bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and performance evaluation of PPP projects utilizing IFC extension and enhanced matter-element method
Authors: Xu Zhao , Wang Xiang , Xiao Ya , Yuan Jingfeng
Published: April 2020

Purpose

There is often a lack of accurate performance evaluation in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects. It is a challenging issue to effectively use Building Information Modeling (BIM) for PPP project performance evaluation. The objective of this study is to develop a PPP project performance evaluation model based on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and an enhanced matter-element method to more precisely evaluate PPP project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance evaluation of PPP projects in the construction and operation period was explored. The PPP project performance evaluation indicator system was first established based on a literature review and PPP project practice. Then, the evaluation indicator information was expressed through IFC mapping and extension. After that, an IFC-based PPP project performance evaluation model was developed, and a case study was provided to validate the use of the proposed performance evaluation model.

Findings

The results of the case study show that the proposed approach can accurately and efficiently evaluate PPP projects, and it could favorably contribute to performance evaluation in PPP projects.

Research limitations/implications

This study only concerns the performance evaluation of one type of PPP project. Further research is required to study different types of PPP projects; the model needs to be more efficient and intelligent.

Originality/value

The performance evaluation of PPP projects utilizing IFC extension and the enhanced matter-element method provides guidance for the government and private parties to accurately and efficiently evaluate PPP project performance.
Quality assessment framework for open government data
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xiao Jianying
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To gain an in-depth understanding and provide direction to governments on their quality measurement practices related to open government data (OGD), this paper aims to develop a common frame of reference for quality assessment of OGD.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative meta-synthesis was used to synthesize previous studies on the quality measurement of OGD. This paper applies a meta-synthesis approach to integrate 10 qualitative studies into a common frame of reference for quality assessment of OGD.

Findings

Based on a seven-step meta-synthesis, the paper proposes a common frame of reference for quality assessment of OGD, which includes six indicators, namely, accuracy, accessibility, completeness, timeliness, consistency and understandability.

Originality/value

A common frame of reference for quality assessment of OGD will help researchers better understand the quality assessment of OGD and government agencies to improve the quality of OGD that they publish.
Reading digital texts: obstacles to using digital resources
Authors: Kesson Hugh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Digital texts are increasingly widespread and research is needed on how students use digital texts, particularly in school-based classwork. The purpose of this study is to challenges persistent myths about young people’s affinity with digital tools by investigating the factors that condition or limit the ways students interact with and respond to digital web-based texts.

Design/methodology/approach

Two 12th grade English classes, 21 students in all, produced written responses to a digital text. Following a preliminary analysis of student writing, 7 students, representing diverse reading backgrounds, were interviewed. Content units were used as a unit of analysis for both interviews and written data. Following open coding, 14 initial codes were condensed into 3 categories, namely, routines, tools and beliefs.

Findings

This study suggests that for students to see digital textual resources as significant, they must be guided to engage with these features. Classroom routines, the tools used in teaching and learning reading and the beliefs students hold about their school-based reading can restrict student uptake of digital features of texts. Instruction must be adapted to include teaching on digital texts.

Originality/value

Students interact with digital texts daily, yet explicit teaching on reading digital texts presents particular demands. This study contributes to understanding the challenges faced by students and teachers when they grapple with texts in different forms.
Average and avid: preservice English teachers' reading identities
Authors: Kerkhoff Shea , Broere Molly , Premont David
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Previous research shows that identity and academic learning are interdependent, so affecting one can affect the other. The purpose of this case study was to explore preservice English teachers’ reading identities and their perceptions of reading identity development in the context of English classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used qualitative collective case design. Data sources included analogy exercise about participants’ reading identities, participant-generated observations of reading identity instruction, questionnaire on reading identity, class discussions about reading identity and final written reflection.

Findings

Data showed examples of participants’ reading identities as taking a variety of forms, but when discussing what shaped their reading identities, the strongest codes related to positive interactions with people and texts. The data showed that participants related positive reading identities to both reading to learn and reading for pleasure. More participants’ perceived their professional identity as that of a literature teacher than a reading teacher.

Research limitations/implications

Future research is needed on how to support preservice teachers’ positive reading identities in English education courses.

Practical implications

Our data suggest that learning about reading identity may help preservice English teachers think of reading as something that is developing in themselves as well as their students over a lifetime. By providing space in English methods programs to attend to preservice teachers’ reading lives, we can help them rekindle or find their love of reading.

