bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of leader‐member‐exchange and team‐member‐exchange on nurses’ job satisfaction and turnover intention
Authors: Kim M.‐H. , Yi Y.‐J.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To investigate the impacts of leader‐member exchange and team‐member exchange on job satisfaction and turnover intention of nurses.

Background

Leader‐member exchange refers to the quality of relationships between leaders and members of a team and studies on this have generally focused on the aspect of member‐leader‐member exchanges. In nursing, the latter can refer to a situation where nurses (members) evaluate their relationship with their head nurse (leader). Member‐leader‐member exchange affects job satisfaction and turnover intention of nurses. However, even though all of these types of exchanges are important, few studies have examined their effects on job satisfaction and the turnover intention of nurses.

Methods

Participants in this descriptive study were 40 head nurses and 284 clinical nurses working at three hospitals in Korea. Data were collected from a questionnaire and analysed using hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

Leader‐leader‐member exchange, member‐leader‐member exchange, and team‐member exchange had a positive effect on job satisfaction. However, only leader‐leader‐member exchange and member‐leader‐member exchange affected turnover intention.

Conclusions

The impacts of leader‐leader‐member exchange, team‐member exchange, and member‐leader‐member exchange on job satisfaction were confirmed. To reduce turnover intention, our study found it is more important to improve leader‐member exchange than team‐member exchange.

Implications for nursing practice

In health organizations, there is an important need to focus on the communication and exchange relationships between leaders and their staff, well as among the members, to increase job satisfaction. This will assist leaders to play an important role in lowering nurses’ turnover intention and create an organizational culture in which nurses can communicate well with them.

Implications for nursing policy

Policy changes are needed so that the components of job performance evaluation for nurse leaders also include attendance at regular programmes, such as training to improve their leadership and communication skills, and consultations with their staff members
A Realist Account of Critical Agency in Art Criticism in Art and Design Education
Authors: Maras Karen
Published: November 2018

This article draws on Searle's philosophical realism to explore how critical agency is grounded in critical reasoning and supports the construction of art criticism as an institutional practice in art and design education. Examples of critical exchanges between a teacher and her students reveal how intentional beliefs inherent in the teacher's pedagogical choices implicate students in taking critical agency when constructing a collaborative interpretation of the meaning of a contemporary artwork. The article concludes with some reflections on the implications of a realist account of critical agency for teacher pedagogy and student learning.
‘Over There, in the Future’: The Transformative Agency of Place‐Based Design Education in Remote Aboriginal Communities
Authors: Edwards‐Vandenhoek Samantha
Published: November 2018

This article outlines the learning design, implementation and shared outcomes of an intensive placed‐based design education programme that was delivered in a specific remote high school learning context in the Warmun Aboriginal community, East Kimberley, Western Australia. Place‐based design education seeks to assist vulnerable young people in shaping their own environments and futures. A two‐way learning framework that emphasised self‐actualisation, co‐creation and shared insights and involved learning through story‐sharing and connecting content to place was adopted. This article suggests that providing students with opportunities to share and acquire Indigenous design knowledge developed their visual thinking, digital literacy, problem‐solving and entrepreneurial skills. Such knowledge, experience and skills build confidence and improve educational outcomes, and will directly benefit Indigenous communities in the long term.
11.30am on a Sunday Morning: Making Meanings with Mary
Authors: Payne Rachel
Published: November 2018

Marginalisation of the visual arts resulting from the marketisation of education impacts young people's access to and interaction with culture on a global stage. In England this educational disruption is characterised by inconsistent access to arts‐based curricula and democratic pedagogies, where those from lower socio‐economic backgrounds are at risk of neglect. Influenced by this political malaise, I conducted microethnographic research examining how artist workshops shape the cultural interactions of children aged 11 and 12. The research aimed to provide new opportunities for participants living and studying in an area of deprivation in a South of England city with uneven access to broad cultural experiences. Situated in a contemporary art gallery over a two‐week period, the study interrogates how environmental factors affect children's development from a sociocultural perspective. By analysing conversations and art production, children's meaning‐making formations are revealed. Findings indicate that values underpinning the research partnership and performed by the artist are paramount in shaping development. In turn participants perceive themselves as becoming artists where the reproduction of social practices generates new knowledge and identities. Environmental factors disrupt participants’ experiences of pedagogy exposing power and control at the heart of the English education system. However, with new‐found agency emerges a redistribution of power performed through dialogue between participants and the cultural environment, findings which indicate values and practices salient beyond Britain.
The influence of corporate social responsibility on investment efficiency and innovation
Authors: Cook Kirsten A. , Romi Andrea M. , Sánchez Daniela , Sánchez Juan Manuel
Published: November 2018

