bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing in higher education institutes
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Sajid Muhammad , Zreen Aneeqa , Khalid Rimsha
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between individual characteristics and knowledge sharing (KS) in higher education institutes (HEIs) of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative research methodology. The empirical data consisted of 370 responses from the academic staff of six HEIs of Pakistan.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant impact of dispositional factors on KS. More precisely, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, emotional intelligence and religiosity were positively associated with KS, while neuroticism was found to be negatively associated with KS.

Practical implications

This micro-level model of KS has some potential implications for the decision makers in the context of HEIs. To enhance the KS in HEIs, the decision makers should take the findings of this study into consideration while hiring the academicians in the universities. The decision makers should give priority to the potential candidates who have a higher level of extroversion, openness and agreeableness. Further, while making hiring and other job-related strategies, religiosity and emotional intelligence of the potential candidates should not be ignored.

Originality/value

The paper tested a micro-level model of KS in HEIs and contributed to the body of knowledge by jointly investigating the relationship between religiosity, emotional intelligence, personality traits and KS. To the best of researchers’ knowledge, no study has been conducted, so far, which tested these variables jointly. Thus, the present research filled this knowledge gap.
A new methodology for customer behavior analysis using time series clustering
Authors: Abbasimehr Hossein , Shabani Mostafa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology that handles the issue of the dynamic behavior of customers over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A new methodology is presented based on time series clustering to extract dominant behavioral patterns of customers over time. This methodology is implemented using bank customers’ transactions data which are in the form of time series data. The data include the recency (R), frequency (F) and monetary (M) attributes of businesses that are using the point-of-sale (POS) data of a bank. This data were obtained from the data analysis department of the bank.

Findings

After carrying out an empirical study on the acquired transaction data of 2,531 business customers that are using POS devices of the bank, the dominant trends of behavior are discovered using the proposed methodology. The obtained trends were analyzed from the marketing viewpoint. Based on the analysis of the monetary attribute, customers were divided into four main segments, including high-value growing customers, middle-value growing customers, prone to churn and churners. For each resulted group of customers with a distinctive trend, effective and practical marketing recommendations were devised to improve the bank relationship with that group. The prone-to-churn segment contains most of the customers; therefore, the bank should conduct interesting promotions to retain this segment.

Practical implications

The discovered trends of customer behavior and proposed marketing recommendations can be helpful for banks in devising segment-specific marketing strategies as they illustrate the dynamic behavior of customers over time. The obtained trends are visualized so that they can be easily interpreted and used by banks. This paper contributes to the literature on customer relationship management (CRM) as the proposed methodology can be effectively applied to different businesses to reveal trends in customer behavior.

Originality/value

In the current business condition, customer behavior is changing continually over time and customers are churning due to the reduced switching costs. Therefore, choosing an effective customer segmentation methodology which can consider the dynamic behaviors of customers is essential for every business. This paper proposes a new methodology to capture customer dynamic behavior using time series clustering on time-ordered data. This is an improvement over previous studies, in which static segmentation approaches have often been adopted. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that combines the recency, frequency, and monetary model and time series clustering to reveal trends in customer behavior.
Hybrid additive manufacturing of precision engineered ceramic components
Authors: Hinton Jack , Basu Dejan , Mirgkizoudi Maria , Flynn David , Harris Russell , Kay Robert
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing platform for the production of high density ceramic components.

Design/methodology/approach

Fabrication of near-net shape components is achieved using 96 per cent Al3O2 ceramic paste extrusion and a planarizing machining operations. Sacrificial polymer support can be used to aid the creation of overhanging or internal features. Post-processing using a variety of machining operations improves tolerances and fidelity between the component and CAD model while reducing defects.

Findings

This resultant three-dimensional monolithic ceramic components demonstrated post sintering tolerances of ±100 µm, surface roughness’s of ∼1 µm Ra, densities in excess of 99.7 per cent and three-point bending strength of 221 MPa.

Originality/value

This method represents a novel approach for the digital fabrication of ceramic components, which provides improved manufacturing tolerances, part quality and capability over existing additive manufacturing approaches.
An assessment of the dimensional accuracy and geometry-resolution limit of desktop stereolithography using response surface methodology
Authors: Cotabarren Ivana , Palla Camila Andrea , McCue Caroline Taylor , Hart Anastasios John
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to apply a robust methodology to establish relationships between user-configurable process parameters of commercial desktop stereolithography (SLA) printers and dimensional accuracy of a custom-designed test artifact.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed response surface methodology study, Box–Behnken incomplete factorial design of four factors with three levels, was carried out to evaluate process performance of desktop SLA printers. The selected factors were as follows: printing orientation angle in x-direction, printing orientation angle in y-direction, position on build platform in spatial x-coordinate, position on build tray in spatial y-coordinate and layer thickness. The proposed artifact was designed to include 12 feature groups including thin walls, holes, bosses, bridges and overhangs. Two responses were associated with the features: the dimensional deviation according to the designed value and the minimum feature size.

