bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-step crystal–crystal phase transformation of N-salicylidene-p-aminobenzoic acid by gas–solid reaction with aqua–ammonia vapour
Authors: Sugiyama Haruki , Uekusa Hidehiro
Published: December 2020

Crystal–crystal phase transformation by external stimuli has attracted significant attention for application in switchable materials, which can change their structures and properties. Herein, it is revealed that N-salicylidene-p-aminobenzoic acid crystals undergo a two-step crystal–crystal phase transformation through a gas–solid reaction with aqua–ammonia vapour. The photochromic behaviour of the crystals switched from nonphotochromic to photochromic and back to nonphotochromic via a phase transformation. The two-step phase transformation and photochromic behaviour change were characterized and correlated by X-ray crystal structure analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. This article is the first report to capture the stepwise structural change in the gas–solid (acid–base) reaction of ammonia with benzoic acid derivatives.
The evolution of business models of information and communication technology suppliers
Authors: Stone Merlin , Aravopoulou Eleni , Stott Ryan , Parnell Brett David , Machtynger Jon , Foss Bryan , Machtynger Liz
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the business model of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry has evolved and the general differences that evolution has made to information management.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was carried out accompanied by conceptual analysis.

Findings

It shows that changes in the business model of the ICT industry have been quite dramatic and have led to significant changes in the structure of the industry.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on analysis of the ICT industry. The analysis could be broadened to include other industries. Research into business model change should consider adopting the evolutionary approach taken in this paper.

Practical implications

Managers in the ICT industry should factor the likely evolution of business models in their industry into their planning.

Social implications

Government policymakers considering how to stimulate the development of the ICT industry in their country should be aware of the moving nature of their target.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to apply the evolutionary approach to business model change.
An integrated model of IPSAS institutionalisation in Indonesia: a critical study
Authors: Harun Harun , Eggleton Ian R.C. , Locke Stuart
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the institutionalisation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study approach relies on obtaining its data from document sources and interviews with relevant people and/or organisations involved in policy-making and implementation of IPSAS in Indonesia. To inform the study, we developed and used an integrated model of institutionalisation based on the work done by Dillard et al. (2004) and Dambrin et al. (2007).

Findings

Our model shows that dissemination of new ideals and the transformation of these new ideals into new discourses were institutionalised at the economic and political level. However, the creation of a new [accounting]technique took place in the organisational field, instead of organisational level. The internalisation of IPSAS in the organisational field is characterised by limited use of IPSAS-based reports for making decisions. Overall the institionalisation of IPSAS in Indonesia is dominated by actors external to local governments.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s results reflect the specific socio-economic and political contexts for a specific point in time.

Practical implications

Policy-makers in developing nations should consider the applicability of IPSAS in accordance with the actual needs and capacities of their local governments.

Social implications

The findings show that developing nations and international organisations have underestimated the technical and institutional issues of developing nations in the globalisation of IPSAS.

Originality/value

The study extends institutional theory by developing a new model to conceptualise the dynamic processes, the role of actors and outcomes of public sector accounting reforms in an emerging economy.
Gender diversity indices for interpreting the phenomena in expanding higher education
Authors: Chou Wen-Ching , Chang Dian-Fu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the higher education expansion phenomenon and to what extent that expansion could reshape the pattern of gender.

Design/methodology/approach

We selected Taiwan's higher education as a research target. First, we describe the gender diversity patterns in the humanity, social science and STEM programs according to Trow's definition. Second, we identify discrepancies in gender in the major programs according to different indices. Becker’s D, Blau index, GPI, trend analysis and multiple comparisons were used to transform the comparison series data.

Findings

First, to assess system-wide gender diversity, it was shown that in the elite stage, the D is more sensitive than the Blau index in plotting trends. Second, neither the D nor the Blau index showed sensitivity in humanity and social science programs in the post-mass stage. Third, the GPI more accurately detects differences in gender patterns in the mass and universal stages.

Practical implications

This study illuminates gender diversity patterns with indices transformation in higher education. Considering higher education expansion is a global phenomenon, the fitted indices can be used to detect gender diversity issues in wider higher education settings.

Originality/value

This study provides an example for addressing the issue using different indices to identify previous and future trends in the higher education system. The study suggests alternative interpretations for gender diversity in various programs that will assist in modifying related gender policies in higher education.
A systematic review of text mining approaches applied to various application areas in the biomedical domain
Authors: Cheerkoot-Jalim Sudha , Khedo Kavi Kumar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This work shows the results of a systematic literature review on biomedical text mining. The purpose of this study is to identify the different text mining approaches used in different application areas of the biomedical domain, the common tools used and the challenges of biomedical text mining as compared to generic text mining algorithms. This study will be of value to biomedical researchers by allowing them to correlate text mining approaches to specific biomedical application areas. Implications for future research are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The review was conducted following the principles of the Kitchenham method. A number of research questions were first formulated, followed by the definition of the search strategy. The papers were then selected based on a list of assessment criteria. Each of the papers were analyzed and information relevant to the research questions were extracted.