We examine two important channels through which corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects firm value: investment efficiency and innovation. We find that firms with higher CSR performance invest more efficiently: these firms are less prone to invest in negative net present value (NPV) projects (overinvestment) and less prone to forego positive NPV projects (underinvestment). We also find that firms with higher CSR performance generate more patents and patent citations. Mediation analysis indicates that firms with higher CSR performance are more profitable and valuable, consequences partially attributable to efficient investments and innovation. These results, robust to alternate model specifications, lend support to enlightened stakeholder theory.
First records of the parthenogenetic Surinam cockroach Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Insecta: Blattodea: Blaberidae) for Central Europe
Authors: Zangl Lukas , Kunz Gernot , Berg Christian , Koblmüller Stephan
Published: November 2018

Sixteen species of cockroaches have been reported for Austria so far. This study is the first record of the parthenogenetic Surinam cockroach, Pycnoscelus surinamensis (L.) for Austria (and thus Central Europe). The species is natively distributed in Indo‐Malaysia but has been unintentionally introduced in many, mainly tropical, countries throughout the world. Sequencing the DNA barcoding region revealed that all Austrian P. surinamensis samples had the same haplotype, which they shared with samples from the United States of America, Guyana and French Polynesia, indicating that all these samples/populations belong to the same clonal lineage. Even though in temperate regions, the occurrence of P. surinamensis is currently limited to greenhouses, we advocate proper monitoring of the populations with respect to global warming and the expected increasing independence of this species from greenhouses that comes along with it.
Efficacy of some biorational insecticides against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in Kuwait
Authors: Jallow Mustapha F. A. , Dahab Abdelhafiz A. , Albaho Mohammed S. , Devi Vimala Y.
Published: November 2018

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, is one of the most destructive pests of tomato worldwide. Management of the pest is mainly based on chemical insecticides. Reliance on insecticides is difficult to sustain because of unintended long‐term adverse effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, there is a need to develop pest management strategies that ensure the production of high‐quality products, while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability and maximum consumer protection. We evaluated the efficacy the biopesticides: Azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis, Steinernema feltiae and Beauveria bassiana individually and in combination against T. absoluta under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. When second instar larvae were exposed to tomato leaf discs treated with Azadirachtin (3 g/L), B. thuringiensis (0.5 g/L) or B. bassiana (1.5 g/L), 70%–86%, 55%–65%, and 45.5%–58.5% mortality was observed, respectively. Steinernema feltiae (1,000 IJs/ml) was the least effective biopesticide, with 26%–42% mortality. In the greenhouse trials on tomato, pest infestation (mines/10 leaves/plant) and fruits damaged were significantly lower on plants treated with Azadirachtin + B. thuringiensis or Azadirachtin + B. bassiana compared to plants treated with Azadirachtin, B. thuringiensi, B. bassiana or S. feltiae alone. Azadirachtin + B. thuringiensis and Azadirachtin + B. bassiana resulted in 90% and 81% reduction in fruits damaged in the summer experiments, respectively, and 96% and 91% in winter. The most severe pest infestation was observed on plants treated with S. feltia. The results indicate that the biopesticides, except S. feltia, can contribute to T. absoluta control in greenhouse tomato crops. In particular, the combined use of Azadirachtin with B. thuringiensis or B. bassiana provided the highest level of control of the pest. The potential for including these biopesticides in an overall sustainable integrated pest management programme for T. absoluta is discussed.
Deoxynivalenol screening in wheat‐derived products in Gran Asunción, Paraguay
Authors: Arrúa Alvarenga Andrea Alejandra , Moura Mendes Arrua Juliana , Cazal Martínez Cinthia Carolina , Arrúa Alvarenga Pablo David , Fernández Ríos Danilo , Pérez Estigarribia Pastor Enmanuel , Kohli Man Mohan
Published: November 2018

Fusarium graminearum is one of the most important pathogens affecting wheat production in Paraguay. This fungus decreases yield and grain quality; the most important consequence is the production of mycotoxins from the trichothecene group, secondary metabolites toxic to humans and other animals. The toxin reported in Paraguay is deoxynivalenol, which has effects on the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. To determine the presence of deoxynivalenol in flour and baked goods, samples of wholemeal flour and white flour, white and wholemeal bread, and bran crackers were carried out in the Gran Asunción Area. The presence of deoxynivalenol was determined by monoclonal antibodies through the use of quantitative test strips. The results were variable and below those established by international standards.

