bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interviewer effects in multicultural, multinational and multiregional surveys
Authors: Cibelli Hibben Kristen , Pennell Beth-Ellen , Scott Lesli
Published: March 2018

Purpose

At the invitation of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), this paper aims to examine advances in survey interviewer monitoring and make recommendations on minimizing the effect of interviewers on survey results.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first provide an overview of the most recent literature on interviewer effects, quality assurance and quality control. Here, they draw upon recent publications such as the cross-cultural survey guidelines (www.ccsg.isr.umich.edu) and newly published or in-press material specifically addressing these issues in multicultural, multinational and multiregional (3MC) contexts.

Findings

The authors discuss trends and innovations in quality assurance and quality control in 3MC studies and draw upon examples from international surveys that are using cutting-edge and innovative approaches to monitor interviewer behavior and minimize interviewer effects.

Originality/value

With a view to continuous quality improvement, the authors conclude with concrete recommendations for PIAAC to consider for the next cycle. Many of the recommendations have general relevance for other large-scale cross-national surveys.
The future of face-to-face interviewing
Authors: Schober Michael F.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the likelihood that face-to-face (FTF) interviewing will continue to be the “gold standard” survey interviewing method, to which all other modes are compared, in an era in which daily communicative habits for many now involve selecting among many alternative modes.

Design/methodology/approach

After outlining what is known about the purported benefits and drawbacks of FTF interviewing, the paper reviews recent findings that raise questions about whether FTF interviewing still produces the highest rates of participation, best data quality and greatest respondent satisfaction.

Findings

Results of several studies suggest that at least for some respondents, asynchronous interviewing modes that reduce the interviewer’s social presence and allow respondents to participate while they are mobile or multitasking (in particular, text messaging) may well lead to higher quality data and greater respondent satisfaction.

Practical implications

To the extent that these findings generalize, the implication is that FTF interviewing will continue to be needed for at least some respondents, but multiple trends suggest that it is likely to be one mode among many, and that the assumption that it is always needed or that it always leads to the highest quality data no longer holds.

Originality/value

Exploring when and how FTF interviewing will continue to be needed is particularly important given FTF’s financial and social costs, in an era of budgetary challenges and new questioning about which data sources are essential and lead to trustworthy information.
The survey response process from a cognitive viewpoint
Authors: Tourangeau Roger
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the cognitive processes involved in answering survey questions. It also briefly discusses how the cognitive viewpoint has been challenged by other approaches (such as conversational analysis).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the major components of the response process and summarizes work examining how each of these components can contribute to measurement errors in surveys.

Findings

The Cognitive Aspects of Survey Methodology (CASM) model of the survey response process is still generating useful research, but both the satisficing model and the conversational approach provide useful supplements, emphasizing motivational and social sources of error neglected in the CASM approach.

Originality/value

The paper provides an introduction to the cognitive processes underlying survey responses and how these processes can explain why survey responses may be inaccurate.
Effects of mixture ingredients on interlayer adhesion of concrete in Contour Crafting
Authors: Zareiyan Babak , Khoshnevis Behrokh
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the strength at interlayer of specimens fabricated using Contour Crafting (CC) to develop a concrete mixture for large-scale three-dimensional printing.

Design/methodology/approach

The collected data from several experiments were analyzed to understand significant factors and their interactions. After developing the empirical model, condition for maximum desirability was identified and the model was validated.

Findings

The experimental investigation of varied combination of concrete components introduced an empirical model which can predict the strength at interface. Moreover, an optimized mixture within constrains of the CC nozzle was developed and validated.

Originality/value

Several experimental samples were tested, and the derived empirical model was validated after more than 600 h of work.
Fused deposition modeling five-axis additive manufacturing: machine design, fundamental printing methods and critical process characteristics
Authors: Shen Hongyao , Diao Huaidong , Yue Shuhua , Fu Jianzhong
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The staircase effect and support structure under overhanging geometry are two inherent weaknesses that reduces the surface quality and induces material waste. This paper aims to design a five-axis fused deposition modeling system with interference-free nozzle to solve the problems.

Design/methodology/approach

To facilitate the application of five-axis printing machine, three new printing methods are proposed according to different geometries and application requirements, which include tangential direction printing, normal sculpture printing and compatible printing.

Findings

The static flow beading characteristic is researched to establish the criterion for switching the mode between three-axis printing and five-axis printing. Experiment proves the critical point existing and 51° is the critical point at the given parameters. The concept of dynamic flow beading is proposed. The relationship between equivalent volume and roughness is established based on elaborate experiments, which helps to figure out the boundary between safe area and beading area under different parameters of layer thickness and nozzle diameter.

