bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrofit modelling of existing dwellings in the UK: the Salford Energy House case study
Authors: Ji Yingchun , Lee Angela , Swan William
Published: March 2019

Purpose

There is a clear consensus that improving energy efficiency of existing housing stock is necessary to meet the UK’s legally binding carbon emission targets by 2050. The purpose of this paper is to assess the energy saving potentials from building retrofit using an end-terrace house, similar houses represent about 30 per cent of the existing building stock in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The Salford Energy House – a unique pre-1919 Victorian end-terrace house built within an environmental chamber – was used. Retrofit modelling analysis was carried out using IESVE – a dynamic thermal simulation tool. The retrofitted model was also evaluated using future projected climate data (CIBSE latest release) to examine energy demands and overheating.

Findings

Findings show that improving building fabric thermal characteristics can reduce space heating demands substantially. Heating modes, set point preferences and infiltration level all have strong impact on heating demands. Space heating demand savings can be as much as 77 per cent when the property facades were upgraded to the similar requirements of Passivhaus standards. The research implicates that, for dwelling retrofit practices, a whole house holistic approach should be the preferred option to improve energy efficiency. With future climate scenarios where temperatures are potentially elevated, the heating demands can be potentially reduced as much as 27 per cent.

Practical implications

The likelihood of overheating in dwellings after a deep retrofit due to future elevated temperatures becomes apparent. Therefore, mitigation of overheating risk becomes a necessity for future domestic housing stock retrofit planning and policy making.

Originality/value

The research presented in this paper highlights the effectiveness of various retrofit measures individually as well as holistically, also the implications on energy demands and the likelihood of overheating in dwellings under future climate scenarios.
The relationship between perceived service quality of antenatal care and use among rural women in Ghana
Authors: Osei Asibey Benedict , Boakye Dankwah Augustina , Agyemang Seth
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine rural women’s perceived quality of antenatal care (ANC) and its influence on the extent of ANC in the Amansie Central District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 women attending postnatal care at selected public health facilities. Structured interviews were used to obtain data. Crude odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was generated to determine the odds of women’s utilisation of ANC with their perceived service quality. The association between women’s background characteristics and ANC use was determined and assessed using Pearson’s χ2 (2) test.

Findings

Majority of the women (58.3 percent) utilised ANC for at least four times during pregnancy. Women’s education (p=0.027), religious affiliation (p=0.006), source of income (p=0.012) and insurance status (p=0.023) all had a positive relationship with ANC use. Women who perceived ANC quality as good were three times more likely to have four or more ANC visits than those who perceived quality as poor (OR= 3.042, 95% CI=0.181–0.647, p=0.001).

Originality/value

Ghana has had numerous policy interventions that address the accessibility and quality of ANC service. However, little is known about the extent to which they are observed and about the quality of service from users’ perspective. Most existing literature on ANC use in Ghana focusses on socio-economic factors that influence utilisation. This paper will be the first to examine the perceived quality of ANC provided, and its influence on the extent of ANC visits among rural women in Ghana.
China’s impact on pass-through to US import prices
Authors: Malenbaum Michael
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the marked decline in exchange rate pass-through to US import prices in the early 2000s focusing on the increased role of China as a trade partner. In particular, the research focuses on the impact of an exporter with a fixed exchange rate having large market shares of a particular importing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses highly disaggregated US import data and rolling regressions to calculate quarterly pass-through estimates for specific goods from every exporter. This leads to a total of over 1.7 million pass-through coefficients. The second stage compares these pass-through coefficients with China’s share of US import market for that particular good and time.

Findings

The paper shows that as China’s market share for specific goods grows, pass-through rates of imports from other countries falls. Pass-through rates remain relatively stable for goods that China does not export to the USA or goods for which China’s share of US imports stays constant. This relationship is stronger when the dollar decreases in value, further suggesting that pressure from China forces competitors to maintain stable prices.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its use of highly disaggregated data on US imports. While many analyses of exchange rate pass-through focus on overall levels or general goods, this work uses import data at the 10-digit HTS code level. Therefore, the findings are more detailed in showing how China’s increased presence in the US market influences prices of imports from other countries.
How do Argentine SMEs define CSR? Cases in educational social development
Authors: Massoud Jacob A. , Daily Bonnie F. , Willi Alberto
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social responsibility approaches of six small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Argentina and their definitions of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory, qualitative study and part of a broader study. A sample of six Argentine SMEs from manufacturing, services and construction sectors was used to evaluate specific CSR initiatives in the areas of social development. A total of 23 interviews were conducted, and open coding was used to analyze and develop categories and themes from the data patterns.

