bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches used to enhance transition and retention for newly qualified nurses (NQNs): a rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Wray Jane , Gibson Helen , Barrett David , Watson Roger
Published: February 2020

Aim

To undertake a rapid evidence assessment of approaches used to enhance nurse transition and retention for NQNs.

Design

A rapid evidence assessment.

Data sources

Electronic databases (CINAHL complete, Academic search premier, Open Grey, ERIC* (Education), Web of Science--Social Science Citation Index and PubMed)

Review methods

A rapid evidence assessment (REA) was undertaken to gain an overview of the density and quality of evidence on nurse transition and retention from student to Registered Nurse. Electronic databases were searched, and the full texts of relevant papers were retrieved and classified according to methodology. Studies were appraised using relevant CASP and MMAT tools and a single descriptor of quality: high; medium; or low was assigned to each output. Given the disparity in methods, the lack of randomized trials, results could not be combined; therefore, a descriptive approach was used to synthesise and present the data.

Results

Orientation and creating supportive environments were frequently reported as being effective in enhancing transition across a range of studies. A range of methods: quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative were used. Generally speaking the quality of most studies was poor.

Conclusions

Despite decades of research into the experiences of NQNs and development of schemes and frameworks to support them during this period, there is little substantive or robust evidence in terms of impact on retention. Further research into the longer-term retention of NQNs is recommended. Longitudinal studies would be beneficial in assessing the efficacy of approaches to enhancing retention.

Impact

Nurse managers need to work with education providers to facilitate experiences for final year nursing students to ease transition and also implement effective evidence based practices during the first year of registration and monitor the impact of this on retention.
ProQEXAFS: a highly optimized parallelized rapid processing software for QEXAFS data
Authors: Clark Adam H. , Imbao Jerick , Frahm Ronald , Nachtegaal Maarten
Published: February 2020

The high temporal resolution in data acquisition, possible in the quick-scanning EXAFS (QEXAFS) mode of operation, provides new challenges in efficient data processing methods. Here a new approach is developed that combines an easy to use interactive graphical interface with highly optimized and fully parallelized Python-based routines for extracting, normalizing and interpolating oversampled time-resolved XAS spectra from a raw binary stream of data acquired during operando QEXAFS studies. The programs developed are freely available via a Github repository.
Early life experiences and their impact on effective learning and development
Authors: Pandya Saurabh
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper highlights the role of an individual’s early life experiences (formative years’ experiences) in the learning and development (L&D) journey of their careers. Hence, it is useful for the individual managers as well as organizations to better understand and improve the effectiveness of their L&D processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws insights from a small subset of the data collected as a part of a larger study on leadership development processes in the context of medium-sized rapid growth organizations in the Indian software services industry.

Findings

The respondents, i.e. senior managers in the software services firms, shared some of their experiences in their formative years (family/school/university/career) which they felt had a huge impact on the way their careers had shaped up. These stories spanned across diverse experiences like values instilled in childhood by parents/grandparents, influence of schoolteachers, friends and peers during growth years, academic performance during college/university days, and successful or positive experiences during early career years.

Originality/value

The paper can be useful to managers in their career development, as well as to organizations in making their L&D processes more effective. It provides a more nuanced understanding of how the experiences in formative years can help improve one’s development and performance in organizations; while the organizations allow, and create, conducive environment for the managers to harness these experiences gained early in life.
#MeToo and LGBTQ+ Salvadorans: social and leadership challenges
Authors: Thompson Randal Joy , Figueroa Sofia
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the myriad social forces in El Salvador make it difficult for LGBTQ+ to publicly declare their sexual orientation or name their perpetrators and hence to use the #MeToo hashtag as a leadership strategy of their movement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was used that included interviews and focus group discussions with LGBTQ+ leaders of organizations and government officials. A descriptive/interpretive approach was used to understand their experiences of being LGBTQ+, leadership approach to gain their rights and knowledge of #MeToo.

Findings

Although the movement has contributed to the public dialog about sexual misconduct, it has not had an impact on the “coming out” of LGBTQ+ on Twitter, public exposure of offenders, improved treatment of LGBTQ+ or significant changes in employment law for LGBTQ+ Salvadorans. Rather than the celebrity-led #MeToo movement, a continuation of the more grassroots approach that Salvadoran LGBTIQ+ leaders use may more successfully achieve their protection and rights.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be completed regarding the impact of leadership on changing the social imaginary and the leadership approach most appropriate for this impact.

Social implications

The study provides a case to further explore the leadership's role in changing the social imaginary.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to illustrate that #MeToo cannot be successful in all cultural contexts or with all LGBTQ+ communities and that grassroots approaches may be more appropriate in countries such as El Salvador.
Social vulnerability and infant mortality in space dimension: an investigation of the world’s most underdeveloped West Africa coastal area
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Wang Zhaoguo , Li Jiannan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The West Africa coastal area faced with the serious health challenge is the most underdeveloped place. Through making the visualized spatial analysis of this area, this study aims to identify which factor of social vulnerability predominantly affects infant mortality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the spatial data available from NASA-affiliated institution and a geographic information system for analysis.

