bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of environmental variables on the distribution of juvenile cubomedusaeCarybdea marsupialisin the coastal Western Mediterranean
Authors: Bordehore Cesar , Fonfría Eva S. , Alonso Cristina , Rubio-Tortosa Beatriz , Acevedo Melissa J. , Canepa Antonio , Falcó Silvia , Rodilla Miguel , Fuentes Verónica
Published: March 2020

Relationships between environmental factors and oscillations in jellyfish abundance, especially in the early life stages, could help to interpret past increases and also predict scenarios in a changing future. For the first time, we present cubozoan spatial and temporal distributions in the earliest stages and their relationships with different factors. Abundances ofCarybdea marsupialismedusae showed high interannual variability from 2008 to 2014 along the Dénia coast (SE Spain, W Mediterranean). During 2015, samples were collected from 11 beaches along 17 km of coastline, 8 times from January to November in order to determine the effects of environmental factors on the distribution of juvenileC. marsupialis. Juveniles (≤ 15 mm diagonal bell width) were present from May to July, with more sampled near shore (0 – 15 m). Most of them occurred in June when their numbers were unequal among beaches (average 0.05 ind m−3, maximum 6.71 ind m−3). We tested distributions of juveniles over time and space versus temperature, salinity, nutrients (N, P and Si), chlorophyll-a(Chl-a), and zooplankton abundance. Temperature and cladocerans (zooplankton group) were significantly positively correlated with juvenile distribution, whereas Chl-aconcentration was weakly negative. By contrast, in 2014, high productivity areas (Chl-aand zooplankton) overlapped the maximum adult abundance (5.2 ind m−3). The distribution of juveniles during 2015 did not spatially coincide with the areas where ripe adults were located the previous year, suggesting that juveniles drift with the currents upon release from the cubopolyps. Our results yield important insights into the complexity of cubozoan distributions.
Differential vaginalLactobacillusspecies metabolism of glucose, L and D-lactate by13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Amabebe Emmanuel , Anumba Dilly O. , Reynolds Steven
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Cervicovaginal dysbiosis can lead to infection-associated spontaneous preterm birth.

Objective

To determine whether vaginalLactobacillusspecies,L. crispatusandL. jensenii, differentially metabolise glucose, L- and/or D-lactate to propagate their survival/dominance.

Methods

Bacteria were incubated anaerobically for 24h at 37°C, with13Cu-glucose,13C3-D-lactate or13C3-L-lactate (singularly or combined) for 24h.13C-spectra were acquired using a 9.4T NMR spectrometer.

Results

L. crispatusandL. jensenii(n=6 each) metabolised13C-glucose to13C-lactate and13C-acetate.L. jenseniiconverted more13C3-D- or13C3-L-lactate to13C-acetate thanL. crispatus, p<0.001.

Conclusion

Conversion of glucose and lactate to acetate byL. jenseniicompared toL. crispatus, suggests a possibly important pathomechanism of dysbiosis and infection-associated spontaneous preterm birth.
Intermolecular interaction energies and magnetic properties of spin-isolated multinuclear CuII complexes
Authors: Torres Juan F. , Bello-Vieda Nestor J. , Macías Mario A. , Rabelo Renato , Lloret Francisco , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Hurtado John J.
Published: March 2020

Dinuclear CuII complexes with 3,5-dinitrobenzoates and 2,2′-bipyridine (2) or 1,10-phenanthroline (3) were synthesized and characterized. A complete energy framework analysis using the HF/3-21G energy model was performed which found that dispersion forces and C—H...O interactions are responsible for the crystal structure features. The magnetic properties of the complexes show a weak magnetic exchange between spins, resulting in low exchange constants of −2.72 (1) cm−1 and −1.10 (1) cm−1 for complexes (2) and (3), respectively. This results from the low overlap between magnetic orbitals induced by 3,5-dinitrobenzoate bridges and the arrangement of the magnetic orbitals. Consequently, the dinuclear complexes (2) and (3) behave as spin-isolated multinuclear CuII species in contrast to the trinuclear complex with similar ligands.
Drinking biodiversity: a choice experiment on Franciacorta sparkling wines
Authors: Ruggeri Giordano , Mazzocchi Chiara , Corsi Stefano
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Consumers' concerns about the environmental impacts of food production have been increasing over the last years, and several certification systems for environment-friendly food products have been created. This research investigates wine consumers' preferences for a certification that guarantees the use of agricultural practices that better protect the biodiversity in the vineyard during the production of grapes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a choice experiment, we investigate consumer preferences and willingness to pay for biodiversity-friendly wines on a sample of 334 wine consumers. The experiment was carried out by direct interviews at a wine-tasting event in an Italian winery located in the Franciacorta area, in northern Italy. A between-subject design and two different questionnaires were used, one presenting the Brut bottle and one the Satén bottle.

