bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic support database clinical support tool: inter-rater reliability
Authors: Bohen Faye , Woodrow Ceri
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The dynamic support database (DSD) clinical support tool structures the risk of admission rating for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This study aims to investigate inter-rater reliability between multi-disciplinary health care professionals within the North West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

A small-scale quantitative study investigated reliability between raters on the DSD clinical support tool. A data set of 60 rating tools for 30 individuals was used. Descriptive statistics and Kappa coefficient explored agreement.

Findings

The DSD clinical support tool was found to have strong inter-rater reliability between individual items and the differences between individual scores were spread suggesting variance found could not be attributed to specific questions. Strong inter-rater reliability was found in the overall ratings.

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest the DSD clinical support tool provides stratification for risk of admission ratings independent of who completes it. Future studies could investigate inter-rater reliability between organisations, i.e. health and social care professionals, and use a larger data sample to ensure generalisability. Replication of the study within child and adolescent services using the children’s DSD clinical support tool is also recommended.

Originality/value

The DSD clinical support tool has been implemented within the child and adult intellectual disability services across the North West. As more teams across England consider its implementation, the study provides reassurance that coding agreement is high, allowing for stratification for risk of admission independent of the rater.
Student internship experiences: learning about the workplace
Authors: Zehr Sarah M. , Korte Russell
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of engineering student interns, as well as the perceptions of internship supervisors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed to investigate internships as a complex social phenomenon in the field, through the use of an inductive qualitative design grounded in a naturalistic paradigm guided by theories of learning and socialisation. The researchers used semistructured interviews of 24 engineering student interns and 10 internship supervisors at various organisations.

Findings

Students reported varying levels of learning about how a company works and how to work with others in a professional environment as the results of their internships. The researchers found that students did not look for connections between the classroom and the workplace, making it difficult to apply skills from one setting to the other. Supervisors received very little training, if any, prior to supervising interns. They were unsure how much work students could handle during an internship and perceived that making sure students had a positive experience was part of their role. In addition, internship goals for companies and educational institutions did not necessarily align.

Practical implications

Both students and supervisors would benefit from more formal preparation or training prior to the start of an internship. Educational institutions and companies would also benefit by collaborating to better understand each other's goals and coordinating student experiences to foster learning and positive outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper emphasises the importance of helping students understand the nature of work and the importance of developing relationships in the workplace.
Does entrepreneurship education influence entrepreneurial intention among students in HEI’s?
Authors: Paray Zahoor Ahmad , Kumar Sumit
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Considering entrepreneurship education (EE) theory as a base, this paper aims to examine the impact of EE upon building entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, it investigates the impact of student’s age, gender and degree or course background in developing students entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 309 student respondents from higher education institution (HEI’s) was used to understand the relationship and its impact over intention building. Regression and ANOVA technique was used to understand the cause and effect as well as mean differences between the construct.

Findings

The results signify a positive impact of EE for stimulating the start-up intention in these interdisciplinary students of HEIs. These results resemble the existing studies in this endeavour. Findings also verify that individual intention to start a new business in terms of the theory of planned behaviour (attitude, perceived behavioural control and social norms), student background (gender and degree specialization) are positively related to individual intention to start a new business.

Research limitations/implications

The results confirm previous studies in this field and highlight the need for EE in HEI. The paper highlights the vitality for EE for India’s start-up growth.

Originality/value

This study adds to the paucity of research on EE and its impact on entrepreneurial intentions in higher education institutions in India.
The influence of gender on the choice of education: the mediating effect of interest in statistics
Authors: Carlsson Hauff Jeanette , Nilsson Jonas
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the existence of a gender unbalance regarding choice of quantitatively oriented masters’ programs at a business school. The aim, further, is to analyze variables potentially affecting this unbalance: interest in quantitative matters, perceived competence regarding quantitative subjects and measures of quantitative knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was collected through a survey of 203 students at a Swedish business school. A measure of quantitative orientation was developed to assess the level of nine masters’ programs at the school. A regression analysis was used to identify the impact of gender and the other explanatory variables.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a gender unbalance: female students choose master programs perceived to be less quantitatively oriented. However, when studying gender together with level of interest, perceived competence and objective knowledge, the direct gender effect disappears. Instead, a strong positive effect of interest in quantitative matters emerges, as does an indirect effect of gender through the mediating variable level of interest.

Practical implications

The dual importance of level of interest influences the pedagogical suggestions made. Interpersonal contact between teacher and student and use of technology are suggested to raise the level of interest. To reduce the indirect effect of gender through interest, a suggestion is made to work with stereotype threats.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a topic of importance: the potential gender unbalance as regards qualitative orientation. It manages to nuance the picture of the importance of gender – and through the introduction of level of interest suggests a productive path forward.
Effect of hourglass shape solder joints on underfill encapsulation process: numerical and experimental studies
Authors: Nashrudin Muhammad Naqib , Gan Zhong Li , Abas Aizat , Ishak M.H.H. , Tura Ali M. Yusuf
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In line with the recent development of flip-chip reliability and underfill process, this paper aims to comprehensively investigate the effect of different hourglass shape solder joint on underfill encapsulation process by mean of experimental and numerical method.