Findings

Results provide a set of definitional dimensions for CSR from an Argentine perspective, and indicate that SMEs in Argentina frequently engage in education and training oriented initiatives as a primary emphasis for their CSR efforts. Commitment, community and employee orientations, the natural environment, and education/training represent key elements of their conceptualizations of CSR.

Originality/value

This research extends the literature related to CSR definitions. It also highlights elements of a growing trend around educational social development initiatives in developing countries. Additionally, it is one of only a few studies to focus on Argentina.
Identification of two clip domain serine proteases involved in the pea aphid's defense against bacterial and fungal infection
Authors: Ma Li , Chen Feng , Wang Wen , Xu Lu , Lu Zhi‐Qiang
Published: March 2019

Phenoloxidases (POs) are required for the pea aphid's defense against bacterial and fungal infection. Prophenoloxidases (PPOs) are proteolytically converted to its active form PO through a clip domain serine protease cascade. In this study, we identified five clip domain serine proteases in the pea aphids. The messenger RNA levels of two of them, Ap_SPLP and Ap_VP, were upregulated by Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and fungus Beauveria bassiana infections. Double‐stranded RNA‐based expression knockdown of these two genes resulted in reduced PO activity of the aphid hemolymph, higher loads of S. aureus and B. bassiana in the aphids, and lower survival rates of the aphids after infections. Our data suggest that Ap_SPLP and Ap_VP are involved in PPO activation pathway in the pea aphid.
Ineffective Airway Clearance in Surgical Patients: Evaluation of Nursing Interventions and Outcomes
Authors: da Silva Lorrany Fontenele Moraes , Pascoal Lívia Maia , Nunes Simony Fabíola Lopes , de Sousa Freire Vanessa Emille Carvalho , de Araújo Almeida Alana Gomes , Gontijo Paula Vitória Costa , Neto Marcelino Santos
Published: March 2019

PURPOSE

To evaluate the benefits of NIC interventions in postoperative patients with ineffective airway clearance (00031).

METHODS

Quasi‐experimental study with interrupted time‐series design. A total of 101 patients were evaluated during 4 days based on the nursing outcome Respiratory Status: Airway Patency (0410).

FINDINGS

Interventions such as cough enhancement (3250), ventilation assistance (3390), and airway management (3140) contributed to significative improvements of the patients’ airway patency. Site of surgery and patients’ intrinsic characteristics were proven to have influence in the NOC ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions implemented during the research contributed to improvement of clinical indicators of airway patency.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Postoperative respiratory complications can be minimized by the use of standardized nursing languages.
Fasudil alleviates brain damage in rats after carbon monoxide poisoning through regulating neurite outgrowth inhibitor/oligodendrocytemyelin glycoprotein signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Li , Xu Jianghua , Guo Dadong , Zhou Xudong , Jiang Wenwen , Wang Jinglin , Tang Jiyou , Zou Yong , Bi Mingjun , Li Qin
Published: March 2019

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can lead to many serious neurological symptoms. Currently, there are no effective therapies for CO poisoning. In this study, rats exposed to CO received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and those in the Fasudil group were given additional Fasudil injection once daily. We found that the escape latency in CO poisoning group (CO group) was significantly prolonged, the T1/Ttotal was obviously decreased, and the mean escape time and the active escape latency were notably extended compared with those in normal control group (NC group, P < 0.05). After administration of Fasudil, the escape latency was significantly shortened, T1/Ttotal was gradually increased as compared with CO group (>1 week, P < 0.05). Ultrastructural damage of neurons and blood‐brain barrier of rats was serious in CO group, while the structural and functional integrity of neuron and mitochondria maintained relatively well in Fasudil group. Moreover, we also noted that the expressions of neurite outgrowth inhibitor (Nogo), oligodendrocyte‐myelin glycoprotein (OMgp) and Rock in brain tissue were significantly increased in CO group, and the elevated levels of the three proteins were still observed at 2 months after CO poisoning. Fasudil markedly reduced their expressions compared with those of CO group (P < 0.05). In summary, the activation of Nogo‐OMgp/Rho signalling pathway is associated with brain injury in rats with CO poisoning. Fasudil can efficiently down‐regulate the expressions of Nogo, OMgp and Rock proteins, paving a way for the treatment of acute brain damage after CO poisoning.
G‐CSF administration prior to donor lymphocyte apheresis promotes anti‐leukaemic effects in allogeneic HCT patients
Authors: Schneidawind Corina , Jahnke Simona , Schober‐Melms Irmtraud , Schumm Michael , Handgretinger Rupert , Faul Christoph , Kanz Lothar , Bethge Wolfgang , Schneidawind Dominik
Published: March 2019

