bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value Chain Development and the Agrarian Question: Actor Perspectives on Native Potato Production in the Highlands of Peru
Authors: Tobin Daniel , Glenna Leland 
Published: October 2018

AbstractValue chain development seeks to integrate smallholder farmers into competitive markets to promote economic and social development. This article, conceptually based on the agrarian question, considers how the perspectives of various value chain actors, with particular focus on smallholders, have important implications for the outcomes of these market‐oriented initiatives. Utilizing Long’s concept of social interface, we present a mixed‐methods case study that analyzes how smallholders, an NGO, and agrifood corporations, including PepsiCo, partnered to establish value chains for native potatoes in the Peruvian highlands. We find that a thorough understanding of the various perspectives held by value chain actors provides important insight into why value chain initiatives have divergent trajectories. Based on the findings, we conclude that accounting for how actors are responding to development initiatives and one another helps explain development outcomes and that therefore the agrarian question remains relevant in current agricultural development discourse and practice.
Nonlinear modal analysis via non‐parametric machine learning tools
Authors: Dervilis Nikolaos , Simpson Thomas E. , Wagg David J. , Worden Keith 
Published: October 2018

AbstractModal analysis is an important tool in the structural dynamics community; it is widely utilised to understand and investigate the dynamical characteristics oflinearstructures. Many methods have been proposed in recent years regarding the extension to nonlinear analysis, such as nonlinear normal modes or the method of normal forms, with the main objective being to formulate a mathematical model of a nonlinear dynamical structure based on observations of input/output data from the dynamical system. In fact, for the majority of structures where the effect of nonlinearity becomes significant, nonlinear modal analysis is anecessity.The objective of the current paper is to demonstrate a machine learning approach to output‐only nonlinear modal decomposition using kernel independent component analysis and locally linear‐embedding analysis. The key element is to demonstrate a pattern recognition approach which exploits the idea of independence of principal components from the linear theory by learning the nonlinear manifold between the variables. In this work, the importance of output‐only modal analysis via “blind source” separation tools is highlighted as the excitation input/force is not needed and the method can be implemented directly via experimental data signals without worrying about the presence or not of specific nonlinearities in the structure.
Does laser therapy improve the wound healing process after tooth extraction? A systematic review
Authors: Lemes Carmen Helena Jacques , da Rosa Wellington Luiz de Oliveira , Sonego Camila Leal , Lemes Bianca Jacques , Moraes Rafael Ratto , da Silva Adriana Fernandes 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLaser therapy could amplify the oral wound healing process by stimulating cell regeneration after injury, attenuating pain, and modulating the immune system. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate whether the application of laser therapy improved alveolar healing after tooth extractions. Eight electronic databases were screened: MedLine (PubMed), The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Ibecs, Scielo, and BBO. Three reviewers independently assessed the title and abstracts of potentially relevant studies. Only clinical trials and animal experiments that evaluated the wound healing effect of laser therapy after tooth extraction were included. A total of 16 studies fulfilled all criteria, thus 8 animal experiments and 8 clinical trials were included. Different types of laser were evaluated, such as CO2, GaAlAs, Nd:YAG, Diode Laser, HeNe, and High‐frequency Pulsed Diode Laser. Although HF, Diode and GaAs lasers were able to enhance wound healing process in clinical studies, four trials and one animal experiment showed no improvement in wound healing with laser therapy after tooth extractions. In general, the current available evidence in the literature showed that laser therapy improved the wound healing process, but these findings were limited to the type of laser applied and its specific settings. Further well‐designed and randomized controlled trials are needed to support a benefit effect of using laser therapy after tooth extraction. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014007509 (2014).
Development of the cerebral cortex and the effect of the intrauterine environment
Authors: Quezada Sebastian , Castillo‐Melendez Margie , Walker David W , Tolcos Mary 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe human brain is one of the most complex structures currently under study. Its external shape is highly convoluted, with folds and valleys over the entire surface of the cortex. Disruption of the normal pattern of folding is associated with a number of abnormal neurological outcomes, some serious for the individual. Most of our knowledge of the normal development and folding of the cerebral cortex (gyrification) focuses on the internal, biological (i.e. genetically driven) mechanisms of the brain that drive gyrification. However, the impact of an adverse intrauterine and maternal physiological environment on cortical folding during fetal development has been understudied. Accumulating evidence suggests that the state of the intrauterine and maternal environment can have a significant impact on gyrification of the fetal cerebral cortex. This review summarises our current knowledge of how development in a suboptimal intrauterine and maternal environment can affect the normal development of the folded cerebral cortex.