Findings

It was found that researchers have mostly harnessed data sources such as electronic health records, biomedical literature, social media and health-related forums. The most common text mining technique was natural language processing using tools such as MetaMap and Unstructured Information Management Architecture, alongside the use of medical terminologies such as Unified Medical Language System. The main application area was the detection of adverse drug events. Challenges identified included the need to deal with huge amounts of text, the heterogeneity of the different data sources, the duality of meaning of words in biomedical text and the amount of noise introduced mainly from social media and health-related forums.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, other reviews in this area have focused on either specific techniques, specific application areas or specific data sources. The results of this review will help researchers to correlate most relevant and recent advances in text mining approaches to specific biomedical application areas by providing an up-to-date and holistic view of work done in this research area. The use of emerging text mining techniques has great potential to spur the development of innovative applications, thus considerably impacting on the advancement of biomedical research.
A double design-science perspective of entrepreneurship – the example of smart contracts in the insurance market
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Hugo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Following the call for strengthening the third pillar of knowledge in entrepreneurship as well as work-applied management contexts constituted by pragmatic design principles, we present a case study on an insurtech for insurance firms specialized in smart contract insurance solutions such as flight delay or ski resort insurance.

Design/methodology/approach

Design science.

Findings

This not only serves as a pointer for how insurances may master their digital transformation while remaining competitive. But moreover, on the meta level, we find that the adoption of entrepreneurial design principles by the students, whose experiential project represents our case study, does not necessarily require continuous support or foundational knowledge to be delivered beforehand. However, for a deeper or more holistic assessment of the case sketched in their project, it makes sense to introduce them to newer developments such as the simple, practical framework of the Entrepreneur's Question Index.

Originality/value

Innovative teaching method on innovative topics.
Risks in the absence of optimal knowledge management in knowledge-intensive organizations
Authors: Nakash Maayan , Bouhnik Dan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the risks associated with the lack of optimal knowledge management (KM) in knowledge-intensive organizations and delves into understanding their severity. In doing so, the authors explored the significance attributed to these issues by international KM experts.

Design/methodology/approach

A case method was chosen. The study began with semi-structured in-depth interviews and continued with focus groups as part of the qualitative research paradigm. The data was analyzed using a thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory approach.

Findings

The findings provide empirical evidence for a set of risks faced by organizations in a reality where organizational knowledge is managed poorly. The study finds that, in the experts’ view, the risks associated with knowledge constitute a clear catalyst for initiating and investing efforts to manage organizational knowledge. In addition, their severity is usually understood only after the occurrence of a business or organizational crisis related to knowledge.

Originality/value

This pioneering research contributes to empirical knowledge through an unexplored scientific field. The uniqueness of this research is also reflected in the voices of KM professionals. The authors extended the literature on knowledge risks, taking a broad perspective of a variety of organizations from different sectors. In doing so, the study also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of KM. The study has implications on the practical level in view of deepening the understanding of the severity of the risk in the absence of optimal KM in knowledge-intensive organizations.
Stochastic processes and ecological connectivity drive stream invertebrate community responses to short‐term drought
Authors: Sarremejane Romain , Truchy Amélie , McKie Brendan G. , Mykrä Heikki , Johnson Richard K. , Huusko Ari , Sponseller Ryan A. , Muotka Timo
Published: December 2020

Community responses to and recovery from disturbances depend on local (e.g. presence of refuges) and regional (connectivity to recolonization sources) factors. Droughts are becoming more frequent in boreal regions, and are likely to constitute a severe disturbance for boreal stream communities where organisms largely lack adaptations to such hydrological extremes.

We conducted an experiment in 24 semi‐natural stream flumes to assess the effects of local and regional factors on the responses of benthic invertebrate communities to a short‐term drought. We manipulated flow (drought vs. constant‐flow), spatial arrangement of leaf litter patches (aggregated vs. evenly distributed) and colonization from regional species pool (enhanced vs. ambient connectivity) to test the combined effects of disturbance, resource arrangement and connectivity on the structural and functional responses of benthic invertebrate communities.

We found that a drought as short as 1 week reduced invertebrate taxonomic richness and abundance, mainly through stochastic extinctions. Such changes in richness were not reflected in functional diversity. This suggests that communities were characterized by a high degree of functional redundancy, which allowed maintenance of functional diversity despite species losses. Feeding groups responded differently to drought, with organic matter decomposers responding more than scrapers and predators.