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is an effective method to establish full donor chimerism or to prevent and treat relapse after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT). Usually, DLIs are collected from naïve donors as steady‐state lymphocytes. When donor lymphocytes are collected during stem cell apheresis, donors are pre‐treated with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). However, the impact of G‐CSF stimulation and the resulting composition of DLIs on beneficial anti‐leukaemic responses and survival remain elusive. Therefore, we performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the role of G‐CSF‐DLIs: 44 patients received either steady‐state DLIs or G‐CSF‐DLIs to prevent and treat relapse or establish full donor chimerism after allo‐HCT. The G‐CSF‐DLI patient cohort showed an improved conversion to full donor chimerism and a lower cumulative incidence of relapse or disease progression without a significantly increased cumulative incidence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). CD34+ cells, monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and monocytes as well as donor age and the subsequent occurrence of chronic GVHD were identified as risk factors that significantly improve overall survival after DLI administration. In conclusion, our data suggest that administration of G‐CSF‐DLIs results in graft‐versus‐leukaemia effects without exacerbating GVHD, therefore, improving survival after DLIs.
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome in the eculizumab era: presentation, response to treatment and evaluation of an eculizumab withdrawal strategy
Authors: Neave Lucy , Gale Daniel P. , Cheesman Simon , Shah Raakhee , Scully Marie
Published: March 2019

The complement inhibitor, eculizumab, has revolutionised the management of atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), although the optimum treatment duration is debated. Twenty‐two cases of acute aHUS managed with eculizumab were retrospectively reviewed, including outcomes after eculizumab withdrawal. Although 41% had an associated complement genetic abnormality, mutation status did not affect severity of clinical presentation. Sixty‐four percent required renal replacement acutely, with a high incidence of nephrotic range proteinuria (47%). Eculizumab followed a median of 6 days of plasma exchange. After a median duration of therapy of 11 weeks (range 1–227), haematological recovery was seen in 100%, while 81% achieved at least partial renal recovery (median increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 49 ml/min/1·73 m2). At median duration of follow‐up of 85 weeks (range 4–255), 54·5% had eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1·73 m2, 27% had CKD, 14% were on dialysis, and 4·5% had died. Eculizumab was withdrawn in 59% (13/22) cases following complete haematological and renal recovery. Three of these 13 patients (23%) subsequently relapsed, with defined triggers in 2/3, but all made a full recovery with rapid resumption of eculizumab. There was a significant association between higher presenting creatinine and poorer renal outcomes. A strategy of eculizumab withdrawal in selected cases is both safe and cost effective.
The future of North American grassland birds: Incorporating persistent and emergent threats into full annual cycle conservation priorities
Authors: Grand Joanna , Wilsey Chad , Wu Joanna X. , Michel Nicole L.
Published: March 2019

North American grasslands are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and grassland bird populations have experienced drastic declines over the past half century. Land‐use change is widely accepted as the most persistent threat, and climate change is expected to further compromise grassland integrity. The limited consideration of projected future threats is a significant gap in existing conservation priorities for North America's central grasslands. We identified Grassland Climate Strongholds (predicted to have high climate suitability for grassland birds both today and under 21st century climate change scenarios) and Grassland Climate and Land‐use Strongholds (predicted to have high climate and land‐use suitability for grassland birds today and under 21st century climate change scenarios). Strongholds were mainly distributed across southern Canada, the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, Texas, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Strongholds vulnerable to land‐use conversion included the Prairie Pothole region and surrounding areas, much of the eastern‐central Plains, the Texas Blackland Prairie, the Western Gulf Coastal Plain, and areas west of the Chihuahuan Desert. A maximum of only 9% of strongholds were protected. Strongholds are critical for full annual cycle conservation of declining grassland birds in North America and complement existing grassland priorities.
Culture‐based methods using low‐temperature incubation revealed cold‐adapted fungal endophytes from semiarid forests
Authors: Hagh Doust Niloufar , Safaie Naser , Schmitt Imke , Otte Juergen , Bálint Miklós
Published: March 2019

Fungal endophytes are an important part of the plant microbiome and participate in maintaining the stability of ecosystems. Culture‐based methods are frequently considered in studying fungal communities because of their advantages in providing cultures for further experiments and their low cost. In comparison with next‐generation sequencing methods, their ability to assess fungal diversity is questionable. Here, we show how using two different incubation temperatures can improve the yield of fungal endophytes by culture‐based methods. Diversity, organ preference and spatiotemporal variability of endophytic fungal communities living within Quercus brantii L. were investigated using two different incubation temperatures. To test the effects of using low‐temperature incubation on diversity estimations, twigs and leaves of Quercus brantii were incubated under 25°C and 4°C conditions. Isolation rate and Hill's series of diversity were calculated for each sample. Model‐based analysis was used to evaluate the effects of (a) incubation temperature, (b) organ type and (c) spatiotemporal variations on fungal isolation rate, fungal diversity and community composition. Our results showed a strong organ specificity and temporal dynamics among endophytic fungal communities, but the location of the forest stand had only a limited effect on fungal community composition. Low‐temperature incubation enabled us to improve culture‐based methods by discovering the diversity of cold‐adapted fungal endophytes and a significantly different part of the endophytic communities that is usually missed by customary culturing temperature. The isolation of cold‐adapted endophytes from a semiarid environment opens a new window to further studies on this kind of fungi in such ecosystems.
Leg ulcer induced by hydroxycarbamide in sickle cell disease: What is the therapeutic impact?
Authors: Soya Esaie , Makowski Caroline , Blaise Sophie
Published: March 2019

