bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form for older adults in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Dinh V. , Lee Andy H. , Au Thuy B. , Nguyen Chung T. , Hoang Dong V. 
Published: July 2013

Issues addressedThe International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed as a global standard questionnaire to monitor physical activity across diverse populations. In Vietnam, the IPAQ‐Short Form (SF) has only been tested for reliability and validity among adolescents. The present study determined test‐retest reliability and criterion validity of the IPAQ‐SF for older Vietnamese adults aged 60–75 years.MethodsIn all, 197 participants were recruited from the community. Subjects were requested to wear a pedometer, record daily steps and list all physical activities in a log‐book for 7 consecutive days. Those who completed the requirements were interviewed using the IPAQ‐SF (IPAQ1). A repeated interview was arranged 3 days later (IPAQ2).ResultsThe final sample consisted of 150 participants (75 men, 75 women) with mean (± s.d.) age of 66.8 ± 5.1 years. The intraclass correlation coefficients between IPAQ1 and IPAQ2 exceeded 0.80 for all physical activity domains and sitting, indicating good reliability. However, fair to weak validity was evident between IPAQ1 measures and activity log and pedometer readings, with Spearman correlations of 0.46 and 0.20, respectively.ConclusionsThe Vietnamese translated version of IPAQ‐SF appears to be a reliable and reasonably valid instrument to assess and monitor habitual physical activity for older adults in Vietnam.So what?The IPAQ‐SF could provide useful physical activity data to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion intervention programs and for international comparison purposes.
Consequences of Incidental Otter Trawl Capture on Survival and Physiological Condition of Threatened Atlantic Sturgeon
Authors: Beardsall Jeffrey W. , McLean Montana F. , Cooke Steven J. , Wilson Brian C. , Dadswell Michael J. , Redden Anna M. , Stokesbury Michael J. W. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAtlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus aggregate in Minas Basin in the inner Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, during summer, presumably to feed on abundant intertidal invertebrates. The Atlantic Sturgeon aggregation is composed of multiple stocks from Canada and the USA. Government agencies from both nations have recently recognized Atlantic Sturgeon as threatened or endangered due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Little is known about the fate of Atlantic Sturgeon that are captured as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species, making it difficult to determine the extent to which bycatch is contributing to the Atlantic Sturgeon population's decline. To characterize the effects of otter trawl capture and release on Atlantic Sturgeon, we calculated a minimum survival rate for fish after catch and release by using acoustic telemetry, and we examined physiological indicators of stress. The minimum postrelease survival rate from otter trawl capture events was high (94% survival). Results also demonstrated that the magnitude of blood lactate in trawl‐captured fish relative to experimental control fish increased with longer handling times. Trawl capture and handling did not cause significantly elevated levels of blood glucose or cortisol relative to those of controls. Minimization of handling time (i.e., time on deck) should be a priority in trawl fisheries that capture Atlantic Sturgeon as bycatch. Future studies should attempt to quantify the postcapture behavior of these fish to better understand whole‐organism condition after fisheries encounters.
OncodriveCLUST: exploiting the positional clustering of somatic mutations to identify cancer genes
Authors: Tamborero David , Gonzalez-Perez Abel , Lopez-Bigas Nuria 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Gain-of-function mutations often cluster in specific protein regions, a signal that those mutations provide an adaptive advantage to cancer cells and consequently are positively selected during clonal evolution of tumours. We sought to determine the overall extent of this feature in cancer and the possibility to use this feature to identify drivers.
Results: We have developed OncodriveCLUST, a method to identify genes with a significant bias towards mutation clustering within the protein sequence. This method constructs the background model by assessing coding-silent mutations, which are assumed not to be under positive selection and thus may reflect the baseline tendency of somatic mutations to be clustered. OncodriveCLUST analysis of the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer retrieved a list of genes enriched by the Cancer Gene Census, prioritizing those with dominant phenotypes but also highlighting some recessive cancer genes, which showed wider but still delimited mutation clusters. Assessment of datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas demonstrated that OncodriveCLUST selected cancer genes that were nevertheless missed by methods based on frequency and functional impact criteria. This stressed the benefit of combining approaches based on complementary principles to identify driver mutations. We propose OncodriveCLUST as an effective tool for that purpose.
Availability: OncodriveCLUST has been implemented as a Python script and is freely available from http://bg.upf.edu/oncodriveclust
Contact: nuria.lopez@upf.edu or abel.gonzalez@upf.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The MSC experience: developing an operational certification standard and a market incentive to improve fishery sustainability
Authors: Agnew D. J. , Gutiérrez N. L. , Stern-Pirlot A. , Hoggarth D. D. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Agnew, D. J., Gutiérrez, N. L., Stern-Pirlot, A., and Hoggarth, D. D. 2014. The MSC experience: developing an operational certification standard and a market incentive to improve fishery sustainability. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 216–225. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fisheries is represented by three high-level principles and a set of 31 indicators and scoring guidelines, known as the “default assessment tree”. Over the 14 years, since it was developed in 1999, the MSC has faced the challenge of maintaining its standard at the level of global best practice, keeping up with developments in the science and management of fisheries, and making sure that certified fisheries maintain their performance at that standard, or raise it where they fall below it. The MSC has had to regularly and widely engage with multiple stakeholders to ensure that its policy development is consistent with stakeholder expectations. Although many fisheries have made significant improvements to their performance, sometimes performance has declined, leading to further requirements for improvement. The MSC needed to design a program that balances credibility, accessibility, and improvement to move the world's fisheries towards sustainability.
Restrictive Deferred Hydration Combined with Preemptive Norepinephrine Infusion during Radical Cystectomy Reduces Postoperative Complications and Hospitalization Time
Authors: Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Burkhard Fiona C. , Thalmann George N. , Stueber Frank , Studer Urs E. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background:
Anesthetics and neuraxial anesthesia commonly result in vasodilation/hypotension. Norepinephrine counteracts this effect and thus allows for decreased intraoperative hydration. The authors investigated whether this approach could result in reduced postoperative complication rate.