Originality/value

Three new printing methods are proposed according to different geometries and application requirements, which include tangential direction printing, normal sculpture printing and compatible printing. Considering the special movement situation during five-axis printing process, the dynamic flow beading issue is proposed. The relationship between equivalent volume and roughness is established based on elaborate experiments, which helps to figure out the boundary between safe area and beading area under different parameters of layer thickness and nozzle diameter.
Temperature determines the diversity and structure of N2O‐reducing microbial assemblages
Authors: Wu Bo , Liu Feifei , Weiser Michael D. , Ning Daliang , Okie Jordan G. , Shen Lina , Li Juan , Chai Benli , Deng Ye , Feng Kai , Wu Liyou , Chen Shouwen , Zhou Jizhong , He Zhili
Published: March 2018

Micro‐organisms harbouring the nosZ gene convert N2O to N2 and play a critical role in reducing global N2O emissions. As higher denitrifier diversity can result in higher denitrification rates, here we aimed to understand the diversity, composition and spatial structure of N2O‐reducing microbial assemblages in forest soils across a large latitudinal and temperature gradient.

We sequenced nosZ gene amplicons of 126 soil samples from six forests with mean annual soil temperatures (MAST) ranging from 3.7 to 25.3°C and tested predictions of the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and metabolic‐niche theory (MNT). As predicted, α‐diversity of nosZ communities increased with increasing MAST, within‐site β‐diversity decreased and two (pH and soil moisture) of the three niche widths examined were larger with increasing MAST.

We calculated β‐nearest taxon distance and Raup–Crick metric to quantify the relative influence of the assembly processes determining nosZ assemblage structure. Environmental selection was the primary process driving assemblage structure in all six forests. Homogenizing dispersal was also important at one site, which could be explained by the site's much lower variability in soil chemistry.

We used canonical correspondence analysis and multiple regression on matrices to examine relationships between nosZ communities and environmental factors, and found that temperature and spatial distance were significant predictors of nosZ assemblage structure.

Overall our results support both theories (MTE and MNT) tested, showing that higher temperatures are correlated with higher local diversity, wider niche breadths and lower within‐site turnover rates.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Plant population success across urban ecosystems: A framework to inform biodiversity conservation in cities
Authors: Kowarik Ingo , von der Lippe Moritz
Published: March 2018

In a rapidly urbanising world, the ability of plant species to survive and build self‐sustaining populations in urban environments is increasingly important for biodiversity conservation. Yet, the contribution of cities to biodiversity conservation remains unclear because ecologists have studied biodiversity patterns, largely without considering the population establishment of plants and the ways in which different kinds of urban ecosystems harbour native and endangered plant species. These limitations can mislead conservation policies for cities.

To better understand how urban ecosystems can contribute to biodiversity conservation, we propose a framework that links the population status (casual or established) of plant species with ecosystem novelty and highlights barriers to population establishment in different types of urban ecosystems, from natural remnants to novel ecosystems.

To quantify the relative importance of natural remnants vs. human‐shaped ecosystems for the conservation of self‐sustaining urban plant populations. we re‐analyse a unique dataset from a metropolitan region in Europe with information on the population status of 1,199 plant species.

Results demonstrate that urban ecosystems harbour many established native and endangered species although a considerable share (37%) of species of conservation concern are confined to natural remnants. In hybrid and immature novel ecosystems, high species numbers reflect many species with only casual populations. The role of novel ecosystems as habitats for native and endangered plant species increases as novel ecosystems mature.

Synthesis and applications. General information about plant species richness in urban environments may mislead conservation policies as different kinds of urban ecosystems can play different roles in harbouring species of conservation concern. Moreover, presence/absence data can mask establishment failures of species. This proposed framework helps to distinguish between casual and established populations of plant species, and highlights barriers to population persistence in urban ecosystems, reflecting different land uses and land use histories over time. Revealing the role of natural remnants vs. hybrid vs. novel ecosystems as habitats for species of conservation concern illustrates opportunities for biodiversity conservation in all urban ecosystems and can support setting priorities for conservation.
Pre‐service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion of students with high support needs in regular classrooms in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahsan Tariq , Sharma Umesh
Published: March 2018

In the process of educational reforms for promoting equity and inclusion in education, pre‐service teacher preparedness has been identified as a vital factor that has an impact on the success of inclusive education. Bangladesh, like other parts of the world, has taken various initiatives to promote inclusive education in the country context. This study is an attempt to explore factors related to pre‐service teachers’ preparedness for inclusive education in Bangladesh. The current study is an extension of the work completed in previous studies and specifically examined participants’ attitudes and factors that influenced their attitudes. Following a mixed method design, this multi‐phase study measured 1,623 pre‐service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education in phase 1. By applying a multiple regression procedure, several variables were identified that impacted on pre‐service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion. The results indicated that Bangladeshi pre‐service teachers hold a less positive attitude towards the inclusion of children who have high support needs (that is, those who use Braille or sign language, or those who need to have an Individualised Academic Programme). In order to better understand the findings about apprehensive attitudes among pre‐service teachers, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six institutional heads of pre‐service teacher education institutions. The interviews provided a new perspective on apprehensive attitudes among participants. Several curriculum reform suggestions are made that may have implications for policy‐makers and researchers in Bangladesh and beyond.
Old Wine in Private Equity Bottles? The Resurgence of Contract‐for‐Deed Home Sales in US Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Immergluck Dan
Published: March 2018

