bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environment-friendly stimulus-sensitive polyurethanes based on cationic aminoglycosides for the controlled release of phytohormones
Authors: Palencia Manuel , Mora Mayra , Lerma Tulio A. 
Published: March 2020

PurposeControlled release systems are an efficient alternative for the effective use of agricultural supplies. Among the most versatile controlled release systems are intelligent or stimulus-sensitive polymeric materials, since these materials are multipurpose and adaptable alternatives that offer great adaptability for agricultural applications. The objective of this work was to develop stimulus-sensitive polyurethanes (PUs) based on cationic aminoglycosides (CAG) to be used as an active phase for the manufacture of systems for the controlled release of phytohormones such as naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).Design/methodology/approachThe synthesis of stimulus-sensitive PUs was carried out by a polycondensation reaction using CAGs and methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) as precursors. The NAA retention and release experiments were performed at different pH values and ionic forces to include the acidity and salinity of agricultural soils.FindingsThe results demonstrate that PUs can be obtained from CAG and MDI using the one-step method. The retention of NAA increased as the CAG content increased in the polymer structure, while it is seen that the effect of pH is weak compared to the effect of ionic strength. On the other hand, the release of NAA from cationic PUs can be accomplished by small changes in ionic strength that are mainly affected by the composition of the PU and the pH. The results suggest that, for developed systems, retention and release of NAA is affected by other interaction mechanisms that could probably be related to p-aromatic interactions.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are limited to controlled conditions and the expanding of results to extensive crops should be analyzed in next research studies.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this study are improving of control for the dosage of phytohormones in stake propagation crops, greenhouse crops, optimization of reseeding operations, among others.Social implicationsThe social implication of this study is reduction of pollution by addition of excess of NAA, in consequence, production costs are decreased.Originality/valueOriginality and value of this research is the use of PUs based on CAG, and in consequence, the possibility to build novel environment-friendly systems for phytohormone dosage.
The “service excellence chain”: an empirical investigation in the healthcare field
Authors: Guglielmetti Mugion Roberta , Musella Flaminia , Di Pietro Laura , Toni Martina 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe linkage between internal and external satisfaction is an understudied topic in the service field. This study aims to address this gap by proposing an original research model, the service excellence chain (SEC), that connects the internal and external perspectives by conjoining performance-excellence models and the service-profit-chain approach. Theoretical assumptions and quantitative measures are proposed by using advanced statistical techniques.Design/methodology/approachThe SEC is investigated through an empirical study in the healthcare sector, focusing on an Italian hospital and involving two of its core units. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. First, internal and external customer satisfaction were separately tested through structural equation modeling. The linkage between internal and external satisfaction is then proposed by mathematically defining a synthetic index, the internal and external customer satisfaction index (IEGSI), modeled through Bayesian networks (BNs) and object-oriented BNs to provide an overall measure able to predict organizational improvement.FindingsThe distinct measured models show good internal validity and adequate fit both for patients' and employees' perspectives. The IEGSI allows rigorously connecting internal and external satisfaction by developing conjoint scenarios for organizational improvement.Originality/valueThis study proposes the SEC model as an innovative way to connect internal and external satisfaction. The findings can be useful both for private and public organizations and may provide several useful insights for healthcare managers as well as for policy-makers in relation to developing strategies for improving service quality.
