bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative study of experiences impacting music teacher development
Authors: Chua Siew Ling , Welch Graham Frederick
Published: October 2019

Scholars have asserted for the need for music teachers to be engaged in music-making and have drawn links between performing and music teaching identities. Drawing on a questionnaire study ( n = 72), this article reports (a) the impact of music and non-music experiences on specialist music teachers and (b) the associations between experiences, perceived music (teaching) abilities, and their pride as music teachers. Through using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, the study found that besides performing abilities positively impacting on music teachers’ perceived teaching abilities and their pride as music teachers, music compositional experiences also significantly impact on music teachers’ perceived teaching abilities. In addition, teachers’ other experiences in the context of their work environment are also significantly associated with their perceived teaching abilities. The implications are that more attention needs to be given to positive music composition experiences and its relationship to music teaching. Moreover, the professional and personal growth of music teachers is constituted by both musical and non-musical development aspects and is impacted by their relationship with their students and their colleagues. Therefore, professional development of music teachers should look beyond their competency development to facilitating and supporting the growth of their music teacher identities.
Anti-politics and Global Climate Inaction: The Case of the Australian Carbon Tax
Authors: Copland Simon
Published: October 2019

Action on climate change has enjoyed popular support in most Western countries. Despite this, successive governments have struggled to implement policy to tackle this issue. Using the case of opposition to the Clean Energy Act, passed in Australia to establish an emissions trading scheme, this paper argues that a growing and broad sentiment of distrust in political elites, described as ‘anti-politics’, can explain some of this contradiction. Particular forms of climate policy, in particular emissions trading schemes, have been successfully framed as policies that appeal to the interests of a new class of liberal elites while hurting ordinary working people. This frame was used successfully in Australia by conservative forces to oppose the Clean Energy Act. While used cynically by political leaders in this case, the paper argues that anti-political sentiment reflects genuine concerns about the detachment between the state and voting population. This detachment is reflected in neoliberal climate policies. Through briefly examining the cases of the Trump Administration’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Gilets Jaunes protest movement, the paper argues that while formulating climate policy we must consider anti-political sentiment, developing responses to the climate crisis from a bottom-up rather than top-down approach.
A case study in human–robot collaboration in the disassembly of press-fitted components
Authors: Huang Jun , Pham Duc Truong , Wang Yongjing , Qu Mo , Ji Chunqian , Su Shizhong , Xu Wenjun , Liu Quan , Zhou Zude
Published: October 2019

Human–robot collaborative disassembly is an approach designed to mitigate the effects of uncertainties associated with the condition of end-of-life products returned for remanufacturing. This flexible semi-autonomous approach can also handle unpredictability in the frequency and numbers of such returns as well as variance in the remanufacturing process. This article focusses on disassembly, which is the first and arguably the most critical step in remanufacturing. The article presents a new method for disassembling press-fitted components using human–robot collaboration based on the active compliance provided by a collaborative robot. The article first introduces the concepts of human–robot collaborative disassembly and outlines the method of active compliance control. It then details a case study designed to demonstrate the proposed method. The study involved the disassembly of an automotive water pump by a collaborative industrial robot working with a human operator to take apart components that had been press-fitted together. The results show the feasibility of the proposed method.
Sharing stories: An exploration of genres in storytimes
Authors: Kociubuk Jacqueline , Campana Kathleen
Published: October 2019

Exposure to a variety of stories can support many early literacy skills for young children. Using video recordings from a previous study that examined early literacy in public library storytimes, this study investigated the use of genre and story variety in storytimes for young children (birth to 60 months). Findings showed that attendees were primarily exposed to stories from the storybook/narrative genre with limited use of both non-narrative and narrative informational genres in number of stories and time spent reading each genre. Story variety and the use of current titles can be improved to better support early literacy development in public library storytimes.
Social Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Growth: Attributes, Perceptions and Roles of Business Incubators and Intermediaries in Malaysia
Authors: Baskaran Angathevar , Tang Mingfeng , Thiruchelvam K.  , Shahabudin Sharifah Muhairah , Chan Theresa S. Y.
Published: October 2019

