bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationally educated nurses’ competency assessment and registration outcomes
Authors: Nordstrom Pamela M. , Kwan Jennifer A. , Wang Mengzhe , Qiu Zhenguo (Winston) , Cummings Greta G. , Giblin Cathy
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine relationships between internationally educated nurses’ (IENs’) performance in a registered nurse competency assessment process and the outcomes of their nursing registration applications. Assessments of nursing practice competencies, IEN applicant characteristics and registration outcomes were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a secondary statistical analysis of a subset of IEN application data from a previous study in combination with assessment data from an additional database. Application data between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed using univariate/bivariate analyses and regression models to explore the relationship of performance in the assessment process and outcomes of the registration process.

Findings

Competency categories IEN applicants had difficulties with (from least to most) were Professional Responsibility and Accountability, Ethical Practice, Self-Regulation, Service to the Public, Knowledge-Based Practice: Specialized Body of Knowledge and Knowledge-Based Practice: Competent Application of Knowledge. IENs educated in the UK and USA had the highest scores and odds of meeting competencies. Applicants educated in India and Asia had lower scores and odds ratios. All national entry-to-practice examination and registration eligibility competencies were significantly related to registration outcomes. Applicants passing the exam had higher competency scores while applicants ineligible for registration had lower competency scores.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include integrity of data extracted from active databases, IEN motivation to complete the RN registration process and conversion of assessment scales for research analysis.

Originality/value

Results inform regulation policies that improve IEN registration processes and may be informative to regulators, assessment centers, educational institutions and IENs.
Armed Conflict and Food Security in West Africa: Socioeconomic Perspective
Authors: Ujunwa Augustine , Okoyeuzu Chinwe , Kalu Ebere Ume
Published: August 2018

Purpose

West Africa represents a very good case of a sub-region currently plagued with the problem of food insecurity. Traditional theories have attributed the increasing food insecurity in the region to problems of poor governance, corruption and climate change. In view of the persistent and increasing nature of armed conflict in the sub-region, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of increasing armed conflict on food security in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized the dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) to investigate the effect of conflict intensity on food security in the 14 member states of the ECOWAS using annualized panel data from 2005 to 2015.

Findings

The findings reveal that armed conflict is a significant predictor of food security in West Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study bring to fore, the urgent need to rethink global initiative for combating food insecurity. The effort must also identify the causes of armed conflicts and design sound strategies for de-escalating the armed conflicts. Resolving the escalating armed conflict entails developing a conflict resolution framework that is extremely sensitive to the causes of conflict in Africa and adopting localized ex ante institutional diagnostics that would help in understanding the nature of the conflicts.

Originality/value

Traditional theory perceives climate change, social injustices, property right, food insecurity, religious extremism and bad governance as the predictors of armed conflicts. In this study, the authors departed from the traditional theory by demonstrating that the nature and trend of armed conflict could also pose a serious threat to food security.
Effect of two-phase flow on transmission torque of oil film at high rotational speeds
Authors: Xie Fangwei , Zheng Xudong , Tong Yaowen , Zhang Bing , Guo Xinjian , Wang Dengshuai , Wang Yun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the working characteristics of hydro-viscous clutch at high rotational speeds and obtain the trend of flow field variation of oil film.

Design/methodology/approach

The FLUENT simulation model of the oil film between the friction disks is built. The effect of variation of working parameters such as input rotational speed, oil flow rate and film thickness on two-phase flow regime and transmission torque is studied by using the volume of fluid model.

Findings

The results show that the higher the rotational speed, the severer the cavitation is. In addition, the two-phase flow region makes the coverage of oil film over the friction pairs’ surface reduce, which results in a decrease in transmission torque for the hydro-viscous clutch.

Originality/value

These simulation results are of interest for the study of hydro-viscous drive and its applications. This study can also provide a theoretical basis for power transmission mechanism of oil film by considering the existence of a two-phase flow regime consisting of oil and air.
How do knowledge spillover and access in supply chain network enhance SMEs’ credit quality?
Authors: Song Hua , Lu Qiang , Yu Kangkang , Qian Cheng
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how knowledge spillover and access in a supply chain network enhance the credit quality in supply chain finance (SCF) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on network theory and a knowledge-based view (KBV) of SCF, this paper proposes a theoretical model and tests it using survey data from a sample of 248 SMEs in China.