Practical applications

In the developing countries, the control of the quality and safety of food is practically nonexistent. In Paraguay, there is no legislation on the maximum levels of deoxynivalenol in wheat and derivatives. As this cereal and its derivative products are highly susceptible to contamination by Fusarium and its mycotoxins, it is a priority to initiate controls and establish bases for legislation on maximum acceptable limits in these products. Also highlight the need at country level of the application of high efficiency and sensitive techniques for quantification mycotoxins in food.
Semicarbazide universality study and its speculated formation pathway
Authors: Yu Wenlong , Liu Weihua , Tian Wenrui , Li Xiuting , Wang Xianghong
Published: November 2018

Semicarbazide (SEM) was used as a metabolic marker to indicate the use (abuse) of the antibiotic nitrofurazone. It can be generated from azodicarbonamide and also had been observed from other unrelated sources. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the existence of SEM in different foods and conjecture the producing pathway. In this article, a LC–MS/MS method for the detection of SEM in different food products had been validated, and the limit of detection was 0.5 μg/kg. Several different sample pretreatment methods had been developed and 31 samples had been evaluated, 80.03–120.15% recoveries of the spiked samples were obtained. It was shown that SEM was detected in various foods. Different types of food might have different mechanisms for retaining SEM, and blank shrimp flesh had been chosen to further study. Several processing methods were performedand the concentration of SEM in processed shrimps was higher than that in unprocessed shrimps, and temperature, moisture, oil, may influence the formation of SEM. Meanwhile, the simulation experiment proved that SEM was produced by amino acids under high temperature. It was shown that the excessive level of SEM in shrimp was endogenous, presumably, it also can be found in rich‐protein food after processing.

Practical applications

This study reflected the SEM universality in different food. In previous studies where using LC–MS to detect SEM in different foods, the pretreatments of different substrate foods rarely varied, this would easily lead to experimental error and solvent waste, this study carried out sample pretreatment classification for the main components of different foods, which provided a reference for the subsequent SEM detection. In view of the endogenous SEM, the possible formation pathways of endogenous SEM were analyzed from the aspects of processing methods and amino acid compositions, providing a theoretical basis for the future study of endogenous SEM.
Food insecurity and food preparation equipment in US households: exploratory results from a cross‐sectional questionnaire
Authors: Oakley A. R. , Nikolaus C. J. , Ellison B. , Nickols‐Richardson S. M.
Published: November 2018

Background

Food insecurity (FI) impacted 15.7% (5.9 million) of US households with children in 2017. These households often experience issues within one or more of the food security pillars: access, availability, utilisation or stability. An underexplored area within the pillar of utilisation that may impact FI risk is the availability of kitchen equipment in households. This exploratory project aimed to quantify household food preparation equipment ownership and use by household FI status.

Methods

An online platform (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) was used to administer a questionnaire to a sample of 135 parents of children aged 11–14 years. The instrument queried sociodemographic characteristics, food preparation items owned and frequency of use of 44 items within a 6‐month interval. Household FI was measured using the 18‐item US Department of Agriculture, Household Food Security Survey Module with a 12‐month reference period.

Results

Households experiencing FI (n = 39; 28.9%) owned an average of five fewer items than their food secure counterparts (n = 96, 71.1%, P < 0.001), reporting lower item ownership within each equipment category subgroup (i.e. large appliances, small appliances, food preparation utensils and cooking utensils; all P < 0.01). There were no differences between FI and food secure households in frequency of use (all P > 0.01).

Conclusions

Compared to food secure households, the number of food preparation items owned was lower, although frequency of use was the same, in US households that were FI. Future projects should investigate how food equipment ownership impacts cooking behaviours, and whether households experiencing FI display behaviours to compensate for a differing set of equipment.
Cone‐beam computed tomography investigation of the anatomy of permanent mandibular premolars in a cohort of Caucasians
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Baruffaldi Martino , Perondi Isabella , Taschieri Silvio
Published: November 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the number of roots and the anatomy of root canal systems of permanent mandibular premolars using images derived from cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

Methods

Mandibular CBCT scans of a cohort of Caucasians (Italians) were evaluated using a dedicated software. The number of roots and the anatomy of root canal systems (following the classification by Vertucci) were recorded, and the prevalence of each type was calculated.

Results

In total, 112 mandibular scans were evaluated accounting for 97 first premolars and 88 second premolars; 94.2% of first premolars and 96.6% of second premolars had one single root. The most common root canal system configuration was type I for both first premolars (79.2%) and second premolars (95.5%). Moreover, a large variability was observed.