Design/methodology/approach

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) numerical was used for the three-dimensional simulation of underfill process. The effects of ball grid arrays (BGA) encapsulation process in terms of filling time of the fluid were investigated. Experiments were then carried out to validate the simulation results.

Findings

Hourglass shape solder joint has shown the shortest filling time for underfill process compared to truncated sphere. The underfill flow obtained from both simulation and experimental results are found to be in good agreement for the BGA model studied. The findings have also shown that the filling time of Hourglass 2 with parabolic shape gives faster filling time compared to the Hourglass 1 with hemisphere angle due to bigger cross-sectional area of void between the solder joints.

Practical implications

This paper provides reliable insights to the effect of hourglass shape BGA on the encapsulation process that will benefit future development of BGA packages.

Originality/value

LBM numerical method was implemented in this research to study the flow behaviour of an encapsulation process in term of filling time of hourglass shape BGA. To date, no research has been found to simulate the hourglass shape BGA using LBM.
Using social return on investment analysis to calculate the social impact of modified vehicles for people with disability
Authors: Hutchinson Claire , Berndt Angela , Cleland Jenny , Gilbert‐Hunt Susan , George Stacey , Ratcliffe Julie
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Returning to driving is often a goal for people with acquired disabilities. Vehicle modifications make it possible for people with both acquired and lifelong disabilities to drive yet can be costly. There has been no financial evaluation of vehicle modifications in Australia or internationally.

Methods

A social return on investment analysis of vehicle modifications was undertaken. Primary data were collected via qualitative interviews with consumers and other stakeholders (e.g. driver‐trained occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, driving instructors, vehicle modifiers) (n = 23). Secondary data were collected from literature searches and used to identify suitable financial proxies and make estimations of the proportion of drivers with vehicle modifications experiencing each outcome. A co‐investment model was adopted to estimate social return on investment and payback period for funder and consumer. Five scenarios were developed to illustrate social return for low‐cost modifications (Scenario 1) through to high‐cost modifications (Scenario 5).

Results

Social return on investment ratios was positive for funder and consumer investment in all five scenarios. Social return on investment calculations based on co‐investment ranged from $17.32 for every $1 invested (Scenario 1) to $2.78 for every $1 invested (Scenario 5). Consumers' payback periods were between 5.4 and 7.1 months, and funders between 3.5 weeks and 2 years 8.4 months.

Conclusion

Vehicle modifications represent sound investments for both funders and consumers. Given the short payback periods, funders should reconsider age restrictions on vehicles considered suitable for modifications, especially for low‐ to medium‐cost modifications.
Methane oxidation and methylotroph population dynamics in groundwater mesocosms
Authors: Kuloyo Olukayode , Ruff S. Emil , Cahill Aaron , Connors Liam , Zorz Jackie K. , Hrabe de Angelis Isabella , Nightingale Michael , Mayer Bernhard , Strous Marc
Published: February 2020

Extraction of natural gas from unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs by hydraulic fracturing raises concerns about methane migration into groundwater. Microbial methane oxidation can be a significant methane sink. Here, we inoculated replicated, sand‐packed, continuous mesocosms with groundwater from a field methane release experiment. The mesocosms experienced thirty‐five weeks of dynamic methane, oxygen and nitrate concentrations. We determined concentrations and stable isotope signatures of methane, carbon dioxide and nitrate and monitored microbial community composition of suspended and attached biomass. Methane oxidation was strictly dependent on oxygen availability and led to enrichment of 13C in residual methane. Nitrate did not enhance methane oxidation under oxygen limitation. Methylotrophs persisted for weeks in the absence of methane, making them a powerful marker for active as well as past methane leaks. Thirty‐nine distinct populations of methylotrophic bacteria were observed. Methylotrophs mainly occurred attached to sediment particles. Abundances of methanotrophs and other methylotrophs were roughly similar across all samples, pointing at transfer of metabolites from the former to the latter. Two populations of Gracilibacteria (Candidate Phyla Radiation) displayed successive blooms, potentially triggered by a period of methane famine. This study will guide interpretation of future field studies and provides increased understanding of methylotroph ecophysiology.
How behavioral plasticity enables foraging under changing environmental conditions in the social waspVespula germanica(Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Moreyra Sabrina , Lozada Mariana
Published: February 2020