Methods:
In this single-center, double-blind, randomized, superiority trial, 166 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion were equally allocated to receive 1 ml·kg−1·h−1 of balanced Ringer’s solution until the end of cystectomy and then 3 ml·kg−1·h−1 until the end of surgery combined with preemptive norepinephrine infusion at an initial rate of 2 µg·kg−1·h−1 (low-volume group; n = 83) or 6 ml·kg−1·h−1 of balanced Ringer’s solution throughout surgery (control group; n = 83). Primary outcome was the in-hospital complication rate. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization time, and 90-day mortality.

Results:
In-hospital complications occurred in 43 of 83 patients (52%) in the low-volume group and in 61 of 83 (73%) in the control group (relative risk, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55–0.88; P = 0.006). The rates of gastrointestinal and cardiac complications were lower in the low-volume group than in the control group (5 [6%] vs. 31 [37%]; relative risk, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07–0.39; P < 0.0001 and 17 [20%] vs. 39 [48%], relative risk, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26–0.60; P = 0.0003, respectively). The median hospitalization time was 15 days [range, 11, 27d] in the low-volume group and 17 days [11, 95d] in the control group (P = 0.02). The 90-day mortality was 0% in the low-volume group and 4.8% in the control group (P = 0.12).

Conclusion:
A restrictive-deferred hydration combined with preemptive norepinephrine infusion during radical cystectomy and urinary diversion significantly reduced the postoperative complication rate and hospitalization time.
Livestock mortality insurance: development and challenges
Authors: Boyd Milton , Pai Jeffrey , Porth Lysa 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this research is examine the development of livestock mortality insurance, and associated challenges, in order to provide an improved understanding regarding the operation of livestock mortality insurance.Design/methodology/approachIn a many countries, livestock mortality insurance has been either unavailable or underdeveloped. A descriptive analysis is provided regarding the background and development of livestock mortality insurance, along with an example.FindingsLivestock mortality insurance is considerably more complex than crop insurance, and some of the complexities of livestock mortality insurance include multi‐stage production, consequential losses, occasional large event losses, animal health management, moral hazard, and adverse selection.Originality/valueThis study provides background and development information regarding livestock mortality insurance, and also highlights a number of important differences between livestock mortality insurance and crop insurance.
Can flexible microfinance loans improve credit access for farmers?
Authors: Weber Ron , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: July 2013