Findings

This study reveals that the Poverty and Adaptive Capacity Index, as economic aspect of social vulnerability, is spatially correlated with the infant mortality rate, whereas the Population Exposure Index, as population aspect of social vulnerability, does not. Thus, the economic rather than population factor is probably the driving force of high infant mortality.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the determinant of infant mortality in the West Africa coastal area in space dimension.
Forecasting multivariate VaR and ES using MC-GARCH-Copula model
Authors: Badaye Hemant Kumar , Narsoo Jason
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to use a novel methodology to investigate the performance of several multivariate value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES) models implemented to assess the risk of an equally weighted portfolio consisting of high-frequency (1-min) observations for five foreign currencies, namely, EUR/USD, GBP/USD, EUR/JPY, USD/JPY and GBP/JPY.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the multiplicative component generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (MC-GARCH) model on each return series and by modelling the dependence structure using copulas, the 95 per cent intraday portfolio VaR and ES are forecasted for an out-of-sample set using Monte Carlo simulation.

Findings

In terms of VaR forecasting performance, the backtesting results indicated that four out of the five models implemented could not be rejected at 5 per cent level of significance. However, when the models were further evaluated for their ES forecasting power, only the Student’s t and Clayton models could not be rejected. The fact that some ES models were rejected at 5 per cent significance level highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate copula model for the dependence structure.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use the MC-GARCH and copula models to forecast, for the next 1 min, the VaR and ES of an equally weighted portfolio of foreign currencies. It is also the first study to analyse the performance of the MC-GARCH model under seven distributional assumptions for the innovation term.
Prediction of viscosity of ternary tin-based lead-free solder melt using BP neural network
Authors: Wu Min , Lv Bailin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Viscosity is an important basic physical property of liquid solders. However, because of the very complex nonlinear relationship between the viscosity of the liquid ternary Sn-based lead-free solder and its determinants, a theoretical model for the viscosity of the liquid Sn-based solder alloy has not been proposed. This paper aims to address the viscosity issues that must be considered when developing new lead-free solders.

Design/methodology/approach

A BP neural network model was established to predict the viscosity of the liquid alloy and the predicted values were compared with the corresponding experimental data in the literature data. At the same time, the BP neural network model is compared with the existing theoretical model. In addition, a mathematical model for estimating the melt viscosity of ternary tin-based lead-free solders was constructed using a polynomial fitting method.

Findings

A reasonable BP neural network model was established to predict the melt viscosity of ternary tin-based lead-free solders. The viscosity prediction of the BP neural network agrees well with the experimental results. Compared to the Seetharaman and the Moelwyn–Hughes models, the BP neural network model can predict the viscosity of liquid alloys without the need to calculate the relevant thermodynamic parameters. In addition, a simple equation for estimating the melt viscosity of a ternary tin-based lead-free solder has been proposed.

Originality/value

The study identified nine factors that affect the melt viscosity of ternary tin-based lead-free solders and used these factors as input parameters for BP neural network models. The BP neural network model is more convenient because it does not require the calculation of relevant thermodynamic parameters. In addition, a mathematical model for estimating the viscosity of a ternary Sn-based lead-free solder alloy has been proposed. The overall research shows that the BP neural network model can be well applied to the theoretical study of the viscosity of liquid solder alloys. Using a constructed BP neural network to predict the viscosity of a lead-free solder melt helps to study the liquid physical properties of lead-free solders that are widely used in electronic information.
Enhancing the tourist experience with emotional intelligence
Authors: Prentice Catherine
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how emotional intelligence (EI) can be incorporated into the tourism sector to enhance the tourist experience through managing the service encounter between tourism service representatives and tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the relevant literature on EI and tourism is undertaken to understand the link between EI and tourist experience. The paper begins by explaining the evolution and conceptualisations of EI and discusses its empirical evidence in various contexts.

Findings

EI is proposed to be incepted into the tourism context through its influence on the service encounter between tourism service representatives and tourists. The service encounter is diagnosed as being emotionally charged through discussing tourism offerings, emotional labour performance and tourist attributions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a fresh look into the link between EI and tourism service encounters and suggests the application of EI into the tourism context to enhance the tourist experience.
Health-care providers perspective on value in medical travel to India
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Wong Ho Yin , Hall John Edward
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the supply-side factors that determines the quality of global healthcare services from medical tourism healthcare providers’ (MTHP) perspective, which provide value-in-medical-travel to foreign patients/medical tourists, who travel to India for medical treatment/surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

The thematic content analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 senior MTHP, from 15 private hospitals in India was undertaken, to generate the themes, and identify the supply-side factors necessary for sustainable medical tourism management.