The foraging strategy at abundant resources of the social waspVespula germanicaincludes scanning in the direction of the nest while memorizing resource‐specific landmarks and contextual cues. In the present study, we sought to explore wasps’ behavioral plasticity on foraging trips to resources whose location and composition changed after a single visit. We evaluated how contextual modifications of food displacement and replacements 60 cm apart from the original site, affect re‐orientation for re‐finding previously memorized food resources. The results showed that wasps detected and collected the resource faster when more changes were introduced on the following visit. If returning foragers discovered several modifications on both the location and the kind of resource, they collected food more rapidly from the displaced dish, than if only a single parameter in the environment had been changed. These findings illustrate the grade of behavioral plasticity inV. germanicawhile foraging on abundant resources, which may contribute to the understanding of the prodigious invasive success of this species in anthropized environments.
The potential for microwave technology and the ideal profile method to aid in salt reduction
Authors: Barnett Sasha M. , Sablani Shyam S. , Tang Juming , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: February 2020

This study was the first to evaluate the influence of the combination strategies of flavor addition and microwave‐assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) processing for salt reduction implications. In freshly prepared mashed potatoes, a 30% and 50% salt reduction (w/w) in comparison to a 100% salt sample with three flavor variations (no additional flavor, garlic, and pepper) were investigated. Also, using the ideal profile method (IPM), the influence of MATS versus retort processing, in comparison to a freshly prepared sample, and flavor addition on mashed potato sensory properties and acceptance was investigated. Chemical characterization using the electronic tongue for nonvolatile compounds and headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME)/gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) for volatile analysis was completed. IPM revealed the ideal data were consistent at both the panel and consumer levels from a sensory and hedonic perspective. Results demonstrated the ideal mashed potato product would remain low in bitterness but have more intense pepper and potato aromas and flavors than the current samples evaluated. The salt level could be reduced by 50% while still maintaining flavor and overall acceptance in freshly prepared samples, but this was accompanied by a loss in saltiness intensity perception. The saltiness intensity was not different from the freshly prepared samples when processed via MATS but was different when processed by the retort. For chemical characterization, the electronic tongue showed a high discrimination index (>89%) and correlated highly (>0.8) with many sensory attributes. As salt concentration in the mashed potatoes decreased, the recovery of volatile compounds decreased. The present work contributes to the understanding of product reformulation for the purpose of salt reduction.

Practical Application

Product developers need strategies to bring salt down to target levels while maintaining consumer acceptance. The combination strategies of flavor addition and MATS processing may allow for a new strategy to assist product developers in reaching salt reduction targets. Furthermore, developers should bear in mind that noticeable intensity differences may not alter the preference for the product. Thus, intensity differences that result in changes in acceptance should be the focus of quality insurance rather than utilizing just noticeable differences.
Determination of norfloxacin residues in foods by exploiting the coffee‐ring effect and paper‐based microfluidics device coupling with smartphone‐based detection
Authors: Trofimchuk Evan , Nilghaz Azadeh , Sun Selina , Lu Xiaonan
Published: February 2020

By utilizing the coffee‐ring effect and microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (µPADs), this study improved the sensitivity of the determination of norfloxacin in four different food matrices. Micro‐PADs in this study were fabricated by designing and embedding wax channels onto cellulose‐based filter paper through printing and subjecting the paper to heat to allow the wax to penetrate the paper. Determination of norfloxacin concentration in food samples was achieved by monitoring the colorimetric reaction that occurred between norfloxacin and the added iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate in 5 mM ammonia in each reaction chamber. A transition metal hydroxide was formed through this reaction that resulted in the formation of a solid precipitate to enable the antibiotic to bind to the iron molecule via coordination chemistry. This metal ion–antibiotic complex generated a visible color change. Following the colorimetric reaction, images were taken and subsequently analyzed via ImageJ to determine the relative pixel intensity that was used to infer norfloxacin concentration. The analytical sensitivity of this device was determined to be as low as 50 ppm when analyzing the inner‐ring reaction, and as low as 5 ppm when analyzing the outer coffee ring thereby allowing for an alternative cheaper, faster, and more user‐friendly method to detect norfloxacin than the conventional methods.

Practical Application

This novel paper‐based microfluidic device can achieve the detection of antibiotic residues in agrifoods in a faster, cheaper, and more user‐friendly manner.
An empirical evaluation of camera trap study design: How many, how long and when?
Authors: Kays Roland , Arbogast Brian S. , Baker‐Whatton Megan , Beirne Chris , Boone Hailey M. , Bowler Mark , Burneo Santiago F. , Cove Michael V. , Ding Ping , Espinosa Santiago , Gonçalves André Luis Sousa , Hansen Christopher P. , Jansen Patrick A. , Kolowski Joseph M. , Knowles Travis W. , Lima Marcela Guimarães Moreira , Millspaugh Joshua , McShea William J. , Pacifici Krishna , Parsons Arielle W. , Pease Brent S. , Rovero Francesco , Santos Fernanda , Schuttler Stephanie G. , Sheil Douglas , Si Xingfeng , Snider Matt , Spironello Wilson R.
Published: February 2020

Camera traps deployed in grids or stratified random designs are a well‐established survey tool for wildlife but there has been little evaluation of study design parameters.