Social enterprises are considered to be at the heart of inclusive growth due to their emphasis on people and social cohesion that help effect social and economic transformation. In the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011–2015), two out of ten objectives are on achieving inclusive growth. In this context, this article explores the ecosystem for social enterprises in Malaysia, raising the following research questions: (a) what are the attributes (features) of business incubators (BIs) and intermediaries (IMs) operating in the social enterprise sector in Malaysia? (b) What are the perceptions of BIs and IMs on various aspects of the social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia? (c) What is the role of BIs and other IMs in fostering social entrepreneurship (SE) in Malaysia in general and meeting the inclusive growth objective of the country in particular? This study employs the qualitative approach and primary data gathered through interviews of six BIs and IMs and twenty social enterprises. This study found that the current social enterprise ecosystem is weak and still emerging and has yet to take a concrete shape. The absence of legal status for social enterprise is the single most important obstacle in unlocking the potential growth of social enterprise sector. This study suggests that the government initiates policy measures to give legal status to social enterprises in the country, in order to develop the ecosystem and facilitate a greater participation of the private sector.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Oral and Hand Hygiene Practices Among Adolescents in Malaysia: Findings From the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017
Authors: Che Salleh Natifah , Mohamad Anuar Mohamad Fuad , Abdullah Nurrul Ashikin , Yaw Siew Lian , Ibrahim Wong Norazizah , Teck Pei Ting , Awaluddin S. Maria , Aris Tahir
Published: October 2019

This cross-sectional national survey aimed to determine the prevalence of oral and hand hygiene practices as well as associations between sociodemographic characteristics and oral and hygiene practice among adolescents aged 13 to 17 years during the past 30 days. A validated self-administered bilingual questionnaire adapted from the Malaysian Global School Health Survey with computer-scanable answer sheets was distributed to 30 823 adolescents attending government secondary schools in Malaysia; and 89.2% responded to the questionnaire given. More than 80% (87.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.24-87.96) of the adolescents reported that they had brushed their teeth at least twice daily and had always washed their hands after using the toilet (86.6%; 95% CI = 85.85-87.36). The odds of adolescents who brushed their teeth at least 2 times daily and washed their hands after using the toilet was significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics. This study highlights the need to further improve the effectiveness of current oral health promotion programs with consideration for sociodemographic characteristics.
Patients’ survival rates and their correlated factors in the prehospital setting of a dust explosion incident
Authors: Lin Hui‐An , Wang Tsung‐Hsi , Kao Wei‐Fong , Chao Chun‐Chieh
Published: October 2019

Background:

Triage plays a critical role in mass casualty incidents by optimizing the use of medical resources. The Formosa Fun Coast (Baxian Water Park) dust explosion incident in 2015 revealed the lack of resources in the Taiwanese medical system to handle large‐scale burn and scald casualties; however, this incident resulted in only 3% mortalities (15/499) by the end of 2015.

Objective:

This study aims to examine the key features and correlated factors of the prehospital setting in 15 mortalities.

Materials and methods:

This retrospective cohort study enrolled all patients from the Formosa Fun Coast incident (N = 499). The follow‐up period was from 27 June to 31 December 2015. We first examined the correlation between patient survival and various variables and then tested the correlation between survival‐correlated variables and the level of hospitals that provided treatment.

Results:

The survivor and nonsurvivor groups shared similar distributions of all study variables. Emergency medical technician performed the triage assessment, and the Baux score correlated with patient survival. This study further tested whether the hospital level correlated with the emergency medical technician–performed triage assessment or Baux score. A chi‐square test revealed that the emergency medical technician–performed triage assessment and Baux score correlated with patient survival, thereby indirectly affirming the planning, training, and auditing of the Taiwanese emergency medical technician system.

Conclusion:

The lack of the effect of the hospital level on patient mortality indicated that mortality might be related to the severity of burn injury rather than the level of hospital chosen for initial treatment, besides being related to a satisfactory emergency medical technician–performed triage system.
Worth changing? Clinical effects of switching treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration from intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept to bevacizumab in a region in southern Sweden
Authors: Bro Tomas , Hägg Staffan
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To examine the clinical effects of switching intravitreal drug treatment from the approved vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, ranibizumab and aflibercept, to off label use of bevacizumab in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

This retrospective study scrutinized medical records of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration who switched therapy to bevacizumab due to a policy decision. Best corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness, and number of injections before and 1 year after the switch was compared. The non-inferiority margin of best corrected visual acuity was five Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters.

Results:

A switch from ranibizumab was evaluable in 93 eyes and from aflibercept in 19 eyes. Neither of the groups had a significant non-inferior visual acuity 16 month after the switch. Mean best corrected visual acuity in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters was 63.8 (95% confidence interval: 61.3–66.4) before and 62.2 (95% confidence interval: 59.3–65.1) after in the ranibizumab group and 68.2 (95% confidence interval: 63.3–73.1) before and 67.7 (95% confidence interval: 62.8–72.6) after in the aflibercept group. Mean central retinal thickness in micrometers decreased from 254 (95% confidence interval: 247–261) to 250 (95% confidence interval: 225–275) in the ranibizumab group and from 265 (95% confidence interval: 255–276) to 262 (95% confidence interval: 251–273) in the aflibercept group. The treatment was changed again after the switch in 18% of the patients in the ranibizumab group and 19% in the aflibercept group and these subjects were excluded from the analyses.

