bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting currency swaps: hedging real estate investments in global city markets
Authors: Bejol Philipp , Livingstone Nicola 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to re-examine currency swaps as an effective hedging technique for individual asset performance in today’s global real estate market, by considering hypothetical prime office investments across six different cities and five currency pairs. The perspective of a risk-averse, high net worth, non-institutional, smaller-scale Swiss investor is paired with investors from five additional national markets.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines currency swaps in key office markets across three continents (Frankfurt, London, New York, Sydney, Warsaw and Zurich) and extends previous work on the topic by adopting both Monte Carlo (MC) and Latin Hypercube (LH) techniques to create stochastic samples for individual asset performance analyses. This is the first paper to apply LH sampling to currency swaps with underlying real estate assets, and the validity of this method is compared with that of MC. Four models are presented: the experience of the domestic investor (no exchange rate (ER) fluctuations); an unhedged direct foreign investment; hedging rental income and initial purchase price via a currency swap; and hedging rental income and anticipated terminal value.FindingsThe efficacy of a swap depends on the historical framework of the ERs. If the foreign currency depreciates against the domestic one, hedging the repatriated cash flow of a property investment proved superior to the unhedged strategy (EUR, GBP, PLN and USD to the CHF). An investor would benefit from exposure to an appreciating foreign currency (CHF to the EUR, GBP, PLN and USD), with an unhedged strategy clearly outperforming the currency swap as well as the domestic investor’s performance, while a historically sideways fluctuating ER (AUD to the CHF) also favours an unhedged approach. In all scenarios, unexpected economic or market shocks could cause negative consequences on the repatriated proceeds.Practical implicationsThis research is of interest to small-scale, non-institutional investors aiming to develop strategies for currency risk mitigation in international investments for individual assets; however, tax-optimising strategies and the implications on a larger portfolio have not been taken into account.Originality/valueThere is no recent academic work on the efficacy of currency swaps in today’s global office market, nor has the position of smaller-scale high net worth investors received much academic attention. This research revisits the discussion on their validity, providing contemporary insight into the performance of six markets using LH as an alternative and original sampling technique.
Consumer Finance in a Mobile Age: Methods for Researching Changing User Behaviour
Authors: TAYLOR ERIN B. 
Published: January 2018

Consumer finance markets are being transformed by the increasing mobility of people, products, technology, and information. This presents challenges for understanding changing consumer behaviour and building adaptable business models. Researchers are rising to meet these challenges by adapting their frameworks and methods to take account of mobility's effects. I present three cases of method adaptation to consumer finance research (financial diaries, object‐centred interviews, social network analysis) and discuss their contributions. The complexity and personalisation of consumer finance requires us to not only be more creative with how we approach research, but also more robust in questioning our assumptions, framing appropriate questions, and designing research that draws frameworks and methods from multiple disciplines.One can only understand and apply all these new innovations by playing close to the ball and understanding customers’ needs and expectations. It is no longer possible to say what the world is going to look like five years from now. In the past, bankers were ‘scenario thinkers,’ who ran the bank by making strategic choices far in advance. Today, we have to grant more space to short‐cycle thinking and optionality. (Alexander Zwart, Senior Product Manager at Rabobank, quoted in Ifrim, Mual and Innopay 2017)
Bringing Attention to Problem Solving and Meaningfulness at Work: How Ethnography Can Help Answer Difficult Business Questions
Authors: CHARLAND CAROLE , HOFMAN KAREN 
Published: January 2018

A local division of a multinational manufacturer was experiencing declining enagagement and perceptions of leadership (measured in employee satisfaction surveys). In anticipation of coming waves of organizational change, they asked the research team to explore how “nostalgia” may be contributing to these issues and how they might define the unique culture of the division.Combining ethnographic observations with other qualitative methods, across all levels and departments of the plant, the team uncovered other, more critical issues. Having built a trusting relationship with senior management of the plant, the team used extensive work sessions to help them to understand issues from employee perspectives. This new empathy was conveyed during validation session that spurred initiatives to address a variety of isssues that had been contributing to the problems that initially spurred the project.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes for women intending to use immersion in water for labour and birth in Western Australia (2015–2016): A retrospective audit of clinical outcomes
Authors: Lewis Lucy , Hauck Yvonne L. , Butt Janice , Hornbuckle Janet 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundResearch supports water immersion for labour if women are healthy, with no obstetric or medical risk factors.AimsTo evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of women intending to use immersion in water for labour or birth.MethodsRetrospective audit of clinical outcomes for women intending to labour or birth in water conducted between July 2015 and June 2016, at a tertiary maternity hospital in Western Australia. Obstetric and neonatal data were collected from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was utilised to investigate women who laboured in water stratified by those who birthed in water.ResultsA total of 502 women intended to labour or birth in water; 199 (40%) did not and 303 (60%) did. The majority of women using water immersion (179 of 303; 59%) birthed in water. Multiparous women were more likely than primparous to birth in water (73% vs 46%; P < 0.001). Women who birthed in water were at increased odds of: a first stage labour ≤240 min (odds ratio (OR) 2.56, 95% CI 1.34–4.87, P = 0.004); a second stage ≤60 min (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.82–6.84, P < 0.000); a third stage labour of 11–30 min (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.23–3.78, P = 0.008); and having an intact perineum (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.70–5.64, P < 0.000).ConclusionNot all women who set out to labour and birth in water achieve their aim. There is a need for high‐quality collaborative research into this option of labour and birth, so women can make an informed choice around this birth option.