Findings

Layer thickness was the most significant factor in 70% of the analyzed responses. For example, measurement deviation was reduced about 90% when cylindrical holes were printed with the lowest layer thickness. Further, in many cases, dimensional deviation was minimized for features at the center of the platform, where the beam cures the resin in a straight line. However, at distant positions, accuracy could be improved by compensating for beam deviation by changing the object orientation angle.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can serve, both generally and specifically, for SLA designers and engineers who wish to optimize printing process variables and feature location to achieve high-dimensional accuracy and further understand the many coupled considerations among part design, build configuration and process performance.
A review of global automotive industry’s competitive strategies
Authors: Mohammad Nazir Norzuliana , Shavarebi Kamran
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the latest global automotive industry’s competitive strategies comprehensively before being categorized into countries, automakers and other scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 54 most relevant articles have been chosen from various journals and databases between the years 2017 and 2018 with search items “Competitive” and “Automotive” for the most updated review. Based on findings, there are total 133 competitive strategies.

Findings

Based on the review and analysis of the literature, all of these three categories, countries, automakers and other scholars, are using new product development (NPD) as a competitive strategy. As a result, further research on NPD, specifically in the automotive industry area, is vital for industry’s competitiveness based on this study.

Research limitations/implications

Firms are advised to be ahead from the competitors in terms of business model or in their management in order to attain sustainability. However, to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no comprehensive review on competitive strategies for automotive globally by countries, automakers and other scholars.

Practical implications

The competitive strategies are reviewed comprehensively so that other than guiding the further research, they can help automakers, especially from developing countries, to improve the strategies suitable to the current trend.

Social implications

Automotive industry plays a key role in the day-to-day activity of human life by not only providing mobility but also having an enormous impact of the industry on economic, environmental and social activities throughout the globe.

Originality/value

Most of the articles reviewed related to certain country or comparison between the countries, and certain automaker or comparison between the automakers, but still no study about comprehensive review globally covered in the larger scope, divided into three categories; countries, automakers and other scholars even though the study is vital not only to academicians but also to practitioners.
Role of medicinal plants in HIV/AIDS therapy
Authors: Laila Umme , Akram Muhammad , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Hashmi Asif Mehmmod , Akhtar Naheed , Tahir Imtiaz Mahmood , Ghauri Aymen Owais , Munir Naveed , Riaz Muhammad , Akhter Naheed , Shaheen Ghazala , Ullah Qamar , Zahid Rabia , Ahmad Saeed
Published: July 2019

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the potentially life‐threatening and chronic disease called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The main target of this viral disease is to suppress the immune system and make the body unresponsive to external stimuli. According to global health observatory data since epidemic, more than 78 million people were affected by HIV and 39 million people died globally. Until 2017, 36.5 million people were living with HIV. An estimated 0.8% (0.6%–0.9%) of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide is living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the African region remains most severely affected, with nearly one in every 25 adults (4.1%) living with HIV and accounting for nearly two‐thirds of the people living with HIV worldwide. WHO reported that globally only 21.7 million (19.1 million–22.6 million) people have had access to antiretroviral therapy up to 2017. Currently, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available for the control of HIV but has serious associated side effects such as lipodystrophy. Because of the limitations, associated with ART, researchers throughout the world are trying to explore and develop more reliable and safe drugs from natural resources to manage HIV infection. A wide range of medicinal plants have been studied and have reported significant potential against HIV. Plants like Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale, Trigonostem axyphophylloides, Vatica astrotricha, Vernonia amygdalina, Hypoxias pelargonium, Sidoides hemerocallidea and Sutherlandia frutescens etc. have high efficacy to cure HIV. The exact mechanism of action is still not known but various phytoconstituents isolated from medicinal plants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, tannins, proteins and coumarins have the potential to interrupt the life cycle of HIV as well as act as immunomodulators to enhance the immune system of infected patients with no well reported side effects. It could be concluded that medicinal plants have potential for the management of HIV/AIDS but more studies are needed to reveal rigorous efficacy and safety concerns by conducting clinical trials at vast level to explore therapeutic impact of medicinal plants.
Growing edible mushrooms: a conversation between bacteria and fungi
Authors: Carrasco Jaime , Preston Gail M.
Published: July 2019

