah.

Practical implications

As an Islamic entity, the objective of Takaful business should focus on assisting the society in reducing their financial burden rather than just concentrating on achieving business profit. Thus, Waqf-based Takaful model would give platform to the operators to play their role in the society.

Originality/value

The views discussed in this paper originally from the researchers which is done by integrating the Islamic principles and roles of all stakeholders that may involve to implement Waqf-based Takaful model mainly for risk and financial protection for the future flood victims. The proposed framework discussed in this paper is in original form as a result of literatures and market practice in Malaysia.
Responsible leadership and workplace deviant behaviour: modelling trust and turnover intention as mediator
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Shakil , Iqbal Fatima , Siddique Raffia , Abbas Sohail , Fakhr Zainab
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Drawing on psychological contract theory and social identity theory, this study aims at examining the mediating role of trust and turnover intention (TI) between the relationship of responsible leadership (RL) and work deviant behavior (WDB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 230-full-time hospital staffs to examine the hypothesized relationship. Moreover, study employed a two-step SEM approach to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results derived from “partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM)” analysis revealed that RL does not affect WDB. The findings further provided a noteworthy theoretical understanding that of influence of RL on WDB is better explained by trust, whereas the impact of RL on WD is less translated through TI.

Practical implications

This study entails vital managerial implications by demonstrating that how hospitals should improve WDB.

Originality/value

The study makes a unique contribution in RL literature by linking psychological contract theory and social identity theory. This novel research endeavour also bridges important theoretical gaps by highlighting the additive effects of RL and exploring the competing mediation mechanism through which RL influence WDB.
Ship routing and scheduling systems: forecasting, upscaling and viability
Authors: El Noshokaty Said
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to resolve three problems in ship routing and scheduling systems. Problem 1 is the anticipation of the future cargo transport demand when the shipping models are stochastic based on this demand. Problem 2 is the capacity of these models in processing large number of ships and cargoes within a reasonable time. Problem 3 is the viability of tramp shipping when it comes to real problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A commodity-trade forecasting system is developed, an information technology platform is designed and new shipping elements are added to the models to resolve tramp problems of en-route ship bunkering, low-tide port calls and hold-cleaning cost caused by carrying incompatible cargoes.

Findings

More realistic stochastic cargo quantity and freight can now be anticipated, larger number of ships and cargoes are now processed in time and shipping systems are becoming more viable.

Practical implications

More support goes to ship owners to make better shipping decisions.

Originality/value

New norms are established in forecasting, upscaling and viability in ship routing and scheduling systems.
Long‐term monthly climate data at the forest stations of Kyoto University
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru , Hasegawa Atsushi , Hayashi Daisuke , Furuta Makoto , Kishimoto Yasunori , Miyagi Yuta , Ohashi Kenta , Okabe Yoshihiko , Yamauchi Takayuki , Ishihara Masae I.
Published: August 2020

Long‐term climate monitoring by universities provides fundamental data for various disciplines in the natural sciences. Kyoto University once managed 10 university forest stations and is currently managing five. At these stations, climate data have been monitored almost since the establishment of each station until today, with the exception of the stations in foreign countries. We compiled and report the monthly climate data at these forest stations from the start of monitoring until December 2018. These data are important for investigating environmental changes in East Asia, including China (Taiwan), South Korea (Chosen) and Russia (Sakhalin, Karafuto) over the last 100 years. Long‐term monitoring often involves minor and major changes in the monitoring procedures, devices and even monitoring sites due to unavoidable circumstances, such as technological advances, changes in standard methods and climatic and anthropogenic disasters. Therefore, associated metadata on the monitoring methods are also important. We also compiled metadata on changes in monitoring methods. In addition, to examine the effects of changes in the methods on the observed climate data, we compared the values recorded before and after the change for each climate variable at each monitoring site. Methodological changes affected only a few variables, with the exception of humidity. Careful interpretation may be required when a researcher uses humidity data in any analysis.