Conclusion:

In patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, a switch from ranibizumab or aflibercept to bevacizumab seems possible without a significant decrease in visual acuity in most patients.
Is age just a number? Credibility and identity of younger academics in UK business schools
Authors: Crozier Sarah E , Woolnough Helen
Published: October 2019

In this article, we use discursive qualitative interviews to explore identity challenges and opportunities experienced by younger academics in the business school environment. We frame identity construction and the influence of age as a reflexive and subjective process. We establish links between identity study and critical reflexivity and advocate for their benefits in supporting young academics in unpacking and navigating their fragile academic identities. Our analysis generates important insights into the sense-making process, where identity norms and definitions of young academics influence their engagement in shaping their identity and the extent to which they achieve confidence and credibility. Where internal and external perceptions of required identities were problematic, imposter syndrome arose, presented as accounts of marginalisation. We position the interplay of identity regulation and identity work as shaping the consequences of what were sometimes precarious outcomes of self-identity. Alongside this conceptual contribution, we provide practical avenues for support initiatives that may help young academics build legitimacy and overcome perceptions of marginalisation.
Predatory publishing in management research: A call for open peer review
Authors: Dobusch Leonhard , Heimstädt Maximilian
Published: October 2019

Predatory journals have emerged as an unintended consequence of the Open Access paradigm. Predatory journals only supposedly or very superficially conduct peer review and accept manuscripts within days to skim off publication fees. In this provocation piece, we first explain how predatory journals exploit deficiencies of the traditional peer review process in times of Open Access publishing. We then explain two ways in which predatory journals may harm the management discipline: as an infrastructure for the dissemination of pseudo-science and as a vehicle to portray management research as pseudo-scientific. Analyzing data from a journal blacklist, we show that without the ability to validate their claims to conduct peer review, most of the 639 predatory management journals are quite difficult to demarcate from serious journals. To address this problem, we propose open peer review as a new governance mechanism for management journals. By making parts of their peer review process more transparent and inclusive, reputable journals can differentiate themselves from predatory journals and additionally contribute to a more developmental reviewing culture. Eventually, we discuss ways in which editors, reviewers, and authors can advocate reform of peer review.
Migrant labour as space: Rhythmanalysing the agri-food industry
Authors: Agar Celal Cahit , Manolchev Constantine
Published: October 2019

The UK agri-food industry is heavily dependent on migrant labour and, as result, the position and experiences of migrant workers have remained topics of research interest for over a decade. To date, a prolific body of research in the organisation studies literature has addressed the subordinate and exploited position of migrants against a backdrop of precarious terms and conditions of work. Studies have also extolled the scope for worker mobility and resistance, as well as explored the intersectional and non-reductive complexity of migrant life. Although offering valuable insights, these literatures present a disembedded portrayal of the agri-food industry, studying its regulatory provisions, everyday routines and work patterns in abstraction from the spaces within which they occur. Existing research has failed to recognise these processes as modes of space production, in line with Henri Lefebvre’s trialectic framework. This issue of Organization enables us to bring empirical and theoretical insights into this often neglected area, pertaining both to the study of migrant labour spaces and the identification of the rhythms through which these spaces are produced. Accordingly, our study combines Rudolf Laban’s ‘ontology of rhythm’ and Henri Lefebvre’s ‘rhythmanalysis’ methodology. Aided by our own positionality as former agri-food workers, we show how regulating, connecting and ‘dressage’ rhythms intersect agri-food space in a process of relational and multifaceted ‘ordering’, rather than static order. We contribute to the organisation studies literature by conceptualising the missing, spatial dimension in the agri-food migrant industry and demonstrating the value of rhythmanalysis as an underutilised methodology for its continued study.
Breakups hurt: Party switching and perceived proximity between politicians and their party
Authors: Ceron Andrea , Volpi Elisa
Published: October 2019

What are the effects of party defections on the attitudes of politicians who remain loyal to the party? We answer by combining multiple sources of data into a comprehensive novel data set on parliamentary party switching, to estimate how this affects the perceived distance between a politician and his party. Focusing on the theory of cognitive dissonance and the black sheep effect, we hypothesize that politicians perceive themselves closer to their parties when those parties recently suffered defections. The effect should be greater among incumbent politicians as they directly experience divisions, but also among officials dissatisfied with the leadership as their dissonance should be stronger. Statistical analyses of data from two elite surveys, on a sample of 13,256 politicians belonging to 92 parties that ran in 28 elections held between 2005 and 2015 in 14 countries, provide support for our hypotheses and shed light on the consequences of intra-party defections.
Gilbert Simondon and the Technical Mentalities and Transindividual Affects of Art-science
Authors: Lapworth Andrew
Published: October 2019

Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the field of ‘art-science’ collaborations for their perceived capacity to develop new cultural understandings of technology and science. In this article, and through an engagement with the philosophy of Gilbert Simondon, I argue that if art-science represents an important site for the formation of an alternate technical culture today, then it is because of the new technical mentalities that such practices might cultivate. Here, creating a new technical mentality is more than just a representational concern with enhancing ‘public awareness’ of technology, instead referring to more material transformations in our embodied capacities for perceiving and affectively engaging with technologies. I flesh this potential out through an encounter with work of Art Orienté objet, whose art-science collaborations challenge the anthropocentric and utilitarian mentalities of contemporary bioscience through explorations of the transindividual conditions of human embodiment and its material immersion within nonhuman ecologies.
Assessing multiple features of partner support for smoking cessation in dual-smoker couples
Authors: Haskins LeeAnn B , vanDellen Michelle R , Lewis Megan A , Toll Benjamin A , Lipkus Isaac M
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new scale to measure multiple aspects of partner support for quitting smoking relevant to dual-smoker couples, called the Partner Support for Quitting Scale. The best model fit ( N = 238 individuals in 119 couples) considers the frequency of, confidence in, and perceived usefulness of partner support behaviors. Path analysis revealed that the Partner Support for Quitting Scale factors were uniquely predicted by relationship commitment and nicotine dependence and, in turn, predicted self-efficacy for smoking cessation and desire to quit. Preliminary support was found for the Partner Support for Quitting Scales’ value as an assessment tool for measuring partner support for smoking cessation among dual-smoker couples.
Semi-active suspension systems from research to mass-market – A review
Authors: Soliman AMA , Kaldas MMS
Published: October 2019

It is well documented that active suspension systems offer substantial benefits in ride comfort, handling control over traditional passive systems. However, restrictive features such as the power required and costs make an active system impractical. To solve those problems, semi-active suspension systems have been developed. This paper aims at providing a review of the present state-of-the-art in the semi-active suspension control field in terms of vehicle ride comfort and road-holding performance evaluation. Strengths and weaknesses of the semi-active suspension systems are identified and their relative performance capabilities and equipment requirements are discussed. Furthermore, examples of the current mass market implementation for semi-active suspension systems for road vehicle are discussed.
Exploring Recent Trends in Youth Justice Reconvictions: A Challenge to the Complexity Thesis
Authors: Bateman Tim , Wigzell Alexandra
Published: October 2019

In recent years, it has become accepted wisdom that children subject to youth justice intervention, in England and Wales, are more complex than previously, as a consequence of a substantial rise in diversion from the system that filters out children with lower levels of need and less entrenched offending. This ‘complexity’ thesis has been used to explain rises in rates of reoffending. This article demonstrates that the patterns shown in the reoffending data are not those that would be predicted by the complexity thesis. Indeed the data suggest that some groups of children may be less entrenched in offending than hitherto.
Preparation and properties of lightweight carbon/carbon fiber composite thermal field insulation materials for high-temperature furnace
Authors: Tang Bo , Wang Ying , Hu Li , Lin Lianbin , Ma Chenxi , Zhang Chongyin , Lu Yonggen , Sun Kai , Wu Xinfeng
Published: October 2019

The main purpose of this work is to make lightweight carbon/carbon fiber composite with low density and low thermal conductivity for high-temperature furnace. Lightweight carbon/carbon fiber composite thermal field insulation materials were prepared by the process method of needle punching—molding curing high-temperature graphitization. The results show that the long carbon fiber in the carbon/carbon fiber composite forms a three-dimensional structure of X-Y-Z with a density of 0.16 ± 0.02 g/cm3, which makes the composite material have excellent thermal insulation performance at high temperature. The thermal conductivity of the carbon/carbon fiber composite at 2000°C is only 0.38 W/(m·K), and the impurity element content is only 19.09 ppm. The method of needle-punching-forming-felt high-temperature graphitization can provide some suggestions for the preparation of the lightweight long carbon fiber composite.
Designing a dynamic protocol for real-time Industrial Internet of Things-based applications by efficient management of system resources
Authors: Kiani Farzad , Nematzadehmiandoab Sajjad , Seyyedabbasi Amir
Published: October 2019

