bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing dynamic capability in teamwork
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo Valio Dominguez , Melo Tatiana Massaroli
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the intrinsic characteristics of the teams that perform specialized industrial services in multi-units and dynamic capability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was developed from a survey conducted in 188 multi-unit industrial service providers and data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique of partial least squares.

Findings

The results indicate the two constructs act differently on dynamic capability. While the infrastructural construct influences the capability of knowledge absorption, generation and adaptation, the construct related to the willingness to share and integrate knowledge has a positive impact on the capability of knowledge generation and storage.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the choice of only one industrial sector – in the case of this study, the service industry. Future studies will include other industries and a more diverse sample of firms.

Originality/value

This research analyzes the process of dynamic capability development in the context of multi-unit service provision. The context of multi-unit industrial service provision is peculiar when compared to other organizations. In the context, knowledge is absorbed, generated and adapted by individuals organized into teams that work in customer’s units. Service providers play a key role in the development of dynamic capabilities regarding knowledge storage, acting as knowledge repositories.
Technological mediation in the future of experiential tourism
Authors: Urquhart Ellis
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the role that technology may play in the future of experiential tourism. This viewpoint paper begins to question future developments in technological mediation and how these may challenge the author’ view of experiences and their construction in a period of immense and rapid technological development.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a short viewpoint paper driven by theoretical perspectives in the existing academic literature and the author’s personal stance on the future of experiential tourism.

Findings

This paper suggests that while there is considerable research into the role and application of technology within tourism, there is a lack of future-orientated debate. The views expressed within the paper argue that three potential directions exist for the future of technological mediation in experiential tourism: mass acceptance and customisation; experiential convergence or “rewinding the clock”, each with significant implications for the management of technological mediation in experiential tourism.

Originality/value

The paper provides an initial insight into future directions of the tourism industry in a period of immense technological development. Based on existing theoretical perspectives, these viewpoints indicate three potential routes for the industry and act as a catalyst for further dialogue within tourism scholarship.
Levers of control, management innovation and organisational performance
Authors: Baird Kevin , Su Sophia , Munir Rahat
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to reinforce the important role of management control systems (MCSs) in managing change through adopting a unique approach to the conceptualisation of Simons’ (1995) levers of control, specifically focussing on the enabling (beliefs and interactive) and constraining (boundary and diagnostic) levers of control and empirically examining their association with management innovation and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey questionnaire was used to collect data, with the Dillman (2007) tailored design method used in regards to the development of questions, and the personalisation and distribution procedures. A total of 645 questionnaires were distributed to either the Financial Controller or Chief Financial Officer of manufacturing business units identified in the OneSource database.

Findings

The findings reveal that the use of enabling controls was directly associated with organisational performance and with three management innovation dimensions (new structures, processes and practices) with new structures positively associated with organisational performance. It was also found that the use of constraining controls was indirectly, through the extent of adoption of new management techniques, associated with organisational performance.

Practical implications

The findings have important implications for managers in respect to how they use controls to enhance innovation and organisational performance.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the importance of the use of MCS, specifically both enabling and constraining controls, in facilitating change (management innovation) and performance. Hence, the findings provide empirical evidence in support of Simons’ (1995, 2000) theoretical assertion that the levers coexist to provide benefits to organisations.
Active fund managers and earnings management at portfolio companies
Authors: Farooqi Javeria , Jory Surendranath , Ngo Thanh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the association between the types of mutual funds, i.e. active versus passive, and the level of earnings manipulation in companies that comprise their stock portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Cremers and Petajisto’s (2009) classification of mutual funds by active share and tracking error volatility to differentiate between active and passive mutual funds. To assess the extent of earnings quality at portfolio companies, the authors measure accruals earnings management and real earnings management.

Findings

The authors find that the portfolio firms held by active fund managers exhibit lower levels of earnings manipulation. The inverse relationship between earnings management and fund holdings is more pronounced at higher levels of active share selection among concentrated active fund managers.

Practical implications

The degree to which earnings management influences mutual funds’ investment behavior has significant implications for the stability of the US stock market. Based on the findings that earnings management at portfolio companies serves as a potential instrument to guide funds’ investment decisions, future research would examine how these investment preferences exert price pressure (if any) on the stock of the portfolio companies. It would also help to ascertain whether the investment preferences of fund managers with respect to earnings management help to render the stock market more or less efficient.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of how actively managed funds perform stock selection. Earnings manipulation leads to negative earnings quality that would inhibit stock performance over time. Active fund managers, who dynamically manage their exposures to systematic and stock-specific risks (in their attempt to outperform their benchmark index), target firms that manage earnings less to form part of their investment portfolios.
Surface plasmon induced enhancement in selective laser melting processes
Authors: Vinnakota Raj K. , Genov Dentcho A.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an advanced rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing technology that uses high power density laser to fabricate metal/alloy components with minimal geometric constraints. The SLM process is multi-physics in nature and its study requires development of complex simulation tools. The purpose of this paper is to study – for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge – the electromagnetic wave interactions and thermal processes in SLM based dense powder beds under the full-wave formalism and identify prospective metal powder bed particle distributions that can substantially improve the absorption rate, SLM volumetric deposition rate and thereby the overall build time.