Mushroom cropping consists of the development and fructification of different fungal species in soil or selective substrates that provide nutrients and support for the crop. The microorganisms present in these environments strongly influence, and in some cases are required for the growth and fructification of cultivated mushrooms. Some fungi such as truffles and morels form ectomycorrhizal associations with host plants. For these fungi, helper bacteria play an important role in the establishment of plant‐fungal symbioses. Selective processes acting on the microbiota present in substrates and soils determine the composition of the microbiota inhabiting the fruit bodies or interacting with fungal hyphae, and both configure the mushroom holobiont, understood as the fungus plus associated microorganisms. Here, we review current knowledge regarding the cross‐talk between bacteria and fungi during mushroom cultivation. We highlight the potential use of bioinoculants as agronomical amendments to increase mushroom productivity through growth promotion or as biocontrol agents to control pests and diseases.
Further Pseudo‐Operational Trials with the Lumicyano Double‐ and Co‐Fuming Process for the Detection of Latent Fingermarks
Authors: Farrugia Kevin J. , Hunter Danielle , Wilson Clarice , Hay Stef , Sherriffs Paul , Deacon Paul
Published: July 2019

This study presents a number of pseudo‐operational trials on plastic bags investigating the double‐ and co‐fuming process of a one‐step fluorescent cyanoacrylate (LumicyanoTM) in comparisons with the two‐step process with basic yellow 40 (BY40) staining for the detection of latent fingermarks. The results demonstrate that both Lumicyano solution and dye contribute to the increased detection of latent fingermarks during the double‐fuming process (trial 1). Co‐fuming the Lumicyano solution and dye separately (at a concentration of 8%) but simultaneously was less effective than 8% Lumicyano (trial 2). Co‐fuming Lumicyano 8% and an additional 8% Lumicyano dye by weight was more effective than Lumicyano 8% (trial 3), possibly due to increased fluorescent material deposition during co‐fuming allowing for better visualization. The use of BY40 after Lumicyano resulted in a considerable increase in detected fingermarks.
TREM‐1 deficiency attenuates the inflammatory responses in LPS‐induced murine endometritis
Authors: Zhu Hongmei , Li Wenke , Wang Zhuole , Chen Jianguo , Ding Mingxing , Han Li
Published: July 2019

Endometritis, which is usually caused by bacterial infection, is characterized by high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and a high infertility rate. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1 (TREM‐1) has been recognized as a potent amplifier of inflammatory reactions. Studies have demonstrated reduced inflammatory responses and mortality rates of animals with bacterial infection due to the blocking of TREM‐1 expression. However, whether TREM‐1 deficiency could alleviate the inflammatory reaction in bacterial endometritis is still unclear. Here, TREM‐1 knock‐out (Trem‐1−/−) mice were used to inhibit TREM‐1 signalling to evaluate its role in inflammatory reactions after a highly pathogenic LPS infection in mice uteri. The results demonstrated that TREM‐1 deficiency attenuated the inflammation in mice uteri; markedly reduced the number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils; and suppressed interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations in serum as well as their production in inflamed uteri after LPS stimulation. Our results illustrate an anticipated pathogenic impact of TREM‐1 on endometritis during LPS infection and indicate that blocking of TREM‐1 in LPS‐induced endometritis holds considerable promise for blunting excessive inflammation.
An evaluation of sequencing coverage and genotyping strategies to assess neutral and adaptive diversity
Authors: Benjelloun Badr , Boyer Frédéric , Streeter Ian , Zamani Wahid , Engelen Stefan , Alberti Adriana , Alberto Florian J. , BenBati Mohamed , Ibnelbachyr Mustapha , Chentouf Mouad , Bechchari Abdelmajid , Rezaei Hamid R. , Naderi Saeid , Stella Alessandra , Chikhi Abdelkader , Clarke Laura , Kijas James , Flicek Paul , Taberlet Pierre , Pompanon François
Published: July 2019

Whole genome sequences (WGS) greatly increase our ability to precisely infer population genetic parameters, demographic processes, and selection signatures. However, WGS may still be not affordable for a representative number of individuals/populations. In this context, our goal was to assess the efficiency of several SNP genotyping strategies by testing their ability to accurately estimate parameters describing neutral diversity and to detect signatures of selection. We analysed 110 WGS at 12× coverage for four different species, i.e., sheep, goats and their wild counterparts. From these data we generated 946 data sets corresponding to random panels of 1K to 5M variants, commercial SNP chips and exome capture, for sample sizes of five to 48 individuals. We also extracted low‐coverage genome resequencing of 1×, 2× and 5× by randomly subsampling reads from the 12× resequencing data. Globally, 5K to 10K random variants were enough for an accurate estimation of genome diversity. Conversely, commercial panels and exome capture displayed strong ascertainment biases. Besides the characterization of neutral diversity, the detection of the signature of selection and the accurate estimation of linkage disequilibrium (LD) required high‐density panels of at least 1M variants. Finally, genotype likelihoods increased the quality of variant calling from low coverage resequencing but proportions of incorrect genotypes remained substantial, especially for heterozygote sites. Whole genome resequencing coverage of at least 5× appeared to be necessary for accurate assessment of genomic variations. These results have implications for studies seeking to deploy low‐density SNP collections or genome scans across genetically diverse populations/species showing similar genetic characteristics and patterns of LD decay for a wide variety of purposes.
The Reform of UK Universities: A Management Dream, An Academic Nightmare?
Authors: Du Juan , Lapsley Irvine
Published: July 2019