Originality/value

This research is needed because helping preservice teachers construct and enact positive reading identities in turn aids guidance of their future students’ reading identities, and having a positive reading identity is in turn linked to positive student outcomes.
Detection of high stress concentration zone using magnetic flux leakage method
Authors: Firdaus Syed Muhamad , Arifin Azli , Sahadan Siti Norbaya , Abdullah Shahrum
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A tower crane mainly ensures the success or efficiency of building construction. Fatigue crack analysis is important for tower crane components to prevent any accidents to workers in construction sites caused by component failure and to ease the maintenance or replacement of failed components. This work aimed to characterise the damage of failed components, analyse the relationship between the metal magnetic memory (MMM) result and the damage of failed components, and to validate the relationship between MMM and finite element analysis (FEA).

Design/methodology/approach

MMM was used in this work to detect any irregularities or early failure on the basis of the high stress concentration zone of ferromagnetic steel using magnetic flux leakage. Magnetic flux leakage was used on the MMM device to achieve the first objective using the MMM system by detecting the irregularities. The results of MMM analysis were validated through comparison with FEA results by determining their relationship.

Findings

MMM results show that the position of defects on the tower crane pulley is within the stress area shown on FEA.

Originality/value

Hence, MMM method is a potential tool in monitoring failure mechanism in construction site.
Terms of trade and economic growth in developing country
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Waheed Abdul , Siddiqui Aamir Hussain
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the first time ever the effects of overall terms of trade, bilateral terms of trade and main commodity groups’ terms of trade on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Augmented Dickey Duller and Philips Perron unit root tests and Johensan cointegration test have been applied by using annual time series data from 1974 to 2017. Dynamic ordinary least square and fully modified ordinary least square have also been used to perform sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The cointegration test confirm the positive long-run relationship between overall terms of trade (ToT) and economic growth. Country-wise results show that ToT with Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UK and the USA have significant positive effect on economic growth. Conversely, ToT with China and UAE has significant negative effect on economic growth. In contrast, ToT with India, Norway, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland has insignificant effect on the economic growth of Pakistan. Product-wise results indicate that the product group namely, Chemical, Crude Material inedible except fuels, Manufactured and Minerals fuels and Lubricant found to be a significant positive effect on economic growth. However, Beverages and Tobacco, and Machinery and Transport product groups found to be significant negative impact on economic, while Food and Live animals found to be insignificant.

Practical implications

In general, it is suggested that the beneficial terms of trade are favorable for economic growth. The study suggested export promotion policy for which relationship between ToT and economic growth found positive and import substitution policy is suggested the products found a negative relationship between the said variables.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer attempt to investigate the effect of overall ToT, bilateral terms of trade and the main commodity group’s ToT on economic growth in Pakistan.
Does bank integration contribute to insolvencies and crises?
Authors: Sun Yanfei , Ni Yinan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to construct a measure of integration among global banks and examine its impact on bank insolvencies and bank crises.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply principal component analysis to measure a bank’s degree of integration to the global banking market. Moreover, they test whether bank integration affects bank insolvency risk, in which they treat the equity of individual banks as a call option.

Findings

The authors find that the banking industry has become more globally integrated over the past two decades. At the individual bank level, results indicate that banks with higher integration levels have more assets, more nontraditional banking services and more interbank businesses. Overall, they find that a bank’s integration level is negatively associated with insolvency risk, which suggests that greater integration with global markets diversifies a bank’s risk. At the country level, banking systems with less integrated big banks, or more integrated smaller banks, are more stable and hence less likely to suffer a banking crisis.

Originality/value

The authors construct a novel measure of integration among global banks and examine its impact on bank insolvencies and bank crises.
Empowering middle managers in social services using management control systems
Authors: Bukh Per Nikolaj , Svanholt Anne Kirstine
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper examines how a public sector organization combined management control systems (MCS) to comply with increased uncertainty and conflicting objectives of tight budget control, flexibility, and quality care simultaneously. It also analyzes how middle managers interpret management control intentions and manage conflicting objectives, and how locally developed MCS are coupled with top management goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case-study approach, based on interviews with top and middle managements, as well as document studies conducted at a medium-sized Danish municipality.

Findings

Both constraining and enabling control systems empower middle managers and facilitate tight budget controls. Furthermore, middle managers play a crucial role in the use of MCS, develop local control systems, adjust existing control systems and influence the decisions and strategies of top management.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is context-specific, and the role of accounting in professional work varies due to the specific techniques involved.

Practical implications

This paper shows how MCS, including budgeting and planning systems, can be applied in social services to help middle managements obtain tight budget controls while also improving service quality.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited extant research on the role of middle management in a control framework and demonstrates how MCS can balance conflicting goals in social services when uncertainty increases. Furthermore, this paper shows how the vertical coupling of MCS is tight when budgeting is employed for planning purposes.
The role of financial development and corruption in environmental degradation of Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Yahaya Nura Sani , Mohd‐Jali Mohd Razani , Raji Jimoh Olajide
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examines the role of financial development and its interaction with corruption in the environmental degradation of eight Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes Pedroni cointegration and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) techniques for the estimation of the models.

