bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Market risk assessment
Authors: Kokoris Athanasios , Archontakis Fragiskos , Grose Christos 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
This study aims to examine whether the methodology proposed by the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) within Delegated Regulation (European Union) 2017/653 for the calculation of market risk of certain packaged retail and insurance-based investment products (PRIIPs) is the most appropriate.

Design/methodology/approach
Risk models are put into effect to validate the appropriateness of the methodology announced by ESAs. ESAs have announced that the unit-linked (UL) products, labeled as Category II PRIIPs, will be subject to the Cornish–Fisher value-at-risk (CFVaR) methodology for their market risk assessment. We test CFVaR at 97.5% confidence level on 70 UL products, and we test Cornish–Fisher expected shortfall (CFES) at the same confidence level, which acts as a counter methodology for CFVaR.

Findings
The paper provides empirical insights about the Cornish-Fisher (CF) expansion being a method that incorporates the possibility of financial instability. When CFVaR by ESAs is calculated, it is shown that CF is in general a more robust risk model than the simpler historical ones. However, when CFES is applied, important points are derived. First, only in half of the occasions the CF expansion can be considered as a reliable method. Second, the CFES is a more coherent risk measure than CFVaR. We conclude that the CF expansion is unable to accurately estimate the market risk of UL products when excessive fat-tailed or non-symmetrical distributions are present. Hence, we suggest that a different methodology could also be considered by the regulatory bodies which will capture the excessive values of products in financial distress.

Originality/value
Literature, both theoretical and applied, regarding PRIIPs, is not extended. Although business and regulators research has begun to intensify in the last two years, to our knowledge this is one of the first studies that uses the CFES methodology for market risk assessment of Category II PRIIPs. In addition, we use a unique data set from a country in the headwinds of the recent financial crisis. This research contributes both to the academic and business community by enriching the existing literature and aiding risk managers in assessing the market risk of certain Category II PRIIPs. Considering the recent efforts of the regulatory authorities at the beginning of 2020 to implement certain amendments to the PRIIPs, we indicate relative risks related with the calculation of the market risk of the aforementioned products. Our findings could contribute to regulatory authorities’ persistent efforts in wrapping up this ongoing project.
Tourism biosecurity risk management and planning: an international comparative analysis and implications for Ireland
Authors: Melly Domhnall , Hanrahan James 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to review the state of national biosecurity planning. The authors recognised tourist vectoring can increase the risk of invasive alien species (IAS) and disease; representing substantial biosecurity risk for tourism destinations worldwide. This research assesses the provision of biosecurity mitigation measures within national biosecurity plans and guidelines internationally. The author’s position in this issue contends that a lack of sufficient biosecurity risk management and planning in place for tourism could have severe impacts on a destination’s environment, society, and economy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors systematically reviewed national biosecurity planning through a mixed-method research approach. Frist, essential criteria identified from international literature allowed for content analysis to assess specific national biosecurity plans and strategies. Second, qualitative data was then gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews within national governing bodies and organisations.FindingsPlanning for tourism biosecurity varies around the world with some destinations demonstrating highly evolved plans such as Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia. However, this is not the case in Ireland where planning for biosecurity at a national level is severely limited. Biosecurity planning, pathway management, communication, quarantine and plans for tourism risk are inadequate to prevent the introduction and spread of IAS and disease in Ireland. Recommendations offer destinations globally and with “island status” an opportunity for biosecurity to be improved by using surveillance, communication, guidelines and specific capacities at the border stages within a specific national biosecurity plan.Originality/valueThis review on the state of national planning for biosecurity provides new knowledge specifically for tourism destinations worldwide, which can adopt the essential elements identified within this research for a national tourism biosecurity risk framework.