Wireless sensor networks have gained the attention of researchers from various fields due to increased applicability. This has thus led to rapid development in the field. However, these networks still suffer from various challenges and limitations. These range from computation and processing power and available energy to mention but a few. These problems are even much more pronounced in some areas of the field such as real-time Internet of Things-based applications. In this study, a dynamic protocol that efficiently utilizes the available resources is proposed. The protocol employs five developed algorithms that aid the data transmission, neighbor, and optimal path finding processes. The protocol can be utilized in, but not limited to, real-time large-data streaming applications. The protocol is implemented on sensor nodes that are custom made by our research team. In this article, a structure that enables the sensor devices to communicate with each other over their local network or Internet as required in order to preserve the available resources is defined. Both theoretical and experimental result analyses of the entire protocol in general and individual algorithms are also performed.
Multicriteria supplier selection using acceptability analysis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Lai Kin Keung , Yen Jorome
Published: October 2019

The supplier selection problem has been largely explored in the extant literature and attracted considerable attention of academics and purchasing managers. Practical supplier selection problem is usually revolved around multicriteria and a committee of experts. However, even using the exact values of the input data, certain experts may generate uncertain evaluation results on a supplier, because the exact weights with respect to each criterion are extremely difficult to reach a group consensus. In this article, first the interval data to describe all experts’ evaluation on all suppliers are formulated and then a stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA-2) is applied to provide a full rank of all candidate suppliers. SMAA-2 method is considered as an effective instrument to deal with stochastic decision-making problems. The rank acceptability indices and holistic rank indices are obtained to support the supplier selection. A numerical example drawn from the previous paper is recalculated to show the effectiveness of our approach.
Exposure to Wartime Trauma Decreases Positive Emotions and Altruism Toward Rival Out-Groups (But Not Nonrival Out-Groups): A Survey Experiment in a Field Setting Among Syrian Refugees
Authors: Hall Jonathan , Kahn Dennis T.
Published: October 2019

A survey experiment, carried out in a field setting among Sunni Arab Syrian refugees ( N = 2,479), examined the effect of exposure to wartime trauma, ethnoreligious group affiliation, and degree of hostility of intergroup relations on altruism and positive emotional regard. The results showed that in-group targets were met with more positive emotional regard and altruism than relatively neutral out-group targets, which in turn were met with more positive emotional regard and altruism than individuals from a hostile out-group. These tendencies were elevated among participants with a high degree of exposure to wartime trauma. Emotions mediated the effect of ethnoreligious group affiliation on altruism, and this mediating effect was moderated by exposure to wartime trauma.
Venetoclax for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Richard-Carpentier Guillaume , DiNardo Courtney D.
Published: October 2019

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a globally poor outcome, especially in patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Until recently, therapeutic options for these patients included low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) or the hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine, which have historically provided only short-lived and modest benefits. The oral B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor, venetoclax, Venetoclax, an oral B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor, is now approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with LDAC or HMA in older AML patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Is now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for this indication. In the pivotal clinical trials evaluating venetoclax either in combination with LDAC or with HMA, the rates of complete remission (CR) plus CR with incomplete hematological recovery were 54% and 67%, respectively and the median overall survival (OS) was 10.4 months and 17.5 months, respectively, comparing favorably with outcomes in clinical trials evaluating single-agent LDAC or HMA. The most common adverse events with venetoclax combinations are gastrointestinal symptoms, which are primarily low grade and easily manageable, and myelosuppression, which may require delays between cycles, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, or decreased duration of venetoclax administration per cycle. A bone marrow assessment after the first cycle of treatment is critical to determine dosing and timing of subsequent cycles, as most patients will achieve their best response after one cycle. Appropriate prophylactic measures can reduce the risk of venetoclax-induced tumor lysis syndrome. In this review, we present clinical data from the pivotal trials evaluating venetoclax-based combinations in older patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, and provide practical recommendations for the prevention and management of adverse events associated with venetoclax.
How Do Sources of Self-Efficacy Predict Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs Related to Constructivist and Traditional Approaches to Teaching and Learning?
Authors: Cansiz Mustafa , Cansiz Nurcan
Published: October 2019