We used an empirical subsampling approach involving 2,225 camera deployments run at 41 study areas around the world to evaluate three aspects of camera trap study design (number of sites, duration and season of sampling) and their influence on the estimation of three ecological metrics (species richness, occupancy and detection rate) for mammals.

We found that 25–35 camera sites were needed for precise estimates of species richness, depending on scale of the study. The precision of species‐level estimates of occupancy (ψ) was highly sensitive to occupancy level, with <20 camera sites needed for precise estimates of common (ψ > 0.75) species, but more than 150 camera sites likely needed for rare (ψ < 0.25) species. Species detection rates were more difficult to estimate precisely at the grid level due to spatial heterogeneity, presumably driven by unaccounted habitat variability factors within the study area. Running a camera at a site for 2 weeks was most efficient for detecting new species, but 3–4 weeks were needed for precise estimates of local detection rate, with no gains in precision observed after 1 month. Metrics for all mammal communities were sensitive to seasonality, with 37%–50% of the species at the sites we examined fluctuating significantly in their occupancy or detection rates over the year. This effect was more pronounced in temperate sites, where seasonally sensitive species varied in relative abundance by an average factor of 4–5, and some species were completely absent in one season due to hibernation or migration.

We recommend the following guidelines to efficiently obtain precise estimates of species richness, occupancy and detection rates with camera trap arrays: run each camera for 3–5 weeks across 40–60 sites per array. We recommend comparisons of detection rates be model based and include local covariates to help account for small‐scale variation. Furthermore, comparisons across study areas or times must account for seasonality, which could have strong impacts on mammal communities in both tropical and temperate sites.
Debating Free International Trade
Authors: Strange Gerard
Published: February 2020

This article begins with a definition of free international trade and a brief history of the evolution of free trade as an ideology and economic policy. It next considers the case for free trade as first articulated by classical economists Adam Smith and David Ricardo and then examines free trade critiques proffered by Friedrich List and Marxist scholars who claim that free trade can never be just nor fair so long as relational and structural power inequalities exist between corporations and workers. This article concludes with a summary of the current free trade debate, highlighting, in particular, how radical critics of free trade have begun to embrace a more distinctly Marxian view of the dynamics of globalized capital accumulation. This new perspective acknowledges the progressive transformations that globalized trade has brought to developing countries while also highlighting the ways global free trade relies upon and sustains an exploitative class dynamic.
China's Growing Influence in Latin America
Authors: Roby Varun
Published: February 2020

This article examines China's growing influence in Venezuela and other parts of Latin America as it seeks to secure a steady supply of cheap oil and new export markets. In recent years, China has offered loans to cash‐strapped nations in the region on better terms than those offered by the United States and other multilateral lending institutions. China's growing influence worries the United States and other global observers who fear the spread of anti‐democratic and anti‐capitalist views. China maintains that its only interest in the region is economic. The current political turmoil in Venezuela offers China the opportunity to assuage these fears by supporting the presidency of Juan Guiado.
Can heat therapy help patients with heart failure?
Authors: Ye Winnie N. , Thipse Madhura , Mahdi Maleka Ben , Azad Sharlin , Davies Ross , Ruel Marc , Silver Marc A. , Hakami Lale , Mesana Thierry , Leenen Frans , Mussivand Tofy
Published: February 2020

To review and analyze the clinical outcomes of thermal therapy (≤1.4°C increase in core body temperature) in patients with heart failure (HF). A systematic review and meta‐analysis regarding the effects of thermal therapy on HF was done by searching PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and internal databases up to date (2019).

Improvement in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class: Ten studies with 310 patients showed significant improvement in NYHA class. Only 7 among 40 patients remained in Class IV and 99 patients in Class III from 155 patients. Increased patients in lower classes indicate that more patients showed improvement. Sixteen studies on 506 patients showed an overall improvement of 4.4% of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Four studies reported improved endothelial dysfunction by 1.7% increase in flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) on 130 patients.

Reduction in blood pressure: Thermal therapy reduced both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure by 3.1% and 5.31%, respectively, in 431 patients of 15 studies.

Decrease in cardiothoracic ratio (CTR): Eight studies reported an average of 5.55% reduction of CTR in a total of 347 patients.

Improvement in oxidative stress markers: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly decreased (mean difference of 14.8 pg/dL) in 303 patients of 9 studies.

Improvement of quality of life: Among 65 patients, thermal therapy reduced cardiac death and rehospitalization by 31.3%.

