bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practice variation in Big-4 transparency reports
Authors: Girdhar Sakshi , Jeppesen Kim K.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the transparency reports published by the Big-4 public accounting firms in the UK, Germany and Denmark to understand the determinants of their content within the networks of big accounting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a qualitative research approach, in which the content of transparency reports is analyzed and semi-structured interviews are conducted with key people from the Big-4 firms who are responsible for developing the transparency reports.

Findings

The findings show that the content of transparency reports is inconsistent and the transparency reporting practice is not uniform within the Big-4 networks. Differences were found in the way in which the transparency reporting practices are coordinated globally by the respective central governing bodies of the Big-4. The content of the transparency reports is particularly influenced by the national institutional environment in which the Big-4 member firms operate, thus leading them to introduce practice variation and resulting in cross-national differences.

Practical implications

The study results have important implications for standard setters, regulators and practitioners, as the research provides insights into the variation taking place within the common regulatory frame.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze how transparency reporting practices are developed within the networks of Big-4 firms, thereby influencing the content of transparency reports.
Semi-empirical heat transfer correlations for turbulent tube flow of liquid metals
Authors: Taler Dawid
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop new semi-empirical heat transfer correlations for turbulent flow of liquid metals in the tubes, and then to compare these correlations with the experimental data. The Prandtl and Reynolds numbers can vary in the ranges: 0.0001 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.1 and 3000 ≤ Re ≤ 106.

Design/methodology/approach

The energy conservation equation averaged by Reynolds was integrated using the universal velocity profile determined experimentally by Reichardt for the turbulent tube flow and four different models for the turbulent Prandtl number. Turbulent heat transfer in the circular tube was analyzed for a constant heat flux at the inner surface. Some constants in different models for the turbulent Prandtl number were adjusted to obtain good agreement between calculated and experimentally obtained Nusselt numbers. Subsequently, new correlations for the Nusselt number as a function of a Peclet number was proposed for different models of the turbulent Prandtl number.

Findings

The inclusion of turbulent Prandtl number greater than one and the experimentally determined velocity profile of the fluid in the tube while solving the energy conservation equation improved the compatibility of calculated Nusselt numbers, with Nusselt numbers determined experimentally. The correlations proposed in the paper have a sound theoretical basis and give Nusselt number values that are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Research limitations/implications

Heat transfer correlations proposed in this paper were derived assuming a constant heat flux at the inner surface of the tube. However, they can also be used for a constant wall temperature, as for the turbulent flow (Re > 3,000), the relative difference between the Nusselt number for uniform wall heat flux and uniform wall temperature is very low.

Originality/value

Unified, systematic approach to derive correlations for the Nusselt number for liquid metals was proposed in the paper. The Nusselt number was obtained from the solution of the energy conservation equation using the universal velocity profile and eddy diffusivity determined experimentally, and various models for the turbulent Prandtl number. Four different relationships for the Nusselt number proposed in the paper were compared with the experimental data.
Identification of three-dimensional transient temperature fields in thick-walled elements using the inverse method
Authors: Jaremkiewicz Magdalena
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of determining the transient temperature of the inner surface of thick-walled elements. The method can be used to determine thermal stresses in pressure elements.

Design/methodology/approach

An inverse marching method is proposed to determine the transient temperature of the thick-walled element inner surface with high accuracy.

Findings

Initially, the inverse method was validated computationally. The comparison between the temperatures obtained from the solution for the direct heat conduction problem and the results obtained by means of the proposed inverse method is very satisfactory. Subsequently, the presented method was validated using experimental data. The results obtained from the inverse calculations also gave good results.

Originality/value

The advantage of the method is the possibility of determining the heat transfer coefficient at a point on the exposed surface based on the local temperature distribution measured on the insulated outer surface. The heat transfer coefficient determined experimentally can be used to calculate thermal stresses in elements with a complex shape. The proposed method can be used in online computer systems to monitor temperature and thermal stresses in thick-walled pressure components because the computing time is very short.
Effectiveness in incorporating Brownian and thermophoresis effects in modelling convective flow of water-Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Saghir M. Ziad , Mohamed Abdulmajeed
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Nanofluids are widely used in heat transfer phenomena owing to the higher rate of heat removal as compared to their base fluids. Nanoparticle’s motion in nanofluids is analysed by slip mechanisms that consider physical properties, which can be found in literature. It is assumed that among few, only Brownian motion and thermophoresis affect the slip mechanism to produce a relative velocity between the nanoparticles and the base fluid. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis in a square cavity by considering it pure fluid as well as porous cavity.

Design/methodology/approach

A finite element method is used to solve the flow porous equations together with the heat transfer equation and the mass transfer equation numerically. The heat and mass transfer equations were modified to take into consideration the Brownian motion as well as the thermophoresis effect.