Three weeks were insufficient for complete invertebrate community recovery from drought. However, recovery was greater in channels subjected to enhanced connectivity, which increased taxonomic diversity and abundance of certain taxa. Spatial configuration of resources explained the least variation in our response variables, having a significant effect only on invertebrate abundance and evenness (both sampling occasions) and taxonomic richness (end of recovery period).

Even a short drought, if occurring late in the season, may not allow communities to recover before the onset of winter, thus having a potentially long‐lasting effect on stream communities. For boreal headwaters, extreme dewatering poses a novel disturbance regime that may trigger substantial and potentially irreversible changes. An improved understanding of such changes is needed to underpin adaptive management strategies in these increasingly fragmented and disturbed ecosystems.
Effects of intracerebroventricular leptin and orexin‐A on the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious rats fed a normal or high‐fat diet
Authors: Huang Chunlong , AlMarabeh Sara , Cavers Jeremy , Abdulla Mohammed H. , Johns Edward J.
Published: December 2020

This study examined the effect of leptin and orexin‐A on autonomic baroreflex control in conscious Wistar rats exposed to high‐fat (45% fat) or normal (3.4%) diet for 4 weeks. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the generation of baroreflex gain curves and acute volume expansion (VEP). Intracerebroventricular (ICV) leptin (1 μg/min) increased RSNA in the normal diet group (0.31 ± 0.04 vs 0.23 ± 0.03 mV/s) and MAP in the high‐fat diet group (115 ± 5 vs 105 ± 5 mm Hg, P < .05). Orexin‐A (50 ng/min) increased RSNA, HR and MAP in the high‐fat diet group (0.26 ± 0.03 vs 0.22 ± 0.02 mV/s, 454 ± 8 vs 417 ± 12 beats/min, 117 ± 1 vs 108 ± 1 mm Hg) and the normal diet group (0.18 ± 0.05 vs 0.17 ± 0.05 mV/s, 465 ± 10 vs 426 ± 6 beats/min, 116 ± 2 vs 104 ± 3 mm Hg). Baroreflex sensitivity for RSNA was increased during ICV leptin by 50% in the normal diet group, compared to 14% in the high‐fat diet group (P < .05). Similarly, orexin‐A increased baroreflex sensitivity by 56% and 50% in the high‐fat and normal diet groups, respectively (all P < .05). During ICV saline, VEP decreased RSNA by 31 ± 5% (P < .05) after 10 minutes and the magnitude of this response was blunted during ICV infusion of leptin (17 ± 2%, P < .05) but not orexin‐A in the normal diet group. RSNA response to VEP was not changed during ICV leptin or orexin‐A in the high‐fat diet group. These findings indicate possible central roles for leptin and orexin‐A in modulating the baroreflexes under normal or increased fat intake in conscious rats and potential therapeutic approaches for obesity associated hypertension.
Should We Worry about Government Debt? Thoughts on Australia's COVID‐19 Response
Authors: Edmond Chris , Holden Richard , Preston Bruce
Published: December 2020

No. While the COVID‐19 crisis has required a dramatic increase in debt‐financed government spending, in the current conditions the benefits from this debt are unusually high and the costs unusually low. While conditions can change, the Australian Government can right now hedge against these risks by lengthening the maturity structure of government debt, even at the cost of a modest increase in its current servicing costs.
Restatement of CSR Reports: Frequency, Magnitude, and Determinants*
Authors: Pinnuck Matthew , Ranasinghe Ajanee , Soderstrom Naomi , Zhou Joey
Published: December 2020