Findings

Estimates from a mixed logit model reveal that consumers are generally willing to pay a higher price for biodiversity-friendly wines, but they have stronger preferences for organic certification and quality indications. When consumers perceive a specific product as having high quality, i.e. Satèn, they might be less willing to pay for further environment-friendly certifications. Moreover, preferences depend on sociodemographic and attitudinal variables such as gender, wine consumption frequency, wine education and knowledge degree of the labels.

Originality/value

This paper broadens the knowledge about consumer preferences and willingness to pay for biodiversity-friendly wines, focusing on a specific market segment of Italian sparkling wines.
Business buyers are people too: exploring how geodemographics affects business-to-business selling effectiveness
Authors: Mier Joel , Carlson Jeffrey , Bellenger Danny Norton , Johnston Wesley J.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Drawing from the contingency model, this study aims to investigate the moderating effects of business-to-business (B2B) buyer personal characteristics on the relationship between sales activities and sales effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

As an application of engaged scholarship, this study leverages a years’ worth of sales activity and results from a Fortune 500 financial services company for 2,710 dyads; personal characteristics (i.e. geodemographics) were appended for the customers/prospects of the dyads. The data was analyzed with hierarchical regression, and subgroups were tested using the Chow test.

Findings

The results support that geodemographic segments – as a proxy for personal characteristics – moderate the strength of the relationship between selling activities and sales effectiveness. Overall, the results demonstrate that selling activities have varying impacts on sales effectiveness within geodemographic segments and buyclass scenarios.

Practical implications

While it has been long held that understanding the personal characteristics of the B2B purchasing decision-maker is critical for sales effectiveness, little guidance has been provided on how to accomplish this to scale. The present study provides a framework and process for practitioner operationalization.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature that has explored personal characteristics of buying center members. Additionally, the results suggest that personal characteristics of the purchase decision-maker may transcend business-to-consumer and B2B purchasing contexts.
Customer gratitude in relationship marketing strategies: a cross-cultural e-tailing perspective
Authors: Huggins Kyle A. , White Darin W. , Holloway Betsy Bugg , Hansen John D.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how an organization’s Web-based marketing communication strategies drive feelings of customer gratitude and desired behavioral responses. The study specifically examines how a key cultural characteristic, ethnic identity, works in conjunction with Web quality to influence customers’ gratitude perceptions, thereby driving increases in positive word of mouth, repeat purchase intentions and price tolerance.

Design/methodology/approach

A major soccer e-retailer based in the USA collected survey data for the study. The authors examined the direct and indirect effects of Web quality through conditional process analysis.

Findings

Study findings indicate that customers’ Web quality and ethnic identity perceptions significantly influence customer gratitude and performance outcomes. Study findings also demonstrate the central mediating role of gratitude on the main and interactive effects of Web quality and ethnic identity.

Practical implications

Study findings suggest that online strategies of cultural-adaptation should go beyond integration of native language to include all key dimensions of website quality, to drive consumer gratitude and ultimately favorable outcomes such as word of mouth, price tolerance and repurchase intentions.

Originality/value

This research demonstrates empirical support for the successful deployment of relationship marketing efforts that impact all three dimensions (affect, cognition and behavioral intention) of customer gratitude.
The effects of Ponzi schemes and revocation of licences of some financial institutions on financial threat in Ghana
Authors: Ofori Edmond
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the Ponzi schemes and revocation of licences of some financial institutions in Ghana on financial threat.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Convenient sampling method was used to select 435 individuals from three regions in Ghana. Standardize questionnaire developed by the researcher was used as the main data collection instrument. The binary logistic regression was used to test the relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables.

Findings

The results of the study showed a positive relationship between financial threat and job loss, general health, information search and loss of investment. However, negative relationship was identified between financial threat and total debt, stress, economic hardship and anxiety. Findings from this study imply that job loss, general health, information search and loss of investment are major factors that determined financial threat in Ghana.

Practical implications

This indicates that individuals in Ghana have become uncertain regarding the use of current and future financial services in Ghana because most individuals have lost their jobs in the financial institutions, cannot get access to safe drinking water and education, need to gather more information before investing in financial institutions in Ghana and losing of funds invested.

Originality/value

This study is the first to test the effects of the Ponzi schemes and the revocation of licences of some financial institutions in Ghana on financial threat using binary logistic regression.
Combating the financing of proliferation: challenges and new tools
Authors: Stewart Ian John , Viski Andrea , Brewer Jonathan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine why most governments appear to attach less importance to countering proliferation finance than they do to countering money laundering or terrorist financing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines this question from a number of perspectives including a definitional perspective, a national regulatory perspective and a private sector implementation perspective.