Findings

A negligible amount of Brownian motion and thermophoresis effect has been found by considering 1 to 3 Vol.% of aluminium oxide as nanoparticles suspended in base fluid of water.

Practical implications

This study has provided an interesting insight into the importance of Brownian motion as well as the thermophoresis effect in heat enhancement.

Originality/value

The present study is believed to be an interesting and original contribution on nanofluid thermal behaviours.
An efficient solving method for nonlinear convection diffusion equation
Authors: Cui Xia , Yuan GuangWei , Shen ZhiJun
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a well-behaved nonlinear scheme and accelerating iteration for the nonlinear convection diffusion equation with fundamental properties illustrated.

Design/methodology/approach

A nonlinear finite difference scheme is studied with fully implicit (FI) discretization used to acquire accurate simulation. A Picard–Newton (PN) iteration with a quadratic convergent ratio is designed to realize fast solution. Theoretical analysis is performed using the discrete function analysis technique. By adopting a novel induction hypothesis reasoning technique, the L∞ (H1) convergence of the scheme is proved despite the difficulty because of the combination of conservative diffusion and convection operator. Other properties are established consequently. Furthermore, the algorithm is extended from first-order temporal accuracy to second-order temporal accuracy.

Findings

Theoretical analysis shows that each of the two FI schemes is stable, its solution exists uniquely and has second-order spatial and first/second-order temporal accuracy. The corresponding PN iteration has the same order of accuracy and quadratic convergent speed. Numerical tests verify the conclusions and demonstrate the high accuracy and efficiency of the algorithms. Remarkable acceleration is gained.

Practical implications

The numerical method provides theoretical and technical support to accelerate resolving convection diffusion, non-equilibrium radiation diffusion and radiation transport problems.

Originality/value

The FI schemes and iterations for the convection diffusion problem are proposed with their properties rigorously analyzed. The induction hypothesis reasoning method here differs with those for linearization schemes and is applicable to other nonlinear problems.
A theoretical, numerical and experimental verification of the Reynolds thermal transpiration law
Authors: Ziółkowski Paweł , Badur Janusz
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the theoretical presentation of tensorial formulation with surface mobility forces and numerical verification of Reynolds thermal transpiration law in a contemporary experiment with nanoflow.

Design/methodology/approach

The velocity profiles in a single microchannel are calculated by solving the momentum equations and using thermal transpiration force as the boundary conditions. The mass flow rate and pressure of unstationary thermal transpiration modeling of the benchmark experiment has been achieved by the implementation of the thermal transpiration mobility force closure for the thermal momentum accommodation coefficient.

Findings

An original and easy-to-implement method has been developed to numerically prove that at the final equilibrium, i.e. zero-flow state, there is a connection between the Poiseuille flow in the center of channel and counter thermal transpiration flow on the surface. The numerical implementation of the Reynolds model of thermal transpiration has been performed, and its usefulness for the description of the benchmark experiment has been verified.

Research limitations/implications

The simplified procedure requires the measurement or assumption of the helium-glass slip length.

Practical implications

The procedure can be very useful in the design of micro-electro-mechanical systems and nano-electro-mechanical systems, especially for accommodation pumping.

Originality/value

The paper discussed possible constitutive equations in the transpiration shell-like layer. The new approach can be helpful for modeling phenomena occurring at a fluid–solid phase interface at the micro- and nanoscales.
Hybrid atomistic-continuum multiscale method for fluid flow with density variation in microchannels
Authors: Vu Van Huyen , Trouette Benoît , TO Quy Dong , Chénier Eric
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the hybrid atomistic-continuum multiscale method developed by Vu et al. (2016) to study the gas flow problems in long microchannels involving density variations.

Design/methodology/approach

The simulation domain is decomposed into three regions: the bulk where the continuous Navier–Stokes and energy equations are solved, the neighbourhood of the wall simulated by molecular dynamics and the overlap region which connects the macroscopic variables (density, velocity and temperature) between the two former regions. For the simulation of long micro/nanochannels, a strategy with multiple molecular blocks all along the fluid/solid interface is adopted to capture accurately the macroscopic velocity and temperature variations.

Findings

The validity of the hybrid method is shown by comparisons with a simplified analytical model in the molecular region. Applications to compressible and condensation problems are also presented, and the results are discussed.