This paper studies the impact on universities of operating in a new public management (NPM) world by examining UK experiences, in general, and the specific cases of two UK universities. As institutions with high levels of human capital and articulate professionals, universities offer a complex setting in which to study the tensions between professions and managerialism. This study identifies the importance of accounting and calculative practices in the contemporary university and distinct professional reactions fostered by intense NPM experiences prompted by the 2010 UK Government's austerity program.
THE RISE AND FALL OF INDUSTRIALIZATION: THE CASE OF A SILK WEAVING DISTRICT IN MODERN JAPAN
Authors: Hashino Tomoko , Otsuka Keijiro
Published: July 2019

The production of habutae, a simple silk fabric, expanded rapidly between 1890 and 1918 in Japan's Fukui Prefecture, with large exports to Europe and the United States. The production of habutae, initially woven by hand, was labour intensive, but it gradually became capital‐intensive after the introduction of power looms. Production and export of this fabric declined precipitously from 1918. In this paper, we attribute the rise and then fall of Japan's production and export of habutae to its changing comparative advantage, which is associated with shifts from labour‐using to capital‐using production technology initiated in the United States.
Prediction of acute kidney injury after left ventricular assist device implantation: Evaluation of clinical risk scores
Authors: Pilarczyk Kevin , Carstens Henning , Papathanasiou Maria , Luedike Peter , Koch Achim , Jakob Heinz , Kamler Markus , Pizanis Nikolaus
Published: July 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent in patients scheduled for implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and associated with increased mortality. Although several risk models for the prediction of postoperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) have been developed for cardiothoracic patients, none of these scoring systems have been validated in LVAD patients. A retrospective, single center analysis of all patients undergoing LVAD implantation between September 2013 and July 2016 was performed. Primary outcome was AKI requiring RRT within 14 days after surgery. The predictive capacity of the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS), the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score (STS), and the Simplified Renal Index Score (SRI) were evaluated. 76 patients underwent LVAD implantation, 19 patients were excluded due to preoperative RRT. RRT was associated with a prolonged ventilation time, length of stay on the ICU and 180 day mortality (14(60.9%) vs 6(17.6%), P < .01). Whereas the Thakar Score (7.43 ± 1.75 vs 6.44 ± 1.44, P = .02) and the Mehta Score (28.12 ± 15.08 vs 21.53 ± 5.43, P = .02) were significantly higher in patients with RRT than in those without RRT, the SRI did not differ between these groups (3.96 ± 1.15 vs 3.44 ± 1.05, P = .08). Using ROC analyses, CCS, STS, and SRI showed moderate predictive capacity for RRT with an AUC of 0.661 ± 0.073 (P = .040), 0.637 ± 0.079 (P = .792), and 0.618 ± 0.075 (P = .764), respectively, with comparable accuracy in the Delong test. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, only the De Ritis Ratio (OR 2.67, P = .034) and MELD (OR 1.11, P = .028) were identified as predictors of postoperative RRT. Risk scores which are predictive in general cardiac surgery cannot predict RRT in patients after LVAD implantation. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to develop a specific risk score for this patient population.
Laparoscopic stomach‐partitioning gastrojejunostomy in preparation for distal gastrectomy and Billroth‐II reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer with gastric outlet obstruction: A case report
Authors: Ishida Hiroyuki , Cho Haruhiko , Tsuchida Kazuhito , Onoyama Haruna , Maezawa Yukio
Published: July 2019

Gastrojejunostomy has been performed as a palliative treatment for unresectable, advanced gastric cancer patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). However, its role before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has not been established. We present the case of a 72‐year‐old man with distal advanced gastric cancer with GOO. Computed tomography showed para‐aortic lymph node (PAN) metastasis without other distal metastasis. We performed laparoscopic stomach‐partitioning gastrojejunostomy (LSPGJ), which avoided new gastrojejunostomy reconstruction when performing distal gastrectomy after NAC. His oral intake improved after surgery and NAC was successfully administered on postoperative day 14, without surgical complications. After completion of NAC, the patient underwent radical distal gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy reused as Billroth‐II reconstruction. A histological examination revealed no residual cancer cells. LSPGJ, with partitioning on the expected resection line in distal gastrectomy after NAC, can be useful for treating advanced gastric cancer with GOO when NAC followed by curative gastrectomy is planned.
Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Among North American Indigenous Adolescents: Considering Predictors and Outcomes
Authors: Martinez Miriam M. , Armenta Brian E.
Published: July 2019

