bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Constraints and Small and Medium Enterprises: A Review*
Authors: Bakhtiari Sasan , Breunig Robert , Magnani Lisa , Zhang Jacquelyn 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe review the literature on financial constraints and the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We consider the important role that SMEs play in the economies of Australia and the OECD. We examine the role of financial constraints in SME growth, with emphasis on business cycles and credit access. We discuss issues that SMEs face in accessing financial resources for expansion. We look at the literature that evaluates the impact of financial constraints on key outcomes: employment, productivity and wages. We review key policy debates and consider where government involvement might be appropriate.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Exploring Gambling Attitudes, Barriers to Treatment, and Efficacy of a Brief Motivational Intervention Among Ex‐Offenders with Disordered Gambling
Authors: Rosen Laura April , Weinstock Jeremiah , Peter Samuel Cody 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCorrectional populations are disproportionately burdened by disordered gambling; yet, problem awareness is minimal among both offenders and professionals within the criminal justice system. The aims of the current study were twofold: (i) to examine gambling attitudes and problem awareness among ex‐offenders, and (ii) to determine the efficacy of a brief online gambling intervention for ex‐offenders. Participants (N = 126) were ex‐offenders on probation and parole. Gambling attitudes, attitudes toward treatment, and disorder gambling status were assessed. Disordered gamblers (n = 102) were randomly assigned to (i) a brief intervention plus referral to treatment or (ii) referral to treatment only, and these individuals were re‐assessed at a 30‐day follow‐up. Lifetime disordered gambling was highly prevalent (86%) in the ex‐offender sample, and providing information regarding disordered gambler status and referral to treatment was effective in decreasing gambling attitudes, as well as gambling severity and frequency. The current study has direct implications for treatment and intervention efforts among ex‐offenders with disordered gambling and yields a greater understanding of attitudes toward gambling among ex‐offenders.
Characterization of protein–protein interactions between rice viruses and vector insects
Authors: Zhu Junjie , Eid Fatma Elzahraa , Tong Lu , Zhao Wan , Wang Wei , Heath Lenwood S. , Kang Le , Cui Feng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPlanthoppers are the most notorious rice pests, because they transmit various rice viruses in a persistent‐propagative manner. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) between virus and vector are crucial for virus transmission by vector insects. However, the number of known PPIs for pairs of rice viruses and planthoppers is restricted by low throughput research methods. In this study, we applied DeNovo, a virus‐host sequence‐based PPI predictor, to predict potential PPIs at a genome‐wide scale between three planthoppers and five rice viruses. PPIs were identified at two different confidence thresholds, referred to as low and high modes. The number of PPIs for the five planthopper‐virus pairs ranged from 506 to 1985 in the low mode and from 1254 to 4286 in the high mode. After eliminating the “one‐too‐many” redundant interacting information, the PPIs with unique planthopper proteins were reduced to 343–724 in the low mode and 758–1671 in the high mode. Homologous analysis showed that 11 sets and 31 sets of homologous planthopper proteins were shared by all planthopper‐virus interactions in the two modes, indicating that they are potential conserved vector factors essential for transmission of rice viruses. Ten PPIs between small brown planthopper and rice stripe virus (RSV) were verified using glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST)/His‐pull down or co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Five of the ten PPIs were proven positive, and three of the five SBPH proteins were confirmed to interact with RSV. The predicted PPIs provide new clues for further studies of the complicated relationship between rice viruses and their vector insects.
Nest‐associated vocal behaviours of the south‐eastern red‐tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne, and the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo, C. lathami halmaturinus
Authors: Teixeira Daniella , Hill Richard , Barth Michael , Maron Martine , van Rensburg Berndt J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnimal vocalisations can signify diverse behavioural contexts, knowledge of which can be applied in bioacoustic monitoring programs. Australia’s endemic black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus sp., family Cacatuidae) are highly vocal species that are threatened in many locations. In this study, we describe the nest‐associated vocal behaviours of two endangered subspecies of black cockatoo, the south‐eastern red‐tailed black cockatoo, C. banksii graptogyne and the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo, C. lathami halmaturinus. Breeding success is limiting their recoveries and nest monitoring is challenging, but vocal recordings might provide valuable long‐term information hard to obtain otherwise. We recorded daily vocal activity at wild nests of both cockatoos using autonomous sound recorders. Combined with behavioural observations and video footage, we identified vocalisations characteristic of six behavioural contexts at nests: birds in flight, while perched, during begging (adult females), during courtship displays (adult males), when entering or sitting near to the nest hollow entrance (adult females), and from nestlings. Linear discriminant analysis on 12 acoustic measurements correctly classified 58.4% of calls of the red‐tailed black cockatoo (n = 907 calls from eight nests) and 62.9% of calls of the glossy black cockatoo (n = 1632 calls from 11 nests). In both subspecies, the female nest call and nestling calls are the most conspicuous vocal indicators of active nesting, and therefore should be considered for their bioacoustic potential. Other adult vocalisations indicate a range of behavioural contexts that could be informative for monitoring nesting behaviour, and its association to habitat features, in these endangered subspecies.
Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)
Authors: Wahid Muhammad Risman , Prawira Andhika Yudha , Nisa' Chairun , Agungpriyono Srihadi , Fakhrul Ulum Mokhamad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non‐destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde‐fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10–12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p > .05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.
Blood supply and arteriography of the pelvic limb of the Southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba)
Authors: Oliveira Elton Luís Ritir , Pacifico Pereira Keylla H. N. , Felippi Daniel Angelo , Franco Paolla Nicole , de Oliveira Fabrício Singaretti , Baldissera Gonçalves Raphael A. , Rolim Luna Scarpari , Schimming Bruno Cesar 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the arterial vascularization of the pelvic limb between southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and great egret (Ardea alba) by dissection and radiographic examinations. Five specimens of caracaras (three males and two females), and seven great egrets (five males and two females) were used. Barium sulphate and latex suspension were injected into the left ventricle of the birds. The radiographs were taken with the pelvic limbs in the ventrodorsal, dorsoplantar, mediolateral and lateromedial recumbency. Thereafter, the material was fixed in a 10% solution of formaldehyde and dissected. The pelvic limb received its arterial supply from two main vessels, the ischiatic and external iliac arteries. The ischiatic artery presented to be the principal artery of pelvic limb in the caracara and great egret. Several branches arised from the ischiatic and external iliac arteries were described. No gender differences were observed in both species. The caracara and great egret showed arteries similar to those reported for the ostrich and domestic fowl. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that the caracara has a pelvic limb with more arterial branches and larger arterial diameter than the great egret, which is probably related to the specific behaviour of these birds, since the caracara is a bird that exercise more their pelvic limbs to capture its prey when compared with the great egret.
External validation of risk prediction model M4 in an Australian population: Rationalising the management of pregnancies of unknown location
Authors: Nadim Batool , Leonardi Mathew , Stamatopoulos Nicole , Reid Shannon , Condous George 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe prediction model M4 can successfully classify pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) into a low‐ or high‐risk group in developing ectopic pregnancy. M4 was validated in UK centres but in very few other countries outside UK.AimTo validate the M4 model’s ability to correctly classify PULs in a cohort of Australian women.Materials and MethodsA retrospective analysis of women classified with PUL, attending a Sydney‐based teaching hospital between 2006 and 2018. The reference standard was the final characterisation of PUL: failed PUL (FPUL) or intrauterine pregnancy (IUP; low risk) vs ectopic pregnancy (EP) or persistent PUL (PPUL; high risk). Each patient was entered into the M4 model calculator and an estimated risk of FPUL/IUP or EP/PPUL was recorded. Diagnostic accuracy of the M4 model was evaluated.ResultsOf 9077 consecutive women who underwent transvaginal sonography, 713 (7.9%) classified with a PUL. Six hundred and seventy‐seven (95.0%) had complete study data and were included. Final outcomes were: 422 (62.3%) FPULs, 150 (22.2%) IUPs, 105 (15.5%) EPs and PPULs. The M4 model classified 455 (67.2%) as low‐risk PULs of which 434 (95.4%) were FPULs/IUPs and 21 (4.6%) were EPs or PPULs. EPs/PPULs were correctly classified with sensitivity of 80.0% (95% CI 71.1–86.5%), specificity of 75.9% (95% CI 72.2–79.3%), positive predictive value of 37.8% (95% CI 33.8–42.1%) and negative predictive value of 95.3% (95% CI 93.1–96.9%).ConclusionsWe have externally validated the prediction model M4. It classified 67.2% of PULs as low risk, of which 95.4% were later characterised as FPULs or IUPs while still classifying 80.0% of EPs as high risk.
Frailty is independently associated with mortality in 11 001 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Kochar Bharati , Cai Winston , Cagan Andrew , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of older adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasing. Frailty is an important predictor of outcomes in many chronic disease states. The implications of frailty have not been well‐delineated in IBD.AimsTo report the prevalence of a frailty‐associated diagnosis and determine the association between frailty and mortality in a cohort of IBD patients.MethodsIn a cohort of 11 001 IBD patients, we applied a validated definition of frailty using International Classification of Disease codes. We compared frail IBD patients to those without a frailty‐related code (“fit”). We constructed multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for clinically pertinent confounders (age, gender, race, IBD type, follow‐up, IBD‐related surgery, ≥1 comorbidity in the Charlson comorbidity index [CCI], and immunosuppression use) to determine whether frailty predicts mortality.ResultsA total of 675 (6%) IBD patients had a frailty‐related diagnosis. The prevalence of frailty increased with age, rising from 4% in 20‐29 year olds to 25% in patients 90 years or older. The most prevalent frailty diagnosis was protein‐energy malnutrition. The strongest predictors of frailty were non‐IBD comorbidity, all‐cause and IBD‐related, hospitalisations. Frailty remained independently associated with mortality after adjusting for age, sex, duration of follow‐up, comorbidity, need for IBD‐related surgery and immunosuppression (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.29‐3.68).ConclusionsFrailty is prevalent in IBD patients and increases with age. Frailty nearly triples the odds of mortality for IBD patients. Risk stratifying patients by frailty may improve outcomes.