We provide the first direct analysis of the magnitude of unreliable quantitative information disclosed in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. CSR report reliability is of particular interest to fund managers for investment decisions as well as to policymakers for regulating and monitoring purposes. However, surprisingly little is known about CSR reporting reliability despite concerns raised in the prior literature. We examine how often CSR reports for the Global Fortune 250 (G250) are restated, the magnitude of restatements, and factors associated with restatements during the period 2006 to 2013. During this sample period, the occurrence of restatements increased monotonically, with 39% of G250 CSR reports including one or more line‐item restatements. The magnitude of the line‐item restatements is quite high, with a median restatement of about 10%. We also find evidence of bias in the revised items toward overstatement. We find that restatements occur more frequently in firms that have reported a high level of social performance and that have environmental targets. The occurrence of restatement is also positively associated with firms residing in strong law countries and having their CSR reports audited. Our analysis of reporting bias indicates a negative association between use of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting guidelines and the likelihood of an overstatement. We also find a positive association between having the CSR report audited and the likelihood of revisions associated with overstatements. Together, our exploratory results indicate that CSR information may be unreliable and firms that face pressure to perform well have more restatements. However, our evidence is consistent with the restatements resulting from improvements in information systems over time rather than intentional bias. Our findings will help investors and fund managers better judge the reliability of CSR disclosures, and inform regulators and standard setters on ways to enhance the reliability of CSR reporting. Finally, we contribute to the audit literature examining sustainability assurance.
Emergency department–based interventions affecting social determinants of health in the United States: A scoping review
Authors: Walter Lauren A. , Schoenfeld Elizabeth M. , Smith Catherine H. , Shufflebarger Erin , Khoury Charles , Baldwin Katherine , Hess Jennifer , Heimann Matthew , Crosby Cameron , Sontheimer Sylvia Y. , Gragg Stephen , Hand Delissa , McIlwain Joseph , Greene Christopher , Skains Rachel M. , Hess Erik P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) have significant implications for health outcomes in the United States. Emergency departments (EDs) function as the safety nets of the American health care system, caring for many vulnerable populations. ED‐based interventions to assess social risk and mitigate social needs have been reported in the literature. However, the breadth and scope of these interventions have not been evaluated. As the field of social emergency medicine (SEM) expands, a mapping and categorization of previous interventions may help shape future research. We sought to identify, summarize, and characterize ED‐based interventions aimed at mitigating negative SDoH.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review to identify and characterize peer‐reviewed research articles that report ED‐based interventions to address or impact SDoH in the United States. We designed and conducted a search in Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Abstracts and, subsequently, full articles were reviewed independently by two reviewers to identify potentially relevant articles. Included articles were categorized by type of intervention and primary SDoH domain. Reported outcomes were also categorized by type and efficacy.

Results

A total of 10,856 abstracts were identified and reviewed, and 596 potentially relevant studies were identified. Full article review identified 135 articles for inclusion. These articles were further subdivided into three intervention types: a) provider educational intervention (18%), b) disease modification with SDoH focus (26%), and c) direct SDoH intervention (60%), with 4% including two “types.” Articles were subsequently further grouped into seven SDoH domains: 1) access to care (33%), 2) discrimination/group disparities (7%), 3) exposure to violence/crime (34%), 4) food insecurity (2%), 5) housing issues/homelessness (3%), 6) language/literacy/health literacy (12%), 7) socioeconomic disparities/poverty (10%). The majority of articles reported that the intervention studied was effective for the primary outcome identified (78%).

Conclusion

Emergency department–based interventions that address seven different SDoH domains have been reported in the peer‐reviewed literature over the past 30 years, utilizing a variety of approaches including provider education and direct and indirect focus on social risk and need. Characterization and understanding of previous interventions may help identify opportunities for future interventions as well as guide a SEM research agenda.
Effectiveness, efficiency, and fee premiums in audits led by industry specialist partners
Authors: Bell Timothy B. , Bryan David B.
Published: December 2020

We use engagement‐level data from a Big 4 firm to examine whether industry specialist partners are associated with audit effectiveness, audit efficiency and fee premiums. First, we examine the relation of partner industry specialisation to audit effectiveness ratings made by the firm’s internal quality inspectors and find a positive association. Next, in tests using the effective audits subsample, we find that audits led by industry specialist partners have lower audit hours (i.e., audits are more efficient), higher total audit fees and audit fees per hour, and that both fee measures increase as efficiency increases.
The learning mechanisms through public procurement for innovation: The case of government‐funded basic research organizations
Authors: Castelnovo Paolo , Dal Molin Martina
Published: December 2020

We investigate how the procurement activity of government‐funded science organizations support the performance of the firms involved in their supply chain. Specifically, the aim of the paper is to identify the mechanisms and disentangle the channels driving this process.

Our testing ground is the Italian Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN). We frame our study as a mixed‐methods research project: three distinct but complementary methodologies are employed, which combine quantitative and qualitative evidence. Firstly, econometric and Bayesian Network analyses are performed, using the information collected through an online survey to suppliers as well as balance‐sheet data extracted from online databases. Then, five case studies are investigated in depth, carrying out direct interviews with company staff.

Our findings suggest that four types of benefits stem from suppliers’ cooperation with INFN: learning, innovation, market penetration, and networking. These gains represent “intermediate outputs” which in turn impact on suppliers’ socio‐economic performance. We provide evidence that suppliers involved in innovative procurement usually experience the greatest benefits. This is mainly explained by the new technical competencies acquired, which are exploited to develop new products that support company business development and sales. In contrast, reputational gains, leading to the acquisition of new clients, are experienced also by companies involved in regular procurement.
Goals of children with unilateral cerebral palsy in a brain stimulation arm rehabilitation trial
Authors: Metzler Megan J , Haspels Eva , Brunton Laura , Andersen John , Pritchard Lesley , Herrero Mia , Hodge Jacquie , Kirton Adam
Published: December 2020

Aim

To explore relationships between category classifications for children’s rehabilitation goals, outcomes, and participant characteristics.