We identified developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms among 674 Indigenous adolescents (Mage = 11.10, SD = 0.83 years) progressing from early to late adolescence. Four depressive symptoms trajectories were identified: (a) sustained low, (b) initially low but increasing, (c) initially high but decreasing, and (d) sustained high levels of depressive symptoms. Trajectory group membership varied as a function of gender, pubertal development, caregiver major depression, and perceived discrimination. Moreover, participants in the different trajectory groups were at differential risk for the development of an alcohol use disorder. These results highlight the benefit of examining the development of depressive symptoms and the unique ways that depressive symptoms develop among North American Indigenous youth as they progress through adolescence.
Quantifying the Error of Light Transport Algorithms
Authors: Celarek A. , Jakob W. , Wimmer M. , Lehtinen J.
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes a new methodology for measuring the error of unbiased physically based rendering algorithms. The current state of the art includes mean squared error (MSE) based metrics and visual comparisons of equal‐time renderings of competing algorithms. Neither is satisfying as MSE does not describe behavior and can exhibit significant variance, and visual comparisons are inherently subjective. Our contribution is two‐fold: First, we propose to compute many short renderings instead of a single long run and use the short renderings to estimate MSE expectation and variance as well as per‐pixel standard deviation. An algorithm that achieves good results in most runs, but with occasional outliers is essentially unreliable, which we wish to quantify numerically. We use per‐pixel standard deviation to identify problematic lighting effects of rendering algorithms. The second contribution is the error spectrum ensemble (ESE), a tool for measuring the distribution of error over frequencies. The ESE serves two purposes: It reveals correlation between pixels and can be used to detect outliers, which offset the amount of error substantially.
Deep‐learning the Latent Space of Light Transport
Authors: Hermosilla P. , Maisch S. , Ritschel T. , Ropinski T.
Published: July 2019

We suggest a method to directly deep‐learn light transport, i. e., the mapping from a 3D geometry‐illumination‐material configuration to a shaded 2D image. While many previous learning methods have employed 2D convolutional neural networks applied to images, we show for the first time that light transport can be learned directly in 3D. The benefit of 3D over 2D is, that the former can also correctly capture illumination effects related to occluded and/or semi‐transparent geometry. To learn 3D light transport, we represent the 3D scene as an unstructured 3D point cloud, which is later, during rendering, projected to the 2D output image. Thus, we suggest a two‐stage operator comprising a 3D network that first transforms the point cloud into a latent representation, which is later on projected to the 2D output image using a dedicated 3D‐2D network in a second step. We will show that our approach results in improved quality in terms of temporal coherence while retaining most of the computational efficiency of common 2D methods. As a consequence, the proposed two stage‐operator serves as a valuable extension to modern deferred shading approaches.
Etiological distribution and clinical features of fever of unknown origin with pulmonary lesions in South China
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhuo Chao , Huang Junting , Tan Yunfang , Guan Yubao
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) with pulmonary lesions is a common syndrome in respiratory diseases, which can be caused by infection, cancer, connective tissue disease and other rare diseases of South China. In patients with FUO associated with pulmonary lesions, pathogeny should be identified and followed by an appropriate treatment strategy.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the etiological distribution and clinical features of FUO with pulmonary lesions and to analyze the efficiency of different diagnostic methods for certain disease categories.

Methods

Patients hospitalized at the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health from July 2012 to December 2016 who had fever ≥38.3°C that lasted ≥21 days, in whom the chest X‐ray or computed tomography (CT) revealed definite pulmonary infiltration, and for whom, despite being examined for a week, no definitive diagnosis could be made, were considered for this study.

Results

A total of 104 patients were identified as having FUO with lung lesions, and 89.4% (93/104) patients were definitively diagnosed. Infectious disease was the most common cause (46.2%, 48/104). Histopathology was instrumental in the diagnosis of the causes of FUO with pulmonary manifestations, 47.3% (44/93) patients were diagnosed through histopathology, 35.4% (17/48) with infectious disease and 55.2% (16/29) with connective tissue diseases as the etiology were definitely diagnosed using histopathology.

Conclusion

Most FUO with pulmonary lesions are identified during infections and autoimmune diseases. The most important diagnostic measure for FUO with pulmonary lesions is histopathology. Additionally, lung biopsy must be encouraged in multi‐level hospitals in the future.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes in prediabetic patients by using functional olive oil enriched in oleanolic acid: The PREDIABOLE study, a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santos‐Lozano José M. , Rada Mirela , Lapetra José , Guinda Ángeles , Jiménez‐Rodríguez María C. , Cayuela José A. , Ángel‐Lugo Antonio , Vilches‐Arenas Ángel , Gómez‐Martín Ana M. , Ortega‐Calvo Manuel , Castellano José M.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess whether the regular intake of an oleanolic acid (OA)‐enriched olive oil is effective in the prevention of diabetes.

