bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical defence in Brassicaceae against pollen beetles revealed by metabolomics and flower bud manipulation approaches
Authors: Austel Nadine , Böttcher Christoph , Meiners Torsten
Published: November 2020

Divergence of chemical plant defence mechanisms within the Brassicaceae can be utilized to identify means against specialized pest insects. Using a bioassay‐driven approach, we (a) screened 24 differentBrassica napuscultivars,B. napusresyntheses and related brassicaceous species for natural plant resistance against feeding adults of the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus), (b) tested for gender‐specific feeding resistance, (c) analysed the flower bud metabolomes by a non‐targeted approach and (d) tested single candidate compounds for their antifeedant activity. (a) In no‐choice assays, beetles were allowed to feed on intact plants. Reduced feeding activity was mainly observed onSinapis albaandBarbarea vulgarisbut not onB. napuscultivars. (b) Males fed less and discriminated more in feeding than females. (c) Correlation of the metabolite abundances with the beetles' feeding activity revealed several glucosinolates, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and saponins as potential antifeedants. (d) These were tested in dual‐bud‐choice assays developed for medium‐throughput compound screening. Application of standard compounds on single oilseed rape flower buds revealed highly deterrent effects of glucobarbarin, oleanolic acid and hederagenin. These results help to understand chemical plant defence in the Brassicaceae and are of key importance for further breeding strategies for insect‐resistant oilseed rape cultivars.
Long non‐coding RNAs associate with jasmonate‐mediated plant defence against herbivores
Authors: Li Ran , Jin Jingjing , Xu Jie , Wang Lanlan , Li Jiancai , Lou Yonggen , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: November 2020

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) are important regulators of many biological processes in plants, including defence against pathogens; whether lncRNAs mediate defence against herbivore attack is yet to be explored. With wild tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata, and its well‐characterized interactions with herbivores, we identified a total of 1,290 significantly up‐ or down‐regulated lncRNAs in response to a precise herbivore elicitation treatment. Of these, long intergenic non‐coding RNAs (lincRNAs) were the most abundant. Based on their expression patterns, these up‐regulated lincRNAs were classified as early (<1 hr) or late (>3 hr) responders. The early responding lincRNAs had accumulation patterns that tracked the herbivore‐elicited burst of bioactive jasmonates (JAs) and the expression of regulator genes in JA signalling which regulate plant defences against herbivores. Silencing two of these early responders in N. attenuata (JAL1 and JAL3) significantly attenuated the accumulation of JAs, JA‐mediated defensives and the plant's resistance to M. sexta attack, suggesting roles in regulating JA‐mediated plant defence. By lincRNA sequencing of JA‐deficient lines, many late responder lincRNAs were found to be transcriptionally regulated by JA signalling. This study uncovers a new role of lncRNAs in JA‐mediated herbivore resistance.
Velocity‐based target flow rate for high‐flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy
Authors: Kusubae Ryo , Hirabayashi Masako , Nakazaki Naho , Shinkoda Yuichi
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively whether the average inspiratory flow velocity‐based initial flow rate in high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy could be well tolerated and safely used for infants and children hospitalized with moderate to severe respiratory failure.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients without underlying diseases (22 males; 67%), hospitalized to receive HFNC therapy for infection‐related respiratory failure, were analyzed. The median age was 2 months (interquartile range, 1 month to 1 year). Patients with dyspnea and carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) >50 mmHg or venous blood pH <7.320, combined with pulse oximetry arterial oxygen saturation <92%, were included. We set target flow rates calculated from the average inspiratory flow velocity, starting at the actual initial flow rates, and these were subsequently adjusted if necessary.

Results

One patient could not tolerate the cannula. Of the remaining 32 patients, 81% (n = 26) had an actual initial flow rate within 1 L of the target flow rate; these patients were evaluated for changes in the fraction of inspired oxygen (FITarget flow rate tableO2), pH, and pCO2 values after 24 h. Three patients required a higher fraction of inspired oxygen, one showed a persistent pH < 7.320, and seven exhibited pCO2 >50 mmHg. No patient required non‐invasive positive‐pressure ventilation, and one required intubation. Pneumothorax was not reported in any patient.