Annual mowing maintains plant diversity in threatened temperate grasslands
Authors: Smith Annabel L. , Barrett Russell L. , Milner Richard N. C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQuestionsDisturbance regimes shaped the evolution of grasslands but grazing exclusion and fire suppression have caused unprecedented increases in grassland biomass and biodiversity declines. Mowing reduces biomass but is not widely practiced in conservation reserves because of concerns about facilitating exotic plant invasion and altering ecosystem function. We asked whether regular mowing affected (1) the diversity of native and exotic functional groups, (2) spatial turnover in vegetation composition (β‐diversity), (3) vegetation attributes relating to biomass and structural heterogeneity, (4) community composition and (5) the distribution and abundance of individual native and exotic species.LocationFive temperate grassland reserves, south‐eastern Australia, encompassing C3 and C4 dominated communities.MethodsVegetation within reserves had been cut to 10 cm, once per year, for 10 years in late spring/early summer to maintain access tracks. We surveyed plant communities in mowed areas and nearby (<5 m) unmowed control areas (40 subplots per reserve, 200 total) and used linear mixed‐effects models to examine the effects of mowing.ResultsOf 24 functional groups, the richness of 16 native and exotic groups significantly increased with mowing. In 14 of these cases, effects were consistent across C3‐ and C4‐dominated grassland. Mowing reduced spatial turnover, but this did not reduce species richness at any spatial scale. When accounting for species abundance and evenness (Shannon diversity), effects of mowing were generally positive for native species and neutral for exotic species. Mowing increased native perennial grass cover and bare earth, decreased exotic perennial grass cover and litter, and changed community composition. Mowing reduced vegetation height but not structural heterogeneity. Mowing positively affected six individual native species and no exotic species. One native (Asperula conferta) and two exotic (Avena spp. and Nassella neesiana) species were found in lower abundance on mowed plots.ConclusionsAnnual mowing can be a useful conservation tool for threatened temperate grasslands but should be heterogeneous to ensure the persistence of mowing‐sensitive native species. Good vehicle hygiene is essential and localized complementary management (e.g., herbicide) might be required to reduce exotic forbs and grasses.
Incidence of Common Cancers in Users of Antimuscarinic Medications for Overactive Bladder: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Hallas Jesper , Margulis Andrea V. , Pottegård Anton , Kristiansen Nina S. , Atsma Willem J. , Appenteng Kwame , de Vogel Stefan , Kaye James A. , Perez‐Gutthann Susana , Arana Alejandro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence rate (IR) of 10 common cancers in new users of antimuscarinic overactive bladder (OAB) medications. We conducted a cohort study using data recorded in Danish registers for patients newly exposed to the OAB drugs, darifenacin, fesoterodine, oxybutynin, solifenacin, tolterodine or trospium in years 2004–2012, aged ≥18 years and without cancer before treatment initiation. We estimated IRs for each study cancer (bladder, breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreas, prostate, renal and uterine), standardised by age and sex and explored IR trends over time since treatment initiation. For all cancer analyses, only the first incident targeted cancer was considered. Of 72,917 patients (60% women; mean age at treatment start: 66 years), 3475 developed a study cancer during 259,072 person‐years of follow‐up. The most common study cancers were prostate (48.1% of study cancers in men), breast (40.0% of study cancers in women) and lung (15.4% of all study cancers). The overall standardised study cancer IR was 5.4 per 1000 person‐years (95% confidence interval, 5.3–5.6); IRs were similar across individual OAB drugs. The standardised IRs for bladder and prostate cancers, which have symptoms in common with OAB, were highest in the first 6 months of treatment initiation and lower thereafter. In contrast, IRs for other study cancers were nearly constant during follow‐up. Cancer IRs did not vary substantially by individual OAB drug. Protopathic bias is a plausible explanation for the higher rates of bladder and prostate cancers observed soon after starting OAB drug treatment.
