bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospects, determinants and challenges of implementing food banking: evidence from Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Mensah Nicholas Oppong , Asare Jeffery Kofi , Amrago Ernest Christlieb , Anang Samuel Afotey , Nakuja Tekuni 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the prospects and constraints of implementing food banking in the in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachMultistage sampling technique was used to select 385 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present prospects of food banking. The probit regression model was used to analyse factors influencing food banking implementation whereas Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to analyse constraints in implementing food banking.FindingsAddressing food poverty, helping to provide food aid to respondents in times of pandemics (such as Covid 19) and also helping in reducing food wastage were the most notable prospects of food banking. Age, household size, food bank awareness and food poverty had a significant positive influence on food banking implementation, whereas residential status and employment status had a significant negative influence on food banking implementation. The most pressing constraint in implementing food banking is funding and support with the mean rank of 3.03 whiles the least pressing constraint is improper documentation of potential beneficiaries with the mean rank of 6.72.Social implicationsThis study provides empirical contributions and practical implications for implementing food banks in Ghana. Thus, the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) can enact policies that can help prevent food losses and wastage. In this vain, food which could have been wasted would be redirected to food banks. This can serve as a tool for social intervention, poverty alleviation and prevention of hunger among the vulnerable in Ghana.Originality/valueDespite several studies on food banking in affluent countries, food banking research in developing countries such as Ghana remains scanty. Thus, this paper makes significant contributions to the literature on prospects and constraints in implementing food banking and the factors influencing food banking implementation.
Inequality in Mortality: Updated Estimates for the United States, Canada and France*
Authors: Baker Michael , Currie Janet , Miloucheva Boriana , Schwandt Hannes , Thuilliez Josselin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study provides comparisons of inequalities in mortality between the United States, Canada and France using the most recent available data. The period between 2010 and 2018 saw increases in mortality and in inequality in mortality for most age and gender groups in the United States. The main exceptions were children under 5 and adults over 65. In contrast, Canada saw a further flattening of mortality gradients in most groups, as well as further declines in overall mortality. The sole exception was Canadian women over 80 years old, who saw small increases in mortality rates. France saw continuing improvements in mortality rates in all groups. Both Canada and France have distributions of mortality that are much more equal than those in the United States, demonstrating the importance of public policy in the achievement of equality in health.
Gender and Age Differences in Socio‐economic Inequalities in Total and Avoidable Mortality in Portugal: A Trend Analysis*
Authors: Costa Cláudia , Santana Paula 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how socio‐economic inequalities in mortality (total and avoidable) evolved in Portugal from the 1990s onwards by looking at differences by gender, age group, poverty and cause of death. Results show that mortality in younger age groups is decreasing faster in the most deprived municipalities. Yet, avoidable deaths do not follow this pattern, particularly with respect to treatable mortality amenable to the health care services. Although total and avoidable mortality are decreasing across all age groups and both genders, decreases in treatable deaths during and after the 2011–14 economic crisis slowed down among the young, with a sharpening of socio‐economic inequalities in avoidable mortality among adults and the elderly. This provides evidence that, in some respects, focusing programmes on those living in poor circumstances has been successful over time. However, the impact of the Great Recession on health care services might have contributed to a significant increase in some treatable causes of death associated with these services.
Accrual Accounting and Resource Allocation: A General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: CHOI JUNG HO 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThis paper evaluates the role of accrual accounting in improving firms' production decisions and resource allocation across firms. I introduce two imperfect firm‐performance measures, cash flows and accounting earnings, into a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous firms under imperfect information. The model demonstrates that improvements in measurement systems lead to more informed decisions on the part of firms and ultimately to allocation of greater resources to high‐productivity firms via the product and input markets. Estimated parameter values are consistent with accrual accounting improving managers' information about current productivity by providing a better measure of historical firm performance. Quantitative analysis suggests that introducing accrual‐accounting information on top of cash‐accounting information leads to a 0.5% increase in aggregate U.S. productivity and a 0.7% increase in aggregate U.S. output via improved resource allocation. The corresponding estimates for China and India, as benchmarks for developing countries, are larger: a 1.5% to 2.3% increase in aggregate productivity and a 2.3% to 3.4% increase in aggregate output. I conclude that accrual accounting plays a significant role in determining aggregate productivity via improved resource allocation.