Findings

The findings conclude that MTHP ranked in ascending order, less waiting-time for surgery, healthcare quality and accreditation, staff/surgeon’s expertise, healthcare information, hospital facilities and services, patient-safety, travel-risk, surgical costs and holiday opportunity as essential factors for providing sustainable quality and value-in-medical-travel to patients.

Research limitations/implications

Many private hospital spokespersons declined to be interviewed due to confidentiality and privacy policy

Practical implications

The findings are generalised in case of global private hospitals treating foreign patients. Policy implications suggest that private hospitals in developing countries need to focus on providing value-in-medical-travel, such as accreditation quality of healthcare, no waiting-time, patient-safety, qualified and experienced medical and non-medical staff, hospital facilities and post-surgery care with positive healthcare outcomes.

Social implications

Medical-tour facilitators, hotels and tourism sites need to collaborate with agencies to provide inclusive built environment, first-aid and wheelchair access, to medical tourists, having financial and legal implications for business.

Originality/value

There is little qualitative empirical research on the views of MTHP, regarding management of essential supply-side factors that provide value-in-medical-travel to attract medical tourists to India.
Towards sustainable tourism for Ikare: the role of the Tourism Action Club
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Bello Mustapha , Arowolo Segun
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to promote the development of a form of tourism product that can help to promote economic development at Ikare.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted at Ikare using a qualitative approach. Tourism assets were identified through interviews and visits to attractions.

Findings

Ikare has significant tourism assets that if well harnessed will over time, change the socio-cultural and economic outlook of the town. It is also imperative that the newly formed Ikare Tourism Action Club achieves the objective of this transformation by focussing on the promotion of local tourism assets through local participation.

Research limitations/implications

There were no limitations in conducting this research, however, there may be some limitations in relation to the Ikare Tourism Action Club’s ability to access the funds it needs to achieve its objectives in promoting development from international funding agencies with an interest in nature, cultural and heritage tourism.

Practical implications

Ikare is uniquely blessed with a number of spring waters or rivers as they are more often referred to. These spring waters are not common in any other part of Nigeria because of their unique history. Part of the history is that the springs run throughout the year, irrespective of the degree of drought, thereby providing a sustainable water supply to all the inhabitants of the town. Some of the springs serve specific purposes as they are connected to some of the town’s cultural heritage sites.

Social implications

Apart from its people, there are cultural assets that underline tourism that tourists look forward to in any destination. In terms of natural resources, there is a little problem because if compared to other towns in Ondo State that do not have such a natural resource base, then the future for Ikare would be quite bright especially if Ikare improves its natural attractions.

Originality/value

Ikare has never been promoted as an ecotourism destination. An aspect of the objective of the Ikare Tourism Action Club is to promote Ikare as a unique tourism destination. In so doing, the development of ecotourism activities in Ikare will offer a unique opportunity that will positively influence the conservation of protected areas and socio/economic development for local people.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Pinnock Fritz , Smith Johnson Evette
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to re-examine the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the realities for maritime and tourism-dependent countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed all the papers presented in the issue and provided summaries for each to facilitate a general synopsis.

Findings

In addition to examining the reality of 4IR in the context of the maritime and tourism industries and education, the various papers presented contain inter-linkages of purpose, concept and arising issues that are paramount to the success of any industrial concern in the face of 4IR.

Originality/value

While the focus of all papers stems from 4IR and the realities for maritime and tourism dependent countries, they also serve to emphasize the implications for these industries, if they fail to attend to the immediate and future applications of 4IR.
National and subnational trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer in Iran from 1990 to 2016
Authors: Rajai Nazanin , Ghanbari Ali , Yoosefi Moein , Mohebi Farnam , Mohajer Bahram , Sheidaei Ali , Gohari Kimiya , Masinaei Masoud , Haghshenas Rosa , Kompani Farzad , Vaezi Mohammad , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2020

Aim

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in incidence and mortality worldwide. The aim of the current study was to present population‐based estimates of lung cancer epidemiology by gender and age group at national and subnational levels during the 27‐year period of 1990‐2016.

Methods

This study was part of the NASBOD project (National and Subnational Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors). Cancer incidence and mortality statistics were obtained from the Iran Cancer Registry database and the national Death Registration System. The two‐stage mixed effects and spatiotemporal model were fitted to all‐cancer incidence and mortality data. Thereafter, the cancer‐specific incidence and mortality fraction for each age group, gender, province, and year were applied to the data to estimate the lung cancer incidence and mortality.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence rate showed a sevenfold increase during 27 years of the study. Lung cancer deaths showed an upward trend from 1990 to 2001 and subsequently decreased during the latter half of the study period. At provincial level, there was a wide range between the lowest and highest, from 3.2 to 13.2 in incidence rate and from 5.2 to 10.7 in mortality rate.