Structural validity and internal consistency of an ecological observation‐based assessment, the Activities of Daily Living Profile
Authors: Bottari Carolina , Dutil Élisabeth , Auger Claudine , Lamoureux Julie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionDirect observation of everyday task performance is considered the most accurate measure of independence for individuals with executive function impairments. However, few observation‐based measures have been shown to have sound psychometric qualities and be clinically applicable. The objective of this study was to investigate the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Profile's structural validity using exploratory factor analyses and internal consistency in order to identify the minimum set of tasks required to achieve reliable scores in each of three ADL environments (personal, home and community).MethodsNinety‐one persons with a severe traumatic brain injury aged 16–40 years (convenience sample) were recruited from a university affiliated level 1 trauma hospital. The 17 observation‐based tasks of the ADL Profile were administered by one of five occupational therapists, either in the hospital or in the subjects’ home and community environments. This measure of independence considers goal formulation, planning, carrying out and verifying goal attainment.ResultsExploratory factor analysis indicated the unidimensionality of the 17 tasks of the ADL Profile. A single factor explained more than 80% of the common variation, which in this case is the concept of independence. Internal consistency of task scores is very high (0.955), suggesting redundancy of the tasks. Approaches used to reduce the number of items, and to optimise the clinical applicability of the tool, showed that a minimum of two tasks per each of three environments (personal, home, community) is required to obtain reliable results that respect the tool's internal structure. Each assessment should contain both simple and familiar and more novel and complex tasks.ConclusionsFindings show that the ADL Profile is a valid and clinically applicable observation‐based measure of independence that considers four important task‐related components: goal formulation, planning, carrying out and verifying goal attainment.
Factors shaping community patterns of protists and bacteria on a European scale
Authors: Bock Christina , Jensen Manfred , Forster Dominik , Marks Sabina , Nuy Julia , Psenner Roland , Beisser Daniela , Boenigk Jens 
Published: March 2020

SummaryFactors shaping community patterns of microorganisms are controversially discussed. Physical and chemical factors certainly limit the survival of individual taxa and maintenance of diversity. In recent years, a contribution of geographic distance and dispersal barriers to distribution patterns of protists and bacteria has been demonstrated. Organismic interactions such as competition, predation and mutualism further modify community structure and maintenance of distinct taxa. Here, we address the relative importance of these different factors in shaping protists and bacterial communities on a European scale using high‐throughput sequencing data obtained from lentic freshwater ecosystems. We show that community patterns of protists are similar to those of bacteria. Our results indicate that cross‐domain organismic factors are important variables with a higher influence on protists as compared with bacteria. Abiotic physical and chemical factors also contributed significantly to community patterns. The contribution of these latter factors was higher for bacteria, which may reflect a stronger biogeochemical coupling. The contribution of geographical distance was similar for both microbial groups.
Kinship and a counter‐hegemonic social order: former revolutionaries in southern Oman
Authors: Wilson Alice 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCritical reinterpretations of kinship studies questioned earlier ideas that kinship relations reflect and reproduce a dominant social order. ‘New’ kinship studies have nevertheless shown how even non‐traditional family forms can reproduce traditional ideas about relatedness, values, and social hierarchies. Promising grounds for resisting ongoing tendencies to link kinship with conservative social reproduction arise from better understanding the circumstances under which kinship relations reproduce a counter‐hegemonic social order. Kinship practices of former militants of a defeated revolutionary liberation movement in Dhufar, Oman, make visible veterans’ networks and relations which transgress dominant tribal, ethnic, racial, and gendered hierarchies. These practices show how, even in inauspicious circumstances of political defeat and marginalization, kinship relations can reproduce a counter‐hegemonic social order – as well as a social afterlife of defeated revolution.