A slight increase in core body temperature is a promising, noninvasive, effective, and complementary therapy for patients with HF. Further clinical studies are recommended.
Effect of tobacco smoking on outcomes after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Combs Pamela , Imamura Teruhiko , Siddiqi Umar , Spiller Robert E. , Williamson Rebecca , Mirzai Saeid , Symalla Trevor , LaBuhn Colleen , Jeevanandam Valluvan
Published: February 2020

Despite the well‐established correlation between the tobacco use and cardiovascular disease, little is known about postoperative outcomes following the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We aimed to elucidate the effect of tobacco smoking on post‐LVAD implant outcomes. Patients who received LVADs from 2013 to 2018 were retrospectively characterized as current, former, or never smokers at the time of implant. We examined 1‐year survival, total hospital readmissions, and specific hospital readmissions for LVAD‐related adverse events based on patient's smoking status. Of the enrolled patients (n = 292), 55% were former smokers, 33% were never smokers, and 11% were current smokers. The majority of patients were African‐American (48%) with a median age of 58 years. Never smokers were younger and less likely to be Caucasian compared to former or current smokers (P < .05, for both). The category of former smokers had statistically comparable total readmission rates with never smokers (2.49 vs. 2.13 event/year), whereas current smokers had significantly higher rates compared to never smokers (2.81 events/year, P < .05), with odds ratio 2.12 (95% CI = 1.35‐3.32) adjusted for age and Caucasian race for >5 times of total readmissions per year. The rates of driveline infection, stroke, and hemolysis were statistically comparable between the never smokers and former smokers, while current smokers had significantly higher rates compared to never smokers (P < .05 for all).
Pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia and intraocular lens orientation: a prospective double‐masked randomized controlled trial
Authors: Manasseh Gemma S. L. , Pritchard Edward W. J. , Rothwell Alice E. J. , Luck Jonathan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To determine whether horizontal orientation of the intraocular lens optic‐haptic junctions has an effect on the incidence of pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia.

Methods

Single‐centre prospective double‐masked randomized controlled trial. 220 eyes of 201 participants undergoing routine cataract surgery were randomized to receive their intraocular lens either orientated with the optic‐haptic junctions at 180° (‘horizontal’) or without manipulation following implantation (control). Patients were excluded according to age (<19 and > 99 years), coexisting eye disease affecting visual function and insufficient cognitive function to complete the study. In the fourth postoperative week, a telephone interview was conducted to determine rates of negative dysphotopsia. The data were analysed to provide the relative risk of negative dysphotopsia with horizontal orientation of the intraocular lens (IOL) optic‐haptic junctions compared with standard treatment.

Results

Orientating the IOL optic‐haptic junctions horizontally halved the incidence of pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia in the fourth postoperative week (9/110 in the intervention group; 18/110 in the control group; RR: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.235–1.064, p = 0.072). The overall incidence of negative dysphotopsia was 12.2% (27/220 participating eyes). No intraoperative adverse effects of intraocular lens rotation were reported.

Conclusion

The simple intraoperative manoeuvre of rotating the intraocular lens to orientate the optic‐haptic junctions at 180° may be a safe and effective measure to reduce the risk of developing postoperative pseudophakic negative dysphotopsia in the first postoperative month. This is the first report that demonstrates the benefit of horizontal optic‐haptic junction positioning to be sustained beyond the first postoperative day.
LIA of Prehistoric Metals in the Central Mediterranean Area: A Review
Authors: Artioli G. , Canovaro C. , Nimis P. , Angelini I.
Published: February 2020

Following animated discussions in the 1990–2010 period concerning the validity and potential application of Pb isotope data to yield information on ancient metallurgy, recently lead isotope analysis has been extensively applied with alternate success and difficulty to the early stages of copper/lead/silver/tin metal flow in the Central Mediterranean area, arbitrarily defined as including Italy, the Mediterranean Islands, and the surrounding regions for comparison purposes. A wealth of data are now available in the literature, many of them interpreted within local contexts and limited geographical extension, and often within a shifting conceptual modeling frame. A brief review of the recently published data indicate that the metal flow in prehistory and protohistory is far more dynamic than presumed on the basis of the traditionally assumed archaeological models. It is suggested that the isotopic tracers, if correctly applied and interpreted, may substantially help in decoding the metal exploitation and trade patterns at different scales, from the local links between mines and smelting sites to wider regional or long‐distance trades. The abundant dataset available are however in need of thorough interpretation in terms of wider archaeological and archaeo‐metallurgical questions, possibly by the use of advanced statistical methods and unconventional data mining protocols.
Defining life from death: Problems with the somatic integration definition of life
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce P. , Rodger Daniel
Published: February 2020