Conclusion

The study showed an increasing trend in lung cancer incidence at national and subnational levels from 1990 to 2016, while the mortality rate peaked and then declined in the 2000s. The increasing trend of lung cancer in the overall population and the provincial disparities necessitate urgent implementation of preventive strategies and cancer control policies.
Blood counts in adult and elderly individuals: defining the norms over eight decades of life
Authors: Zierk Jakob , Krebs Alexander , Rauh Manfred , Metzler Markus , Löscher Astrid , Strasser Erwin , Krause Stefan W.
Published: February 2020

The blood count is one of the most common tests used for health assessment. In elderly individuals, selection of a ‘healthy’ reference population for laboratory assessment is difficult due to the high prevalence of chronic morbidities, leading to uncertainty regarding appropriate reference intervals. In particular, age‐specific lower haemoglobin reference limits to define anaemia are controversial. Here, we applied a data mining approach to a large dataset of 3 029 904 clinical routine samples to establish blood count reference intervals. We excluded samples from units/specialists with a high proportion of abnormal blood counts, samples from patients with an unknown or decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, and samples with abnormal test results in selected other analytes. After sample exclusion, 566 775–572 060 samples from different individuals aged 20–100 years were available for analysis. We then used an established statistical algorithm to determine the distribution of physiological test results and calculated age‐ and sex‐specific reference intervals. Our results show substantial trends with age in haematology analytes' reference intervals. Most notably, haemoglobin and red cell counts decline in men with advanced age, accompanied by increases in red cell volume in both sexes. These findings were confirmed in an independent dataset, and suggest an at least partly physiologic cause.
Social impairments in alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Uchitel Julie , Abdelnour Elie , Boggs April , Prange Lyndsey , Pratt Milton , Bonner Melanie , Jasien Joan , Dawson Geraldine , Abrahamsen Tavis , Mikati Mohamad A
Published: February 2020

Aim

To evaluate presence and severity of social impairments in alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) and determine factors that are associated with social impairments.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of 34 consecutive patients with AHC (19 females, 15 males; mean age: 9y 7mo, SD 8y 2mo, range 2y 7mo–40y), evaluated with the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS‐2).

Results

SRS‐2 scores, indicating level of social impairment, were higher than population means (75, SD 14 vs 50, SD 10, p<0.001). Of these, 27 out of 34 had high scores: 23 severe (>76), four moderate (66–76). All subscale domains, including social cognition, social communication, social awareness, social motivation, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior, had abnormal scores compared to population means (p<0.001). High SRS‐2 scores were associated with the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epilepsy (p=0.01, p=0.04), but not with other scales of AHC disease symptomatology. All nine patients who received formal evaluations for ASD, because they had high SRS‐2 scores, were diagnosed with ASD.

Interpretation

Most patients with AHC have impaired social skills involving multiple domains. ASD is not uncommon. High SRS‐2 scores in patients with AHC support referral to ASD evaluation. Our findings are consistent with current understandings of the pathophysiology of AHC and ASD, both thought to involve GABAergic dysfunction.

What this paper adds

Most patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) have impaired social skills involving multiple domains.

These impairments are significant compared to population means.

Most patients with AHC have high Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS‐2) scores.

Patients with AHC with high SRS‐2 scores are likely to have autism spectrum disorder.
Industrial policy and structural transformation: Insights from Ethiopian manufacturing
Authors: Vrolijk Kasper
Published: February 2020

Motivation

The question of industrial policy has gained prominence in the policy agenda over the last decade, despite its persistently ambiguous and incomplete definition. The lack of a firm definition is problematic because it prevents scholars and policy‐makers from comparing and monitoring the impact of industrial policy across developing countries. This vague definition also fails to account for issues that are relevant to the impact and usefulness of industrial policy in the process of economic development.

Research Question

What is the effect of an inadequate definition and implementation of industrial policy for structural transformation in underdeveloped economies?

Methods

We undertake both a critical literature review of industrial policy and a policy review, and use insights from 86 structured interviews with manufacturing businesses and government officials in Ethiopia, to illustrate how industrial policy could be more effective.

Findings

The article finds that there is no clear and exhaustive understanding of what the definition of industrial policy entails. In part this is also a result of a limited and incoherent use of the concept of structural transformation in the definition and policy formulation of industrial policy.

Conclusions

Using a case study of Ethiopia, we show how an inadequate and incoherent definition and implementation of industrial policy can lead to limited upgrading, learning and innovation in an underdeveloped economy.

Policy Implications

For Ethiopia, and for other underdeveloped economies, the findings imply a reconfiguration of industrial policy, rather than more industrial policy.
A winner in the Anthropocene: changing host plant distribution explains geographical range expansion in the gulf fritillary butterfly
Authors: Halsch Christopher A. , Shapiro Arthur M. , Thorne James H. , Waetjen David P. , Forister Matthew L.
Published: February 2020

1. The changing climate is altering species distributions with consequences for population dynamics, resulting in winners and losers in the Anthropocene.