Findings

The main finding is that both strong ties and dense ties within a supply chain network have positive effects on SMEs’ credit quality, and these effects are mediated by knowledge spillover and knowledge access. Interestingly, knowledge spillover is found to have a positive effect on knowledge access.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to investigate the relationship between supply chain network and supply chain financing from a KBV. The proposed model captures the complexity in the interaction among different attributes of supply chain networks (i.e. strong ties and dense ties), different aspects of knowledge transfer (i.e. knowledge spillover and knowledge access) and SMEs’ credit quality in SCF. The results not only show the importance of SMEs’ supply chain networks to SMEs’ credit quality but also contribute to the understanding of the KBV in SCF.
Challenges to and opportunities for establishing a qualitative approach to Built Environment research in higher education institutions
Authors: Umeokafor Nnedinma , Windapo Abimbola
Published: August 2018

Purpose

There are serious implications for adopting inappropriate research strategies and methods, and this is evident in the Built Environment (BE) given the under adoption of qualitative strategies in some countries. Therefore, based on empirical evidence from Nigeria, the purpose of this study is to examine the challenges to and opportunities for establishing Qualitative Approach (QA) to BE research in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to develop an improvement framework for QA.

Design/methodology/approach

Academics and research students in the BE research of Nigerian HEIs were interviewed and the data analysed thematically. Based on the findings, including recommendations from the respondents, a framework for improving the use of QA in BE research was developed and academics evaluated it for workability.

Findings

This study reveals that the challenges to QA in BE research include information constraints, socio-cultural issues and the negative attitudes of senior academics to QA. The opportunities include the realisation for a paradigm shift, the characteristics of the socio-cultural context and features of BE and the general potentials of QA. The proposed framework encompasses encouraging and providing a platform for international collaboration between academics in developing and developed countries, and preferential treatment for QA. It also enables regulatory and incentive mechanisms, which will act as drivers.

Practical implications

This study provides stakeholders in academia with knowledge and a detailed guideline for establishing QA to research in the BE.

Originality/value

This study provides a country context-based detailed guide for establishing QA in HEIs BE research towards ensuring that research strategies adopted in BE research are fit for purpose, in turn are aligned to addressing problems in the society. There is little or no study of this nature in BE.
Macroeconomic drivers of London house prices
Authors: Sivitanides Petros Stavrou
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to validate and quantify the effect of key macroeconomic drivers on London house prices using annual data over the period 1983–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

Within this context, the authors estimate alternative error-correction and partial-adjustment models (PAMs), which have been widely used in the empirical literature in modelling the slow adjustments of house prices to demand and supply shocks.

Findings

The results verify the existence of a strong long-term relationship between London house prices and key macroeconomic variables, such as UK GDP, London population and housing completions. A key finding of the study relevant to the debate on the causes of the housing affordability crisis is that the results provide little evidence in support of the argument that user demand, which is captured in the author’s model by Greater London population, may have had a diminished role in driving house price inflation in London.

Practical implications

The practical and policy implications of the results are that increased homebuilding activity in London will undoubtedly help limit house price increases. Also, any potential reduction of immigration and economic growth due to Brexit will also have a similar effect.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the use of annual data that may better capture the long-term effect of macroeconomic drivers on house prices and the estimation of such effects through both error-correction and partial-adjustment models.
Assigning Eurozone sovereign credit ratings using CDS spreads
Authors: van de Ven Rick , Dabadghao Shaunak , Chockalingam Arun
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The credit ratings issued by the Big 3 ratings agencies are inaccurate and slow to respond to market changes. This paper aims to develop a rigorous, transparent and robust credit assessment and rating scheme for sovereigns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a regression-based model using credit default swap (CDS) data, and data on financial and macroeconomic variables to estimate sovereign CDS spreads. Using these spreads, the default probabilities of sovereigns can be estimated. The new ratings scheme is then used in conjunction with these default probabilities to assign credit ratings to sovereigns.

Findings

The developed model accurately estimates CDS spreads (based on RMSE values). Credit ratings issued retrospectively using the new scheme reflect reality better.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reveals that both macroeconomic and financial factors affect both systemic and idiosyncratic risks for sovereigns.

Practical implications

The developed credit assessment and ratings scheme can be used to evaluate the creditworthiness of sovereigns and subsequently assign robust credit ratings.

Social implications

The transparency and rigor of the new scheme will result in better and trustworthy indications of a sovereign’s financial health. Investors and monetary authorities can make better informed decisions. The episodes that occurred during the debt crisis could be avoided.

Originality/value

This paper uses both financial and macroeconomic data to estimate CDS spreads and demonstrates that both financial and macroeconomic factors affect sovereign systemic and idiosyncratic risk. The proposed credit assessment and ratings schemes could supplement or potentially replace the credit ratings issued by the Big 3 ratings agencies.
From refugee to programmer? A framework for a collaborative coding program for higher education institutions
Authors: Wolf Daniela , Ebner Martin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the lessons learned in teaching programming skills to refugees during a time when circumstances were changing quickly and constantly and the needs of the target group were not well known.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of refugees poses serious challenges for the hosting society’s education system. A large number of refugees can put a strain on all kinds of public resources, and difficulties with differences in languages, previous curricula, falling behind due to having to spend time outside of education, and psychological traumas have to be expected. In response to the refugee crisis and in order to manage mass migration, the adaptive nature and rapid development of civic approaches can contribute to overcoming some of these challenges. To evaluate the impact of civic approaches, the authors have paid attention to refugees{code} an Austrian coding school for refugees which was developed by the civic community and which shows great potential in terms of providing rapid, innovative and adaptive kinds of educational support for refugees, as well as helping to combat the lack of programmers in the Austrian job market.