This article describes the reemergence, in the wake of the mortgage crisis, of a predatory financial practice in predominantly black neighborhoods in the US: the contract for deed (CFD). The CFD has a notorious urban history; it was a focus of social justice organizing in 1960s Chicago, which helped lay the groundwork for advocacy that culminated in two important laws in the US: the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 and the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. This article places the reemergence of the CFD in the post‐crisis cycle of housing investment and disinvestment, estimates the minimum scale of CFD ownership, and examines the geography of a well‐known CFD seller in the Atlanta area. As policymakers in the US took efforts to restrict predatory lending fueled by private‐label securitization following the subprime crisis, capital markets shifted toward private equity financiers who provided a new supply of lightly regulated capital for urban housing markets. Predominantly black neighborhoods became prey for high‐return schemes meant to extract as much cash flow out of vulnerable residents as possible, offering them the illusion of homeownership. The findings show that the CFD seller focused on black neighborhoods and suggests that its profits from this activity have been quite lucrative.
Sodium Threshold in Model Reduced and Low Fat Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Systems
Authors: Cox Ginnefer O. , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: March 2018

Sodium and fat reduction in the diet are key factors in the nutrition management of hypertensive individuals. Several reduced and lower fat foods have higher amounts of sodium than their regular fat counterparts, which contradict sodium and fat reduction goals for hypertensive individuals. The objective of this research was to determine the threshold of sodium in a model reduced and low fat oil‐in‐water emulsion system analogous to salad dressings, so as to identify a reduction level of sodium that may not compromise consumer acceptability. Thirty panelists used the R‐index by rating method to evaluate a model reduced fat emulsion system with 7 sodium concentrations (175, 200, 230, 265, 305, and 350 mg) and a model low fat emulsion system with 6 sodium concentrations (160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 mg). For both emulsion systems, 30 g servings of each concentration were presented to panelists. Panelists received 10 replicates of noise and signal samples for both fat levels. The group sodium threshold for the reduced and low fat emulsions was 241.11 and 183.56 mg, respectively. Results indicate saltiness perception is increased when fat content is decreased, and threshold for sodium in the reduced fat emulsion system is higher than the low fat emulsion system with lower fat content. Study findings show opportunities for sodium reduction in reduced and low fat food emulsion systems, particularly additional reductions of sodium without consumer detection.

Practical Application

Study results demonstrated sodium difference thresholds for the reduced and low fat emulsions were at levels lower than the mean sodium content found in comparable processed food emulsion systems. Results indicate sodium content can potentially be decreased in reduced and lower fat food emulsion systems without consumer detection. Having insight for where consumers are able to detect a difference in sodium levels within reduced and low fat food systems can contribute to a successful reduction of sodium in reduced and lower fat food systems and benefit individuals requiring reductions of sodium and fat in processed food systems.
Rapid Assessment of Hydrologic Performance of Low Impact Development Practices under Design Storms
Authors: Yang Yang , Chui Ting Fong May
Published: March 2018

Low impact development (LID) practices are often applied to compensate for surface imperviousness caused by urban development. These practices can mitigate flood risk by reducing runoff volume and peak flow and by delaying the time to peak flow. To select a suitable LID practice type and its surface area during the preliminary design process, it is necessary to rapidly estimate the hydrologic performance of various LID designs under design storms. This study provides a method and a toolbox for rapid assessment of the hydrologic performance of various LID practices, which can be useful to developers for establishment of preliminary LID designs. The hydrologic performance of three common types of LID practices (i.e., green roofs, bioretention cells, and infiltration trenches) under various design storms is first simulated using the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The results are then presented as performance curves on a unit storage basis. Look‐up tables are further developed to assist the comparison and selection of the LID alternatives for various hydrologic performance targets. To facilitate SWMM modeling, a MATLAB toolbox is developed to automate the process of input modification, model simulation, result extraction, and postprocessing. Finally, the sensitivity of the look‐up curves to design storm types and design specifications of bioretention cells is also analyzed, and the assumptions used in the development of these look‐up curves are validated.
Factors associated with the efficacy of smoking cessation treatments and predictors of smoking abstinence in EAGLES
Authors: West Robert , Evins A. Eden , Benowitz Neal L. , Russ Cristina , McRae Thomas , Lawrence David , St Aubin Lisa , Krishen Alok , Maravic Melissa C. , Anthenelli Robert M.
Published: March 2018

Aims

To assess (1) how far the efficacies of front‐line smoking cessation pharmacotherapies vary as a function of smoker characteristics and (2) associations between these characteristics and success of smoking cessation attempts.