Findings

The results of the cointegration test reveal that there exist long-run relationships among the variables in the model with the interaction of financial development and corruption, and in the model without interaction. The FMOLS estimates show that in the former model, the interaction of financial development with corruption is positively significant in determining the level of environmental degradation in those countries. Moreover, in the latter, financial development, trade openness, and corruption have a positive effect on their environmental degradation

Research limitations/implications

Unavailability of data, the study was limited to only eight Sub-Saharan African nations

Practical implications

The finding that financial development and its interaction with corruption have an adverse effect on the environments of the Sub-Saharan African countries implies the need to focus on how efficient credits are being allocated in those countries. For better management of environmental quality, this may require the implementation of policies that enhance credit allocation to users with energy-efficient technology and appliances that promote the quality of environments. In addition, stringent policies could be embarked upon to curtail all acts of corruption in the region for an efficient credit allocation and a better environment in the development of Sub-Saharan African society.

Originality/value

The dearth in empirical studies on the Sub-Saharan African countries motivates this study. In particular, little is known about the interaction effect of corruption and financial development on the environmental degradation of those countries, as the work on this is limited in the existing literature.
Tempeh and red ginger flour for hypercholesterolemic rats
Authors: Dewi Luthfia , Lestari Lara Ayu , Astiningrum Azizah Nur , Fadhila Vita , Amala Nur , Bakrie Muhamad Abdal , Hidayah Nurul
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the combination of tempeh and red ginger flour in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Sprague Dawley male rats (n = 30; body weight 150-200 g) were randomly divided by five groups (n = 6), consist of negative control (K−) group: group fed by normal diet (laboratory standard diet laboratory, 4.35 kcal/g, 0% cholesterol); positive control (K+) group: group fed by high cholesterol diet (5.28 kcal/g, 12.1% cholesterol); Treatment 1 (P1) group: group fed by high cholesterol diet and treated by tempeh flour (TF) 1.9 g/200 g body weight; Treatment 2 (P2) group: group fed by high cholesterol diet and treated by red ginger flour (RGF) 0.036 g/200 g body weight; and Treatment 3 (P3) group: group fed by high cholesterol diet and treated by a combination TF 0.95 g/200 g body weight and red ginger 0.018 g/200 g body weight. The lipid profiles and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed.

Findings

The combination of tempeh and red ginger has successfully exerted the total cholesterol (121.9 ± 3.41 mg/dL; p < 0.01), triglycerides (TG) (89.3 ± 2.94 mg/dL; p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein (39.1 ± 1.59 mg/dL) and MDA (2.0 ± 0.24 mg/dL; p < 0.01) lower than the other treatments. Also, the combination of tempeh and red ginger treatment appeared the highest high-density lipoprotein concentration (63.4 ± 2.26 mg/dL; p < 0.01) compared to the other treatment groups. Total cholesterol and TG were predicted as the increasing of MDA concentration.

Originality/value

The combination treatments successfully improved the lipid profiles and MDA. Furthermore, the combination of tempeh and red ginger could be effective in supporting therapy as the hypolipidemic condition.
Organization-based self-esteem and work-life outcomes
Authors: Gordon Judith R. , Hood Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examines the relationship of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) to work-life conflict and enrichment. It considers whether work engagement mediates this relationship and whether organizational support moderates the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from surveys completed by 271 academic life scientists and an MTurk sample of 197 full-time employees.

Findings

Overall, OBSE is significantly associated with work-life conflict and work-life enrichment, although the relationships between OBSE and life-work conflict and life-work enrichment were not significant for the academic scientist sample. Work engagement mediated the relationship between OBSE and work-life conflict and enrichment to varying extents. Organizational support moderated the relationship between OBSE and life-work conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends the literature on work-life and life-work conflict and enrichment through demonstrating how personal resources at work, specifically OBSE and work engagement, impact the work-life interactions. It also extends the JD-R theory to show how personal resources may operate sequentially and whether organizational resources may interact with personal resources. Limitations include the lack of longitudinal data and the specific characteristics of the sample.

Practical implications

The results suggest that organizations should institute human resources practices that increase an individual’s OBSE because it is negatively associated with work-life conflict and positively associated with work-life enrichment.