Design/methodology/approach

We present a self-consistent thermo-optical model of the laser-matter interactions pertaining to SLM. The complex electromagnetic interactions and thermal effects in the dense metal powder beds are investigated by means of full-wave finite difference simulations. The model allows for accurate simulations of the excitation of gap, bulk and surface electromagnetic resonance modes, the energy transport across the particles, time dependent local permittivity variations under the incident laser intensity, and the thermal effects (joule heating) due to electromagnetic energy dissipation.

Findings

Localized gap and surface plasmon polariton resonance effects are identified as possible mechanisms toward improved absorption in small and medium size titanium powder beds. Furthermore, the observed near homogeneous temperature distributions across the metal powders indicates fast thermalization processes and allows for development of simple analytical models to describe the dynamics of the SLM process.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time the electromagnetic interactions and thermal processes with dense powder beds pertaining to SLM processes are investigated under full-wave formalism. Explicit description is provided for important SLM process parameters such as critical laser power density, saturation temperature and time to melt. Specific guidelines are presented for improved energy efficiency and optimization of the SLM process deposition rates.
Inadequate emergence after non‐cardiac surgery—A prospective observational study in 1000 patients
Authors: Wiinholdt Dorthe , Eriksen Sine A. N. , Harms Lisa B. , Dahl Jøergen B. , Meyhoff Christian S.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The post‐anaesthetic phase is most often uncomplicated, but patients may experience inadequate emergence (IE) characterized by unrest, restlessness, aggressiveness or in contrast sedation or lack of initiative. This may increase length of stay (LOS) and post‐operative complications. The aim of this study was to investigate frequency, risk factors and consequences of IE.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study including 1000 orthopaedic and abdominal surgical patients, screened with the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu‐DESC) before induction of anaesthesia, at arrival at the post‐operative care unit, and just before discharge from PACU. IE was defined as a Nu‐DESC score ≥2 after surgery. Predictors included surgical procedure, type and duration of anaesthesia, age, ASA‐score, sex and post‐operative pain. Data were analysed during adjusted logistic regression and Wilcoxon rank sum test, the primary outcome being LOS.

Results

IE occurred in 103 of 1000 patients (10.3%, 95% CI 8.6‐12.3%). LOS was median 2 vs 1 day in patients with and without IE, mean difference was 1.3 (SD 6.2) days (P = 0.036). Thirty‐day mortality was 2.9 vs 1.0% (P = 0.92) and admission to ICU 1.0 vs 0.9% (P = 0.66) in patients with and without IE. Significant associations to IE were found for inhalational anaesthetics (OR 2.65; 95% CI: 1.57‐4.46), duration of anaesthesia ≥2 hours (OR 1.98; 95% CI: 1.14‐3.44) and ASA‐score ≥3 (OR 2.74; 95% CI: 1.64‐4.57).

Conclusion

One of 10 patients had IE as defined by the Nu‐DESC score, which was significantly associated with increased LOS. Longer duration of anaesthesia, inhalational anaesthesia and ASA ≥3 were significantly associated to this.
Comparison of outcome between intrauterine balloon tamponade and uterine artery embolization in the management of persistent postpartum hemorrhage: A propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Ramler Paul I. , Henriquez Dacia D. C. A. , van den Akker Thomas , Caram‐Deelder Camila , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. , van Roosmalen Jos , van Lith Jan M. M. , van der Bom Johanna G. ,   the TeMpOH‐1 study group
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of women who were initially managed by intrauterine balloon tamponade or uterine artery embolization because of persistent postpartum hemorrhage demanding an immediate intervention to control bleeding.

Material and methods

Propensity score‐matched cohort study including women who had intrauterine balloon tamponade or uterine artery embolization as initial management strategy to control persistent postpartum hemorrhage, that is, refractory to first‐line therapy combined with at least one uterotonic agent. The primary outcome measure was a composite of peripartum hysterectomy and/or maternal mortality. Secondary outcomes measures were total volume of blood loss and total number of packed red blood cells transfused.

Results

Our 1:1 propensity score‐matched cohort comprised of 50 women who had intrauterine balloon tamponade and 50 women who underwent uterine artery embolization at a blood loss between 1000 and 7000 mL. There was no statistically significant difference in the hysterectomy risk between the two groups (n = 6 in each group, odds ratio [OR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] .30‐3.34), in total volume of blood loss (median 4500 mL, interquartile range [IQR] 3600‐5400) for balloon vs 4000 mL (IQR 3250‐5000) for embolization, P = 0.382) or in total units of packed red blood cells transfused (median 7 (IQR 5‐10) for balloon vs 6 [IQR 4‐9] for embolization, P = 0.319). Fifteen women (30%) who were initially managed by an intrauterine balloon still underwent uterine artery embolization, of whom one had an embolization‐related thrombo‐embolic event. Maternal mortality occurred in neither of the intervention groups.