Findings

It is shown that there are presently significant gaps in counter proliferation finance implementation at the national level, with follow-on implications for private sector compliance.

Research limitations/implications

A key finding is that most governments do not address the issue of proliferation finance as distinct from other forms of financial crime such as terrorist financing or money laundering.

Practical implications

Practical opportunities for improved financial sector implementation of counter proliferation finance controls are identified, but it is argued that it is states that must do more to meet their obligations for improvements to be realised.

Social implications

The risk of not doing so is that the financial system will continue to be misused to finance the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Originality/value

The study seeks to fill a gap in existing academic literature on the question of why proliferation finance receives less attention than other forms of financial crime. The study builds on original research undertaken by the authors including the typologies of proliferation finance, which were later incorporated into an updated Financial Action Task Force report on this topic, as well as events organised by the authors to explore the topic of proliferation finance implementation with governments and the private sector.
Shariah monitoring, agency cost and fund performance in Malaysian mutual funds
Authors: Sofi Mohd Fikri , Yahya M.H.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of Shariah Advisory Panel (SAP) on both the level of agency cost and fund performance against conventional corporate governance, within corporate and Shariah governance settings, between Shariah and conventional mutual fund (CMF), in an emerging economy of Malaysia during the period 2008-2015.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data regression is appropriately used within corporate governance research because of empirical issues of unobserved heterogeneity effects to avoid spurious evidence. The secondary data of 172 CMFs and 80 Shariah mutual funds are gathered hand-collected from annual reports and master prospectuses for the purpose of analysis between the period 2008 and 2015, generating 2,016 fund-year observations.

Findings

SAP is found to have a positive effect on agency costs. Consequently, it leads to empirical evidence that substantiates a negative and marginally significant association with fund performance when designated by accounting measure. Thus, the Shariah monitoring proxy is not a good mechanism for controlling agency costs inconsistent with performance maximizing (agency cost minimizing) outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The unique data set of mutual funds used in this research may restrict the generalization of the findings unless mentioned and explained specifically the data characteristics. The single proxy for Shariah monitoring could be better off by having a list of different measures.

Practical implications

The paper highlights and suggests a consistent improvement in regulation that could be performed by policymakers pertaining to the non-trivial additional cost of implying Shariah governance.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence of the SAP effects from the view of a more complex monitoring structure in consequence of having an additional layer of governance, devoting on the trade-off between benefit and cost to shareholders.
The role of 4PL provider as a mediation and supply chain agility
Authors: Çağlar Kalkan Macide Berna , Aydın Kenan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the role and capabilities of fourth party logistics (4PL) in the supply chain agility and firm performance. In addition to this, the relationship between supply chain agility and firm performance is also examined. This study aims to fulfill the gap in the literature about the studies on the relationship between 4PL capability dimensions, supply chain agility and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey data from 58 senior executives and managers in the logistics and supply chain functions from 4PL service providers' customer firms in Turkey. The results are structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software. Snowball sampling method was used to collect survey data.

Findings

This study shows that integrator and supply chain infomediary are appropriate practices for mediating the impact of agile supply chain strategies, on firm performance. For supply chain practitioners, results indicate that firms benefit greatly if they consider the outsourcing, such as a 4PL partnership, in conjunction with their supply chain strategy.

Research limitations/implications

Time, cost and the presence of businesses located in different cities across Turkey in the sample of study and the existence of the tendency of enterprises not to participate in the research can be stated as the limitations of this study.

Originality/value

In the literature, studies on 4PL have been conducted in different fields which can be categorized as follows: 4PL solution development, reasons that facilitate and prevent the design and implementation of 4PL, scope of 4PL service delivery and profit and risk sharing from the structure of 4PL networks. Briefly, the studies focus on conceptualizing and differentiating of 4PL from 3PL before reaching a common definition. Motivation of this study is to fulfill the gap of literature about supply chain agility, firm performance relationship and mediation role of 4PL skill dimensions.
Factors driving the adoption of green certification of buildings in Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Adinyira Emmanuel , Ampratwum Godslove
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Sustainability has become a topical issue in many countries, with emphasis on green buildings. Though Ghana has recently adopted green buildings, there is lack of its speedy implementation. There is little literature on the adoption of green certification of buildings, especially in a developing country like Ghana. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that drive the adoption of green certification of buildings in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts face-to-face and telephone interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide among ten built environment professionals. Qualitative responses to the interview are thematically analysed using Nvivo 11 Pro analysis application software.