The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-03.1/jalter-en.
Listeria monocytogenes environmental sampling program in ready‐to‐eat processing facilities: A practical approach
Authors: Spanu Carlo , Jordan Kieran
Published: August 2020

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that is frequently found in the environment. It can easily enter food processing environments and contaminate food, potentially causing public health issues. Food business operators (FBOs) are responsible for the control of L. monocytogenes in the food processing environment, particularly in facilities producing ready‐to‐eat food. The design and implementation of an effective environmental monitoring program (EMP) for L. monocytogenes is an integral part of controlling L. monocytogenes. An effective EMP, including all aspects from sampling, to analysis, to data interpretation, to implementation of corrective actions (including food disposition), is a tool that will help with identification and control of L. monocytogenes contamination. It should be used in conjunction with end product testing, not as a replacement for it. An EMP should be specifically designed for a particular facility on a case‐by‐case risk‐based approach, by a food safety team within the facility. It should be reviewed regularly (at least every 6 months) and verified for its effectiveness. The control of L. monocytogenes in the food industry involves the full commitment of management and of all personnel involved with the safety of foods placed on the market, thus reducing the risk of listeriosis to consumers. Several regulatory and guidance documents provide recommendations for designing aspects of an effective L. monocytogenes EMP. However, a comprehensive review of the key components of an EMP in a single document is lacking. The objective of the present review is to provide FBOs with a practical guide to design, implementation, and verification of an EMP tailored by the food safety team for each food business.
Lyriform vibration receptors in the web‐building spider, Nephila clavata (Araneidae: Araneae: Arachnida)
Authors: Seo Jae‐Hwi , Kim Kyo‐Jin , Kim Hoon , Moon Myung‐Jin
Published: August 2020

Vibration receptors appear to be more necessary for web‐building spiders, but most knowledge of arachnid lyriform organs comes from the study of wandering spiders affected by ground vibrations. Here, we examined the fine structural aspects of the lyriform organs in the web‐building spider Nephila clavata using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to fill the gap. The lyriform organ is found in all appendages, including the femur, patella, tibia, and metatarsal segments. A number of slit receptors of various sizes are distributed in the parallel orientation of the cuticle along the long axis. According to its fine structural characteristics, all lyriform organs of this spider are classified as a compound type with multiple cuticular slits. However, the number of cuticular slits per each lyriform organ varies considerably from a minimum of three to a maximum of 17. A total 35 pairs of lyriform organs were counted from an adult female spider. Except for small numerical variation in the 4th appendage, the distribution is remarkably constant within each appendage. Comparing the total number of cuticular slits per each appendage, the 3rd appendage has the highest number (85), but the 4th appendage shows the least number (63). Based on the total number of cuticular slits per leg segment, the patella segment seems to be the most sensitive to vibration reception in this orb‐web spider.
Thermal biology and locomotor performance in Phymaturus calcogaster: are Patagonian lizards vulnerable to climate change?
Authors: OBREGÓN Rosa L. , SCOLARO Jose A. , IBARGÜENGOYTÍA Nora R. , MEDINA Marlin
Published: August 2020