2. Agraulis vanillae, the gulf fritillary butterfly, has expanded its range in the past 100 years in the western U.S.A. Time series analysis is combined with species distribution modelling to investigate factors limiting the distribution of A. vanillae and to predict future shifts under warming scenarios.

3. Time series analyses from the western U.S.A. show that urban development has a positive association with year of colonisation (the host plant Passiflora is an ornamental in gardens). Colonisation was also associated positively and to a lesser extent with winter maximum temperatures, whereas a negative impact of minimum temperatures and precipitation was apparent on population growth rates after establishment.

4. Species distribution models vary by region. In the eastern U.S.A., the butterfly is primarily limited by minimum temperatures in the winter and host availability later in the season. Eastern U.S. projected expansion broadly follows the expectation of poleward distributional shifts, especially for the butterfly's maximum annual extent. Western U.S. distributions are limited by the host plant, which in turn is dependent on urban centres. Projected western U.S. expansion is not limited to a single direction and is driven by urban centres becoming more suitable for the host plant.

5. These results demonstrate the value of combining time series with spatial modelling, at the same time as incorporating biotic interactions, aiming to understand and predict shifting geographical ranges in the Anthropocene.
Biomass yields, cytogenetics, fertility, and compositional analyses of novel bioenergy grass hybrids (Tripidium spp.)
Authors: Maren Nathan A. , Touchell Darren H. , Ranney Thomas G. , Ashrafi Hamid , Whitfield Matthew B. , Chinn Mari
Published: February 2020

High biomass yields have been documented for Tripidium spp. (Erianthus spp., Saccharum spp.), but targeted breeding for bioenergy applications has been limited. Advanced, interspecific hybrids between Tripidium ravennae and T. arundinaceum were planted in replicated field plots in 2016. Comparative feedstock evaluations examined biomass yields, cytogenetics, plant fertility, and compositional analyses relative to Miscanthus × giganteus. Dry biomass yields varied as a function of year and accession and increased each year ranging from 3.4 to 10.6, 8.6 to 37.3, and 23.7 to 60.6 Mg/ha for Tripidium hybrids compared to 2.3, 16.2 and 27.9 Mg/ha for M. × giganteus in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Cytology and cytometry confirmed that Tripidium hybrids were tetraploid with 2n = 4x = 40 (2C genome size = 5.06 pg) and intermediate between T. ravennae with 2n = 2x = 20 (2C genome size = 2.55 pg) and T. arundinaceum with 2n = 6x = 60 (2C genome size = 7.61 pg). Plant fertility characteristics varied considerably with some accessions producing no viable seeds or fewer than that observed for M. × giganteus. Accessions varied significantly for flowering culm number and height and dates of peak anthesis ranging from 14 September to 2 October. Variations in yield and compositional analyses contributed to variations in theoretical ethanol yields ranging from 10,181 to 27,546 L/ha for Tripidium accessions compared to 13,095 L/ha for M. × giganteus. Relative feed value (RFV) indices for winter‐harvested Tripidium accessions varied from 52.8 to 60.0 compared to M. × giganteus with 45.4. RFV for summer‐harvested Tripidium accessions varied from 71.6 to 80.5 compared to M. × giganteus with 61.0. These initial findings for Tripidium hybrids, including high biomass yields, cold hardiness, and desirable traits for multiple markets (e.g., forage, bioenergy, bioproducts), are promising and warrant further development of Tripidium as a temperate bioenergy feedstock.
Evidence of Spatio‐Temporal Variations in Contaminants Discharging to a Peri‐Urban Stream
Authors: Lemaire Gregory G. , McKnight Ursula S. , Schulz Hanna , Roost Sandra , Bjerg Poul L.
Published: February 2020

Xenobiotic organic compounds can be discharged from contaminated groundwater inflow and may seep into streams from multiple pathways with very different dynamics, some not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the spatio‐temporal variation of chlorinated ethenes discharging from a former industrial site (with two main contaminant sources, A and B) into a stream system in a heterogeneous clay till setting in eastern Denmark. The investigated reach and near‐stream surroundings are representative of peri‐urban settings, with a mix of high channel alteration and more natural stream environment. We therefore propose an approach for risk assessing impacts arising from such complex contamination patterns, accounting for potential spatio‐temporal fluctuations and presence of multiple pathways. Our study revealed substantial variations in pathway contributions and overall contaminant mass discharge to the stream. Variable contaminant contributions arising from both groundwater seepage and urban drains were identified in the channelized part of the north stream, primarily from source A. Furthermore, variations in the hyporheic and shallow groundwater flows were found to enhance contaminant transport from source B. These processes result in an increase of the overall mass of contaminant discharged, correlating with the channels' flow. Thus, an in‐stream control plane approach was found to be an effective method for integrating multiple and variable discharge contributions quantitatively, although information on specific contaminant sources is lost. This study highlights the complexity and variability of contaminant fluxes occurring at the interface between groundwater and peri‐urban streams, and calls for the consideration of these variations when designing monitoring programs and remedial actions for contaminated sites with the potential to impact streams.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: tumour regression grading following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and radiation
Authors: Neyaz Azfar , Tabb Elisabeth S , Shih Angela , Zhao Qing , Shroff Stuti , Taylor Martin S , Rickelt Steffen , Wo Jennifer Y , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Qadan Motaz , Hong Theodore S , Lillemoe Keith D , Ting David T , Ferrone Cristina R , Deshpande Vikram
Published: February 2020