A randomised trial of caesarean wound coverage: exposed versus dressed
Authors: Tan PC , Rohani E , Lim MCK , Win ST , Omar SZ 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the superficial surgical site infection (SSI) rate to 28 days and patient satisfaction with wound coverage management when their transverse suprapubic caesarean wound is left exposed compared with dressed after skin closure.DesignRandomised trial.SettingUniversity Hospital, Malaysia: April 2016–October 2016.Population331 women delivered by caesarean section.MethodParticipants were randomised to leaving their wound entirely exposed (n = 165) or dressed (n = 166) with a low adhesive dressing (next day removal).Main outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were superficial SSI rate (assessed by provider inspection up to hospital discharge and telephone questionnaires on days 14 and 28) and patient satisfaction with wound coverage management before hospital discharge.ResultsThe superficial SSI rates were 2/153 (1.3%) versus 5/157 (3.2%) (relative risk [RR] 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–2.1; P = 0.45) and patient satisfaction with wound management was 7 [5–8] versus 7 [5–8] (P = 0.81) in exposed compared with dressed study groups, respectively. In the wound‐exposed patients, stated preference for wound exposure significantly increased from 35.5 to 57.5%, whereas in the wound‐dressed patients, the stated preference for a dressed wound fell from 48.5 to 34.4% when assessed at recruitment (pre‐randomisation) to day 28. There were no significant differences in inpatient additional dressing or gauze use for wound care, post‐hospital discharge self‐reported wound issues of infection, antibiotics, redness and inflammation, swollen, painful, and fluid leakage to day 28 across trial groups.ConclusionThe trial is underpowered as SSI rates were lower than expected. Nevertheless, leaving caesarean wounds exposed does not appear to have detrimental effects, provided patient counselling to manage expectations is undertaken.Tweetable abstractAn exposed compared with a dressed caesarean wound has a similar superficial surgical site infection rate, patient satisfaction and appearance.
Voluntary Disclosure and Informed Trading*
Authors: Petrov Evgeny 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes the impact of informed trading on voluntary corporate disclosure in the presence of two factors: the cost of disclosure and the value of a manager's informedness. In the absence of both factors, informed trading has no impact on disclosure even when traders are not certain whether the manager has information. When disclosure is costly, informed trading serves as a free substitute for the disclosure of favorable information, and reduces disclosure. Surprisingly, when the manager's informedness is valuable for the firm, informed trading can also increase disclosure. Traders can discover unfavorable information about the firm, so managers with such information have less incentive to pool with uninformed managers and disclose to show that they are informed. The study also demonstrates that informed trading can have either a positive or a negative effect on firm value by crowding in or crowding out information production in the firm. These results hold for general information structures and are robust if traders can choose how much information can be acquired.
Does Public Country‐by‐Country Reporting Deter Tax Avoidance and Income Shifting? Evidence from the European Banking Industry*
Authors: Joshi Preetika , Outslay Edmund , Persson Anh , Shevlin Terry , Venkat Aruhn 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examine the effect of increased tax transparency on the tax planning behavior of European banks. In 2014, the European Union introduced public country‐by‐country reporting requirements to the banking industry. Treating this new requirement as an exogenous shock, we find limited evidence consistent with a decline in income shifting by the banks' financial affiliates in the post‐adoption period (starting from 2015). We do not, however, find robust evidence of a significant change in the consolidated book effective tax rates among the affected banks. Our findings suggest that increased transparency from public country‐by‐country reporting can deter tax‐motivated income shifting but that it did not appear to materially influence the banks' overall tax avoidance. Our findings have policy implications for the ongoing debate between the European Parliament, the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, and accounting standard‐setting bodies on whether to require multinationals to publish country‐by‐country reports.
Evaluation of a semi‐automated Seegene PCR workflow with MTB, MDR, and NTM detection for rapid screening of tuberculosis in a low‐prevalence setting
Authors: Luukinen Bruno Vincent , Vuento Risto , Hirvonen Jari Juhani 
Published: March 2020

In areas of low tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, laboratory diagnosis of TB may essentially cover non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in addition to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). In this study, a semi‐automated PCR workflow distinguishing MTB and NTM (Anyplex™ MTB/NTMe, Seegene) and subsequently detecting MTB isoniazid/rifampicin resistance (Allplex™ MTB/MDRe, Seegene) was evaluated for replacing smear microscopy of acid‐fast bacilli as the rapid screening method for TB. With 279 clinical samples, 47 cultures positive for MTB and 76 for NTM, the Anyplex™ MTB/NTMe assay and smear microscopy showed equal sensitivities (49.6% vs 50.8%, respectively) but Anyplex™ MTB/NTMe was more sensitive for MTB (63.8% vs 25.6%) than for NTM (40.8% vs 64.5%). Allplex™ MTB/MDRe showed a slightly higher sensitivity of 68.1% for MTB (32/47 positive, n = 222). Antibiotic resistance profiles were correctly identified for all MTB isolates (one MDR isolate). Specificity was 100% for both assays. Anyplex™ MTB/NTMe detected all the 18 NTM species present in the study. The analytical performance of the evaluated high‐throughput workflow was relatively weak compared to culture but potentially adequate as a rapid screening method analogous to smear microscopy with additional differentiation between TB, MDR‐TB, and NTM.