Findings

As the great potential that initiatives like refugees{code} have for education, there are also substantial challenges. As we learned from the first course, course completion rates were very low. Therefore, it is important to build an infrastructure and a learning environment around the course. This learning environment includes providing mentoring and support, creating spaces where participants can learn. It was also found that having a pedagogically trained staff who is sufficient in the English language, too, is necessary to cater to a heterogeneous group. Also varying teaching strategies according to the needs and skills of the learner is necessary. One of the issues that confronts projects like refugees{code} is also receiving legal status. The collaboration with universities and colleges can be greatly helpful because they are already familiar with the structure of public authorities as well as with heterogeneous groups. Initiatives like refugees{code} are agile and flexible and know how to take advantage of that. The authors conclude that bringing successful education to heterogeneous and culturally different groups is multi-faceted. It is not something any individual organization or project can do; it can only be the result of a system of different actors working together with traditional educational institutions.

Originality/value

This research study reports on two courses of programming for refugees and seeks to offer practical advice for further research and for the implementation of such courses into the educational system. Therefore a framework is proposed which should be taken into account in case of doing similar work.
Why is self-service technology (SST) unpopular? Extending the IS success model
Authors: Lian Jiunn-Woei
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Self-service technology (SST) has become popular in many areas, but consumers from many countries still prefer human-provided services. Why is this so? The purpose of this paper is to understand the possible reasons by integrating two perspectives: personal characteristics marketing and the information systems success model (IS success model).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose an integrated model and conduct an empirical questionnaire survey which generates a total of 345 valid responses.

Findings

The authors find that personal technology anxiety and the need for interpersonal interaction are critical factors that affect SST usage continuance intention. Furthermore, personal technology anxiety affects the consumer’s perception of the quality of both the information and the SST system itself, which determines the level of satisfaction and the intention to continue to use the system. Second, the IS success model perspective reveals that the following factors determine the level of perceived satisfaction with SST: information quality, system quality, enjoyment and design. However, only information quality and system quality affect the intention to continue SST usage. The authors also find that satisfaction and the need for interpersonal interaction also determine the SST usage continuance intention.

Originality/value

The IS success model is found to be helpful in understanding the underlying reasons for this. To aid in the development of successful future SSTs, these findings can be referenced by countries in which SST is not so popular. Our proposed model further enhances the theoretical development of the IS success model.
Characterization of three strains of Capnocytophaga canis isolated from patients with sepsis
Authors: Suzuki Michio , Imaoka Koichi , Haga Yumi , Mohri Masahiro , Nogami Ayako , Shimojima Yoshio , Irie Yoshimi , Sugimura Satoru , Morikawa Shigeru
Published: August 2018

Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Capnocytophaga cynodegmi, both commensal bacteria in the oral cavities of dogs and cats, are zoonotic pathogens. In particular, C. canimorsus causes sepsis and fatal septic shock. Recently, a novel Capnocytophaga species, C. canis, was isolated from the oral cavities of healthy dogs. It is reportedly oxidase‐negative and therefore considered avirulent in humans. In the present study, three strains of C. canis were isolated from Japanese patients with sepsis. All three strains, HP20001, HP33001 and HP40001, were oxidase‐positive. Nucleotide sequence identities of the 16S rRNA gene of the three strains to the C. canimorsus type strain ATCC35979, C. cynodegmi type strain ATCC49044 and C. canis type strain LMG29146 were 96.9–97.0%, 96.9–97.0% and 99.7–99.8%, respectively. Multi‐locus sequence analysis based on seven house‐keeping genes, dnaJ, fumC, glyA, gyrB, murG, trpB and tuf, revealed that the oxidase‐positive C. canis strains isolated in Japan and oxidase‐negative strains of C. canis from canine oral cavities in Switzerland were clustered in different genetic subgroups. These results indicate that the virulence of C. canis strains in humans is associated with oxidase activity.
The relative abundance of alkane‐degrading bacteria oscillated similarly to a sinusoidal curve in an artificial ecosystem model from oil‐well products
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Gao Peike , Zhi Bo , Fu Bing , Gao Ge , Chen Zhaohui , Gao Mengli , Wu Mengmeng , Ma Ting
Published: August 2018