Conclusions

The average inspiratory flow velocity‐based initial flow rate was well‐tolerated without sedation, and there were no severe complications. Starting at this flow rate would improve the use of HFNC therapy in the pediatric ward, possibly reducing the need for more invasive modes of ventilation.
Efficacy of Flat‐Top Hand‐Piece Using 980 nm Diode Laser Photobiomodulation on Socket Healing after Extraction: Split‐Mouth Experimental Model in Dogs
Authors: Abdel Hamid Mohamed A. , Zaied Amira A. , Zayet Mohamed Khalifa , Abdelmageed Hany , Hassan Elham A. , Amaroli Andrea
Published: November 2020

The objective was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) using 980 nm diode laser therapy (0.60 W, 0.77 W cm−2, 36 J, 46 J cm−2, 60 s) irradiated in continuous wave mode by flat‐top hand‐piece on socket healing in the maxilla and mandible. A split‐mouth experimental design was performed on 6 dogs. The 3rd premolar tooth was extracted from the maxilla and mandibles for both sides. The right‐sided sockets were irradiated (PBM group), and the left‐sided sockets were kept as control. Irradiation was done after extraction and at 48‐h interval for 14 days. Both the buccal and lingual sides were irradiated to reach a total irradiation time of 120 s. Bone density was evaluated at 3, 4 and 5 weeks using cone beam computed tomography. We showed that maxillary sockets in the PBM group had higher bone density compared to control one at 3, 4, 5 weeks (P = 0.029, <0.001, <0.001), respectively. Mandibular sockets revealed no significant difference between PBM and control at 3 weeks (P = 0.347), while at 4 and 5 weeks PBM group showed higher bone density (P = 0.004, <0.001). In both groups, there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in bone density by time which was higher in the PBM group. We concluded that PBM using a flat‐top hand‐piece of 980‐nm improved the bone density of extraction sockets.
Effect of Live Chat on Traffic‐to‐Sales Conversion: Evidence from an Online Marketplace
Authors: Sun Haoyan , Chen Jianqing , Fan Ming
Published: November 2020

Over the years, online retailers have increasingly embraced live chat to improve customer service and facilitate transactions. We examine how online sellers’ use of live chat influences their online traffic conversion into sales. Like brick‐and‐mortar stores, a fundamental task for online stores is to convert traffic into purchases, an important problem in retail service operations management. We argue that live chat can increase online sales conversion by performing the functions of informing and persuading. We explore how the two roles of live chat interact with existing information regarding sellers and their products, such as product descriptions, ratings, price, and reviews, as these types of information also influence consumers’ perceived product quality and help mitigate uncertainties in product fit to their needs. We apply a random‐coefficient model in a Bayesian hierarchical framework and test the model using a panel dataset from Taobao, the leading C2C platform in China. Our results suggest that live chat has a positive impact on conversion and that the strength of this positive effect depends on seller and product characteristics. The positive effect is stronger when product information on web pages is less comprehensive (where live chat manifests an informative role), and when the perceived value of the product is higher (where live chat manifests a persuasive role) with either a higher product rating or a lower product price. Our results provide relevant and useful implications for online merchants and platform owners.
Dynamic Contract under Quick Response in a Supply Chain with Information Asymmetry
Authors: Zhang Jiahua , Qi Lian , Tong Shilu
Published: November 2020

We investigate a dynamic contracting problem in a supply chain with a manufacturer selling a seasonal product through a retailer over two periods. In period 1, which is before the selling season, neither firm knows the demand information. The manufacturer runs on the regular production mode with low production cost but long lead time. In period 2, which refers to the selling season, only the retailer can update the demand information, so information asymmetry exists in the supply chain. The manufacturer may further produce and supplement the retailer via a second contract. However, only a mode of quick response with a shorter lead time but higher cost is viable, if the manufacturer decides not to carry inventory from period 1 to period 2. We formulate this dynamic contracting problem into four models based on whether the manufacturer adopts quick response or carries inventory. We show that the adoption of quick response may not always benefit the manufacturer due to the information rent she has to sacrifice, and the manufacturer may be better off under a higher cost of quick response. Interestingly, the capability of inventory carryover always hurts the manufacturer regardless of the implementation of QR. Essentially, we find that one of the hurdles of implementing these capabilities comes from the incentive issues in a decentralized supply chain. The retailer may ask for information rent whenever the manufacturer adopts a capability for supplying him in period 2, especially if this capability is inflexible that requires advance production before demand realization.
How to Change a Running System—Controlling the Transition to Optimized Spare Parts Inventory Policies
Authors: Haubitz Christiane B. , Thonemann Ulrich W.
Published: November 2020

Inventory optimization approaches typically optimize steady‐state performance, but do not consider the transition of an initial state to the optimized state. In this study, we address this transition. Our research is motivated by a company that implemented an improved inventory policy for its spare parts division. The improved policy suggested new base stock levels for the majority of the parts. For parts with increased base stock levels, inventory increases were realized after the part lead times, but for low‐demand parts with decreased base stock levels, inventory reductions were slow. As a result, inventory cost increased over the first months after the new inventory policy had been introduced and exceeded the inventory budget substantially. To avoid such undesirable effects, base stock level changes must be phased in. We consider a multi‐item spare parts inventory system, initially operating under an item approach inventory policy that achieves identical fill rates for all parts. Our approach addresses the transition to a superior system approach inventory policy that maximizes the system fill rate. We model the inventory transition as a finite‐horizon optimization problem and apply column generation and a marginal analysis heuristic to determine transient base stock levels for all parts. Using data from the company that motivated our research, we illustrate how the transition can be controlled to quickly improve fill rates without exceeding the initial inventory budget.
Genetic variation and demographic history analysis of Pestalotiopsis, Pseudopestalotiopsis, and Neopestalotiopsis fungi associated with tea (Camellia sinensis) inferred from the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA
Authors: Chen Lijiao , Li Hongye , Jiao Wengweng , Tao Mei , Lv Caiyou , Zhao Ming , Wang Miao
Published: November 2020

