bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding online health information consumers' search as a learning process
Authors: Chen Yijin , Zhao Yiming , Wang Ziyun 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThis study considers online searching by health information consumers as a learning process. We focus on search sequences, query reformulation, and conceptual changes.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative user study (30 participants; three health information seeking tasks) investigated mobile searching behavior. Recorded screen activity, questionnaires, and in-depth personal interview data were collected and analyzed.Findings(1) Search platform sequences of health information consumers in search as a learning process were exacted and their features were highlighted. (2) Query sequence and reformulation pattern of health information consumers were exacted and discussed. (3) The types and degree of conceptual changes of health consumers were reflected by their query reformulation behavior and differ from different health information search tasks. (4) Characteristics of health consumers' search as learning process were revealed.Research limitations/implications(1) A novel perspective of consumer health information studies was proposed by exacting search platform sequence, query sequence and linking them with conceptual changes during the search as learning process. (2) Conceptual changes in the searching as a learning process are regarded as a measure of search outcome in this study, in which terms extracted from queries were used to reflect conceptual changes in consumers' mind. (3) Our findings provide evidences that types of health information seeking tasks do have significant influences on the search as a learning process.Practical ImplicationsThe findings of this study can lead to the fit-to-needs of the search platforms, provide advice for information architecture of search list of search platforms, and guide the design of knowledge graph of health information systems.Originality/valuePotential relationships between information-seeking behavior and conceptual changes in search as a learning process relative to health information were revealed.
Board characteristics and life insurance efficiency in South Africa
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif , Boakye Mary-Ann Afua 
Published: March 2020

PurposeIn their role as monitors and advisors, boards are expected to address agency conflicts associated with the separation of ownership from control in large corporations. The ability to effectively perform these functions and enhance corporate outcomes largely depends on their influence in decision-making. This paper aims to examine the effect of corporate governance attributes, in the form of board characteristics, on technical efficiency in the South African life insurance industry.Design/methodology/approachUsing the two-stage data envelopment analysis technique, bootstrapped efficiency scores are estimated for 73 insurers from 2007 to 2014 in Stage 1. The truncated bootstrapping procedure of Simar and Wilson (2007) and the tobit estimation techniques are used to examine the effect of corporate governance characteristics and other insurer level attributes on technical efficiency scores in Stage 2 analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that life insurers operate with high levels of inefficiency within a highly independent governance structure. The results from Stage 2 analysis identifies audit committee size and independence to improve efficiency while board independence is found to be detrimental to efficiency.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a useful reference point for insurance regulators in developing economies in the formulation of an effective governance mechanism for the efficient operation of the insurance industry.Originality/valueAs far as the authors are concerned, the analysis contained in this paper presents the first empirical assessment of the corporate governance structure and its effects on corporate outcomes in an African insurance market.
Unravelling the encumbrances in the low-cost housing computerised open registration system in Malaysia's major cities
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rashid , Jaafar Mastura 
Published: March 2020

PurposeMalaysia's open registration system (ORS) scheme, which began in 1997, was established as part of prevention mechanism by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to plug the leakage in the low-cost housing (LCH) allocation process. After two decades, ineligible persons still secure LCH to the detriment of the Malaysian low-income earners (LIEs) house-buyers/rentals. This paper explored the LCH computerised ORS for LIEs and proffered policy solutions to improve the scheme.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected via unexplored exploratory sequential mixed methods approach that engaged 25 well-informed participants and the ‘quantilised findings’, validated by the Malaysian LCH policymakers.FindingsThis paper found that there is weak compliance to computerised ORS, which is pronounced in states with relaxed eligibility clearance. Also, it was found that under-declaration of income evident in states where there is relaxed verification and lack of data sharing between states and with federal governments, among others, are the root cause of weak compliance to computerised ORS.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to unravelling the encumbrances in the low-cost housing computerised open registration system in Malaysia's major cities. Future research is needed to use relevant information to access the level of enforcement of the computerised open registration system across the states of Malaysia.Practical implicationsThis paper recommended that LCH computerised ORS should be devoid of party favouritism, state government should establish functional LCH computerised ORS, and the state and federal governments, should embrace cooperative federalism. Also, applicants should be subjected to the Central Credit Reference Information System check, and culprits should be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. This paper provides salutary lessons on how to improve the scheme with a view to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals regarding housing in 2030.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that the low-cost housing computerised open registration system in Malaysia is yet to be implemented across the states.
Soil extracellular enzyme activity and stoichiometry in China's forests
Authors: Zhou Luhong , Liu Shangshi , Shen Haihua , Zhao Mengying , Xu Longchao , Xing Aijun , Fang Jingyun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry links microbial decomposition with nutrient mineralization and improves our understanding of nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Microbial C:N:P acquisition in the topsoil converged at a ratio of 1:1:1 in global ecosystems. However, whether the ratio of microbial acquisition is stable in forest soils, and is applicable among different soil depths remain unknown.