Originality/value

Our research expands the limited study of how personal resources affect work-life conflict and enrichment. In particular, we look at previously unstudied but still important relationships of OBSE with work-life conflict and enrichment and whether work engagement mediates and organizational support moderates this relationship.
The role of meta‐cognitive cues on the comprehension of proficient and poor readers
Authors: Soto Christian , Gutierrez de Blume Antonio P. , Carrasco Bernal Macarena Andrea , Contreras Castro Marco Antonio
Published: April 2020

We explored whether performance differences exist between proficient and poor readers on implicit text information. Next, we explored whether indices of meta‐cognitive monitoring predicted reading performance. Finally, we examined whether poor and proficient readers exhibited distinct meta‐cognitive profiles with respect to reading comprehension ability. Chilean undergraduate students (N = 146) completed a task on inconsistency detection within texts and a standardised reading comprehension performance measure, which we used, along with confidence in performance judgements, to calculate meta‐cognitive monitoring accuracy. Our results confirmed that proficient readers outperformed poor readers on nearly all measures of interest, except global retrospective meta‐cognitive monitoring judgements, and that proficient readers performed significantly better on items related to implicit information of texts than poor readers. Additionally, when combined in a single group, number of inconsistencies correctly detected and repaired and accurate global evaluation of learning judgements significantly predicted reading performance whereas retrospective global and local meta‐cognitive monitoring judgements did not. Of special significance to our investigation, when separated in two groups, poor and proficient readers exhibited unique meta‐cognitive profiles. Proficient and poor readers employ different meta‐cognitive strategies, and poor readers benefit more from strategies than proficient readers.
To accept or not to accept: Optimal strategy for sellers in real estate
Authors: Emmerling Thomas J. , Yavas Abdullah , Yildirim Yildiray
Published: April 2020

We consider the problem of a seller who faces an unknown number of offers where each offer is a random draw from a known distribution. The objective of the seller is to maximize the probability that the highest offer is chosen. We show that the optimal strategy is characterized by a nonincreasing stochastic set of reservation prices. We also provide numerical analysis to calibrate the model and provide support to the observation that first offers in residential real estate markets tend to be higher than subsequent offers. The model's prediction closely matches the empirical findings of Merlo and Ortalo‐Magné that more than 70% of the properties sell to the buyer who makes the first offer.
Association of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Offspring Depression: A Negative Control Analysis of Maternal and Partner Consumption
Authors: Easey Kayleigh E. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous research has suggested that intrauterine alcohol exposure is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes in offspring. However, few studies have investigated its association with offspring internalizing disorders in late adolescence.

Methods

Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), we investigated the associations of maternal drinking in pregnancy with offspring depression at age 18 and 24 (n = 13,480). We also examined partner drinking as a negative control for intrauterine exposure for comparison.

Results

Offspring of mothers that consumed any alcohol at 18 weeks gestation were at increased risk of having a diagnosis of depression (fully adjusted model: OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.34), but there was no clear evidence of association between partners’ alcohol consumption at 18 weeks gestation during pregnancy and increased risk of offspring depression (fully adjusted model: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.01). Postestimation tests found a positive difference between the association of maternal and partner alcohol use on offspring depression, showing a stronger association for maternal compared with partner alcohol use (OR 1.41, CI 1.07 to 1.84).

Conclusions

Maternal drinking in pregnancy was associated with increased risk of offspring depression at age 18. Residual confounding may explain this association, but the negative control comparison of paternal drinking provides some evidence that it may be causal, and this warrants further investigation.
Impact of type of reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen on the outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Ahmed Sairah , Ghosh Nilanjan , Ahn Kwang W. , Khanal Manoj , Litovich Carlos , Mussetti Alberto , Chhabra Saurabh , Cairo Mitchell , Mei Matthew , William Basem , Nathan Sunita , Bejanyan Nelli , Olsson Richard F. , Dahi Parastoo B. , van der Poel Marjolein , Steinberg Amir , Kanakry Jennifer , Cerny Jan , Farooq Umar , Seo Sachiko , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Sureda Anna , Fenske Timothy S. , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: April 2020

Reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) is a curative option for select relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients; however, there are sparse data to support superiority of any particular conditioning regimen. We analyzed 492 adult patients undergoing human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling or unrelated donor allo‐HCT for HL between 2008 and 2016, utilizing RIC with either fludarabine/busulfan (Flu/Bu), fludarabine/melphalan (Flu/Mel140) or fludarabine/cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy). Multivariable regression analysis was performed using a significance level of <0·01. There were no significant differences between regimens in risk for non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (P = 0·54), relapse/progression (P = 0·02) or progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0·14). Flu/Cy conditioning was associated with decreased risk of mortality in the first 11 months after allo‐HCT (HR = 0·28; 95% CI = 0·10–0·73; P = 0·009), but beyond 11 months post allo‐HCT it was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality, (HR = 2·46; 95% CI = 0·1.32–4·61; P = 0·005). Four‐year adjusted overall survival (OS) was similar across regimens at 62% for Flu/Bu, 59% for Flu/Mel140 and 55% for Flu/Cy (P = 0·64), respectively. These data confirm the choice of RIC for allo‐HCT in HL does not influence risk of relapse, NRM or PFS. Although no OS benefit was seen between Flu/Bu and Flu/Mel 140; Flu/Cy was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality beyond 11 months from allo‐HCT (possibly due to late NRM events).
An oral history of health psychology in the UK
Authors: Quinn Francis , Chater Angel , Morrison Val
Published: April 2020