Findings

The findings suggest that “observability of the benefits of green certified buildings”, “commitment of Government to green building initiatives”, “incorporating green certification of buildings into the code of practice of professional bodies”, “green building certification incentives”, “public acknowledgement of the green building concept”, “policies and regulations to enforce the adoption of the concept” and “effective communication and source of information on the concept” are the factors that drive the adoption of green certification of buildings in Ghana.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the understanding of the factors that drive the adoption of green building certification in Ghana. With these findings, stakeholders and industry practitioners can make informed decisions regarding how they can put in place strategies to ensure the effective adoption of green certification of buildings. Though this study was conducted within the context of Ghana, its findings and implications can be useful to policy makers, stakeholders and practitioners in other developing countries.
A thorough Six Sigma DMAIC application for household appliance manufacturing systems
Authors: Uluskan Meryem , Oda Ezgi Pınar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze door-panel alignment defects seen in built-in ovens manufactured in one household appliances company's plant. Alignment defects in oven door panel substantially affect aesthetics of the product which is an important aspect in driving customer preference and satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to increase the initial 3.1 sigma level of oven-manufacturing process to at least 4 sigma level by decreasing a particular door-panel alignment defect, which constituted 67.7 percent of the overall alignment defects.

Design/methodology/approach

The goals were achieved through a structured Six Sigma implementation with lean element by utilizing various Six Sigma tools such as workflow, Pareto-analysis, measurement system analyses, control-charts, process capability analysis, cause-and effect-diagram and hypotheses tests. A non–value-added step was also eliminated through the lean approach.

Findings

Through Six Sigma implementation, the initial 3.1 sigma process performance level has been increased to 4.4 sigma level leading to substantial decrease in alignment defects.

Originality/value

In the quality management literature, not many papers directly deal with aesthetics and appearance problems of the products especially in the household appliances industry. Moreover, hypothesis testing is not frequently used in Six Sigma implementations in the literature. In addition to limited usage of hypothesis testing, very few studies conducted a thorough measurement system analysis. Considering these gaps in the Six Sigma literature, this study fills an important gap in research by implementing a detailed Six Sigma study, enhanced with hypothesis testing and a thorough measurement system analysis, on the aesthetics and appearance of the product.
Outcomes of lymph node dissection in the treatment of extramammary Paget’s disease: A single‐institution study
Authors: Tsutsui Keita , Takahashi Akira , Muto Yusuke , Mizuta Haruki , Jinnai Shunichi , Nakama Kenta , Ogata Dai , Namikawa Kenjiro , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: March 2020

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) often invades the dermis and metastasizes to the lymph nodes. Patients with EMPD associated with lymph node metastases have poor prognosis; to date, effective treatment has not yet been established. Lymph node dissection, aiming to control the local disease, is a standard form of management for EMPD patients with lymph node metastases (LNM). We investigated the clinical and pathological features, treatment strategies and prognostic factors of patients with metastatic EMPD who underwent lymph node dissection. We retrospectively evaluated 38 cases of extramammary Paget’s disease with lymph node metastasis over 10 years. All patients underwent wide resection of the primary lesion and lymph node dissection. Univariate analysis revealed the number of metastatic nodes and lymphadenopathy as prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, the number of metastatic lymph nodes retained statistical significance (hazard ratio, 35.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.23–387.0; P = 0.003). The 5‐year survival rate was 100% and 19.1% in patients with two or less LNM and with three or more LNM, respectively. In patients with three or more LNM, the 5‐year survival rate after adjuvant radiation therapy was better than that after surgery alone (75% vs 0%). In conclusion, patients with two or less LNM can be expected to have long‐term survival with lymph node dissection only, while patients with three or more LNM may require adjuvant radiation therapy to improve prognosis. These results suggest that lymph node dissection may be a strategy to treat EMPD with regional LNM.
Tracking the assembly of nested parasite communities: Using β‐diversity to understand variation in parasite richness and composition over time and scale
Authors: Moss Wynne E. , McDevitt‐Galles Travis , Calhoun Dana M. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: March 2020

Community composition is driven by a few key assembly processes: ecological selection, drift and dispersal. Nested parasite communities represent a powerful study system for understanding the relative importance of these processes and their relationship with biological scale. Quantifying β‐diversity across scales and over time additionally offers mechanistic insights into the ecological processes shaping the distributions of parasites and therefore infectious disease.

To examine factors driving parasite community composition, we quantified the parasite communities of 959 amphibian hosts representing two species (the Pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regilla and the California newt, Taricha torosa) sampled over 3 months from 10 ponds in California. Using additive partitioning, we estimated how much of regional parasite richness (γ‐diversity) was composed of within‐host parasite richness (α‐diversity) and turnover (β‐diversity) at three biological scales: across host individuals, across species and across habitat patches (ponds). We also examined how β‐diversity varied across time at each biological scale.