Methods

In the PREDIABOLE study, prediabetic individuals (impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance) of both sexes (176 patients, aged 30‐80 years) were randomized to receive 55 mL/day of OA‐enriched olive oil (equivalent dose 30 mg OA/day) [intervention group (IG)] or the same oil not enriched [control group (CG)]. The main outcome was the incidence of new‐onset type 2 diabetes in both groups.

Results

Forty‐eight new diabetes cases occurred, 31 in the CG and 17 in the IG. The multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratio was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.24‐0.83) for the IG compared with the CG. Intervention‐related adverse effects were not reported.

Conclusions

The intake of OA‐enriched olive oil reduces the risk of developing diabetes in prediabetic patients. The results of the PREDIABOLE study promote the use of OA in new functional foods and drugs for the prevention of diabetes in individuals at risk of developing it.
Forecasting species range dynamics with process‐explicit models: matching methods to applications
Authors: Briscoe Natalie J. , Elith Jane , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Camac James S. , Giljohann Katherine M. , Holden Matthew H. , Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Kearney Michael R. , McMahon Sean M. , Phillips Ben L. , Regan Tracey J. , Rhodes Jonathan R. , Vesk Peter A. , Wintle Brendan A. , Yen Jian D.L. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta
Published: July 2019

Knowing where species occur is fundamental to many ecological and environmental applications. Species distribution models (SDMs) are typically based on correlations between species occurrence data and environmental predictors, with ecological processes captured only implicitly. However, there is a growing interest in approaches that explicitly model processes such as physiology, dispersal, demography and biotic interactions. These models are believed to offer more robust predictions, particularly when extrapolating to novel conditions. Many process–explicit approaches are now available, but it is not clear how we can best draw on this expanded modelling toolbox to address ecological problems and inform management decisions. Here, we review a range of process–explicit models to determine their strengths and limitations, as well as their current use. Focusing on four common applications of SDMs – regulatory planning, extinction risk, climate refugia and invasive species – we then explore which models best meet management needs. We identify barriers to more widespread and effective use of process‐explicit models and outline how these might be overcome. As well as technical and data challenges, there is a pressing need for more thorough evaluation of model predictions to guide investment in method development and ensure the promise of these new approaches is fully realised.
More is less: net gain in species richness, but biotic homogenization over 140 years
Authors: Finderup Nielsen Tora , Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Dornelas Maria , Bruun Hans Henrik
Published: July 2019

While biodiversity loss continues globally, assessments of regional and local change over time have been equivocal. Here, we assess changes in plant species richness and beta diversity over 140 years at the level of regions within a country. Using 19th‐century flora censuses for 14 Danish regions as a baseline, we overcome previous criticisms concerning short time series and neglect of completely altered habitats. We find that species composition has changed dramatically and directionally across all regions. Substantial species losses were more than offset by large gains, resulting in a net increase in species richness in all regions. The occupancy of initially widespread species increased, while initially rare species lost terrain. These changes were accompanied by strong biotic homogenization; i.e. regions are more similar now than they were 140 years ago. Species declining in Denmark were found to be in similar decline all over Northern Europe.
Experimental characterization of fracture of glass fiber reinforced composites laminates subjected to freeze‐thaw cycles
Authors: Abedi Mohammad , Moussavi‐Torshizi Seyyed‐Ebrahim , Sarfaraz Roohollah
Published: July 2019

The simultaneous effect of moisture and freeze‐thaw cycle on the mechanical behavior of glass/epoxy composites laminates is experimentally investigated. The study is planned in order to simulate the detrimental presence of humidity due to rainfall in surface damage of composite structures operating in cold weather. Different mechanisms governing the monotonic response of specimens subjected to freeze‐thaw cycles are pointed out by taking advantages of SEM images. Comparing SEM images taken from dry and wet specimens shows that the failure mechanisms such as matrix cracking and delamination are vastly activated around the notched region when the material is exposed to humidity and freeze‐thaw cycle. The load‐displacement response of examined specimens, namely the linear response, is remarkably altered under these conditions. A reduction of approximately 40% in ultimate load and 30% in slope of tangent line of load‐displacement curves is identified after 100 cycles of freeze‐thaw as well as more than 20% decrease of strain energy release rate.
Variability in nicotine conditioned place preference and stress‐induced reinstatement in mice: Effects of sex, initial chamber preference, and guanfacine
Authors: Lee Angela M. , Calarco Cali A. , McKee Sherry A. , Mineur Yann S. , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: July 2019