PurposeUsing a unique dataset of a commercial microfinance institution (MFI) in Madagascar, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how credit access probabilities and loan volume rationing magnitudes for farmers change if the MFI switches to offer flexible microfinance loans, which can account for agricultural production specifics.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate probit models for the probability of receiving a loan and Heckman models to investigate the magnitude of volume rationing for all micro loan applications and disbursements of the MFI, differentiating between farmers with standard microfinance loans and farmers with flexible microfinance loans.FindingsThe results reveal that agricultural firms with flexible microfinance loans have significantly higher credit access probabilities than non‐agricultural firms and agricultural firms with standard microfinance loans. Furthermore, it was found that agricultural firms with flexible microfinance loans are stronger volume rationed than non‐agricultural firms and agricultural firms with standard microfinance loans.Research limitations/implicationsEven if the authors can show that access to credit for agricultural firms in Madagascar can be enhanced by the provisioning of flexible microfinance loans, the investigated MFI only introduced flexible microfinance loans in 2011 and currently only offers them through five branch offices. Thus, the product is new to the MFI, and results might change with increasing outreach to other geographic regions in Madagascar. Furthermore, the conditions for agricultural production in Madagascar are unique, and the results might change in different country contexts.Practical implicationsThe paper's findings suggest that flexible microfinance loans can contribute to the financial inclusion of farmers with seasonal production types. They also suggest that standard microfinance loans seem to be adequate for farmers with less seasonal production types, e.g. animal husbandry.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to investigate the effects of flexible microfinance loan provision for credit access of small agricultural firms in developing countries in general, and in Madagascar in particular.
Hedging effectiveness of weather derivatives in arable farming – is there a need for mixed indices?
Authors: Pelka Niels , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe use of weather derivatives is impaired with a basis risk which diminishes the hedging effectiveness and hinders the distribution of these risk management instruments in the agricultural sector. A frequently suggested approach to reduce the basis risk is the use of mixed indices composed of several weather variables. The purpose of this paper is to compare the hedging effectiveness of a simple temperature‐based and a simple precipitation‐based weather derivative with that of a derivative based on a mixed index of two weather variables.Design/methodology/approachThe basis of this comparison are empirical yield time series of the winter wheat production of 32 farms located in central Germany, as well as daily temperature and precipitation data collected by selected weather stations over several years. Insurance is structured as an option on an accumulated weather index and priced by index‐value simulation. In addition, the bootstrapping method is used to improve statistical reliability. The hedging effectiveness is measured non‐parametrically regarding the relative reduction of the standard deviation of winter wheat revenues caused by using weather derivatives.FindingsThe results reveal that mixed index‐based weather derivatives have a significantly higher potential to reduce the risk of winter wheat revenues than simple index‐based weather derivatives. However, using mixed index‐based weather derivatives does not lead to a significantly higher hedging effectiveness than the simultaneous use of several simple index‐based weather derivatives. Moreover, simple index‐based weather derivatives may more easily raise the interest of other industries which could serve as potential trading partners for the agricultural sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors analyzed the hedging effectiveness of weather derivatives based on simple and mixed indices with regard to the production of winter wheat in Central Germany. To confirm that the present results are generalizable, further research is required for other types of production apart from winter wheat cultivation and with respect to other regions besides Germany.Practical implicationsThe focus and results of the present study are very relevant for farmers as well as for potential providers of weather derivatives. The results reconfirm that weather derivative providers should better offer different weather derivatives based on a simple index than complex derivatives that are based on a mixed index.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first that provides a comparative impact analysis of simple and mixed index‐based weather derivatives conducted for real individual farms with regard to their hedging effectiveness.
Risk‐efficient portfolio crop choice with amended water and irrigation policies in northern Germany
Authors: Buchholz Matthias , Musshoff Oliver 
Published: July 2013