Differences among ponds comprised the majority (40%) of regional parasite diversity, followed by differences among host species (23%) and among host individuals (12%). Host species supported parasite communities that were less similar than expected by null models, consistent with ecological selection, although these differences lessened through time, likely due to high dispersal rates of infectious stages. Host individuals within the same population supported more similar parasite communities than expected, suggesting that host heterogeneity did not strongly impact parasite community composition and that dispersal was high at the individual host-level. Despite the small population sizes of within‐host parasite communities, drift appeared to play a minimal role in structuring community composition.

Dispersal and ecological selection appear to jointly drive parasite community assembly, particularly at larger biological scales. The dispersal ability of aquatic parasites with complex life cycles differs strongly across scales, meaning that parasite communities may predictably converge at small scales where dispersal is high, but may be more stochastic and unpredictable at larger scales. Insights into assembly mechanisms within multi‐host, multi‐parasite systems provide opportunities for understanding how to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases within human and wildlife hosts.
Comparing the role of personal and organisational support on the innovative behaviour of frontline healthcare workers in Australia and the United States
Authors: Brunetto Yvonne , Xerri Matthew , Farr‐Wharton Benjamin
Published: March 2020

This paper empirically uses a street‐level bureaucrat (SLB) lens to compare the impact of personal and organisational support on the innovative behaviour of frontline healthcare workers in Australia and the United States. Survey data came from the 260 U.S. and 220 Australian respondents. The structural equation model shows that organisational (i.e. manager–subordinate relationships) and personal supports (i.e. psychological capital [PsyCap]) significantly influence the innovative behaviour of frontline SLBs in health care. Further, the mediation results show that reciprocal social exchanges provide the foundations for facilitating the growth of healthcare workers’ PsyCap, which then gives them the resilience to be innovative in the workplace. The U.S. respondents perceived stronger organisational support and consequently had a better platform for building PsyCap – providing better work conditions for facilitating innovative behaviour to bourgeon. The paper adds to SLB theory concerning the influence of two variables on SLBs' innovative behaviour, in addition to a meaningful comparison of the U.S. and Australian healthcare workers. If governments and organisations want innovative workers, then the policies must be based on empirical evidence that shows the impact on all stakeholders, including SLBs, because otherwise, irrespective of policy directives, the outcome is low levels of employee wellbeing (which likely results in limited innovative activity).
Prediction and Model Selection in Experiments
Authors: Breig Zachary
Published: March 2020

This paper compares the predictive performance of several models of risk aversion and time preferences in experimental settings. Models are evaluated on the basis of out‐of‐sample prediction rather than in‐sample fit. For preferences over risk, with the exception of very small sample sizes, allowing the estimation procedure to select between constant relative risk aversion and constant absolute risk aversion improves prediction beyond that of a single model. Moreover, adding a behavioural parameter such as disappointment aversion improves prediction further. This contrasts with time preferences, where adding the present‐bias parameter worsens prediction for all sample sizes.
Limited dietary interventions in rural Australian communities: A systematic review
Authors: Alston Laura , Partridge Stephanie R
Published: March 2020

Aim

This review aimed to synthesise the evidence on the effectiveness of dietary interventions targeting adolescents (>13 years) and adults living in rural or remote Australia.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched to identify dietary interventions undertaken in rural or remote communities. Studies were included if they utilised intervention and control comparisons or pre and post assessment of diet‐related outcomes. If studies included metropolitan populations, dietary outcome measures had to be provided separately for rural data.

Results

In total, 14 articles from 12 unique studies met the criteria for inclusion and together provided incomplete coverage across all states of Australia, included intervention studies targeted diet to address obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure or diabetes. No studies were focussed on reducing community malnutrition. All studies, with one exception, focussed specifically on rural adults, no interventions specifically targeted adolescents in rural areas. Only two studies documented the involvement of a dietitian in intervention development or delivery. All studies produced a significant outcome for either dietary intake, body mass index, waist circumference, or diet related biomedical risk factors for individuals located in rural or remote areas of Australia.