Behavioral and physiological traits of ectotherms are especially sensitive to fluctuations of environmental temperature. In particular, niche‐specialist lizards are dependent on their physiological plasticity to adjust to changing environmental conditions. Lizards of the genus Phymaturus are viviparous, mainly herbivorous, and inhabit only rock promontories in the steppe environments of Patagonia and the Andes. Herein, we examine the vulnerability of the southernmost Phymaturus species to global warming: the endemic Phymaturus calcogaster, which lives in a mesic environment in eastern Patagonia. We studied body temperatures in the field (Tb), preferred body temperatures in a thermogradient (Tpref), the operative (Te) and environmental temperatures, and the dependence of running performance on body temperature. P. calcogaster had a mean Tb (27.04°C) and a mean Te (31.15°C) both lower than their preferred temperature (Tpref = 36.61°C) and the optimal temperature for running performance (To = 37.13°C). Lizard activity seems to be restraint during the early afternoon due high environmental temperatures. However, both, the high safety margin and warming tolerance suggest that the expected increase in environmental temperatures due to global warming (IPCC report in 2018) would not threaten, but indeed enhance locomotor performance in this population.
Enhancing oxidative stability of sunflower oil by supplementation with prickled broom (Pterospartum tridentatum) ethanolic extract
Authors: Neves Marta , Miranda Andreia , Lemos Marco F.L. , Silva Susana , Tecelão Carla
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Pterospartum tridentatum flowers in the stability of sunflower oil. The extract was characterized regarding to its antioxidant activity by the 2,2,1‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method (EC50 = 76.3 ± 2.6 µg/mL) and total phenolic content (200 ± 8 mg GAE/g). Extracts were added at 500 mg/L (E1) and 1,000 mg/L (E2), and after 30 days of storage at room temperature, E2 oil showed improved quality parameters, with a reduction of 22.4%, 17.2%, and 45.6% in the values of acidity, peroxide, and p‐anisidine, respectively. The extract also increased oil stability at 180 °C. After 27 hr, the acidity (0.216 ± 0.016 mg KOH/g) and the total oxidation value (TOTOX) (69.30 ± 0.26) values of E2 oil were significantly lower than the control. These results showed that P. tridentatum effectively improved the shelf‐life and thermal stability of sunflower oil, being a promising source of antioxidants for edible oils processing.

Practical Application

Pterospartum tridentatum ethanolic extracts increased stability of sunflower oil during storage at room temperature and at 180 °C. Oil stability increased with extract concentration, being highest for 1,000 mg/L. Therefore, P. tridentatum may be a promising source of antioxidants for edible oils processing.
Apically extruded debris produced during glide path preparation using R‐Pilot, WaveOne Gold Glider and ProGlider in curved root canals
Authors: Keskin Cangül , Sivas Yilmaz Özlem , Inan Uğur
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to compare the apically extruded debris produced during glide path preparation using R‐Pilot (RP), WaveOne Gold Glider (WGG) and ProGlider (PG) with the subsequent preparation using Reciproc Blue in curved root canals. Mesial roots of mandibular molars with angle of curvature between 25° and 35° were selected (n = 20). The Myers and Montgomery method was used to collect and assess apically extruded debris. The glide path was prepared either manually with K‐file, ProGlider, R‐Pilot or WaveOne Gold Glider. Manual preparation group produced the highest amount of apically extruded debris (P < 0.05), while all groups caused debris extrusion. There were no significant differences among the extruded debris caused by RP, PG and WGG groups (P > 0.05). Apically extruded debris produced by engine‐driven reciprocational or continuous rotational single file glide path instruments was similar, whereas manual glide path preparation was associated with the greatest amount of extruded debris.
Host‐member misperceptions about what others expect of immigrants: The role of personal attitudes, voting behaviour, and right‐wing authoritarianism
Authors: Leviston Zoe , Coenen Jana M. , Dandy Justine
Published: August 2020

Concordant acculturation expectations and preferences between a host society and its immigrants are important for social cohesion. But perceptions of others' attitudes are often distorted, and may extend to intracultural misperceptions about what others in one's own society expect for immigrants. We test whether attitudinal misperceptions operate in the context of host‐members' acculturation expectations of immigrants—preferences about whether newcomers should embrace the majority culture, or maintain their own cultural heritage. Further, we test whether the conservative dimension of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA‐C) drives both personal acculturation expectations and distortions about what others expect. We surveyed a representative sample of 2,013 Australian citizens about their own acculturation expectations for immigrants and their perceptions of the expectations of the host society in general. People significantly overestimated the extent to which fellow host society members expect immigrants to embrace the host culture, and underestimated expectations that immigrants retain their own culture. Voting behaviour and RWA‐C were related to personal acculturation expectations and to perceptions of host society consensus with their own views (self–other discrepancy). Moreover, personal acculturation expectations mediated the link between RWA‐C and perceived self–other discrepancy. The psychological bases of these misperceptions, and their potential ramifications for immigrants, are discussed.
Sex, language and financial inclusion*
Authors: Osei‐Tutu Francis , Weill Laurent
Published: August 2020