Discrimination of conspecifics from heterospecifics in a hybrid zone: Behavioral and chemical cues in ants
Authors: Cordonnier Marion , Kaufmann Bernard , Simon Laurent , Escarguel Gilles , Mondy Nathalie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpecies and nestmate recognition in social insects occurs mostly through cuticular hydrocarbons acting as chemical cues. These compounds generate a colony‐specific odor profile depending on genetic and environmental factors. Species and nestmate recognition results in specific behavioral responses, regulating the level of aggression toward other individuals during an interaction. Although species discrimination and recognition cues have been poorly studied in the context of interspecific hybridization, such systems offer an opportunity to further investigate the influence of heritable and environmental factors on recognition. We explored the strength of discrimination in a hybrid zone between two ant species—Tetramorium immigrans and T. caespitum—by comparing cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and measuring intra‐ and interspecific worker aggression in both areas of sympatry and areas of allopatry among species. Species cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were well‐differentiated and interspecific aggression was high, revealing highly discriminating species recognition cues. Hybrids’ cuticular hydrocarbon profiles consisted of a mixture of the parental bouquets, but also exhibited hybrid‐specific patterns. Behavioral assays showed that T. immigrans is as aggressive toward hybrids as toward heterospecifics. Finally, aggression between heterospecific workers was lower when interacting individuals came from areas of sympatry among species than from areas of allopatry. Taken as a whole, these findings paint a particularly complex picture of the recognition system in T. immigrans, T. caespitum, and their hybrids, and highlight that hybrid zones afford a still underexplored opportunity for investigating recognition mechanisms and discrimination between species.
Time to Resurrect Buffer Stocks?
Authors: McClintock John 
Published: April 2021

SummaryVolatile food prices create problems for consumers and farmers the world over. Buffer stocks offer a way out. A buffer stock is a quantity of grain owned by the government which sets a price band via a maximum price and a minimum price for grain. By buying and selling grain from the buffer stock on the open market, the government can keep the domestic price within its desired price band and thus avoid unstable prices. A buffer stock does not require the government to forecast the future price of grain and is entirely compatible with a market economy; the government is effectively exploiting the forces of supply and demand to influence the market price. A buffer stock is also compatible with free international trade. In using a buffer stock to stabilise its domestic price of grain, a government helps to stabilise the world price. In contrast, a government which resorts to trade measures to stabilise its domestic price can cause the world price to become less stable. In this article it is argued that all countries – rich and poor alike – would do their consumers, their farmers and the world as a whole a favour if they were to set up buffer stocks.
Stakeholder Preferences and Priorities for the Next WTO Director General
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard , Mavroidis Petros C. , Nelson Douglas , Wolfe Robert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper reports on the results of an expert survey to solicit views on what WTO members and the international trade community consider the most important attributes of the Director‐General of the WTO and the substantive policy and institutional reform priorities confronting the WTO. The results suggest strong support for a leader with managerial and political experience, and a professional network that spans international organizations, major capitals, and international business. Competence, political experience, a network that spans major capitals, international business and international organizations, knowledge of the WTO negotiating process and a background in economics are all characteristics that are ranked highly. Resolving the dispute settlement crisis is the highest priority for most respondents. There is broad agreement on the importance of addressing a range of negotiating topics and institutional reforms, but substantial variation in the rankings assigned by different groups of respondents to specific issues.
Assessment and selection of the recipient cows' corpus luteum at the time of embryo transfer, and its influence on conception rate
Authors: Thomson SP , Holmes RJ , Landes PT , Allworth MB 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the influence of physical traits of the corpus luteum (CL), as described by transrectal ultrasonography on day 6 post‐oestrus, on the conception rate following embryo transfer (ET) in recipient beef cows. To investigate if higher recipient utilisation rates were achievable, without compromising conception rates to ET.Design/ResultsData were analysed from Holstein Friesian embryos (n = 1075) frozen in ethylene glycol thawed for direct transfer into one herd of Angus recipient cows. For pregnancies achieved in the program (n = 693), no statistically significant effect was found for the physical traits of the recipients' CL on conception rate (CL volume (P = 0.20), CL side (P = 0.14). Conception rates were similar for recipients with a central lacuna (62%, n = 245) and recipients with no central lacuna (66%, n = 448) (P = 0.10). Of the pregnant recipients with a central lacuna (n = 245), 98.3% had no remaining luteal cavity by the 30‐day pregnancy ultrasound. No effect on conception rate was found with either the small (<50% of CL diameter) or large (>50% of CL diameter) central lacunae (P = 0.18). For recipients with CLs that did not meet previous industry selection guidelines (n = 172, 16% of study population), the conception rate (63%) was not significantly different to the routinely selected recipient CLs (n = 903, conception rate 65%) (P = 0.83).ConclusionsThe suitability of a potential ET recipient is determined by observing an appropriately timed oestrus and a detectable CL, regardless of size or quality.
Which optical traits enable an estimation of tree species diversity based on the Spectral Variation Hypothesis?