Originality/value

The hybrid method proposed in this paper allows cost-effective computer simulations of large-scale problems with an accurate modelling of the transfers at small scales (velocity slip, temperature jump, thin condensation films, etc.).
Domestic water demand forecasting in the Yellow River basin under changing environment
Authors: Wang Xiao-jun , Zhang Jian-yun , Shahid Shamsuddin , Yu Lang , Xie Chen , Wang Bing-xuan , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a statistical-based model to forecast future domestic water demand in the context of climate change, population growth and technological development in Yellow River.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is developed through the analysis of the effects of climate variables and population on domestic water use in eight sub-basins of the Yellow River. The model is then used to forecast water demand under different environment change scenarios.

Findings

The model projected an increase in domestic water demand in the Yellow River basin in the range of 67.85 × 108 to 62.20 × 108 m3 in year 2020 and between 73.32 × 108 and 89.27 × 108 m3 in year 2030. The general circulation model Beijing Normal University-Earth System Model (BNU-ESM) predicted the highest increase in water demand in both 2020 and 2030, while Centre National de Recherches Meteorologiques Climate Model v.5 (CNRM-CM5) and Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate- Earth System (MIROC-ESM) projected the lowest increase in demand in 2020 and 2030, respectively. The fastest growth in water demand is found in the region where water demand is already very high, which may cause serious water shortage and conflicts among water users.

Originality/value

The simple regression-based domestic water demand model proposed in the study can be used for rapid evaluation of possible changes in domestic water demand due to environmental changes to aid in adaptation and mitigation planning.
MONet
Authors: Barka Kamel , Bilami Azeddine , Gourdache Samir
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ensure power efficiency in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) through a new framework-oriented middleware, based on a biologically inspired mechanism that uses an evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm. The authors call this middleware framework multi-objective optimization for wireless sensor networks (MONet).

Design/methodology/approach

In MONet, the middleware level of each network node autonomously adjusts its routing parameters according to dynamic network conditions and seeks optimal trade-offs among performance objectives for a balance of its global performance. MONet controls the cooperation between agents (network nodes) while varying transmission paths to reduce and distribute power consumption equitably on all the sensor nodes of network. MONet-runtime uses a modified TinyDDS middleware platform.

Findings

Simulation results confirm that MONet allows power efficiency to WSN nodes while adapting their sleep periods and self-heal false-positive sensor data.

Originality/value

The framework implementation is lightweight and efficient enough to run on resource-limited nodes such as sensor nodes.
Algorithmic detection of misinformation and disinformation: Gricean perspectives
Authors: Søe Sille Obelitz
Published: December 2017

Purpose

With the outset of automatic detection of information, misinformation, and disinformation, the purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss various conceptions of information, misinformation, and disinformation within philosophy of information.

Design/methodology/approach

The examinations are conducted within a Gricean framework in order to account for the communicative aspects of information, misinformation, and disinformation as well as the detection enterprise.

Findings

While there often is an exclusive focus on truth and falsity as that which distinguish information from misinformation and disinformation, this paper finds that the distinguishing features are actually intention/intentionality and non-misleadingness/misleadingness – with non-misleadingness/misleadingness as the primary feature. Further, the paper rehearses the argument in favor of a true variety of disinformation and extends this argument to include true misinformation.

Originality/value

The findings are novel and pose a challenge to the possibility of automatic detection of misinformation and disinformation. Especially the notions of true disinformation and true misinformation, as varieties of disinformation and misinformation, which force the true/false dichotomy for information vs mis-/disinformation to collapse.
City responses to economic downturns 2003 to 2009: Statistical and textual analyses of comprehensive annual financial reports
Authors: Sacco John F. , Busheé Gerard R.
Published: December 2017

This paper analyzes the impact of economic downturns on the revenue and expense sides of city financing for the period 2003 to 2009 using a convenience sample of the audited end of year financial reports for thirty midsized US cities. The analysis focuses on whether and how quickly and how extensively revenue and spending directions from past years are altered by recessions. A seven year series of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) data serves to explore whether citiesʼ revenues and spending, especially the traditional property tax and core functions such as public safety and infrastructure withstood the brief 2001 and the persistent 2007 recessions? The findings point to consumption (spending) over stability (revenue minus expense) for the recession of 2007, particularly in 2008 and 2009.
Downregulation of regulatory T cell function in patients with delayed fracture healing
Authors: Jiang Hui , Ti Yunfan , Wang Yicun , Wang Jun , Chang Menghan , Zhao Jianning , Sun Guojing
Published: December 2017