Microbial phylogenetic diversity and species interactions in natural ecosystems have been investigated extensively, but our knowledge about their ecological roles, community dynamics and succession patterns is far from complete. This knowledge is essential to understand the complicated interactions of microorganisms in natural ecosystems. Here, an artificial ecosystem model of microorganisms was constructed from oil‐well products and cultivated in a chemostat to investigate the succession pattern of alkane‐degrading bacteria, a functional population in oil reservoirs. Their abundance was quantified by an improved qPCR technique. Our results showed that the phylogenetic structure of this artificial ecosystem model is stable during most of the chemostat cultivation process, while the genotype structure of alkane‐degrading bacteria containing alkB genes shifted and their relative abundance oscillated similarly to a sinusoidal curve, like the succession pattern of producers in the Lotka–Volterra model. These results suggest that some theoretical frameworks of macroecology may work well in microbial ecosystems and be an efficient tool to understand them.
Sharp water column stratification with an extremely dense microbial population in a small meromictic lake, Trekhtzvetnoe
Authors: Savvichev Alexander S. , Babenko Vladislav V. , Lunina Olga N. , Letarova Maria A. , Boldyreva Daria I. , Veslopolova Elena F. , Demidenko Nikolay A. , Kokryatskaya Natalia M. , Krasnova Elena D. , Gaisin Vasil A. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Gorlenko Vladimir M. , Letarov Andrey V.
Published: August 2018

Located on the shore of Kandalaksha Bay (the White Sea, Russia) and previously separated from it, Trekhtzvetnoe Lake (average depth 3.5 m) is one of the shallowest meromictic lakes known. Despite its shallowness, it features completely developed water column stratification with high‐density microbial chemocline community (bacterial plate) and high rates of major biogeochemical processes. A sharp halocline stabilizes the stratification. Chlorobium phaeovibrioides dominated the bacterial plate, which reached a density of 2 × 108 cell ml−1 and almost completely intercepts H2S diffusion from the anoxic monimolimnion. The resulting anoxygenic photosynthesis rate reached 240 μmol C l−1 day−1, exceeding the oxygenic photosynthesis rate in the mixolimnion. The rates of other processes are also high, reaching 4.5 μmol CH4 l−1 day−1 for methane oxidation and 35 μmol S l−1 day−1 for sulfate reduction. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated that the Chl. phaeovibrioides population in the bacterial plate layer had nearly clonal homogeneity, although some fraction of these cells harbour a plasmid. The Chlorobium population was associated with bacteriophages that share homology with CRISPR spacers in the host. These features make the ecosystem of the Trekhtzvetnoe Lake a valuable model for studying regulation and evolution processes in natural high‐density microbial systems.
Development of an efficient stabiliser mixture for physical stability of nonfat unfizzy doogh
Authors: Khanniri Elham , Yousefi Mojtaba , Khorshidian Nasim , Sohrabvandi Sara , Mortazavian Amir M
Published: August 2018

The effects of locust bean, carboxymethyl cellulose, a mixture of locust bean and carboxymethyl cellulose and Persian gum on different properties of nonfat doogh were studied over a period of 28 days. The results showed that samples containing a mixture of locust bean and carboxymethyl cellulose had the highest stability. Furthermore, the rheological behaviour of the doogh changed from Newtonian to pseudoplastic. Better sensory acceptability was shown for the treatments containing a mixture of locust bean gum and carboxymethyl cellulose. In general, it was shown that a mixture of locust bean and carboxymethyl cellulose could be of practical use in the industrial production of nonfat doogh.
PCAOB Inspections: Public Accounting Firms on “Trial”
Authors: Westermann Kimberly D. , Cohen Jeffrey , Trompeter Greg
Published: August 2018

The objective of our article is to obtain a better understanding of how auditors anticipate the potential for PCAOB inspection, experience the inspection, cope with the consequences of the inspection, and understand the PCAOB's influence within the context of professionalism. We use a qualitative approach that uses both surveys (55) and interviews (20) of auditors (of varying rank and firm) across a five‐year period (2012–2017). Respondents suggest that PCAOB inspectors are powerful, representing the “prosecution,” “judge,” and “jury” of the auditing profession. We therefore use a structural metaphor of the PCAOB inspection as a judicial “trial.” By controlling the criteria used to evaluate performance, inspectors have the power to repeatedly “subpoena,” “interrogate,” and return a “verdict” on the firm (auditor); those judged as “guilty” require supervised “probation.” This process is perceived as having improved audit quality but at a cost. Passing an inspection is so important that auditors (firms) have resorted to impression management strategies and “functionally stupid” work practices (e.g., excessive documentation, a decrease in critical thinking as a result of a “box ticking” approach to auditing). Furthermore, some respondents believe that being a good auditor has come at the expense of being a good accountant; the emphasis on audit process and concurrent de‐emphasis on technical accounting could ultimately lead to audits themselves falling short. In addition, it is evident that inspectors and auditors differ in their perceptions of risk, likely manifesting because inspectors are standards‐focused while auditors (firms) are methodology‐focused. Finally, the inspection process has created excessive stress and tension, beyond budget and fee pressures, which some auditors perceive as affecting the pool of talented auditors that firms may be able to attract and retain in the future.
The Political Influence of Voters’ Interests on SEC Enforcement
Authors: Heese Jonas
Published: August 2018