Structural Safety Analyses for Offshore Platforms Under Explosion Loadings
Authors: Ryu Yonghee , Burgan Bassam , Choi Jaewoong , Lee Heesung 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
A gas explosion in an offshore platform may result in loss of life, pollution, and critical damage to facilities. Safety critical structural elements of these facilities have to be designed to withstand high explosion loads. The present study discusses methodologies for explosion risk assessment (ERA) of safety critical structural elements and introduces a coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) method to improve the accuracy of the dynamic structural response under explosion loading. The design accidental load is defined by explosion risk analyses in terms of drag pressure, differential pressure, and overpressure. In current practice, an explosion pressure-time history is simplified into a triangular shape and uniformly applied to the surface of the impacted structures. This approach cannot account for the interaction between elastic waves (normally solved by the Lagrangian method) in the structure and compression waves (normally solved by the Eulerian method) in air. The CEL method which accounts for fluid–structure interaction has been experimentally validated and leads to more realistic predictions of the dynamic response of structures when compared to other analysis methods. The plastic strains derived from the CEL analysis can be approximately 50% lower than those predicted by Lagrangian analysis. Therefore, significant potential weight reduction can be achieved using the CEL method for gas explosion analysis.
European Recommendations for good practice in addition to an evidence-based guidelines programme: rationale and method of development
Authors: Vermeulen Nathalie , Le Clef Nathalie , Veleva Zdravka , D’Angelo Arianna , Tilleman Kelly 
Published: October 2018

The evidence-based approach is considered the gold standard of medical guidance. However, for some topics, it may be inappropriate to address them in an evidence-based guideline, as evidence for most of their aspects is absent or limited. Other topics may require only technical recommendations on how to perform a procedure, which are generally not covered in the published literature.In addition to an existing guideline programme, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has recently developed a manual for the development of (consensus-based) recommendations for good practice. The manual sets out a standardised methodology based on universal guideline principles with the aim of framing and improving the methodological quality of recommendations for good practice documents. The current paper outlines the relevance of recommendations for good practice, the methodology for developing these documents, and the differences and similarities with evidence-based guidelines.
Prevalence and risk factors of physical inactivity among middle-aged and older Chinese in Shenzhen: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Yanfeng , Wu Jiang , Zhang Shenchao , Yan Shijiao , He Liping , Mkandawire Naomie , Song Xinyue , Gan Yong , Li Wenzhen , Yang Tingting , Li Jing , Zeng Xiaozhou , Wang Zhihong , Lu Zuxun 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveInvestigations on physical inactivity are common around the world; however, little is known about the status of physical inactivity in mainland China. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity in Shenzhen in Southern China.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study.SettingA multistage-stratified, random cluster survey was conducted in Xixiang Street, Bao’an District of Shenzhen in Southeast China.Participants3920 adults aged 40 years or more were recruited to the study and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form between 1 March 2015 and 30 July 2016.Main outcome measuresPhysical inactivity was defined as engaging in physical activity levels insufficient to reach the current guidelines. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity.ResultsThe prevalence of physical inactivity was 63.1% for all participants, 63.9% for women and 61.9% for men, respectively. Participants who were older (OR=1.31, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.54), who were female (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.43), who had higher education experience (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.61), who are under economic pressure (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.17), who ever smoked a cigarette (OR=1.44, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.82) and drank alcohol (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77), and participants in the lowest body mass index category (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.89), were more likely to report physical inactivity.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that physical inactivity is prevalent in Southern China. Interventions and programmes aimed at increasing physical activity among middle-aged and older Chinese adults may also be tailored to participants under economic pressure and those with unhealthy behaviours such as smoking and drinking.
Diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic evidence in obstetrics for the implementation of patient blood management: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Abraha Iosief , Montedori Alessandro , Di Renzo Gian Carlo , Angelozzi Patrizio , Micheli Marta , Carloni Danilo , Germani Antonella , Palmieri Gianluca , Casali Marta , Nenz Chiara Maria Grazia , Gargano Elisabetta , Pazzaglia Michela , Berchicci Laura , Tesoro Simonetta , Epicoco Giorgio , Giovannini Gianni , Marchesi Mauro 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionPatientblood management (PBM) is defined as the application of evidence-based diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches designed to maintain haemoglobin concentration, optimise haemostasis and minimise blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcome. We propose a protocol for the assessment of the evidence of diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches for the management of relevant outcomes in obstetrics with the aim to create a framework for PBM implementation.Methods and analysisDiagnostic, preventive and therapeutic tools will be considered in the gynaecological conditions and obstetrics setting (antenatal care, peripartum care and maternity care). For each condition, (1) clinical questions based on prioritised outcomes will be developed; (2) evidence will be retrieved systematically from electronic medical literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL); (3) quality of the reviews will be assessed using the AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) checklist; quality of primary intervention studies will be assessed using the risk of bias tool (Cochrane method); quality of diagnostic primary studies will be assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies); (4) the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method will be applied to rate the quality of the evidence and to develop recommendations.Ethics and disseminationFor each diagnostic, preventive or therapeutic intervention evaluated, a manuscript comprising the evidence retrieved and the recommendation produced will be provided and published in peer-reviewed journals. Ethical approval is not required.