Bone fracture healing is a multistage regenerative process that requires the collaboration of various cell types, with approximately 5%‐10% of fractures not healing properly. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulations in the immune system are associated with defective healing. In a cohort of 30 bone fracture patients between 50 and 62 years of age, 8 patients displayed delayed healing. Compared to the 22 normal healing patients, these 8 delayed healing patients presented significantly lower frequencies of CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ canonical regulatory T cells immediately following bone fracture and early on during the healing process. The CD4+CD25+/hi T cells from delayed healing patients also presented reduced capacity to express transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), and presented reduced surface expression levels of inhibitory molecules, including CTLA‐4 and Lag‐3, compared to CD4+CD25+/hi T cells from normal healing patients. Moreover, CD4+CD25+/hi T cells from delayed healing patients were less potent in the suppression of CD4+CD25− autologous conventional T cell proliferation, and presented reduced expansion capacity in response to interleukin (IL)‐2 stimulation. Overall, our results demonstrated multiple reductions in regulatory T cell function in delayed healing patients that could produce long‐lasting consequences in the bone fracture healing process.
Proteomic response of the rat liver in differential swimming modes
Authors: Chen Liang , Yang Yanhua , Wang Yiting , Qiu Lipeng , Xia Hengchuan , Wang Aiai , Liu Hailong , Shi Hongfei , Chen Keping
Published: December 2017

Moderate exercise helps improve competition results, providing a balanced muscle tone and biochemical activity, whereas excessive training disrupts the balance between training and recovery, causes harm to the organism, and leads to overtraining syndrome (OTS). To explore the mechanisms of different protein expressions during training and acquisition of immunity, we used proteomic analyses to investigate the differences of liver‐protein expressions between 2 swimming modes. Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into control (CT), fatigue training (FT), and exhaustive training (ET) groups, and liver tissues from each group were subjected to 2‐dimensional electrophoresis (2DE). A total of 4518 protein spots were detected in 9 replicates, and 45 protein spots exhibited a >2‐fold difference in expression (P < .05), 31 of which was successfully identified by mass spectrometry. SERPINA3K expression decreased markedly during 2 stages from CT → FT and FT → ET, while DDT, RHOT1, and RBP4 decreased significantly only from CT → ET but not from the former 2 stages. By contrast, KRT8, PCBD1, KRT18, PRDX1, and ACY1A showed significant >2‐fold increase in expression in either the CT → FT or FT → ET stages. Bioinformatic analyses showed that among the identified proteins, 30.2%, 54.18%, and 15.62% were involved in biological processes, molecular functions, and cell composition, respectively. Notably, PCBD1, PRDX1, and PPP1CB were involved in redox processes, while PPP1CB was only expressed in the FT group. RGN, PSMB9, and AGT, commonly recognized as oxidative stress biomarkers, may involve in regulating homeostasis in the locomotor mode and may provide diagnostic criteria for the occurrence and prevention of exercise‐induced fatigue and OTS.
Organohalide respiration in pristine environments: implications for the natural halogen cycle
Authors: Atashgahi Siavash , Häggblom Max M. , Smidt Hauke
Published: December 2017

Halogenated organic compounds, also termed organohalogens, were initially considered to be of almost exclusively anthropogenic origin. However, over 5000 naturally synthesized organohalogens are known today. This has also fuelled the hypothesis that the natural and ancient origin of organohalogens could have primed development of metabolic machineries for their degradation, especially in microorganisms. Among these, a special group of anaerobic microorganisms was discovered that could conserve energy by reducing organohalogens as terminal electron acceptor in a process termed organohalide respiration. Originally discovered in a quest for biodegradation of anthropogenic organohalogens, these organohalide‐respiring bacteria (OHRB) were soon found to reside in pristine environments, such as the deep subseafloor and Arctic tundra soil with limited/no connections to anthropogenic activities. As such, accumulating evidence suggests an important role of OHRB in local natural halogen cycles, presumably taking advantage of natural organohalogens. In this minireview, we integrate current knowledge regarding the natural origin and occurrence of industrially important organohalogens and the evolution and spread of OHRB, and describe potential implications for natural halogen and carbon cycles.
Identifying protist consumers of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes in the surface ocean using stable isotope probing
Authors: Orsi William D. , Wilken Susanne , del Campo Javier , Heger Thierry , James Erick , Richards Thomas A. , Keeling Patrick J. , Worden Alexandra Z. , Santoro Alyson E.
Published: December 2017