I examine whether political influence as a response to voters’ interest in employment levels is reflected in the enforcement actions of the SEC. I find that large employers are less likely to experience SEC enforcement actions. Next, I examine whether variations in politicians’ sensitivity to employment levels result in variations in enforcement against large employers. I find that large employers are less likely to face enforcement actions during presidential elections if they are based in politically important states. Large employers also face fewer enforcement actions if they are based in high‐unemployment states during elections of senators who serve on SEC oversight committees. Large employers based in high‐unemployment districts enjoy lower enforcement if their members of Congress serve on SEC oversight committees. The findings suggest that voters’ interests are reflected in SEC enforcement.
Don't ask apple trees to give pears
Authors: Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: August 2018

Commentary to: What defines a clinically meaningful outcome in the treatment of substance use disorders: reductions in direct consequences of drug use or improvement in overall functioning?
Phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of phagocytic cells in peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows with clinical endometritis before and after intrauterine use of cephapirin and methisoprinol
Authors: Brodzki Piotr , Lisiecka Urszula , Brodzki Adam , Pyz‐Łukasik Renata , Krakowski Leszek
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytic cells in blood and uterine flush of cows with endometritis before and after intrauterine (i.u.) administration of cephapirin and methisoprinol. The research was carried out on 28 cows with clinical endometritis. Animals were divided into four groups, each composed of seven cows, depending on the i.u. treatment used: Group A—cephapirin; Group B—methisoprinol; Group C—cephapirin and methisoprinol at the same time; and a control group—without medication. Using flow cytometry technique, the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes was identified, as well as the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in the peripheral blood and uterine washings. Summarizing the results of the research, i.u. infusion of cephapirin caused a reduction in the phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes. The i.u. use of methisoprinol increased phagocytic and killing activity of phagocytes in the uterus. Administering both listed substances simultaneously showed a decrease in phagocytosis, presumably due to the dominating inhibitor effect of the antibiotic. However, also an increase of mean fluorescence intensity was observed, presumably caused by the methisoprinol. Intrauterine use of immunostimulatory substances, can improve the effectiveness of the treatment of endometritis in cows.
Detailing the digital experience: Parent reports of children's media use in the home learning environment
Authors: Huber Brittany , Highfield Kate , Kaufman Jordy
Published: August 2018

Screen media occupy an increasing role in young children's play and learning environments. This paper advances the current discussion of the changing digital lives of children, with new insights of media use in the homes of Australian families (N = 406). Parents reported their child's technology ownership, engagement with traditional and new media, joint media engagement, as well as children's preferences and quantity of media use. From 2014 to 2017, cross‐sectional data were collected via media use questionnaire from families with a child 8 years of age or younger. Of all the media activities, children most frequently participated in reading (paper‐based or eBooks) and watching television. Children's touchscreen use indicated a variety of choices from the “digital toy box,” referring to the numerous apps available and their potential to serve as a medium for play. This data can inform policy and practice of researchers, educators and family engagement specialists and optimize early learning potential prior to formal schooling.
The application of biosurfactants for scouring wool
Authors: Leighs Samuel J. , McNeil Steven J. , Ranford Steve L.
Published: August 2018

The first investigation of the use of biosurfactants for the scouring of raw wool is reported. A saponin, and a recently developed surface active oat extract, were evaluated at the laboratory scale using a first‐to‐be‐reported benchtop scouring system with simulated flowback. The levels of contaminants remaining on the wool after bioscouring, along with the wool colour, were compared with those of wool that had been laboratory‐scoured with a surfactant used in the commercial scouring of raw wool, namely a synthetic nine molar poly(oxyethylene)nonylphenyl (NPEO). Both biosurfactants can be extracted from land‐based renewable crops. The saponin proved to be effective, producing low levels of residual contaminants on the wool, and colours that were not statistically different to those of wool scoured withNPEO. The oat extract was considerably less effective than the saponin, both in terms of colour and residual contaminant level. This study demonstrated the significant potential of biosurfactants in the scouring of the global greasy wool clip, which now comprises two billion kg per annum.
Lost and Found: Personal Reflections on Educational Earnestness and the Power of Love
Authors: Graham Polly
Published: August 2018

In this essay, Polly Graham addresses a current instantiation of what might be called self‐loss within education in the United States. Graham observes that, in her experience, many students and educators, whether decidedly or without reflection, conform to superficial schooling practices that circumscribe the possibility of receiving affirmations for the sense of self we implicitly know to be authentic. Through narrative, she puts forward the possibility of “educational love” as a counter to the fundamental insecurity associated with habits of acting in conformance with superficial, alienated, school‐determined identity criteria. The question of “repetition” in a Kierkegaardian sense invites the reader to resist the logic of standardization — which assumes and valorizes comparability and reliability from an outsider perspective — in favor of a consideration of generalizability as embedded within the intimacy of a particular relation. As such, educational love is resonance rather than dictation.
Cortical response to levodopa in Parkinson's disease patients with dyskinesias
Authors: Turco Francesco , Canessa Andrea , Olivieri Chiara , Pozzi Nicoló G. , Palmisano Chiara , Arnulfo Gabriele , Marotta Giorgio , Volkmann Jens , Pezzoli Gianni , Isaias Ioannis U.
Published: August 2018