Factors influencing rapid progress in child health in post-conflict Liberia: a mixed methods country case study on progress in child survival, 2000–2013
Authors: Brault Marie A , Kennedy Stephen B , Haley Connie A , Clarke Adolphus T , Duworko Musu C , Habimana Phanuel , Vermund Sten H , Kipp Aaron M , Mwinga Kasonde 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesOnly 12 countries in the WHO’s African region met Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4) to reduce under-five mortality by two-thirds by 2015. Given the variability across the African region, a four-country mixed methods study was undertaken to examine barriers and facilitators of child survival prior to 2015. Liberia was selected for an in-depth case study due to its success in reducing under-five mortality by 73% and thus successfully meeting MDG 4. Liberia’s success was particularly notable given the civil war that ended in 2003. We examined some factors contributing to their reductions in under-five mortality.DesignA case study mixed methods approach drawing on data from quantitative indicators, national documents and qualitative interviews was used to describe factors that enabled Liberia to rebuild their maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) programmes and reduce under-five mortality following the country’s civil war.SettingThe interviews were conducted in Monrovia (Montserrado County) and the areas in and around Gbarnga, Liberia (Bong County, North Central region).ParticipantsKey informant interviews were conducted with Ministry of Health officials, donor organisations, community-based organisations involved in MNCH and healthcare workers. Focus group discussions were conducted with women who have experience accessing MNCH services.ResultsThree prominent factors contributed to the reduction in under-five mortality: national prioritisation of MNCH after the civil war; implementation of integrated packages of services that expanded access to key interventions and promoted intersectoral collaborations; and use of outreach campaigns, community health workers and trained traditional midwives to expand access to care and improve referrals.ConclusionsAlthough Liberia experiences continued challenges related to limited resources, Liberia’s effective strategies and rapid progress may provide insights for reducing under-five mortality in other post-conflict settings.
Concussion with primary impact to the chest and the potential role of neck tension
Authors: Jadischke Ron , Viano David C , McCarthy Joe , King Albert I 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesMost biomechanical research on brain injury focuses on direct blows to the head. There are a few older studies that indicate craniocervical stretch could be a factor in concussion by causing strain in the upper spinal cord and brainstem. The objectives of this study are to assess the biomechanical response and estimate the strain in the upper cervical spine and brainstem from primary impact to the chest in American football.MethodsImpact testing was conducted to the chest of a stationary unhelmeted and helmeted anthropomorphic test device (ATD) as well as the laboratory reconstruction of two NFL game collisions resulting in concussion. A finite element (FE) study was also conducted to estimate the elongation of the cervical spine under tensile and flexion loading conditions.ResultsThe helmeted ATD had a 40% (t=9.84, p<0.001) increase in neck tensile force and an 8% (t=7.267, p<0.001) increase in neck flexion angle when compared with an unhelmeted ATD. The case studies indicated that the neck tension in the injured players exceeded tolerable levels from volunteer studies. The neck tension was combined with flexion of the head relative to the torso. The FE analysis, combined with a spinal cord coupling ratio, estimated that the strain along the axis of the upper cervical spinal cord and brainstem was 10%–20% for the combined flexion and tension loading in the two cases presented.ConclusionStrain in the upper spinal cord and brainstem from neck tension is a factor in concussion.
Assessing the risk for major injuries in equestrian sports
Authors: Krüger Lara , Hohberg Maike , Lehmann Wolfgang , Dresing Klaus 
Published: October 2018

Background/aimHorse riding is a popular sport, which bears the risk of serious injuries. This study aims to assess whether individual factors influence the risk to sustain major injuries.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from all equine-related accidents at a German Level I Trauma Centre between 2004 and 2014. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for major injures.Results770 patients were included (87.9% females). Falling off the horse (67.7%) and being kicked by the horse (16.5%) were the two main injury mechanisms. Men and individuals of higher age showed higher odds for all tested parameters of serious injury. Patients falling off a horse had higher odds for being treated as inpatients, whereas patients who were kicked had higher odds for a surgical therapy (OR 1.7) and intensive care unit/intermediate care unit (ICU/IMC) treatment (OR 1.2). The head was the body region most often injured (32.6%) and operated (32.9%). Patients with head injuries had the highest odds for being hospitalised (OR 6.13). Head or trunk injuries lead to the highest odds for an ICU/IMC treatment (head: OR 4.37; trunk: OR 2.47). Upper and lower limb injuries showed the highest odds for a surgical therapy (upper limb: OR 2.61; lower limb: OR 1.7).ConclusionRisk prevention programmes should include older individuals and males as target groups. Thus a rethinking of the overall risk assessment is necessary. Not only horseback riding itself, but also handling a horse bears a relevant risk for major injuries. Serious head injures remain frequent, serious and an important issue to be handled in equestrians sports.