Design

Prospective correlational study in the context of a double‐blind randomized trial. The outcome was regressed individually onto each covariate after adjusting for treatment, and then a forward stepwise model constructed. Treatment moderator effects of covariates were tested by treatment × covariate interactions.

Setting

Health service facilities in multiple countries.

Participants

Data came from 8120 smokers willing to make a quit attempt, randomized to varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or placebo in Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES) between 30 November 2011 and 13 January 2015.

Measurements

Smoker characteristics measured at baseline were country, psychiatric history, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic group, life‐time suicidal ideation/behaviour, anxiety, depression, aggression, psychotropic medication, history of alcohol/substance use disorder, age of starting smoking, cigarette dependence [Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD)] and prior use of study medicines. Outcome was biochemically confirmed continuous abstinence at weeks 9–24 from start of treatment.

Findings

No statistically significant treatment × covariate interactions were found. Odds of success were associated independently positively with age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00, 1.01], BMI (1.01; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.02) and age of starting smoking (1.03; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.04). Odds were associated independently negatively with US (versus non‐US) study site (0.53; 95% CI = 0.46, 0.61), black (versus white) ethnic group (0.57; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.72), mood disorder (0.85; 95% CI = 0.73, 0.99), anxiety disorder (0.71; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.90) and psychotic disorder (0.73; 95% CI = 0.50, 1.07), taking psychotropic medication (0.81; 95% CI = 0.68, 0.95), FTCD (0.89; 95% CI = 0.87, 0.92) and previous use of NRT (0.78; 95% CI = 0.67, 0.91).

Conclusions

While a range of smoker characteristics—including psychiatric history, cigarette dependence and prior use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)—are associated with lower cessation rates, they do not substantially influence the efficacy of varenicline, bupropion or NRT.
Response of periodontium to mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine: a pilot histological study on humans
Authors: Tirone F , Salzano S , Piattelli A , Perrotti V , Iezzi G.
Published: March 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the histological response of human periodontium to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine.

Methods

Six patients scheduled for implant full‐arch rehabilitation were randomly assigned to one of the two test groups: MTA or Biodentine treatment. For each patient, two teeth scheduled for strategic extraction were randomly assigned either to the test or to the control treatment. A lateral perforation was drilled on the root and either repaired with MTA/Biodentine or filled with gutta‐percha(control). Three months later, the teeth were extracted along with the coronal third of the alveolar bone and a portion of gingival tissue, while performing implant placement, and processed for histological analysis.

Results

Biodentine resulted in less extrusion into the periodontal environment. All the materials showed good biocompatibility. A new mineralized cementum‐like tissue incorporating periodontal fibres was visible in all cases treated with MTA. A small amount of new mineralized tissue was found in two Biodentine cases but not in control cases. Biodentine resulted in less damage to the periodontal ligament.

Conclusions

Bioactivity and biocompatibility of MTA were confirmed in human models. Biodentine proved to be biocompatible, but it seems not to induce cementum regeneration.
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the expanded prostate cancer index composite
Authors: Lee Tsz Kin , Poon Darren M.C. , Ng Anthony C.F. , Ho Terrence , Singh‐Carlson Savitri , Joffres Michel , Oshan Gurpreet , Kohli Jagbir , Kwan Winkle
Published: March 2018

Aim

The expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) is a widely adopted instrument for the quality of life of patients with prostate cancer. We aimed to create a Chinese version of EPIC to further research in the Chinese‐speaking population.

Methods

A prototype was created by forward–backward translations and revisions. During cultural adaptation, 15 participants were interviewed after they had completed the prototype. A few issues highlighted included confusion related to the question format, subject non‐familiarity with the Chinese term for “hot flashes,” and the use of the Chinese term for “breast” as a strictly female body part. A pilot version was created based on the cultural adaptation findings. Validation of the pilot version was performed by having 50 participants complete the Chinese EPIC and EORTC QLQ‐c30 twice within a 4‐week period. Test–retest reliability (Pearson's correlations and difference distribution) and internal consistency (Cronbach'sα) were measured using SAS version 9.4.

Results

Test–retest reliability values for the urinary, bowel, sexual and hormone domains were 0.71, 0.51, 0.51 and 0.66, respectively; subscale test–retest reliability ranged between 0.29 and 0.82. Internal consistency for domains was good with Cronbach'sαranging from 0.76 to 0.78 for the initial test and 0.67 to 0.85 for the retest. The performance of this version of EPIC was comparable to the validated EORTC QLQ‐C30.