To elucidate the demographic history within and among the genera Pseudopestalotiopsis, Neopestalotiopsis, and Pestalotiopsis and their genetic diversity, we studied internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) with no saturation effects in 172 Pestalotiopsis‐like fungal accessions isolated from Camellia sinensis planted in nine provinces in China (64 from Yunnan, 4 from Guangxi, 2 from Guizhou, 42 from Jiangxi, 3 from Sichuan, 3 from Zhejiang, 1 from Henan, 18 from Fujian, 12 from Chongqing, and 18 from other provinces) and in Japan (1), France (1), Turkey (1), and Thailand (2). Among these, 44 Pestalotiopsis‐like isolates from Yunnan in this study formed a clade in phylogenetic trees with Pestalotiopsis accessions in GenBank, despite their cultural characteristics on potato dextrose agar displaying no genus specificity. Based on estimated sequence polymorphism parameters of average pairwise differences (K), haplotype diversity (Hd), nucleotide diversity (Pi), θ (per site) from η, and recombination event rate (Rm), we identified moderate genetic variation in these three genera. Molecular evolution analysis with neutrality tests and mismatch distribution demonstrated that Pseudopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis ribosomal ITS sequences evolved under a neutral model. However, the recent demographic expansion of the three genera promoted geographical isolation but showed no clear geographical structure. Pairwise genetic divergences between haplotypes and a median‐joining network revealed Yunnan or Jiangxi as a possible centre of origin, and that Pseudopestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis may derive from Pestalotiopsis.
Maternal age at birth and neonatal mortality: Associations from 67 low‐income and middle‐income countries
Authors: Wu Han , Zhao Min , Liang Yajun , Liu Fangchao , Xi Bo
Published: November 2020

Background

Both young and advanced maternal age have been associated with higher risks of neonatal mortality, but most studies are from high‐income countries and the evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is scarce.

Objective

To investigate the association between maternal age at delivery and neonatal mortality in LMICs.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study using data from 159 Demographic and Health Surveys in 67 LMICs between 2000 and 2018. Maternal age at the time of the birth was the exposure variable, and neonatal mortality was the outcome. Multivariable logistic regression model taking into consideration complex survey design was performed with adjustments for maternal education level, paternal education level, rural/urban residence, country, and survey year. Subgroup analyses were performed by time of death, sex, the country's World Bank income classification, the World Health Organization region, and survey year.

Results

A total of 1 395 746 mother‐neonate pairs were included. Overall, compared with neonates born to mothers aged 25‐29 years, those born to younger mothers aged 20‐24, 16‐19 and 12‐15 years were at an increased risk of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17, 1.30; OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.71, 1.93; OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.96, 2.67, respectively). Neonates born to mothers aged 30‐34, 35‐39, 40‐44, and ≥45 years were also at an increased risk of mortality (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15; OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.21, 1.39; OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.38, 1.64; OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.54, 2.20, respectively). The results were consistent across most subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

Neonates born to younger (<25 years) and older mothers (≥30 years) are at increased risk of neonatal death in LMICs.
Frontal alpha asymmetry and emotional processing in youth with psychopathic traits
Authors: Batky Blair D. , Salekin Randall T. , Houser Rick A.
Published: November 2020

Emotional processing deficits are often considered central to psychopathy. There is evidence that those high in psychopathy pay less attention to emotional stimuli, and it is possible that these individuals experience diminished withdrawal motivation or heightened approach motivation in response to emotional stimuli. Studying emotional processing abnormalities, especially among youth, may be essential for better understanding psychopathy's development and for informing interventions. However, few studies on psychopathy have experimentally manipulated emotional processing, and despite the growing literature on neuroscience and psychopathy, there are aspects of neural activity that have yet to be investigated. The current study used a sample of 52 justice‐involved youth to examine how psychopathy, as measured by the Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder scale, relates to frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), a neural correlate of approach and withdrawal motivation. Alpha asymmetry was first measured at rest and then while youth were asked to process emotional stimuli spontaneously as well as to increase and decrease their responses to emotional stimuli. Results indicated that total psychopathy was not related to FAA at rest or during task performance. However, youth higher in callous‐unemotional traits demonstrated similar patterns of neural activity to youth lower in callous‐unemotional traits when instructed to increase their response to emotional stimuli. These findings were not evident for grandiose‐manipulative or daring‐impulsive traits. These findings may indicate that youth high in callous‐unemotional traits are capable of modulating their emotional responding, which could in turn have treatment implications for youth high in psychopathic traits.
Storms, Fires, and Bombs: Analyzing the Impact of Warning Message and Receiver Characteristics on Risk Perception in Different Hazards
Authors: Rahn Maxi , Tomczyk Samuel , Schmidt Silke
Published: November 2020