Conclusion

Dietary interventions in rural Australia are under‐studied, especially among the adolescent population. This is despite the high level of preventable diet‐related disease burden in rural and remote Australia. Existing evidence shows promise in improving dietary intakes, but further, large scale intervention research, with the involvement of dietitians, is urgently needed to improve the health of rural communities.
Comparison of rheological behavior, microstructure of wheat flour doughs, and cooking performance of noodles prepared by different mixers
Authors: Yang Yuling , Guan Erqi , Zhang Tingjing , Li Mengmeng , Bian Ke
Published: March 2020

Large deformation characteristics in biaxial tensile and stress relaxation, and small deformation properties in frequency sweeping and microstructure of dough produced by three kinds of mixers were assessed in this study. Differences in noodle quality were also compared. Results indicated that dough made by vacuum or spiral mixer had good resistance to external force and good resilience. But the dough and noodles made by vacuum mixer showed the best tensile and cooking properties respectively, and had overall the best performance. Confocal microscopy revealed that the protein matrix of the three doughs formed along the direction of shear flow, whereas the starch granules of dough made by the vacuum mixer were tightly wrapped in gluten, resulting in a compact and sequential gluten network. Other samples showed signs of minor structural damage (pin mixer) or the presence of holes (spiral mixer). Assessment using Pearson correlation analysis identified a number of significant correlation coefficients between the dough rheological characteristics and noodle quality. Characterization of biaxial tensile and stress relaxation was advantageous for noodle assessment prediction. The index of flow and degree of deformation were negatively correlated with tensile properties. Frequency scanning is superior in predicting cooking and stretching characteristics of noodles.

Practical Application

The research provides technical guidance for obtaining better dough in noodle processing.
Performance of the melting seawater‐ice elution method on the metabarcoding characterization of benthic protist communities
Authors: Reñé Albert , Auladell Adrià , Reboul Guillaume , Moreira David , López‐García Purificación
Published: March 2020

Massive amplicon sequencing approaches to characterize the diversity of microbial eukaryotes in sediments are scarce and controls about the effects introduced by different methods to recover DNA are lacking. In this study, we compare the performance of the melting seawater‐ice elution method on the characterization of benthic protist communities by 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding with results obtained by direct cell lysis and DNA purification from sediments. Even though the most abundant operational taxonomic units were recovered by both methods, eluted samples yielded higher richness than samples undergoing direct lysis. Both treatments allowed recovering the same taxonomic groups, although we observed significant differences in terms of relative abundance for some of them. Dinoflagellata and Ciliophora strongly dominated the community in eluted samples (> 80% reads). In directly lysed samples, they only represented 37%, while groups like Fungi and Ochrophytes were highly represented (> 20% reads respectively). Our results show that the elution process yields a higher protist richness estimation, most likely as a result of the higher sample volume used to recover organisms as compared to commonly used volumes for direct benthic DNA purification. Motile groups, like dinoflagellates and ciliates, are logically more enriched during the elution process.
Reduced caloric intake and periodic fasting independently contribute to metabolic effects of caloric restriction
Authors: Velingkaar Nikkhil , Mezhnina Volha , Poe Allan , Makwana Kuldeep , Tulsian Richa , Kondratov Roman V.
Published: March 2020

Caloric restriction (CR) has positive effects on health and longevity. CR in mammals implements time‐restricted (TR) feeding, a short period of feeding followed by prolonged fasting. Periodic fasting, in the form of TR or mealtime, improves metabolism without reduction in caloric intake. In order to understand the relative contribution of reduced food intake and periodic fasting to the health benefits of CR, we compared physiological and metabolic changes induced by CR and TR (without reduced food intake) in mice. CR significantly reduced blood glucose and insulin around the clock, improved glucose tolerance, and increased insulin sensitivity (IS). TR reduced blood insulin and increased insulin sensitivity, but in contrast to CR, TR did not improve glucose homeostasis. Liver expression of circadian clock genes was affected by both diets while the mRNA expression of glucose metabolism genes was significantly induced by CR, and not by TR, which is in agreement with the minor effect of TR on glucose metabolism. Thus, periodic fasting contributes to some metabolic benefits of CR, but TR is metabolically different from CR. This difference might contribute to differential effects of CR and TR on longevity.
When and what time? On the seasonal and daily patterns of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Atlantic Forest remnant from Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Emili B , Favretto Mario A , Müller Gerson A
Published: March 2020