Conclusions

No difference in the risk of peripartum hysterectomy and/or maternal death was observed between women who had intrauterine balloon tamponade and women who underwent uterine artery embolization as an initial management for persistent postpartum hemorrhage. Although this study was underpowered to demonstrate equivalence, our study design provides a framework for future research in which intrauterine balloon tamponade may prove to be a suitable intervention of first choice in the management of persistent postpartum hemorrhage.
Geography's secret powers to save the world
Authors: Bednarz Sarah Witham
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this paper, prepared to present at the 2018 joint Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) and International Geographical Union (IGU) regional conference, is to suggest three strategies, framed as proposals, that geography and geography education can deploy to “save the world.” The first proposal is to expand explicit instruction in spatial thinking to close gender‐based achievement gaps. The second proposal is to apply research from the learning sciences to develop persuasive geography curricula and instructional materials. The third proposal focuses on ways social media and geospatial technologies can be employed in civic education, an idea termed “spatial citizenship.” The paper suggests a re‐envisioning of geography education with an enhanced focus on teaching for, in, and about a world that fully appreciates difference and acts on that appreciation.
Visceral arterial embolization prior to multivisceral transplantation in recipient with cirrhosis, extensive portomesenteric thrombosis, and hostile abdomen: Performance and outcome analysis
Authors: Nicolau‐Raducu Ramona , Livingstone Joshua , Salsamendi Jason , Beduschi Thiago , Vianna Rodrigo , Tekin Akin , Selvaggi Gennaro , Raveh Yehuda
Published: June 2019

Multivisceral transplant (MVT) for cirrhosis, and portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PVT), is fraught with life‐threatening thrombo‐hemorrhagic complications. Embolization of native viscera has been attempted in a handful of cases with mixed results. We carried out a comparative analysis of angiographic, intra‐operative, and pathological findings in three recipients of MVT who were deemed exceptionally high hemorrhagic risk and therefore underwent preoperative visceral embolization. All recipients were male with cirrhosis, PVT, and a surgical history indicative of diffuse visceral adhesions; status post‐liver transplantation (n = 2) and proctocolectomy (n = 1). The first patient had two Amplatzer II embolization plugs placed 2 cm from the origins of celiac and superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries. Distal migration of the celiac plug into gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and ensuing ischemia reperfusion injury, presumably contributed to severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and intra‐operative mortality. In the other two recipients, distal Gelfoam embolization of the SMA, GDA, and splenic arteries was performed, and although remarkable hemorrhage and coagulopathy occurred, embolization, undoubtedly, facilitated exenteration and improved outcomes. Pathologic examination in these cases confirmed ischemic necrosis of eviscerated bowel. In conclusion, liver‐sparing, preoperative distal embolization of native viscera with Gelfoam is beneficial, but entails several pitfalls. It should currently be reserved for MVT recipients who otherwise are at unacceptably high risk.
Impact of induction immunosuppression on patient survival in heart transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid in the current allocation era
Authors: Amin Alpesh A. , Araj Faris G. , Ariyamuthu Venkatesh K. , Drazner Mark H. , Ayvaci Mehmet U.S. , Mammen Pradeep P.A. , Mete Mutlu , Urey Marcus A. , Tanriover Bekir
Published: June 2019

Background

The practice of induction therapy with either rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (r‐ATG) or interleukin‐2 receptor antagonists (IL‐2RA) is common among heart transplant recipients. However, its benefits in the setting of contemporary maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus/mycophenolic acid (TAC/MPA) are unknown.

Methods

We compared post‐transplant mortality among three induction therapy strategies (r‐ATG vs IL2‐RA vs no induction) in a retrospective cohort analysis of heart transplant recipients maintained on TAC/MPA in the Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) database between the years 2006 and 2015. We used a multivariable model adjusting for clinically important co‐morbidities, and a propensity score analysis using the inverse probability weighted (IPW) method in the final analysis.

Results

In multivariable IPW analysis, r‐ATG (HR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.46, P = 0.01) remained significantly associated with a higher mortality. There was a trend toward having a higher mortality in the IL2‐RA (HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.00‐1.24, P = 0.06) group. Subgroup analyses failed to show a patient survival benefit in using either r‐ATG or IL2‐RA among any of the subgroups analyzed.

