bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Transition from Small to Large Farms in Developing Economies: A Welfare Analysis
Authors: Ma Meilin , Lin Jessie , Sexton Richard J. 
Published: March 2021

Promoting smallholder production systems as a growth and poverty‐reduction strategy versus supporting an institutional framework that enables endogenous and voluntary consolidation of smallholder farms into larger operations is a central debate for economic development and food security in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We propose an integrated conceptual framework to compare the two alternative farming systems for producing a domestic staple commodity, focusing on key economic factors that differentiate them, including labor inefficiency of larger farms, credit constraints for smallholders, and differences in farm–retail price spreads. We derive equilibrium expressions for economic welfare for smallholder farmers and urban consumers under the two farming systems, and parameterize the model based on publicly available data and recent empirical literature. An extensive simulation analysis reveals several key results from transforming to a large‐farm equilibrium: (a) rural household welfare almost always declines; (b) total production of the staple almost always increases; (c) the sum of urban and rural household welfare almost always increases, often by substantial amounts; and (d) rural employment does not decrease, even with modest increases in capital intensity on large farms. Policies to promote farm consolidation, while protecting rural households from welfare losses, for example through income transfers, can achieve Pareto improvements for nearly all of the comparative equilibria studied.
Relationship of hemoglobin level and plasma coproporphyrin‐I concentrations as an endogenous probe for phenotyping OATP1B
Authors: Suzuki Yosuke , Sasamoto Yuri , Koyama Teruhide , Yoshijima Chisato , Oda Ayako , Nakatochi Masahiro , Kubo Michiaki , Momozawa Yukihide , Uehara Ritei , Ohno Keiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPlasma coproporphyrin‐I (CP‐I) concentration is used as a sensitive and selective endogenous probe for phenotyping organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B (OATP1B) activity in many studies. CP‐I is produced in the process of heme synthesis, but the relationship between plasma CP‐I concentrations and heme synthesis activity is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between plasma CP‐I concentration and hemoglobin level as a biomarker of heme synthesis activity. The data of 391 subjects selected from the Japanese general population were analyzed. One hundred twenty‐six participants had OATP1B1*15 allele, 11 of whom were homozygous (OATP1B1*15/*15). Multiple regression analysis identified hemoglobin level as an independent variable associated with plasma CP‐I concentration (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was observed between hemoglobin level and plasma CP‐I concentration in participants without OATP1B1*15 allele (n = 265; rs = 0.35, p < 0.0001) and with OATP1B1*15 allele (n = 126; rs =0.27, p = 0.0022). However, Kruskal–Wallis test showed no large difference in Kruskal–Wallis statistics between the distribution of plasma CP‐I concentrations and that of ratio of plasma CP‐I to hemoglobin among six OATP1B1 polymorphism groups. These findings suggest that the hemoglobin level seems to reflect biosynthesis of CP‐I. However, correction by hemoglobin level is not required when using basal plasma CP‐I concentration for phenotyping OATP1B activity.
The impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on accelerometer‐assessed physical activity and sleep in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rowlands Alex V. , Henson Joseph J. , Coull Nicole A. , Edwardson Charlotte L. , Brady Emer , Hall Andrew , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie , Yates Tom 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsRestrictions during the COVID‐19 crisis will have impacted on opportunities to be active. We aimed to (a) quantify the impact of COVID‐19 restrictions on accelerometer‐assessed physical activity and sleep in people with type 2 diabetes and (b) identify predictors of physical activity during COVID‐19 restrictions.MethodsParticipants were from the UK Chronotype of Patients with type 2 diabetes and Effect on Glycaemic Control (CODEC) observational study. Participants wore an accelerometer on their wrist for 8 days before and during COVID‐19 restrictions. Accelerometer outcomes included the following: overall physical activity, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), time spent inactive, days/week with ≥30‐minute continuous MVPA and sleep. Predictors of change in physical activity taken pre‐COVID included the following: age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), socio‐economic status and medical history.ResultsIn all, 165 participants (age (mean±S.D = 64.2 ± 8.3 years, BMI=31.4 ± 5.4 kg/m2, 45% women) were included. During restrictions, overall physical activity was lower by 1.7 mg (~800 steps/day) and inactive time 21.9 minutes/day higher, but time in MVPA and sleep did not statistically significantly change. In contrast, the percentage of people with ≥1 day/week with ≥30‐minute continuous MVPA was higher (34% cf. 24%). Consistent predictors of lower physical activity and/or higher inactive time were higher BMI and/or being a woman. Being older and/or from ethnic minorities groups was associated with higher inactive time.ConclusionsOverall physical activity, but not MVPA, was lower in adults with type 2 diabetes during COVID‐19 restrictions. Women and individuals who were heavier, older, inactive and/or from ethnic minority groups were most at risk of lower physical activity during restrictions.