Surveys to discover the habitats of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) are useful for understanding their distribution, seasonality activity patterns, ecological interactions and the risk they pose for disease transmission. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a 1 year survey of mosquito species and analysed the seasonality and daily rhythms of four species found in a forest fragment from Southern Brazil. Collections were performed during the morning, afternoon, and evening, from October 2012 to September 2013. The most abundant species were Psorophora ferox, Aedes crinifer and Coquillettidia venezuelensis. Ae. crinifer was collected during all seasons, exhibiting diurnal and nocturnal activity in all seasons, except summer. Cq. venezuelensis was collected only in spring and summer and was primarily nocturnal. Haemagogus leucocelaenus, which transmits the Yellow Fever virus, was collected in spring, summer, and autumn; this species was primarily diurnal and was more active in the afternoon. Ps. ferox was collected in spring, summer and autumn and was primarily diurnal. Despite the low abundance of mosquito species at our study site, we consider that the knowledge about Culicidae fauna was improved, mainly regarding their biology. We provide new data about mosquito species in a specific area in Southern Brazil, which was once known to record deaths of non‐human primates, a phenomenon that may be directly related to the presence of wild yellow fever vector mosquitoes.
Front Cover
Authors: Pascual‐Alonso Ainhoa , Blasco Laura , Vidal Silvia , Gean Esther , Rubio Patricia , O'Callaghan Mar , Martínez‐Monseny Antonio F. , Castells Alba Aina , Xiol Clara , Català Vicenç , Brandi Nuria , Pacheco Paola , Ros Carlota , del Campo Miguel , Guillén Encarna , Ibañez Salva , Sánchez María J. , Lapunzina Pablo , Nevado Julián , Santos Fernando , Lloveras Elisabet , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan D. , Tejada María I. , Maortua Hiart , Martínez Francisco , Orellana Carmen , Roselló Mónica , Mesas María A. , Obón María , Plaja Alberto , Fernández‐Ramos Joaquín A. , Tizzano Eduardo , Marín Rosario , Peña‐Segura José L. , Alcántara Soledad , Armstrong Judith
Published: March 2020

The cover image is based on the Original Article Molecular characterisation of Spanish patients with MECP2 duplication syndrome by Ainhoa Pascual‐Alonso et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13718.

image
Property and ‘publicness’: bishops and lay‐founded churches in post‐Roman Hispania
Authors: Addison David
Published: March 2020

Accounts of how the church fits into broader narratives of socio‐economic change have been confused by two different issues: an unsystematic application of the terms ‘public’ and ‘private’ to various phenomena, and a separate tendency to elide the ‘public’ with the state. Visigothic thought on lay‐founded churches shows that the legal regime around ecclesiastical properties did not aim at simply enhancing episcopal power. Laypeople had important responsibilities and powers, especially in resisting bishops’ capacities for ‘private’ appropriation of donated property. There existed a sense of communal concern for church property, which was thought of as ‘public’ without reference to the state.
A marriage, a battle, an honour: the career of Boniface of the Hucpoldings during Rudolf II's Italian reign, 924–26
Authors: Manarini Edoardo
Published: March 2020

This article investigates the events of Rudolf II's military campaign in Italy (922) and considers the political ramification of this, both immediately thereafter and subsequently during the rule of Rudolf. Particular attention is paid to the career of Boniface of the Hucpoldings: an Italian aristocrat who attained prominence thanks to his close relationship with Rudolf. The Hucpoldings belonged to the aristocratic elite of the Carolingian empire, came to Italy under Lothar I (c.847) and tried to settle there. Until now, scholars have underestimated their role in the wider context of the early medieval Italian kingdom. This study will stress how Boniface's career was a turning point in the lineage's development, and how his political achievements were essential for his kinship's further hegemony.
Effect of agricultural land‐use change on the structure of a temperate forest ant–plant interaction network
Authors: Lara Carlos , Martinez‐Bolaños Emilia , López‐Vázquez Karla , Díaz‐Castelazo Cecilia , Castillo‐Guevara Citlalli , Cuautle Mariana
Published: March 2020

Studies on the responses of ant–plant interactions to land‐use change have mainly focused on tropical habitats, usually without considering the impacts on the structure of interaction networks. Here we show that land‐use modifies the structure of the ant–plant interaction networks in a temperate habitat. Ant–plant interactions and plant diversity were recorded in an oak forest and agricultural land in central Mexico. We registered five ant species in the oak forest, and four ant species in the agricultural land. Plant diversity was higher in the agricultural land than in the oak forest. In the ant–plant networks of both sites, our results showed a higher dependence of ants on the plants on which they feed than vice versa, and the ants Formica spp. and the plants Barkleyanthus salicifolius were the species with the most strength and greatest influence in the network structure. The ant–plant network in the oak forest showed a nested structure. However, the network at the agricultural land site showed non‐nestedness; the identity of both ants and plants with the highest values of specialization was different and the number of ant species in the network was decreased, but the number of plant species with which they interacted significantly increased. Both ant–plant networks were equally tolerant to simulated extinction of individual species. We conclude that temperate forest ant–plant networks can be inherently fragile and susceptible to the effects of agricultural land‐use change, not on the number of interacting species but on their identity.
Global networks on the way up and the way down: lessons from the rise and fall of the Seychelles as an offshore financial centre
Authors: Robertson Justin
Published: March 2020