Conclusion

The EPIC questionnaire was successfully translated into Chinese and was culturally adapted. The resultant Chinese version has high reliability and validity and will be an important tool for research on quality of life in the Chinese population.
Grabbing Land for Equitable Development? Reengineering Land Dispossession through Securitising Land Development Rights in Chongqing
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng
Published: March 2018

This article examines the securitisation of land development rights under the dipiao scheme in Chongqing, China. It argues that this instrument is based on the dispossession and exploitation of rural households but these unequal relations have been concealed and naturalised through the complex geographies and temporalities of dispossessory arrangements, financing mechanisms and discursive tactics. By overcoming political barriers to land commodification and dispossession in this way, the Chongqing government has expanded the frontier of commodifiable land and sustained a land‐based, urban‐centric and debt‐financed accumulation. Instead of narrowing the urban–rural divide, this instrument reproduces and solidifies it. On this basis, the article argues that conceptual and political innovations for inclusive and equitable development needs to shift the attention from land to people.
Meta‐Analysis of Time in Therapeutic Range in Continuous‐Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients Receiving Warfarin
Authors: Martinez Brandon K. , Yik Brenda , Tran Raymond , Ilham Sabrina , Coleman Craig I. , Jennings Douglas L. , Baker William L.
Published: March 2018

Continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) prolong survival in advanced heart failure patients. Anticoagulation control is critical in CF‐LVAD patients due to increased thromboembolic and bleeding risk. We assessed the quality of INR control in CF‐LVAD patients measured by time in therapeutic range (TTR). We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and SCOPUS through July 2017 to identify studies evaluating TTR in anticoagulated adult CF‐LVAD patients. Data on key characteristics and the TTR end point were then extracted from each study by two investigators using a standardized tool. Using a Hartung‐Knapp random effects model, a weighted mean TTR estimate with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. Five published studies were included. All studies were single‐center, retrospective investigations that calculated TTR using the Rosendaal method. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 115 patients (total of 270 patients) with durations of follow‐up ranging from 9 to 76 person‐years. On meta‐analysis, CF‐LVAD patients had a weighted mean TTR of 46.6% (95% CI: 36.0–57.3%, I2 = 94%). This suggests that warfarin is difficult to manage in CF‐LVAD patients, which may contribute to high rates of bleeding and thromboembolic complications.
Cat‐scratch disease: ocular manifestations and treatment outcome
Authors: Habot‐Wilner Zohar , Trivizki Omer , Goldstein Michaella , Kesler Anat , Shulman Shiri , Horowitz Josepha , Amer Radgonde , David Ran , Ben‐Arie‐Weintrob Yael , Bakshi Erez , Almog Yehoshua , Sartani Gil , Vishnevskia‐Dai Vicktoria , Kramer Michal , Bar Asaf , Kehat Rinat , Ephros Moshe , Giladi Michael
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To characterize cat‐scratch disease (CSD) ocular manifestations and visual outcome and evaluate the effect of systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids on final visual acuity (VA).

Methods

Multicentre retrospective cohort study. Medical records of 86 patients with ocular disease (107 eyes) of 3222 patients identified in a national CSD surveillance study were reviewed.

Results

Mean age was 35.1 ± 14.2 years. Median follow‐up was 20 weeks (range 1–806 weeks). Of 94/107 (88%) eyes with swollen disc, 60 (64%) had neuroretinitis at presentation, 14 (15%) developed neuroretinitis during follow‐up, and 20 (21%) were diagnosed with inflammatory disc oedema. Optic nerve head lesion, uveitis, optic neuropathy and retinal vessel occlusion were found in 43 (40%), 38 (36%), 34 (33%) and 8 (7%) eyes, respectively. Good VA (better than 20/40), moderate vision loss (20/40–20/200) and severe vision loss (worse than 20/200) were found in 26/79 (33%), 35/79 (44%) and 18/79 (23%) eyes at baseline and in 63/79 (80%), 11/79 (14%) and 5/79 (6%) eyes at final follow‐up, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant VA improvement (defined as improvement of ≥3 Snellen lines at final follow‐up compared to baseline) occurred in 12/24 (50%) eyes treated with antibiotics compared with 14/16 (88%) eyes treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids (p = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression was suggestive of the same association (odds ratio 7.0; 95% CI 1.3–37.7; p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Optic nerve head lesion is a common and unique manifestation of ocular CSD. Most patients improved and had final good VA. Combined antibiotics and corticosteroid treatment was associated with a better visual outcome.
Development and initial psychometric properties of the ‘ICIQ‐Cog’: a new assessment tool to measure the disease‐related impact and care effort associated with incontinence in cognitively impaired adults
Authors: Volz‐Sidiropoulou Eftychia , Rings Theresa , Wagg Adrian S. , Leistner Nadine , Gauggel Siegfried , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To develop a new assessment tool, the ICIQ‐Cog, to measure the disease‐related impact of incontinence in cognitively impaired adults and the effort associated with the care of this population, and to present the initial psychometric properties of this tool and outline the possible clinical implications.