Method

Children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy due to perinatal stroke rated self‐selected goals with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and completed the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and Box and Block Test (BBT), at baseline and 6 months, in a randomized, controlled 10‐day neuromodulation rehabilitation trial using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Goals were classified with the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Analysis included standard linear regression.

Results

Data for 45 participants (mean age 11y 7mo, SD 3y 10mo, range 6–19y, 29 males, 16 females) on 186 goals were included. Self‐care goal percentage corresponded with baseline BBT by age (standardized ß=–0.561, p=0.004). Leisure goal percentage corresponded with baseline BBT (standardized ß=0.419, p=0.010). AHA change corresponded with productivity goals (standardized ß=0.327, p=0.029) and age (standardized ß=0.481, p=0.002). COPM change corresponded with baseline COPM and age by AHA change (p<0.05).

Interpretation

Younger children with lower motor function were more likely to select self‐care goals while those with better function tended to select leisure goals. Functional improvement corresponded with older age and productivity goals. COPM change scores reflected functional improvement among older children. Children chose functionally and developmentally appropriate goals. Consequently, children should be free to set goals that matter to them.

What this paper adds

Children in a brain stimulation trial chose divergent upper extremity functional goals.

Younger children with lower ability chose more self‐care goals.

Children with higher ability chose more leisure goals.

Older children’s goal ratings reflected objective functional motor gains.

Children chose goals appropriate to their function and level of development.
Effectiveness of the Transformation model, a model of care that integrates diabetes services across primary, secondary and community care: A retrospective study
Authors: Brady Emer M. , Bodicoat Danielle H. , Zaccardi Francesco , Seidu Samuel , Idris Iskandar , Khunti Kamlesh , Farooqi Azhar , Davies Melanie J.
Published: December 2020

Aims

The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a model integrating diabetes services across primary, secondary and community care (Transformation model). The secondary aim was to understand whether changes resulted from the model.

Methods

The model was implemented In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (UK) across three clinical commissioning groups, the acute trust and accompanying stakeholders. One clinical commissioning group (Leicester City) implemented the entire model and was the primary evaluation population. A quasi‐experimental interrupted time series design was employed. The primary outcome was number of Type 2 diabetes‐related bed‐days per 1000 patients.

Results

In the primary population, the mean number of Type 2 diabetes‐related bed‐days per 1000 patients was increasing before model implementation by 0.33/month (95% confidence interval: −0.07, 0.72), whereas it was decreasing after implementation by a mean value of −0.14/month (−0.33, 0.06); a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). Secondary analyses showed: nationally, there was no significant change between the pre‐ and post‐periods so it is unlikely that large secular change drove the improvement; the other two Leicestershire clinical commissioning groups saw improvement or stability; underlying processes worked as hypothesised overall; diabetes biomedical markers deteriorated in the primary care population suggesting a change in case‐mix due to moving some patients out of secondary care.

Conclusions

Given that the initial aim was to shift services from secondary to primary care without causing harm, an improvement is better than expected. This observational evaluation cannot show conclusively that improvements were due to the Transformation model, but secondary analyses support this.
Xylem characteristics in Ulmus americana cultivars and their potential use as a preliminary screening method for Dutch elm disease resistance
Authors: Beier Garrett L. , Blanchette Robert A.
Published: December 2020

Traditional screening of American elm (Ulmus americana) for resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED) often requires many years between initial propagation of trees and inoculation of older trees in the field. Previously published studies have found an association between smaller vessel diameters and increased resistance to DED, but further validation was needed to determine whether it could provide a rapid screening method to identify candidate trees for further testing. This investigation examined xylem characteristics in main stems of three‐year‐old trees for five cultivars and two wild‐type seedling populations of U. americana with varying levels of resistance to DED. Cultivars with low disease severity ratings tended to have smaller vessel diameters and higher vessel densities than cultivars with high disease severity ratings. Xylem characteristics were also assessed in branches and main stems of larger plant material. Data suggest that the use of main stems is preferential to branches when evaluating large trees, as main stems provided more resolution in differentiating between the genotypes. Results from this study indicate that there is potential for the use of xylem characteristics, such as vessel diameter and vessel density, for selecting trees with putative resistance. However, caution should be used due to the potential effects of the environment, such as the effect of water availability and its impacts on xylem development.
Oil palm survival under climate change in Malaysia with future basal stem rot assessments
Authors: Paterson R. Russell M.
Published: December 2020