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes contribute a significant fraction of primary production in the upper ocean. Micromonas pusilla is an ecologically relevant photosynthetic picoeukaryote, abundantly and widely distributed in marine waters. Grazing by protists may control the abundance of picoeukaryotes such as M. pusilla, but the diversity of the responsible grazers is poorly understood. To identify protists consuming photosynthetic picoeukaryotes in a productive North Pacific Ocean region, we amended seawater with living 15N, 13C‐labelled M. pusilla cells in a 24‐h replicated bottle experiment. DNA stable isotope probing, combined with high‐throughput sequencing of V4 hypervariable regions from 18S rRNA gene amplicons (Tag‐SIP), identified 19 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of microbial eukaryotes that consumed M. pusilla. These OTUs were distantly related to cultured taxa within the dinoflagellates, ciliates, stramenopiles (MAST‐1C and MAST‐3 clades) and Telonema flagellates, thus, far known only from their environmental 18S rRNA gene sequences. Our discovery of eukaryotic prey consumption by MAST cells confirms that their trophic role in marine microbial food webs includes grazing upon picoeukaryotes. Our study provides new experimental evidence directly linking the genetic identity of diverse uncultivated microbial eukaryotes to the consumption of picoeukaryotic phytoplankton in the upper ocean.
Religious Social Identities in the Hybrid Self‐presentations of Sikh Businesspeople
Authors: Purchase Sharon , Ellis Nick , Mallett Oliver , Theingi Theingi
Published: December 2017

This paper explores the identity work practices of Thai Sikh businesspeople. The paper focuses on two important social identities in participants’ self‐presentations – those derived from religious (Sikh) and western business discourses – and identifies powerful tensions in their hybrid identity work. Conducting discourse analysis on identity work practices within interview settings, the authors explore how participants resolve, accommodate or reject these discursive tensions while attempting stable and coherent hybrid self‐presentations. They identify several different forms of hybridity, including what they term ‘equipollence’, which occurs when two equally powerful, contradictory discourses are incorporated in self‐presentations, producing potentially irresolvable intersections and leading to a lack of coherence. Contributions are made to the literatures on religion and work, hybrid identity work processes and social identities.
Evaluation of Intradialytic Hypertension Using Bioelectrical Impedance Combined With Echocardiography in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ren Hongqi , Gong Dehua , He Xu , Jia Fengyu , He Qunpeng , Xu Bin , Liu Zhihong
Published: December 2017

Although intra‐dialytic hypertension (IDH) has been noted in clinical settings for many years, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this cross‐sectional study, we analyzed IDH incidence in our center and the correlation between postdialysis volume state and IDH. One hundred thirty‐one maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients were enrolled in our study, and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and echocardiography (ECG) were recorded. In addition, demographic data were collected, and laboratory examinations were conducted. The patients were grouped into four groups according to the change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between predialysis and postdialysis. The incidence of IDH was 10.7%. The proportion of extracellular water to total body weight (ECW/TW), as evaluated by BIA, was significantly higher in the IDH group than in the other three groups both in pre‐and post‐dialysis. In particular, postdialysis SBP was highest in the highest tertile interval of ECW/TW. In addition, among the four groups, left ventricular volume (LVV) was highest in the IDH group. Binary logistic analyses revealed that predialysis SBP, postdialysis ECW/TW and LVV were independent risk factors of intradialytic hypertension. When predicting IDH, the AUC of the ROC curve was higher for ECW/TW combined with LVV (0.752, 95% CI 0.613–0.896) than for either LVV or ECW/TW alone. Our study further showed that post‐dialysis volume expansion is an important factor for the development of IDH.
Increased Serum Level of IGF‐1 Correlates With Better Cognitive Status in End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Prelevic Vladimir , Radunovic Danilo , Antunovic Tanja , Ratkovic Marina , Gligorovic‐Bahranovic Najdana , Gledovic Branka , Vujosevic Snezana , Nedovic‐Vukovic Mirjana , Basic‐Jukic Nikolina
Published: December 2017

Prevalence of cognitive function decline in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis is higher than in the general population. We analyzed risk factors for cognitive function decline in those patients. This study included 93 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis two or three times a week in three centers for hemodialysis in Montenegro. The cognitive status of patients was assessed using the mini mental score examination (MMSE) test. All 93 patients have been divided into three groups according to the results of MMSE. Patients in the first group had severe cognitive impairment and MMSE score below 17 (26.88%), patients in the second group with MMSE score 18–23 had moderate cognitive impairment (40.86%) and third group of patients have MMSE >24 and no cognitive impairment (32.26%). There were no significant differences between groups for gender, smoking habits and level of parathyroid hormone. Level of schooling was significantly different between groups of patients (P < 0.001). Laboratory markers observed in this study with significant differences between groups were: IGF 1, IGFBP 3, erythrocytes and hemoglobin (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). IGF 1 proved to be of great importance for evaluating cognitive status in our study. This marker was statistically different between groups (P < 0.001) and Tukey post hoc analysis showed significant differences between all three groups (first and second group P = 0.045, second and third group P = 0.015, first and third group P < 0.001). Our data suggest that IGF 1 can be considered as novel biomarker for assessment of cognitive functioning in CKD patients, which can be of huge clinical importance.
Preliminary analysis of geographical distribution based on cold hardiness for Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Lai You‐Peng , Tao Ke , Hou Tai‐Ping
Published: December 2017