Purpose

An oral history of the development of health psychology in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Standard oral history methods produced interviews with 53 UK health psychologists, averaging 92 min in length. All interviewees entered the field from the 1970s to the 2000s, representing all four countries in the United Kingdom. A reconstructive mode of analysis, along with the few existing sources, was used to create a narrative of the history of health psychology in the United Kingdom. Audio recordings and transcripts will be archived for use by future researchers.

Findings

In the 1970s, medical schools in London recruited psychologists to teach, while also conducting pragmatic research on issues in healthcare. At the same time, some clinical psychologists began to work with physical health conditions in general hospitals. Partly influenced by developments in the United States and Europe, an identity of ‘health psychology’ developed and spread to researchers and practitioners doing work in psychology and health. In the 1980s, the field continued to attract researchers, including social psychologists working with health behaviours and outcomes, and clinical psychologists working in health care settings. During this time, it became formalized as a scientific field with the creation of the BPS Health Psychology Section, courses, and journals. In the 1990s, the field moved towards professional practice, which was controversial with other BPS divisions. However, it continued to grow and develop through the 2000s and 2010s.

Conclusion

Reflections on the development of UK health psychology represent the first historical narrative produced from oral testimony of those who were present at the time.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Health psychology emerged in the 1970s, initially in the United States following an APA Task Force report. It developed from a range of precursor movements including psychosomatic medicine, while in the United Kingdom medical psychology was an additional precursor. The development of health psychology has been discussed for a range of countries including the United States and others, but historical scholarship relating to the United Kingdom has been limited.

What does this study add?

From an oral history project, a narrative of UK health psychology’s development is built up.

Influences included opportunities at medical schools from the 1970s onward.

Growing interest in health behaviours as a test of social psychology theory was important.

The experiences of clinical psychologists working in health care settings are demonstrated.

Multidisciplinary influences on the emergence and shaping of health psychology are evident.
Combination of KRAS and SMAD4 mutations in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yokose Takahiro , Kitago Minoru , Matsuda Sachiko , Sasaki Yasushi , Masugi Yohei , Nakamura Yuki , Shinoda Masahiro , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Oshima Go , Hori Shutaro , Yusuke Fujita , Nakano Yutaka , Endo Yutaka , Abe Kodai , Tokino Takashi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: April 2020

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues used for routine pathological diagnosis are valuable for cancer genomic analysis; however, the association between mutation status derived from these specimens and prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. We analyzed 50 cancer‐related gene mutations including driver genes in PDAC, using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to clarify the association between gene mutations and prognosis. DNA was extracted from FFPE tissues obtained from 74 patients with untreated resectable PDAC who underwent surgery at our institution between 2013 and 2018. Fifty of the 74 patients with DNA extracts from FFPE samples suitable for NGS were analyzed. The prevalence of driver gene mutations was as follows: 84% for KRAS, 62% for TP53, 32% for SMAD4, and 18% for CDKN2A. There were no cases of single SMAD4 mutations; its rate of coincidence with KRAS or TP53 mutations was 30% and 2%, respectively. The combination of KRAS and SMAD4 mutations resulted in significantly shorter relapse‐free survival (RFS; median survival time [MST], 12.3 vs. 28.9 months, P = .014) and overall survival (OS; MST, 22.3 months vs. not reached, P = .048). On multivariate analysis, the combination of KRAS and SMAD4 mutations was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 4.218; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77‐10.08; P = .001) and OS (HR 6.730; 95% CI, 1.93‐23.43; P = .003). The combination of KRAS and SMAD4 mutations in DNA obtained from FFPE tissues is an independent poor prognostic factor in PDAC.
Integrating oceans into climate policy: Any green new deal needs a splash of blue
Authors: Dundas Steven J. , Levine Arielle S. , Lewison Rebecca L. , Doerr Angee N. , White Crow , Galloway Aaron W. E. , Garza Corey , Hazen Elliott L. , Padilla‐Gamiño Jacqueline , Samhouri Jameal F. , Spalding Ana , Stier Adrian , White J. Wilson
Published: April 2020