Variation in abundances of common bird species associated with roads
Authors: Cooke Sophia C. , Balmford Andrew , Johnston Alison , Newson Stuart E. , Donald Paul F. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The global road network, currently over 45 million lane‐km in length, is expected to reach 70 million lane‐km by 2050, while the number of vehicles utilizing it is expected to double. Roads have been shown to affect a range of wildlife, including birds, but most studies have been relatively small scale.

We use data from across Great Britain to analyse the relationships between roads and the spatial distributions of bird populations. We model counts of 51 common and widespread species from the U.K. Breeding Bird Survey in relation to road exposure, which we calculated for each count site using the density, distance and traffic volume of all roads within a 5‐km radius. In these models, we incorporate other factors known to affect bird populations, including agricultural intensity, human population, habitat and climate. Importantly, we also account for differences in detectability of birds near to roads.

The abundances of 30 species were strongly significantly related to exposure to either major or minor roads. Species were generally in higher abundances with increasing exposure to minor roads (20/28). In contrast, most significant associations between major road exposure and bird abundance were negative (7/8).

For species with significant effects of road exposure, we assessed how estimated abundance changed across the central 50% of road exposure experienced for each species. The mean decrease in abundance was 19% and the mean increase was 47%. These changes in bird abundance were up to half as large as those associated with increasing agricultural intensity, a factor often cited as a major cause of bird population changes.

Synthesis and applications. Our research shows many species to vary in abundance with increasing road exposure. This suggests that roads may modify bird populations on a national scale and that their potential as drivers of biodiversity change should not be overlooked. Our work highlights the need for appropriate mitigation of roads, particularly in areas important for avian biodiversity. This could include efforts to reduce impacts of road noise and/or collisions, such as reduced speed limits or quieter road surfaces in sensitive areas.
Soil and organic carbon losses from varying land uses: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdalla Khatab , Mutema Macdex , Hill Trevor 
Published: April 2020

Key insightsThe key main finding from the study was that soil surface cover by vegetation and organic materials has the potential to significantly decrease the impact of key drivers of soil erosion processes such as rainfall and slope. Natural vegetation cover appeared more effective in terms of controlling erosion processes and enhancing ecosystem functionality of soils. The results also suggest that abandoning degraded agricultural lands might not be a sound option because the erosion processes might accelerate beyond control during the bare phase. Instead, soil cover practices such as the use of straw, manure, and even rock fragments should be encouraged.
Metagenomic analysis of historical herbarium specimens reveals a postmortem microbial community
Authors: Bieker Vanessa C. , Sánchez Barreiro Fátima , Rasmussen Jacob A. , Brunier Marie , Wales Nathan , Martin Michael D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdvances in DNA extraction and next‐generation sequencing have made a vast number of historical herbarium specimens available for genomic investigation. These specimens contain not only genomic information from the individual plants themselves, but also from associated microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms may have colonized the living plant (e.g., pathogens or host‐associated commensal taxa) or may result from postmortem colonization that may include decomposition processes or contamination during sample handling. Here we characterize the metagenomic profile from shotgun sequencing data from herbarium specimens of two widespread plant species (Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Arabidopsis thaliana) collected up to 180 years ago. We used blast searching in combination with megan and were able to infer the metagenomic community even from the oldest herbarium sample. Through comparison with contemporary plant collections, we identify three microbial species that are nearly exclusive to herbarium specimens, including the fungus Alternaria alternata, which can comprise up to 7% of the total sequencing reads. This species probably colonizes the herbarium specimens during preparation for mounting or during storage. By removing the probable contaminating taxa, we observe a temporal shift in the metagenomic composition of the invasive weed Am. artemisiifolia. Our findings demonstrate that it is generally possible to use herbarium specimens for metagenomic analyses, but that the results should be treated with caution, as some of the identified species may be herbarium contaminants rather than representing the natural metagenomic community of the host plant.