Conclusion

In this contemporary cohort of heart transplant recipients receiving TAC/MPA, neither r‐ATG nor IL2‐RA were associated with a survival benefit. On the contrary, adjusted analyses showed a significantly higher mortality in the r‐ATG group and a trend toward higher mortality in the IL2‐RA group. While caution is needed in interpreting treatment effects in an observational cohort, these data call into question the benefit of induction therapy as a common practice and highlight the need for more studies.
Selective bacterial degradation of the extracellular matrix attaching the gingiva to the tooth
Authors: Fouillen Aurélien , Grenier Daniel , Barbeau Jean , Baron Christian , Moffatt Pierre , Nanci Antonio
Published: June 2019

The junctional epithelium (JE) is a specialized portion of the gingiva that seals off the tooth‐supporting tissues from the oral environment. This relationship is achieved via a unique adhesive extracellular matrix that is, in fact, a specialized basal lamina (sBL). Three unique proteins – amelotin (AMTN), odontogenic ameloblast‐associated (ODAM), and secretory calcium‐binding phosphoprotein proline‐glutamine rich 1 (SCPPPQ1) – together with laminin‐332 structure the supramolecular organization of this sBL and determine its adhesive capacity. Despite the constant challenge of the JE by the oral microbiome, little is known of the susceptibility of the sBL to bacterial degradation. Assays with trypsin‐like proteases, as well as incubation with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Treponema denticola, revealed that all constituents, except SCPPPQ1, were rapidly degraded. Porphyromonas gingivalis was also shown to alter the supramolecular network of reconstituted and native sBLs. These results provide evidence that proteolytic enzymes and selected gram‐negative periodontopathogenic bacteria can attack this adhesive extracellular matrix, intimating that its degradation could contribute to progression of periodontal diseases.
A comparison of flap reconstruction vs the laying open technique or excision and direct suture for pilonidal sinus disease: A meta‐analysis of randomised studies
Authors: Berthier Charline , Bérard Emilie , Meresse Thomas , Grolleau Jean‐Louis , Herlin Christian , Chaput Benoit
Published: June 2019

Many treatments have been described for pilonidal disease, but recurrence cannot be completely eliminated. The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of randomised, controlled trials comparing flap repair vs the laying open technique and/or excision and direct closure techniques in the treatment of chronic pilonidal sinus disease. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were complete wound‐healing time, duration of the incapacity to work, quality of life and patient satisfaction, postoperative pain, wound infection, bleeding or haematoma, skin wound complications, and duration of hospital stay. Seventeen studies were included. The meta‐analysis demonstrated a lower risk of recurrence, a shorter duration of incapacity to work, a lower risk of wound infections, a lower risk of skin wound complications, and a shorter duration of hospitalisation in favour of flap vs direct closure. A shorter time to complete wound healing and a shorter duration of incapacity to work for flap vs the laying open technique were observed.

Superiority of flap repair vs direct closure in pilonidal sinus treatment was demonstrated in this meta‐analysis. These results suggest avoiding primary direct closure in clinical practice. Compared with the laying open technique, flaps result in faster healing and a shorter time to return to activities.
Propagation of the contact‐driven reduction of Mn2O3 during reactive flash sintering
Authors: Murray Shannon E. , Jensen Tyler J. , Sulekar Soumitra S. , Lin Yu‐Ying , Perry Nicola H. , Shoemaker Daniel P.
Published: June 2019

As the field of flash sintering expands, more diverse flash processes are emerging that exhibit complex mechanisms and kinetics. Reactive flash sintering studies have been performed using precursor oxides and have yet to explore redox reactions. We show that Mn2O3 transforms into Mn3O4 during stage III of flash sintering via a moving reaction front, propagating from an electrode if sufficient energy is supplied. The power density and sample temperature increases as the transformation progresses due to the lower resistivity of Mn2O3 vs Mn3O4, a secondary thermal runaway effect, further confirming the presence of a transformation front. Additionally, in many studies, the contact resistance is accounted for, but not utilized. The energy for the transformation may either be supplied by the contact resistance–induced Joule heating or the furnace. Room‐temperature impedance measurements demonstrate that Pt electrodes provide substantial contact resistance while Ag electrodes do not. The impedance study demonstrates that it is critical to select the appropriate electrode material to maximize or minimize contact resistance. The contact resistance may be used to create a hot spot and propagate a transformation front in any endothermic reduction reaction that occurs below 950°C in electronic conductors.
Mixed reactions: Glass durability and the mixed‐alkali effect
Authors: Rodrigues Alexandra , Fearn Sarah , Vilarigues Márcia
Published: June 2019

Multiple‐component oxide silicate glasses possess a complex network backbone, which results in manifolded composition property relationships. The relation between the chemical composition and durability of silicate glasses is not linear, however, this relation has always been considered somewhat relevant. Several contradicting observations on the mixed‐alkali effect and its relation with their chemical alteration have been reported. Here, laboratory results and historical evidence show that the often good state of preservation of aged mixed modifier glasses is in good agreement with the influence of a mixed‐modifier cation effect (MMCE) such as had been observed for other mobility‐ and bulk‐related properties. This concordance supports the proposals made through this work concerning pore closure and lower diffusivity of mobile species under the MMCE.
The Turnover Intention–Behaviour Link: A Culture‐Moderated Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wong Kin Fai Ellick , Cheng Cecilia
Published: June 2019