Aims

In the adjuvant setting, when compared to gemcitabine, patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with FOLFIRINOX (Folinic Acid, Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, and Oxaliplatin) show superior survival. In this study, we quantitatively assess the pathological tumour response to chemoradiation in pancreatectomy specimens and reassess guidelines for tumour regression grading.

Methods and results

We evaluated 92 patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced PDAC following pancreatectomy and neoadjuvant treatment with FOLFIRINOX and radiation. Demographic data, CAP tumour regression grade (TRG) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. A quantitative analysis of residual tumour was performed on the slide with the highest tumour burden to derive a tumour‐to‐tumour bed ratio. On univariate analysis, only lymph node status (P = 0.043) and CAP TRG (P = 0.038) correlated with OS. Sixteen per cent of patients showed a complete pathological response. The optimal tumour‐to‐tumour bed ratio cut‐point was 11.6%, and on a multivariate model was the only pathological parameter that correlated with OS (P = 0.016) (hazard ratio = 2.27).

Conclusions

The high proportion of patients with PDAC showing complete and near‐complete pathological responses supports the use of FOLFIRINOX and radiation in the neoadjuvant setting. Several traditional pathology parameters fail to predict OS in patients treated with chemoradiation, while a quantitative tumour‐to‐tumour bed ratio is a powerful predictor of OS. The data support a two‐tiered approach to TRG based on tumour‐to‐tumour bed ratio, and quantitative analysis merits further consideration.
Seismic subsidence near the source region of the 1662 Kanbun Hyuganada Sea earthquake: Geochemical, stratigraphical, chronological, and paleontological evidences in Miyazaki Plain, southwest Japan
Authors: Niwa Masakazu , Kamataki Takanobu , Kurosawa Hideki , Saito‐Kokubu Yoko , Ikuta Masafumi
Published: February 2020

To identify the subsidence induced by an offshore earthquake, chemical compositions, fossil assemblages, and radiocarbon ages of organic materials were analyzed for Holocene sediments in the Miyazaki Plain, southwest Japan. The lower sedimentary facies (SF1) composed of sand‐ and pumice‐rich sediments and the upper sedimentary facies (SF2) composed of silt‐rich sediments were identified by stratigraphical description. Sharp facies changes and sediment disturbances are observed in the boundary between SF1 and SF2. Diatoms of brackish and marine water origins, foraminifers, ostracods, and mollusks are common in SF2, while fossils are rare, and most of them are diatoms of freshwater origins in SF1. The stratigraphical and paleontological evidences suggest an environmental change from the lower terrestrial to the upper shallow marine. The change is laterally continuous and seems to be inconsistent with Holocene uplift trends in the Miyazaki Plain. Radiocarbon ages of organic matters and the occurrence of the Sakurajima–Bunmei tephra (1471–1476 ad) show that the environmental change could be attributed to local subsidence due to the 1662 Kanbun Hyuganada Sea earthquake shown in historical records. The chemical analysis shows clear contrast between SF1 and SF2 in terms of concentrations of cations and anions commonly rich in seawater (i.e. Na+, Mg2+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO42−) in adsorbed water extracted from the sediments, and total S concentrations in bulk sediments, supporting the environmental change from terrestrial to shallow marine. However, the bulk chemical composition, except total sulfur, remains rather unclear for use as marine‐derived chemical markers compared to the adsorbed water, because it is more affected by the composition of the source sediments.
Examining Processability Theory's predictions for grammatical gender agreement in intermediate L2 French
Authors: Côté Stephanie
Published: February 2020