To determine when the life of a human organism begins, Mark T. Brown has developed the somatic integration definition of life. Derived from diagnostic criteria for human death, Brown’s account requires the presence of a life‐regulation internal control system for an entity to be considered a living organism. According to Brown, the earliest point at which a developing human could satisfy this requirement is at the beginning of the fetal stage, and so the embryo is not regarded as a living human organism. This, Brown claims, has significant bioethical implications for both abortion and embryo experimentation. Here, we dispute the cogency of Brown’s derivation. Diagnostic criteria for death are used to determine when an organism irreversibly ceases functioning as an integrated whole, and may vary significantly depending on how developed the organism is. Brown’s definition is derived from a specific definition of death applicable to postnatal human beings, which is insufficient for generating a general definition for human organismal life. We have also examined the bioethical implications of Brown’s view, and have concluded that they are not as significant as he believes. Whether the embryo is classified as a human organism is of peripheral interest—a far more morally relevant question is whether the embryo is a biological individual with an identity that is capable of persisting during development.
Against the impairment argument: A reply to Hendricks
Authors: Räsänen Joona
Published: February 2020

In an article of this journal, Perry Hendricks makes a novel argument for the immorality of abortion. According to his impairment argument, abortion is immoral because: (a) it is wrong to impair a fetus to the nth degree, such as causing the fetus to have fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS); (b) it is wrong to impair a fetus to the n+1 degree (to cause the fetus to be more impaired than to have FAS); (c) killing the fetus impairs the fetus to the n+1 degree (causes it to be more impaired than to have FAS); (d) abortion kills the fetus; (e) therefore, abortion is immoral. The impairment argument is a promising account for the wrongness of abortion because it does not rely on the controversial metaphysical premise that a fetus is a person. This article aims to show, that despite some immediate advantages over the rival theories of the immorality of abortion there is a reason to believe that the impairment argument is untenable. That is because there are goods that can be achieved by abortion but that cannot be achieved by impairing the fetus.
Minimal relapse risk and early normalization of survival for patients with Burkitt lymphoma treated with intensive immunochemotherapy: an international study of 264 real‐world patients
Authors: Jakobsen Lasse H. , Ellin Fredrik , Smeland Knut B. , Wästerlid Tove , Christensen Jacob H. , Jørgensen Judit M. , Josefsson Pär L. , Øvlisen Andreas K. , Holte Harald , Blaker Yngvild N. , Grauslund Jacob H. , Bjørn Jon , Molin Daniel , Lagerlöf Ingemar , Smedby Karin E. , Colvin Katherine , Thanarajasingam Gita , Maurer Matthew J. , Habermann Thomas M. , Song Kevin W. , Zhu Katie Y. , Gerrie Alina S. , Cheah Chan Y. , El‐Galaly Tarec C.
Published: February 2020

Non‐endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare germinal centre B‐cell‐derived malignancy with the genetic hallmark of MYC gene translocation and with rapid tumour growth as a distinct clinical feature. To investigate treatment outcomes, loss of lifetime and relapse risk in adult BL patients treated with intensive immunochemotherapy, retrospective clinic‐based and population‐based lymphoma registries from six countries were used to identify 264 real‐world patients. The median age was 47 years and the majority had advanced‐stage disease and elevated LDH. Treatment protocols were R‐CODOX‐M/IVAC (47%), R‐hyper‐CVAD (16%), DA‐EPOCH‐R (11%), R‐BFM/GMALL (25%) and other (2%) leading to an overall response rate of 89%. The two‐year overall survival and event‐free survival were 84% and 80% respectively. For patients in complete remission/unconfirmed, the two‐year relapse risk was 6% but diminished to 0·6% for patients reaching 12 months of post‐remission event‐free survival (pEFS12). The loss of lifetime for pEFS12 patients was 0·4 (95% CI: −0·7 to 2) months. In conclusion, real‐world outcomes of adult BL are excellent following intensive immunochemotherapy. For pEFS12 patients, the relapse risk was low and life expectancy similar to that of a general population, which is important information for developing meaningful follow‐up strategies with increased focus on survivorship and less focus on routine disease surveillance.
‘Semi‐dwarf’ woolly mammoths from the East Siberian Sea coast, continental Russia
Authors: Kirillova Irina V. , Borisova Olga K. , Chernova Olga F. , Van Kolfschoten Thijs , Van Der Lubbe Jeroen H. J. L. , Panin Andrey V. , Pečnerová Patricia , Van Der Plicht Johannes , Shidlovskiy Fedor K. , Titov Vadim V. , Zanina Oksana G.
Published: February 2020

A pioneer comprehensive study of several diminutive last‐generation woolly mammoth teeth (M3) found on the coast of the East Siberian Sea between the mouths of the Alazeya and Malaya Kuropatoch'ya rivers was conducted. Two teeth belonged to one individual. These teeth have a similar lamellar frequency and enamel thickness as teeth of Mammuthus primigenius Blumenbach. The molar crowns from the lower Alazeya region are similar in size to those of the small Late Pleistocene–Holocene mammoths from Wrangel Island. However, the number of plates (17–19, excluding talons) is much lower than that in the teeth of typical Late Pleistocene M. primigenius (23–25). The age data of the examined teeth are beyond the limits of the 14C dating method (>45 000 years BP). Nevertheless, palaeobotanical data allow correlation of the enclosing sediments with the warm Kazantsevo Interglacial (Eemian, MIS 5e) and reconstruction of the average annual temperature, which was warmer than present‐day temperatures. These conditions are confirmed by the δ18O isotopes from the structurally bound carbonate in tooth enamel. The ancient landscape was wetter and more forested than modern landscapes. The diminution of M3 size and loss of posterior plates were a result of the overall decrease in body size, likely in response to landscape change and narrowing of resource space. Mammoths from the lower Alazeya region demonstrate a stage of significant size reduction, although the dwarfing was not finalized. Their teeth are the oldest amongst the small teeth found in west Beringia.
Barriers to Economic Security: Disability, Employment, and Asset Disparities in Canada
Authors: Maroto Michelle , Pettinicchio David
Published: February 2020