Major sickle cell disease syndrome (SCD) is a set of potentially serious and disabling constitutional haemoglobin pathologies characterised by chronic haemolysis and vaso‐occlusion phenomena. If expression takes the form of acute vaso‐occlusive crisis, SCD is currently considered to be a chronic systemic pathology, primarily associated with vasculopathy and ischaemia‐reperfusion phenomena. The haemolytic aspect of the disease may be associated with endothelial dysfunctional complications, including leg ulcers, which are a classic spontaneous complication of major SCD. Their frequency, all aetiologies combined, varies considerably according to the series under consideration. Hydroxycarbamide has become the standard treatment for some SCD phenotypes, but has classically been described as one of the causes of leg ulcer. This causality is widely debated and is still difficult to establish because it is a specific complication of the disease. Comorbidity factors (eg, iron deficiency) are also often implicated as causal or aggravating factors so research into all the potential aetiologies of leg ulcers in a sickle cell patient must be exhaustive. We discuss the aetiologies of a leg ulcer in a patient treated by hydrocarbamide for major SCD. The imputation of the drug was established, followed by a marrow allograft in this patient.
Silencing of carbonic anhydrase I enhances the malignant potential of exosomes secreted by prostatic tumour cells
Authors: Bánová Vulić Radivojka , Zdurienčíková Martina , Tyčiaková Silvia , Benada Oldřich , Dubrovčáková Mária , Lakota Ján , Škultéty Ľudovít
Published: March 2019

We report results showing that the silencing of carbonic anhydrase I (siCA1) in prostatic (PC3) tumour cells has a significant impact on exosome formation. An increased diameter, concentration and diversity of the produced exosomes were noticed as a consequence of this knock‐down. The protein composition of the exosomes' cargo was also altered. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses identified 42 proteins significantly altered in PC3 siCA1 exosomes compared with controls. The affected proteins are mainly involved in metabolic processes, biogenesis, cell component organization and defense/immunity. Interestingly, almost all of them have been described as ‘enhancers' of tumour development through the promotion of cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Thus, our results indicate that the reduced expression of the CA1 protein enhances the malignant potential of PC3 cells.
Central role of the LEAFY COTYLEDON1 transcription factor in seed development
Authors: Jo Leonardo , Pelletier Julie M. , Harada John J.
Published: March 2019

Seed development is a complex period of the flowering plant life cycle. After fertilization, the three main regions of the seed, embryo, endosperm and seed coat, undergo a series of developmental processes that result in the production of a mature seed that is developmentally arrested, desiccated, and metabolically quiescent. These processes are highly coordinated, both temporally and spatially, to ensure the proper growth and development of the seed. The transcription factor, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), is a central regulator that controls several aspects of embryo and endosperm development, including embryo morphogenesis, photosynthesis, and storage reserve accumulation. Thus, LEC1 regulates distinct sets of genes at different stages of seed development. Despite its critical importance for seed development, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying LEC1's multifunctionality is only beginning to be obtained. Recent studies describe the roles of specific transcription factors and the hormones, gibberellic acid and abscisic acid, in controlling the activity and transcriptional specificity of LEC1 across seed development. Moreover, studies indicate that LEC1 acts as a pioneer transcription factor to promote epigenetic reprogramming during embryogenesis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that enable LEC1 to serve as a central regulator of seed development.
Intragroup competition in public good games: The role of relative performance incentives and risk attitudes
Authors: Colasante Annarita , García‐Gallego Aurora , Georgantzis Nikolaos , Morone Andrea , Temerario Tiziana
Published: March 2019