The current study investigates Processability Theory's PT) predictions for grammatical gender agreement in L2 French. Previous studies examining advanced L2 French learners did not find significant differences in accuracy rates for attributive and predicative adjectives and thus concluded that PT's predictions were not supported. The current study examines adjective agreement in three positions: within a noun phrase, a verb phrase, and a relative clause. Forty‐five intermediate L2 French learners completed a spot‐the‐difference task targeting noun‐adjective agreement. Learners were significantly more accurate with agreement occurring within phrasal boundaries than agreement across phrasal boundaries, in line with PT's predicted order of acquisition.
Simultaneous accommodation of Dy3+ at the lattice site of β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and t‐ZrO2 mixtures: Structural stability, mechanical, optical, and magnetic features
Authors: Nandha Kumar Ponnusamy , Subramanian Shangavi , Vijayalakshmi Uthirapathy , Kannan Sanjeevi
Published: February 2020

Structurally stable β‐Ca3(PO4)2/t‐ZrO2 composite mixtures with the aid of Dy3+ stabilizer were accomplished at 1500°C. The precursors comprising Ca2+, P5+, Zr4+, and Dy3+ have been varied to obtain five different combinations. The results revealed the fact that complete phase transformation of calcium‐deficient apatite to β‐Ca3(PO4)2 occurred only at 1300°C, whereas the evidence of t‐ZrO2 crystallization is obvious at 900°C. The dual occupancy of Dy3+ at β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and t‐ZrO2 structures was evident; however, Dy3+ initially prefers to occupy β‐Ca3(PO4)2 lattice until its saturation limit and thereafter accommodates at the lattice site of ZrO2. The typical absorption and emission behavior of Dy3+ were noticed in all the systems and, moreover, the surrounding symmetry of Dy3+ domains has been determined from the luminescence study. All the systems ensured paramagnetic response that is generally contributed by the presence of Dy3+. A gradual increment in the phase content of t‐ZrO2 in the composite mixtures ensured a significant improvement in the hardness and Young's modulus of the investigated compositions.
Association of glucose tolerance status with pancreatic β‐ and α‐cell mass in community‐based autopsy samples of Japanese individuals: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Inaishi Jun , Saisho Yoshifumi , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Yoshida Daigo , Hata Jun , Mukai Naoko , Watanabe Yuusuke , Oda Yoshinao , Itoh Hiroshi , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: February 2020

Aims/Introduction

Changes in histologically quantified β‐ and α‐cell mass during the development of glucose intolerance have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore differences in β‐ and α‐cell mass according to the glucose tolerance status.

Materials and Methods

Autopsy samples from a total of 103 individuals (40 with normal glucose tolerance, 31 with prediabetes and 32 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test within 5 years before death were selected from 643 community‐based autopsy samples collected from 2002 to 2016. Fractional β‐cell area (BCA) and α‐cell area were quantified with Image Pro Plus software. Associations of BCA and α‐cell area with glucose tolerance status were assessed using a linear regression analysis, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients between glycemic markers and β‐cell function were estimated.

Results

The mean values of BCA decreased significantly with worsening glucose tolerance status (mean ± standard error 1.85 ± 0.10% in normal glucose tolerance, 1.59 ± 0.11% in prediabetes and 1.17 ± 0.11% in type 2 diabetes mellitus, P for trend < 0.001), whereas there was no significant association between α‐cell area and glucose tolerance status. BCA was inversely correlated with fasting and 2‐h plasma glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance test and glycated hemoglobin measurement, and positively correlated with disposition index (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

β‐Cell mass decreased significantly with worsening glucose tolerance, from the stage of prediabetes, in the Japanese population. Prevention of declining β‐cell mass before the onset of glucose intolerance is important to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Apocrine glands are bystanders in hidradenitis suppurativa and their involvement is gender specific
Authors: Zouboulis C.C. , Nogueira da Costa A. , Fimmel S. , Zouboulis K.C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Apocrine glands have been long considered as the initial targeted skin compartment in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa (HS).

Objective

Detection of apocrine gland involvement in HS.

Methods

Apocrine glands were isolated from skin biopsies of involved and uninvolved skin of HS patients (n = 16, females : males 1 : 1) by laser capture microscopy and studied by whole transcriptome profiling. Dysregulated genes were detected by comparing lesional and non‐lesional skin obtained from female and male HS patients using the Agilent array platform.

Results

SULF1 was the only gene, whose expression levels were found upregulated in apocrine glands of HS lesions of the entire group. Further dysregulated genes associated with vascular functions (FGF1, IL17D and S100A9) were detected. Genes, which are characteristic for glandular epithelia, confirmed the glandular origin of the studied tissue. The gene upregulation profile of female apocrine glands included several genes (MRO, DYRK3, SDK2, GLB1L, CATSPERB and PRPS2), which are specifically transcribed during testis differentiation and/or regulated by androgens. Genes related to lipid metabolism (AGPAT3, GAL, ELOVL3, THRSP, DGAT2L3, OLAH, THRSP, FADS1, NR2F2, FADS2, PTGDS and HAO2) were mostly downregulated in the apocrine glands of male patients. The levels of RECK and PCSK5, which are upstream genes of metalloproteinase‐9 and ‐1, and of S100A9, which encodes calgranulin B, were commonly increased in the apocrine glands of female and male patients, respectively, and in our previous whole skin study.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that apocrine glands are bystanders in HS. Inflammatory signalling is not prominent but a gender‐specific response was detected, which is mostly associated with androgen‐responsive genes in females and alterations of lipid metabolism in males.
Laminate veneers: Preplanning and treatment using digital guided tooth preparation
Authors: Silva Bruno Pereira da , Stanley Kyle , Gardee Jameel
Published: February 2020