Comparison of growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat qualities of Okinawan indigenous Agu pigs and crossbred pigs sired by Agu or Duroc boar
Authors: Touma Shihei , Oyadomari Motoharu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIndigenous Okinawa Agu pigs are crossed with Large White × Landrace (WL) pigs to improve their meat production, but there is little information regarding the crossbreeding effects. The study aims to compare growth, carcass characteristics, and meat qualities of Agu pigs with those of WL crossbreeds with Agu sires (WLA) or Duroc sires (WLD). WLA pigs showed better growth performance and carcass characteristics and less intramuscular fat (IMF) contents than Agu ones, but they had higher fat deposition, smaller longissimus dorsi muscle area, and higher IMF contents than WLD pigs. Agu pigs showed higher water holding capacity than the other two breeds. The inner layer of Agu backfat contains higher and lower proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), respectively, than that in WLD animals. WLA animals had intermediate values for the fatty acid content in the inner backfat, although MUFA contents were equal to those of Agu pigs. Fatty acid profiles in IMF were similar to those in the backfat. These results indicate that crossbreeding of Agu with WL pigs improves growth performance and carcass quality. Particularly, WLA pigs have higher IMF contents and MUFA concentrations and lower PUFA concentrations than WLD pigs.
The Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Bipolar Disorder (KMAP‐BP): Changes in preferred treatment strategies and medications over 16 years and five editions
Authors: Jon Duk‐In , Woo Young Sup , Seo Jeong‐Seok , Lee Jung Goo , Jeong Jong‐Hyun , Kim Won , Shin Young Chul , Min Kyung Joon , Yoon Bo‐Hyun , Bahk Won‐Myong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Bipolar Disorder (KMAP‐BP) is based on expert consensus and has been revised five times since 2002. This study evaluated the changes in treatment strategies advocated by the KMAP‐BP over time.MethodsThe five editions of the KMAP‐BP were reviewed, and the recommendations of the KMAP‐BP were compared with those of other bipolar disorder (BP) treatment guidelines.ResultsThe most preferred option for the initial treatment of mania was a combination of a mood stabilizer (MS) and an atypical antipsychotic (AAP). Either MS or AAP monotherapy was also considered a first‐line strategy for mania, but not for all types of episodes, including mixed/psychotic mania. In general, although lithium and valproic acid were commonly recommended, valproic acid has been increasingly preferred for all phases of BP. The most notable changes over time included the increasing preference for AAPs for all phases of BP, and lamotrigine for the depressive and maintenance phases. The use of antidepressants for BP has gradually decreased, but still represents a first‐line option for severe and psychotic depression.ConclusionsIn general, the recommended strategies of the KMAP‐BP were similar to those of other guidelines, but differed in terms of the emphasis on rapid effectiveness, which is often desirable in actual clinical situations. The major limitation of the KMAP‐BP is that it is a consensus‐based rather than an evidence‐based tool. Nevertheless, it may confer advantages in actual clinical practice.
