bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing auction designs where suppliers have uncertain costs and uncertain pivotal status
Authors: Holmberg Pär , Wolak Frank A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe analyze how market design influences bidding in multiunit procurement auctions where suppliers have asymmetric information about production costs. Our analysis is particularly relevant to wholesale electricity markets, because it accounts for the risk that a supplier is pivotal; market demand is larger than the total production capacity of its competitors. With constant marginal costs, expected welfare improves if the auctioneer restricts offers to be flat. We identify circumstances where the competitiveness of market outcomes improves with increased market transparency. We also find that, for buyers, uniform pricing is preferable to discriminatory pricing when producers' private signals are affiliated.
Vascular plant species richness and bioindication predict multi‐taxon species richness
Authors: Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine , Bruun Hans Henrik , Dalby Lars , Fløjgaard Camilla , Frøslev Tobias G. , Høye Toke T. , Goldberg Irina , Læssøe Thomas , Hansen Morten D. D. , Brøndum Lars , Skipper Lars , Fog Kåre , Ejrnæs Rasmus 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Plants regulate soils and microclimate, provide substrate for heterotrophic taxa, are easy to observe and identify and have a stable taxonomy, which strongly justifies their use as indicators in monitoring and conservation. However, there is no consensus as to whether plants are strong predictors of total multi‐taxon species richness. In this study, we investigate if general terrestrial species richness can be predicted by vascular plant richness and bioindication.

To answer this question, we collected an extensive dataset on species richness of vascular plants, bryophytes, macrofungi, lichens, plant‐galling arthropods, gastropods, spiders, carabid beetles, hoverflies, and genetic richness (operational taxonomic units = OTUs) from environmental DNA metabarcoding. We also constructed a Conservation Index based on threatened red list species. Besides using richness of vascular plants for prediction of other taxonomic groups, we also used plant‐derived calibration of the abiotic environment (moisture, soil fertility and light conditions) as well as the degree of anthropogenic impact.

Bivariate relationships between plant species richness and other species groups showed no consistent pattern. After taking environmental calibration by bioindication into account, we found a consistent, and for most groups significant, positive effect of plant richness. Plant species richness was also important for richness of fungal OTUs, Malaise OTUs and for the Conservation Index. Our multiple regression analyses revealed (a) a consistently positive effect of plant richness on other taxa, (b) prediction of 12%–55% of variation in other taxa and 48% of variation in the total species richness when bioindication and plant richness were used as predictors.

Our results justify that vascular plants are strong indicators of total biodiversity across environmental gradients and broad taxonomic realms and therefore a natural first choice for biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.
Correlation between port‐to‐target distance and procedural difficulty in single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An observational study
Authors: Ohira Masafumi , Shibuya Kazuaki , Uemura Kazuhito , Takahashi Hiroaki , Ito Yoshio 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionSingle‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is more challenging than conventional (multiport) laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) because of the increased likelihood of instrument collision and the limited surgical workspace. In SILC, procedural difficulties may increase when the port‐to‐target distance is long. We aimed to assess the correlation between port‐to‐target distance and procedural difficulty.MethodsThirty‐six consecutive patients who underwent SILC at our hospital were included in this study. The umbilicus‐to‐Calot's triangle distance (UCD) was measured intraoperatively. The correlations between the UCD and operative time were analyzed, and for comparison, CLC cases during the same period (n = 28) were similarly analyzed. Moreover, UCD was estimated from preoperative CT (UCD‐CT), and the usefulness of UCD‐CT was assessed during SILC and CLC.ResultsThirty‐four patients successfully underwent SILC. There were positive correlations between the UCD and pneumoperitoneum time. Multivariate linear regression analysis, including BMI and height, which were previously reported to have a correlation with longer operative time in SILC, showed that UCD is an independent predictive factor for prolonged operative duration. However, BMI and height were not independent predictive factors. UCD and UCD‐CT had a very strong positive correlation; therefore, UCD was estimated from CT. UCD‐CT had a strong positive correlation with operative time in SILC, but not in CLC.ConclusionsA longer UCD is an important predictive factor for difficult cases of SILC, but this finding is not applicable in CLC. The usefulness of UCD is specific to SILC.