Guided by Bandura’s theoretical construct of self-efficacy, in this study, we attempted to model the relationship between preservice elementary teachers’ sources of self-efficacy and their constructivist, and traditional beliefs related to teaching and learning by multiple linear regression analyses. Participants consist of 151 preservice elementary teachers at a state university. Results indicated that while mastery experience is significantly contributed to preservice elementary teachers’ constructivist teaching beliefs, physiological/emotional state made a statistically significant contribution to their traditional teaching beliefs. These results suggested that preservice elementary teachers hold more constructivist teaching beliefs as they gain experience with teaching based on the constructivist approach. Moreover, when preservice teachers have high anxiety, fear, or stress, they tend to be more traditional-oriented. The implications were discussed in terms of teacher education programs.
The Use of Telehealth in School-Based Health Centers
Authors: Love Hayley , Panchal Nirmita , Schlitt John , Behr Caroline , Soleimanpour Samira
Published: October 2019

Telehealth is a growing model of delivering health care. School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide access to health care for youth in schools and increasingly use telehealth in care delivery. This article examines the recent growth of telehealth use in SBHCs, and characteristics of SBHCs using telehealth, including provider types, operational characteristics, and schools and students served. The percentage of SBHCs using telehealth grew from 7% in 2007-2008 to 19% in 2016-2017. Over 1 million students in over 1800 public schools have access to an SBHC using telehealth, which represents 2% of students and nearly 2% of public schools in the United States. These SBHCs are primarily in rural communities and sponsored by hospitals. This growing model presents an opportunity to expand health care access to youth, particularly in underserved areas in the United States and globally. Further research is needed to fully describe how telehealth programs are implemented in school settings and their potential impacts.
Remembering the order of serially presented objects: A matter of time?
Authors: Barker G.R.I. , Evuarherhe O. , Warburton E.C.
Published: October 2019

Remembering the sequence, in which stimuli are encountered or events have occurred, is a key process in episodic memory and can also facilitate recognition memory. Rodents, when presented with a sequence of objects, will explore the object encountered first; yet, whether this behaviour is because the rodents spontaneously encode the order of stimuli presentation or because of relative familiarity or temporal decay is unknown. Here, we tested sequence memory in rats using a series of spontaneous preference tasks. Experiment 1 demonstrated that when rats are presented with a sequence of four objects, with an inter-sample interval of 5 min or 1 h, they preferentially explored the object presented earlier in the list irrespective of the inter-sample interval. We then demonstrated that such memory for order was not affected by increasing or decreasing the inter-sample interval between the middle objects (Experiment 2). Finally, we showed that memory for order is not a function of absolute object familiarity, as animals showed clear discrimination between the objects presented in the sample phases and a novel object, independent of the sample objects’ position in the sequence (Experiment 3). These results show that animals are able to encode the order of objects presented in a sequence, and as such temporal order memory is not achieved using the process of relative or absolute familiarity or temporal decay.
Physical and mechanical properties of composites made from bamboo and woody wastes in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Min Jay , Wang Sheng Yang
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of six groups of bamboo–wood composites (BWC) made from bamboo and wood wastes, which are produced from the industry processing in Taiwan. Results obtained from non-destructive testing (NDT) indicated that the boards made with 100% bamboo residues (Group B) revealed higher ultrasonic-wave velocity (Vu) and tap tone sound velocity (Vt) than other BWC boards. Both Vu and Vt of composite boards were proportional to the ratio of bamboo residues contains. Three-layer composites made with bamboo/wood/bamboo residues at 1:2:1 ratio (Group B/2W/B) had the highest specific strength as well as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) among all the composites. B/2W/B composite board had structural characteristics similar to those of medium-density fiberboards (MDF) and particleboards; thus, it might have better compression resistance than other types of boards. B/2W/B composite board also had the highest screw holding strength (SHS); next was the boards composed entirely of woody wastes (Group W). The results obtained from analysis of water absorption rate (WA%) show a positive correlation with porous bamboo contents; meanwhile, wood chips have higher water-absorption swelling rate than bamboo residues. Hence, it showed greater change in thickness swelling coefficient (TS%) and volume swelling coefficient (S%).
Correction to: Towards pixel-to-pixel deep nucleus detection in microscopy images
Authors: Xing Fuyong , Xie Yuanpu , Shi Xiaoshuang , Chen Pingjun , Zhang Zizhao , Yang Lin
Published: October 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified of a few errors in the html version:
Identification of genomic regions regulating sex determination in Atlantic salmon using high density SNP data
Authors: Gabián María , Morán Paloma , Fernández Ana I. , Villanueva Beatriz , Chtioui Amel , Kent Matthew P. , Covelo-Soto Lara , Fernández Almudena , Saura María
Published: October 2019

Background

A complete understanding of the genetic basis for sexual determination and differentiation is necessary in order to implement efficient breeding schemes at early stages of development. Atlantic salmon belongs to the family Salmonidae of fishes and represents a species of great commercial value. Although the species is assumed to be male heterogametic with XY sex determination, the precise genetic basis of sexual development remains unclear. The complexity is likely associated to the relatively recent salmonid specific whole genome duplication that may be responsible for certain genome instability. This instability together with the capacity of the sex-determining gene to move across the genome as reported by previous studies, may explain that sexual development genes are not circumscribed to the same chromosomes in all members of the species. In this study, we have used a 220 K SNP panel developed for Atlantic salmon to identify the chromosomes explaining the highest proportion of the genetic variance for sex as well as candidate regions and genes associated to sexual development in this species.