The high economic return from sales of palm oil is because of its inclusion in a vast range of commodities, and Malaysia is the second largest producer after Indonesia. However, increasing cultivation of oil palm has a negative environmental impact threatening sustainability. Basal stem rot (BSR) by Ganoderma boninense is of major concern to sustainability of the palm oil industry. CLIMEX, a computer model, provided suitability‐for‐future‐growth maps of oil palm in Malaysia. The present study used this model to determine how climate affects oil palm growth, providing quantitative scenarios of future oil palm mortality and BSR incidence in Malaysia under a 'no change' presumption. Unsuitable climate for oil palm will make the plant susceptible to disease. High and low levels of oil palm mortality and BSR incidence were predicted from the CLIMEX model in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, respectively, by 2100. Sabah represented the most sustainable region in Malaysia for palm oil production followed by Sarawak. Overall, climate change will not affect the incidence of BSR greatly until 2050 but the situation will deteriorate thereafter. These scenarios can be monitored for accuracy in the future. Methods to ameliorate climate change effects on oil palm and concomitantly reducing BSR incidence are required. Palm oil production may be unsustainable after 2050, and urgent action must be taken.
Experimental investigation of fatigue crack propagation in interbedded marble under multilevel cyclic uniaxial compressive loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Meng Huajun , Long Dayu
Published: December 2020

Multilevel cyclic loading–unloading uniaxial compressive testing combined with real‐time acoustic emission monitoring (AE) and post‐test computed tomography (CT) scanning was employed to investigate the anisotropic cracking propagation and the type of crack classification for interbedded marble. An AE parameter method using RA (ratio of rise time to amplitude) and AF (ratio of AE counts to duration) is used to classify cracking event modes and propagation characteristics. Results show that the fatigue strength and lifetime first decreases and then increases with increasing interbed orientation, and they reach a minimum for rock with an interbed orientation of 30°. In addition, the distribution of RA values and AF values is strongly influenced by the rock structure, especially the interbeds. Moreover, CT imaging reveals the difference between the cracking mode and it is found that the cracking propagation pattern is structurally dependent. An increase of RA value provides an early warning for rock failure.
Review of Modeling Approaches to Groundwater Flow in Deformed Carbonate Aquifers
Authors: Medici Giacomo , Smeraglia Luca , Torabi Anita , Botter Chartlotte
Published: December 2020

We discuss techniques to represent groundwater flow in carbonate aquifers using the three existing modeling approaches: equivalent porous medium, conduit network, and discrete fracture network. Fractures in faulted stratigraphic successions are characterized by dominant sets of sub‐vertical joints. Grid rotation is recommended using the equivalent porous medium to match higher hydraulic conductivity with the dominant orientation of the joints. Modeling carbonate faults with throws greater than approximately 100 m is more challenging. Such faults are characterized by combined conduit‐barrier behavior. The barrier behavior can be modeled using the Horizontal Flow Barrier Package with a low‐permeability vertical barrier inserted to represent the impediment of horizontal flow in faults characterized by sharp drops of the piezometric surface. Cavities can occur parallel to the strike of normal faults generating channels for the groundwater. In this case, flow models need to account for turbulence using a conduit network approach. Channels need to be embedded in an equivalent porous medium due to cavities a few centimeters large, which are present in carbonate aquifers even in areas characterized by low hydraulic gradients. Discrete fracture network modeling enables representation of individual rock discontinuities in three dimensions. This approach is used in non‐heavily karstified aquifers at industrial sites and was recently combined with the equivalent porous medium to simulate diffusivity in the matrix. Following this review, we recommend that the future research combines three practiced modeling approaches: equivalent porous medium, discrete fracture network, and conduit network, in order to capture structural and flow aspects in the modeling of groundwater in carbonate rocks.
Women and girls with haemophilia and bleeding tendencies: Outcomes related to menstruation, pregnancy, surgery and other bleeding episodes from a retrospective chart review
Authors: Chaudhury Ateefa , Sidonio Robert , Jain Nisha , Tsao Elisa , Tymoszczuk Justyna , Oviedo Ovando Mariana , Kulkarni Roshni
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Women or girls with haemophilia (WGH) represent a group of female symptomatic carriers who experience bleeding events more frequently than non‐carriers. Bleeding events include spontaneous/traumatic bleeds and prolonged bleeding related to surgery, menstruation and pregnancy. Challenges for the treatment of WGH include lack of screening, diagnosis and treatment guidelines.

Aim

Evaluate clinical characteristics, haemostasis management and clinical outcomes regarding menstruation, childbirth, dental procedures, surgeries and other bleeding events in WGH.