In crisis communication, warning messages are key to prevent or mitigate damage by informing the public about impending risks and hazards. The present study explored the influence of hazard type, trait anxiety, and warning message on different components of risk perception. A survey examined 614 German participants (18–96 years, M = 31.64, 63.0% female) using a pre–post comparison. Participants were randomly allocated to one of five hazards (severe weather, act of violence, breakdown of emergency number, discovery of a World War II bomb, or major fire) for which they received a warning message. Four components of risk perception (perceived severity, anticipatory worry, anticipated emotions, and perceived likelihood) were measured before and after the receipt. Also, trait anxiety was assessed. Analyses of covariance of risk perception were calculated, examining the effect of warning message, trait anxiety, and hazard type while controlling for age, gender, and previous hazard experience. Results showed main effects of hazard type and trait anxiety on every component of risk perception, except for perceived likelihood. The receipt of a warning message led to a significant decrease in anticipated negative emotions. However, changes across components of risk perception, as well as hazards, were inconsistent, as perceived severity decreased while perceived likelihood and anticipatory worry increased. In addition, three interactional effects were found (perceived severity × hazard type, perceived severity × trait anxiety, and anticipated emotions × hazard type). The findings point toward differences in the processing of warning messages yet underline the importance of hazard type, as well as characteristics of the recipient.
Expressions of Resilience: Social Media Responses to a Flooding Event
Authors: Anderson Ashley A.
Published: November 2020

Concerns over the resilience of individuals within communities impacted by extreme weather events have heightened in recent years due to the increasing frequency and intensity of these events. Individuals’ participation in communicative activities is an integral part of how they prepare for and respond to natural disasters. This study focuses on how individuals express resilience in social media posts from Twitter before, during, and after a regional flooding event in Colorado in 2013 (N = 210,303). Findings show that both negative and positive emotional responses spike at the start of the event, with positive emotions remaining high in the weeks following the event. Uses of language related to social connections, as well as references to home and work, increased during and after the event. Tweets used pronouns focused on the self during the event but shifted to pronouns focused on the collective after the event. This study points the importance of language for understanding the lasting impact extreme weather events can have on individuals, as well as when and how to reach individuals with information about recovery. The increased focus on collective language after the event provides an opportunity for calls to action in collecting and distributing shared resources.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): An overview of the immunopathology, serological diagnosis and management
Authors: Anka Abubakar Umar , Tahir Mohammed Ibrahim , Abubakar Sharafudeen Dahiru , Alsabbagh Mohamed , Zian Zeineb , Hamedifar Haleh , Sabzevari Araz , Azizi Gholamreza
Published: November 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 is a novel human coronavirus responsible for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are the major complications of COVID‐19. SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can activate innate and adaptive immune responses and result in massive inflammatory responses later in the disease. These uncontrolled inflammatory responses may lead to local and systemic tissue damage. In patients with severe COVID‐19, eosinopenia and lymphopenia with a severe reduction in the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells are a common feature. COVID‐19 severity hinges on the development of cytokine storm characterized by elevated serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, IgG‐, IgM‐ and IgA‐specific antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 can be detected in most patients, along with the viral RNA, forming the basis for assays that aid in patient diagnosis. Elucidating the immunopathological outcomes due to COVID‐19 could provide potential targets for immunotherapy and are important for choosing the best clinical management by consultants. Currently, along with standard supportive care, therapeutic approaches to COVID‐19 treatment involve the use of antiviral agents that interfere with the SARS‐CoV‐2 lifecycle to prevent further viral replication and utilizing immunomodulators to dampen the immune system in order to prevent cytokine storm and tissue damage. While current therapeutic options vary in efficacy, there are several molecules that were either shown to be effective against other viruses such as HIV or show promise in vitro that could be added to the growing arsenal of agents used to control COVID‐19 severity and spread.
The attentive focus on T cell‐mediated autoimmune pathogenesis of psoriasis, lichen planus and vitiligo
Authors: Aghamajidi Azin , Raoufi Ehsan , Parsamanesh Gilda , Jalili Ahmad , Salehi‐Shadkami Mohammad , Mehrali Marjan , Mohsenzadegan Monireh
Published: November 2020