We analyze a public good game (PGG) with intragroup competition in which, generally but not always, the dominant strategy is to not contribute; therefore, free riding is the unique Nash equilibrium, not achieving Pareto efficiency. We propose a PGG setup where subjects' contributions are rewarded with different individual returns following a rank‐order voluntary contribution mechanism. It is found that the resulting competition for a better return significantly increases contributions. This effect is sensitive to the salience of return differences rewarding higher contributions. Furthermore, the positive effect of return differences on contribution levels depends on an individual's return‐to‐risk sensitivity as elicited through an independent risk elicitation task.
Optional and alternating case marking: Typology and diachrony
Authors: Chappell Hilary , Verstraete Jean‐Christophe
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a survey of the typology and diachrony of optional and alternating case marking, in the context of related phenomena such as referent‐ and construction‐based splits. While there is much recent work in this area, driven by text‐based approaches to language description, as well as quantitative and areal approaches to typology, the domain remains somewhat scattered, conceptually and terminologically. We chart the relevant phenomena, and we provide a typological survey of optional and alternating marking for A and O arguments. We also highlight some of the questions that remain, including problems with the classic model of case marking based on markedness reversal. A final section investigates the diachronic origins of optional case markers. These are largely similar to those for non‐optional systems, apart from certain source domains, as well as factors related to information structure, both in the form of source domains and as constructional contexts playing a role in the development of the markers.
Mobile Work, Veterinary Subjectivity and Brexit: Veterinary Surgeons’ Migration to the UK
Authors: Enticott Gareth
Published: March 2019

This article extends studies of ‘global work’ by considering the mobility of veterinary surgeons in the global countryside. The article develops the concept of ‘disease ecology’: an assemblage of heterogenous actors and relations that inscribe and normalise mobility within professional subjectivities. Disruptions to these disease ecologies can contribute to new patterns of mobility. Drawing on biographical narrative interviews with 35 vets who have migrated to the United Kingdom to work, the article shows how veterinary mobility is shaped by and emerges in response to these disease ecologies. Specifically, the article describes how four narratives – ‘the first job’, ‘escape and adventure’, ‘the lucky break’ and ‘staying mobilities’ – contribute to veterinary migration to the UK, and how the lived experiences of work and inscriptions of mobile veterinary subjectivities within disease ecologies lead vets to stay in the UK. However, the article also considers the role of Brexit in disrupting established disease ecologies and creating new patterns of veterinary mobilities. In identifying how Brexit challenges vets’ sense of place, the article concludes by exploring Brexit's potential impact to the future of veterinary services in the UK.
Bayesian estimation of explained variance in ANOVA designs
Authors: Marsman Maarten , Waldorp Lourens , Dablander Fabian , Wagenmakers Eric‐Jan
Published: March 2019

We propose to use the squared multiple correlation coefficient as an effect size measure for experimental analysis‐of‐variance designs and to use Bayesian methods to estimate its posterior distribution. We provide the expressions for the squared multiple, semipartial, and partial correlation coefficients corresponding to four commonly used analysis‐of‐variance designs and illustrate our contribution with two worked examples.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: March 2019

Reviewer AcknowledgementsBusiness and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1  Andrzej Niemiec, Poznań University of Economics and Business, PolandAshford Chea, Benedict College, USAAthina Qendro, Robert Gordon University, UKBahram Abediniangerabi, University of Texas, USAFábio Albergaria de Queiroz, Catholic University of Brasília, BrazilFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoFouad Jawab, Universite Sidi Mohamed Ben, MoroccoFuLi Zhou, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, ChinaGabriela O. Chiciudean, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaHung-Che Wu, Nanfang College of Sun Yat-sen University, ChinaIulia Cristina Muresan, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaJason Caudill, King University, USAJulia Stefanova, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BulgariaKonstantinos N. Malagas, University of the Aegean, GreeceLucie Andreisová, University of Economics in Prague, CzechMarica Ion Dumitrasco, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaMichael Okoche, University of South Africa, UgandaMr. Abdul-Kahar Adam, University of Education, Winneba, GhanaMythili Kolluru, College of Banking and Financial Studies, OmanOksana Seroka-Stolka, Technical University of Czestochowa, PolandOzgur Demirtas, Inonu University, TurkeyRaimundo Lima Filho, University of State of Bahia, BrazilRashedul Hasan, International Islamic University Malaysia, MalaysiaRegina Lenart-Gansiniec, Jagiellonian University, PolandRocsana Tonis, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaSammy Kimunguyi, Office of The Auditor-General, KenyaXhavit Islami, University of Prishtina, KosovoYang Zhao, Sanofi Genzyme, USAZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, TurkeyZoran Mastilo, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: March 2019

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 4Angela Lee, UNC Pembroke, USACagla Atmaca, Pamukkale University, TurkeyCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainFatma Ozudogru, Usak University, TurkeyFroilan D. Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippineGianpiero Greco, University of Study of Bari, ItalyGuilherme Tucher, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazilİbrahim Yaşar Kazu, Firat University, TurkeyIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaIoannis Syrmpas, University of Thessaly, GreeceJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJon S. Turner, Missouri State University, USAKun-Hsi Liao, Taiwan Shoufu University, TaiwanLaura Bruno, The College of New Jersey, USALorna T. Enerva, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PhilippinesMatt Varacallo, University of Kentucky, USAMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyMichael Wall, Independent Researcher in Music and Music Education, USANiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanRichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanSandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASayim Aktay, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, TurkeySemiyu Adejare Aderibigbe, American University in the Emirates, United Arab Emirates (UAE)Senem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyShu-wen Lin, Sojo University, JapanVjacheslav Ivanovich Babich, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, UkraineRobert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Galois level and congruence ideal for -adic families of finite slope Siegel modular forms
Authors: Conti Andrea
Published: March 2019