Methods

A retrospective, non‐interventional review of medical records from WGH among three haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) was conducted in the United States (2012–2018). Patients with ≥2 visits to the HTC and who had undergone intervention for haemostasis management with the outcome documented were included. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Of 47 women and girls included in the chart review (37 with factor VIII deficiency, 10 with factor IX deficiency), median age at diagnosis was 22.6 years. Approximately 79% (n = 37) were diagnosed with mild haemophilia. Events of interest were primarily managed by factor concentrates or antifibrinolytics. Most treatment approaches were successful across clinical scenarios, except for heavy menstrual bleeding being insufficiently controlled in 8 (57%) of the 14 patients who experienced it.

Conclusions

Bleeding events in WGH, such as excessive and prolonged bleeding during menstruation, demonstrate a unique burden and require specific medical intervention. These results highlight the importance of assessing the need for haemostasis management in WGH and may contribute to future prospective study designs.
Characteristics and viral suppression among people living with HIV from the National Free Antiretroviral Therapy Programme, 2019
Authors: Zhao Y , Han MJ , Gan XM , Ma Y , Zhao DC
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to present the clinical characteristics of and viral suppression in the national antiretroviral therapy (ART) cohort in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among the participants enrolled in China's National Free Antiretroviral Therapy Programme (NFATP) who were on ART at the end of 2019. The data used were from China's NFATP information system. The primary outcome was viral load (VL) suppression. Full virological suppression and low‐level viraemia (LLV) were defined as VL < 50 copies/mL and between 51 and 999 copies/mL, respectively.

Results

At the end of 2019, 853 429 people living with HIV (PLWH) were on ART. The median age was 44 years [interquartile range (IQR): 33–54]. The majority of PLWH were 25–44 years old (47.2%) and male (73.5%) and reported HIV infection via heterosexual contact (64.5%). The median (IQR) baseline CD4 count was 257 (140–376) cells/μL. Among the 704 375 PLWH who were on ART for at least 12 months, 82.9% had full virological suppression, 6.5% had VL between 50 and 1000 copies/mL (LLV) and 4.3% had VL > 1000 copies/mL. Optimal full virological suppression occurred in participants who acquired HIV through homosexual contact (88.4%).

Conclusions

Although China can be credited for substantial progress in scaling up ART and viral suppression, challenges remain in some key populations, such as injecting drug users, participants with a history of treatment failure and hepatitis C virus co‐infected people. To improve the programme output, additional monitoring and intervention for LLV are necessary.
Demographic and clinical factors associated with immune reconstitution in HIV/HBV co‐infected and HIV mono‐infected patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang TY , Hou JH , Su B , Zhang T , Yang Y , Liu ZY , Wang W , Guo CP , Dai LL , Sun LJ , Wu H
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and factors associated with CD4 T‐cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio restoration in HIV mono‐infected and HIV/HBV co‐infected individuals, and to explore liver and renal functional changes in both groups.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed including 356 HIV/HBV co‐infected and 716 HIV mono‐infected participants who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during 2013–2017 in Beijing Youan Hospital, China. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups, using χ2 and Mann–Whitney non‐parametric tests. Bivariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to test their association.

Results

Baseline HIV viral load and ART regimen were found to be significantly associated with CD4 T‐cell restoration among HIV‐infected participants, whereas baseline HIV viral load was the only significant factor associated with CD4 T‐cell restoration in HIV/HBV co‐infected participants. The final model showed that baseline HIV viral load and ART regimen were significantly associated with CD4/CD8 ratio restoration among HIV‐infected participants, while baseline HIV viral load was the significant factor. Liver and renal functions were similar at the endpoint (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Baseline HIV viral load count was found to be the key factor affecting immune restoration in both HIV and HIV/HBV individuals. Future multi‐wave prospective studies are needed to clarify the potential biological mechanism.
Infections and AA amyloidosis: An overview
Authors: Deshayes Samuel , Aouba Achille , Grateau Gilles , Georgin‐Lavialle Sophie
Published: December 2020

Background

Amyloidoses are a heterogeneous group of systemic diseases characterised by extracellular accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils derived from unfolded proteins. Inflammatory (AA) amyloidosis can complicate various inflammatory disorders that are associated with a sustained acute phase response and serum amyloid A (SAA) protein overproduction. Chronic infections were the first recognised cause of amyloidoses. However, with the better management of underlying diseases, the frequency of AA amyloidosis is decreasing.

Purpose

The aim of this overview was to discuss the several infections associated with AA amyloidosis and the relative frequency of infections as aetiological factors.

Methods

A search of the literature was performed using the PubMed database using the MeSH terms “Amyloidosis” and “Infections,” from inception to December 31st, 2019. Articles written in other languages than English or French were excluded.

Results

The frequency of AA amyloidosis secondary to infections decreased from more than 50% to less than 20% after the 2000s, with a parallel increase in the frequency of AA amyloidosis secondary to inflammatory diseases and to an unknown cause.

