bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign currency exposure within country exchange traded funds
Authors: Williams Owen 
Published: June 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the implicit effect of the underlying foreign currency exposure on the performance characteristics of country exchange traded funds.

Design/methodology/approach
To arrive at an overall estimation of the exchange-traded fund (ETF)’s tracking error, the mean of the three measures of tracking error was calculated for both the hedged (r_LC) and unhedged (r_NAV) return series. Since tracking error does not capture all the risk inherent in a country index fund, the study extends the analysis using the Sortino and Modified Sharpe ratios.

Findings
The decision to hedge currency risk should not be taken on the sole basis of historical volatilities. The investor must also factor in transactions costs, the possible roll of futures contracts and prevailing interest rate differentials. If the rate on the foreign currency is greater than the dollar (euro) rate, the investor will pay for the hedge. If the rate on the foreign currency is less than the dollar (euro) rate, the investor will gain on the trade. Given that hedging entails additional costs, in cases where the neutralization of currency volatility only reduces risk modestly, it would be advisable to leave the exchange rate risk unhedged. We propose two metrics for ETF investors deciding whether to hedge a country ETF’s underlying currency risk.

Originality/value
The results highlight a key finding: while the majority of country funds accurately track the performance of the underlying foreign index when measured in the local currency, returns in the fund currency can be much more volatile. In breaking down the sources of country fund volatility, the paper demonstrates the impact of the underlying currency movements on overall fund risk. In cases where the currency impact has a significant impact on fund tracking errors, an index-oriented investor benefits from neutralizing the exchange rate effect. Additionally, as the Sortino and Modified Sharpe measures suggest that the underlying currency exposure offers in most cases a better risk-adjusted return for country exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the listing currency, we also calculate the risk minimizing foreign currency exposure for each fund and propose a decision rule based on the net currency variance to decide whether to hedge the ETF’s currency risk. The optimal hedge ratio indicates that US-based investors should only partially hedge the underlying currency risk while European-based investors are better off fully hedging currency risk.
Analysis and management of risks associated with outsourcing in China
Authors: El Fadil Jalal , St-Pierre Josée 
Published: June 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the risks associated with outsourcing production to emerging countries with lower labour costs, namely China, and study actions and plans used to reduce the influence of factors/drivers that induce these risks.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a multiple case-study methodology, involving seven Canadian manufacturing firms that have chosen an outsourcing strategy in China. It is based on a particular approach of classifying factors/drivers that may generate risks related to this strategy and on interviews with two managers per firm to reduce personal bias.FindingsIn each of the seven cases studied, outsourcing was chosen to take advantage of lower labour costs in China, but in reality, costs were higher than expected due to unforeseen factors inherent to the risks involved. This study reveals that risks generated by factors/drivers such as lack of experience, reduced control over foreign operations and cultural differences are of major concern for managers outsourcing part of their production to China. However, according to some executives that were interviewed, certain actions can be taken by firms to overcome the negative influence of these factors/drivers. Furthermore, some risks may have multiple causes or be induced by other risks.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of this study was composed of firms from different industrial sectors, and the authors were therefore unable to analyse sector-specific risks. As the industrial sector has an impact on the technical complexity of the products and their components, it would be appropriate to reconduct our research using samples drawn from similar sectors.Practical implicationsThese findings can help guide the decisions of managers wishing to outsource some of their activities to China and other emerging countries. They will contribute to the success of outsourcing strategies to these countries, as they reveal the risks associated with these strategies and the ways to deal with factors/drivers that can induce them. For example, building long-term relationships with Chinese partners based on collaboration, trust and mutual benefit as well as conducting a rigorous prospecting phase and taking time to select the right subcontractor can have a major impact on reducing risks.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this work is the analysis of risks associated with outsourcing to China, based on a categorisation of factors/drivers that can generate these risks, and the study of how firms manage these factors/drivers and control their negative effects. The nature of the practices and actions used to manage important risks depends on the characteristics of the companies, their size, resources and the products they outsource.