We consider families of Siegel eigenforms of genus $2$ and finite slope, defined as local pieces of an eigenvariety and equipped with a suitable integral structure. Under some assumptions on the residual image, we show that the image of the Galois representation associated with a family is big, in the sense that a Lie algebra attached to it contains a congruence subalgebra of non-zero level. We call the Galois level of the family the largest such level. We show that it is trivial when the residual representation has full image. When the residual representation is a symmetric cube, the zero locus defined by the Galois level of the family admits an automorphic description: it is the locus of points that arise from overconvergent eigenforms for $\operatorname{GL}_{2}$, via a $p$-adic Langlands lift attached to the symmetric cube representation. Our proof goes via the comparison of the Galois level with a ‘fortuitous’ congruence ideal. Some of the $p$-adic lifts are interpolated by a morphism of rigid analytic spaces from an eigencurve for $\operatorname{GL}_{2}$ to an eigenvariety for $\operatorname{GSp}_{4}$, while the remainder appear as isolated points on the eigenvariety.
Effects of Outlier Flow Field on the Characteristics of In-Cylinder Coherent Structures Identified by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition-Based Conditional Averaging and Quadruple Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Gao Rui , Shen Li , Teh Kwee-Yan , Ge Penghui , Zhao Fengnian , Hung David L.S.
Published: March 2019

Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) offers an approach to quantify cycle-to-cycle variation (CCV) of the flow field inside the internal combustion engine cylinder. POD decomposes instantaneous flow fields (also called snapshots) into a series of orthonormal flow patterns (called POD modes) and the corresponding mode coefficients. The POD modes are rank-ordered by decreasing kinetic energy content, and the low-order, high-energy modes are interpreted as constituting the large-scale coherent flow structure that varies from engine cycle to engine cycle. Various POD-based analysis techniques have thus been proposed to characterize engine flow field CCV using these low-order modes. The validity of such POD-based analyses rests, as a matter of course, on the reliability of the underlying POD results (modes and coefficients). Yet a POD mode can be disproportionately skewed by a single outlier snapshot within a large data set, and an algorithm exists to define and identify such outliers. In this paper, the effects of a candidate outlier snapshot on the results of POD-based conditional averaging and quadruple POD analyses are examined for two sets of crank angle-resolved flow fields on the midtumble plane of an optical engine cylinder recorded by high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV). The results with and without the candidate outlier are compared and contrasted. In the case of POD-based conditional averaging, the presence of the outlier scrambles the composition of snapshot subsets that define large-scale flow pattern variations, and thus substantially alters the coherent flow structures that are identified; for quadruple POD, the shape of coherent structures and the number of modes to define them are not significantly affected by the outlier.
A Buckling Flexure-Based Force-Limiting Mechanism
Authors: Slocum Jonathan , Kamrin Kenneth , Slocum Alexander
Published: March 2019

A force-limiting buckling flexure has been created which can be used in a wide range of applications where excessive force from an implement can cause harm or damage. The buckling flexure is monolithic, contains no electronics, and can be manufactured using a single shot in an injection molding machine, making it cost effective. In this paper, the design of the flexure is applied to a force-limiting toothbrush as a design study to show its application in a real-world technology. An overview of the buckling flexure is presented, and a structural model is presented to predict when the flexure will elastically buckle. Flexures of different geometries were tested and buckled. The data show that the model can predict buckling of the flexure with an error of 20.84%. A finite element model was also performed which predicts buckling of the flexure within an error of 25.35%. Furthermore, a preliminary model is presented which enables the design of the buckling beam’s displacement, such that the total breakaway deformation can be maximized, making sensing the sudden deformation easier to detect. As part of the application of the buckling flexure, an ergonomic, injection moldable toothbrush was created with the flexure built into the neck of the brush. When the user applies too much force while brushing, the flexure gives way and alerts the user when they have applied too much force; when the user lets off the force, the brush snaps back to its original shape. This design methodology is generalized and can be utilized in other force limited applications where an injection-moldable, pre-set force, and purely mechanical breakaway device is desired.
Neural network vehicle models for high-performance automated driving
Authors: Spielberg Nathan A. , Brown Matthew , Kapania Nitin R. , Kegelman John C. , Gerdes J. Christian
Published: March 2019