Reference to gender in language can lead individuals to draw distinctions between genders and reinforce traditional views of gender roles. To test our hypothesis that language gender marking exerts an influence on the gender gap in financial inclusion, we draw on data for 117 countries in the World Bank's Global Findex database and perform logit estimations at the individual level. We find the gender gap in the probability of owning a formal account, having access to a formal credit, as well as having savings in a formal financial institution is higher for countries with gendered languages than for countries with genderless languages. These findings are confirmed in robustness checks that control for alternative measures of culture and estimations at the country level.
Research on the fatigue properties of sub‐heat‐affected zones in X80 pipe
Authors: Xu Kai , Qiao Gui‐ying , Wang Jun‐si , Zhang Shi‐yu , Xiao Fu‐ren
Published: August 2020

Pipeline transmission is an essential means of oil and gas transportation, but its safety is threatened by fatigue fracture that generally occurs in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to welded joints of the pipeline. Therefore, it is important to determine the fatigue properties of HAZ. In this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties in the HAZ of a X80 pipe were accurately simulated by thermal simulation. The fatigue life and crack growth rate of typical sub‐HAZ were tested. The results showed that fine grain HAZ exhibited the lowest strength and fatigue life. In contrast, coarse grain HAZ had the highest strength, but its fatigue life was lower than that of the intercritical HAZ. The microstructure of each sub‐HAZ and the effect of this structure on fatigue properties were analysed and discussed in detail. The results provide insight into the effects of microstructure and mechanical properties on the service safety of pipeline transportation.
Clinical and economic impact of “triple therapy” for Helicobacter pylori eradication on peptic ulcer disease in Australia
Authors: Eslick Guy D. , Tilden Dominic , Arora Nimita , Torres Margaux , Clancy Robert L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection has had a major impact on the global health of billions of people. Triple therapy was extensively used in Australia by 1986 for H pylori eradication after its discovery in 1984 and was critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this infection.

Aims

This study analyzed hospital admission, mortality, and therapeutic data to determine the economic and clinical impact that antibiotic triple therapy had on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in Australia.

Methods

An analysis of indirect and direct cost‐savings in Australia between 1990 and 2015 associated with triple therapy and the impact on PUD mortality and hospital admissions.

Results

The direct and indirect impacts of PUD treated by triple therapy between 1990 and 2015 suggest that triple therapy is likely to have prevented 18 665 deaths, and saved 258 887 life years and 33 776 productive life years. The total savings, over the 26‐year period, including direct and indirect costs, are calculated to be $10.03 billion, equating to an average annual saving of $393.419 million.

Conclusions

This study highlights the enormous benefits to Australia's health care of the discovery of triple therapy, a relatively low‐cost antibiotic regimen which brought considerable savings via the reduction in morbidity (hospital admissions) and mortality related to PUD. It is likely that benefits of similar scale occurred internationally.
A bi‐level programming framework for identifying optimal parameters in portfolio selection
Authors: Jing Kui , Xu Fengmin , Li Xuepeng
Published: August 2020

This paper addresses the problem of identifying optimal portfolio parameters in nonsparse and sparse models. Generally, using the sample estimates to construct a mean–variance portfolio often leads to undesirable portfolio performance. We propose a novel bi‐level programming framework to identify the optimal values of expected return and cardinality, which can be estimated separately or simultaneously. In the general formulation of our approach, outer‐level is designed to maximize the utility of the portfolio, which is measured by Sharpe ratio, while the inner‐level is to minimize the risk of a portfolio under a given expected return. Considering the nonconvex and nonsmooth characteristics of the outer‐level, we develop a hybrid derivative‐free optimization algorithm embedded with alternating direction method of multipliers to solve the problem. Numerical experiments are carried out based on both simulated and real‐life data. During the process, we give a prior range of cardinality using the data‐driven method to promote the efficiency. Estimating the parameters by our approach achieves better performance both in the stock and fund‐of‐funds markets. Moreover, we also demonstrate that our results are robust when the risk is measured by conditional value‐at‐risk.
Fatty acid synthase contributes to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through PRRX1/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Wei‐long , Wang Sha‐sha , Jiang Ya‐ping , Liu Yan , Yu Xiang‐hua , Wu Jing‐biao , Wang Ke , Pang Xin , Liao Peng , Liang Xin‐hua , Tang Ya‐ling
Published: August 2020