Objective

The ability to control the reduction of tooth structure in a precise and measurable way during the preparation of ceramic veneers is a clinical challenge. The objective of this article is to introduce a new digital technology that can be used to address this challenge showing its advantages and limitations. First Fit is a digitally guided tooth preparation system that can be used to control the accurate and efficient preparation of teeth. In some cases, the system can be used to prepare the teeth for previously made restorations based on planned digital reduction.

Clinical considerations

The First Fit system uses 3D‐printed guides and a specially designed handpiece for guided veneer preparation using either a one‐step or a two‐step approach. In the one‐step approach, final restorations are produced prior to preparation of the teeth using reduction guides, and veneers are cemented on the same day as preparation. The two‐step approach includes a preparation phase during which the teeth are prepared using a combination of the reduction guides and free hand techniques. Cementation is then completed at a second appointment.

Conclusion

The First Fit system controls and guides veneer preparation with a minimally invasive approach. In some cases, it enables the production of veneers before tooth preparation, alleviating the need for provisional restorations.

Clinical significance

The guided restorative dentistry technique described here utilizes digital CAD‐CAM technology to achieve predictable and accurate results in a minimally invasive and efficient manner.
Predation avoidance and foraging efficiency contribute to mixed‐species shoaling by tropical and temperate fishes
Authors: Paijmans Kai C. , Booth David J. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: February 2020

The formation of mixed‐species social groups, whereby heterospecifics form and maintain either transient or stable groups with each other, can confer substantial fitness benefits to individuals. Such benefits may arise via multiple mechanisms associated with both predation avoidance and foraging efficiency. In fishes, mixed‐species shoaling reportedly occurs where displaced tropical species (known as “vagrants”) interact with resident temperate species, although little is known about the nature and frequency of such interactions. To investigate this phenomenon, we used displaced tropical Indo‐pacific Sergeant Abudefduf vaigiensis settling in temperate south‐eastern Australia as a model system. Underwater visual surveys revealed shoal composition and size differed significantly between open‐water and reef habitats, with shoals in open habitats being larger and more speciose. Shoals containing A. vaigiensis were mainly mixed‐species, and larger and more speciose in open habitats than nearer to reef. Since both foraging efficiency (via access to plankton) and predation threat likely increase with increasing distance from reef habitat, we suggest that mixed‐species shoaling mitigates predation risk whilst allowing increased foraging opportunities for A. vaigiensis in open areas. These findings provide support for the importance of mixed‐species shoaling to the persistence of tropical reef fishes in temperate regions.
Establishing bacterial infectivity models in striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage) with Edwardsiella ictaluri
Authors: Ngoc Phuoc Nguyen , Richards Randolph , Crumlish Margaret
Published: February 2020

A bacterial infectivity challenge model of Edwardsiella ictaluri in striped catfish was developed. All experiments were conducted using a bacterial isolate of E. ictaluri that had been recovered during a natural outbreak of bacillary necrosis of Pangasianodon (BNP) in farmed striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in Vietnam. Time of immersion in 107 CFU.ml−1 had a significant effect on mortality. The immersion bacterial dose of 107 CFU/ml for 30 s resulted in a cumulative percentage mortality of 63%. Three to four days post‐bacterial challenge, fish showed gross clinical signs of natural BNP and E. ictaluri was recovered and identified from these fish. Moreover, a cohabitation challenge was evaluated as an alternative challenge method, although the mortalities among the infected fish were lower at around 15%–40%. This study confirmed the horizontal transmission of E. ictaluri in striped catfish and elucidated that cohabitation challenge could be used in reproducing the disease under controlled conditions.
The Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Coll Patrick P. , Roche Vivyenne , Olsen Jaclyn S. , Voit Jessica H. , Bowen Emily , Kumar Manish
Published: February 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common in older adults. CVD is a significant cause of both death and disability in old age. Though the prevention and treatment of CVD have been extensively studied, historically older adults and especially those older than 75 years have been underrepresented in clinical investigations designed to determine the best way to prevent or treat CVD. As a result, geriatrics clinicians frequently need to decide which interventions to recommend for their patients by extrapolation from existing data, which may or may not be applicable to the patients they are caring for. This narrative review summarizes existing data regarding the prevention of three common CVDs in older adults: stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. Special emphasis is given to the prevention of CVD in those aged 75 years or older. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1098–1106, 2020