Recent warnings from scientists suggest there is limited time to enact policies to avert wide‐ranging ecological and social damage from climate change. In the United States, discussions about comprehensive national policies to avert climate change have begun, with “Green New Deal” proposals and climate plans put forth by members of Congress and presidential candidates. Oceans are largely absent or separate from these nascent policy proposals. Here, we highlight a policy framework to develop terrestrial and ocean‐integrated policies that can complement and enhance terrestrial‐focused initiatives focused on four specific sectors: 1) energy; 2) transportation; 3) food security; and 4) habitat restoration. Given political friction and constrained budgets, an integrated policy framework offers greater potential to achieve a portfolio of mitigation and adaptation goals in a cost‐effective manner, beyond what could be realized with marine or terrestrial policy solutions alone.
Projecting changes in the distribution and maximum catch potential of warm water fishes under climate change scenarios in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Zhu Yugui , Zhang Zhixin , Reygondeau Gabriel , Chu Jiansong , Hong Xuguang , Wang Yunfeng , Cheung William W. L.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Ocean warming has been observed in a number of marine ecosystems and is believed to influence marine species in many ways, such as through changes in distribution range and abundance. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution and maximum catch potential of 34 warm water fishes from 2000 to 2060.

Location

Yellow Sea, China.

Methods

We used a dynamic bioclimate envelope model under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios with Earth system models, including GFDL, IPSL, MPI and their ensemble average, to predict current species distributions and their relative abundance and project future species distributions and maximum catch potential (MCP). Results are subsequently summarized by indices such latitudinal centroid (LC) and mean temperature of relative abundance (MTRA).

Results

Our results showed that the 34 warm water fish species in the Yellow Sea will likely shift to lower latitude regions under future climate change scenarios. In particular, the average LC in the Earth system models of GFDL, IPSL and MPI from 1970 to 2060 is projected to shift at rate of −2.96 ± 1.29 (SE) and −3.20 ± 1.94 (SE) km per decade under the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. In addition, the corresponding maximum catch potential is decreased under the above climate change scenarios. The projected changes in the distribution may have major ecological and socio‐economic importance as well as implications for invasive species management, marine ranching construction and shifts in fishing grounds.

Main conclusions

The projected distribution of 34 warm water fish species in the Yellow Sea shifted to lower latitudes from 2000 to 2060 following both RCP scenarios and Earth system models. This result is contrary to the projections of previous studies suggesting that fish species can shift to higher latitudes or deeper waters under increased temperature scenarios. This difference might be due to the semi‐enclosed shelf sea of Yellow Sea, which is commonly influenced by the fluctuation of the coastal current, the warm current, the cold water mass and overfishing.
Quantifying spatiotemporal occupancy dynamics and multi‐year core‐use areas at a species range boundary
Authors: Hostetter Nathan J. , Ryan Daniel , Grosshuesch David , Catton Timothy , Malick‐Wahls Sarah , Smith Tamara A. , Gardner Beth
Published: April 2020

Aim

Many species face large‐scale range contractions and predicted distributional shifts in response to climate change, shifting forest characteristics and anthropogenic disturbances. Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and were recently recommended for delisting. Predicted climate‐driven losses in habitat quality and quantity may negatively affect the north‐eastern Minnesota lynx population, one of the six remaining resident populations in the contiguous United States. We develop a large‐scale monitoring protocol and dynamic occupancy modelling framework to identify multi‐year core‐use areas and track spatiotemporal occurrence at the southern periphery of the species range.

Location

North‐eastern Minnesota lynx geographic unit, Superior National Forest and designated critical habitat, Minnesota, USA.

Methods

Spatially and temporally replicated snow track surveys were used to collect lynx detection/non‐detection data across five winters (2014–15 to 2018–19) covering >17,000 km within the 22,100 km2 study area. We used a dynamic occupancy model to evaluate lynx occupancy, persistence, colonization and habitat covariates affecting these processes.

Results

Lynx occupancy probabilities displayed high spatial and temporal variability, with grid cell‐specific probabilities ranging from 0.0 in periphery regions to consistently near 1.0 in multi‐year core‐use areas, indicating low turnover rates in those areas. Lynx colonization and persistence increased in areas with more evergreen forest and greater average snowfall, while forest characteristics (3–5 and 10–30 m vegetation density) had mixed relationships with occupancy dynamics. We identified 55 grid cells classified as multi‐year core‐use areas across relatively contiguous regions of high average snowfall and per cent conifer forest.