T cell‐mediated autoimmune skin diseases develop as a result of the aberrant immune response to the skin cells with T cells playing a central role. These chronic inflammatory skin diseases encompass various types including psoriasis, lichen planus and vitiligo. These diseases show similarities in their immune‐pathophysiology. In the last decade, immunomodulating agents have been very successful in the management of these diseases thanks to a better understanding of the pathophysiology. In this review, we will discuss the immunopathogenic mechanisms and highlight the role of T lymphocytes in psoriasis, lichen planus and vitiligo. This study could provide new insights into a better understanding of targeted therapeutic pathways and biological therapies.
Effects of biochar on bacterial genetic diversity in soil contaminated with cadmium
Authors: Qiu Zhang , Yinghua Zhang , Xiu Zhang , Jing Shi
Published: November 2020

Biochar has various ecological effects on heavy metal‐contaminated soils. Biochar can be used to passivate the activity of heavy metals and improve environmental conditions for microbial growth. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to explore the diversity of microbes in red soil under cadmium (Cd) stress following the application of wheat straw biochar. The contaminant Cd was prepared at 2.5 mg kg‒1 with deionized water to simulate the heavy metal pollution of red soil under natural conditions, and the proportions of wheat straw biochar used were 2.5% and 10%. The complete genetic diversity of red soil bacteria in this study was evaluated using high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that the bacterial genetic diversity of Cd‐contaminated red soils was restored with biochar treatment, and recovery with 2.5% biochar was significant. Biochar significantly affected the richness of soil bacteria by 6.79%–21.04%. Forty‐three phyla of bacteria, including Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Gemmatimonadetes, constituted the bacterial community in the red soils. Further principal component analysis showed that Cd pollution and biochar application collectively affected the bacterial genetic diversity. Hydrogenophaga, Rubrivivax, Haliscomenobacter, Citrobacter, Methylibium and Azospirillum were indicator strains for Cd‐contaminated red soils, while Steroidobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Anaerolinea, Chloronema Dubinina and Gorlenko were key strains for the biochar remediation of Cd contamination. In conclusion, for soil polluted with 2.5 mg kg Cd‒1, the application of 2.5% wheat straw biochar significantly increases soil microbial abundance and genetic diversity and plays an active role in improving the soil micro‐ecosystem.
Economic evaluation of implementing a decentralised Hepatitis B virus diagnostic intervention under National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Muniyandi Malaisamy , Tyagi Kirti , Singh Malkeet , Prakash Venkatesan , Karikalan Nagarajan , Senthilkumar S. , Karthikeyan Sananthya , Krishnan Rajendran , Rajsekar Kavitha , Shanmugam Vivekanandan , Selvavinayagam T. S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of decentralised diagnostic programme for hepatitis B virus (HBV) implemented in Tamil Nadu, South India with specific focus on a selected key population at increased risk of HBV.

Methods

A combination of decision tree and Markov model was developed to compare cost‐effectiveness of the new and standard strategy. Cost and health outcomes were calculated based on the proportion of cohort in each respective health state. Total costs, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention and comparator strategies were calculated. The model parameter uncertainties were evaluated by sensitivity analysis.

Results

Considering decentralised HBV diagnosis followed by early treatment and vaccination for negatives for a cohort of 1000 population resulted in 505 QALYs gained and incremental cost‐saving of 180749 ($2620). The decentralised diagnostic strategy could avert 294 deaths, gain 293 life years and reduce out‐of‐pocket expenditure of 3274 ($47) per person for HBV management.

Conclusion

Decentralised HBV diagnosis followed by early treatment and vaccination for negatives in Tamil Nadu can save lives and reduce out‐of‐pocket expenditures compared to standard strategy.
Antimicrobial use in wean to market pigs in the United States assessed via voluntary sharing of proprietary data
Authors: Davies Peter R. , Singer Randall S.
Published: November 2020

Data on antimicrobial use were collected for the 2016 and 2017 calendar years from swine producers in the United States. Nine large systems, collectively producing over 20 million market pigs annually, voluntarily provided data to advance understanding of antimicrobial use in the industry and to support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. The scope of the study was limited to growing pigs, and the granularity of data varied across the systems. Data were summarized both qualitatively and quantitatively by antimicrobial class, active ingredient and route of administration (injection, water and feed). Data on the purpose of administration, doses and durations of administration were not available, but some information was provided by the responsible veterinarians. Aggregate data were similar both qualitatively and quantitatively in 2016 and 2017, although marked changes between years were evident within systems for some antimicrobials. Antimicrobial use (by weight) was dominated by the tetracycline class (approximately 60% of total use). Antimicrobials in classes categorized as critically important constituted 4.5% and 5.3% of total use in 2016 and 2017, respectively. In both years, fluoroquinolone (0.23%, 0.46%) and 3rd generation cephalosporin (0.15%, 0.11%) use collectively accounted for <1% of total use. Administration was predominantly oral in feed and water, and injection comprised approximately 2% of use overall, but around 12% for critically important antimicrobials. There was considerable variability among systems in patterns of antimicrobial use. This pilot project demonstrates the feasibility of acquiring antimicrobial use data via voluntary sharing. It is currently being expanded among larger swine production systems, and further efforts to enable confidential data sharing and benchmarking for smaller producers are being pursued by the swine industry. Recognized biases in the data caution against over‐interpretation of these data as an index of national use.
Estimates of on‐farm antimicrobial usage in turkey production in the United States, 2013–2017
Authors: Singer Randall S. , Porter Leah J. , Schrag Nora F. D. , Davies Peter R. , Apley Michael D. , Bjork Kathe
Published: November 2020