Based on large‐scale soil sampling in China's forests, we examined the patterns and environmental drivers of the eight most‐widely measured enzyme activities and the relevant stoichiometry.

We found that the ratio of C:N:P acquisition significantly deviated from 1:1:1. The specific enzyme activities (normalized by SOC) did not change significantly with latitude except those for xylosidase and acid phosphatase. Similarly, only the C:P acquisition ratio increased with latitude. Vertically, the specific activities of C‐acquiring enzymes mainly increased, N‐acquiring enzymes decreased and P‐acquiring enzymes did not change with soil depth. Moreover, all ratios of microbial acquisition decreased, and the percentage of recalcitrant C increased significantly with increasing depth. Our study also showed that temperature and soil C:N ratio were the important factors in explaining the variations in specific enzyme activities and microbial nutrient acquisition, respectively.

Our results indicated that no constant microbial C:N:P acquisition ratio can be widely recognized, and that SOC quality changed from labile to recalcitrant with depth. We highlight that depth‐dependent enzymatic processes should be considered in future SOC dynamic models.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Morphological transitions of Bacillus subtilis in the presence of food‐grade lipidic nanoemulsions
Authors: Singh Neeru , Hussain Afzal , Kumar Singh Sandeep 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe present study aims to study the antibacterial activity of food‐grade lipidic nanoemulsion (noncationized/cationized) against Bacillus subtilis (BS). Bactericidal activity was ascertained by studying the morphological transitions on BS using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological changes were witnessed by cell wall breakage, oozing out of cellular contents, loss of cell turgidity and contour. Furthermore, aggregation of cationic nanoemulsion (CaNM) was preferentially observed at apical side of BS construing comparatively more electrostatic attraction between electronegative apical side and CaNM. Resistance response of BS exhibited by apical cell‐wall thickening was not able to protect the bacteria due to leakage of cellular content. AFM corroborated its importance in bacteriology, wherein the fragmented cell wall can be “piece‐by‐piece” identified and sutured back to its appropriate vacant places, thereby, completing the cell wall contour of the ghost cell. Such postmortem analysis of bacterial cell using AFM studies can throw light toward mechanism of cell fragmentation of bacterial cells. SEM study also demonstrated the deformed, fragmented, and amorphous nature of BS construing the bactericidal effect of prepared nanoemulsion.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction based on magnetic carbon particles from coffee grounds for determining phthalic acid esters in plastic bottled water
Authors: Song Nho‐Eul , Lim Min‐Cheol , Choi Sung‐Wook , Kim Dae‐Ok , Nam Tae Gyu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNewly developed magnetic carbon particles prepared from coffee grounds were used as the sorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of eight phthalic acid esters (PAEs) from plastic bottled water prior to their analysis by GC‐MS. The method, which uses coffee‐ground particles coated with iron oxide, was validated, and exhibited linearities for the eight PAEs, with coefficients of determination above 0.998 in the 0.005 to 0.1 mg/L concentration range. Limits of detection and limits of quantification of 0.00003 to 0.002 mg/L and 0.0001 to 0.005 mg/L, respectively, were achieved, with recoveries (%) ranging between 77% and 120%, and relative standard deviations for intra‐ and interday precisions below 16.3% at three fortification levels. No PAE residues were detected when the developed and validated method was applied to 10 real plastic bottled water samples. Taken together, the developed magnetic solid‐phase extraction method is a useful tool for monitoring phthalate esters in aqueous samples.Practical ApplicationThe development of a new, inexpensive, and efficient magnetic sorption material derived from spent coffee grounds, and its ability to determine phthalate esters in aqueous solutions was described by GC‐MS/MS. The developed magnetic solid‐phase extraction method is a useful tool for monitoring phthalate esters in aqueous samples.
Shared Decision Making for Syncope in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Probst Marc A. , Lin Michelle P. , Sze Jeremy J. , Hess Erik P. , Breslin Maggie , Frosch Dominick L. , Sun Benjamin C. , Langan Marie‐Noelle , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh , Richardson Lynne D. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesSignificant practice variation is seen in the management of syncope in the emergency department (ED). We sought to evaluate the feasibility of performing a randomized controlled trial of a shared decision making (SDM) tool for low‐to‐intermediate–risk syncope patients presenting to the ED.MethodsWe performed a randomized controlled trial of adults (≥30 years) with unexplained syncope who presented to an academic ED in the United States. Patients with a serious diagnosis identified in the ED were excluded. Patients were randomized, 1:1, to receive either usual care or a personalized syncope decision aid (SynDA) meant to facilitate SDM. Our primary outcome was feasibility, i.e., ability to enroll 50 patients in 24 months. Secondary outcomes included patient knowledge, involvement (measured with OPTION‐5), rating of care, and clinical outcomes at 30 days post‐ED visit.ResultsAfter screening 351 patients, we enrolled 50 participants with unexplained syncope from January 2017 to January 2019. The most common reason for exclusion was lack of clinical equipoise to justify SDM (n = 124). Patients in the SynDA arm tended to have greater patient involvement, as shown by higher OPTION‐5 scores: 52/100 versus 27/100 (between‐group difference = −25.4, 95% confidence interval = −13.5 to −37.3). Both groups had similar levels of clinical knowledge, ratings of care, and serious clinical outcomes at 30 days.ConclusionsAmong ED patients with unexplained syncope, a randomized controlled trial of a shared decision‐making tool is feasible. Although this study was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes, it demonstrates feasibility, while providing key lessons and effect sizes that could inform the design of future SDM trials.
Alcohol use in pregnancy and its impact on the mother and child
Authors: Oei Ju Lee 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsTo review the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the outcomes of the mother and child.DesignNarrative review.SettingReview of literature.ParticipantsMothers and infants affected by prenatal alcohol use.MeasurementsOutcomes of mothers and children.FindingsPrenatal alcohol exposure is one of the most important causes of preventable cognitive impairment in the world. The developing neurological system is exquisitely sensitive to harm from alcohol and there is now also substantial evidence that alcohol‐related harm can extend beyond the individual person, leading to epigenetic changes and intergenerational vulnerability and disadvantage. There is no known safe level or timing of drinking for pregnant or lactating women and binge drinking (> four drinks within 2 hours for women) is the most harmful. Alcohol‐exposure increases the risk of congenital problems, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its most severe form, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).ConclusionThe impact of FASD and FAS is enduring and life‐long with no current treatment or cure. Emerging therapeutic options may mitigate the worst impact of alcohol exposure but significant knowledge gaps remain. This review discusses the history, epidemiology and clinical presentations of prenatal alcohol exposure, focusing on FASD and FAS, and the impact of evidence on future research, practice and policy directions.
A mixed‐methods analysis of patient safety incidents involving opioid substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in community‐based care in England and Wales
Authors: Gibson Russell , MacLeod Natalie , Donaldson Liam J. , Williams Huw , Hibbert Peter , Parry Gareth , Bhatt Jay , Sheikh Aziz , Carson‐Stevens Andrew 
Published: March 2020