Main conclusions

Our study demonstrates a landscape‐scale multi‐year monitoring programme assessing the effects of habitat characteristics and anthropogenic factors on species distributional changes and landscape‐level occupancy dynamics. Our framework incorporating landscape‐scale resource selection, core‐use area concepts and dynamic occupancy models provides a flexible approach to identify population‐level mechanisms driving species persistence and key areas for conservation protection.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided ostomy repermeabilization as a rescue technique to resolve a deeply buried lumen‐apposing stent
Authors: Izquierdo‐Romero Marta , Bas‐Cutrina Francesc , Gornals Joan B.
Published: April 2020

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Validation of distinct type 2 diabetes clusters and their association with diabetes complications in the DEVOTE, LEADER and SUSTAIN‐6 cardiovascular outcomes trials
Authors: Kahkoska Anna R. , Geybels Milan S. , Klein Klara R. , Kreiner Frederik F. , Marx Nikolaus , Nauck Michael A. , Pratley Richard E. , Wolthers Benjamin O. , Buse John B.
Published: April 2020

Aims

To validate the clusters of Swedish individuals with recent‐onset diabetes at differential risk of complications, which were identified in a previous study, in three global populations with long‐standing type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were at high cardiovascular risk, and to test for differences in the risk of major diabetes complications and survival endpoints.

Materials and methods

We assigned participants from recent global outcomes trials (DEVOTE [n = 7637], LEADER [n = 9340] and SUSTAIN‐6 [n = 3297]) to the previously defined clusters according to age at diabetes diagnosis, baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI). Outcomes were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank tests.

Results

The T2D clusters were consistently replicated across the three trial cohorts. The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death differed significantly, in all trials, across clusters over a median follow‐up duration of 2.0, 3.8 and 2.1 years, respectively, and was highest for the cluster of participants with high HbA1c and low BMI (P < 0.05 in DEVOTE and LEADER). In LEADER and SUSTAIN‐6, the risk of nephropathy differed across clusters (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.003, respectively). The risk of severe hypoglycaemia differed in DEVOTE (P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Previously identified clusters can be replicated in three geographically diverse cohorts of long‐standing T2D and are associated with cluster‐specific risk profiles for additional clinical and survival outcomes, providing further validation of the clustering methodology. The external validity and stability of clusters across cohorts provides a premise for future work to optimize the clustering approach to yield T2D subgroups with maximum predictive validity who may benefit from subtype‐specific treatment paradigms.
Consistent sociality but flexible social associations across temporal and spatial foraging contexts in a colonial breeder
Authors: Jones Teri B. , Green Jonathan A. , Patrick Samantha C. , Evans Julian C. , Wells Melanie R. , Rodríguez‐Malagón Marlenne A. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: April 2020

When the consequences of sociality differ depending on the state of individual animals and the experienced environment, individuals may benefit from altering their social behaviours in a context‐dependent manner. Thus, to fully address the hypotheses about the role of social associations it is imperative to consider the multidimensional nature of sociality by explicitly examining social associations across multiple scales and contexts. We simultaneously recorded > 8000 associations from 85% of breeding individuals from a colony of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) over a 2‐week period, and examined gregariousness across four foraging states using multilayer social network analysis. We found that social associations varied in a context‐dependent manner, highlighting that social associations are most prevalent during foraging (local enhancement) and in regions expected to provide clustered resources. We also provide evidence of individual consistency in gregariousness, but flexibility in social associates, demonstrating that individuals can adjust their social behaviours to match experienced conditions.
Moving beyond the gender binary: Examining workplace perceptions of nonbinary and transgender employees
Authors: Dray Kelly K. , Smith Vaughn R. E. , Kostecki Toni P. , Sabat Isaac E. , Thomson Cassidy R.
Published: April 2020

This study is one of the first to experimentally examine the workplace prejudice faced by nonbinary employees, or those who identify outside of the man/woman gender binary. Participants (N = 249) were presented with a vignette which included a description of a fictitious co‐worker’s sex and gender identity, and asked to rate the co‐worker’s likeability and perceived job performance. Results revealed that the assigned sex and the gender of hypothetical employees interactively impacted interpersonal and workplace perceptions. For individuals assigned male at birth, identifying as a man led to the most positive ratings, followed by identifying as a transgender woman, followed by identifying as a nonbinary person. This work expands upon gender schema theory and highlights some of the unexplored challenges faced by nonbinary and transgender employees. We end with suggestions for future research, such as incorporating qualitative data to highlight the unique experiences of these gender minorities in organizations.
PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: An update based on a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Cai‐Ping , Zhang Di , Zhang Ting , Wang Jin‐Xia , Han Sheng‐Xi , Graham David Y. , Lu Hong
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

The efficacy of PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy (high‐dose dual therapy) in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori is controversial. We aimed to investigate whether PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy is effective.