With increasing concern about the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, there is an increasing motivation to optimize antimicrobial use administrations in animal agriculture. A key component of antimicrobial stewardship is the ability to collect antimicrobial use data and ultimately use this information to assess that administrations are necessary and effective. The objective of this study was to develop a system for collecting on‐farm antimicrobial use data from the US turkey industry and to have it be representative of the largest commercial turkey producers in the United States that comprise the vast majority of national turkey production. Participation was voluntary. Data were collected for the period 2013 through 2017 and are reported on a calendar year basis. Using statistics from USDA:NASS as a denominator, the data supplied by participating companies represented approximately 67.3% of turkey production in the United States in 2013 and increased to approximately 69.8% in 2017. The data that were submitted for 2017 are based on approximately 187,016,604 poults placed, 164,081,335 turkeys slaughtered, and 5,178,431,422 pounds liveweight produced. The estimated percentage of turkey poults placed that received hatchery antimicrobials decreased from 96% in 2013 to 41% in 2017. Medically important in‐feed antimicrobial use decreased substantially. For example, in‐feed tetracycline use decreased approximately 67% between 2013 and 2017. Medically important water‐soluble antimicrobial use decreased substantially for most antimicrobials. Between 2013 and 2017, water‐soluble penicillin use decreased approximately 42%, water‐soluble tetracycline use decreased approximately 28%, and water‐soluble lincomycin use decreased approximately 46%. Reducing the total amounts of antimicrobials used might be a crude indicator for mitigating the selection of antimicrobial resistance. Reducing the need for such use and verifying that treatment regimens deliver beneficial outcomes to animal health are more meaningful objectives.
Antimicrobial use in 22 U.S. beef feedyards: 2016–2017
Authors: Hope Katie J. , Apley Michael D. , Schrag Nora F. D. , Lubbers Brian V. , Singer Randall S.
Published: November 2020

This study describes antimicrobial use in 22 U.S. beef feedyards by use of two metrics: milligrams of antimicrobial per kilogram of liveweight sold (mg/kg‐LW) and antimicrobial regimens per animal year (Reg/AY). The primary objectives were to determine the feasibility of collecting antimicrobial use data at the level of the production system and to identify factors unique to feedyard systems which may confound interpretation of summarized antimicrobial use measures. Records were accessed directly from feedyards or through a data intermediary and then subjected to a process of standardization and quality assurance. Use is reported at the study level with all individual cattle lots from all feedyards combined, as well as at the feedyard level where values were first calculated for each feedyard and then expressed as means, standard deviations and median values. Use at the study level is first reported by antimicrobial class and then by antimicrobial class within the use categories of in‐feed, control of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and individual animal treatment. Due to wide variations of antimicrobial class within use category, feedyard level antimicrobial use is reported only by antimicrobial class. Use values for medically important and not medically important antimicrobial classes are reported separately. Regimens are described for each antimicrobial class within use category by milligrams per regimen and by timeframe from first to last administration. The authors’ selection of measures reported here was driven by a desire to minimize necessary assumptions, resulting in transparent reporting of values which can be directly related back to the factors within feedyard systems which may have influenced calculations. Reporting the number of regimens stratified by antimicrobial class within use category and then describing the characteristics of the reported regimens (milligrams per regimen and timeframe) optimize these objectives for reporting.
Risk Assessment of Horizontal Wet Etching Equipment System in Manufacturing Plant Industry
Authors: Mohd Ramli Nor'ain , Hussain Siti Aslina
Published: November 2020

Maintenance is one of the important roles in the high technology manufacturing industry. It is related to the key performance factors of the company such as quality, productivity, and cost. To achieve these factors, a reliability plan should be implemented which helps to maximise production value by implementing successful asset maintenance. This research project aims to focus on the critical process equipment known as Horizontal Wet Etching Equipment (HWEE) used in the wet etching process. The components in the HWEE system were identified by referring to the process and instrumentation diagram (PID) of the equipment and were categorised in different modes. Data on mean time to repair (MTTR) and mean time between repairs (MTBF) were collected based on previous company records. The data were analysed using MAROS software. Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) was done to understand the risk of each of the components. The result shows that piping and gearbox have the highest RPN with 126 and 105, respectively. This study helps to identify critical components and is able to help the company to improve equipment reliability and reduce maintenance cost. Corrective action can be implemented to reduce the RPN for both components. Thus, it would help the industry to increase the key performance and become more competitive in the business environment.
A Systematic Approach To Enhance Implementation Of Energy Management Systems At Leading Oil Companies
Authors: K.M. Hashim , Mimi H Hassim , D.K.S. Ng
Published: November 2020