Conclusion

Whereas new antibiotics have been developed and sanitary conditions are better, infections still represent 5%‐30% of the causes of AA amyloidosis, including in developed countries. These data argue for better screening of chronic infections to prevent AA amyloidosis and the development of new strategies to manage recurrent infections.
Clinical implications of using adrenocorticotropic hormone diagnostic cutoffs or reference intervals to diagnose pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in mature horses
Authors: Horn Remona , Stewart Allison J. , Jackson Karen V. , Dryburgh Elizabeth L. , Medina‐Torres Carlos E. , Bertin François‐René
Published: December 2020

Background

Diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is problematic because of large variations in ACTH concentrations.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Compare the test characteristics of baseline and post–thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation plasma ACTH concentrations in horses using diagnostic cutoff values (DCOVs) and reference intervals (RIs) and determine the clinical consequences of using each method.

Animals

One hundred six mature horses: 72 control cases and 34 PPID cases.

Methods

Prospective case‐controlled study. Horses underwent monthly TRH stimulation tests. Diagnostic cutoff values were determined monthly by receiver operating characteristic curves using the Youden index. Reference intervals were determined monthly by a robust method. For each case age, sex and body condition score (BCS) were recorded.

Results

Baseline ACTH concentrations varied by month (P < .001) with significant “month × age” (P= .003), “month × sex” (P= .003), and “month × BCS” (P= .007) effects. Baseline ACTH concentrations were accurate to diagnose PPID (0.91 ± 0.06) with DCOVs increasing the test sensitivity (0.61 ± 0.21 to 0.87 ± 0.05,P= .002) and RI increasing test specificity (0.85 ± 0.12 to 0.98 ± 0.01,P= .01). Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation improved test accuracy (0.91 ± 0.06 to 0.97 ± 0.03,P= .004).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

ACTH concentrations follow a circannual rhythm and vary with physiological factors. As using DCOVs increases the ability to detect mild cases and using RI decreases the risk of unnecessary treatments, ACTH concentrations should be interpreted within a specific clinical context. The TRH stimulation test improves the diagnosis of PPID.
Qualitative assessments of anemia‐related programs in Ghana reveal gaps and implementation challenges
Authors: Abu Brenda A.Z. , Buttner Nicole , Garror Olivia D. , Stefanic Rachel , Sandow Adam , Pereko Kinglsey A.
Published: December 2020

In spite of multiple program efforts in Ghana, progress in reducing the burden of anemia is slow. The objective was to conduct multilevel assessments of existing childhood (<5 years) anemia prevention and treatment programs according to UNICEF's conceptual framework of malnutrition, and to elucidate implementation gaps in Ghana. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies recruited 25 program personnel from 20 organizations to participate in audiorecorded interviews conducted through in‐person, telephone, or email correspondence in August 2018. Interview guides constructed around UNICEF's conceptual framework of malnutrition identified context‐specific immediate, underlying, and basic causes of anemia, and corresponding programs. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the Dedoose software version 8.1.8. Few programs addressed identified basic causes of anemia, such as inadequate human resources, housing/water/toilet facilities, and poverty/poor access to financial resources. Organizations implemented programs addressing ≥1 underlying cause. Five organizations provided food rations and/or supplements to address immediate causes. A key food‐based gap identified was minimal education on fruit intake or antinutritive factors in foods; however, no interventions included vitamin C supplements. Food manufacturers mainly used cereals and grains in commercial food products. Multiple organizations worked in the same region on anemia with instances of an overlapping program focus. Food sources of vitamin C or supplements could be promoted in food‐based interventions to increase the absorption of nonheme iron consumed.
Institutional design for a complex commons: Variations in the design of credible commitments and the provision of public goods
Authors: Schlager Edella C. , Bakkensen Laura A. , Olivier Tomás , Hanlon Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

Sustainably managing regional‐scale common pool resources and providing for environmental public goods often requires the cooperation of multiple governments in the design and adoption of diverse institutional arrangements. Do government actors anticipate the collective action challenges of credible commitment and public goods provision in devising institutional arrangements? Drawing on public–private partnerships, local public contracting and political economy literatures, hypotheses on expected diversity in design are developed. The hypotheses are tested using fine‐grained data from the approximately 3,000 rules composing the New York City watersheds governing arrangements focusing on measures of discretion, shared decision‐making, monitoring, compliance and sanctioning. Using mixed methods we find that actors resort to distinct designs to create credible commitments, when compared to the provision of public goods. Also, the design of primary public goods arrangements varies from secondary public goods. The article presents a novel approach for using textual data to empirically test hypotheses grounded in theories of institutional design.