Relapse to smoking occurs at higher rates in women compared with men, especially when triggered by stress. Studies suggest that sex‐specific interactions between nicotine reward and stress contribute to these sex differences. Accordingly, novel treatment options targeting stress pathways, such as guanfacine, an α2‐adrenergic receptor agonist, may provide sex‐sensitive therapeutic effects. Preclinical studies are critical for elucidating neurobiological mechanisms of stress‐induced relapse and potential therapies, but rodent models of nicotine addiction are often hindered by large behavioral variability. In this study, we used nicotine conditioned place preference to investigate stress‐induced reinstatement of nicotine preference in male and female mice, and the effects of guanfacine on this behavior. Our results showed that overall, nicotine induced significant place preference acquisition and swim stress‐induced reinstatement in both male and female mice, but with different nicotine dose‐response patterns. In addition, we explored the variability in nicotine‐dependent behaviors with median split analyses and found that initial chamber preference in each sex differentially accounted for variability in stress‐induced reinstatement. In groups that showed significant stress‐induced reinstatement, pretreatment with guanfacine attenuated this behavior. Finally, we evaluated neuronal activation by Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex, prelimbic cortex, anterior insula, basolateral amygdala, lateral central amygdala and nucleus accumbens core and shell. Guanfacine induced sex‐dependent changes in Arc immunoreactivity in the infralimbic cortex and anterior insula. This study demonstrates sex‐dependent relationships between initial chamber preference and stress‐induced reinstatement of nicotine conditioned place preference, and the effects of guanfacine on both behavior and neurobiological mechanisms.
Quantitative assessment of microbial necromass contribution to soil organic matter
Authors: Liang Chao , Amelung Wulf , Lehmann Johannes , Kästner Matthias
Published: July 2019

Soil carbon transformation and sequestration have received significant interest in recent years due to a growing need for quantitating its role in mitigating climate change. Even though our understanding of the nature of soil organic matter has recently been substantially revised, fundamental uncertainty remains about the quantitative importance of microbial necromass as part of persistent organic matter. Addressing this uncertainty has been hampered by the absence of quantitative assessments whether microbial matter makes up the majority of the persistent carbon in soil. Direct quantitation of microbial necromass in soil is very challenging because of an overlapping molecular signature with nonmicrobial organic carbon. Here, we use a comprehensive analysis of existing biomarker amino sugar data published between 1996 and 2018, combined with novel appropriation using an ecological systems approach, elemental carbon–nitrogen stoichiometry, and biomarker scaling, to demonstrate a suit of strategies for quantitating the contribution of microbe‐derived carbon to the topsoil organic carbon reservoir in global temperate agricultural, grassland, and forest ecosystems. We show that microbial necromass can make up more than half of soil organic carbon. Hence, we suggest that next‐generation field management requires promoting microbial biomass formation and necromass preservation to maintain healthy soils, ecosystems, and climate. Our analyses have important implications for improving current climate and carbon models, and helping develop management practices and policies.
A Simple Method for Simulating Groundwater Interactions with Fens to Forecast Development Effects
Authors: Feinstein Daniel T. , Hart David J. , Gatzke Sarah , Hunt Randall J. , Niswonger Richard G. , Fienen Michael N.
Published: July 2019

Protection of fens–wetlands dependent on groundwater discharge–requires characterization of groundwater sources and stresses. Because instrumentation and numerical modeling of fens is labor intensive, easy‐to‐apply methods that model fen distribution and their vulnerability to development are desirable. Here we demonstrate that fen areas can be simulated using existing steady‐state MODFLOW models when the unsaturated zone flow (UZF) package is included. In cells where the water table is near land surface, the UZF package calculates a head difference and scaled conductance at these “seepage drain” cells to generate average rates of vertical seepage to the land. This formulation, which represents an alternative to blanketing the MODFLOW domain with drains, requires very little input from the user because unsaturated flow‐routing is inactive and results are primarily driven by easily obtained topographic information. Like the drain approach, it has the advantage that the distribution of seepage areas is not predetermined by the modeler, but rather emerges from simulated heads. Beyond the drain approach, it takes account of intracell land surface variation to explicitly quantify multiple surficial flows corresponding to infiltration, rejected recharge, recharge and land‐surface seepage. Application of the method to a basin in southeastern Wisconsin demonstrates how it can be used as a decision‐support tool to first, reproduce fen distribution and, second, forecast drawdown and reduced seepage at fens in response to shallow pumping.
Assessing the supportive care needs of parents with a child with a bleeding disorder using the Parental Needs Scale for Rare Diseases (PNS‐RD): A single‐centre pilot study
Authors: Khair Kate , Pelentsov Lemuel
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Inherited bleeding disorders are rare, for some such as haemophilia, there is a growing body of evidence about caregiver burden and associated support needs. Whilst for other disorders, which may be present with less clinically significant bleeding, there is a paucity of data about parents support needs.