A neural network improved performance over a simple model when implemented in feedforward-feedback control on an experimental vehicle.
Draft Genome Sequences of a Ceftazidime-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Donor and a Conjugal Escherichia coli Recipient with Acquired Resistance
Authors: Chen Hongjie , Gu Xiaoqiong , Ng Charmaine , Haller Laurence , Rathinam Charles Francis , Gin Karina Yew-Hoong
Published: March 2019

A ceftazidime-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain was isolated from hospital wastewater and used as the donor in a filter mating experiment with an
Escherichia coli
strain as the recipient. Recipient, donor, and transconjugant were sequenced, and both donor and transconjugant were found to harbor highly similar plasmid sequences, suggesting that plasmid transfer had occurred.
Genome Assembly of a Highly Aldehyde-Resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae SA1-Derived Industrial Strain
Authors: Nagamatsu Sheila Tiemi , Teixeira Gleidson Silva , de Mello Fellipe da Silveira Bezerra , Tizei Pedro Augusto Galvão , Nakagawa Bruna Tatsue Grichoswski , de Carvalho Lucas Miguel , Pereira Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella
Published: March 2019

Here, we report the genome assembly of a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
SA1-derived haploid (FMY097) indigenous strain isolated from a Brazilian ethanol distillery. FMY097 was recently reported to be a highly aldehyde-resistant strain capable of producing bioethanol in the presence of up to 40 mM furfural and 80 mM 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of
Oribacterium
sp. Strain C9, Isolated from a Cattle Rumen
Authors: Kang Seungha , Denman Stuart , McSweeney Chris
Published: March 2019

We report the 3.7-Mb genome sequence of
Oribacterium
sp. strain C9, isolated from the rumen of a steer grazing on Rhodes grass in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Protocol for a conversation-based analysis study: PREVENT-ED investigates dialogue features that may help predict dementia onset in later life
Authors: de la Fuente Garcia Sofia , Ritchie Craig W , Luz Saturnino
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Decreasing the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a global public health priority. Early detection of AD is an important requisite for the implementation of prevention strategies towards this goal. While it is plausible that patients at the early stages of AD may exhibit subtle behavioural signs of neurodegeneration, neuropsychological testing seems unable to detect these signs in preclinical AD. Recent studies indicate that spontaneous speech data, which can be collected frequently and naturally, provide good predictors for AD detection in cohorts with a clinical diagnosis. The potential of models based on such data for detecting preclinical AD remains unknown.

Methods and analysis

The PREVENT-Elicitation of Dialogues (PREVENT-ED) study builds on the PREVENT Dementia project to investigate whether early behavioural signs of AD may be detected through dialogue interaction. Participants recruited through PREVENT, aged 40–59 at baseline, will be included in this study. We will use speech processing and machine learning methods to assess how well speech and visuospatial markers agree with neuropsychological, biomarker, clinical, lifestyle and genetic data from the PREVENT cohort.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no expected risks or burdens to participants. The procedures are not invasive and do not raise significant ethical issues. We only approach healthy consenting adults and all participants will be informed that this is an exploratory study and therefore has no diagnostic aim. Confidentiality aspects such as data encryption and storage comply with the General Data Protection Regulation and with the requirements from sponsoring bodies and ethical committees. This study has been granted ethical approval by the London-Surrey Research Ethics Committee (REC reference No: 18/LO/0860), and by Caldicott and Information Governance (reference No: CRD18048). PREVENT-ED results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
The COMET (Comparison of Operative versus Monitoring and Endocrine Therapy) trial: a phase III randomised controlled clinical trial for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Authors: Hwang E Shelley , Hyslop Terry , Lynch Thomas , Frank Elizabeth , Pinto Donna , Basila Desiree , Collyar Deborah , Bennett Antonia , Kaplan Celia , Rosenberg Shoshana , Thompson Alastair , Weiss Anna , Partridge Ann
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive non-obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. With guideline concordant care (GCC), DCIS outcomes are at least as favourable as some other early stage cancer types such as prostate cancer, for which active surveillance (AS) is a standard of care option. However, AS has not yet been tested in relation to DCIS. The goal of the COMET (Comparison of Operative versus Monitoring and Endocrine Therapy) trial for low-risk DCIS is to gather evidence to help future patients consider the range of treatment choices for low-risk DCIS, from standard therapies to AS. The trial will determine whether there may be some women who do not substantially benefit from current GCC and who could thus be safely managed with AS. This protocol is version 5 (11 July 2018). Any future protocol amendments will be submitted to Quorum Centralised Institutional Review Board/local institutional review boards for approval via the sponsor of the study (Alliance Foundation Trials).