Although ample research shows that people with disabilities face significant labor market barriers, questions remain about whether and how disadvantages in employment and earnings contribute to economic insecurity. We use 1999 to 2012 Canadian Survey of Financial Security data to study disparities in nonhousing assets, which include household savings, stocks, and pensions, across households with and without disabilities. We find that households where the respondent or their spouse reported a disability held 25 percent less in nonhousing assets after accounting for key employment, education, and demographic factors. Demonstrating the more complicated relationship between disability, employment, and assets, these direct effects were further strengthened by disability's indirect effects on assets through its relationship with employment income.
An M1AP homozygous splice‐site mutation associated with severe oligozoospermia in a consanguineous family
Authors: Tu Chaofeng , Wang Ying , Nie Hongchuan , Meng Lanlan , Wang Weili , Li Yong , Li Dongyan , Zhang Huan , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge , Tan Yue‐Qiu , Du Juan
Published: February 2020

Severe oligozoospermia (SO) is an important cause of male infertility. Its etiology and pathogenesis are associated with genetic abnormalities; however, the genetic causes of the majority of idiopathic human SO remain unclear. Here, we report a homozygous splice‐site mutation in M1AP (meiosis 1 associated protein; NM_138804, c.1435‐1G>A) observed in a patient with SO from a consanguineous Han Chinese family. His parents and fertile brother were heterozygous for the mutation. The splice variant led to a lack of M1AP protein in the patient's spermatozoa. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patient's spermatozoa showed highly aberrant swollen mitochondrial sheaths with normal axonemal structures. Subsequent mutation screening identified three additional heterozygous M1AP variants in 4/243 subjects with idiopathic SO, but no M1AP variants among 223 fertile subjects. Additionally, a previously study reported that M1ap knock‐out mice exhibited SO due to meiotic arrest. Hence, our findings indicate that M1AP mutation might represent novel genetic alteration responsible for human SO.
Mapping habitat suitability at range‐wide scales: Spatially‐explicit distribution models to inform conservation and research for marsh birds
Authors: Stevens Bryan S. , Conway Courtney J.
Published: February 2020

Habitat loss is a primary cause of species decline, and predicting the distribution of quality habitats across broad scales is needed for conservation of rare species. Secretive marsh birds are a group of emergent‐wetland specialists that include multiple threatened and endangered species whose populations have been impacted by wetland loss and modification. Habitat suitability for marsh birds is poorly mapped, and predictions of habitat quality over broad scales are primarily generated via expert judgment. We developed data‐driven models to predict fine‐resolution habitat quality for 13 marsh bird species across their ranges within the U.S. We demonstrate how these models are useful for conservation by quantifying range contraction, assessing the usefulness of existing protected areas, and assessing the vulnerability of habitats to global change for rare species. These tools provide a quantitative foundation for broad‐scale conservation, research, and monitoring efforts, and a starting point for adaptive conservation of marsh bird breeding habitat over broad spatial extents.
Fifty years of The Financial Review: A bibliometric overview
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Kumar Satish , Pattnaik Debidutta
Published: February 2020

The Financial Review (FR) is a highly regarded journal publishing original empirical, theoretical, and methodological research in all areas of financial economics. It celebrated its golden jubilee year in 2018. Using bibliometric techniques, we analyze the journal's impact, prominent topics, most prolific authors, and their affiliated institutions and countries. Our analysis also identifies the most often cited articles at different points in the journal's history. Using textual data analytics, we identify the most frequent themes discussed between 1969 and 2018 by decade.
Higher than expected CO2 fertilization inferred from leaf to global observations
Authors: Haverd Vanessa , Smith Benjamin , Canadell Josep G. , Cuntz Matthias , Mikaloff‐Fletcher Sara , Farquhar Graham , Woodgate William , Briggs Peter R. , Trudinger Cathy M.
Published: February 2020