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) has been shown to be selectively up‐regulated in cancer cells to drive the development of cancer. However, the role and associated mechanism of FASN in regulating the malignant progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) still remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FASN inhibition attenuated invasion, metastasis and EMT of SACC cells as well as the expression ofPRRX1, ZEB1, Twist, Slug and Snail, among which the level of PRRX1 changed the most obviously. Overexpression of PRRX1 restored migration and invasion in FASN knockdown cells, indicating that PRRX1 is an important downstream target of FASN signalling. Levels of cyclin D1 and c‐Myc, targets of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, were significantly decreased by FASN silencing and restored by PRRX1 overexpression. In addition, FASN expression was positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis of SACC patients as well as with the expression of PRRX1, cyclin D1 and c‐Myc in SACC tissues. Our findings revealed that FASN in SACC progression may induce EMT in a PRRX1/Wnt/β‐catenin dependent manner.
Agent‐based modelling for SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemic prediction and intervention assessment: A methodological appraisal
Authors: Maziarz Mariusz , Zach Martin
Published: August 2020

Background

Our purpose is to assess epidemiological agent‐based models—or ABMs—of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic methodologically. The rapid spread of the outbreak requires fast‐paced decision‐making regarding mitigation measures. However, the evidence for the efficacy of non‐pharmaceutical interventions such as imposed social distancing and school or workplace closures is scarce: few observational studies use quasi‐experimental research designs, and conducting randomized controlled trials seems infeasible. Additionally, evidence from the previous coronavirus outbreaks of SARS and MERS lacks external validity, given the significant differences in contagiousness of those pathogens relative to SARS‐CoV‐2. To address the pressing policy questions that have emerged as a result of COVID‐19, epidemiologists have produced numerous models that range from simple compartmental models to highly advanced agent‐based models. These models have been criticized for involving simplifications and lacking empirical support for their assumptions.

Methods

To address these voices and methodologically appraise epidemiological ABMs, we consider AceMod (the model of the COVID‐19 epidemic in Australia) as a case study of the modelling practice.

Results

Our example shows that, although epidemiological ABMs involve simplifications of various sorts, the key characteristics of social interactions and the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 are represented sufficiently accurately. This is the case because these modellers treat empirical results as inputs for constructing modelling assumptions and rules that the agents follow; and they use calibration to assert the adequacy to benchmark variables.

Conclusions

Given this, we claim that the best epidemiological ABMs are models of actual mechanisms and deliver both mechanistic and difference‐making evidence. Consequently, they may also adequately describe the effects of possible interventions. Finally, we discuss the limitations of ABMs and put forward policy recommendations.
Family Caregivers of Veterans Experience High Levels of Burden, Distress, and Financial Strain
Authors: Shepherd‐Banigan Megan , Sherman Sophia R. , Lindquist Jennifer H. , Miller Katherine E. M. , Tucker Matthew , Smith Valerie A. , Van Houtven Courtney Harold
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To describe the caregiving experiences and physical and emotional needs of family members and friends who provide care to veterans with mental, physical, and cognitive comorbidities.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING

National telephone surveys administered from 2017 to 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

Family caregivers of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of General Caregiver Support Services between October 2016 and July 2018 who responded to a telephone survey (N = 1,509; response rate = 39%).

MEASUREMENTS

We examined caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, financial strain, satisfaction with care, amount and duration of caregiving, life chaos, loneliness, and integration of caregiver with the healthcare team using validated instruments. We also collected caregiver demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and asked caregivers to identify the veteran's condition(s) and provide an assessment of the veteran's functioning.