Evergestis extimalis (Scopoli) is a pest insect present in spring rape fields of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau. A survey of its distribution and analysis of its physiological and biochemical variances of its overwintering larvae were conducted in this study. Prior to 2006, Evergestis extimalis Scopli appeared only sporadically at the east agricultural district of Qinghai Province at 2,100 m elevation; after 2006, there have been frequent outbreaks at 2,200 m or so height. The insect's distribution has extended continuously toward higher altitudes yearly, and the scope of its damage reached 2,800 m height in 2010. These changes indicate that the cold hardiness of E. extimalis is on the rise. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed for the insect's overwintering larvae from November 2011 to March 2012. The supercooling point (SCP) and freezing point (FP) ranged from −6.85°C to −12.49°C and from −6.23°C to −8.17°C, respectively, and both were at their respective lowest points in January 2012; the lowest points of water and fat contents (which did not vary to any extreme degree throughout the test period) were also observed in January 2012. Glycogen content varied from 2.42 mg/g to 4.56 mg/g. Protein content increased gradually at the first two months and reached its peak in January 2012 before dropping slightly. The activity of protective enzymes POD, CAT, and SOD varied with changes in environmental temperature, and each was at its lowest point in January 2012. With the exception of protein and glycerol content, other physiological and biochemical variances were generally parallel with environmental temperature, strongly indicating that E. extimalis has indeed developed cold hardiness.
New species of the little‐known genus Pseudopimpla Habermehl (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from South Korea with a key to the world species of Pseudopimpla
Authors: Choi Jin‐Kyung , Kolarov Janko , Lee Jong‐Wook
Published: December 2017

A new species, Pseudopimpla leei Choi and Kolarov sp. nov., collected in South Korea is described. The genus Pseudopimpla is recorded for the first time from South Korea. A description of one new species and a key to the world species of Pseudopimpla are provided.
Gross anatomical and histomorphological features of the Acanthopagrus schlegelii digestive tract (Bleeker 1854) Perciformes, Sparidae
Authors: Kalhoro Hameeda , Tong Shengli , Wang Lei , Hua Ying , Volatiana Josie Ancella , Shao Qingjun
Published: December 2017

Acanthopagrus schlegelii is an autochthonous teleost species concerning the remarkable economic importance and prevalent fish cultivated in China as well as in different nations of South‐East Asia. Little is known about the digestive tract (DT) morphology of A. schlegelii. Therefore, anatomical and histomorphological aspects of A. schlegelii DT were examined by light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Anatomically, DT of A. schlegelii was mainly formed of oesophagus, well‐developed stomach and fingers like pyloric caeca (four in number), intestinal regions and rectum. Histomorphologically, oesophagus occurred as a shorter tube‐like organ presenting a longitudinal folded mucosa that connects oropharynx cavity to stomach. Stomach was a muscular thick‐wall organ that included three regions, thickly longitudinal folds were observed in the first (cardiac) and last (pyloric) regions, whereas the second (fundic) region showed folds in different directions. Long villi were observed within pyloric caeca and anterior intestine. Tunica muscularis appeared narrow in the anterior intestine, whereas thicker in the posterior part of the intestine. Collectively, anatomical and histomorphological aspects of A. schlegelii DT are consistent with the carnivorous habit of this species. These data could be a potential source to modify better methods of nutrition and identify the DT pathogenic conditions in farming of this fish.
A histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of the water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris): Oviductal cycle and sperm storage
Authors: Rojas Claudio Augusto , Barros Verônica Alberto , Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria
Published: December 2017

We studied the structural and cellular organisation of the oviduct of Erythrolamprus miliaris including its morphological variation during the reproductive cycle using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Four anatomically distinct regions compose the oviduct of E. miliaris including the anterior and posterior infundibulum, glandular uterus, non‐glandular uterus and pouch. The cells of the oviductal epithelium secrete material by apocrine and merocrine processes, which vary between the anatomical regions and according to each phase of the reproductive cycle. The infundibular epithelium secretes electron dense vacuoles, which suggests the production of lipids, whereas the epithelial secretion of the glandular uterus, non‐glandular uterus and pouch creates lucent and slightly electron dense vacuoles, indicating the production of glycoproteins. The timing of mating, vitellogenesis and sperm storage directly influences the morphofunctional alterations in the oviducts of E. miliaris. Sperm storage occurs only in the infundibular receptacles with increased production of the neutral carbohydrates in the presence of male gametes. Sperm storage happens in vitellogenic, non‐vitellogenic and pregnant females of E. miliaris. Thus, females may be able to produce multiple clutches at different seasons of the year regardless of mating during autumn.
Queer reproduction revisited and why race, class and citizenship still matters: A response to Cristina Richie
Authors: Leibetseder Doris
Published: December 2017