Turnover intention is widely regarded as a direct antecedent to and proxy for actual voluntary turnover behaviour. However, previous studies have found the turnover intention‐behaviour link to be highly heterogeneous and not necessarily strong. This study adopts a cross‐cultural perspective, examining how the link varies as a function of Hofstede’s four work‐related cultural dimensions. Data from 152 independent samples were meta‐analysed, representing the testing of 216,093 employees from 18 nations across 9 geographical regions. The multilevel meta‐analytic results reveal significantly stronger turnover intention‐behaviour links for countries higher in power distance, higher in individualism, and lower in masculinity.
How Reasoning Aims at Truth
Authors: Horst David
Published: June 2019

Many hold that theoretical reasoning aims at truth. In this paper, I ask what it is for reasoning to be thus aim‐directed. Standard answers to this question explain reasoning's aim‐directedness in terms of intentions, dispositions, or rule‐following. I argue that, while these views contain important insights, they are not satisfactory. As an alternative, I introduce and defend a novel account: reasoning aims at truth in virtue of being the exercise of a distinctive kind of cognitive power, one that, unlike ordinary dispositions, is capable of fully explaining its own exercises. I argue that this account is able to avoid the difficulties plaguing standard accounts of the relevant sort of mental teleology.
Identification of oxidosqualene cyclases from the medicinal legume tree Bauhinia forficata: a step toward discovering preponderant α‐amyrin‐producing activity
Authors: Srisawat Pisanee , Fukushima Ery Odette , Yasumoto Shuhei , Robertlee Jekson , Suzuki Hideyuki , Seki Hikaru , Muranaka Toshiya
Published: June 2019

Triterpenoids are widely distributed among plants of the legume family. However, most studies have focused on triterpenoids and their biosynthetic enzymes in model legumes.

We evaluated the triterpenoid aglycones profile of the medicinal legume tree Bauhinia forficata by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Through transcriptome analyses, homology‐based cloning, and heterologous expression, we discovered four oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) which are responsible for the diversity of triterpenols in B. forficata. We also investigated the effects of the unique motif TLCYCR on α‐amyrin synthase activity.

B. forficata highly accumulated α‐amyrin. We discovered an OSC with a preponderant α‐amyrin‐producing activity, which accounted for at least 95% of the total triterpenols. We also discovered three other functional OSCs (BfOSC1, BfOSC2, and BfOSC4) that produce β‐amyrin, germanicol, and cycloartenol. Furthermore, by replacing the unique motif TLCYCR from BfOSC3 with the MWCYCR motif, we altered the function of BfOSC3 such that it no longer produced α‐amyrin.

Our results provide new insights into OSC cyclization, which is responsible for the diversity of triterpenoid metabolites in B. forficata, a non‐model legume plant.
Origin and domestication of Cucurbitaceae crops: insights from phylogenies, genomics and archaeology
Authors: Chomicki Guillaume , Schaefer Hanno , Renner Susanne S.
Published: June 2019

Some of the World's most valuable crops, including watermelon, honey melon, cucumber, squash, zucchini and pumpkin, belong to the family Cucurbitaceae. We review insights on their domestication from new phylogenies, archaeology and genomic studies. Ancestral state estimation on the most complete Cucurbitaceae phylogeny to date suggests that an annual life cycle may have contributed to domestication. Domestication started c. 11 000 years ago in the New World and Asia, and apparently more recently in Africa. Some cucurbit crops were domesticated only once, others multiple times (e.g. melon from different Asian and African populations). Most wild cucurbit fruits are bitter and nonpalatable to humans, and nonbitterness of the pulp apparently was a trait favoured early during domestication, with genomic data showing how bitterness loss was achieved convergently. The genetic pathways underlying lycopene accumulation, red or orange pulp colour, and fruit size and shape are only just beginning to be understood. The study of cucurbit domestication in recent years has benefitted from the increasing integration of archaeological and genomic data with insights from herbarium collections, the most efficient way to understand species’ natural geographic ranges and climate adaptations.
Differential regulation of auxin and cytokinin during the secondary vascular tissue regeneration inPopulustrees
Authors: Chen Jia‐Jia , Wang Ling‐Yan , Immanen Juha , Nieminen Kaisa , Spicer Rachel , Helariutta Ykä , Zhang Jing , He Xin‐Qiang
Published: June 2019

Tissue regeneration upon wounding in plants highlights the developmental plasticity of plants. Previous studies have described the morphological and molecular changes of secondary vascular tissue (SVT) regeneration after large‐scale bark girdling in trees. However, how phytohormones regulateSVTregeneration is still unknown.

Here, we established a novelin vitroSVTregeneration system in the hybrid aspen (Populus tremula×Populus tremuloides) clone T89 to bypass the limitation of using field‐grown trees. The effects of phytohormones onSVTregeneration were investigated by applying exogenous hormones and utilizing various transgenic trees. Vascular tissue‐specific markers and hormonal response factors were also examined duringSVTregeneration.

Using thisin vitroregeneration system, we demonstrated that auxin and cytokinin differentially regulate phloem and cambium regeneration. Whereas auxin is sufficient to induce regeneration of phloem prior to continuous cambium restoration, cytokinin only promotes the formation of new phloem, not cambium. The positive role of cytokinin on phloem regeneration was further confirmed in cytokinin overexpression trees. Analysis of aDR5 reporter transgenic line further suggested that cytokinin blocks the re‐establishment of auxin gradients, which is required for the cambium formation. Investigation on the auxin and cytokinin signalling genes indicated these two hormones interact to regulateSVTregeneration.

Taken together, thein vitroSVTregeneration system allows us to make use of various molecular and genetic tools to investigateSVTregeneration. Our results confirmed that complementary auxin and cytokinin domains are required for phloem and cambium reconstruction.
What can be learned by scanning the genome for molecular convergence in wild populations?
Authors: Fraser Bonnie A. , Whiting James R.
Published: June 2019

Convergent evolution, where independent lineages evolve similar phenotypes in response to similar challenges, can provide valuable insight into how selection operates and the limitations it encounters. However, it has only recently become possible to explore how convergent evolution is reflected at the genomic level. The overlapping outlier approach (OOA), where genome scans of multiple independent lineages are used to find outliers that overlap and therefore identify convergently evolving loci, is becoming popular. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of 34 studies that used this approach across many sampling designs, taxa, and sampling intensities. We found that OOA studies with increased biological sampling power within replicates have increased likelihood of finding overlapping, “convergent” signals of adaptation between them. When identifying convergent loci as overlapping outliers, it is tempting to assume that any false‐positive outliers derived from individual scans will fail to overlap across replicates, but this cannot be guaranteed. We highlight how population demographics and genomic context can contribute toward both true convergence and false positives in OOA studies. We finish with an exploration of emerging methods that couple genome scans with phenotype and environmental measures, leveraging added information from genome data to more directly test hypotheses of the likelihood of convergent evolution.
Biomechanical analysis for total mesialization of the mandibular dentition: A finite element study
Authors: Kawamura Jun , Park Jae Hyun , Kojima Yukio , Kook Yoon‐Ah , Kyung Hee‐Moon , Chae Jong‐Moon
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To clarify the mechanics of tooth movement in mesialization of the whole mandibular dentition when changing the force angulation.

Setting

A finite element method was used to simulate long‐term movements of the whole mandibular dentition.

Material and methods

Tooth movement was simulated by accumulating the initial displacement, which was produced by elastic deformation of the periodontal ligament. Mesial forces of 3 N were applied to the second molar bracket at −30°, −15°, 0°, 15° and 30° to the occlusal plane.

Results

The whole dentition and occlusal plane were rotated depending on the direction of the force with respect to the centre of resistance (CR). At a force angulation of −30°, the line of action of the force passed near the CR, and the whole dentition translated without rotation of the occlusal plane. The second molar tipped buccally due to a clearance gap between the archwire and bracket slot. When increasing a force angulation from −30°, the line of action of the force passed above the CR, and thereby, the occlusal plane rotated clockwise. This rotation of the whole dentition induced tipping of the individual teeth. Buccal tipping of the molar due to an elastic deformation of the archwire was prevented by using a lingually pre‐bent archwire.

Conclusions

Careful selection of force angulation and biomechanics is essential to obtain proper tooth movement in total mesialization of the mandibular dentition.
The Aftermath of the Demographic Transition in the Developed World: Interpreting Enduring Disparities in Reproductive Behavior
Authors: Reher David S.
Published: June 2019

Disparities in reproductive behavior visible in the developed world are a long‐term implication of the demographic transition. While present at the very outset of the transition, their effects are most visible once childhood mortality loses its relevance as a key constraint on reproduction. These disparities are rooted in the type of society that emerged as the result of the way the historical role of the family and individual in society interacted with social and economic modernization processes characterizing the entire century, but especially visible during the rapid acceleration of social and cultural changes after mid‐century. The way these new societies function provides a necessary backdrop for understanding fertility in a world of individual reproductive choice and competing goals. The result is that traditionally individualistic societies tend to fare better than societies where family loyalties are and have always been a cornerstone of society. Disparities in fertility are rooted in the incentives and disincentives for reproduction present in society, are unlikely to disappear anytime soon and are leading to very different rates of aging in the developed world.
Correlates of intention to discontinue female genital mutilation in Osun State, Nigeria: Implication for women well‐being
Authors: Agbede Catherine , Kio Janet , Adeyemo Oluwadare
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study investigated the level of knowledge, perception, and subjective norm as correlates for risk reduction in female genital mutilation (FGM) in Osun State, Nigeria.

Design and Measurement

Data were collected from 376 respondents who were conveniently selected from 4 wards in Ede South LGA with structured questionnaire (75% reliability) and focus group discussion (FGD) guide. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools and hypotheses set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

Participants mean age was 38.5 ± 1.29, 79.3% were women, 82.9% were Muslims, and only 34.6% had up to secondary education. Over 38% had at least one of their daughters circumcised, and 54.8% were not aware of the health risks associated with FGM. Majority knew that FGM is prohibited in Nigeria yet 31.9% supported the practice. There were significant correlations (at p < 0.05) between knowledge level (R = 0.348), perception (R = 0.432), subjective norm (R = −0.475), and intention to discontinue FGM. However, these factors are still relatively low. Also, FGDs showed that majority of the respondents were not aware of any health risks associated with FGM but only supported the discontinuation because of public perception in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The study recommended aggressive public health education drive and awareness campaign focusing on the negative health implications of FGM.
Cardiorespiratory fitness modulates the proportions of monocytes and T helper subsets in lean and obese men
Authors: Dorneles Gilson P. , da Silva Igor , Boeira Maria Carolina , Valentini Diandra , Fonseca Simone Gonçalves , Dal Lago Pedro , Peres Alessandra , Romão Pedro R. T.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the peripheral frequency of monocytes, CD4 + T cell subsets and the systemic levels of cytokines in lean and obese men with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Mononuclear cells were obtained from 45 lean and 45 obese men who were assigned into six groups according to their body mass index and CRF (low, moderate, or high VO2Peak) to analyze the frequency of monocyte subsets and subpopulations of CD4 + T cells (Treg cells, CD4 + CD25highCD127low; mTeff, CD4 + CD25‐CD39+; mTreg, CD4 + CD25+CD39+). The systemic levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17a, IL‐33, leptin, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were also evaluated. Seven sedentary obese men performed one week of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT, 3 sessions/week), and blood samples were collected before and 24 hours after the last session for phenotypic analysis of T cells and monocytes. Obese individuals presented an inflammatory profile characterized by lower frequencies of Treg and mTreg cells and higher proportions of proinflammatory monocytes. However, higher CRF status increased the frequencies of Treg cells and mTreg cells and decreased the percentage of CD4 + mTeff cells and intermediate and non‐classical monocytes in the peripheral blood from lean and obese men. Systemic lower levels of proinflammatory (IL‐6 and TNF‐) cytokines and higher concentrations of IL‐10 and IL‐33 were observed in moderate and higher CRF in all subjects. HIIT increased the proportions of circulating mTreg and Treg cells in sedentary obese individuals. The immunoregulatory role of CRF contributes to the maintenance of low levels of inflammatory mediators.
Making direction a first‐class citizen of Tobler's first law of geography
Authors: Zhu Rui , Janowicz Krzysztof , Mai Gengchen
Published: June 2019

Waldo Tobler frequently reminded us that the law named after him was nothing more than calling for exceptions. This article discusses one of these exceptions. Spatial relations between points are frequently modeled as vectors in which both distance and direction are of equal prominence. However, in Tobler's first law of geography, such a relation is described only from the perspective of distance by relating the decreasing similarity of observations in some attribute space to their increasing distance in geographic space. Although anisotropic versions of many geographic analysis techniques, such as directional semivariograms, anisotropy clustering, and anisotropic point pattern analysis, have been developed over the years, direction remains on the level of an afterthought. We argue that, compared to distance, directional information is still under‐explored and anisotropic techniques are substantially less frequently applied in everyday GIS analysis. Commonly, when classical spatial autocorrelation indicators, such as Moran'sI, are used to understand a spatial pattern, the weight matrix is only built from distance, without direction being considered. Similarly, GIS operations, such as buffering, do not take direction into account either, with distance in all directions being treated equally. In reality, meanwhile, particularly in urban structures and when processes are driven by the underlying physical geography, direction plays an essential role. In this article we ask whether the development of early GIS, data (sample) sparsity, and Tobler's law lead to a theory‐induced blindness for the role of direction. If so, is it possible to envision direction becoming a first‐class citizen of equal importance to distance instead of being an afterthought only considered when the deviation from a perfect circle becomes too obvious to be ignored?
Learners’ Use of Efferent, Aesthetic and Critical Stances When Reading a Novel
Authors: Ishak Aryanti , Zainal Zaidah
Published: June 2019

Recent studies have suggested that literature components benefit students in language acquisition and reading in general, yet reading for enjoyment is arguable since most of the students admit reading is done for examination purposes. Regardless of the reading purpose, adoption of efferent, aesthetic and critical stances is vital and believed to influence the reading process. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived and actual reading stances among learners when they read a novel. A total of 484 students from twelve non-residential secondary schools situated in Kuantan participated in this study. Employing a mixed method design, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were utilised. The instruments used to collect the data were a set of questionnaire and student’s written responses. Although the findings from the questionnaire and written responses suggested that the learners employed all the three stances namely efferent, aesthetic and critical stances, there was the tendency for the students to adopt more of the efferent stance than the aesthetic and critical stances. Overall, the adoption of the efferent stance indicates that the students tend to closely and narrowly process the novel in terms of the story line narrated by the writer rather than adopting aesthetic and critical stances through interacting with the plot and characters and relating these elements with their experience and viewpoints.
Rhetorical Style Across Cultures: An Analysis of Metadiscourse Markers in Academic Writing of Thai and Malaysian Students
Authors: Hayisama Faridah , Ahamad Shah Mohamed Ismail , Wan Adnan Wan Nur Asyura
Published: June 2019

It is believed that students from different societies and cultural background have their own preferred rhetorical style of interaction. In writing, such distinctive preference is usually exhibited through the use of linguistic features, of which metadiscourse (MD) markers are considered as one of the signposts to the interpretation of writing style preferences. This study aims to investigate the use of interactional metadiscourse (MD) features and its relevance to the rhetorical style preferences in academic writing of Thai and Malaysian master’s students. Using Hyland’s (2005) taxonomy, their thesis discussions were manually analysed in terms of interactional MD markers to determine their frequency of occurrence and to relate the results to the rhetorical styles of writing preferred by each group of students. The analysis revealed that of all five types of interactional MD features, hedges were the most frequently used device followed respectively by boosters, attitude markers, engagement marker and self-mention. In terms of the rhetorical style of writing, the frequency of MD features suggests that tentative and indirect statements, reader-responsibility, distant-relationship between writer and readers, and less writer-involvement in the texts were the preferred rhetorical styles of interaction of both Thai and Malaysian students. The writing conventions and rhetorical styles of the students can be explained from a sociocultural point of view that they are relevant to the oriental style of interaction from which both groups of students originated. The study draws attention to the pedagogical implications that students in Thai and Malaysia should be given more instructional focus on how to utilize MD features in making academic writing more persuasive and interactive.
Island Tourism Employees’ Perceived Importance and Challenges of English Communication
Authors: Che Hassan Nor Syamimi Iliani , Ong Lok Tik Ruth
Published: June 2019

In the tourism industry the prominent role of English is inevitable as the communicative tasks involve tourism employees and tourists to cooperate with one another in order to attain successful communication goals. While research on English language use has been conducted upon other fields of tourism, there is a paucity in English language related studies associated specifically with island tourism industry. The present study is established based on the two objectives: (1) to identify the importance of English in performing communicative tasks among island tourism employees and (2) to identify the sources of difficulties encountered by the employees. Data were collected from 59 employees working in island tourism in Perhentian and Redang islands using questionnaire as the instrument. SPSS Version 22 was used to calculate the mean value and standard deviation of each item. Based on the analysis, English language is most important for the employees when enquiring about international tourists’ information and needs and least important to refuse tourists’ offers. In relation to language difficulties, the employees rated the skills to understand international tourists’ foreign accents when they speak English and to use correct English grammar as most difficult as compared to other sources of difficulties in speaking English.
Teachers' Perspectives Towards Equipping Pupils with Phonological Awareness to Improve English Proficiency
Authors: Ahmad Apandi Nor Ain , Mohamad Nor Faizah
Published: June 2019

The implementation of LINUS 2.0 LBI  (Linus Bahasa Inggeris) programme saw the rise of phonological awareness in the Malaysian education system. Many researchers are of the view that phonological awareness helps young pupils to improve their English proficiency. However, there are also educators who do not adhere to this belief. Therefore, this article aims to discover teachers’ perspectives towards equipping young pupils with phonological awareness to improve their English performance. It focuses on teachers’ readiness to teach phonological awareness and conducting the LINUS 2.0 LBI programme, the effect of phonological awareness on pupils’ English proficiency, the challenges that are encountered by teaachers while implementing phonological awareness and conducting the LINUS 2.0 LBI programme, and the views of English Language teachers towards phonological awareness skills. In order to collect the data, a mixed method research design was used. 38 teachers answered an online questionnaire in order to discover their readiness to teach phonological awareness. The official LINUS 2.0 LBI results from the year 2015 until 2017 of one of the schools in Johor Bahru area were also collected in order to gauge the effectiveness of phonological awareness instruction while interviews were conducted with one foreign and seven local teachers in order to discover their views regarding phonological awareness and the challenges while implementing it in class. The findings revealed that the teachers were fully prepared to teach the skill and were able to produce positive outcomes despite the challenges they faced when implementing it.