RESULTS

Average caregiver age was 62.2 (standard deviation [SD] = 13.7) and 69.8 (SD = 15.6) for veterans. Among caregivers, 76.7% identified at White, and 79.9% were married to the veteran. Caregivers reported having provided care for an average of 6.4 years and spending on average 9.6 hours per day and 6.6 days per week providing care. Average Zarit Subjective Burden score was 21.8 (SD = 9.4; range = 0–47), which is well above the cutoff for clinically significant burden (>16). Caregivers reported high levels of depressive symptoms; the sample average Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10‐item Scale score was 11.5 (SD = 7.1; range = 0–30). Caregivers also reported high levels of loneliness and financial strain.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers who care for veterans with trauma‐based comorbidities reported intensive caregiving and significant levels of distress, depressive symptoms, and other negative consequences. These caregivers require comprehensive support services including access to health care, financial assistance, and enhanced respite care. Planned expansion of VA caregiver support has the potential to provide positive benefits for this population and serve as a model for caregiver support programs outside the VA health care system.
Speaking of Justice: A Qualitative Interview Study on Perceived Procedural Justice Among Defendants in Dutch Criminal Cases
Authors: Ansems Lisa F. M. , van den Bos Kees , Mak Elaine
Published: August 2020

Qualitative interviews with one hundred defendants in Dutch criminal cases examine whether perceived procedural justice is a relevant concern for defendants, and, if so, which procedural justice components they refer to. The study provides a point of epistemological departure from the quantitative studies dominating the field, as it assessed which components of procedural justice (if any) respondents put forward themselves rather than asking about predetermined procedural justice components. The large majority of respondents mentioned procedural justice issues themselves, and six components were at the core of their procedural justice perceptions: (1) information on which decisions are based, (2) interpersonal treatment, (3) due consideration, (4) neutrality, (5) voice, and (6) accuracy. Although these procedural justice components largely correspond with the literature, respondents thus mentioned some components more often, and others less often, than the literature would suggest. In particular, neutrality plays an important role in the Dutch legal context examined here.
Transcriptional, metabolic, physiological and developmental responses of switchgrass to phosphorus limitation
Authors: Ding Na , Huertas Raul , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Liu Wei , Watson Bonnie , Scheible Wolf‐Rüdiger , Udvardi Michael
Published: August 2020

Knowing how switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) responds and adapts to phosphorus (P)‐limitation will aid efforts to optimize P acquisition and use in this species for sustainable biomass production. This integrative study investigated the impacts of mild, moderate, and severe P‐stress on genome transcription and whole‐plant metabolism, physiology and development in switchgrass. P‐limitation reduced overall plant growth, increased root/shoot ratio, increased root branching at moderate P‐stress, and decreased root diameter with increased density and length of root hairs at severe P‐stress. RNA‐seq analysis revealed thousands of genes that were differentially expressed under moderate and severe P‐stress in roots and/or shoots compared to P‐replete plants, with many stress‐induced genes involved in transcriptional and other forms of regulation, primary and secondary metabolism, transport, and other processes involved in P‐acquisition and homeostasis. Amongst the latter were multiple miRNA399 genes and putative targets of these. Metabolite profiling showed that levels of most sugars and sugar alcohols decreased with increasing P stress, while organic and amino acids increased under mild and moderate P‐stress in shoots and roots, although this trend reversed under severe P‐stress, especially in shoots.
A multicentre analysis of the outcome of arteriovenous fistula in maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Jothi Swathi , KG Hareesh , Lesley Nancy , Vijayan Madhusudan , Haridas Anupama Sneha , Mathew Milly , Parthasarathy Rajeevalochana , Sundarajan Saravanan , P Nagarajan , Kumaraswamy Latha , Abraham Georgi
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the preferred choice for vascular access in hemodialysis. We aim to identify factors that may contribute to AVF failure. Methods: Data regarding AVF survival were collected from 441 patients. All AVFs were either radial or brachial, of the end‐to‐side variety. Parameters studied were age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension prior to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), site of fistula, blood flow rate, venous pressure, dialysis vintage and frequency, needle gauge used during dialysis, year of fistula creation, and details of fistula failure. Findings: The 6‐month, 1‐year and 2‐year AVF survival rates were 98.41%, 95.01%, and 89.57%. Failure rates were 17.2%, 5.5%, 26.8%, and 14.4% for dominant radial, non‐dominant radial, dominant brachial and non‐dominant brachial respectively (P < 0.001). Using a larger needle size had better AVF survival rate (P < 0.05). All other factors had no significant correlation with AVF failure. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences in AVF patency with respect to gender, age, blood flow rate, presence of diabetes mellitus or systemic hypertension. A distally placed AVF in the nondominant arm had the best survival rate. Using a larger needle size, specifically 15G during dialysis, was associated with lowest AVF failure.
Assessing and mitigating the interference of ALX148, a novel CD47 blocking agent, in pretransfusion compatibility testing
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Yoon Mi Sook , Hustinx Hein , Sim Janet , Wan Hong I. , Kim Hyungsuk
Published: August 2020