Participants and Methods

The ICIQ‐Cog consists of two scales: a 12‐item scale measuring disease‐specific bother (ICIQ‐Cog‐P) and a four‐item scale assessing efforts associated with care of people with incontinence and cognitive impairment (ICIQ‐Cog‐C). Data on 60 nursing home residents with incontinence and cognitive impairment were obtained in a test–retest research design. The psychometric properties of the ICIQ‐Cog were examined using a combination of classic and item response theory methods.

Results

Factor analyses resulted in a three‐factor solution for the ICIQ‐Cog‐P, with interrelated factors. Rasch analysis showed a good model fit when collapsing response categories. The ICIQ‐Cog‐C fitted to one dimension. The ICIQ‐Cog tool provided reliable measures in terms of internal consistency (0.69–0.82) and retest reliability (0.71–0.83). The preliminary results on external validity showed that the ICIQ‐Cog assessed disease‐specific aspects linked to the group of cognitively impaired people with incontinence.

Conclusion

The ICIQ‐Cog tool has appropriate psychometric and clinometric properties and is therefore useful for making decisions about treatment in cognitively impaired adults with incontinence.
Higher levels of kallikrein‐8 in female brain may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Keyvani Kathy , Münster Yvonne , Kurapati Nirup K. , Rubach Sebastian , Schönborn Andreas , Kocakavuk Emre , Karout Mohamed , Hammesfahr Pia , Wang Ya‐Chao , Hermann Dirk M. , Teuber‐Hanselmann Sarah , Herring Arne
Published: March 2018

Women seem to have a higher vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms of this sex dichotomy are not well understood. Here, we first determined the influence of sex on various aspects of Alzheimer's pathology in transgenic CRND8 mice. We demonstrate that beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaque burden starts to be more severe around P180 (moderate disease stage) in female transgenics when compared to males and that aging aggravates this sex‐specific difference. Furthermore, we show that female transgenics suffer from higher levels of neurovascular dysfunction around P180, resulting in impaired Aβ peptide clearance across the blood‐brain‐barrier at P360. Female transgenics show also higher levels of diffuse microgliosis and inflammation, but the density of microglial cells surrounding Aβ plaques is less in females. In line with this finding, testosterone compared to estradiol was able to improve microglial viability and Aβ clearance in vitro. The spatial memory of transgenics was in general poorer than in wildtypes and at P360 worse in females irrespective of their genotype. This difference was accompanied by a slightly diminished dendritic complexity in females. While all the above‐named sex‐differences emerged after the onset of Aβ pathology, kallikrein‐8 (KLK8) protease levels were, as an exception, higher in female than in male brains very early when virtually no plaques were detectable. In a second step, we quantified cerebral KLK8 levels in AD patients and healthy controls, and could ascertain, similar to mice, higher KLK8 levels not only in AD‐affected but also in healthy brains of women. Accordingly, we could demonstrate that estradiol but not testosterone induces KLK8 synthesis in neuronal and microglial cells. In conclusion, multiple features of AD are more pronounced in females. Here, we show for the first time that this sex‐specific difference may be meditated by estrogen‐induced KLK8 overproduction long before AD pathology emerges.
The extracellular matrix as a key regulator of intracellular signalling networks
Authors: Hastings Jordan F , Skhinas Joanna N , Fey Dirk , Croucher David R , Cox Thomas R
Published: March 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a salient feature of all solid tissues within the body. This complex, acellular entity is composed of hundreds of individual molecules whose assembly, architecture and biomechanical properties are critical to controlling the behaviour and phenotype of the different cell types residing within tissues. Cells are the basic unit of life and the core building block of tissues and organs. At their simplest, they follow a set of rules, governed by their genetic code and effected through the complex protein signalling networks that these genes encode. These signalling networks assimilate and process the information received by the cell to control cellular decisions that govern cell fate. The ECM is the biggest provider of external stimuli to cells and as such is responsible for influencing intracellular signalling dynamics. In this review, we discuss the inclusion of ECM as a central regulatory signalling sub‐network in computational models of cellular decision making, with a focus on its role in diseases such as cancer.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Translating the Matrix. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.1/issuetoc
Helping the helpers: Post‐traumatic distress and need for help among Israeli social workers in foster care agencies following armed conflict
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Dekel Rachel , Gilbar Ohad , Benbenishty Rami
Published: March 2018