Clinical outcomes and inflammatory response to single‐incision laparoscopic (SIL) colorectal surgery: a single‐blinded randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Borowski D. W. , Baker E. A. , Wilson D. , Garg D. K. , Gill T. S. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimSingle‐incision laparoscopic (SIL) surgery is expanding, but its benefits, efficacy and safety compared with conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery remain unclear. This pilot study examined clinical outcomes and biochemical markers of inflammation for colorectal resections by SIL and CL in a randomized controlled pilot trial.MethodFifty patients undergoing elective colorectal resection were randomized to either SIL or CL. Primary outcomes were operating time and length of stay (LoS); secondary outcomes included combined length of scars, pain scores, complications, Quality of Life EQ5D‐VAS and the inflammatory markers interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8 and C‐reactive protein (CRP) at baseline, 2, 6, 24 and 72 h.ResultsThere was no difference in age, gender, body mass index, indications and site of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade or incidence of previous surgery between the groups. Except for one conversion from SIL to open surgery, surgery was completed as intended. No difference between SIL and CL was found for operating time [median 130 (72–220) vs 130 (90–317) min, respectively, P = 0.528], LoS [median 4 (3–8) vs 4 (2–19)days, P = 0.888] and time to first flatus [2 (1–4) vs 2 (1–5) days, P = 0.374]. The combined length of scars was significantly shorter for SIL [4 (2–18) vs 7 (5–8) cm, P < 0.001]; in each group, four postoperative complications occurred (16%). Postoperative pain scores were similar [mean 7.67 (interquartile range 4) vs 7.25 (interquartile range 3.75), P = 0.835] to day 3. EQ5D‐VAS was no different for both groups at discharge [72.5 (40–90) vs 70 (30–100), P = 0.673] but slightly higher for CL at 3 months [79 (45–100) vs 90 (50–100), P = 0.033].The IL‐6, IL‐8 and CRP levels between both groups showed similar peaks and no significant differences.ConclusionSIL colorectal surgery by experienced laparoscopic surgeons appears to be safe and equivalent to CL, with no discernible difference in its effect on the physiological response to surgical trauma.
Labour after Land Reform: The Precarious Livelihoods of Former Farmworkers in Zimbabwe
Authors: Scoones Ian , Mavedzenge Blasio , Murimbarimba Felix , Sukume Chrispen 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTWhat happens to labour when major redistributive land reform restructures a system of settler colonial agriculture? This article examines the livelihoods of former farmworkers on large‐scale commercial farms who still live in farm compounds after Zimbabwe's land reform. Through a mix of surveys and in‐depth biographical interviews, four different types of livelihood are identified, centred on differences in land access. These show how diverse, but often precarious, livelihoods are being carved out, representing the ‘fragmented classes of labour’ in a restructured agrarian economy. The analysis highlights the tensions between gaining new freedoms, notably through access to land, and being subject to new livelihood vulnerabilities. The findings are discussed in relation to wider questions about the informalization of the economy and the role of labour and employment in a post‐settler agrarian economy, where the old ‘farmworker’ label no longer applies.
Developing a Voluntary Sector Model for Engaging Offenders
Authors: WONG KEVIN , KINSELLA RACHEL , MEADOWS LINDA 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis article proposes the development of a distinct offender engagement model for voluntary and community sector agencies, recognising the contribution of: reciprocity, reliability, consistency, and emotional pleasure, to effective offender engagement. Drawing on empirical data from users of a voluntary sector programme in England for young adults, this article makes an original contribution to the evidence base by: identifying the key elements (within the programme) of effective engagement with offenders; seeing how this relates to the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) engaging practitioner model and companion literature review and considers the implications for voluntary sector criminal justice policy and practice.