Conclusions

Based on the results, mandibular premolars show a significant heterogeneity in root canal system anatomy that could complicate non‐surgical endodontic treatment.
Translating auxin responses into ovules, seeds and yield: Insight from Arabidopsis and the cereals
Authors: Shirley Neil J. , Aubert Matthew K. , Wilkinson Laura G. , Bird Dayton C. , Lora Jorge , Yang Xiujuan , Tucker Matthew R.
Published: November 2018

Grain production in cereal crops depends on the stable formation of male and female gametes in the flower. In most angiosperms, the female gamete is produced from a germline located deep within the ovary, protected by several layers of maternal tissue, including the ovary wall, ovule integuments and nucellus. In the field, germline formation and floret fertility are major determinants of yield potential, contributing to traits such as seed number, weight and size. As such, stimuli affecting the timing and duration of reproductive phases, as well as the viability, size and number of cells within reproductive organs can significantly impact yield. One key stimulant is the phytohormone auxin, which influences growth and morphogenesis of female tissues during gynoecium development, gametophyte formation, and endosperm cellularization. In this review we consider the role of the auxin signaling pathway during ovule and seed development, first in the context of Arabidopsis and then in the cereals. We summarize the gene families involved and highlight distinct expression patterns that suggest a range of roles in reproductive cell specification and fate. This is discussed in terms of seed production and how targeted modification of different tissues might facilitate improvements.
HDL mimetic peptides affect apolipoprotein E metabolism: equal supplement or functional enhancer?
Authors: Wang Wenzhang , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: November 2018

ε4 allele of ApoE is the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Supplementation of ApoE proteins or mimetics has been pursued for drug developments against AD. A high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) mimetic peptide 4F was shown to alleviate AD‐related deficits in APP transgenic mice, and this editorial highlights a study by Chernick et al. who use both mouse and human neuroglial cells to explore the mechanism underlying beneficial effects of this peptide. The authors demonstrate that 4F peptide significantly increased the secretion and lipidation of ApoE in the absence and presence of Aβ independent of de novo transcription/translation, but requiring ABCA1 and the integrity of the secretory pathway between ER and Golgi. This study reveals a novel mechanism of HDL mimetic peptide as a functional ApoE enhancer and support further development of ApoA‐I 4F peptide as effective ApoE modulating agents against AD.

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Associated tympanic bullar and cochlear hypertrophy define adaptations to true deserts in African gerbils and laminate‐toothed rats (Muridae: Gerbillinae and Murinae)
Authors: Nengovhela Aluwani , Braga José , Denys Christiane , de Beer Frikkie , Tenailleau Christophe , Taylor Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Hearing capabilities in desert rodents such as gerbils and heteromyids have been inferred from both anatomical and ecological aspects and tested with experiments and theoretical models. However, very few studies have focused on other desert‐adapted species. In this study, a refined three‐dimensional morphometric approach was used on three African rodent tribes (Otomyini, Taterillini and Gerbillini) to describe the cochlear and tympanic bullar morphology, and to explore the role of phylogeny, allometry and ecology to better understand the underlying mechanism of any observed trends of hypertrophy in the bulla and associated changes in the cochlea. As a result, desert‐adapted species could be distinguished from mesic and semi‐arid taxa by the gross cochlear dimensions, particularly the oval window, which is larger in desert species. Bullar and cochlear modifications between species could be explained by environment (bulla and oval window), phylogeny (cochlear curvature gradient) and/or allometry (cochlear relative length, oval window and bulla) with some exceptions. Based on their ear anatomy, we predict that Desmodillus auricularis and Parotomys brantsii should be sensitive to low‐frequency sounds, with D. auricularis sensitive to high‐frequency sounds, too. This study concludes that in both arid and semi‐arid adapted laminate‐toothed rats and gerbils there is bulla and associated cochlea hypertrophy, particularly in true desert species. Gerbils also show tightly coiled cochlea but the significance of this is debatable and may have nothing to do with adaptations to any specific acoustics in the desert environment.
DOES STUDENT WORK REALLY AFFECT EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES? A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Neyt Brecht , Omey Eddy , Verhaest Dieter , Baert Stijn
Published: November 2018

We review the theories put forward, methodological approaches used and empirical conclusions found in the multidisciplinary literature on the relationship between student employment and educational outcomes. A systematic comparison of the empirical work yields new insights that go beyond the overall reported negative effect of more intensive working schemes and that are of high academic and policy relevance. One such insight uncovered by our review is that student employment seems to have a more adverse effect on educational decisions (continuing studies and enrolment in tertiary education) than on educational performance (test and exam scores).
Consequences of knowledge hiding: The differential compensatory effects of guilt and shame
Authors: Burmeister Anne , Fasbender Ulrike , Gerpott Fabiola H.
Published: November 2018

The nature of the consequences of knowledge hiding, defined as an intentional attempt to withhold knowledge that has been requested, and the mechanisms through which knowledge hiding affects outcomes are undertheorized. In this research, we propose that knowledge hiding can evoke guilt and shame in the knowledge hiding perpetrator. We zoom into the three types of knowledge hiding – evasive hiding, playing dumb, and rationalized hiding – and predict that the more deceptive knowledge hiding types, namely evasive hiding and playing dumb, evoke stronger feelings of guilt and shame than rationalized hiding. We further argue that guilt and shame trigger differential emotion‐based reparatory mechanisms, such that guilt induces the motivation to correct one's transgressions through organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), whereas shame induces the tendency to withdraw after hiding knowledge, as reflected in lower levels of OCB. We test the proposed positive indirect relation between knowledge hiding and OCB via guilt, and the proposed negative indirect relation via shame in a scenario‐based experiment and a two‐wave field study. The studies provided support for most of our hypotheses. We discuss how the proposed emotion pathway can facilitate nuanced theorizing about consequences of knowledge hiding for different types of negative emotions and subsequent compensatory work behaviours.