This study examined the associations between exposure to armed conflict, perceived support, work experience, needing help, and post‐traumatic distress among Israeli social workers in foster care agencies based on Conservation of Resources theory. The study used a mixed‐methods design. Six months after the end of an armed conflict, 82 social workers responded to a web‐based questionnaire with closed‐ and open‐ended questions. Results showed that exposure to the armed conflict was moderately associated with post‐traumatic stress symptoms and functional impairment. Only the workers' perceived need for personal help (but not help for professional matters) was positively associated with their psychological distress. The qualitative analysis suggests that social workers showed strengths and wanted help mainly to improve their professional skills. Yet they also elaborated on the complexities involved in conducting their professional work, especially home visits, because such visits put their own lives in danger and meant deserting their own families. Practice implications are as follows: Foster care agencies should make greater efforts to provide knowledge and skills, support, supervision, and a “safe haven” for their workers, in the context of armed conflict.
Player profiling and quality assessment of dynamic car racing tracks using entertainment quantifier technique
Authors: Javed Saleha , Zafar Kashif
Published: March 2018

Interactive games have been an interesting area of research and have many challenges. With the advancement in technology, games have been revolutionizing at each step per the emerging and variant interests of players. Recently, machine learning techniques are used for the generation of game content based on player's experience. The dynamic content generation in computer games based on player's experience and feedback is still a challenging task. This requires measurement of entertainment factor achieved by a player during a game. In order to measure entertainment factor, we need to incorporate human‐computer interaction by evolution of game content with respect to player's response. Optimization techniques can be used for the measurement of entertainment factor and for the generation of dynamic game content. The use of computational intelligence techniques in game development can lead to a new domain called “computational intelligence in games.” This research is focused on car racing game genre, and the paradigm selected for dynamicity is track generation of car racing game. It requires player profiling and classification of players. The optimization of track generation has been performed by using single and multiobjective genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Initially, classification of player's rank based on data and theory‐driven approaches has been performed. Moreover, 3 different techniques of defining ranges or boundaries of race parameters for player's rank classification are studied. The techniques are based on crisp values, neural network, and fuzzy inference process. Then, an entertainment quantifier technique is proposed for a player after playing a certain number of games based on dynamic content generation using multiobjective genetic algorithm using standard Pareto optimal front and an epsilon (ϵ) front. In conclusion, the method proposed for quantifying entertainment can be used to analyze and classify the trend in interests of a player according to which the game itself can dynamically generate. This will keep the interest of player intact and provides maximum entertainment experience per the interest of an individual. The proposed solution can easily be used in generation of any game content and can effectively be used in accurate measurement of entertaining factor of any game.
New policy directions for global pond conservation
Authors: Hill Matthew J. , Hassall Christopher , Oertli Beat , Fahrig Lenore , Robson Belinda J. , Biggs Jeremy , Samways Michael J. , Usio Nisikawa , Takamura Noriko , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Wood Paul J.
Published: March 2018

Despite the existence of well‐established international environmental and nature conservation policies (e.g., the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biological Diversity) ponds are largely missing from national and international legislation and policy frameworks. Ponds are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important freshwater habitats, and their value lies not only in individual ponds, but more importantly, in networks of ponds (pondscapes). Ponds make an important contribution to society through the ecosystem services they provide, with effective conservation of pondscapes essential to ensuring that these services are maintained. Implementation of current pond conservation through individual site designations does not function at the landscape scale, where ponds contribute most to biodiversity. Conservation and management of pondscapes should complement current national and international nature conservation and water policy/legislation, as pondscapes can provide species protection in landscapes where large‐scale traditional conservation areas cannot be established (e.g., urban or agricultural landscapes). We propose practical steps for the effective incorporation or enhancement of ponds within five policy areas: through open water sustainable urban drainage systems in urban planning, increased incentives in agrienvironment schemes, curriculum inclusion in education, emphasis on ecological scale in mitigation measures following anthropogenic developments, and the inclusion of pondscapes in conservation policy.
Behold the lilies: Martin Buber and the contemplation of nature1
Authors: Santmire H. Paul
Published: March 2018

Christians attuned to ecological and eco‐justice issues typically welcome the thought that they are called by God to protect and to serve nature, as well as to respond to the needs of the poor and the oppressed. Drawing on Martin Buber's I‐Thou and I‐It conceptuality and highlighting Jesus’ command about the lilies of the field, this article argues that Christians also are called to enter into an I‐Ens relationship with nature, that is, to behold or to contemplate, as well as to protect and to serve nature, as they continue to address ecojustice issues.
Early modifications of cardiac function in preterm neonates using speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Castaldi Biagio , Bordin Giulia , Favero Valentina , Nardo Daniel , Previati Francesca , Salvadori Sabrina , Baraldi Eugenio , Milanesi Ornella
Published: March 2018

Background and aims

Preterm newborns undergo hemodynamic challenges in the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate myocardial mechanics changes in the postnatal period in preterm infants using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).