Continuing epidural analgesia during the second stage and ACOG definition of arrest of labor on maternal‐fetal outcomes
Authors: Zheng ShengXing , Zheng Wenwen , Zhu Tianqi , Lan Haiyan , Wang Qian , Sun Xiao , Hu MingPin 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundDespite an increase in the rates of epidural labor analgesia, continuation of epidural labor analgesia in the second stage of labor (CEADSSOL) was interrupted by care providers due to fears of increased risk of operative delivery and adverse neonatal outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of CEADSSOL and the newer American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) definition of arrest of labor on the length of secondary stage of labor, newborn outcomes, and mode of delivery.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. Data collection began during March 2014 and ended in May 2015, 1 year after implementation of both interventions. The primary outcome was the length of secondary stage of labor, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome (Apgar < 7, at 5 minutes). The implementation of continuing epidural analgesia during the second stage of labor was performed with 0.08%‐0.15% ropivacaine and 0.1‐0.2 µg/mL sufentanil.ResultsThere were a total 10 414 deliveries during the study period. The length of the second stage of labor has no significant differences among groups. The cesarean delivery rate decreased 4.1% (36% vs 40.1%, P = .0038). Moreover, no significant difference was found in neonatal Apgar scores less than 7 at 5 minutes between two phases. Maternal outcomes remained unchanged. Post‐intervention neonatal parameters including NICU admissions (P < .001), incidences of antibiotics usage (P < .0001), intubation (P = .0003), and 7 days mortality (P = .0020) were remarkably reduced compared to pre‐interventions.ConclusionThe important finding of this study was the improvement in neonatal outcomes by implementing two simultaneous interventions without a cost of increased operative delivery.
Comparison of inbred mouse strains shows diverse phenotypic outcomes of intervertebral disc aging
Authors: Novais Emanuel J. , Tran Victoria A. , Miao Jingya , Slaver Katie , Sinensky Andrew , Dyment Nathaniel A. , Addya Sankar , Szeri Flora , van de Wetering Koen , Shapiro Irving M. , Risbud Makarand V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration presents a wide spectrum of clinically degenerative disc phenotypes; however, the contribution of genetic background to the degenerative outcomes has not been established. We characterized the spinal phenotype of 3 mouse strains with varying cartilage‐regenerative potential at 6 and 23 months: C57BL/6, LG/J and SM/J. All strains showed different aging phenotypes. Importantly, LG/J mice showed an increased prevalence of dystrophic disc calcification in caudal discs with aging. Quantitative‐histological analyses of LG/J and SM/J caudal discs evidenced accelerated degeneration compared to BL6, with cellular disorganization and cell loss together with fibrosis of the NP, respectively. Along with the higher grades of disc degeneration, SM/J, at 6M, also differed the most in terms of NP gene expression compared to other strains. Moreover, although we found common DEGs between BL6 and LG/J aging, most of them were divergent between the strains. Noteworthy, the common DEGs altered in both LG/J and BL6 aging were associated with inflammatory processes, response to stress, cell differentiation, cell metabolism and cell division. Results suggested that disc calcification in LG/J resulted from a dystrophic calcification process likely aggravated by cell death, matrix remodelling, changes in calcium/phosphate homeostasis and cell transformation. Lastly, we report 7 distinct phenotypes of human disc degeneration based on transcriptomic profiles, that presented similar pathways and DEGs found in aging mouse strains. Together, our results suggest that disc aging and degeneration depends on the genetic background and involves changes in various molecular pathways, which might help to explain the diverse phenotypes seen during disc disease.