PurposeIncreasing environmental concerns have placed the need for an enhanced water resources management on the policy agenda. In this context, a restrictive regulation of water withdrawals for irrigation has gained in importance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a reduction in water quotas and increased water prices affect risk‐efficient crop choices and the related economic implications for northern German farmers.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply a whole‐farm risk programming approach to a typical arable farm in northern Germany. By using irrigation field trials, production activities with varying irrigation intensities and inherently incorporated crop yield uncertainty are defined.FindingsIn contrast to increased water prices, a reduction in water quotas leads to higher water savings and lower economic disadvantages for farmers. Due to an adjusted portfolio crop choice, as well as irrigation intensity, the reduction in the expected total gross margin is partially offset.Research limitations/implicationsThis example ensures volumetric water monitoring at the farm level which, however, remains a major pitfall in many other countries. From a methodological perspective, the crop yield distribution choice might affect the findings. Likewise, the consideration of downside risk in an irrigation context appears to be interesting for future research.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to compare the implications of differentiated water quotas and water pricing schemes suggested by the European Water Framework Directive, while taking risk‐efficient crop portfolio considerations into account. This approach facilitates water reallocation not only between crops, but also in terms of the crop‐specific irrigation intensity. Crop yields are based on a unique panel of micro data rather than expert opinions or simulations.
Biscuits and perseverance: reflections on supporting a community intellectual disability team to reflect
Authors: Wilcox Esther 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to share information and reflections on the process of setting up case formulation meetings in a community intellectual disability team supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe case formulation meeting was set up and pioneered by a clinical psychologist working in the team. This paper offers a description of the process of setting up the meetings and experiences of initial meetings.FindingsEvaluations of the meetings were consistently positive, but attendance from the team members was dependent on ongoing marketing of the meetings by the team's psychologist. Feedback suggested that there may be direct benefits to the clinical work of the team and that the conversations allowed for improved management of risk. This suggests that time spent on facilitating such meetings can help to improve the quality of a service.Originality/valueOther papers have helpfully shared experiences of setting up formulation meetings in other settings. To the author's knowledge, this is the first paper which shares the experience of setting up and running a case formulation meeting in an adult community intellectual disability team setting. The paper's focus on meetings which floundered, and focus on lessons learnt for the continuation of the meetings is also of practical value.
Quality of life and living arrangements for people with intellectual disability
Authors: Bertelli Marco , Salvador‐Carulla Luis , Lassi Stefano , Zappella Michele , Ceccotto Raymond , Palterer David , de Groef Johan , Benni Laura , Rossi Prodi Paolo 
Published: July 2013

PurposeRecent international experiences of community inclusion have produced a major change in residential care for people with intellectual disability (ID). Assignment and outcome assessment through new person‐centred measures are raising increasing interest; however, the information on quality of life and accommodation is still limited. This paper aims to provide an overview of the application of quality of life models and the size of the provision of different living arrangements.Design/methodology/approachA systematic mapping of the literature of the last decade was followed by an expert guided review of the available evidence.FindingsQoL outcomes measures of living arrangements in people with ID show conceptual and methodological challenges. The following key topics were identified: individual level: issues related to health status, behavioural problems and other personal factors (ageing, choice and empowerment); family and peers; local level: accommodation, architecture and urbanization, and economic aspects (deprivation and costs); macro level: social participation (community inclusion). The residential solutions that are currently considered of highest efficiency are small apartments in the community and “cluster centers”.Originality/valueThe level of quality of life is very relevant in the assessment of living arrangements in people with ID although its assessment still shows significant limitations. Some accommodation typologies seem more effective than others. New conceptual models of inclusive residential care support the convenience of a wide range of accommodation alternatives that may fit the individual needs of a highly heterogeneous population group. A unique residential alternative, albeit optimal from a community care perspective, may not be adequate for all persons with ID.
Mark Twain andThe Innocents Abroad:illuminating the tourist gaze on death
Authors: Johnston Tony 
Published: July 2013

PurposeIn 1867, the author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, undertook a great pleasure excursion across Europe. Visiting a range of sites, from those associated with the Christian Cult of Death to the notable cultural heritage attractions of the time, Twain published his experiences in what would later become one of the world's best‐selling travelogues;The Innocents Abroad, or the New Pilgrim's Progress. This essay offers a rereading of Twain's encounters, proposing examination of Twain's encounters as timely and useful in addressing what Seaton identifies as a gap in data on thanatourism consumption.Design/methodology/approachThe essay draws on contemporary thanatourism theoretical frameworks, including Seaton's “Continuum of intensity” and “Thanatourism developmental sketch”; Sharpley's “Matrix of dark tourism supply and demand” and Stone and Sharpley's “Dark tourism consumption framework”, among others, to explore Twain's encounters.FindingsSupplemented by a review of recent theoretical thanatourism research, the essay proposes three findings. Finding one illustrates that Twain's encounters, although not always pre‐motivated or purposefully supplied, were emotionally charged and deeply affective experiences, which had the potential to provoke ontological insecurity. Finding two highlights the potential of the geography of death to stimulate emotional reactions and configure individual and societal interactions with death. Finding three argues a need for new methodological approaches to understanding the thanatourism experience; approaches that are empathetically sensitive to the potentially powerful impact of the thanatourism experience.Originality/valueThe essay draws on a classic travelogue to help address the imbalance in knowledge of the thanatourism experience. The essay argues that thanatourism is a layered and complex phenomenon, highly personal and often a potentially powerful and emotionally affective experience.