Several lines of evidence point to an increase in the activity of the terrestrial biosphere over recent decades, impacting the global net land carbon sink (NLS) and its control on the growth of atmospheric carbon dioxide (ca). Global terrestrial gross primary production (GPP)—the rate of carbon fixation by photosynthesis—is estimated to have risen by (31 ± 5)% since 1900, but the relative contributions of different putative drivers to this increase are not well known. Here we identify the rising atmospheric CO2 concentration as the dominant driver. We reconcile leaf‐level and global atmospheric constraints on trends in modeled biospheric activity to reveal a global CO2 fertilization effect on photosynthesis of 30% since 1900, or 47% for a doubling of ca above the pre‐industrial level. Our historic value is nearly twice as high as current estimates (17 ± 4)% that do not use the full range of available constraints. Consequently, under a future low‐emission scenario, we project a land carbon sink (174 PgC, 2006–2099) that is 57 PgC larger than if a lower CO2 fertilization effect comparable with current estimates is assumed. These findings suggest a larger beneficial role of the land carbon sink in modulating future excess anthropogenic CO2 consistent with the target of the Paris Agreement to stay below 2°C warming, and underscore the importance of preserving terrestrial carbon sinks.
Use of Sonication for Enhanced Sampling of Attached Microbes from Groundwater Systems
Authors: Close Murray , Abraham Phil , Webber Judith , Cowey Eliza , Humphries Bronwyn , Fenwick Graham , Howard Simon , Huynh Kimberly , Grace Travis , Dupont Pierre‐Yves , Weaver Louise
Published: February 2020

The vast majority of microorganisms in aquifers live as biofilms on sediment surfaces, which presents significant challenges for sampling as only the suspended microbes will be sampled through normal pumping. The use of a down‐well low frequency sonicator has been suggested as a method of detaching microbes from the biofilm and allowing rapid sampling of this community. We developed a portable, easy to use, low‐frequency electric sonicator and evaluated its performance for a range of well depths (tested up to 42 m below ground level) and casing types. Three sonicators were characterized in laboratory experiments using a 1 m long tank filled with pea gravel. These included a commercially available pneumatic sonicator, a rotating flexible shaft sonicator, and the prototype electric sonicator. The electric sonicator detached between 56 and 74% of microbes grown on gravel‐containing biobags at distances ranging between 2 and 50 cm from the sonicator. The field testing comprises of a total of 55 sampling events from 48 wells located in 4 regions throughout New Zealand. Pre‐ and post‐sonication samples showed an average 33 times increase in bacterial counts. Microbial sequence data showed that the same classes are present in pre‐ and post‐sonicated samples and only slight differences were seen in the proportions present. The sampling process was rapid and the significant increases in bacterial counts mean that microbial samples can be quickly obtained from wells, which permits more detailed analysis than previously possible.
Coping styles associated with glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Murakami Hiroshi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Otaka Hideyuki , Nakayama Hirofumi , Murabayashi Masaya , Mizushiri Satoru , Matsumura Koki , Tanabe Jutaro , Matsuhashi Yuki , Yanagimachi Miyuki , Sugawara Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka , Daimon Makoto
Published: February 2020

Aims/Objectives

Glycemic control varies according to stress level and the efficacy of control measures, affecting the outcomes of diabetes. Although detailed coping styles have not been well studied in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, problem‐focused coping strategies are believed to be related to better control of blood glucose. Associations between coping profiles/dimensions and blood glucose control were examined in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The participants included 503 Japanese patients (mean age 63.9 ± 12.6 years) with type 2 diabetes. The average glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were calculated from HbA1c levels measured more than four times within the 12 months before the assessment. Coping profiles were assessed using the Brief Scale for Coping Profile. Lifestyle factors were also included in the analyses.

Results

Factors other than age were not associated with HbA1c levels in patients who used insulin. Conversely, habitual alcohol consumption, single status, the adaptive emotion‐focused coping dimension, and changing mood and changing one’s point of view profiles were associated with HbA1c levels.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that adaptive emotion‐focused coping supports glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients who do not use insulin. Additional studies using a longitudinal design are required to further examine the relationships between psychological factors and glycemic control.
Microglial regulation of satiety and cognition
Authors: De Luca Simone N. , Miller Alyson A. , Sominsky Luba , Spencer Sarah J.
Published: February 2020

Microglia have been known for decades as key immune cells that shape the central nervous system (CNS) during development and respond to brain pathogens and injury in adult life. Recent findings now suggest that these cells also play a highly complex role in several other functions of the CNS. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the established microglial functions in development and disease. We also discuss emerging research suggesting that microglia are important for both cognitive function and the regulation of food intake. With respect to cognitive function, current data suggest microglia are not indispensable for neurogenesis, synaptogenesis or cognition in the healthy young adult, although they crucially modulate and support these functions. In doing so, they are likely important in supporting the balance between apoptosis and survival of newborn neurones and in orchestrating appropriate synaptic remodelling in response to a learning stimulus. We also explore the possibility of a role for microglia in feeding and satiety. Microglia have been implicated in both appetite suppression with sickness and obesity and in promoting feeding under some conditions and we discuss these findings here, highlighting the contribution of these cells to healthy brain function.