Levodopa‐induced dyskinesias are a common and disabling side effect of dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson's disease, but their neural mechanisms in vivo are still poorly understood. Besides striatal pathology, the importance of cortical dysfunction has been increasingly recognized. The supplementary motor area in particular, may have a relevant role in dyskinesias onset given its involvement in endogenously generated actions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the levodopa‐related cortical excitability changes along with the emergence of levodopa‐induced peak‐of‐dose dyskinesias in subjects with Parkinson's disease. Thirteen patients without dyskinesias and ten with dyskinesias received 200/50 mg fast‐acting oral levodopa/benserazide following overnight withdrawal (12 hr) from their dopaminergic medication. We targeted transcranial magnetic stimulation to the supplementary motor area, ipsilateral to the most dopamine‐depleted striatum defined with single‐photon emission computed tomography with [123I]N‐ω‐fluoropropyl‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane, and recorded transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked potentials with high‐density electroencephalography before and at 30, 60, and 180 min after levodopa/benserazide intake. Clinical improvement from levodopa/benserazide paralleled the increase in cortical excitability in both groups. Subjects with dyskinesias showed higher fluctuation of cortical excitability in comparison to non‐dyskinetic patients, possibly reflecting dyskinetic movements. Together with endogenous brain oscillation, levodopa‐related dynamics of brain state could influence the therapeutic response of neuromodulatory interventions.
L‐DOPA for Parkinson's disease—a bittersweet pill
Authors: Lane Emma L.
Published: August 2018

3,4‐dihydroxy‐L‐phenylalanine (L‐DOPA) is the gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. It has earned that title through its highly effective treatment of some of the motor symptoms in the early stages of the disease but it is a far from perfect drug. The inevitable long‐term treatment that comes with this chronic neurodegenerative condition raises the risk significantly of the development of motor fluctuations including disabling L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. Being unsurpassed as a therapy means that understanding the mechanisms of dyskinesia priming and induction is vital to the search for therapies to treat these side effects and allow optimal use of L‐DOPA. However, L‐DOPA use may also have consequences (positive or negative) for the development of other interventions, such as cell transplantation, which are designed to treat or repair the ailing brain. This review looks at the issues around the use of L‐DOPA with a focus on its potential impact on advanced reparative interventions.
Colonisation, emigration and equilibrium of stream invertebrates in patchy habitats
Authors: Connolly Niall M. , Pearson Richard G.
Published: August 2018

Understanding of the ecology of stream assemblages is enhanced by quantifying colonisation and dispersal rates, but these are difficult to measure at small scales. Using field‐located artificial streams that mirrored natural patches of habitat, we investigated immigration, emigration and stability of invertebrates on leaf‐litter packs over 38 days.

We fitted equilibrium and “drift‐out” models to immigration and emigration data. Overall colonisation by individuals (plateau at ˜Day 12) and taxa (total 50; plateau ˜21 taxa at ˜Day 24) was rapid and curvilinear towards a stable asymptote, suggesting saturation and equilibrium.

Abundant early colonists, mainly several chironomid species, dictated the shape of the colonisation curve, but the patterns varied among species. Thus, the plateaux were due to a successional shift in composition rather than a simple equilibrium.

The equilibrium model fitted total numbers and taxa, and individual taxa that were gradual colonists, but not taxa lacking constant immigration.

High turnover was due mainly to rarer taxa. The assemblage was maintained by drift‐mediated immigration, compensating for individuals lost through emigration, emergence or mortality.

The masking effect of a few taxa and substantial turnover rather than simple accumulation of individuals are important considerations regarding assemblage composition over time. Rapid turnover of individuals provides for rapid colonisation of denuded substrata downstream.
Chemical effects of chewing sticks made of Salvadora persica
Authors: Albabtain Reham , Ibrahim Latifa , Bhangra Sumeet , Rosengren Alexandra , Gustafsson Anders
Published: August 2018

Objective

The chewing sticks are widely used in many regions of Asia and Africa as a traditional tool to maintain oral hygiene. Salvadora persica L. (S. persica), also known as Arak or Miswak, a member of the salvadoraceae family. Chewing sticks, made up from S. persica, have chemical antibacterial properties and mechanical effects. The study aimed to investigate possible chemical effects of S. persica on dental plaque, sub‐gingival microbiota and gingival inflammation. In order to achieve this, we inactivated some sticks through boiling to be used as inactive, but mechanically comparable control sticks.

Methods

In a double‐blinded crossover trial, 24 patients with mild‐to‐moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to use either fresh activated Miswak or inactivated Miswak for 3‐week period. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), visual plaque index (VPI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated before and immediately following the experimental period. Sub‐gingival plaque samples were analysed using DNA‐DNA hybridization technique. The study was repeated with the participants switching the type of Miswak they used after a 7‐week of “washout” period.