Robotics in Nursing: A Scoping Review
Authors: Maalouf Noel , Sidaoui Abbas , Elhajj Imad H. , Asmar Daniel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeDriven by the shortage in qualified nurses and the high percentage of aging populations, the past decade has witnessed a significant growth in the use of robots in nursing, especially in countries like Japan. This article is a scoping review of the different tracks in which robots are used in nursing. Whereas assistive robots are used for physical care, including service and monitoring tasks, social assistive robots focus on the cognitive and emotional well‐being of patients in need of companionship.MethodsA total of six electronic databases were used in the search for journal papers and conference proceedings. The key words used in searching the databases were nursing OR nurses, AND robots OR robotics. Topics covering surgical robotics, nursing education robotics, and clinical procedures were excluded.FindingsA total of 1,758 articles were retrieved, from which 69 articles were included in the final review. The analysis of the chosen papers led to the categorization of robots into two main categories: assistive robots and social assistive robots.ConclusionsAfter a detailed review of the state of the art in assistive robots and social assistive robots, an insight into the future of robotics in this field is provided. The recommendations include the need to intensify research on human robot interaction, greater focus on monitoring robots, and analysis of the psychological barriers that need to be surmounted to achieve more tolerance and higher acceptance of robots.Clinical RelevanceFor researchers and developers to provide suitable technological solutions, a full understanding of robotics in nursing is needed. An overview of the most recent applications and their proper categorization is key to finding areas for contribution.
The Woodhull Study Revisited: Nurses’ Representation in Health News Media 20 Years Later
Authors: Mason Diana J. , Nixon Laura , Glickstein Barbara , Han Sarah , Westphaln Kristi , Carter Laura 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo determine if nurses are represented in health news stories more frequently today than 20 years ago when Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honorary Society published The Woodhull Study on Nursing and the Media, which found that nurses were cited as sources in only 4% of the stories.DesignContent analysis of health news stories for the month of September 2017 in the same publications used in the original Woodhull study.MethodsSearches with Nexis and Webhose identified 2,243 articles related to health care published by the news outlets in September 2017. A random sample of 537 of these articles was obtained: 258 from seven newspapers, 127 from three weekly newsmagazines, and 152 from three health industry publications. After removing irrelevant articles or those with only passing references to health, 365 articles were reviewed and coded, using the original study's coding schema.FindingsNurses were identified as the source of only 2% of quotes in the articles and were never sourced in stories on health policy. When quoted, nurses mainly commented on the profession itself. Nurses or the nursing profession were mentioned in 13% of the articles. Nurses were identified in 4% of photographs or other images that accompanied the articles.ConclusionsNurses remain invisible in health news media, despite their increasing levels of education, unique roles, and expertise.Clinical RelevanceNurses’ clinical expertise is accompanied by unique perspectives on health, illness, and health care; but the public is not benefiting from the wisdom and insight that nurses can provide in health news stories.