Background and AimsOpioid substitution treatment is used in many countries as an effective harm minimization strategy. There is a need for more information about patient safety incidents and the resulting harm relating to this treatment. We aimed to characterize patient safety incidents involving opioid substitution treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in community‐based care by: (i) identifying the sources and nature of harm and (ii) describing and interpreting themes to identify priorities to focus future improvement work.DesignMixed‐methods study examining patient safety incident reports involving opioid substitution treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine in community‐based care.SettingData submitted between 2005 and 2015 from the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS), a national repository of patient safety incident reports from across England and Wales.ParticipantsA total of 2284 reports were identified involving patients receiving community‐based opioid substitution treatment.MeasurementsIncident type, contributory factors, incident outcome and severity of harm. Analysis involved data coding, processing and iterative generation of data summaries using descriptive statistical and thematic analysis.FindingsMost risks of harm from opioid substitution treatment came from failure in one of four processes of care delivery: prescribing opioid substitution (n = 151); supervised dispensing (n = 248); non‐supervised dispensing (n = 318); and monitoring and communication (n = 1544). Most incidents resulting in harm involved supervised or non‐supervised dispensing (n = 91 of 127, 72%). Staff‐ (e.g. slips during task execution, not following protocols) and organization‐related (e.g. poor working conditions or poor continuity of care between services) contributory factors were identified for more than half of incidents.ConclusionsRisks of harm in delivering opioid substitute treatment in England and Wales appear to arise out of failures in four processes: prescribing opioid substitution, supervised dispensing, non‐supervised dispensing and monitoring and communication.
A latent class analysis of changes in adolescent substance use between 1988 and 2011 in Sweden: associations with sex and psychosomatic problems
Authors: Evans Brittany E. , Kim Yunhwan , Hagquist Curt 
Published: March 2020