Results

There were no significant differences in the microflora after using active and inactive Miswak. Sixteen species of bacteria showed an increase (P < 0.05) after the usage of inactive Miswak, as compared to pretreatment values. No species showed a similar change after the use of active Miswak. There were no significant differences between active and inactive Miswak regarding the registered clinical variables.

Conclusion

This study has not shown any clinical effect of the chemically active Miswak, but there was a tendency towards an effect on the microflora.
Characterization of three new HLA Class I Alleles in Chinese individuals, HLA‐B*46:68,‐B*46:71,‐B*46:72
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Nanying , Dong Lina , He Yanmin , Tao Sudan , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Chen Jiangtian , Zhu Faming
Published: August 2018

Three new HLA class I alleles were described in the Chinese population. HLA‐B*46:68,‐B*46:71,‐B*46:72 alleles differ from HLA‐B*46:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at position 485C>T, 484A>G, 299T>A respectively.
Formation mechanism of a wrinkled and textured Al2O3‐ZrO2 nanoeutectic rapidly solidified from oxy‐acetylene flame remelting
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Gang , Ouyang Jia‐Hu , Ma Yong‐Hui , Wang Yu‐Jin , Liu Zhan‐Guo , Xie Ling‐Yun , Sun De‐Shun , Wang Ya‐Ming
Published: August 2018

A highly wrinkled and textured Al2O3‐ZrO2 nanoeutectic induced by oxy‐acetylene flame remelting was elaborated for the first time from the perspective of morphological evolution and formation mechanism. The rapidly solidified Al2O3‐ZrO2 ceramic exhibits a wrinkled cellular nanoeutectic structure with a minimum interphase spacing of 0.12 μm. The Jackson‐Hunt (JH) eutectic theory is more appropriate to predict the growth of Al2O3‐ZrO2 nanoeutectic induced by oxy‐acetylene flame remelting than the Trivedi‐Magnin‐Kurz (TMK) model. The bulk growth rate of 7.8 μm3/s is close to the theoretically predicted value of 11.0 μm3/s by the JH model. The eutectic growth rates of Al2O3‐ZrO2 with average interphase spacings of 0.12 and 0.3 μm are estimated to be 763.8 and 122.2 μm/s, respectively. Especially, a mesoscopic insight into formation mechanism of the wrinkled and textured eutectic was proposed from a three‐dimensional perspective based on both the crystal growth orientation and the airflow effect.
Suitability of existing commercial single nucleotide polymorphism chips for genomic studies in Bos indicus cattle breeds and their Bos taurus crosses
Authors: Nayee Nilesh , Sahana Goutam , Gajjar Swapnil , Sudhakar Ananthasayanam , Trivedi Kamlesh , Lund Mogens Sandø , Guldbrandtsen Bernt
Published: August 2018

Bos indicus cattle breeds are genetically distinct from Bos taurus breeds. We examined the performance of three SNP arrays, the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip (777k; Illumina Inc.), the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip (50k) and the GeneSeek 70k Indicus chip (75Ki; GeneSeek) in four B. indicus breeds (Gir, Kankrej, Sahiwal and Red Sindhi) and their B. taurus crosses, along with two B. taurus breeds, Holstein and Jersey. More SNPs on both Illumina SNP chips were monomorphic in B. indicus breeds (average 20.3%–29.3% on the 777k chip, 35.5%–45.5% on the 50k chip) than in Holstein (19.7% on the 777k chip, 17.1% on the 50k chip). The proportion of monomorphic SNPs on the 75Ki chip was much lower, 4% (2.8%–7%) in B. indicus breeds, while it was 33.5% in Holstein. With on average 164,357 heterozygous loci in B. indicus breeds, the 777k SNP chip has sufficient heterozygous loci to design a chip customized for B. indicus breeds. Principal component analysis clearly differentiated B. indicus from B. taurus breeds. Differentiation among B. indicus breeds was only achieved by plotting the third and fifth principal components using 777k genotype data. Admixture analysis showed that many B. indicus animals, previously believed to be of pure origin, are in fact had mixed ancestry. The extent of linkage disequilibrium showed comparatively higher effective population sizes in four B. indicus breeds compared to two B. taurus breeds. The results of admixture analyses show that it is important to assess the genomic composition of a bull before using it in a breeding programme.
Childhood adversity, health and quality of life in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Santoro A. F. , Shear S. M. , Haber A.
Published: August 2018

Background

Associations between childhood adversity and negative health outcomes are well documented within the general population; however, this relationship has yet to be confirmed in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Bridging the gap between public health and I/DD research is critical in order to better understand the ways in which the health of people with I/DD are compromised by adversity and social disadvantage and to develop preventative care frameworks and health‐promoting practices specifically for adults with I/DD. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the relationships among adversity, physical health and quality of life in a sample of adults with I/DD.