Authors: Torresani Michele , Feilhauer Hannes , Rocchini Duccio , Féret Jean‐Baptiste , Zebisch Marc , Tonon Giustino 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuestionWhich optical traits, retrieved from biophysical models applied to Sentinel‐2 images, enable an estimation of tree species diversity based on the Spectral Variation Hypothesis?LocationConiferous mountain forest in the eastern Italian Alps.MethodsWe analyzed the PROSPECT‐5 and Invertible Forest Reflectance Model (INFORM) biophysical parameters as retrieved from canopy reflectance data of different forest plots (using Sentinel‐2 images for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019) as optical trait indicators (OTIs). We successively tested the Spectral Variation Hypothesis (SVH) for each retrieved OTI using the Rao's Q as heterogeneity index, validating them against Shannon's H values calculated as a tree species diversity index derived from in‐situ collected data.ResultsWe demonstrated differences among OTIs in terms of how well their variations can be linked to species diversity. In particular the variations of brown pigments (Cbrown), carotenoids (Car) and chlorophyll content (Cab) can be considered the most relevant OTIs for the application of the SVH when using the Rao's Q as a proxy for tree species diversity in our study site.ConclusionsThis research underlined that the OTIs contribute differently in the SVH to estimate tree species diversity, highlighting significant positive correlations between tree species diversity and the spatial heterogeneity of the estimated pigment content (Cab, Car, Cbrown).
The Clinical Frailty Scale is a useful tool for predicting postoperative complications following elective colon cancer surgery at the age of 80 years and above: A prospective, multicentre observational study
Authors: Niemeläinen Susanna , Huhtala Heini , Andersen Jan , Ehrlich Anu , Haukijärvi Eija , Koikkalainen Suvi , Koskensalo Selja , Kössi Jyrki , Mattila Anne , Pinta Tarja , Uotila‐Nieminen Mirjami , Vihervaara Hanna , Hyöty Marja , Jämsen Esa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimIdentification of the risks of postoperative complications may be challenging in older patients with heterogeneous physical and cognitive status. The aim of this multicentre, observational study was to identify variables that affect the outcomes of colon cancer surgery and, especially, to find tools to quantify the risks related to surgery.MethodPatients aged ≥80 years with electively operated Stage I–III colon cancer were recruited. The prospectively collected data included comorbidities, results of the onco‐geriatric screening tool (G8), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF), and operative and postoperative outcomes.ResultsA total of 161 patients (mean 84.5 years, range 80–97, 60% female) were included. History of cerebral stroke (64% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), albumin level 31–34 g/l compared with ≥35 g/l (57% vs. 32%, p = 0.007), CFS 3–4 and 5–9 compared with CFS 1–2 (49% and 47% vs. 16%, respectively) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (77% vs. 28%, P = 0.006) were related to a higher risk of complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis CFS ≥3 (OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.88–19.5, p = 0.003) and albumin level 31–34 g/l (OR 3.88, 1.61–9.38, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Severe complications were more common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43% vs. 13%, p = 0.047), renal failure (25% vs. 12%, p = 0.021), albumin level 31–34 g/l (26% vs. 8%, p = 0.014) and CCI >6 (23% vs. 10%, p = 0.034).ConclusionSurgery on physically and cognitively fit aged colon cancer patients with CFS 1–2 can lead to excellent operative outcomes similar to those of younger patients. The CFS could be a useful screening tool for predicting postoperative complications.
Diverticulitis Management, a Snapshot Collaborative Audit Study (DAMASCUS): Protocol for an international, multicentre, prospective observational study
Authors:   DAMASCUS Study Management Group
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimDiverticular disease is an increasingly common problem in Western society with a variety of treatment options for those presenting with acute diverticulitis, dependent on clinical presentation. Additionally, there is significant international variability in the index management, and few published data on real‐world clinical practice. The aim of DAMASCUS is to identify areas of practice variability and their potential association with differences in short‐ and medium‐term clinical outcomes.Methods and analysisDAMASCUS is an international, collaborative, prospective observational study, recruiting patients from over 200 sites across six continents. The study opened in October 2020, with a rolling start. Identification of new sites ceased in February 2021 and data collection will cease in August 2021. All adult patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis (radiologically or intra‐operatively) at each participating centre will be included. The primary objective of DAMASCUS is to assess for national and international variability in the presentation and index management of acute diverticulitis (medical, interventional radiology and surgical). Secondary objectives include assessing 30‐day and 6‐month clinical outcome data (readmission, re‐intervention, morbidity and mortality) and variations in surgical procedures for those undergoing surgery. All data will be recorded and managed using a secure REDCap electronic data capture tool and analysed using Stata (SE) version 16.1. The results will be reported in accordance with the STROBE statement.ConclusionBy analysing variations in the management of acute diverticulitis and the subsequent outcomes, DAMASCUS will be an important step towards identifying optimal care for patients with diverticulitis.