AimsTo characterize changes in patterns of adolescent substance use in Sweden between 1988 and 2011, and to assess whether sex and psychosomatic problems were associated with substance use and whether these associations changed over time.DesignSecondary analysis of repeated cross‐sectional survey data. Survey data were collected eight times and analyzed as four cohorts (1988–91, 1995–98, 2002–05 and 2008–11).Setting and participantsThe sample included all 15–16‐year‐olds in Värmland County, Sweden (n = 20 057).MeasurementsBinary‐coded substance use measures included life‐time use of alcohol and tobacco, getting drunk and past school year use of inhalants. An eight‐item scale was used to assess psychosomatic problems.FindingsA three‐class model fitted the data best (i.e. non/low use, mainly alcohol use and polysubstance use). The patterns of substance use were different among cohorts; most notably, adolescents in the last cohort had lower odds of being included in the alcohol and polysubstance use classes rather than the non/low use class than in the earlier cohorts (all Ps < 0.001). Males had higher odds than females of being in the polysubstance use class rather than the non/low use class among the first three cohorts (all Ps < 0.001) but not the last. Sex was not associated with inclusion in the alcohol use class rather than the non/low use class. Adolescents who reported more psychosomatic problems had higher odds of being included in the alcohol and polysubstance use classes rather than the non/low use class (all Ps < 0.001). The associations of sex and psychosomatic problems with class inclusion did not change during the study period.ConclusionsBetween 1988 and 2011, patterns of substance use among adolescents in Sweden shifted away from polysubstance use and alcohol use to non‐use or low use. Associations between patterns of substance use and sex and psychosomatic problems remained largely consistent across the study period.
Translocation for conservation: Neonates are less suitable than adults
Authors: Daniell Tara L. , Baring Ryan , Hutchinson Mark N. , Ainsley Phil , Gardner Michael G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAnimal behaviour can affect the outcome of conservation translocations. It is important to understand the behaviour of the species being considered for translocation and how its behaviour varies over life stages. There may be uncertainty about what life stages are best as founders for release back into wild populations. A technique called head‐starting whereby juvenile life stages are raised in captivity and then released is one potential pre‐release strategy. However, juveniles of many species have a dispersive role in the life cycle, potentially raising difficulties for establishing new populations due to dispersal from the intended habitat following release. For this study, we compared aspects of the behaviour of captive adult and neonate pygmy bluetongue lizards (Tiliqua adelaidensis) – an endangered species for which translocation is likely to be an important management strategy – to determine if neonate behavioural characteristics are appropriate for their translocation. We filmed adult and neonate pygmy bluetongue lizards and compared their behaviour. We also filmed adults over an activity season to compare seasonal behaviour. Behavioural parameters measured included basking time, burrow exits, burrows occupied and walking the perimeter wall. Neonates basked significantly more than adults in summer and autumn. Neonates are likely to be basking more than adults because they are in a stage of rapid growth and need to gain body mass before the winter inactivity period. Neonates exited burrows more often than adults and used a greater number of burrows. These results indicate neonate lizards are actively exploring their habitat. Neonates are unlikely to be as suitable for translocation as they are actively moving about and more likely to be predated upon or disperse from the translocation site. Our finding can be applied to other species that have active juvenile life stages and are at particular risk of predation due to their small size.
A large‐scale study to describe the prevalence, characteristics and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in African infants
Authors: Bellaiche Marc , Ategbo Simon , Krumholz Fanny , Ludwig Thomas , Miqdady Mohamad , Abkari Abdelhak , Vandenplas Yvan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the pattern, impact on quality of life and management of common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and related signs and symptoms in infants below 1 year of age in Africa.MethodsMulticentre, cross‐sectional, observational study in 10 African countries. At the first paediatric consultation of children with gastrointestinal symptoms, the perception of paediatricians on FGIDs (infant colic, constipation and regurgitation) and gas/bloating, impact on infant quality of life and parental anxiety and patient management practices were evaluated by standardised questionnaires.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 759 paediatricians for 10 812 infants. Overall, 49.9% of paediatricians reported ≥30% of first infant consultations each month for FGIDs or related symptoms. Infant colic was most commonly diagnosed (57.6% of infants), followed by gas/bloating (43.2%), regurgitation (39.7%) and constipation (31.4%). Overall, 53% presented >1 symptom. Mean scores for infant quality of life, sleep and parental anxiety were worse when children had multiple symptoms compared to children with a single symptom (P < .025). Prescription of medication was common (62.4%). There were no consistent differences between countries.ConclusionFunctional gastrointestinal disorder occurrence in Africa was high with a gap between expert recommendation that emphasises parental reassurance and nutritional advice and daily practice, particularly prescription of medication.