Method

Participants were adults with I/DD currently residing within campus‐based residences. Demographic data, psychiatric and medical diagnoses, adverse childhood experiences scores and quality of life scores were aggregated from participants' electronic medical records. A health history form was completed for each participant based on a review of participants' medical records.

Results

Results indicated childhood adversity was significantly associated with number of chronic medical conditions (r = .35, P < .001, 95% BCa CI [.13, .53]). Childhood adversity was not significantly related to quality of life. After controlling for demographic variables, childhood adversity remained a significant predictor of health history (B = .32, P < .005, 95% BCa CI [.10, .52]), with greater adversity predicting greater medical illness.

Conclusion

Participants demonstrated higher rates of childhood adversity compared with the general population, suggesting that individuals with I/DD may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing adversity during development. Childhood adversity was a significant predictor of physical illness in adults with I/DD. These findings emphasise the importance of screening for childhood adversity histories in adults with I/DD. Additionally, results demonstrate the importance of offering preventative interventions geared at preventing physical illness and promoting health in adults with I/DD with adversity and trauma backgrounds.
Use of infragluteal folds as a full‐thickness skin graft donor site for construction of the neovagina in cases of Mullerian agenesis
Authors: Özyazgan İrfan , Yontar Yalcin , Aygen Ercan M. , Aydin Ahmet
Published: August 2018

Aim

The aims of this study were to present the results of using infragluteal folds as a skin graft donor site in cases of Mullerian agenesis undergoing full‐thickness skin graft vaginoplasty and to evaluate the outcomes of the surgical technique.

Methods

Demographics and clinical parameters of 24 consecutive Mullerian agenesis patients refusing any dilatational procedure and undergoing neovaginal construction using infragluteal folds skin grafts from May 2004 to July 2015 were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 21.5 ± 5.7 years. Five patients had nonfunctional rudimentary uterus, one patient had unilateral ovarian agenesis, one patient had unilateral renal agenesis, and one had undergone a previous vaginoplasty. There were no serious complications needing surgical or medical intervention. The depth of the neovagina in patients with a follow‐up period of more than 6 months (n = 17) varied from 7 to 12 cm. Of these patients, the sexually active ones (n = 8) did not complain of dyspareunia or vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse. The resulting scars were satisfactory and acceptable for all patients.

Conclusion

It has been our practice to use infragluteal folds as a skin graft donor site for full‐thickness skin graft vaginoplasty. We believe that the results of this study demonstrate that this area is versatile and an excellent alternative to the groins and lower abdomen. Further clinical and histomorphological investigations are necessary for strong statements and results.
Subcrestal Implant Placement and Recontouring Soft Tissue Using the Erbium YAG Laser to Manage Restorative Space in Implant Overdentures
Authors: Massad Joseph , Wicks Russell , Ahuja Swati , Cagna David R.
Published: August 2018

Subcrestal implant placement helps gain vertical restorative space at the location of the implants; however, this leads to the development of a tall mucosal cuff, necessitating the use of tall abutments. This article describes the technique of gaining restorative space by decreasing the height of the mucosal cuff with an Erbium YAG laser.
More Malpighiales: Woods of Achariaceae and/or Salicaceae from the Deccan Intertrappean beds, India
Authors: Srivastava Rashmi , Miller Regis B. , Baas Pieter
Published: August 2018

The families Achariaceae and Salicaceae (Malpighiales) are characterized by wood anatomical ranges that partly overlap. Formerly these families were treated together in the polyphyletic Flacourtiaceae and a much more narrowly circumscribed Salicaceae. Here we attribute two recently collected fossil woods from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds to the clade that contain these two families, i.e., the Parietal Clade of the Malpighiales. The new genus Elioxylon shares features with several extant genera of Achariaceae and Salicaceae, but does not completely match with any of them. A new record of Hydnocarpoxylon indicum Bande & Khatri is a good match for extant Hydnocarpus Gaertn. (Achariaceae). Elioxylon and Hydnocarpoxylon share an absence of parenchyma, the presence of septate fibres and 1–3 seriate heterocellular rays with long uniseriate margins consistent with Achariaceae and Salicaceae. Elioxylon has mixed simple and scalariform perforations, whereas Hydnocarpxylon has exclusively scalariform perforations. Other Deccan fossils formerly attributed to “Flacourtiaceae” in the literature are critically discussed and mostly excluded from Achariaceae and Salicaceae. Elioxylon and Hydnocarpoxylon from the Maastrichtian ‐ Danian of India are the oldest fossil records of the Parietal Clade of the Malpighiales. With their occurrence on the Indian plate during its northward journey from Gondwana to Laurasia, these fossils provide further support for an ‘out‐of‐India’ hypothesis for Achariaceae and/or Salicaceae. “Baileyan trends” in vessel perforation plate and vessel grouping evolution are apparent in the phylogeny of the Parietal Clade.