Testosterone levels are positively correlated with cloacal bacterial diversity and the relative abundance of Chlamydiae in breeding male rufous‐collared sparrows
Authors: Escallón Camilo , Becker Matthew H. , Walke Jenifer B. , Jensen Roderick V. , Cormier Guy , Belden Lisa K. , Moore Ignacio T. 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Testosterone mediates several key aspects of male reproduction, but maintaining high testosterone levels can reduce long‐term survival. One of the proposed pathways by which testosterone can influence survival is through increased risk of parasite infection. The hormone has the potential to affect the transmission of sexually transmitted infections by promoting behaviours that increase sexual contact rates and/or by decreasing immune function.

We hypothesized that males with high concentrations of testosterone would increase their chances of being infected with sexually transmitted bacteria, which would manifest as increased diversity of cloacal bacteria. To test this hypothesis, we measured circulating testosterone concentrations in breeding male rufous‐collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) and collected cloacal swabs to quantify bacterial diversity using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

There was a positive correlation between testosterone concentrations and the phylogenetic diversity of cloacal bacteria. In addition, individuals with high and medium testosterone concentrations had cloacal bacterial communities that were more similar to each other than to those of low testosterone individuals. Finally, when considering bacterial taxa that are potential avian pathogens, we found that the relative abundance of Chlamydiae, a class of obligate intracellular parasites, was positively correlated with testosterone concentrations.

Two non‐exclusive explanations for these results are that testosterone affects behaviours that lead to increased sexual contacts and thus the exposure and acquisition of additional phylogenetically diverse bacteria, and/or that testosterone is altering the immune system or the cloacal environment, thus making it easier for bacteria to colonize. Either way, these data suggest that increased exposure to sexually transmitted pathogens in the form of cloacal bacteria could be a cost of maintaining high testosterone levels.

A Lay Summary is available for this article.
Analysis of high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography images of Bentheim sandstone under elevated confining pressures
Authors: Saenger Erik H. , Lebedev Maxim , Uribe David , Osorno Maria , Vialle Stephanie , Duda Mandy , Iglauer Stefan , Steeb Holger 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTA sample of Bentheim sandstone was characterized using high‐resolution three‐dimensional X‐ray microscopy at two different confining pressures of 1 MPa and 20 MPa. The two recordings can be directly compared with each other because the same sample volume was imaged in either case. After image processing, a porosity reduction from 21.92% to 21.76% can be deduced from the segmented data. With voxel‐based numerical simulation techniques, we determined apparent hydraulic transport properties and effective elastic properties. These results were compared with laboratory measurements using reference samples. Laboratory and computed volumes, as well as hydraulic transport properties, agree fairly well. To achieve a reasonable agreement for the effective elastic properties, we define pressure‐dependent grain contact zones in addition to mineral phases in the digital rock images. From that, we derive a specific digital rock physics template resulting in a very good agreement between laboratory data and simulations. The digital rock physics template aims to contribute to a more standardized approach of X‐ray computed tomography data analysis as a tool to determine and predict elastic rock properties.