Practitioner points

Hiding knowledge from colleagues can lead to experiences of guilt and shame. Playing dumb (in contrast to evasive hiding and rationalized hiding) in particular elicits these negative emotional experiences. Practitioners should therefore aim to prevent knowledge hiding, and especially playing dumb, in organizations.

Guilt and shame elicit differential action tendencies in knowledge hiding perpetrators, which entails that negative emotions as a result of playing dumb can sometimes lead to positive behavioural consequences.

To effectively manage the consequences of knowledge hiding, practitioners should try to elicit constructive negative emotions (guilt) rather than destructive emotions (shame) as a reaction to employees' knowledge hiding. This can facilitate employees' compensation for their transgressions through organizational citizenship behaviour, rather than withdrawal from the situation.
Is the caudal auricular axial pattern flap robust? A multi‐centre cohort study of 16 dogs and 12 cats (2005 to 2016)
Authors: Proot J. L. J. , Jeffery N. , Culp W. T. N. , Buracco P. , de la Puerta B. , Williams J. M. , Ladlow J. F. , Field E. J. , Nelissen P. , Ragni R. A. , Pope J. F. A. , Baines S. J. , Liptak J. M. , Nicholson I.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine the frequency and type of healing complications arising after the use of the caudal auricular axial pattern flap to close defects on the head in dogs and cats.

Material and Methods

Multi‐centre retrospective cohort study. Centres were recruited by the Association for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery Research Cooperative. Medical records of 11 centres were reviewed, and data from all dogs and cats treated with a caudal auricular axial pattern flap were retrieved. The following data were recorded: signalment, reason for reconstruction, flap dimensions, anatomic landmarks used, histological diagnosis, flap healing and whether revision surgery was required.

Results

Twenty‐eight cases were included: 16 dogs and 12 cats. Flap length: width ratio was approximately 3:1 and flap length extended to the scapular spine in most cases. Optimal wound healing occurred in five of 16 (31%) dogs and six of 12 (50%) cats. Wound dehiscence without flap necrosis occurred in one of 16 (6%) dogs and one of 12 (8%) cats. Wound dehiscence with flap necrosis occurred in 10 of 16 (63%) dogs and five of 12 (42%) cats. Revision surgery was performed in eight of 16 (50%) dogs and three of 12 (25%) cats.

Clinical Significance

The caudal auricular axial pattern flap can provide full thickness skin coverage for large defects on the head in dogs and cats. Partial flap necrosis is a common complication, and revision surgery may be required in order to achieve final wound closure.
Comparative single‐dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered florfenicol in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) at health and experimental infection with Streptococcus iniae or Lactococcus garvieae
Authors: Shiry Nima , Shomali Tahoora , Soltanian Siyavash , Akhlaghi Mostafa
Published: November 2018

This study evaluates changes in the pharmacokinetic behavior of a single oral dose of florfenicol in rainbow trouts experimentally infected with Lactococcus garvieae or Streptococcus iniae. One hundred and fifty fish were randomly divided into three equal groups: 1—healthy fish, 2—fish inoculated with S. iniae (2.87 × 107 CFU/ml, i.p.), and 3—fish inoculated with L. garvieae (6.8 × 105 CFU/ml, i.p.). Florfenicol was administered to all groups at 15 mg/kg by oral gavage. Blood sampling was performed at 0, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 hr after drug administration to each group, and plasma concentration of florfenicol was assayed by HPLC method. The MICs of florfenicol were 1.2 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml against L. garviae and S. iniae, respectively. Healthy fish showed higher values for most of the PK/PD parameters as compared to fish infected with L. garvieae which was reversed in fish infected with S. iniae. Fish infected with L. garvieae showed decreased relative bioavailability accompanied by increased volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss) and total body clearance (ClB). Infection with S. iniae increased the peak concentration of drug after administration (Cmax) and decreased elimination half‐life (T1/2 β), central compartment volume (Vc), and Vdss. In conclusion, infection with these bacteria can affect the pharmacokinetic behavior of florfenicol in rainbow trouts as shown by decreased bioavailability and increased total body clearance and volume of distribution in L. garvieae infection and decreased volume of distribution accompanied by increased Cmax in S. iniae‐infected fish.
A comparison of phylogenetic and species beta diversity measures describing vegetation assemblages along an elevation gradient
Authors: Elliott Tammy L. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Question