Determination of cervical stenosis in rugby players using an alternative radiographic method
Authors: C Bornholdt Gustavo , Siqueira Campos Lopes Bruno , Francisco Senne Paz Pedro , José Hernandez Arnaldo , Pedrinelli André 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo find a radiographic method that best correlates with the mean subaxial cervical space available for the cord (MSCSAC) by using a fixed size parameter as radiographic reference, in contrast to the use of vertebral bodies as reference in the mean subaxial cervical Torg ratio (MTorg).MethodsThe study was approved by an institutional review board and written informed consent was obtained. Radiographs and cervical neck MRI were obtained from 18 male rugby athletes (age 18–30 years). Rheumatic disease, symptomatic cervical orthopaedic disease and previous cervical injury were used as exclusion criteria. MSCSAC and MTorg were calculated for each individual as the space available for the cord and Torg ratio averages from C3 to C6, respectively. A new radiographic method, using a metal bar as a size parameter (the corrected diameter of the cervical canal - CDCC), was also calculated for each individual, as well as its average from C3 to C6 (mean corrected diameter of the cervical canal - MCDCC). Values obtained for MCDCC and MTorg were correlated with those obtained by the MSCSAC using Pearson’s coefficient.ResultsFour volunteers were excluded due to previous cervical injury. In total, 14 subjects had their radiographs and MRIs analysed. Pearson’s correlation between MSCSAC and MTorg was 0.5706 (p=0.033). The correlation between MSCSAC and MCDCC was 0.6903 (p=0.006).ConclusionMCDCC correlates better than MTorg with MSCSAC and may be a better radiographic option than MTorg for cervical stenosis evaluation.
Novel ASCC1 mutations causing prenatal-onset muscle weakness with arthrogryposis and congenital bone fractures
Authors: Böhm Johann , Malfatti Edoardo , Oates Emily , Jones Kristi , Brochier Guy , Boland Anne , Deleuze Jean-François , Romero Norma Beatriz , Laporte Jocelyn 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThe activating signal cointegrator 1 (ASC-1) complex acts as a transcriptional coactivator for a variety of transcription factors and consists of four subunits: ASCC1, ASCC2, ASCC3 and TRIP4. A single homozygous mutation in ASCC1 has recently been reported in two families with a severe muscle and bone disorder.ObjectiveWe aim to contribute to a better understanding of the ASCC1-related disorder.MethodsHere, we provide a clinical, histological and genetic description of three additional ASCC1 families.ResultsAll patients presented with severe prenatal-onset muscle weakness, neonatal hypotonia and arthrogryposis, and congenital bone fractures. The muscle biopsies from the affected infants revealed intense oxidative rims beneath the sarcolemma and scattered remnants of sarcomeres with enlarged Z-bands, potentially representing a histopathological hallmark of the disorder. Sequencing identified recessive nonsense or frameshift mutations in ASCC1, including two novel mutations.ConclusionOverall, this work expands the ASCC1 mutation spectrum, sheds light on the muscle histology of the disorder and emphasises the physiological importance of the ASC-1 complex in fetal muscle and bone development.
The effect of age and ultimate pH value on selected quality traits of meat from wild boar
Authors: Stanisz Marek , Ludwiczak Agnieszka , Składanowska-Baryza Joanna , Bykowska-Maciejewska Marta 
Published: October 2018

The meat from hunted wild boar juveniles (N = 18) and yearlings (N = 17) was analysed to assess the influence of age and the ultimate pH value on selected quality traits. The analysed meat of 55.56% of the juveniles and 64.71% of the yearlings was characterised with normal pH. The pH had been measured 24 and 48 h post mortem. More cases of high ultimate pH (pHu > 5.8) and high maximal pH (about 6.2) have been noted in the meat of younger animals compared with older ones. We found no effect of pHu on the colour coordinates of analysed wild boar meat. A slight effect of age was observed for the lightness (L*) coordinate. The postmortem time was the most important factor influencing meat colour [L*, yellowness (b*), and hue angle]. A high pHu was related to lower drip loss (P = 0.001), lower percentage of free water (P = 0.036), lower cooking loss (P = 0.001), and lower plasticity (P = 0.042). The meat from juveniles showed higher plasticity than meat from yearlings. Summing up, both the pHu level and the age of wild boars may affect some qualitative patterns of meat, changing the technological usability of this raw animal product.