Motor‐based treatment with and without ultrasound feedback for residual speech‐sound errors
Authors: Preston Jonathan L. , Leece Megan C. , Maas Edwin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need to develop effective interventions and to compare the efficacy of different interventions for children with residual speech‐sound errors (RSSEs). Rhotics (the r‐family of sounds) are frequently in error American English‐speaking children with RSSEs and are commonly targeted in treatment. One treatment approach involves the use of ultrasound visual feedback of the tongue.AimsAlthough prior studies have shown that children with RSSEs acquire rhotics and generalize to untrained words with ultrasound visual feedback treatment, predictions from schema‐based motor learning theory suggest that visual feedback might impede generalization. Therefore, the primary aim was to compare the generalization of rhotics treated with and without ultrasound in children with RSSEs.Methods & ProceduresTwelve children aged 10–16 years with RSSEs affecting rhotics participated in a multiple‐baseline single‐case design with two treatment phases. For each participant, rhotics in one syllable position were treated for 7 h‐long sessions with ultrasound visual feedback and rhotics in a different syllable position were treated without ultrasound in a second treatment phase. The order of treatment conditions was counterbalanced across participants. A treatment framework incorporating the principles of motor learning through chaining procedures was implemented across both treatment phases; thus the primary distinction between conditions was the use of ultrasound visual feedback.Outcomes & ResultsOn average, both treatments resulted in an approximately 30% increase in accuracy of untreated words in seven sessions. However, variability in response suggested some children showed a preferential response to one treatment over another, some responded well to both interventions, and some responded minimally to both interventions.Conclusions & ImplicationsMotor‐based treatment with and without ultrasound visual feedback of the tongue may aid in speech‐sound acquisition for children with RSSEs. Both approaches may be viable options for some children. Future research is necessary to determine which children are the best candidates for interventions with and without ultrasound visual feedback.
Team‐specific Human Capital and Performance
Authors: Gerrard Bill , Lockett Andy 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this paper we explore the effects of team‐specific human capital (TSHC) on performance. We do so by delineating between two dimensions of TSHC, relating to team members and the team manager, and then exploring how the two dimensions may interact in shaping performance. Employing a 10‐year panel of football teams from the English Premier League we find that team members’ TSHC has a positive and significant effect on team performance, which is positively moderated by managers’ TSHC. Our results attest to the importance of considering both the team member and team manager dimensions of TSHC, and how the performance effects of team members’ TSHC are shaped by managers’ TSHC. Our results stand in stark contrast to the dramatic reduction in managerial tenure that has characterized the English Premier League in recent years.
Influence of Hydrocolloids (Dietary Fibers) on Lipid Digestion of Protein‐Stabilized Emulsions: Comparison of Neutral, Anionic, and Cationic Polysaccharides
Authors: Qin Dingkui , Yang Xiaojun , Gao Songran , Yao Junhu , McClements David Julian 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe impact of dietary fibers on lipid digestion within the gastrointestinal tract depends on their molecular and physicochemical properties. In this study, the influence of the electrical characteristics of dietary fibers on their ability to interfere with the digestion of protein‐coated lipid droplets was investigated using an in vitro small intestine model. Three dietary fibers were examined: cationic chitosan; anionic alginate; neutral locust bean gum (LBG). The particle size, ζ‐potential, microstructure, and apparent viscosity of β‐lactoglobulin stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions containing different types and levels of dietary fiber were measured before and after lipid digestion. The rate and extent of lipid digestion depended on polysaccharide type and concentration. At relatively low dietary fiber levels (0.1 to 0.2 wt%), the initial lipid digestion rate was only reduced by chitosan, but the final extent of lipid digestion was unaffected by all 3 dietary fibers. At relatively high dietary fiber levels (0.4 wt%), alginate and chitosan significantly inhibited lipid hydrolysis, whereas LBG did not. The impact of chitosan on lipid digestion was attributed to its ability to promote fat droplet aggregation through bridging flocculation, thereby retarding access of the lipase to the droplet surfaces. The influence of alginate was mainly ascribed to its ability to sequester calcium ions and promote depletion flocculation.