Ecologists have long been interested in the delineation and description of plant communities but have only recently included phylogenetic data into these analyses. Here, we assess whether species‐based dissimilarities (beta diversity, BD) and more recent phylogenetic beta diversity (PhBD) measures are correlated with dissimilarities among sites based on abiotic variables. Additionally, we examine whether BD and PhBD measures aggregate sites into clusters that reflect their environmental attributes. Assuming phylogenetic conservatism in abiotic niche preferences, we predict PhBD dissimilarity matrices will correlate to those based on abiotic site variables, and that clusters determined by PhBD will more closely match to assemblages clustered by abiotic environment than will clusters determined by species BD.

Location

Mount Irony, Labrador in the Eastern Canadian subarctic.

Methods

We combine vascular plant co‐occurrence data collected from an elevation gradient on Mount Irony with information on phylogenetic relatedness to compare site dissimilarities based on abiotic variables with those estimated on measures of BD and PhBD. We also examine whether clusters based on BD and PhBD resemble clusters based on abiotic variables, and investigate whether similarly clustered sites are composed of species with similar evolutionary histories.

Results

We found significant correlations among the dissimilarity matrices and ordinations for the abiotic variables, BD and PhBD; however, neither BD nor PhBD aggregated assemblages into clusters that reflected their environmental differences. Further, we found no evidence that species within clusters were any more closely related than expected by chance. We observed similar patterns when communities were defined by all vascular plants and only angiosperms.

Conclusions

The correlations among site dissimilarities based on abiotic variables, BD and PhBD suggest environmental filtering; however, sites clustered by BD and PhBD did not resemble those clustered by abiotic variables, indicating that the added value of phylogenetic data for local scale analyses might be limited.
Relative Income, Community Attachment and Subjective Well–Being: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Tsurumi Tetsuya , Imauji Atsushi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: November 2018

Income is one of the most important and well–studied determinants of subjective well–being (SWB), and empirical evidence indicates that there is a robust positive income effect on measures of SWB. However, evidence from previous studies is inconclusive regarding the impact of relative income on reported well–being. In this study, we use original Japanese survey data collected in 2015 and reference area income derived from 500 m mesh data to examine the impact of relative income on life satisfaction. The results of structural equation modeling reveal that relative income has a direct negative impact but an indirect positive effect through community attachment on life satisfaction. This suggests that the negative effects of reference income observed in previous studies that did not consider community attachment are likely to be overestimated. Our results also suggest that younger people are more affected by the direct negative effect of reference income than people in other age groups. Furthermore, people with a household income higher than the reference area income are not necessarily more attached to their neighborhood; however, they are more likely to report higher life satisfaction.
Performance of the South American Defense Council Under Autonomy Pressures
Authors: Mijares Víctor M.
Published: November 2018

This article evaluates the performance of the South American Defense Council, based on the rational institutional design and the concept of the operability of alliances. The trajectory of the Council between 2009 and 2018, is examined through a theoretical approximation inspired by neoclassical realism and by applying the descriptive inference method of process tracing. The results indicate that in almost a decade, the Defense Council of the Union of South American Nations did not achieve full operability according to its institutional design. The evidence suggests that aspirations of national autonomy undermined the regional security autonomy project. The article affirms that the presence of a South American security regionalism problem resulting from national and regional autonomy tensions generated a paradox of autonomy.
Retest effects in medical selection interviews
Authors: Griffin Barbara , Bayl‐Smith Piers , Duvivier Robbert , Shulruf Boaz , Hu Wendy
Published: November 2018

Context

Repetition of a cognitive ability test is known to increase scores, but almost no research has examined whether similar improvement occurs with repetition of interviews. Retest effects can change the rank order of candidates and reduce the test's criterion validity. Because interviews are widely used to select medical students and postgraduate trainees, and because applicants apply to multiple programmes and often reapply if unsuccessful, the potential for retest effects needs to be understood.

Objectives

This study was designed to identify if retest improvements occur when candidates undertake multiple interviews and, if so, whether the effect is attributable to general interview experience or specific experience and whether repeat testing affects criterion validity.

Methods

We compared interview scores of applicants who were interviewed for one or more of three independent undergraduate medical programmes in two consecutive years and those who were interviewed in both years for the same programme. Correlations between initial and repeat interview scores and a written test of social understanding were compared.

Results

General experience (being interviewed by multiple programmes) did not produce improvement in subsequent interview performance. There was no evidence of method effect (having prior experience of the multiple mini‐interview process). Specific experience (being interviewed by the same programme across 2 years) resulted in a significant improvement in scores for which regression to the mean did not fully account. Criterion validity did not appear to be affected.