Selective screening imaging of the aortoiliac arterial system in kidney transplant candidates with non‐contrast pelvic computed tomography
Authors: Onaca Nicholas , Martinez Eric , Bayer Johanna , Wall Anji , Fernandez Hoylan , Ruiz Richard , Ma Tsung‐wei , Gupta Amar , McKenna Gregory , Testa Giuliano 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNon‐contrast pelvic computed tomography (CT) can detect severe iliac artery calcifications that present technical contraindications to kidney transplantation (TCT). We screened 454 asymptomatic patients with a history of any of the following: hemodialysis >10 years, diabetes mellitus >20 years, coronary artery disease (CAD) with percutaneous or surgical interventions, carotid disease, diabetes with below‐/above‐knee amputations, and heart‐kidney transplantation candidacy. Patients with normal dorsalis pedis and/or tibialis posterior pulses were not screened. A total of 8.4% had severe calcifications with TCT; CT determined laterality for implantation in 13.9%. No patients with the following characteristics were classified as TCT: age <40 years, hemodialysis >10 years, carotid arterial disease, prior lower extremity amputation, or heart‐kidney transplantation candidacy. CAD was associated with TCT in univariate though not multivariate analysis. Limiting screening to patients >40 years, with DM >20 years, or with CAD, 9.8% had a TCT and CT determined transplant laterality in 14.2%. Screening for severe iliac artery calcifications is useful for selected kidney transplantation candidates over age 40. It can assist with laterality choice or surgeon determination of TCT. Cost and radiation exposure risks should be weighed against the morbidity risks from unnecessary surgery.
Detection of HIV mRNA in routine liquid‐based cytology specimens of HIV‐infected women
Authors: Brito Maria José , Quintas Ana , Sequeira Pedro , Alves Ana Teresa , Martins Catarina , Félix Ana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveHuman immunodeficiency virus‐infected women have a high incidence of HPV infection, and HIV and HPV coinfection is associated with high incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. This study investigated the ability to detect HIV mRNA in routine screening cervical liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples and its correlation with HPV coinfection and cervical intraepithelial lesions.MethodsLiquid‐based cytology samples from 80 HIV‐infected women under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) were studied for detection of HIV and HPV mRNA using Aptima® tests and for cytology diagnosis according to the 2014 Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology. Peripheral blood (PB) HIV mRNAs were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact or Chi‐square test to compare frequencies among groups and the Mann‐Whitney U test to compare continuous variables.ResultsHuman immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in 21.3% of routine LBC samples in HIV‐infected women, 12.5% of which had no detectable PB viral load. Among 10 patients diagnosed with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50% had detectable HIV viral load. The occurrence of HSIL vs low‐grade intraepithelial lesion/negative intraepithelial lesion or malignancy in LBC samples was significantly higher in women with detectable HIV viral load (P = .029).ConclusionsHuman immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in routine LBC samples in HIV‐positive women under cART. Detection of HIV viral load in LBC is significantly associated with cervical HSIL. This suggests the relevance of HIV mRNA viral load assessment in routine LBC, to evaluate patients' infectious potential and monitor efficacy of the cART scheme.
Treatment approaches and outcome trajectories for youth with high‐risk opioid use: A narrative review
Authors: Westenberg Jean Nicolas , Tai Andy M. Y. , Elsner Julie , Kamel Mostafa M. , Wong James S. H. , Azar Pouya , Vo Dzung X. , Moore Eva , Mathew Nickie , Seethapathy Vijay , Choi Fiona , Vogel Marc , Krausz Reinhard M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimFirst use of opioids often happens in adolescence and an increasing number of opioid overdoses are being reported among youth. The purpose of this narrative review was to present the treatment approaches for youth with high‐risk opioid use, determine whether the literature supports the use of opioid agonist treatment among youth and identify evidence for better treatment outcomes in the younger population.MethodsA search of the literature on PubMed using MeSH terms specific to youth, opioid use and treatment approaches generated 1436 references. Following a screening process, 137 papers were found to be relevant to the treatment of high‐risk opioid use among youth. After full‐text review, 19 eligible studies were included: four randomized controlled trials, nine observational studies and six reviews.ResultsResearch for the different treatment options among youth is limited. The available evidence shows better outcomes in terms of retention in care and cost‐effectiveness for opioid agonist treatment than abstinence‐based comparisons. Integrating psychosocial interventions into the continuum of care for youth can be an effective way of addressing comorbid psychiatric conditions and emotional drivers of substance use, leading to improved treatment trajectories.ConclusionsFrom the limited findings, there is no evidence to deny youth with high‐risk opioid use the same treatment options available to adults. A combination of pharmacological and youth‐specific psychosocial interventions is required to maximize retention and survival. There is an urgent need for more research to inform clinical strategies toward appropriate treatment goals for such vulnerable individuals.