In the dialogue between Timothy F. Murphy and Cristina Richie about queer bioethics and queer reproduction in this journal, significant points of the emergent and extremely important discussions on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and queer bioethics are raised. Richie specifies correctly that queer bioethics can either complement or contradict LGBT bioethics and the queer standpoint against heteroconformity and heterofuturity is decisive here. As the field of queer bioethics is such a recent and essential part of consideration for bioethics and as it is still evolving, the objective of this intervention is to provide both an overview of important milestones of queer bioethics and to highlight that queer bioethics is not mono‐logic and monolithic. To exemplify queer bioethic's ‘many‐headed monsters’, queer reproduction is revisited and complemented by a European viewpoint. It is central to my argument and here I disagree with Richie that to be against heterofuturity does not necessarily mean to be against queer reproduction. However, I also argue that there are other reasons why queer reproduction should not be pursued at all costs. Finally, I discuss the most recent debates on race, class and citizenship, for example, queer necropolitics. These points still need to be addressed in queer bioethical agendas.
Late Quaternary landscape evolution in a region of stable postglacial relative sea levels, British Columbia central coast, Canada
Authors: Eamer Jordan B. R. , Shugar Daniel H. , Walker Ian J. , Neudorf Christina M. , Lian Olav B. , Eamer Jennifer L. , Bryce Jordan , Biln Libby
Published: December 2017

After retreat of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet (CIS) and subsequent glacio‐isostatic adjustment of the central coast of British Columbia (BC), Canada, a complex coastline emerged as relative sea level rapidly reached equilibrium and maintained stability over the end of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. This study provides a late Quaternary reconstruction of the landscape evolution of a geographically distinct location on the central BC coast, northwest Calvert Island, which experienced a re‐advance of the CIS near the end of the Late Pleistocene and minimal subsequent relative sea‐level change. Geomorphological observations from LiDAR imagery, sedimentological and palaeoecological evidence from exposures, cores and shovel pits, and a robust luminescence and 14C‐based chronology spanning the last 15 000 years are used to reconstruct the landscape of northwest Calvert Island following CIS retreat. A single‐aliquot regenerative dose protocol that was developed specifically for luminescence dating of the sediments on Calvert Island was utilized in this study. Localized proglacial sedimentation was linked to the glacial re‐advance experienced at the end of the Late Pleistocene. Extensive coastal reconfiguration (e.g. rapid shoreline progradation of >1 m a−1) occurred in the absence of extensive RSL change, which was the main driver of coastal change elsewhere along the BC coast. Changes in climate, small magnitude changes in RSL, and fire all probably played a role in isolated aeolian landform development and stabilization in the study area. An important contribution of this study is the documentation of the multi‐disciplinary approach for reconstructing palaeogeography, using multiple geochronological methods, micro‐ and macro‐sedimentology, the palaeoecology inferred from both macro and microfossils (e.g. diatoms and foraminifers), stratigraphy, field mapping and remote sensing. In addition, these findings inform our understanding of the drivers of coastal sedimentary processes, particularly in the temperate coastal rainforest region of BC, and the role that fire may play in those processes. Coastal palaeogeography studies in the region will become increasingly important as discoveries of Late Pleistocene human habitation along the coastal migration route continue to be documented.
Identifying environmental barriers to participation: Usability of a health‐literacy informed problem‐identification approach for parents of young children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Kramer J. M. , Hwang I. T. , Levin M. , Acevedo‐García D. , Rosenfeld L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Parents of very young children recently diagnosed with developmental disabilities (DD) need to identify environmental barriers to their children's participation and adopt an adaptive orientation to solving these problems. Given the health service disparities for diverse families, parents may benefit from easy to use problem‐identification approaches that address environmental barriers stemming from community and policy contexts. This feasibility study evaluated the usability of a health literacy‐informed, structured, environment‐focused problem‐identification approach for parents of young children with DD.

Methods

We used purposeful, convenience sampling to enrol 9 mothers of children ages 1–3 with DD (4 racial/ethnic minorities, 3 high school education, 4 annual household income <$20,000). We developed a structured problem‐identification approach guided by a social ecological model featuring home, community, and policy contexts. The approach was applied to 3 short stories during a narrative elicitation interview. Two researchers independently coded parent responses for the type of barrier and solution identified with and without the approach.