Results

Results from regional heritability analysis showed that the chromosomes explaining the highest proportion of variance in these populations were Ssa02 (heritability = 0.42, SE = 0.12) and Ssa21 (heritability = 0.26, SE = 0.11). After pruning by linkage disequilibrium, genome-wide association analyses revealed 114 SNPs that were significantly associated with sex, being Ssa02 the chromosome containing a greatest number of regions. Close examination of the candidate regions evidenced important genes related to sex in other species of Class Actinopterygii, includingSDY, genes from familySOX, RSPO1, ESR1, U2AF2A, LMO7, GNRH-R, DNDandFIGLA.

Conclusions

The combined results from regional heritability analysis and genome-wide association have provided new advances in the knowledge of the genetic regulation of sex determination in Atlantic salmon, supporting that Ssa02 is the candidate chromosome for sex in this species and suggesting an alternative population lineage in Spanish wild populations according to the results from Ssa21.
Rapid adaptation of signaling networks in the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Bohnert Stefan , Antelo Luis , Grünewald Christiane , Yemelin Alexander , Andresen Karsten , Jacob Stefan
Published: October 2019

Background

One fundamental question in biology is how the evolution of eukaryotic signaling networks has taken place. “Loss of function” (lof) mutants from components of the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signaling pathway in the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae are viable, but impaired in osmoregulation.

Results

After long-term cultivation upon high osmolarity, stable individuals with reestablished osmoregulation capacity arise independently from each of the mutants with inactivated HOG pathway. This phenomenon is extremely reproducible and occurs only in osmosensitive mutants related to the HOG pathway – not in other osmosensitive Magnaporthe mutants. The major compatible solute produced by these adapted strains to cope with high osmolarity is glycerol, whereas it is arabitol in the wildtype strain. Genome and transcriptome analysis resulted in candidate genes related to glycerol metabolism, perhaps responsible for an epigenetic induced reestablishment of osmoregulation, since these genes do not show structural variations within the coding or promotor sequences.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a stable adaptation in eukaryotes by producing different metabolites and opens a door for the scientific community since the HOG pathway is worked on intensively in many eukaryotic model organisms.
A time-dependent genome-wide SNP-SNP interaction analysis of chicken body weight
Authors: Li Fang-Ge , Li Hui
Published: October 2019

Background

The important property of the quantitative traits of model organisms is time-dependent. However, the methodology for investigating the genetic interaction network over time is still lacking. Our study aims to provide insights into the mechanistic basis of epistatic interactions affecting the phenotypes of model organisms.

Results

We performed an exhaustive genome-wide search for significant SNP-SNP interactions associated with male birds’ body weight (BW) (n = 475) at multiple time points (day of hatch (BW0) and 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks (BW1, BW3, BW5, and BW7)). Statistical analysis detected 67, four, and two significant SNP pairs associated with BW0, BW1, and BW3, respectively, with a significance threshold at 8.67 × 10− 12(Bonferroni-adjusted: 1%). Meanwhile, no significant SNP pairs associated with BW5 and BW7 were found. The SNP-SNP interaction networks of BW0, BW1, and BW3 were built and annotated.

Conclusions

With strong annotated information and a strict significant threshold, SNP-SNP interactions underpinned the gene-gene interactions that might occur between chromosomes or within the same chromosome. Comparing and combing the networks, the results indicated that the genetic network for chicken body weight was dynamic and time-dependent.
Horizontal gene transfer contributes to virulence and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio harveyi 345 based on complete genome sequence analysis
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Xu Haidong , Su Youlu , Liu Songlin , Xu Liwen , Guo Zhixun , Wu Jinjun , Cheng Changhong , Feng Juan
Published: October 2019

Background

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is affected by environmental pollution and climate change, promotes genetic communication, changing bacterial pathogenicity and drug resistance. However, few studies have been conducted on the effect of HGT on the high pathogenicity and drug resistance of the opportunistic pathogen Vibrio harveyi.