MiR‐595 Suppresses the Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxic Effects of Methotrexate by Targeting SLC19A1 in CEM/C1 Cells
Authors: Wang Shu‐Mei , Sun Lu‐Lu , Wu Wan‐Shui , Yan Dan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe human solute carrier family 19 member 1 (SLC19A1) is the gene coding for reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1). In our previous work, we showed that the miR‐595‐related polymorphism, rs1051296 G>T, which was located in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of SLC19A1, was associated with high methotrexate (MTX) plasma concentrations in patients with paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This study aimed to investigate the role of miR‐595 in the regulation of SLC19A1 expression and its effects on the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of MTX in ALL CEM/C1 cells. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate SLC19A1 as a miR‐595 target. RFC1 protein expression was determined via Western blotting. Intracellular MTX concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and flow cytometer, respectively. Compared to the negative control, miR‐595 mimics induced a significant decrease in the relative luciferase activity by binding to the 3′‐UTR of SLC19A1 harbouring the rs1051296 T allele (p < 0.01). Treatment of CEM/C1 cells with miR‐595 mimics substantially reduced RFC1 protein expression, intracellular MTX levels, MTX‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis rates compared to those of negative control. However, opposite results were observed in cells transfected with a miR‐595 inhibitor. These findings suggested that miR‐595 acts as a phenotypic regulator of MTX sensitivity in CEM/C1 cells by targeting SLC19A1. This study helped us to understand the mechanisms underlying the variable MTX responses observed in patients with ALL.
A knowledge‐based genetic algorithm for a capacitated fuzzy p‐hub centre network under uncertain information
Authors: Niknamfar Amir Hossein , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan , Karimi Marziyeh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn real applications of hub networks, the travel times may vary due to traffic, climate conditions, and land or road type. To facilitate this difficulty, in this paper, the travel times are assumed to be characterized by trapezoidal fuzzy variables to present a fuzzy capacitated single allocation p‐hub centre transportation (FCSApHCP) with uncertain information. The proposed FCSApHCP is redefined into its equivalent parametric integer non‐linear programming problem using credibility constraints. The aim is to determine the location of p capacitated hubs and the allocation of centre nodes to them in order to minimize the maximum travel time in a hub‐and‐centre network under uncertain environments. As the FCSApHCP is NP‐hard, a novel approach called knowledge‐based genetic algorithm (KBGA) is developed to solve it. This algorithm utilizes 2 knowledge modules to gain good and bad knowledge about hub locations and then saves them in a good and bad hub memory, respectively. As there is no benchmark available to validate the results obtained, a genetic algorithm with multiparent crossover is designed to solve the problem as well. Then, the algorithms are tuned to solve the problem, based on which their performances are analysed and then compared together statistically. The applicability of the proposed approach and the solution methodologies are demonstrated. Finally, sensitivity analyses on the discount factor in the network and the memory sizes of the proposed KBGA are conducted to provide more insights. The results show that appropriate values of memory sizes can enhance the convergence and save population diversity of KBGA simultaneously.
In vivo evaluation of some biophysical parameters of the facial skin of Indian subjects living in Mumbai. Part II: Variability with age and gender
Authors: Colomb L. , Flament F. , Wagle A. , Idelcaid Y. , Agrawal D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundA previously published work explored the diversity of some biophysical parameters (colour, elasticity, sebum production, skin microrelief, etc.) of the skin of 1204 Indian women, differently aged, living in four Indian cities (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai). The present work aimed at completing such research by focusing on possible gender‐related differences in the same skin parameters, between Indian men and women living in the same Indian city (Mumbai).MethodsA total of 297 Indian men, differently aged (18‐70y), were recruited in Mumbai, completing the panel of 303 women who were previously recruited in this same city. The same instrumental measurements of facial skin colour and its homogeneity, its mechanical properties, the sebum production, skin pores size, skin relief, etc. as in the previous work, were conducted.ResultsOverall, the facial skin colour shows a darker complexion in men as compared to women, on forehead, ocular region, lips, chin and cheek. The skin colour unevenness, which increases with age, was found higher in men, as compared to women. At comparable age, women and men present a same density of skin pores, whereas those of men appear larger, up to 55y. The deepness of Crow's feet wrinkles does not significantly differ between genders. A lesser extensibility was found on the cheeks of men. In men, the sebum production was found significantly higher than that of women at ages above 40y.ConclusionsThis work indicates some commonly shared age‐related skin features between women and men from Mumbai, despite slight different characteristics such as skin pigmentation, forehead/cheek colour contrast, mechanical properties and sebum production.