Methods

We searched several publication databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy with controls up to March 2019. Meta‐analyses of eradication rates were performed using random‐effects models.

Results

Data from twelve RCTs including 2249 patients suggested that PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy and the current mainstream guidelines‐recommended therapies achieved similar efficacy (83.2% vs 85.3%, risk ratio [RR]: 1.00, 95% CI 0.97‐1.03, intention‐to‐treat analysis), (87.5% vs 90.1%, RR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.95‐1.02, per‐protocol analysis), and compliance (94.3% vs 93.5%, RR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.78‐1.59), but side effects were less likely in the dual therapy (12.9% vs 28.0%, RR: 0.53, 95% CI 0.37‐0.76). Further subgroup analyses showed that the seven RCTs (1302 patients) that reported antimicrobial susceptibility test results also showed that PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy and the current guidelines‐recommended therapies achieved similar efficacy, and PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy was as effective for rescue therapy (RR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.89‐1.05) as for first‐line treatment (RR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.93‐1.02).

Conclusions

Compared with the current mainstream guidelines‐recommended therapies, PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy has the same efficacy and compliance, and generally PPI‐amoxicillin dual therapy causes fewer side effects.
Clinicopathological diversity and outcome of longitudinal melanonychia in children and adolescents: analysis of 35 cases identified by excision specimens
Authors: Ren Jing , Ren Min , Kong Yun‐Yi , Lv Jiao‐Jie , Cai Xu , Kong Jin‐Cheng
Published: April 2020

Aims

Longitudinal melanonychia in paediatric patients often represents a difficult diagnostic challenge, and studies emphasising its clinical and histopathological features are limited due to its low incidence in childhood.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed 35 paediatric cases identified by excision specimens on their clinicopathological features, and performed fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation on 13 available cases. Fingernails (77.1%) were more likely to be affected. Total melanonychia and Hutchinson's sign were observed in 10 (28.6%) and 14 (40.0%) cases, respectively. Nail dystrophy at diagnosis was present in five cases. After complete excision of the lesions, four patients relapsed during follow‐up (mean = 38 months). Seventeen cases were diagnosed as lentigines and 18 as naevi, among which 11 cases were categorised as lentigines/naevi with atypical melanocytic hyperplasia. Mild‐to‐moderate nuclear atypia, confluency of melanocytes, focal pagetoid spread and peri‐ungual skin involvement were found in 25.7% (9 of 35), 40.0% (14 of 35), 40.0% (14 of 35) and 40.0% (14 of 35) of cases, respectively. Thirteen cases tested by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation showed no copy number aberration at the probed loci. There was a statistically significant difference in the following features between patients aged less and more than 10 years (P < 0.05): cytomorphology, mild‐to‐moderate nuclear atypia, confluency of melanocytes, focal pagetoid spread and melanocyte count.

Conclusions

Some concerning clinicopathological characteristics, which are signs indicative of melanoma in adults, are not uncommon in paediatric longitudinal melanonychia, especially in patients aged ≤ 10 years. Owing to the extremely low incidence of melanoma in paediatric longitudinal melanonychia, in most circumstances a more conservative clinical management strategy should be adopted.
Zoning inside the renal fascia: The anatomical relationship between the urinary system and perirenal fat
Authors: Ochi Atsuhiko , Muro Satoru , Adachi Takuya , Akita Keiichi
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To examine the anatomical relationship between the urinary system and perirenal fat, and to clarify the zoning inside the renal fascia.

Methods

Using computed tomography images from 50 men, we examined perinephric veins to reveal vessel communication in perirenal fat. Nine cadavers were dissected to investigate connective tissue continuity and vessel communication inside the renal fascia. Eight retroperitoneal specimens were macroscopically observed: four from the anterior and four from the posterior aspects. One specimen was used to obtain retroperitoneal transverse sections to study macroscopic anatomy and histology.

Results

Perinephric veins were classified into four types (superior, middle, inferior and lateral) using computed tomography. Most of the inferior perinephric veins were connected to the ipsilateral gonadal vein. In the cadaveric study, the superior and middle perinephric veins communicated with veins deriving from the ipsilateral adrenal gland. A fibrous connective tissue gap between perirenal fat and renal hilar fat was observed in posterior aspect dissection. From the gap, we could dissect the urinary system from perirenal fat en bloc along with a thin fibrous connective tissue layer. Communicating vessels between perirenal fat and the urinary system were rare.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that perirenal fat belongs to the connective tissue of the gonad and the adrenal gland. The urinary system is separate from perirenal fat, and is located on the dorsal side inside the renal fascia. This concept of zoning inside the renal fascia is valuable particularly in retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy.