bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global drivers of methane oxidation and denitrifying gene distribution in drylands
Authors: Lafuente Angela , Bowker Matthew A. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Durán Jorge , Singh Brajesh K. , Maestre Fernando T.
Published: May 2019

Aim

Microorganisms carrying pmoA and nosZ genes are major drivers of methane and nitrous oxide fluxes from soils. However, most studies on these organisms have been conducted in mesic ecosystems; therefore, little is known about the factors driving their distribution in drylands, the largest biome on Earth. We conducted a global survey to evaluate the role of climate‐ and soil‐related variables as predictors of the richness, abundance and community structure of bacteria carrying pmoA and nosZ genes.

Location

Eighty dryland ecosystems distributed worldwide.

Time period

From February 2006 to December 2011.

Major taxa studied

Methanotrophic (carrying the pmoA gene) and denitrifiying (carrying the nosZ gene) bacteria.

Methods

We used data from a field survey and structural equation modelling to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of climatic (aridity, rainfall seasonality and mean annual temperature) and soil (organic carbon, pH and texture) variables on the total abundance, richness and community structure of microorganisms carrying pmoA and nosZ genes.

Results

Taxa related to Methylococcus capsulatus or Methylocapsa sp., often associated with mesic environments, were common in global drylands. The abundance and richness of methanotrophs were not associated with climate or soil properties. However, mean annual temperature, rainfall seasonality, organic C, pH and sand content were highly correlated with their community structure. Aridity and soil variables, such as sand content and pH, were correlated with the abundance, community structure and richness of the nosZ bacterial community.

Main conclusions

Our study provides new insights into the drivers of the abundance, richness and community structure of soil microorganisms carrying pmoA and nosZ genes in drylands worldwide. We highlight how ongoing climate change will alter the structure of soil microorganisms, which might affect the net CH4 exchange and will probably reduce the capacity of dryland soils to carry out the final step of denitrification, favouring net N2O emissions.
Miscanthus ×giganteusbiomass yield and quality in the Virginia Piedmont
Authors: Battaglia Martin , Fike John , Fike Wonae , Sadeghpour Amir , Diatta Andre
Published: May 2019

Miscanthus ×giganteusholds promise for bioenergy production given its low input requirements and high aboveground biomass productivity. To date, research regardingM. ×giganteusmanagement has focused largely on the fertilization and establishment requirements for successful crops, but limited information is available regarding cultivars suitability for different regions of the United States. Our objective was to evaluate the suitability of available cultivars under a limited input management regime in the Piedmont region of Virginia. Multi‐year trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Biomass yields and morphological traits of threeM. ×giganteuscultivars (‘Freedom’, ‘Illinois’ and ‘Nagara’) were tested, and structural components of feedstock quality calculated. In 2013, ‘Nagara’ was the greatest yielding cultivar, followed by ‘Illinois’, but no differences among cultivars were observed in the following 2 years. ‘Nagara’, a cultivar with the potential to maximize biomass and ethanol production (i.e., due to its high ash and low lignin contents) at the same time, would be a highly desirable cultivar from both a farmer and an industrial perspective. Water availability for establishment and harvesting phases was 30% to 56% above recommended levels for maximum growth rates (750 to 900 mm). With 30‐year average precipitation around 1,150 mm, and soils not suited for annual row crops, the Piedmont region of Virginia has potential forM. ×giganteushigh biomass production. Studies replicated at more locations and with the potential inclusion of other high‐yieldingM. ×giganteuscultivars are warranted to start building a specific body of knowledge about most suitableM. ×giganteuscultivars for the mid‐Atlantic USA region.
‘Working fathers' in Japan: Leading a change in gender relations?
Authors: Goldstein‐Gidoni Ofra
Published: May 2019

Does the emergent phenomenon of ‘working fathers' herald a process of change in gender relations in Japan? Against the background of the current discourse in Japan about new modes of fathers' participation in the family, the article focuses on the small group of working fathers — men who explicitly organize their working lives around family responsibilities — to examine the potentiality of change. This supposed change in the roles of men (and women), at home and in the workplace, is considered in terms of latency, as a ‘slow‐dripping' process. The qualitative research focuses on Fathering Japan, Japan's leading fathering movement, its ideology, its members and their families. The article offers a critical perspective, juxtaposing gender ideology with practice. Exploring the real‐life experiences of working fathers caught between family and work, especially against Japan's gendered corporate culture, the article also addresses the persistence of gender inequality in Japan.
Magnetic and antimicrobial properties of cobalt‐zinc ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by citrate‐gel method
Authors: CH Vinuthna , Chandra Babu Naidu Kadiyala , C Chandra Sekhar , Dachepalli Ravinder
Published: May 2019

The cobalt‐zinc ferrite (CZF) nanomaterials were prepared by citrate‐gel method, and further calcined at 600°C. The single‐phase cubic spinel structure of CZF was confirmed using the X‐ray diffraction pattern. The average crystallite size was found to be in the range of 22‐29 nm. The surface morphology was examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average particle size of Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 was determined to be 19 nm using TEM study which is supporting the average crystallite size measured from the X‐ray diffraction studies. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectra revealed the two strong absorption bands in the series of ferrites between 4500 and 500 cm−1 and these are responsible for the characteristic of spinel ferrites. The presence of elements Cu, Zn, and Co of CZF was confirmed by the elemental spectral signals of energy dispersive spectroscopy. At room temperature, the magnetic measurements of pure ZnFe2O4 and Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 were evaluated based on hysteresis curves (M‐H curves). The results expressed that the addition of nonmagnetic Zn2+ ions increases the magnetic behavior in the mixed CZF samples. The antimicrobial activity of the ZnFe2O4 and Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoferrites was tested against harmful microbes.
Highly automated job interviews: Acceptance under the influence of stakes
Authors: Langer Markus , König Cornelius J. , Papathanasiou Maria
Published: May 2019

Technological advancements allow the automation of every part of job interviews (information acquisition, information analysis, action selection, action implementation) resulting in highly automated interviews. Efficiency advantages exist, but it is unclear how people react to such interviews (and whether reactions depend on the stakes involved). Participants (N = 123) in a 2 (highly automated, videoconference) × 2 (high‐stakes, low‐stakes situation) experiment watched and assessed videos depicting a highly automated interview for high‐stakes (selection) and low‐stakes (training) situations or an equivalent videoconference interview. Automated high‐stakes interviews led to ambiguity and less perceived controllability. Additionally, highly automated interviews diminished overall acceptance through lower social presence and fairness. To conclude, people seem to react negatively to highly automated interviews and acceptance seems to vary based on the stakes.

Open Practices

This study was pre‐registered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/hgd5r) and on AsPredicted (https://AsPredicted.org/i52c6.pdf).
The technology implications of master’s level education in the professionalization of nursing: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Ho Ken H. M. , Chow Susan K. Y. , Chiang Vico C. L. , Wong Julia S. W. , Chow Meyrick C. M.
Published: May 2019

Aims

(a) To explore the meanings of master's education in the professionalization of nursing; and (b) to describe the core attributes that nurses gained through master's study.

Design

Narrative inquiry.

Methods

From June 2017 to June 2018, unstructured interviews were conducted with 12 master‐prepared nurses at advanced nursing position with minimum 5 years of postregistration experience. Collaborative thematic narrative analysis was conducted on verbatim transcripts. Members checking, peer validation and audience validation assured verisimilitude and utility.

Results

There was a need to fit one's own assertion for professional growth in nursing career structure. Master's study equipped nurses with specialty skills and knowledge with enhanced reflexivity, which nurtured morality, problem‐solving ability and capacity to collaborate inter‐professionally. Master‐prepared nurses demonstrated effective clinical leadership through acting as change agents.

Conclusions

Master's level education and master‐prepared nurses are instrumental to the professionalization of nursing by expanding the roles of nurses. Nursing career mentoring will maximize nurses’ agency in healthcare system. Developing innovative inter‐professional pedagogy will nurture the reflexivity of master‐prepared nurses.
Tying care and respect into a single bioethical principle: On Dall'Agnol's respectful care theory
Authors: Azevedo Marco Antonio , Andrade Bianca
Published: May 2019

Objective

In this article, we offer an extended critical review of a new conception of bioethics, presented by Darlei Dall'Agnol, in the book Care and Respect in Bioethics.

Methods

Critical philosophical analysis of background assumptions of a new approach to bioethics, enriched with critical discussion of related philosophical literature.

Results

In Care and Respect in Bioethics, through an approach filled with hard cases, Dall'Agnol argues that the metaethics of respectful care has theoretical advantages over the intuitionist metaethics of principlism and the particularism of casuistry, offering an original comprehensive approach that crosses the three dimensions of ethical inquiry: metaethical, normative, and applied ethics.

Conclusions

Dall'Agnol offers an insightful and persuasive account of how the single attitude of respectful care can express practical moral knowledge in healthcare. In this paper, we evaluate, criticize, and suggest refinements. One of them concerns Dall'Agnol's interpretation about Stephen Darwall's views on care and respect as two attitudes supported, respectively, by a third‐ and a second‐personal moral point‐of‐view. Other is about the Dall'Agnol's Wittgensteinian description of the moral language‐games of Clinical Bioethics, adding to the approach the “language‐game of rights.”
The power of language: The importance of shaping language as a constructive tool in health care
Authors: Richards Veryan
Published: May 2019

The language used in clinical practice is a key enabler to the success of treatment. Without good communication which is underpinned by values, therapeutic engagement and treatment outcomes will not be as successful.
European smelt Osmerus eperlanus in the eastern Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea: Stock status and fishery
Authors: Sendek Dmitry S. , Bogdanov Dmitry V.
Published: May 2019

In the eastern Gulf of Finland, European smelt Osmerus eperlanus occurs as an anadromous ecological form that spawns in coastal, low‐salinity zones and in several rivers entering the gulf, most importantly in the River Neva. Osmerus eperlanus is a key commercial fish species for the population of St. Petersburg, and the city's fish symbol. However, the state of the smelt stock has considerably deteriorated over the past few decades. Monitoring shows that annual catches during 1965–1992 averaged 2274 t, compared to 292 t in 2002–2017, although some improvement is inidicated by a gradual increase in catches in recent years (e.g., to 595 t in 2017). This paper addresses long‐term and recent changes in the fisheries for smelt in the eastern Gulf of Finland, including both commercial and recreational fisheries, and the range of fishing gears used. The commercial smelt fishery is mainly conducted during the spawning period (April–May) on migrating fish, using trap nets of various designs and beach seines. There has been an increase in recreational fisheries for smelt; in years when ice cover on the gulf during winter (December–April) is steady, recreational fishers from St. Petersburg, using hook and line, may catch quantities that are comparable to those of commercial catches. Several factors may account for the stock dynamics and associated changes in catches of smelt: these include a decrease in prey availability in the gulf; loss and degradation of spawning and nursery habitats, partly associated with large‐scale hydroengineering operations in Neva Bay; and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing which became widespread in post‐Soviet decades. In spite of a gradual increase in smelt abundance in the most recent 15 years, a failure to accurately monitor and manage the extent of IUU and recreational fishing for smelt, to assess the status of the stock, or to forecast catches, increases the risk of overfishing of the spawning stock.
Assessment of physical, mechanical, and hydrodynamic properties in reducing postharvest losses of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. Cantaloupensis)
Authors: Jahanbakhshi Ahmad , Abbaspour‐Gilandeh Yousef , Ghamari Bahram , Heidarbeigi Kobra
Published: May 2019

Today, preserving the quality and reducing the losses of agricultural products is an important topic and has attracted the attention of many scholars in the field. This study aims at investigating the engineering properties (physical, mechanical, and hydrodynamic properties) of cantaloupe in order to manage and reduce the losses that is produced postharvest. The results show that the mean values physical properties measured for the geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, volume, and true density of the cantaloupes were 130.13 mm, 130.26 mm, 0.94%, 53,367.59 mm2, 633.30 cm3, and 0.83 g/cm3, respectively. Maximum force required for bruising and shearing cantaloupes in the investigation of their mechanical properties were 248.20 and 108.30 N. The hydrodynamic properties of cantaloupes such as the terminal velocity, the cantaloupes' rise time in the water column, the buoyance force and the drag force were obtained to be equal to 0.12 m/s, 4.10 S, 6.21 N, and 0.11 N, respectively. The results obtained through this study can be used in designing harvest machines, optimization, processing, transport, separation of impurities, and grading equipment for the purpose of reducing cantaloupe waste.

Practical applications

Of the 67 million tons of agricultural production in Iran, 20 million tons of it are turned into waste in the postharvest stage. That is the equivalent of food of 20 million people. Fruits are among the most important horticultural products that play an important role in supplying human nutrition and human health. Failure to review the engineering properties of agricultural products (physical, mechanical, and hydrodynamic properties) are the most important factors in increasing the agricultural waste at the postharvest stage. The physical properties of agricultural products are essential for the design and optimization of harvesting and postharvesting machinery, separating, transferring, grading, and drying processes. Mechanical properties can be useful in designing machinery and equipment for transportation and displacement of the product. Hydrodynamic properties can be useful for transfer, separation and grading by water in order to reduce processing costs and reduce cantaloupe waste.
Health and Daily Functioning of Older Women Religious
Authors: Petrinec Amy B. , Crowe Mary Lind , Flanagan Kathleen , Baker Janet
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES

Women religious in the United States are aging as a population. These women live in a communal setting, eat from the same kitchen, are nulliparous, and have similar access to healthcare. The purpose of this study was to examine the general health and health practices of a modern sample of older women religious.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

SETTING

Cleveland Catholic Diocese, Cleveland, Ohio.

PARTICIPANTS

Older women religious (n = 108), 65 years or older, living independently within the Cleveland Catholic Diocese who could participate in a study interview, undergo a morphometric examination, and complete several questionnaires in English.

MEASUREMENTS

Study participants completed a study interview in which their demographic information, medical history, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure were obtained. Participants completed several questionnaires including the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Falls Efficacy Scale‐International, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form, and the HbL Medication Risk Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The women in our sample were all white with a mean age of 75.6 years (range = 65‐93 y). The vast majority (n = 104 [96%]) had at least a bachelor's degree. Prevalence for chronic diseases was notable for cataracts (60%), hypertension (60%), thyroid disorders (30%), osteoporosis (17%), and diabetes (7%). Nearly half of the sample (n = 48 [44%]) met BMI criteria for obesity, and another 39 women (36%) were overweight. Most women participated in yearly dental examinations (84.5%), eye examinations (79.4%), mammography (84.5%), and pneumovax vaccination (80.4%). Just over half of the women had the recommended colonoscopy (58.8%) and bone density (56.7%) screenings. Twenty women (19%) reported significant frailty, and 38 (35%) reported a significant fear of falling. The majority (80%) would benefit from a discussion about their medications.

CONCLUSION

Older women religious experience health issues that could benefit from targeted preventive health education and screening. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1866–1870, 2019
Subclinical Psychopathic Traits and Romantic Attachment in Treatment‐Seeking Couples
Authors: Mayer Josée , Savard Claudia , Brassard Audrey , Lussier Yvan , Sabourin Stéphane
Published: May 2019

Subclinical psychopathic personality traits have been associated with multiple indicators of couple distress and romantic attachment insecurities but essentially in community samples. This study examined dyadic associations between primary and secondary psychopathy and attachment anxiety and avoidance, assessed with self‐reported measures, in 183 French‐Canadian cohabiting partners seeking couple therapy. Two Actor‐Partner Interdependence Models were tested: Model 1 considered psychopathic traits as independent variables and Model 2 treated attachment insecurities as independent variables. Analyses revealed that in both partners, secondary psychopathy was associated with attachment anxiety and avoidance (Models 1 and 2), while primary psychopathy was not only associated with attachment anxiety (Model 2; actor associations). Partner effects between primary and secondary psychopathy in men and women's attachment anxiety were also found in both models. These findings complement those reported in community samples and have clinical implications for treatment‐seeking couples.
Testicular volume and semen characteristics in the endangered southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides)
Authors: Arakaki Paloma Rocha , Salgado Paula Andrea Borges , Teixeira Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello , Rassy Fabrício Braga , de Barros Vaz Guimarães Marcelo Alcindo , del Rio do Valle Rodrigo
Published: May 2019

Background

The southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides) is an endangered Neotropical primate. Semen collection and description of its traits, as well as testicular morphometry, have never been reported for this species.

Methods

Testicles from five healthy adult captive southern muriqui were measured, and semen was collected by rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE).

Results and Conclusions

A solid coagulum was identified in all ejaculates, and none of them liquefied, spontaneously or non‐spontaneously. It was possible to collect semen using RPE, and although solids coagula did not liquefy, we managed to describe ejaculates characteristics and also confirmed that southern muriqui have relatively large testes size. Further investigations are needed to improve coagulum handling, to achieve a better spermatozoa recovery aiming its application in assisted reproductive technologies.
Bacteria‐induced production of the antibacterial sesquiterpene lagopodin B inCoprinopsis cinerea
Authors: Stöckli Martina , Morinaka Brandon I. , Lackner Gerald , Kombrink Anja , Sieber Ramon , Margot Céline , Stanley Claire E. , deMello Andrew J. , Piel Jörn , Künzler Markus
Published: May 2019

Fungi defend their ecological niche against antagonists by producing antibiosis molecules. Some of these molecules are only produced upon confrontation with the antagonist. The basidiomyceteCoprinopsis cinereainduces the expression of the sesquiterpene synthase‐encoding genecop6and its two neighboring genes coding for cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in response to bacteria. We further investigated this regulation ofcop6and examined if the gene product is involved in the production of antibacterials. Cell‐free supernatants of axenic cultures of the Gram‐positive bacteriumBacillus subtiliswere sufficient to inducecop6transcription assessed using a fluorescent reporter strain. Use of this strain in a microfluidic device revealed that thecop6gene was induced in all hyphae directly exposed to the supernatant and that induction occurred within less than one hour. Targeted replacement of thecop6gene demonstrated the requirement of the encoded synthase for the biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene lagopodin B, a previously reported antibacterial compound from related species. Accordingly, lagopodin B fromC. cinereainhibited the growth of several Gram‐positive bacteria includingB. subtilisbut not Gram‐negative bacteria. Our results demonstrate that theC. cinereavegetative mycelium responds to soluble compounds of a bacterial culture supernatant by local production of an antibacterial secondary metabolite.
Defense of pyrethrum flowers: repelling herbivores and recruiting carnivores by producing aphid alarm pheromone
Authors: Li Jinjin , Hu Hao , Mao Jing , Yu Lu , Stoopen Geert , Wang Manqun , Mumm Roland , de Ruijter Norbert C. A. , Dicke Marcel , Jongsma Maarten A. , Wang Caiyun
Published: May 2019

(E)‐β‐Farnesene (EβF) is the predominant constituent of the alarm pheromone of most aphid pest species. Moreover, natural enemies of aphids use EβF to locate their aphid prey. Some plant species emit EβF, potentially as a defense against aphids, but field demonstrations are lacking.

Here, we present field and laboratory studies of flower defense showing that ladybird beetles are predominantly attracted to young stage‐2 pyrethrum flowers that emitted the highest and purest levels of EβF. By contrast, aphids were repelled by EβF emitted by S2 pyrethrum flowers. Although peach aphids can adapt to pyrethrum plants in the laboratory, aphids were not recorded in the field.

Pyrethrum's (E)‐β‐farnesene synthase (EbFS) gene is strongly expressed in inner cortex tissue surrounding the vascular system of the aphid‐preferred flower receptacle and peduncle, leading to elongated cells filled with EβF. Aphids that probe these tissues during settlement encounter and ingest plant EβF, as evidenced by the release in honeydew. These EβF concentrations in honeydew induce aphid alarm responses, suggesting an extra layer of this defense.

Collectively, our data elucidate a defensive mimicry in pyrethrum flowers: the developmentally regulated and tissue‐specific EβF accumulation and emission both prevents attack by aphids and recruits aphid predators as bodyguards.
Identification and verification of quantitative trait loci for eating and cooking quality of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhu Yu‐Jun , Fan Ye‐Yang , Huang Ting‐Xu , Zhang Jian‐Fu , Xie Hua‐An , Zhuang Jie‐Yun
Published: May 2019

This study was conducted to identify new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that have stable effects for eating and cooking quality (ECQ) of rice. Three recombinant inbred line populations of indica rice were each planted in two years. Three traits for ECQ, amylose content (AC), gel consistency (GC) and alkali spreading value (ASV), were measured for QTL analysis. A total of 13 QTLs were detected, including four for AC, six for ASV and three for GC. Two QTLs, qGC4 in the interval RM16252–RM335 on the short arm of chromosome 4 and qGC6.2 in the Alk region, were validated in a population derived from a residual heterozygote that was homozygous at the major locus Wx. In the absence of segregation at the Wx locus, qGC4 and qGC6.2 had additive effects of 2.46 and 8.18 mm, respectively, offering a potential for improving GC property of rice varieties. Comparison between qGC4 and previous results suggests that qGC4 is likely a new QTL for GC, providing a candidate for gene cloning and functional characterization.
Motivations, success, and cost of coral reef restoration
Authors: Bayraktarov Elisa , Stewart‐Sinclair Phoebe J. , Brisbane Shantala , Boström‐Einarsson Lisa , Saunders Megan I. , Lovelock Catherine E. , Possingham Hugh P. , Mumby Peter J. , Wilson Kerrie A.
Published: May 2019

Coral reef restoration is an increasingly important part of tropical marine conservation. Information about what motivates coral reef restoration as well as its success and cost is not well understood but is needed to inform restoration decisions. We systematically review and synthesize data from mostly scientific studies published in peer‐reviewed and gray literature on the motivations for coral reef restoration, the variables measured, outcomes reported, the cost per hectare of the restoration project, the survival of restored corals, the duration of the project, and its overall spatial extent depending on the restoration technique employed. The main motivation to restore coral reefs for the projects assessed was to further our ecological knowledge and improve restoration techniques, with coral growth, productivity, and survival being the main variables measured. The median project cost was 400,000 US$/ha (2010 US$), ranging from 6,000 US$/ha for the nursery phase of coral gardening to 4,000,000 US$/ha for substrate addition to build an artificial reef. Restoration projects were mostly of short duration (1–2 years) and over small spatial extents (0.01 ha or 108 m2). Median reported survival of restored corals was 60.9%. Future research to survey practitioners who do not publish their discoveries would complement this work. Our findings and database provide critical data to inform future research in coral reef restoration.
Sustained exercise programs for hemodialysis patients: The characteristics of successful approaches in Portugal, Canada, Mexico, and Germany
Authors: Viana João L. , Martins Pedro , Parker Kristen , Madero Magdalena , Pérez Grovas Héctor , Anding Kirsten , Degenhardt Stefan , Gabrys Iwona , Raugust Shauna , West Christina , Cowan Theresa E. , Wilund Kenneth R.
Published: May 2019

Despite having good intentions, hemodialysis (HD) clinics often fail to sustain exercise programs that they initiate. There are many reasons for this, including a lack of funding, inadequate training of the clinic staff, a lack of exercise professionals to manage the program or train the staff, and the many challenges inherent to exercising a patient population with multiple comorbid diseases. Despite these barriers, there are several outstanding examples of successful exercise programs in HD clinics throughout the world. The aim of this manuscript is to review the characteristics of four successfully sustained HD exercise programs in Portugal, Canada, Mexico, and Germany. We describe the unique approaches they have used to fund and manage their programs, the varied exercise prescriptions they incorporate, the unique challenges they face, and discuss the benefits they have seen. While the programs differ in many regards, a consistent theme is that they each have substantial and committed support from the entire clinic staff, including the nephrologists, administration, nurses, dietitians, and technicians. This suggests that exercise programs in HD clinics can be successfully implemented and sustained provided significant effort is made to foster a culture of physical activity throughout the clinic.
Expanding Social Science Through Disaster Studies
Authors: Reinhardt Gina Yannitell , Ross Ashley D.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This article provides an overview of how the interdisciplinary field of disaster studies contributes to the social sciences.

Methods

The following themes are explored in relation to the articles contained in the special issue: disasters are social and political phenomena that generate policy change, disasters reflect and affect democratic governance, and disasters reveal shared experience and collective identity.

Results

Disaster studies bridge the social sciences theoretically and methodologically. Given the scope of disaster impacts—across social, political, economic, ecological, and infrastructure spheres—and the policy response they garner involving public, private, and civic actors, they offer a lens by which to see society and politics in a way that no other critical events can.

Conclusion

Disaster studies offer important applications of social science theories and concepts that expand the field, broaden our reach as social scientists, and deepen our understanding of fundamental social processes and behaviors in meaningful ways.
Penalized h‐likelihood approach for variable selection in AFT random‐effect models
Authors: Park Eunyoung , Kwon Sookhee , Kwon Jihoon , Sylvester Richard , Ha Il Do
Published: May 2019

Survival models allowing for random effects (e.g., frailty models) have been widely used for analyzing clustered time‐to‐event data. Accelerated failure time (AFT) models with random effects are useful alternatives to frailty models. Because survival times are directly modeled, interpretation of the fixed and random effects is straightforward. Moreover, the fixed effect estimates are robust against various violations of the assumed model. In this paper, we propose a penalized h‐likelihood (HL) procedure for variable selection of fixed effects in the AFT random‐effect models. For the purpose of variable selection, we consider three penalty functions, namely, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD), and HL. We demonstrate via simulation studies that the proposed variable selection procedure is robust against the misspecification of the assumed model. The proposed method is illustrated using data from a bladder cancer clinical trial.
Corrosion of concrete pipes in a sewer environment – two case studies
Authors: Oualit Mehena , Jauberthie Raoul
Published: May 2019

The deterioration and cost‐effective maintenance of infrastructure has for many years been an area of social and financial importance. The deterioration of the wastewater infrastructure is particularly important because of its key role in the maintenance of public health for urban conglomerations. This paper describes two case studies that are taken from an ongoing study of the sewerage network in the Municipality of Rennes, France. Both studies concern spun concrete pipes laid approximately 55 years ago. The first case is that of a sewer in good order because of its location within the network and its design. The second case describes a sewer that has been oversized and the conditions within the reach of the sewer have led to sulphide attack. It is concluded that two important considerations that must be taken into account is the design detailing and appropriate selection of materials.
NaV1.6 regulates excitability of mechanosensitive sensory neurons
Authors: Israel Mathilde R. , Tanaka Brian S. , Castro Joel , Thongyoo Panumart , Robinson Samuel D. , Zhao Peng , Deuis Jennifer R. , Craik David J. , Durek Thomas , Brierley Stuart M. , Waxman Stephen G , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman D. , Vetter Irina
Published: May 2019

Key points

Voltage‐gated sodium channels are critical for peripheral sensory neuron transduction and have been implicated in a number of painful and painless disorders.

The β‐scorpion toxin, Cn2, is selective for NaV1.6 in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

NaV1.6 plays an essential role in peripheral sensory neurons, specifically at the distal terminals of mechanosensing fibres innervating the skin and colon.

NaV1.6 activation also leads to enhanced response to mechanical stimulus in vivo.

This works highlights the use of toxins in elucidating pain pathways moreover the importance of non‐peripherally restricted NaV isoforms in pain generation.

Peripheral sensory neurons express multiple voltage‐gated sodium channels (NaV) critical for the initiation and propagation of action potentials and transmission of sensory input. Three pore‐forming sodium channel isoforms are primarily expressed in the peripheral nervous system (PNS): NaV1.7, NaV1.8 and NaV1.9. These sodium channels have been implicated in painful and painless channelopathies and there has been intense interest in them as potential therapeutic targets in human pain. Emerging evidence suggests NaV1.6 channels are an important isoform in pain sensing. This study aimed to assess, using pharmacological approaches, the function of NaV1.6 channels in peripheral sensory neurons. The potent and NaV1.6 selective β‐scorpion toxin Cn2 was used to assess the effect of NaV1.6 channel activation in the PNS. The multidisciplinary approach included Ca2+ imaging, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, skin–nerve and gut–nerve preparations and in vivo behavioural assessment of pain. Cn2 facilitates NaV1.6 early channel opening, and increased persistent and resurgent currents in large‐diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. This promotes enhanced excitatory drive and tonic action potential firing in these neurons. In addition, NaV1.6 channel activation in the skin and gut leads to increased response to mechanical stimuli. Finally, intra‐plantar injection of Cn2 causes mechanical but not thermal allodynia. This study confirms selectivity of Cn2 on NaV1.6 channels in sensory neurons. Activation of NaV1.6 channels, in terminals of the skin and viscera, leads to profound changes in neuronal responses to mechanical stimuli. In conclusion, sensory neurons expressing NaV1.6 are important for the transduction of mechanical information in sensory afferents innervating the skin and viscera.
Experimental Studies on Nanofluid-Based Rectangular Natural Circulation Loop
Authors: Bejjam Ramesh Babu , Kiran Kumar K. , Balasubramanian Karthik
Published: May 2019

The main objective of the present study is to carry out experimental investigation on thermal performance of the nanofluid-based rectangular natural circulation loop (NCL). For this study, an experimental test rig is fabricated with heater as heat source, and tube in tube heat exchanger as heat sink. For the experimentation, three different nanofluids are used as working fluids. The nanometer-sized particles of silicon dioxide (SiO2), copper oxide (CuO), and alumina (Al2O3) are dispersed in distilled water to produce the nanofluids at different volume concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. Experiments are carried out at different power inputs and different cold fluid inlet temperatures. The results indicate that NCL operating with nanofluid reaches steady-state condition quickly, when compared to water due to its increased thermal conductivity. The steady-state reaching time is reduced by 12–27% by using different nanofluids as working fluids in the loop when compared to water. The thermal performance parameters like mass flow rate, Rayleigh number, and average Nusselt number of the nanofluid-based NCL are improved by 10.95%, 16.64%, and 8.10%, respectively, when compared with water-based NCL. At a given power input, CuO–water nanofluid possess higher mass flow rate, Rayleigh number and Nusselt number than SiO2–water and Al2O3–water nanofluids due to better thermo-rheological properties.
Improved Neural Network Control Approach for a Humanoid Arm
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Zhang Xiaohui , Malekian Reza , Sarkodie-Gyan Th. , Li Zhixiong
Published: May 2019

This study extended the knowledge over the improvement of the control performance for a seven degrees-of-freedom (7DOF) humanoid arm. An improved adaptive Gaussian radius basic function neural network (RBFNN) approach was proposed to ensure the reliability and stability of the humanoid arm control. Considering model uncertainties, the established dynamic model for the humanoid arm was divided into a nominal model and an error model. The error model was approximated by the RBFNN learning to compensate the uncertainties. The contribution of this study mainly concentrates on employing fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) to optimize the basic width parameter of the RBFNN, which can enhance the capability of the error approximation speed. Additionally, the output weights of the neural network were adjusted using the Lyapunov stability theory to improve the robustness of the RBFN-based error model. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to optimize the system state with less tracking errors, regulate the uncertain nonlinear dynamic characteristics, and effectively reduce unexpected interferences.
Spectral Radiation Analysis of Premixed Oxy-Methane Flames
Authors: Chowdhury A. S. M. Arifur , Afrose Naznin Jahan , Love Norman
Published: May 2019

For a hydrocarbon burning with oxygen, the resulting exhaust stream is composed mainly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. This exhaust allows for easier carbon capture and sequestration since the water can be condensed out. Another advantage is the significant reduction of NOx since much of the nitrogen found in air-fired systems is eliminated. Although beneficial, many of the exhaust gas products' radiative heat transfer characteristics are unknown. Motivated by this, this paper focuses on the spectral radiation measurement of premixed oxy-methane combustion flames. This is important for combustion system designers since radiative heat from the flame is significant for oxy-flames. This study is conducted by varying equivalence ratio, firing input, and CO2 recirculation ratio. The spectral radiation of premixed oxy-methane flames is collected from 1.2 μm to 5 μm wavelengths. During the experimental study, it is found that the water vapor emits at 1.4 μm, 1.85 μm, and 2.5 μm wavelengths. A short band of carbon dioxide emission is detected at 1.96 μm. Three other carbon dioxide radiation maxima are observed at the proximity of 2.71 μm, 2.85 μm, and 4.38 μm. The study revealed that the spectral intensity of CO2 and H2O for oxy-methane combustion increases almost five times compared to the air-methane combustion at stochiometric condition. It is also found that the spectral intensity decreases as the equivalence ratio increases. The spectral radiative emission intensity increases as the firing input increases. Another observation includes the fact that spectral intensity increases up to five times when 60% CO2 is recirculated as a diluent in the flame.
The influence of distributed source regions in the formation of the nonlinear distortion component of cubic distortion-product otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Vencovský Václav , Zelle Dennis , Dalhoff Ernst , Gummer Anthony. W. , Vetešník Aleš
Published: May 2019

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are evoked by two stimulus tones with frequency f1 and f2 of ratio f2/f1  in the range between approximately 1.05 and 1.4. This study theoretically and experimentally analyzes the cubic 2f1−f2 DPOAE for different stimulus levels of one of the tones while the other is constant. Simulations for f2/f1 of 1.2 and moderate stimulus levels (30–70 dB sound pressure level) indicate that cubic distortion products are generated along a relatively large length of the basilar membrane, the extent of which increases with stimulus level. However, apical from the place of maximum nonlinear force, the wavelets generated by these distributed sources mutually cancel. Therefore, although the spatial extent of the primary DPOAE sources broadens with increasing stimulus level (up to 1.5 oct), the basilar-membrane region contributing to the DPOAE signal is relatively narrow (0.6 oct) and level independent. The observed dependence of DPOAE amplitude on stimulus level can be well-approximated by a point source at the basilar-membrane place where the largest distortion product (maximum of the nonlinear force) is generated. Onset and offset of the DPOAE signal may contain amplitude overshoots (complexities), which are in most cases asymmetrical. Two-tone suppression was identified as the main cause of these onset and offset complexities. DPOAE measurements in two normal-hearing subjects support the level dependence of the steady-state DPOAE amplitude and the asymmetry in the onset and offset responses predicted by the theoretical analysis.
Teaching Trek: Reflections on Participation in the Indo-U.S. Teaching Professorship Program
Authors: Vrentas Catherine E.
Published: May 2019

The American Society for Microbiology’s Indo-U.S. Teaching Professorship program (sponsored by the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum) provides an opportunity for cross-continental teaching exchanges in the microbial sciences. In this article, I reflect on my experiences as a 2017 Teaching Professor at the University of Delhi, where I developed and delivered a curriculum about prion diseases and a workshop on scientific communication. Tips for preparation, informal assessments, and portable classroom manipulatives are presented for educators who are interested in participating in similar programs. International teaching exchanges provide a unique opportunity to develop skills in assessment and adaptability while meeting new colleagues from across the globe.
Microbiology Education in Nigeria: Common Training Deficits Could Be Addressed with Modern Educational Tools
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Authors: Aishat Abdulwaheed
Published: May 2019

Microbiology has developed as an important field of scientific training in Nigeria over the years. It is one of the early scientific fields introduced to the country. It has contributed to the development of the scientific identity of the country, through training of personnel and applications aimed at addressing microbial diseases that present a public health concern. Recent diseases, especially of microbial origin, have however exposed the poor state of microbiology in Nigeria. Recurrent but avoidable infectious diseases such as diarrhea and cholera have led to the loss of several lives. Although the situation is complex, at least some of these shortcomings could be compensated for by enhancing the quality of training delivered to future microbiologists and related healthcare professionals and educators. An analysis of microbiology curricula in Nigerian institutions compared with those of developed countries identified several gaps. Although inadequacy in training resources, expert faculty, and funding are well recognized, it is believed that several of these training gaps could be addressed through innovative educational approaches. In this paper, I discuss how key microbiology education weaknesses in the Nigerian context could be overcome using modern, low-cost educational tools that are accessible even in the face of existing institutional challenges. Topics such as molecular cloning and PCR are discussed, together with how specific virtual classroom and related internet-based tools can be applied to teach these topics in resource-limited contexts. This paper should therefore be relevant to microbiology educators in most developing countries.
Program-Based Teaching and Learning To Increase Competency in Undergraduate Medical Students Using a Model of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program
Authors: Mangayarkarasi Vincent , Kalaiselvi Kumarasingam , Kavitha Devi , Chitraleka Vasudevan , Balaji Ramraj
Published: May 2019

Teaching methods need continuous innovation to encourage undergraduate medical students to enhance their competency level and skills. Every undergraduate medical student should be able to discuss the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) and Direct Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) course recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The DOTS strategy was launched in 1992, with the objective of detecting at least 70% of new sputum-positive tuberculosis (TB) patients and curing at least 85% of such patients. The aim of this study was to improve the competency level of Undergraduate (UG) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students by teaching them the objectives of the RNTCP at a program implementation site in the medical college. The RNTCP could be considered and conducted as Program-Based Teaching and Learning (PBTL) for the UG medical students. The following skills were to be implemented in the RNTCP PBTL: Sputum Collection, Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Grading, Mantoux test, and TB Culture and Molecular test (Gene Xpert). Phase II undergraduate MBBS students (N = 104) participated in the PBTL. This study was conducted in the RNTCP laboratory of a tertiary-care teaching medical college hospital. This descriptive study included advanced skill-based teaching such as Directly Observed Practical Skill, Demonstration-Observation-Assistance-Performance, Video Demonstrations, Role Play, and Group interaction as teaching tools. Pre-/post-test, Objective Structured Practical Examination, and frequently asked questions were used as assessment tools. The pre- and post-test marks were compared, and other assessments were also analyzed using SPSS. At the end of the teaching program, the feedback forms were collected from students and analyzed. The mean score obtained for 104 MBBS students in the pre-test, post-test, and other assessment tools were 213.3 and 487.5, respectively (
p
< 0.001). We conclude that skill-based teaching and learning tools to teach public health program like RNTCP provide valuable essential skills for undergraduate medical students. This Program Based Teaching and Learning could be successfully extended to all medical colleges.
Teaching Microbiology by Celebrating Traditional Foods and Cultures from Morocco and Perú
Authors: Meléndez Johana
Published: May 2019

According to a report published by the Center for Community College Student Engagement and others, global learning is considered one of the high-impact practices used to increase student engagement and motivation to learn. Engagement and motivation have also been linked to increased learning gains and improvement in the overall learning experience. Furthermore, global learning helps students explore other people’s cultures and worldviews, which is an important skill for students to gain in order to compete and adapt to solve the problems of our global society. Here, I discuss two class activities that faculty can adopt to implement global learning in their courses, with the purpose of engaging and motivating students to learn microbiology while celebrating some traditions from Morocco and Perú. Students researched traditional fermented foods and drinks from Perú and Morocco. Then, they answered guided questions to help them link the food items to microbiological concepts learned in class. For example: normal flora and fermentation were learned as students researched the process of making a Peruvian drink called “
chicha de jora
,” which is made from chewed corn that becomes fermented as it mixes with oral bacteria from saliva. While engaging in global learning, students learned some microbiology concepts; they passed the knowledge on to the campus community with poster presentations held during International Education Week. Based on students’ feedback and participation, I can conclude that teaching microbiology using global learning was engaging, promoted student learning, and motivated students to learn.