Background

ALX148, a novel CD47 blocking agent, is in clinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and lymphoma. Because CD47 is highly expressed on red blood cells (RBCs), its therapeutic blockade can potentially interfere with pretransfusion compatibility testing. This study describes the interference of ALX148 in pretransfusion compatibility testing and evaluates the methods used for mitigating such interference.

Study Design and Methods

Routine serologic tests were performed on six samples from four patients treated with ALX148. Antibody screening tests were performed on ALX148‐spiked plasma, and RBC testing including antigen typing was performed on ALX148‐coated RBCs. Soluble CD47 or high‐affinity signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) monomers were used to remove the false‐positive reactivity of ALX148‐spiked plasma with or without anti‐E.

Results

ALX148 caused false‐positive reactivity in antibody screening using indirect antiglobulin testing (IAT) and two‐stage papain testing. However, false‐positive reactivity was not observed at the immediate spin (IS), room temperature (RT), and 37°C phases. Direct antiglobulin testing, autologous controls, and eluates showed positive results. ALX148 did not affect blood group antigen typing performed at the IS or RT phases. The use of 50‐ to 100‐fold molar excess of soluble CD47 or 300‐fold molar excess of high‐affinity SIRPα monomers removed false‐positive reactivity in IAT without affecting anti‐E detection.

Conclusion

ALX148 generates false‐positive reactivity in IAT, interfering with pretransfusion compatibility testing. The use of soluble CD47 or high‐affinity SIRPα monomers can resolve the interference without possibly missing clinically significant alloantibodies.
Aminocyclopyrachlor sorption–desorption and leaching in soil amended with organic materials from sugar cane cultivation
Authors: Takeshita Vanessa , Mendes Kassio Ferreira , Bompadre Thiago Francisco Ventoso , Alonso Felipe Gimenes , Pimpinato Rodrigo Floriano , Tornisielo Valdemar Luiz
Published: August 2020

The correct application of a new herbicide depends on knowledge concerning its behaviour within the cultivation system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sorption–desorption process of aminocyclopyrachlor in soils with the addition of three aged organic materials from sugar cane and their transport via leaching. Sugar cane straw (12 t/ha), filter cake (90 t/ha) and vinasse (200 m3/ha) were added to a clayey soil 15, 30 and 60 days before herbicide application. Sorption and desorption were evaluated by the batch equilibrium method. For leaching assessments, the materials were applied to the soil surface. Sorption was relatively low in all treatments (Kd = 0.17–0.41 L/kg), although significantly higher in soil without organic material addition. A negative correlation between herbicide sorption and increased soil base saturation was observed, indicating competition for sorption sites. With the addition of vinasse, 71% of the herbicide reached the leachate, while <50% reached the leachate in the other treatments. Aminocyclopyrachlor availability was not reduced with organic material addition to the soil, which may be favourable for weed control. However, the presence of vinasse leads to the risk of leaching to deeper soil layers than the seed bank.