National rates, trends and determinants of inpatient surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in the United States, 1998–2011
Authors: Mikhail Emad , Salemi Jason L. , Schickler Robyn , Salihu Hamisu M. , Plosker Shayne , Imudia Anthony N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo describe the frequency and temporal trends of inpatient hospitalization for tubal ectopic pregnancy as well as patients’ characteristics, determinants and the current national trends in surgical management of ectopic pregnancy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of patients who were treated for tubal ectopic pregnancy in an inpatient hospital setting in the United States from 1998 to 2011 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases. National frequency and significant changes in the rate of surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in the inpatient setting are described.ResultsThe study included 334 639 tubal ectopic pregnancies for women aged 18–50 in the United States from 1998 to 2011. The rate of tubal ectopic pregnancy (per 10 000 maternal admissions) decreased from 77.2 in 1998 to 40.5 in 2011. The proportion of tubal ectopic pregnancies for which salpingostomy was performed decreased from 17.0% in 1998 to 7.0% in 2011, while the rate of salpingectomy increased from 69.3% in 1998 to 80.9% in 2011. The temporal change in surgical choice was not different in states with comprehensive in vitro fertilization insurance mandates.ConclusionThe rate of tubal ectopic pregnancy managed in the inpatient setting in the United States decreased 5% annually between 1998 and 2011. The rate of salpingectomies performed annually increased whereas that of salpingostomy decreased over time. The surgical approach selected for the management of tubal ectopic pregnancies was not influenced by a state’s in vitro fertilization mandate status.
Association between cotinine‐verified smoking status and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Jung Yoon Suk , Hong Hyun Pyo , Park Jung Ho , Kim Hong Joo , Park Dong Il , Cho Yong Kyun , Sohn Chong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Kim Byung Ik 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsThe relationship between cigarette smoking and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been controversial. Most relevant studies have relied on self‐reported questionnaires. We aimed to elucidate the association between smoking status and NAFLD using an objective biomarker of tobacco exposure (urinary cotinine) and self‐reported questionnaire.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 160 862 asymptomatic examinees who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and urinary cotinine measurements between April 2011 and December 2015. Cotinine‐verified current smokers were defined as participants with urinary cotinine levels ≥50 ng/mL.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 36.1 years, and the proportion of men was 51.7%. The proportions of self‐reported and cotinine‐verified current smokers were 17.6% and 17.7% respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, self‐reported current smoking was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06‐1.14). Moreover, among the current smokers, the risk of NAFLD increased with an increase in the amount of cigarette smoking (<10 and ≥10 pack‐years vs never smokers; AOR, 1.04 and 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.08 and 1.05‐1.16 respectively). Cotinine‐verified current smoking was also associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (AOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.14).ConclusionsCotinine‐verified current smoking and self‐reported current smoking were independent risk factors for NAFLD. Further longitudinal studies are needed to more clearly elucidate the impact of smoking on the development of NAFLD.
Known unknowns: Examining the burden of neurocognitive impairment in the end‐stage renal failure population
Authors: Wilson Scott , Dhar Arup , Tregaskis Peter , Lambert Gavin , Barton David , Walker Rowan 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTThe burden of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in patients receiving maintenance dialysis represents a spectrum of deficits across multiple cognitive domains that are associated with hospitalization, reduced quality‐of‐life, mortality and forced decision‐making around dialysis withdrawal. Point prevalence data suggest that dialysis patients manifest NCI at rates 3‐ to 5‐fold higher than the general population, with executive function the most commonly affected cognitive domain. The unique physiology of the renal failure state and maintenance dialysis appears to drive an excess of vascular dementia subtype compared to the general population where classical Alzheimer's disease predominates. Despite the absence of evidence‐based cost‐effective therapies for NCI, detecting it in this population creates opportunity to proactively personalize care through education, supported decision making and targeted communication strategies to cover specific areas of deficit and help define goals of care. This review discusses NCI in the dialysis setting, including developments in the definition of neurocognitive impairment, dialysis‐specific epidemiology across modalities, screening strategies and opportunities for dialysis providers in this space.