Results

Parents identified 121 environmental barriers without the approach. When using the approach and prompted to consider home, community, and policy barriers, parents identified an additional 222 environmental barriers; the greatest number of barriers were aligned with International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health–Children and Youth environment Chapter 5 “Services, systems, and policies.” Using the approach, parents with a postgraduate education and annual household income >$80,000 identified the most environmental barriers, and parents reporting the lowest annual household incomes identified the fewest environmental barriers. When parents attributed participation challenges to an environmental barrier, ~57% of solutions required parents to interact with individuals at the community or policy level.

Conclusions

This study suggests that parents with a range of background characteristics can use a structured, environment‐focused problem‐identification approach. With the approach, parents are more likely to attribute participation challenges to environmental barriers and adopt a problem‐solving orientation focused on changes to the community and policy context.
Photodynamic therapy with double duration for circumscribed choroidal haemangioma: functional and anatomical results based on initial parameters
Authors: Süsskind Daniela , Inhoffen Werner , Gelisken Faik , Völker Michael
Published: December 2017

Importance

Pre‐treatment symptoms longer than 12 months and foveal cystoid changes are indicators for poor anatomical and functional outcome after photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Background

To evaluate the prognostic factors on the effectiveness of PDT with double duration for treatment of exudative circumscribed choroidal haemangioma.

Design

Retrospective study.

Participants

Twenty‐seven patients with symptomatic exudative circumscribed choroidal haemangioma treated with PDT.

Methods

Clinical charts of patients with exudative circumscribed choroidal haemangioma treated with PDT were analysed with regard to visual acuity, duration of symptoms, subfoveal fluid, foveal cystoid changes and foveal thickness in optical coherence tomography.

Main Outcome Measures

Change of best‐corrected visual acuity, sub‐ and intrafoveal fluid and foveal thickness measured with optical coherence tomography from baseline to last follow‐up.

Results

Mean visual acuity improved by 0.05 from 0.42 logMAR (standard deviation [SD] 0.34) to 0.37 logMAR (SD 0.47). In 70% of the patients, PDT stopped exudation and revealed a dry fovea. The recurrence or persistence of sub‐ or intrafoveal fluid was significantly associated with pre‐therapeutic symptoms existing for more than 12 months (P = 0.046). Mean foveal thickness in optical coherence tomography decreased from 324 μm (SD 223 μm) to 209 μm (SD 109 μm).

Conclusions and Relevance

PDT proved to be a safe and effective treatment procedure for exudative circumscribed choroidal haemangioma in our series, with few side effects. We observed a more successful treatment with regard to anatomical and functional results in cases with pre‐existing symptoms less than 12 months and in cases without pre‐therapeutic foveal cystoid changes.
Measuring fidelity of empirically‐supported treatment foster care: Preliminary psychometrics of the together facing the challenge—fidelity of implementation test (TFTC‐FIT)
Authors: Southerland Dannia G. , Farmer Elizabeth M.Z. , Murray Maureen E. , Stambaugh Leyla F. , Rosenberg Rachel D.
Published: December 2017

This manuscript describes the development and psychometric testing of an instrument to assess implementation fidelity of Together Facing the Challenge (TFTC), an evidence‐based approach to treatment foster care (TFC). The development of TFTC utilized a hybrid approach by bringing together components from evidence‐based interventions with data on “what works” in usual care treatment foster care to create an intervention designed to provide enhanced treatment across a wide range of treatment foster care programs. The resulting training/consultation model has shown positive results on practice and youth outcomes in a randomized trial. The TFTC‐FIT was developed during this randomized trial to be used as both a research measure and a quality improvement tool by provider agencies. Findings show that the measure is psychometrically sound and significantly distinguishes agencies trained in TFTC from those that are not. Discussion highlights the potential for such a measure, both in treatment foster care and in other home‐/community‐based interventions and settings for youth.
How do Australian adult mental health clinicians manage the challenges of working with parental mental illness? A phenomenological study
Authors: Tchernegovski Phillip , Reupert Andrea E. , Maybery Darryl J.
Published: December 2017

Adult mental health clinicians face a range of challenges that hinder their use of family‐focused practices when working with consumers who are parents. The purpose of this study was (a) to examine clinicians' experiences when working with parents and (b) identify strategies they found to be effective when working with parents. Eleven Australian mental health clinicians were recruited who regularly worked with consumers who are parents. Semistructured interviews were conducted within a qualitative paradigm and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes were identified which related to (a) managing sensitive parenting conversations, (b) making decisions about child safety in unclear or unpredictable situations, and (c) working with child protection services. Participants had developed strategies for managing the challenges of the first two practice issues and suggested organizational changes that could facilitate collaboration with child protection services. The findings highlight that the challenges of working with parents with mental health issues cannot be addressed with a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. Initiatives to facilitate the effective support of parents and their children need to be informed by contextual factors, including clinical practice.