Methods and analysis

COMET is a phase III, randomised controlled clinical trial for patients with low-risk DCIS. The primary outcome is ipsilateral invasive breast cancer rate in women undergoing GCC compared with AS. Secondary objectives will be to compare surgical, oncological and patient-reported outcomes. Patients randomised to the GCC group will undergo surgery as well as radiotherapy when appropriate; those in the AS group will be monitored closely with surgery only on identification of invasive breast cancer. Patients in both the GCC and AS groups will have the option of endocrine therapy. The total planned accrual goal is 1200 patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The COMET trial will be subject to biannual formal review at the Alliance Foundation Data Safety Monitoring Board meetings. Interim analyses for futility/safety will be completed annually, with reporting following Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines for non-inferiority trials.

Trial registration number

NCT02926911; Pre-results.
Thermodynamics of Helix formation in small peptides of varying lengthin vacuo, implicit solvent and explicit solvent: Comparison between AMBER force fields
Authors: Sun Zhaoxi , Wang Xiaohui
Published: March 2019

Helix formation is of great significance in protein folding. The helix-forming tendencies of amino acids are accumulated along the sequence to determine the helix-forming tendency of peptides. Computer simulation can be used to model this process in atomic details and give structural insights. In the current work, we employ equilibrate-state free energy simulation to systematically study the folding/unfolding thermodynamics of a series of mutated peptides. Two AMBER force fields including AMBER99SB and AMBER14SB are compared. The new 14SB force field uses refitted torsion parameters compared with 99SB and they share the same atomic charge scheme. We find that in vacuo the helix formation is mutation dependent, which reflects the different helix propensities of different amino acids. In general, there are helix formers, helix indifferent groups and helix breakers. The helical structure becomes more favored when the length of the sequence becomes longer, which arises from the formation of additional backbone hydrogen bonds in the lengthened sequence. Therefore, the helix indifferent groups and helix breakers will become helix formers in long sequences. Also, protonation-dependent helix formation is observed for ionizable groups. In 14SB, the helical structures are more stable than in 99SB and differences can be observed in their grouping schemes, especially in the helix indifferent group. In solvents, all mutations are helix indifferent due to protein–solvent interactions. The decrease in the number of backbone hydrogen bonds is the same with the increase in the number of protein–water hydrogen bonds. The 14SB in explicit solvent is able to capture the free energy minima in the helical state while 14SB in implicit solvent, 99SB in explicit solvent and 99SB in implicit solvent cannot. The helix propensities calculated under 14SB agree with the corresponding experimental values, while the 99SB results obviously deviate from the references. Hence, implicit solvent models are unable to correctly describe the thermodynamics even for the simple helix formation in isolated peptides. Well-developed force fields and explicit solvents are needed to correctly describe the protein dynamics. Aside from the free energy, differences in conformational ensemble under different force fields in different solvent models are observed. The numbers of hydrogen bonds formed under different force fields agree and they are mostly determined by the solvent model.
Cosmological constant decaying with CMB temperature
Authors: Sonoda Tomohide
Published: March 2019

Recent observations of the dark energy density have demonstrated the fine-tuning problem and the challenges faced by theoretical modeling. In this study, we apply the self-similar symmetry (SSS) model, describing the hierarchical structure of the universe based on the Dirac large numbers hypothesis, to Einstein’s cosmological term. We introduce a new similarity dimension, [Formula: see text], in the SSS model. Using the [Formula: see text] SSS model, the cosmological constant [Formula: see text] is simply expressed as a function of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature. The result shows that both the gravitational constant [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are coupled with the CMB temperature, which simplifies the solution of Einstein’s field equations for the variable [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model.
Aqueous Synthesis and Photocatalytic Performance of Bi5O7I Microflowers
Authors: Song Yuehong , Hao Xinli , Dai Weili , Zhao Jingzhe
Published: March 2019

Bi5O7I microflowers were synthesized through a simple liquid coprecipitation under alkaline condition at 75∘C in an open system without using autoclave or other complex equipment. The addition of NaBr was a key factor for controlling the morphology of Bi5O7I. The assembled Bi5O7I samples are constructed by elementary nanowires, which were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) methods. The photocatalytic performance of Bi5O7I samples on rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) was evaluated under 350 W xenon lamp irradiation. On comparison with the blank Bi5O7I microflowers, Bi5O7I microflowers with NaBr addition exhibited better photocatalytic performance, and the photocatalytic activity enhanced with the increase of NaBr amount. The photocatalytic efficiency reached 81.1% in 150[Formula: see text]min for RhB, 42.5% in 210[Formula: see text]min for MB and 56.3% in 210[Formula: see text]min for CIP in the degradation system at [Formula: see text] without any assistant agent. Trapping experiments were performed to reveal the degradation mechanism of Bi5O7I samples. It was proposed that valid separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in Bi5O7I microflowers led to good catalytic properties.