Early Self‐Proning in Awake, Non‐intubated Patients in the Emergency Department: A Single ED’s Experience During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Caputo Nicholas D. , Strayer Reuben J. , Levitan Richard 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveProlonged and unaddressed hypoxia can lead to poor patient outcomes. Proning has become a standard treatment in the management of patients with ARDS who have difficulty achieving adequate oxygen saturation. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of early proning of awake, non‐intubated patients in the emergency department (ED) during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsThis pilot study was carried out in a single urban ED in New York City. We included patients suspected of having COVID‐19 with hypoxia on arrival. A standard pulse oximeter was used to measure SpO2. SpO2 measurements were recorded at triage and after 5 minutes of proning. Supplemental oxygenation methods included non‐rebreather mask (NRB) and nasal cannula. We also characterized post‐proning failure rates of intubation within the first 24 hours of arrival to the ED.ResultsFifty patients were included. Overall, the median SpO2 at triage was 80% (IQR 69 to 85). After application of supplemental oxygen was given to patients on room air it was 84% (IQR 75 to 90). After 5 minutes of proning was added SpO2 improved to 94% (IQR 90 to 95). Comparison of the pre‐ to post‐median by the Wilcoxon Rank‐sum test yielded P = 0.001. Thirteen patients (24%) failed to improve or maintain their oxygen saturations and required endotracheal intubation within 24 hours of arrival to the ED.ConclusionAwake early self‐proning in the emergency department demonstrated improved oxygen saturation in our COVID‐19 positive patients. Further studies are needed to support causality and determine the effect of proning on disease severity and mortality.
Examining adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes associated with severe maternal morbidity
Authors: Lawton Beverley , Filoche Sara , MacDonald Evelyn Jane , Stanley James , Meeks Maggie , Stone Peter , Storey Francesca , Geller Stacie E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile there is a global focus on severe maternal morbidity (SMM), less is known about the impact of SMM on fetal and neonatal outcomes.AimsTo examine fetal/neonatal outcomes associated with SMM.Materials and MethodsA national New Zealand (NZ) retrospective cohort study describing fetal/neonatal outcomes of all women with SMM admitted to a NZ Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or High Dependency Unit (HDU) in 2014. Adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes were defined as one or more of the following: fetal or early neonatal death, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, Apgar score less than seven at five minutes, admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Baby Unit.ResultsThere were 400 women with SMM admitted to NZ ICU/HDU units in 2014, and 395 (98.8%) had complete birth/pregnancy outcome information. Of these, 49.4% (195/395) were associated with an adverse fetal/neonatal outcome. Indigenous Māori women had a 30% higher rate of adverse fetal/neonatal outcome compared to NZ European women (63.7% and 48.9% respectively; relative risk = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.64). Pre‐eclampsia was associated with an adverse fetal/neonatal outcome in 67% (81/120). Perinatal‐related mortality rate was 53.1 per 1000 total births compared to NZ perinatal mortality of 11.2 per 1000 total births for 2014.ConclusionSMM events are associated with high rates of adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes with a higher burden of adverse events for Māori. Further research is needed to explore opportunities in maternal and neonatal care pathways to improve fetal/neonatal outcomes and address inequities.
Change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and maternal and obstetric risk factors: A longitudinal ultrasound study
Authors: Halle Tuva Kristine , Stær‐Jensen Jette , Hilde Gunvor , Bø Kari , Ellström Engh Marie , Siafarikas Franziska 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe present study aimed first to investigate the change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle (LAM) defects, also called avulsions, from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and second to assess maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defects/avulsions at 1 year postpartum.Material and methodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study including 300 nulliparous women at 17‐19 weeks of gestation. Major LAM defects were diagnosed at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum using transperineal ultrasonography. We defined persistent major LAM defects as a defect diagnosed both at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Maternal and obstetric data were obtained from the hospital’s electronic birth records. Pelvic floor muscle function was measured vaginally by manometer at 21 weeks of gestation. The main outcome measurement was change in prevalence of major LAM defects. Maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defect were also assessed.ResultsPrevalence of major LAM defects was 19.4% at 6 weeks and 10.4% at 1 year postpartum. No new major LAM defects were diagnosed at 1 year postpartum. Persisting major LAM defects were associated with longer second stage of labor (median 74.5 minutes vs median 48.0 minutes, P = .012) and higher neonatal birthweight (mean difference of 232.3 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5‐443.1). Vacuum delivery was independently associated with persistent major LAM defects, adjusted OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.0‐9.0).ConclusionsThere was a 50% reduction of sonographically diagnosed major LAM defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum. This finding suggests that assessment of the major LAM 6 weeks postpartum may be too early to diagnose defects/avulsions. Long second stage of labor, high neonatal birthweight and vacuum delivery were associated with persistent major LAM defects/avulsions.