Human beta‐defensin‐1 is a highly predictive marker of mortality in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Mani Iliana , Alexopoulou Alexandra , Vasilieva Larisa , Hadziyannis Emilia , Agiasotelli Danai , Bei Myrianthi , Alexopoulos Theodoros , Dourakis Spyros P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackground & AimHuman beta‐defensin‐1 (hBD‐1) is a natural antimicrobial peptide expressed in the epithelia of multiple tissues including the digestive tract. In the current study, hBD‐1 levels were determined in different subsets of patients with decompensated cirrhosis including acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF). In addition, the association with mortality of hBD‐1, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) was assessed.MethodsA total of 125 patients were divided into three groups: 39 with ACLF (derivation cohort), 46 with acute decompensation without ACLF (AD) and 40 with decompensated cirrhosis without an acute event (DC). The data from 24 different ACLF patients were used for validation and 15 healthy individuals as control group.ResultsSerum hBD‐1, CRP and PCT levels were higher in ACLF compared to both AD and DC groups (P < 0.001). Healthy controls demonstrated similar hBD‐1 and PCT values compared to DC group. In ROC curve, the performance of hBD‐1 to predict 60‐day mortality in ACLF group was similar in derivation and validation cohorts (c‐statistic 0.834 and 0.879, respectively). CRP was a poor predictor of mortality. In ACLF group, patients with high hBD‐1 (>36.625 ng/mL) had a poor prognosis at 60 days compared to those with lower values (log‐rank P = 0.001). In Cox multivariate regression analysis, only hBD‐1 (HR 1.020, 95%CI 1.006‐1.035, P = 0.006) emerged as an independent predictor of death in ACLF group. In AD group, neither hBD‐1 nor PCT or CRP variables were associated with mortality.ConclusionsHigh hBD‐1 was detected at presentation in patients with ACLF who died during follow‐up period. hBD‐1 is an accurate predictor of short‐term mortality in patients with ACLF.
Altruistic behaviour, but not volunteering, has been associated with cognitive performance in community‐dwelling older persons
Authors: Corrêa Jimilly C. , Ávila Maria P.W. , Lucchetti Alessandra L.G. , Lucchetti Giancarlo 
Published: September 2018

AimStudies have indicated that altruistic behaviour may be associated with better health. Nevertheless, it has not been determined if volunteering acts as a protective factor against cognitive decline or if a person's altruistic character does so. This study aims to evaluate whether altruistic behaviour and volunteering are associated with better cognitive function in active community‐dwelling older persons.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study in healthy older persons. Sociodemographics, altruistic behaviour (self‐report altruism scale), volunteering (days volunteered), cognitive state (cognitive assessment battery), and factors associated with cognition (e.g. depression, social support, functional status, and religiosity) were evaluated. Adjusted and non‐adjusted models were created in order to understand the relationship of altruistic behaviour and volunteering with cognitive performance.ResultsA total of 312 older adults were evaluated; 89.4% were women, and the mean age was 69.6 years. In the linear regression models, greater altruistic behaviour was associated with higher scores on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (β = 0.148, P < 0.05) and the verbal fluency test (β = 0.219, P < 0.001), even after adjustments. In contrast, volunteering was not associated with any of the cognitive tests used.ConclusionAltruistic behaviour seems to have a role in older persons’ cognition, with more altruistic people tending to have greater cognitive performance. These findings can assist in developing mechanisms that can help keep older people more cognitively active and serve as the foundation for future interventions and studies in this area.
Access to social services as a rite of integration: Power, rights, and identity
Authors: Fargion Silvia , Nagy Andrea , Berger Elisabeth 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAccess to social services is a multifaceted and multifactorial process, involving social policy lines, services organization, and professional front line practices. It appears to have a crucial role in how personal social services work: depending on the way the process is handled, access to social services could provide a bridge to an inclusive and solidarizing community or worsen discrimination and marginalization. Many underline how studying the actual encounters between citizens and practitioners can provide a privileged site to highlight the interconnections between the abovementioned factors. This is the focus of our research that explored access in a specific Italian region using a case study strategy. After a pilot study, the main points of access to social services were identified, and three units were selected as best examples of different approaches. The three units were explored using mainly qualitative methods inspired by ethnography. We were able to gain in depth understanding of three cultural approaches to access, defined as the “ethical duty,” the “good organization,” and the “professional approach” and reach an in‐depth understanding of their impact on access. There is a vast literature on the power of street‐level bureaucrats, seen as similar to gatekeepers. However, our research suggests that specific organizational cultures also play an important part: different organizational cultures may impact the implementation of local social policy, the organizational procedures, and social workers' practices.