On the performance of monopile weldments under service loading conditions and fatigue damage prediction
Authors: Biswal Romali , Al Mamun Abdullah , Mehmanparast Ali 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThick weldments used in offshore structures frequently act as fatigue crack initiation sites due to stress concentration at weld toe as well as weld residual stress fields. This paper investigates the cyclic deformation behavior of S355 G10+M steel, which is predominantly used in offshore wind applications. Owing to the vast size difference of monopile structure and weld cross‐section, a global–local finite element (FE) method was used, and the weld geometry was adopted from circumferential weld joints used in offshore wind turbine monopile foundations. Realistic service loads collected using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and wave buoy techniques were used in the FE model. A nonlinear isotropic–kinematic hardening model was calibrated using the strain controlled cyclic deformation results obtained from base metal (BM) as well as cross‐weld specimen tests. The tests revealed that the S355 G10+M BM and weld metal (WM) undergo continuous cyclic stress relaxation. Fatigue damage over a period of 20 years of operation was predicted using the local stress at the root of the weldments as the life limiting criterion. This study helps in quantifying the level of conservatism in the current monopile design approaches and has implications towards making wind energy more economic.
Effectiveness of gelatine and chitosan spray coating for extending shelf life of vacuum‐packaged beef
Authors: Gedarawatte Shamika T.G. , Ravensdale Joshua T. , Johns Michael L. , Azizi Azlinda , Al‐Salami Hani , Dykes Gary A. , Coorey Ranil 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThe effects of applying gelatine (10%) and chitosan (1%) as spray coatings to extend the shelf life of vacuum‐packaged beef was studied and compared against uncoated vacuum‐packaged beef for up to 21 days. The impact of edible coatings on the water‐holding properties of vacuum‐packaged beef was investigated by LF‐NMR together with physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial assessments. Chitosan coating significantly reduced lipid oxidation by ~30% to 36% and inhibited the growth of lactic acid bacteriaby ~ 1–2 log cfu compared to purge collected from uncoated and gelatine coated samples. It did not negatively affect the meat pH, tenderness and colour, and exhibited significantly higher sensorial acceptance compared to beef coated with gelatine. Both coatings were not effective in reducing purge loss in vacuum‐packaged meat as the storage time increased. This study suggests that chitosan spray coating could be easily adapted to industrial plant settings as an antioxidant and antimicrobial application before carrying out meat vacuum packaging operation.
Anti‐hyperglycaemic effects of Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) leaf flavonoids through inhibiting α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase
Authors: Cui Jue , Zeng Siman , Zhang Chuyun 
Published: March 2021

SummaryBurdock (Arctium lappa L.) leaves are a polyphenol‐rich and underutilised by‐product of burdock. To exploit the use of burdock leaves, inhibitory effects of burdock leaf flavonoids (BLF) on α‐amylase (α‐A) and α‐glucosidase (α‐G) activities and starch digestion were investigated. The findings revealed that BLF exhibited promising α‐A (IC50 value of 92.01 μg mL−1) and α‐G (IC50 value of 29.49 μg mL−1) inhibitions in a mixed‐type manner. Fourteen compounds in BLF were identified, and apigenin glycosides, morin, kaempferol and quercetin 3‐O‐rhamnoside were the predominant compounds in BLF. The key active compound existing in BLF was morin which possessed the highest inhibition of α‐A and α‐G activities followed by quercetin 3‐O‐rhamnoside and kaempferol. Kinetic and spectroscopic studies verified that morin could bind to the two carbohydrate digestive enzymes to form the complexes, causing declines in α‐A and α‐G activities. The results of starch digestion in vitro showed that the addition of 4% BLF and morin significantly reduced the content of rapidly digestible starch in wheat flour. The above results suggest that BLF can become a new functional ingredient which may help in the design of lower glycaemic‐response foods.
Food market segmentation based on consumer preferences using outranking multicriteria approaches
Authors: Casas‐Rosal José Carlos , Segura Marina , Maroto Concepción 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMarket segmentation is a key concept in marketing that groups consumers by their needs, characteristics, or purchasing behavior. The objectives of this research are to develop outranking multicriteria models based on preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) in order to segment food consumers and apply them to a survey of healthy and sustainable meat. The models consider two categories of purchasing criteria; one related to product and another to the distributor process. One model generates ordered segments of consumers, while the other obtains four segments according to consumer performance in both criteria categories. An extension of FlowSort method for the sorting problems with Likert scale data is also contributed. The profile of segments shows the significance level of variables such as gender, but mainly those related to food‐related lifestyles, when characterizing the consumer groups. This proposal represents a robust approach, which is useful in the effective design of marketing campaigns and policies.
Sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women tested positive for COVID‐19 admitted to a referral center in Northern Italy during lockdown period
Authors: D'Ambrosi Francesco , Iurlaro Enrico , Tassis Beatrice , Di Maso Matteo , Erra Roberta , Cetera Giulia E. , Cesano Nicola , Di Martino Daniela , Ossola Manuela W. , Ferrazzi Enrico Maria 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated association between sociodemographic characteristics and COVID‐19 disease among pregnant women admitted to our unit, the largest high‐risk maternity unit in the Milan metropolitan area.MethodsBetween March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, 896 pregnant women were admitted to our Institution and tested for COVID‐19. We collected information regarding their sociodemographic characteristics. Additional information on geographical area of residence, number of family members, number of family members tested positive for COVID‐19, and clinical data was collected for women tested positive for COVID‐19. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of developing COVID‐19 according to sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by unconditional logistic regression models.ResultsAmong the 896 women enrolled, 50 resulted positive for COVID‐19. Pregnant women aged ≥35 years had a significantly lower risk of developing the infection (crude OR = 0.29; 95% CI:0.16–0.55). Conversely, foreign women (crude OR = 3.32; 95% CI:1.89–5.81), unemployed women (crude OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.77–5.40), and women with an unemployed partner (crude OR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.48–6.79) showed a significantly higher risk of infection. Ethnicity was positively associated with the risk of developing COVID‐19 (mutually adjusted OR = 2.15; 95% CI:1.12–4.11) in the multivariate analysis. Foreign women with COVID‐19 were more likely to have a lower education level (p < 0.01), to be unemployed (p < 0.01), and to live in larger families (p < 0.01) compared to Italian pregnant women.ConclusionsThe socioeconomic conditions described are characteristic of immigration patterns in our metropolitan area. These factors may increase the risk of viral transmission, reducing the effectiveness of lockdown and social distancing.
The generalization of intergroup contact effects: Emerging research, policy relevance, and future directions
Authors: Boin Jessica , Rupar Mirjana , Graf Sylvie , Neji Sybille , Spiegler Olivia , Swart Hermann 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntergroup contact is one of the most promising and effective strategies for reducing prejudice. Importantly, intergroup contact not only improves attitudes towards an encountered outgroup member but also to the outgroup as a whole (i.e., primary transfer effects), to other outgroups (i.e., secondary transfer effects), and even enhances cognitive functioning beyond intergroup relations (i.e., tertiary transfer effect). In this article, we first review the recent developments on primary, secondary, and tertiary contact generalization. We then summarize mechanisms that underlie and condition each of these generalizations. Third, we highlight key critiques against the contact literature identifying avenues for future research on generalization processes. Lastly, we underline the policy value of research on generalization effects.
Salivary levels of last generation specific pro‐resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) (protectin and maresin) in patients with cardiovascular and periodontal disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Önal Mehmet Artuğ , Fentoğlu Özlem , Aksoy Fatih , Calapoğlu Mustafa , Varol Ercan , Orhan Hikmet 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivePeriodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which are both deemed to be triggered by inflammation, are recognized as public health problems. Evidence of host modulation via pro‐resolving lipid shown in previous studies supports a two‐way relationship between periodontitis and CVD. Last generation endogenous specific pro‐resolution lipid mediators (SPMs) such as protectins (PDs) and maresins (MaRs) may have potential effects on inflammatory pathogenesis via activation and resolution mechanisms. Currently, there are no data on SPM levels in patients with CVD and periodontal disease. We aimed to evaluate salivary levels of PD and MaR in patients with CVD and periodontal disease.Materials and MethodsAt total of 181 individuals comprising of 79 healthy controls (C) and 102 patients with diagnosed CVD were included cross‐sectionally. Unstimulated total salivary samples were obtained, and clinical periodontal parameters were determined. Salivary levels of PD and MaR were evaluated by ELISA. The periodontal status of the study population was classified as gingivitis (g) or periodontitis (p).ResultsPatients with CVD showed lower sociodemographic characteristics, increased clinical periodontal parameters (p < .05), decreased salivary PD (p < .001), and increased salivary MaR levels (p > .05). In the CVDg group, leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and high‐density lipoprotein values were higher (p < .05). The CVDp group had a higher neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (p < .05). While the PD level was highest in the Cg group, MaR was highest in the CVDp group. The salivary levels of PD and MaR were independent of other confounders in CVD and periodontal disease (p > .05).Conclusion(s)PDs and MaRs may play effective roles in pathogenesis associated with worsening cardiometabolic and periodontal status. These SPMs could also be predictors for conversion from a healthy (systemically and periodontally) to diseased state (CVD and/or periodontitis). Elucidation of the role of SPMs in the relationship between periodontal disease and CVD will enable the development of new host modulation strategies in the prevention and treatment of both diseases, and may also constitute an important public health step by increasing the quality of life of patients with CVD and periodontal disease.