Effects of Ultrasound Assistance on Dehydration Processes and Bioactive Component Retention of Osmo‐Dried Sour Cherries
Authors: Siucińska Karolina , Mieszczakowska‐Frąc Monika , Połubok Aleksandra , Konopacka Dorota 
Published: June 2016

AbstractDespite having numerous health benefits, dried sour cherries have proven to be more acceptable to consumers when infused with sugar or other sweeteners to enhance their flavor, which, in turn, leads to serious anthocyanin losses. For this reason, a consideration was made for the application of ultrasound to accelerate solid gain and shorten drying time, thus favoring bioactive component retention. To determine the usefulness of ultrasound as a tool for sour cherry osmotic infusion enhancement, the effect of sonication time on dehydration effectiveness, as well as the stability of bioactive components during osmotic treatment and consecutive convective drying, was investigated. Fruits were osmo‐dehydrated using a 60% sucrose solution for 120 min (40 °C), during which, ultrasound of 25 kHz (0.4 W/cm2), was applied for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, after which, the fruits were convectively dried. In the range of the applied ultrasound energy no significant effect of sonication on mass transfer intensification was observed; moreover, longer acoustic treatment seemed to retard moisture removal during subsequent convective drying, which can be related to the breakdown of the parenchyma cell walls caused by the prolonged ultrasound (US) action. It was concluded that although US assistance could be considered neutral for bioactive component retention, excessive sonication time can lead to some anthocyanin deterioration. According to high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, the particular anthocyanin alterations, both during dehydration and final drying, occurred in a similar way. Sonication time prolongation caused approximately 10% more bioactive compound deterioration, than earlier, shorter trials.
Increased use of primary care during 6 years of prodromal schizophrenia
Authors: Nørgaard HCB. , Søndergaard Pedersen H. , Fenger‐Grøn M. , Mors O. , Nordentoft M. , Vestergaard M. , Munk Laursen T. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundEarly diagnosis is important for the course of schizophrenia.AimTo investigate whether prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia lead to increased use of primary care.MethodA register‐based cohort study of 21 894 cases with incident schizophrenia and 437 880 matched controls.ResultsCases used daytime primary care 43% more than controls during the 6 years before diagnosis (IRR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.39; 1.48) and 132% more during the last 2 months (IRR = 2.32; 95% CI: 2.27; 2.37), and 34% (IRR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.48) vs. 374% more for out‐of‐hours services (IRR = 3.74; 95% CI: 3.52; 3.98). Six years before index diagnosis, 30% of cases had at least one psychiatric contact without being diagnosed with schizophrenia, increasing to 75% 1 month before diagnosis.ConclusionIncreased help‐seeking behaviour was seen at least 6 years before index diagnosis, suggesting a ‘window’ for earlier diagnosis of prodromal schizophrenia.
Prepulse inhibition in euthymic bipolar disorder patients in comparison with control subjects
Authors: Sánchez‐Morla E. M. , Mateo J. , Aparicio A. , García‐Jiménez M. Á. , Jiménez E. , Santos J. L. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveDeficient prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response, indicating sensorimotor gating deficits, has been reported in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess sensorimotor gating deficits in patients with euthymic bipolar. Furthermore, we analysed the relationships between PPI and clinical and cognitive measures.MethodPrepulse inhibition was measured in 64 patients with euthymic bipolar and in 64 control subjects matched for age, gender, education level and smoking status. Clinical characteristics and level of functioning were assessed in all participants using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Cognition was evaluated using the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Stroop test as an additional measure of executive function.ResultsCompared with controls, patients with bipolar disorder exhibited PPI deficits at 60‐ and 120‐millisecond prepulse–pulse intervals. Among patients with bipolar disorder, PPI was correlated with the social cognition domain of the MCCB. PPI was not significantly correlated with other clinical, functional and neurocognitive variables in either group.ConclusionsOur data suggest that PPI deficit is a neurobiological marker in euthymic bipolar disorder, which is associated with social cognition but not with other clinical, functional or cognitive measures.