Over the last two decades, the Seychelles quietly rose into the top echelon of the global offshore industry and then it experienced a sharp decline. Two different global networks contributed to this outcome. A global advisory network welcomed the Seychelles into its fold before a global banking network that controls access to US dollar transactions constricted its ties with the country. The larger significance is threefold. First, attention must be paid to global networks as both facilitating neoliberal globalization and as partially recoiling from it. Second, networks oriented around US dollar clearing banks and offshore advisers should be studied closely given the power that comes from their gatekeeper roles. Third, a development strategy founded on offshore business can run aground when faced with tightening global networks and a wavering domestic commitment. The result of these developments is a two‐track offshore economy with a downward path in some jurisdictions but greater continuity in other parts of the offshore system.
Do patients with von Willebrand disease exhibit higher blood loss and revision rates in hip and knee arthroplasty? A case‐control study
Authors: Kocaoğlu Hakan , Hennes Fabian , Abdelaziz Hussein , Sandiford Nemandra A. , Gehrke Thorsten , Citak Mustafa
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of the study was to compare the perioperative blood loss, need for transfusion and one‐year revision rates in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty who also have a diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) with a matched control group.

Methods

A retrospective single‐centre case‐control study was conducted. Fifty‐eight patients with VWD and 116 controls (1:2 match) who were operated for primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty at our hospital were included. Blood loss, haemoglobin (Hb)‐drop, need for blood transfusion, intraoperative complications and revision rates within one year were noted in all cases. Outcome measures for subgroups of the primary hip, primary knee, revision hip and revision knee procedures, were also analysed.

Results

The mean perioperative Hb‐drop was 3.47 (±1.27) g/dL and blood loss was 293 (±97) ml for the VWD group while Hb‐drop was 2.85 (±1.21) g/dL and blood loss was 232 (±105) mL for the control group (P < .001). There were no significant increased transfusion rates (P = .264) and revision rates in the VWD group (P = .634). Patients having primary hip surgery had significantly higher Hb‐drop (3.68 ± 1.25 g/dL vs 2.62 ± 1.19 g/dL; P = .003), higher blood loss (293 vs 203 mL; P = .002) and increased need for a transfusion (21% vs 2.6%; P = .038) compared to the controls. No outcome measure was found to be significantly different for primary and revision knee surgery.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that patients with VWD undergoing primary or revision total hip and knee arthroplasty have higher levels of blood loss than the control cohort. Perioperative protective measures including meticulous surgical techniques should be considered.
The communication skills and quality perceived in an emergency department: The patient's perspective
Authors: Orcajada Muñoz Irene , Amo Setien Francisco José , Díaz Agea José Luís , Hernández Ruipérez Tomás , Adánez Martínez María de Gracia , Leal Costa César
Published: March 2020

Aim

To examine the influence of health care provider's communication skills on the quality of care perceived by Emergency Department patients.

Background

Communication between patients and health care providers in the context of Emergency Department is challenging and can potentially have a negative impact on the quality of care perceived by patients.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted in the Emergency Department at the University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca of Murcia, Spain.

Method

Data were collected from 6 to 9 June 2016. Different instruments were used to evaluate the perception of patients on the communication skills and quality of care at the Emergency Department.

Results

The sample was composed of 200 patients, with an average age of 44.1 (SD = 18.3), of which 106 (53%) were men. The multiple linear regression analysis showed the association between communication skills (respect, problem solving, and nonverbal communication) and age with the quality of care perceived by the patients.

Conclusions

We found that the communication skills of the health care providers were explanatory variables of the quality of care perceived in an Emergency Department.
Leydig‐like cells derived from reprogrammed human foreskin fibroblasts by CRISPR/dCas9 increase the level of serum testosterone in castrated male rats
Authors: Huang Hua , Zhong Liang , Zhou Jin , Hou Yanping , Zhang Zhiyuan , Xing Xiaoyu , Sun Jie
Published: March 2020

In the past few years, Leydig cell (LC) transplantation has been regarded as an effective strategy for providing physiological patterns of testosterone in vivo. Recently, we have successfully converted human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) into functional Leydig‐like cells (iLCs) in vitro by using the CRISPR/dCas9 system, which shows promising potential for seed cells. However, it is not known whether the reprogrammed iLCs can survive or restore serum testosterone levels in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate whether reprogrammed iLCs can restore the serum testosterone levels of castrated rats when they are transplanted into the fibrous capsule. We first developed the castrated Sprague Dawley rat model through bilateral orchiectomy and subsequently injected extracellular matrix gel containing transplanted cells into the fibrous capsule of castrated rats. Finally, we evaluated dynamic serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in castrated rats, the survival of implanted iLCs, and the expression levels of Leydig steroidogenic enzymes by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that implanted iLCs could partially restore the serum testosterone level of castrated rats, weakly mimic the role of adult Leydig cells in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis for a short period, and survive and secrete testosterone, through 6 weeks after transplantation. Therefore, this study may be valuable for treating male hypogonadism in the future.