Migrating grass awn within the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space in a dog
Authors: Collard C. , Garnier P. , Gory G. , Cabon Q. 
Published: March 2021

A 1.5‐year‐old MC Cardigan Welsh Corgi was presented for a right oral fistula associated with left tonsil enlargement that responded to medical treatment. A first computed tomography scan was performed and showed no signs of a foreign body. Medical treatment was continued for 2 additional weeks and the dog was free of clinical signs for 3 months. The dog was presented again for a 3‐day history of anorexia and marked pain when opening the jaw. The repeat computed tomography scan revealed a migrating foreign body near the optic canal of the right eye, and surgical exploration confirmed that it was trapped within the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space, abutting the optic nerve. The foreign body was surgically removed through an osteotomy of the zygomatic bone. The dog fully recovered with no vision loss. Based on the literature search, this is the first published report describing a migrating grass awn located in the intraconal part of the retrobulbar space, abutting the optic nerve.
Effect of CFTR correctors on the traffic and the function of intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants
Authors: Ben Saad Amel , Vauthier Virginie , Tóth Ágota , Janaszkiewicz Angelika , Durand‐Schneider Anne‐Marie , Bruneau Alix , Delaunay Jean‐Louis , Lapalus Martine , Mareux Elodie , Garcin Isabelle , Gonzales Emmanuel , Housset Chantal , Aït‐Slimane Tounsia , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Di Meo Florent , Falguières Thomas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground & aimABCB4 is expressed at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. This ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter is responsible for the secretion of phosphatidylcholine into bile canaliculi. Missense genetic variations of ABCB4 are correlated with several rare cholestatic liver diseases, the most severe being progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3). In a repurposing strategy to correct intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants, we tested 16 compounds previously validated as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) correctors.MethodsThe maturation, intracellular localization and activity of intracellularly retained ABCB4 variants were analyzed in cell models after treatment with CFTR correctors. In addition, in silico molecular docking calculations were performed to test the potential interaction of CFTR correctors with ABCB4.ResultsWe observed that the correctors C10, C13, and C17, as well as the combinations of C3 + C18 and C4 + C18, allowed the rescue of maturation and canalicular localization of four distinct traffic‐defective ABCB4 variants. However, such treatments did not permit a rescue of the phosphatidylcholine secretion activity of these defective variants and were also inhibitory of the activity of wild type ABCB4. In silico molecular docking analyses suggest that these CFTR correctors might directly interact with transmembrane domains and/or ATP‐binding sites of the transporter.ConclusionOur results illustrate the uncoupling between the traffic and the activity of ABCB4 because the same molecules can rescue the traffic of defective variants while they inhibit the secretion activity of the transporter. We expect that this study will help to design new pharmacological tools with potential clinical interest.
The wolf you feed: Challenging intraprofessional workplace‐based education norms
Authors: Stalmeijer Renée E. , Varpio Lara 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContextThe trajectory towards becoming a medical professional is strongly situated within the clinical workplace. Through participatory engagement, medical trainees learn to address complex health care issues through collaboration with the interprofessional health care team. To help explain learning and teaching dynamics within the clinical workplace, many scholars have relied on socio‐cultural learning theories. In the field of medical education, this research has largely adopted a limited interpretation of a crucial dimension within socio‐cultural learning theory: the expert who guides the trainee into the community is almost exclusively from the same profession. We contend that this narrow interpretation is not necessary. This limited focus is one we choose to maintain—be that choice intentional or implicit. In this cross‐cutting edge paper, we argue that choosing an interprofessional orientation towards workplace learning and guidance may better prepare medical trainees for their future role in health care practice.MethodsBy applying Communities of Practice and Landscapes of Practice , and supported by empirical examples, we demonstrate how medical trainees are not solely on a trajectory towards the Community of Physician Practice (CoPP) but also on a trajectory towards various Landscapes of Healthcare Practice (LoHCP). We discuss some of the barriers present within health care organisations and professions that have likely inhibited adoption of the broader LoHCP perspective. We suggest three perspectives that might help to deliberately and meaningfully incorporate the interprofessional learning and teaching dynamic within the medical education continuum.ConclusionSystematically incorporating Landscapes of Competence, Assessment, and Guidance in workplace‐based education—in addition to our current intraprofessional approach—can better prepare medical trainees for their roles within the LoHCP. By advocating and researching this interprofessional perspective, we can embark on a journey towards fully harnessing and empowering the health care team within workplace‐based education.
Tips for addressing common conditions affecting pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color
Authors: Grayson Ciara , Heath Candrice 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPediatric and adolesent patients with skin of color are seen by dermatologists for common complaints such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and traction alopecia. Combining the understanding of cultural practices, empathetic patient communication, and social implications is useful in counseling and treating pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color.