Long‐distance fluid migration defines the diagenetic history of unique Ediacaran sediments in the East European Craton
Authors: Derkowski Arkadiusz , Środoń Jan , Goryl Magdalena , Marynowski Leszek , Szczerba Marek , Mazur Stanisław 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe diagenetic history of the Ediacaran sedimentary rocks in the East European Craton (EEC) over the area extending from Arkhangelsk (Russia) in the north to Podolia (Ukraine) in the south was revealed by means of the XRD characterization and K–Ar dating of clay fractions, mudstone porosity measurements and organic geochemistry investigations. Mudstone porosity measurements produced direct evidence of shallow maximum burial of the Ediacaran sediments on the craton (Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Volyn), not exceeding 1.5 km, and much deeper burial at the cratonic margin, in Podolia and Poland. In general, illitization of smectite and biomarker indices indicates more advanced diagenesis at the cratonic margin.K–Ar dating of authigenic illite–smectite and aluminoceladonite revealed the Palaeozoic age of mineral diagenesis (ca. 450–300 Ma) both on the craton and its margin, with older ages generally observed in the north. When the maximum palaeotemperatures were evaluated from illite–smectite and biomarkers, based on the calibrations from the conventional burial diagenetic sections, a major mismatch was detected for the cratonic area: 100°C–130°C from illite––smectite and tens of oC lower from the lipid biomarkers. This diagenetic pattern was interpreted as the result of short‐lasting (in ky scale) pulses of potassium‐bearing hot fluids migrating from the Caledonian and Variscan orogens deep in the craton interior, effectively promoting illitization in porous rocks without altering the organic matter. Analogous short pulses of fluids were responsible for numerous diagenetic phenomena, including Mississippi Valley‐Type ore deposits, in the American Midwest, in front of the Appalachians. K–Ar dating indicates that the entire Proterozoic sedimentary cover of the Great Unconformity on the EEC remained untouched by measureable post‐sedimentary changes until the early Palaeozoic, thus for over 1000 My, which is an unprecedented finding.
Correlates of bird collisions with buildings across three North American countries
Authors: Elmore Jared A. , Hager Stephen B. , Cosentino Bradley J. , O'Connell Timothy J. , Riding Corey S. , Anderson Michelle L. , Bakermans Marja H. , Boves Than J. , Brandes David , Butler Eric M. , Butler Michael W. , Cagle Nicolette L. , Calderón‐Parra Rafael , Capparella Angelo P. , Chen Anqi , Cipollini Kendra , Conkey April A.T. , Contreras Thomas A. , Cooper Rebecca I. , Corbin Clay E. , Curry Robert L. , Dosch Jerald J. , Dyson Karen L. , Fraser Erin E. , Furbush Ross A. , Hagemeyer Natasha D. G. , Hopfensperger Kristine N. , Klem Daniel , Lago Elizabeth A. , Lahey Ally S. , Machtans Craig S. , Madosky Jessa M. , Maness Terri J. , McKay Kelly J. , Menke Sean B. , Ocampo‐Peñuela Natalia , Ortega‐Álvarez Rubén , Pitt Amber L. , Puga‐Caballero Aura , Quinn John E. , Roth Amber M. , Schmitz Ryan T. , Schnurr Jaclyn L. , Simmons Matthew E. , Smith Alexis D. , Varian‐Ramos Claire W. , Walters Eric L. , Walters Lindsey A. , Weir Jason T. , Winnett‐Murray Kathy , Zuria Iriana , Vigliotti Jesse , Loss Scott R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCollisions with buildings cause up to 1 billion bird fatalities annually in the United States and Canada. However, efforts to reduce collisions would benefit from studies conducted at large spatial scales across multiple study sites with standardized methods and consideration of species‐ and life‐history‐related variation and correlates of collisions. We addressed these research needs through coordinated collection of data on bird collisions with buildings at sites in the United States (35), Canada (3), and Mexico (2). We collected all carcasses and identified species. After removing records for unidentified carcasses, species lacking distribution‐wide population estimates, and species with distributions overlapping fewer than 10 sites, we retained 269 carcasses of 64 species for analysis. We estimated collision vulnerability for 40 bird species with ≥2 fatalities based on their North American population abundance, distribution overlap in study sites, and sampling effort. Of 10 species we identified as most vulnerable to collisions, some have been identified previously (e.g., Black‐throated Blue Warbler [Setophaga caerulescens]), whereas others emerged for the first time (e.g., White‐breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis]), possibly because we used a more standardized sampling approach than past studies. Building size and glass area were positively associated with number of collisions for 5 of 8 species with enough observations to analyze independently. Vegetation around buildings influenced collisions for only 1 of those 8 species (Swainson's Thrush [Catharus ustulatus]). Life history predicted collisions; numbers of collisions were greatest for migratory, insectivorous, and woodland‐inhabiting species. Our results provide new insight into the species most vulnerable to building collisions, making them potentially in greatest need of conservation attention to reduce collisions and into species‐ and life‐history‐related variation and correlates of building collisions, information that can help refine collision management.