Conclusions

Unsuccessful candidates for medical school who reapply and are re‐interviewed on a subsequent occasion at the same institution are likely to increase their scores. The results of this study suggest the increase is probably not attributable to improved ability.
Complex decision making in medical training: key internal and external influences in developing practical wisdom
Authors: Paes Paul , Leat David , Stewart Jane
Published: November 2018

Context

Good judgement and the ability to make complex decisions are key attributes of a skilled professional. There has been limited study of doctors and their decision making, particularly in relation to making complex decisions. The study aims were to understand how trainee doctors develop practical wisdom through investigating their approach to difficult decision making, understanding the influences on the development of practical wisdom, and identifying potential interventions that may help develop this further.

Methods

Constructing an understanding of the process of developing practical wisdom was analysed within a social constructivist frame. The study investigated trainee doctors at different stages of their careers. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were used to explore the approaches doctors take to difficult decision making, as well as the key training influences in learning these skills. Constant comparative analysis was carried out within a grounded theory approach.

Results

Key elements emerged from the data regarding the doctors themselves and the environments they worked in that assisted in developing decision making. This led to the construction of a conceptual model setting out the development of practical wisdom among trainee doctors. The model describes a process of gaining experience in decision making, moderated by key external and internal influences. The important roles of self‐efficacy and agency (relational) are highlighted as key enablers of the process.

Discussion

The implications of this model are considered in relation to postgraduate training of doctors. The importance of training doctors to be self‐regulated learners in learning environments that support their development is highlighted. Aspects of the clinical learning environment (structure) such as rotation structures, the culture, supervision and feedback can all be enhanced. Self‐efficacy and relational agency, alongside other internal influences, are key factors in accelerating development of practical wisdom. Other studies have shown that these factors can be improved with targeted interventions.
Short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) of the Mariana Archipelago: Individual affiliations, movements, and spatial use
Authors: Hill Marie C. , Bendlin Andrea R. , Van Cise Amy M. , Milette‐Winfree Aliza , Ligon Allan D. , Ü Adam C. , Deakos Mark H. , Oleson Erin M.
Published: November 2018

Little is known about short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in the western North Pacific outside of Japanese coastal waters. To expand understanding of short‐finned pilot whale ecology in the region, we conducted small‐boat surveys in 2010−2016 within the Mariana Archipelago to investigate individual associations, movements, spatial use, and dive behavior of short‐finned pilot whales. We collected genetic, photo‐identification, and satellite‐tag data and identified 191 distinctive individuals. A preliminary social network diagram of photo‐cataloged individuals revealed a main cluster that comprised 82% of individuals, representing all five mitochondrial DNA haplotypes identified within the population. Kernel density estimates for tagged short‐finned pilot whales (n = 11) during summer were used to identify areas with the highest probability of use (10% probability density contour), core area (50%) and home range (95%). The area with highest probability of use by short‐finned pilot whales was off the northwest side of Guam. Satellite tag data also suggest that some individuals are island‐associated year‐round. Data from five location‐dive tags demonstrated that the short‐finned pilot whales dove more often to intermediate depths at twilight and night, suggesting they may target prey that forage on the deep scattering layer as it migrates to and from the surface.
The dysphagia stress test for rapid assessment of swallowing difficulties in esophageal conditions
Authors: Taft Tiffany H. , Kern Emily , Starkey Kristen , Craft Jenna , Craven Meredith , Doerfler Bethany , Keefer Laurie , Kahrilas Peter , Pandolfino John
Published: November 2018

Background

Esophageal dysphagia is a common symptom in gastroenterology practice. Current rapid assessment tools are limited to oropharyngeal dysphagia and do not translate well to esophageal conditions. We aim to create a novel tool, the dysphagia stress test (DST), to evaluate swallowing in patients with esophageal disease characterized by dysphagia.

Methods

Adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, and dysphagia not otherwise specified (NOS) participated. Patient controls with non‐esophageal diagnoses and healthy controls were also recruited. Participants completed the DST with five bolus challenges: water, applesauce, rice, bread, barium tablet and rated their swallowing difficulty and pain. A study clinician observed and documented water use and refusal of any challenges. Participants also completed measures of esophageal symptoms, hypersensitivity, and symptom anxiety to evaluate the DST validity. Collinearity of bolus challenges guided item reduction.

Key Results

A total of 132 subjects participated. Both control groups and GERD patients had the best swallowing ability, while achalasia, EOE, and dysphagia NOS scored poorer. About 90% of patients were able to attempt or pass each of the bolus challenges, suggesting high acceptability. Construct validity of the DST is evidenced by modest negative correlations with symptom severity, hypersensitivity, and anxiety. The DST does not appear to be influenced by brain‐gut processes. Applesauce, rice, and bread demonstrated collinearity; thus, the DST was reduced to three challenges.