Material and Methods

Thirty‐nine preterm infants ≤34 weeks’ gestation underwent cardiac ultrasound evaluation during the first 96 hours of life. A repeated echocardiogram at 3 weeks of age was performed. Echocardiographic assessment involved left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral E/A ratio, S′ and E′ velocities, E/E′ ratio, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left atrium‐to‐aorta ratio, ductal diameter and ductal shunt pattern. Left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain, apex‐basal rotation and twist were measured from the apical 4‐chamber and short‐axis views using STE.

Results

The mean gestational age was 30 ± 2.7 weeks with a mean birth weight of 1318 ± 485 g. Apical segments demonstrated higher longitudinal strain than basal and mid‐ones. In all gestational ages, endocardial longitudinal strain was higher than the epicardial. Epicardial longitudinal strain significantly increased during the first 3 weeks, resulting in the change in basal rotation from counterclockwise to clockwise and thus in the acquisition of twist. Deformation parameters were higher in infants with a hemodynamic significant patents ductus arteriosus.

Conclusions

Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial deformation parameters is feasible in preterm infants. Our data suggest that the maturational process of the myocardium is due to the development of the epicardial layer after birth, which allows the acquisition of the twist.
Sentiments and Economic Activity: Evidence from US States
Authors: Benhabib Jess , Spiegel Mark M
Published: March 2018

We examine whether sentiment influences aggregate demand by studying the relationship between the Michigan Survey expectations concerning national output growth and future economic activity at the state level. We instrument for local sentiments with political outcomes, positing that agents in states with a higher share of congressmen from the political party of the sitting President will be more optimistic. This instrument is strong in the first stage, and our results confirm a positive relationship between sentiments and future state economic activity that is robust to a battery of sensitivity tests.
Comorbidity of mitochondrial disease and dementia in patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy
Authors: Samuelsson K. , Mariosa D. , Fang F. , Press R.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Studying the comorbidities of chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) might help to better understand its etiopathogenesis. We aimed to assess the associations of mitochondrial disease (MD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) with CIAP.

Methods

In this nested case‐control study we included 2659 patients with CIAP identified from the Swedish Patient Register and 13 295 age‐ and sex‐matched controls to assess the associations of MD, AD and VD with the subsequent risk of CIAP. We also conducted a follow‐up study of the cases and controls to assess the risk of MD, AD or VD among patients with CIAP in comparison to individuals without CIAP.

Results

Individuals with MD had an increased risk of subsequent CIAP [odds ratio (OR), 4.17; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.27–13.65], whereas individuals with AD and VD had a decreased risk (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06–0.59 and OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.69). Patients with CIAP had a ninefold increased risk of subsequent MD [hazard ratio (HR), 9.37; 95% CI, 4.00–21.93], twofold increased risk of VD (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.23–3.16), but no increased risk of AD (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.89–1.98) compared with individuals without CIAP.

Conclusions

We found a higher risk of MD among patients with CIAP, both before and after the diagnosis of CIAP. We found a higher risk of VD, but not AD, after the diagnosis of CIAP. The lower risks of AD and VD before CIAP might be due to a reduced surveillance of CIAP symptoms among patients with dementia.
Self‐reference, emotion inhibition and somatosensory disturbance: preliminary investigation of network perturbations in conversion disorder
Authors: Monsa R. , Peer M. , Arzy S.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Conversion disorder (CD), or functional neurological disorder, is manifested as a neurological disturbance that is not macroscopically visible on clinical structural neuroimaging and is instead ascribed to underlying psychological stress. Known for many years in neuropsychiatry, a comprehensive explanation of the way in which psychological stress leads to a neurological deficit of a structural‐like origin is still lacking.

Methods

We applied whole‐brain network‐based data‐driven analyses on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, recorded in seven patients with acute‐onset, stroke‐like CD with unilateral paresis and hypoesthesia as compared with 15 age‐matched healthy controls. We used a clustering analysis to measure functional connectivity (FC) strength within 10 different brain networks, as well as between these networks. Finally, we tested FC of specific brain regions that are known to be involved in CD.

Results

We found a significant increase in FC strength only within the default‐mode network (DMN), which manages self‐referential processing. Examination of inter‐connectivity between networks showed a structure of disturbed connectivity, which included decreased connectivity between the DMN and limbic/salience network, increased connectivity between the limbic/salience network and body‐related temporo‐parieto‐occipital junction network, decreased connectivity between the temporo‐parieto‐occipital junction and memory‐related medial temporal lobe, and decreased connectivity between the medial temporal lobe and sensorimotor network. Region‐specific FC analysis showed increased connectivity between the hippocampus and DMN.

Discussion

These preliminary results of disturbances in brain networks related to memory, emotions and self‐referential processing, and networks involved in motor planning and execution, suggest a role of these cognitive functions in the psychopathology of CD.