Using ensemble modeling to predict the impacts of assisted migration on recipient ecosystems
Authors: Peterson Katie , Bode Michael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAssisted migration is a controversial conservation measure that aims to protect threatened species by moving part of their population outside its natural range. Although this could save species from extinction, it also introduces a range of risks. The magnitude of the threat to recipient ecosystems has not been investigated quantitatively, despite being the most common criticism leveled at the action. We used an ensemble modeling framework to estimate the risks of assisted migration to existing species within ecosystems. With this approach, we calculated the consequences of an assisted migration project across a very large combination of translocated species and recipient ecosystems. We predicted the probability of a successful assisted migration and the number of local extinctions would result from establishment of the translocated species. Using an ensemble of simulated 15‐species recipient ecosystems, we estimated that translocated species will successfully establish in 83% of cases if introduced to stable, high‐quality habitats. However, assisted migration projects were estimated to cause an average of 0.6 extinctions and 5% of successful translocations triggered 4 or more local extinctions. Quantifying the impacts to species within recipient ecosystems is critical to help managers weigh the benefits and negative consequences of assisted migration.
Private rhino conservation: Diverse strategies adopted in response to the poaching crisis
Authors: Clements Hayley S. , Knight Mike , Jones Pelham , Balfour Dave 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrivate landowners in South Africa conserve roughly 40% of white rhinos globally. Given concerns that escalating poaching has caused private‐rhino owners to disinvest, we used a national survey to assess 171 private‐rhino owners’ responses to the crisis. Twenty‐eight percent of rhino owners are disinvesting in rhino, 57% are pursuing business‐as‐usual (largely ecotourism), and 15% are investing in more rhinos. It is currently unclear whether this diversity in private‐rhino owners’ responses to the crisis is increasing the resilience of the rhino population to poaching. Some rhino investors show signs of financial stress. Most owners support rhino‐horn trade to fund conservation, yet international trade remains banned. By contrast, a recent national policy amendment allows rhinos to be managed as livestock, risking a shift from rhino‐for‐conservation to rhino‐for‐production on private land. Our findings highlight an urgent need to ensure policies keep pace with dynamic socioeconomic environments that influence the sustainability of wildlife use.
Insulin glargine 300 U/mL versus first‐generation basal insulin analogues in insulin‐naïve adults with type 2 diabetes: 12‐month outcomes of ACHIEVE Control, a prospective, randomized, pragmatic real‐life clinical trial
Authors: Meneghini Luigi , Blonde Lawrence , Gill Jasvinder , Dauchy Arnaud , Bacevicius Andrius , Strong Jodi , Bailey Timothy S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo report the effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) versus standard‐of‐care basal insulin analogues (SOC‐BI) at 12 months in the ACHIEVE Control trial, which is a prospective pragmatic randomized real‐life study in insulin‐naïve adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsA total of 3304 insulin‐naïve adults with T2D and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration of 64 to 97 mmol/mol (8.0% to 11.0%) after ≥1 year of treatment with two or more antihyperglycaemic agents were randomized to Gla‐300 or SOC‐BI. Key secondary endpoints included HbA1c target attainment without documented symptomatic (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia at 12 months.ResultsAt 12 months, 26.1% (Gla‐300) and 23.7% (SOC‐BI) of adults achieved HbA1c targets without documented symptomatic (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–1.35); 33.0% and 29.5%, respectively, achieved HbA1c targets without documented symptomatic (<3.0 mmol/L [<54 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycaemia (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.38). The OR for HbA1c target achievement was 1.15 (95% CI 0.99–1.34), and favoured Gla‐300 versus SOC‐BI for absence of documented symptomatic or severe hypoglycaemia at 12 months for both ≤3.9 mmol/L (≤70 mg/dL; OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.40) and < 3.0 mmol/L (<54 mg/dL; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07–1.48).ConclusionGla‐300 tended to be associated with lower hypoglycaemia risk than SOC‐BI in real‐world clinical practice during the 12‐month follow‐up.