Aims

To evaluate the supportive care needs of parents of children with a range of inherited bleeding disorders.

Methods

A single‐centre pilot study using the validated Parental Needs Scale for Rare Diseases to measure the overall support needs of parents of children with a bleeding disorder.

Results

231 parents, including 99/231 (42.9%) fathers, completed the survey; half had a bleeding disorder themselves. Parents reported a good understanding of their child's condition, and overall were happy with the care provided by the specialist haemophilia team but reported a lack of knowledge in non‐specialist settings. More than half of parents reported experiencing significant emotional issues relating to their child's condition. 42.6%‐46.7% reported financial concerns related to paying for medical care and respite, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, parents are confident about dealing with their child's bleeding disorder and are satisfied with the level of support and care that they and their child are receiving. The emotional and psychological impacts of having a child with a bleeding disorder remain a significant burden for many parents. The financial costs associated with caring for their child further impact on their ability to cope. Regular assessment of parental support needs should be part of routine clinical care.
Prevalence of impaired renal function in virologically suppressed people living with HIV compared with controls: the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study*
Authors: Petersen N , Knudsen AD , Mocroft A , Kirkegaard‐Klitbo D , Arici E , Lundgren J , Benfield T , Oturai P , Nordestgaard BG , Feldt‐Rasmussen B , Nielsen SD , Ryom L
Published: July 2019

Objectives

While renal impairment is reported more frequently in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in the general population, the PLWH samples in previous studies have generally been dominated by those at high renal risk.

Methods

Caucasian PLWH who were virologically suppressed on antiretroviral treatment and did not have injecting drug use or hepatitis C were recruited from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study. Sex‐ and age‐matched controls were recruited 1:4 from the Copenhagen General Population Study up to November 2016. We defined renal impairment as one measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and assessed associated factors using adjusted logistic regression models. The impact of HIV‐related factors was explored in a subanalysis.

Results

Among 598 PLWH and 2598 controls, the prevalence of renal impairment was 3.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3–5.5%] and 1.7% (95% CI 1.2–2.2%; P = 0.0014), respectively. After adjustment, HIV status was independently associated with renal impairment [odds ratio (OR) 3.4; 95% CI 1.8–6.3]. In addition, older age [OR 5.4 (95% CI 3.9–7.5) per 10 years], female sex [OR 5.0 (95% CI 2.6–9.8)] and diabetes [OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.3–6.7)] were strongly associated with renal impairment. The association between HIV status and renal impairment became stronger with older age (P = 0.02 for interaction). Current and nadir CD4 counts, duration of HIV infection and previous AIDS‐defining diagnosis were not associated with renal impairment among virologically suppressed PLWH.

Conclusions

The prevalence of renal impairment is low among low‐risk virologically suppressed Caucasian PLWH, but remains significantly higher than in controls. Renal impairment therefore remains a concern in all PLWH and requires ongoing attention.
Fogging with antibrowning agents as an alternative to conventional immersion treatments to extend shelf life of mushrooms
Authors: Ojeda Gonzalo A. , Sgroppo Sonia C. , Zaritzky Noemí E.
Published: July 2019

Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a highly perishable product and can be easily damaged when immersion in antibrowning solutions is performed; therefore, fogging application represents a less aggressive technique. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different antibrowning agents (ascorbic acid, sodium metabisulphite and L‐cysteine) applied by two methodologies (immersion and fogging) on the quality of mushrooms during storage at 5 °C. Weight losses, microstructural organisation, colour and texture changes were evaluated as quality indicators. Polyphenol oxidase activity, phenolic content and antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Fogging achieved browning inhibition without major changes in firmness, while immersion treatments inhibited browning but significant changes in firmness were found. Browning inhibition achieved by fogging showed similar results when compared to the conventional immersion treatments. Fogging has the advantage of being less aggressive than immersion while requiring a significantly smaller amount of antibrowning solution than traditional immersion.
Global problems, local solutions: unfree labour relations and seafarer employment with crewing agencies in China
Authors: Tang Lijun , Zhang Pengfei
Published: July 2019

This article documents and discusses a local labour control regime employed by Chinese crewing agencies to restrict the mobility of newly graduated officer seafarers. The shipping industry relies on a stable and skilled seafarer workforce on flexible employment, assembled globally with the help of local crewing agencies. A stable workforce and flexible employment do not seem easily compatible. This article examines how Chinese crewing agencies help manage this tension in China through analysing the experience of seafarers. It argues that to cater for the demand of international shipping companies, Chinese crewing agencies adopt a particular local labour control regime that re/produces unfree labour relations. The local control regime is built on existing institutional practices in China, structural weaknesses of seafarers and the disjunctions between the local institutional set‐ups and the global chains of labour supply.