Minimum Income and Flat Tax Revisited: A Combined CGE‐Microsimulation Analysis for Germany*
Authors: Schubert Stefanie 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThis article quantifies the economic effects of a fundamental reform proposal for Germany's social security system that integrates most parts of the prevailing social security insurances into the general tax‐transfer system.MethodsDrawing on individual household data, we use a combined approach that employs both computable general equilibrium modeling and microsimulations.ResultsBy discussing two revenue‐neutral reform scenarios that both encompass a negative income tax for low incomes and a flat tax rate otherwise, but differ in the effective marginal tax rates and tax allowances, we find a negligible or even negative impact on employment and GDP.ConclusionOur results cast doubt on whether such a fundamental reform would have positive welfare effects.
Refractoriness to red blood cell transfusion therapy due to hypersplenism
Authors: Sahin Ilyas , Reagan John L. , Niroula Rabin , Sweeney Joseph D. 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDA 55‐year‐old male presented with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm and severe splenomegaly. The patient is blood group O, D+ with a negative indirect antiglobulin test. Transfusion of 5 units of red blood cells (RBCs) increased the hemoglobin (Hb) level from 6.7 to 7.2 g/dL. No active bleeding or hemolysis was evident. The patient was readmitted 1 week later with a Hb level of 3.3 g/dL. An additional 6 units of RBCs showed only an increase from 3.3 to 3.5 g/dL. Partial splenic embolization was performed, which resulted in a stabilization of the Hb level at approximately 7 g/dL. Because of this, total splenectomy was performed, which resulted in a gradual increase in Hb level to approximately 13 g/dL. The patient remains transfusion independent 160 days postsplenectomy.RESULTSRBC transfusion increases Hb concentration by 1 g/dL per unit in a typical adult. This increase is attenuated in the presence of ongoing hemolysis or active blood loss. Occasionally, a low‐RBC‐volume unit transfused to a recipient with a large intravascular blood volume may show an unexpectedly small increase. In rare situations, however, the etiology of a greatly attenuated response is more perplexing. The pattern of Hb concentration posttransfusion was suggestive of splenic sequestration in our patient.CONCLUSIONSevere refractoriness to RBC transfusion attributable to severe hypersplenism is a rare event. Our case suggests that splenic artery embolization may be a useful initial approach in individual cases and a potential predictor of the utility of a subsequent surgical splenectomy.
Sterility release testing of peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation: impact of culture bottles and incubation temperature
Authors: Arlt Nicole , Rothe Remo , Sielaff Susann , Juretzek Thomas , Peltroche Heidrun , Moog Rainer 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDSterility testing of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) is mandatory before release. As antibiotic treatment of the PBSC donor may result in false‐negative results, PBSC matrix validation must be carried out.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThree spiked PBSCs and a buffy coat (BC; control matrix) were analyzed using the blood culture device BacT/ALERT 3D with the low‐temperature module. Samples were spiked with Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Clostridium sporogenes, and Propionibacterium acnes. Standard iAST/iNST culture bottles and iFA/iFN Plus bottles, which include resorbing polymers, were incubated for 14 days. All aerobic bottles were incubated at 22.5°C and for a direct comparison also at 35°C while all anaerobic bottles were incubated at 35°C.RESULTSThe BacT/ALERT 3D system detected all microbes in iAST/iNST culture bottles according to their growth behavior in the BC matrix. Detection of microbes differed significantly in PBSC products using standard iAST/iNST culture bottles and iFA/iFN Plus bottles with resorbing polymers: In Graft 1 no growth was detected in spiked bottles with S. aureus (iAST), B. subtilis (iAST/iNST), C. sporogenes (iNST), and P. acnes (iNST) compared to iFA Plus and iFN Plus bottles wherein growth of spiked microbes was confirmed. Graft 2, with another antibiotic treatment, showed no growth in iAST/iNST bottles spiked with P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and C. sporogenes. However, using iFA/iFN Plus bottles all spiked microbes were detectable. The comparison of incubation temperature showed an expected slower growth at 22.5°C.CONCLUSIONThe use of iFA/iFN Plus culture bottles incubated at different temperatures safely detected microbes in spiked PBSCs.