Conserving energy becomes part of business culture, and it describes by reducing energy consumption to achieve the same works. Due to increasing internal demand on energy in many parts of the world, it has pushed societal expectations to oil companies toward rigorously conserve energy and explores ways to enhance its energy performance. As global energy demand soars, it is known that the industries, power plants and transportation sectors are the main contributors to the intensive utilization of energy resources. The demand from the growing population has overwhelmed current capacity. It is inevitable, therefore, many oil companies are now participating in on-going efforts to conserve energy, and do so in a sustainable manner by means of implementing energy management systems (EnMS) in accordance to internationally recognized standards. However, its progress has just been seen and unfortunately, most of oil companies are far away from a matured management to excel in energy performance. It appears that many of oil companies consider EnMS as an ambition rather than a platform to excel in energy performance. In fact, cost reduction is a main focus instead of exploring other hidden benefits of EnMS. More seriously, lack of dedicated steps to push for the successful implementation. This paper discusses a systematic approach that drive for full implementation of EnMS at one of the leading oil companies.
Subjective Scaling Elimination Test for Index-based Inherent Safety Assessment Methods
Authors: Ahmad Syaza I. , Hassim Mimi H. , Hashim Haslenda , Rashid Roslina
Published: November 2020

The index-based inherent safety assessment method is preferable in comparing alternative chemical process routes due to its ability to be used in the early process design stage with limited details availability of the route assessed. However, the current index-based inherent safety assessment methods available have the shortcoming of subjective scaling. The Numerical Descriptive Inherent Safety Technique (NuDIST) is an inherent safety assessment method for the research and development design stage that overcomes the shortcoming of subjective scaling by incorporating logistic functions in its scoring assignment. The aim of this paper is to verify the NuDIST method in comparison with the Prototype Index for Inherent Safety (PIIS) and Inherent Safety Index (ISI) in terms of subjective scaling elimination. The inter-boundary case subjective scaling is considered solved if the scores difference between sub-edge boundaries is small while the intra-boundary case subjective scaling is considered solved if every value in a range has different scores.  The results of the subjective scaling elimination test agree that NuDIST eliminates the shortcomings of subjective scaling with positive results for both inter-boundary and intra-boundary.
Evaluation of the Secondary Students’ Attitudes Towards Studying and Learning Science and Mathematics, and Their Impact on Learning in the Two Schools in the Northern Finland
Authors: Tomperi Päivi
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to examine secondary students’ attitudes towards studying and learning science and mathematics, and how the attitude constructs were linked in students’ responses. As a result of the hierarchical cluster analysis, six classes were obtained. Based on Cronbach’s alpha values, two clusters were excluded from the final model leaving the classes which were named as motivation, the nature of the classroom environment, enjoyment, and achievement. In this classification attitudes of parents were related to motivation, attitudes of friends to enjoyment, perception of the teacher to the nature of the classroom environment, and anxiety and fear of failure to achievement. To determine factors affecting students’ prior learning in different disciplines of natural sciences, mathematics, and IT, stepwise multiple regression was carried out with self-estimated skill score as the dependent variable to discover which items were related to learning in the four classes of the model. The main predictor for achievement was item “physics is more difficult for me than for many of my classmates” (adjusted R2 = 29.6 %) and for motivation “my parents are proud of my achievements in science and math” (adjusted R2 = 19.9 %). One item showed gender difference with medium effect size.
Assessment of a patient-reported outcome measure in men with prostate cancer who had radical surgery: a Rasch analysis
Authors: Protopapa Eva , van der Meulen Jan , Moore Caroline M , Smith Sarah C
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the psychometric properties (and identify specific anomalies to be resolved) of urinary and sexual function scales of the Symptom Tracking and Reporting (STAR) instrument for use in clinical practice with individual men using Rasch analysis.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

9 UK surgery centres in secondary care.

Participants

403 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and completed at least one questionnaire immediately before and at 1 or 3 months after radical prostatectomy.

Primary and secondary outcomes

STAR instrument before surgery and 1 and 3 months afterwards.