Effect of artificial liver support system on short‐term prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Liu Hua , Zhang Qian , Liu Lei , Cao Yingying , Ye Qing , Liu Fang , Liang Jing , Wen Jing , Li Ying , Han Tao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is difficult to treat and carries a high risk of short‐term mortality. This study aimed to explore the effect of artificial liver support system (ALSS) on the survival of HBV‐ACLF patients and to investigate which HBV‐ACLF patients may benefit from ALSS treatment. We enrolled 132 patients hospitalized for HBV‐ACLF according to the criteria of the Chinese Group on the Study of Severe Hepatitis B‐ACLF (COSSH‐ACLF) from 425 ACLF patients who were determined to at least meet the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver criteria and followed up for 90 days. Overall 132 eligible patients were divided into two groups: standard medical treatment (SMT) group, which included 54 patients who underwent SMT alone, and ALSS group, which included 78 patients who underwent ALSS treatment plus SMT. The proportion of HBV‐ACLF grade 1, 2, and 3 was 57.69%, 37.18%, and 5.13% in the ALSS group and 51.85%, 35.19%, and 12.96% in the SMT group, respectively. Bacterial infection was present in 43.6% of patients in the ALSS group and in 55.6% of patients in the SMT group. The mortality rates in the ALSS group at 28 and 90 days were significantly lower than those in the SMT group (23.08% vs. 48.15% and 33.33% vs. 57.41%, P < 0.05). ALSS was an independent factor related to both the 28‐ and 90‐day survival of HBV‐ACLF patients. Particularly, a higher cumulative survival rate in either patients with HBV‐ACLF grade 1 or those with HBV‐ACLF with bacterial infection was observed in the ALSS group. Moreover, ALSS had an independent influence on mortality. Based on the COSSH‐ACLF criteria, ALSS could better improve the short‐term survival of HBV‐ACLF patients than SMT alone, especially in those with HBV‐ACLF grade 1 or HBV‐ACLF with infection.
Control of ventricular unloading using an electrocardiogram‐synchronized pulsatile ventricular assist device under high stroke ratios
Authors: Magkoutas Konstantinos , Rebholz Mathias , Sündermann Simon , Alogna Alessio , Faragli Alessandro , Falk Volkmar , Meboldt Mirko , Schmid Daners Marianne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPulsatile ventricular assist devices (pVADs) yield a blood flow that imitates the pulsatile flow of the heart and, therefore, could diminish the adverse events related to the continuous flow provided by the ventricular assist devices that are commonly used. However, their intrinsic characteristics of larger size and higher weight set a burden to their implantation, that along with the frequent mechanical failures and thrombosis events, reduce the usage of pVADs in the clinical environment. In this study, we investigated the possibility to reduce the pump size by using high pump stroke ratios while maintaining the ability to control the hemodynamics of the cardiovascular system (CVS). In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted with a custom pVAD implemented on a hybrid mock circulation system and in five sheep, respectively. The actuation of the pVAD was synchronized with the heartbeat. Variations of the pump stroke ratio, time delay between the pump stroke and the heart stroke, as well as duration of the pump systole in respect to the total cardiac cycle duration were used to evaluate the effects of various pump settings on the hemodynamics of the CVS. The results suggest that by varying the operating settings of the pVAD, a pulsatile flow that provides physiological hemodynamic parameters, as well as a control over the hemodynamic parameters, can be achieved. Additionally, by employing high pump stroke ratios, the size of the pVAD can be significantly reduced; however, at those high pump stroke ratios, the effect of the other pump parameters diminishes.