Association between state‐level alcohol availability and taxation policies on the prevalence of alcohol‐related harms to persons other than the drinker in the USA, 2000–2015
Authors: Trangenstein Pamela J. , Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Mulia Nina , Kerr William C. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAlcohol‐related harms to others (AHTO) are consequences of alcohol use borne by persons other than the drinker. This study assessed whether the odds of experiencing AHTO are associated with alcohol availability and taxation policies.Design and MethodsThis study pooled data from four waves of the National Alcohol Survey (n= 20656 adults). We measured past‐year AHTO exposure using three binary variables:physical(pushed/hit/assaulted or property damage by someone who had been drinking),family or financial(family/marital problems or financial harms by someone who had been drinking) anddriving AHTO(riding in a vehicle with a drink‐driver or being in a drink‐driving crash). Policies included bar and off‐premise alcohol outlet density (separately), alcohol retail hours, beer and spirits taxes (separately) and monopoly on retail/wholesale alcohol purchases.ResultsMonopolies were associated with 41.2% lower odds of physical harms [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45, 0.77,q < 0.001 correcting for multiple analyses], and a 10% increase in bar density was associated with a 1.2% increase in odds of driving‐related harms(eln(1.1) * β=1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02,q= 0.03). Among men, beer taxes were associated with lower odds of physical harms (eln(1.1) * β=0.93, 95% CI 0.88, 0.98q= 0.03) and monopolies were associated with lower odds of physical (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.35, 0.59,q < 0.001) and driving harms (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI 1.00, 1.02,q= 0.03).Discussion and ConclusionsMonopolies, taxes and outlet density are associated with odds of some AHTO. Future longitudinal research should test whether physical availability and taxation policies may be protective for bystanders as well as drinkers.
Negative effects of urbanisation on the physical condition of an endemic dung beetle from a neotropical hotspot
Authors: Salomão Renato Portela , Alvarado Fredy , Baena‐Díaz Fernanda , Favila Mario Enrique , Iannuzzi Luciana , Liberal Carolina Nunes , Santos Bráulio A. , Villegas‐Guzmán Gabriel Alfredo , González‐Tokman Daniel 
Published: March 2020

1. Urbanisation causes important losses in biodiversity and ecosystem of animals. To test whether these negative effects are preceded by unhealthy individuals in urban populations, we evaluated the effects of urbanisation on the abundance and physical condition of the dung beetle Dichotomius guaribensis, an endemic species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.2. We sampled beetles in nine forest fragments with different urbanisation degrees, embedded in the urban matrix of the city of João Pessoa. Besides testing the abundance in each fragment, we quantified four indicators of physical condition in males and females: body size, body mass, energetic condition, and mite load.3. Females tended to be larger, and to have less lipid mass and more mites than males. Urbanisation had no effect on beetle abundance, but it negatively affected body mass and lipid content in males, but not females, revealing different sensitivities for both sexes. Body size and mite load were not affected by urbanisation in males or females. Fragment size had no effect on beetle abundance and physical condition in both sexes, suggesting that urbanisation has a greater impact than fragment size on beetle individual condition.4. In this study, we show that individual deterioration precedes population declines in disturbed environments, and our study opens new insights into the proximate causes that leads to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in urbanised regions.
Abdominal wall herniation in working Moroccan equids: 14 cases (2016–2017)
Authors: Khairoun A. , Kay G. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryHernia of the abdominal musculature was seen in 14 working equids (1% of total admissions) during the 14‐month period between October 2016 and December 2017. Animals with hernias of less than 2 months’ duration (six animals) were treated conservatively with compressive abdominal bandaging whereas those with hernias of more than 2 months’ duration (five animals) were treated surgically with a primary closure of the defect. Surgical repair was not possible in three individuals due to the large size of the defect, location and lack of availability of prosthetic mesh. Of the 11 equidae treated, all showed complete resolution of the hernia by the time of discharge, and follow‐up with owners, between 5 and 16 months post‐treatment, revealed that no recurrence of the ruptures.
Marching in step: The importance of matching model complexity to data availability in terrestrial biosphere models
Authors: Feng Xue 
Published: March 2020

Building models to predict ecosystem responses to future rainfall changes requires closely matching model complexity to data availability. A new study by Paschalis et al. (Global Change Biology, 2020) examines opportunities to improve both data availability and model structure in 10 state‐of‐the‐art terrestrial biosphere models.This is a Commentary on Paschalis et al. 26, 3336–3355