Results

Neither scale fitted the Rasch model (both scales p<0.001). Both urinary (seven items) and sexual function (six items) had disordered thresholds, suggesting response categories are not working as intended. Both scales (three urinary items; five sexual function items) showed problems with item fit (large fit residuals, significant χ2, an inspection of item characteristic curves). Both scales showed items that were unstable over time (differential item functioning (DIF) by time). Both scales (four pairs of items in each scale) showed local response dependency (residual correlations >0.2 above the average). Internal consistency was acceptable at the group level for both scales. Targeting was poor for both scales, indicating an inadequate match between the location of items and the distribution of the patients, suggesting that the underlying constructs that the scales purport to measure are not clear.

Conclusion

Using Rasch analysis as a diagnostic tool, we identified that both the urinary and the sexual function scales have issues that need to be resolved before STAR can be used with confidence in clinical practice. The sexual function scale, in particular, is unlikely to provide precise estimates for the outcomes experienced by men after radical prostatectomy. These results demonstrate the need to evaluate the suitability of any patient-reported outcome measure before implementation in routine clinical practice, preferably using modern psychometric methods.
Optimal VAsopressor TitraTION in patients 65 years and older (OVATION-65): protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Masse Marie-Hélène , Battista Marie-Claude , Wilcox Mary Elizabeth , Pinto Ruxandra , Marinoff Nicole , D'Aragon Frédérick , St-Arnaud Charles , Mayette Michael , Leclair Marc-André , Quiroz Martinez Hector , Grondin-Beaudoin Brian , Poulin Yannick , Carbonneau Élaine , Seely Andrew J E , Watpool Irene , Porteous Rebecca , Chassé Michaël , Lebrasseur Martine , Lauzier François , Turgeon Alexis F , Bellemare David , Mehta Sangeeta , Charbonney Emmanuel , Belley-Côté Émilie , Botton Édouard , Cohen Dian , Lamontagne François , Adhikari Neill K J ,   OVATION-65 team members
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Vasodilatory hypotension is common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients; vasopressors are considered standard of care. However, optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets for vasopressor titration are unknown. The objective of the Optimal VAsopressor TitraTION in patients 65 years and older (OVATION-65) trial is to ascertain the effect of permissive hypotension (vasopressor titration to achieve MAP 60–65 mm Hg) versus usual care on biomarkers of organ injury in hypotensive patients aged ≥65 years.

Methods and analysis

OVATION-65 is an allocation-concealed randomised trial in 7 Canadian hospitals. Eligible patients are ≥65 years of age, in an ICU with vasodilatory hypotension, receiving vasopressors for ≤12 hours to maintain MAP ≥65 mm Hg during or after adequate fluid resuscitation, and expected to receive vasopressors for ≥6 additional hours. Patients are excluded for any of the following: active treatment for spinal cord or acute brain injury; vasopressors given solely for bleeding, ventricular failure or postcardiopulmonary bypass vasoplegia; withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments expected within 48 hours; death perceived as imminent; previous enrolment in OVATION-65; organ transplant within the last year; receiving extracorporeal life support or lack of physician equipoise. Patients are randomised to permissive hypotension versus usual care for up to 28 days. The primary outcome is high-sensitivity troponin T, a biomarker of cardiac injury, on day 3. Secondary outcomes include biomarkers of injury to other organs (brain, liver, intestine, skeletal muscle); lactate (a biomarker of global tissue dysoxia); resource utilisation; adverse events; mortality (90 days and 6 months) and cognitive function (6 months). Assessors of biomarkers, mortality and cognitive function are blinded to allocation.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved at all sites. Consent is obtained from the eligible patient, the substitute decision-maker if the patient is incapable, or in a deferred fashion where permitted. End-of-grant dissemination plans include presentations, publications and social media platforms and discussion forums.

Trial registration number

NCT03431181.
Effect of adjunctive glucose-lowering drugs on body weight in people with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Laugesen Christian , Ranjan Ajenthen G. , Schmidt Signe , Rasmussen Lauge Neimann , Nørgaard Ole , Christensen Robin , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Obesity increases the risk of comorbidities and diabetes-related complications and, consequently, efforts to prevent and reduce excess weight in people with type 1 diabetes are essential. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to assess the effect of adjunctive glucose-lowering drugs on body weight and other important health outcomes in people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and network meta-analysis will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of adjunctive glucose-lowering drugs for treatment of people with type 1 diabetes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform will be searched from inception to present. Key eligibility criteria include: RCT study design; adult participants with type 1 diabetes; treatment with a glucose-lowering drug for ≥24 weeks; and comparison of the intervention to placebo, usual care or another glucose-lowering drug. The primary outcome is change in body weight. Other major outcomes include change in HbA1c and total daily insulin dose and risk of hypoglycaemia and other adverse events. Dual study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be performed. Results from the meta-analysis will be presented as weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes. Sources of heterogeneity will be explored by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. A network meta-analysis for the primary outcome will be performed using an arm-based random-effects model based on the Bayesian framework while assessing for transitivity across studies and consistency between direct and indirect estimates. The overall quality of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for each outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical assessment is required. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020158676