Results

V. harveyi 345 that was multidrug resistant and infected Epinephelus oanceolutus was isolated from a diseased organism in Shenzhen, Southern China, an important and contaminated aquaculture area. Analysis of the entire genome sequence predicted 5678 genes including 487 virulence genes contributing to bacterial pathogenesis and 25 antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Five ARGs (tetm, tetb, qnrs, dfra17, and sul2) and one virulence gene (CU052_28670) on the pAQU-type plasmid p345–185, provided direct evidence for HGT. Comparative genome analysis of 31 V. harveyi strains indicated that 217 genes and 7 gene families, including a class C beta-lactamase gene, a virulence-associated protein D gene, and an OmpA family protein gene were specific to strain V. harveyi 345. These genes could contribute to HGT or be horizontally transferred from other bacteria to enhance the virulence or antibiotic resistance of 345. Mobile genetic elements in 71 genomic islands encoding virulence factors for three type III secretion proteins and 13 type VI secretion system proteins, and two incomplete prophage sequences were detected that could be HGT transfer tools. Evaluation of the complete genome of V. harveyi 345 and comparative genomics indicated genomic exchange, especially exchange of pathogenic genes and drug-resistance genes by HGT contributing to pathogenicity and drug resistance. Climate change and continued environmental deterioration are expected to accelerate the HGT of V. harveyi, increasing its pathogenicity and drug resistance.

Conclusion

This study provides timely information for further analysis of V. harveyi pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance and developing pollution control measurements for coastal areas.
Proteomic analysis showing the signaling pathways involved in the rhizome enlargement process in Nelumbo nucifera
Authors: Cao Dingding , Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Zhang Yue , Liu Meihui , Li Ming , Yang Pingfang
Published: October 2019

Background

Rhizome is the storage underground stem of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), which is enlarged before winter season and could be used for asexual propagation. In addition, the enlarged rhizome is a nutritional vegetable with abundant starch, proteins, and vitamins. Enlargement of lotus rhizome is not only significance for itself to survive from the cold winter, but also important for its economic value.

Results

To explore the mechanism underlying its enlargement, integrative analyses of morphology, physiology and proteomics were conducted on the rhizome at stolon, middle, and enlarged stages. Morphological observation and physiological analyses showed that rhizomes were gradually enlarged during this process, in which the starch accumulation was also initiated. Quantitative proteomic analysis on the rhizomes at these three stages identified 302 stage-specific proteins (SSPs) and 172 differently expressed proteins (DEPs), based on which GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were conducted. The results indicated that light and auxin signal might be transduced through secondary messenger Ca2+, and play important roles in lotus rhizome enlargement.

Conclusion

These results will provide new insights into understanding the mechanism of lotus rhizome enlargement. Meanwhile, some candidate genes might be useful for further studies on this process, as well as breeding of rhizome lotus.
De novo gonad transcriptome analysis of the common littoral shrimp Palaemon serratus: novel insights into sex-related genes
Authors: González-Castellano Inés , Manfrin Chiara , Pallavicini Alberto , Martínez-Lage Andrés
Published: October 2019

Background

The common littoral shrimp Palaemon serratus is an economically important decapod resource in some European communities. Aquaculture practices prevent the genetic deterioration of wild stocks caused by overfishing and at the same time enhance the production. The biotechnological manipulation of sex-related genes has the proved potential to improve the aquaculture production but the scarcity of genomic data about P. serratus hinders these applications. RNA-Seq analysis has been performed on ovary and testis samples to generate a reference gonadal transcriptome. Differential expression analyses were conducted between three ovary and three testis samples sequenced by Illumina HiSeq 4000 PE100 to reveal sex-related genes with sex-biased or sex-specific expression patterns.

Results

A total of 224.5 and 281.1 million paired-end reads were produced from ovary and testis samples, respectively. De novo assembly of ovary and testis trimmed reads yielded a transcriptome with 39,186 transcripts. The 29.57% of the transcriptome retrieved at least one annotation and 11,087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between ovary and testis replicates. Six thousand two hundred seven genes were up-regulated in ovaries meanwhile 4880 genes were up-regulated in testes. Candidate genes to be involved in sexual development and gonadal development processes were retrieved from the transcriptome. These sex-related genes were discussed taking into account whether they were up-regulated in ovary, up-regulated in testis or not differentially expressed between gonads and in the framework of previous findings in other crustacean species.

Conclusions

This is the first transcriptome analysis of P. serratus gonads using RNA-Seq technology. Interesting findings about sex-related genes from an evolutionary perspective (such as Dmrt1) and for putative future aquaculture applications (Iag or vitellogenesis genes) are reported here. We provide a valuable dataset that will facilitate further research into the reproductive biology of this shrimp.