Conclusions & Inferences

The DST is the first rapid assessment tool designed for gastroenterology clinics with direct observation of swallowing ability across several conditions to mitigate issues related to patient self‐report of esophageal symptoms.
Does Participatory Budgeting Change the Share of Public Funding to Low Income Neighborhoods?
Authors: Shybalkina Iuliia , Bifulco Robert
Published: November 2018

Using a newly compiled dataset, we measure the effects of participatory budgeting on the allocation of capital funding among areas of different income levels within New York City council districts. A difference‐in‐differences design compares changes in the allocation of funding in adopting districts before and after the adoption of participatory budgeting to changes over the same period among a control group consisting of later adopters. On average, adopting districts increase funding in the next to the lowest income census tracts more than the control group, but participatory budgeting does not redirect funds to the lowest income census tracts.
Plastidial starch phosphorylase is highly associated with starch accumulation process in developing squash (Cucurbita sp.) fruit
Authors: Mizuno Shinji , Kamiyoshihara Yusuke , Shiba Hajime , Shinmachi Fumie , Watanabe Keiichi , Tateishi Akira
Published: November 2018

We investigated changes in starch content and starch metabolic enzyme activities in developing and postharvest squash of distinct species, Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata, which accumulate high and low levels of starch, respectively. The total activity of starch phosphorylase in developing fruits significantly correlated (r = 0.99) to the amount of starch among Cucurbita species (C. maxima, C. moschata and C. pepo). Separable activity of a plastidial L‐form phosphorylase in C. maxima fruit markedly increased corresponding with starch accumulation. We isolated two genes (CmPhoL1 and CmPhoH1) encoding an L‐form and a cytosolic H‐form phosphorylase from C. maxima fruit. The expression of CmPhoL1 in the fruit dramatically increased at the beginning of starch accumulation. Recombinant CmPhoL1 enzyme showed similar kinetic parameters in both glucan synthesis and phosphorolysis: this enzyme can catalyze the invertible reaction in vitro depending on the concentration of substrates. These results suggest that CmPhoL1 plays a role in the starch accumulation process during squash development, but the aid of other starch synthetic enzymes may be required for in vivo glucan synthesis reaction by CmPhoL1. An importance of plastidial starch phosphorylase in the starch accumulation in the fruit organ was indicated.
Comparison of the characteristics of chinchilla epidydimal semen after collection, storage at 5°C and cryopreservation
Authors: Polit Martyna , Prochowska Sylwia , Niżański Wojciech
Published: November 2018

Contents

The aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of chinchilla epididymal sperm: fresh, stored at liquid state and cryopreserved. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from 11 males were assessed for subjective motility, concentration, motility parameters measured by CASA, viability, morphology, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial potential, lipid peroxidation, chromatin structure, apoptotic changes and capacitation. Then half of the spermatozoa were stored at 5°C for 30 hr, and the second half was cryopreserved. After storage and thawing the same parameters as in fresh semen were assessed. Fresh semen showed good quality, with low levels of lipid peroxidation, chromatin fragmentation and capacitation. CASA evaluation showed significantly lower values for MOT, PMOT, RAPID, VCL, VAP and VSL after both storage at liquid state and cryopreservation (p < 0.05). Cold storage did not induce membrane and acrosome damage (p > 0.05), conversely to cryopreservation (p < 0.05). After storage, there was a drop in high mitochondrial potential in live cells (p < 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of non‐apoptotic, capacitated cells (p < 0.05). These changes were not seen after cryopreservation (p > 0.05). Lipid peroxidation in live cells and chromatin structure remained unchanged both after storage and cryopreservation (p > 0.05). The study showed that examined methods of semen preservation exerted different patterns of changes in spermatozoa and that sperm quality after both of them allowed for further use of preserved spermatozoa in artificial reproductive techniques.
The never‐ending search of an ideal culture system for domestic cat oocytes and embryos
Authors: Luvoni Gaia Cecilia , Colombo Martina , Morselli Maria Giorgia
Published: November 2018

Contents

In the domestic cat, in vitro fertilization started 40 years ago, but an ideal culture system has yet to be achieved. The physiological microenvironments, which interact with oocytes and embryos promoting their competence, have been investigated. However, recreating in vitro follicle‐ and oviduct‐like conditions is challenging and a matter of both chemistry and physics. This review presents an excursus of the experimental investigations focused on the improvement of feline oocytes and embryos culture through the modulation of chemical and physical factors. Medium supplementation with components of follicular and oviductal fluids, or the use of different co‐cultures, supports or substrata have been considered. Innovative and sophisticated systems as “organ‐on‐a‐chip” might lead to the creation of artificial follicles and oviducts and they may represent the ideal combination of chemical and physical factors. Will the search ever end?