Comparison of DMRT3 genotypes among American Saddlebred horses with reference to gait
Authors: Regatieri I. C. , Eberth J. E. , Sarver F. , Lear T. L. , Bailey E. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryHorse owners choose whether or not to train American Saddlebred horses (ASHs) to perform the 4‐beat gaits called rack and slow gait. The rack and slow gait are similar to ambling gaits shown to be associated with variation in the DMRT3 gene in other breeds but are trained rather than naturally occurring gaits. A premature stop codon in the DMRT3 gene (DMRT3_Ser301STOP) caused by the Ch23:g.22999655C>A SNP has an effect on the pattern of locomotion in horses and allows for the pacing gait and strong association with performance of ambling gaits in diverse breeds. We used horse show records to identify ASHs trained to perform as 5‐gaited horses and compared them to other Saddlebreds for the prevalence of the A allele of the Ch23:g.22999655C>A SNP of DMRT3. Genomic DNA was typed using a PCR‐RFLP technique for 5‐gaited ASHs (n = 55), 3‐gaited or harness ASHs (n = 64) and ASHs not shown (n = 128). We did not observe differences in the frequencies of the Ch23:g.22999655C>A SNP of DMRT3 when comparing 5‐gaited ASHs to other ASHs (P > 0.22). These results suggest that DMRT3 alleles do not affect the choice of breeders to train and show ASHs as 5‐gaited horses.
Recent estimates of the incidence of hysterectomy in New South Wales and trends over the past 30 years
Authors: Yusuf Farhat , Leeder Stephen , Wilson Andrew 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundHysterectomy remains one of the frequently used surgical operations on women in Australia despite new therapeutic approaches for most of the common conditions for which hysterectomy is indicated.AimsTo determine whether the surgical approach to hysterectomy has changed in New South Wales (NSW) over the period 1981 to 2010–2012.Data and methodsDe‐identified individual records for hysterectomy patients during the three‐year period (January 2010 to December 2012) provided by the NSW Ministry of Health were used. Robotic assistance with surgery was not recorded in the hysterectomy data. Analysis largely involved the method of indirect standardisation.ResultsThe average annual hysterectomy rate during 2010–2012 was 3.07 per 1000 females per annum; the majority of patients stayed an average of four days in hospital. Total abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies were the two most frequently used procedures. One‐in‐four procedures involved the use of laparoscopes. Principal diagnoses (in descending order) were disorders of menstruation and other abnormal bleeding, genital prolapse, leiomyoma of uterus, malignant neoplasm of genital organs and endometriosis. While declining trends in hysterectomy rates were noted since 1981, an increasing trend in the use of laparoscopy was evident.ConclusionsThe 45% decrease in hysterectomy rates was indeed the most striking finding of our analysis. This is probably due to the development of alternative nonsurgical procedures such as oral hormone suppression of menstruation and the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system.
Pharmacological lactation suppression with D2 receptor agonists and risk of postpartum psychosis: A systematic review
Authors: Snellen Martien , Power Josephine , Blankley Gaynor , Galbally Megan 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundIt has been suggested that D2 receptor agonists commonly used postpartum for the physiological suppression of lactation, such as bromocriptine and cabergoline, may increase the risk of illness onset or relapse in women where there is a predisposition for or history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or postpartum psychosis. This is based on two lines of reasoning: current models of psychosis assume episodes are triggered by dysregulation of brain dopaminergic activity and treated by medications that universally have D2 receptor antagonist properties; and limited research suggesting these agents may be associated with psychotic episodes in vulnerable individuals outside of the postpartum period.AimThe aim of this study was to examine whether D2 agonists trigger psychosis in previously well mothers, or psychotic relapse or exacerbation of symptoms in mothers with known psychotic illnesses, when used to suppress lactation during the early postpartum period.Materials and MethodsA systematic review of the literature was undertaken of electronic databases, including: MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO from 1950 to 2015 using keywords.ResultsEight case reports, three case series and a pharmacovigilance survey were identified.ConclusionWhilst D2 receptor agonists appear to increase the risk of triggering psychosis in previously well mothers and those previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis, bromocriptine appears to pose a much greater risk than cabergoline. When considering the use of pharmacological agents to suppress lactation, physicians should carefully screen patients for a history of psychosis and consider alternatives to moderate this risk.