bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power practices around infrastructures in Glòries, Barcelona
Authors: Chiappini María Cecilia , Scheerlinck Kris , Schoonjans Yves
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate ways of practicing political power in public space in the interaction between central and marginal users in Glòries, an area under transformation in Barcelona. Originally conceived as the core of its extension, Glòries is now a battle field where conflictive spatial-social manifestations are strongly linked to pending conditions and partially implemented infrastructural projects. The key actors are in large majority illegal migrants, which activities and spatial strategies are particularly uncomfortable for city administrators; challenging the traditional focus on actors that are stable and institutionalized, included and previewed by the tools for urban projects implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve insights on urban spatial articulations of appropriations by marginal actors around infrastructures, the method deployed is to look closely at the interplays between persecuted and persecutors and their ways of practicing power in space in the frame of the illegal street markets in Glòries. This is part of an ongoing PhD research on the complexity of involved processes. The research is executed in diverse work packages: mapping of material transformations (morphology, domain, accessibility and permeability), in diverse timeframes; surrounding functions and temporal fixities, appropriations catalysts; media presences and discussions; crossed references with immersive field work and exchange with locals.

Findings

A broad variety of illegal street markets have been monitored in Glòries, revealing an increase in scale, frequency and levels of tension. Around them, their dynamic properties can be extracted and measured: spatial configurations, sizes, timeframes, number of traders/visitors, the relation to other elements, the strategies of displaying, displacing and dispersing used by the police. In all, the relationship with the infrastructural elements shows crucial and a better understanding of their relations constitutes a path to understand how both infrastructures and collective behavior contribute to dynamic productive and power logics in space.

Originality/value

This research and case study are an outstanding framework to explore the concrete spatial interactions and interplays of different power or territorialization processes, i.e. the strategies to denote presence and agency – in novel ways. Focusing on their spatial outcomes in contemporary transformation processes where infrastructures are dominant components is a way to inform the design, practice and implementation of city project and management.
Motives to SME internationalisation
Authors: Bowen Robert
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study offers a comparative analysis of attitudes to small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation in two different cultural settings, Wales and Brittany. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth investigation of attitudes to internationalisation among food and drink SMEs using mixed methods and focussing on both SMEs that internationalise and those that do not. This leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues influencing attitudes to SME internationalisation, which could facilitate policy development for such companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods are used in this study to provide a richness of data in investigating this complex issue. The majority of research in this field has focussed on quantitative research, however, this study heeds calls for more plurality in research on SME internationalisation to achieve a more detailed understanding of the issues affecting SME internationalisation. This is achieved through an online questionnaire of 169 food producing SMEs in Wales and Brittany, informed by International Entrepreneurship theory. A second phase of semi-structured interviews provides more context to the questionnaire findings, with 37 interviews conducted with respondents from the questionnaire. Each phase was conducted independently, with findings triangulated for further investigation.

Findings

Companies of all characteristics have the ability to internationalise; however, cultural differences were observed between Wales and Brittany in both attitudes and the conditions for internationalisation. Breton SMEs displayed more proactivity to internationalisation, stemming from more favourable conditions, a greater reputation for food and more confidence. Conversely, Welsh SMEs were more reactive, relying on government support in encouraging internationalisation. Breton SMEs also benefitted from the strong cultural identity of food products, especially through the Produit en Bretagne brand and its network of producers.

Originality/value

The study makes both a theoretical and methodological contribution to research on SME internationalisation. The comparative study of Wales and Brittany is significant in understanding cultural influences to internationalisation in two regions where the food and drink industry represents an important part of the economy. The focus on a single industry is significant in understanding the particularities of internationalisation within an industrial context, as findings from studies across multiple industries are considered less generalisable. A methodological contribution is sought through using mixed methods to provide a more comprehensive study.
Analysis of torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability for a 16/10 segmented switched reluctance motor in HEV applications
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Wu Jiangling , Wang Shaohua , Diao Kaikai , Yang Zebin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability are the two main problems for the switched reluctance motors (SRMs) in applications. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to propose a novel 16/10 segmented SRM (SSRM) to reduce the torque ripple and improve the fault-tolerant capability in this work.

Design/methodology/approach

The stator of the proposed SSRM is composed of exciting and auxiliary stator poles, while the rotor consists of a series of discrete segments. The fault-tolerant and torque ripple characteristics of the proposed SSRM are studied by the finite element analysis (FEA) method. Meanwhile, the characteristics of the SSRM are compared with those of a conventional SRM with 8/6 stator/rotor poles. Finally, FEA and experimental results are provided to validate the static and dynamic characteristics of the proposed SSRM.

Findings

It is found that the proposed novel 16/10 SSRM for the application in the belt-driven starter generator (BSG) possesses these functions: less mutual inductance and high fault-tolerant capability. It is also found that the proposed SSRM provides lower torque ripple and higher output torque. Finally, the experimental results validate that the proposed SSRM runs with lower torque ripple, better output torque and fault-tolerant characteristics, making it an ideal candidate for the BSG and similar systems.

Originality/value

This paper presents the analysis of torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability for a 16/10 segmented switched reluctance motor in hybrid electric vehicles. Using FEA simulation and building a test bench to verify the proposed SSRM’s superiority in both torque ripple and fault-tolerant capability.
Social content marketing, social media and product development process effectiveness in high-tech companies
Authors: Seyyedamiri Nader , Tajrobehkar Ladan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of social content marketing in social media on the effectiveness of the new product development process of high-tech companies with regard to the e-trust as a mediator between content and effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, a descriptive research method has been adopted. Data were collected through a questionnaire. In total, 430 questionnaires were distributed among professionals and managers working in R&D, marketing, sales and strategic departments of firms affiliated with ICT Guild Organization in September 2017. Of this number, 384 complete questionnaires were included in the study. Data were analyzed using structural equation method by Smart PLS software.

Findings

Findings show that although social content marketing and e-trust influenced the effectiveness of the product development process, e-trust did not play a mediating role in the relationship between social content marketing and effectiveness of product development process in high-tech companies.

Practical implications

High-tech companies, drawing on the results of this research, can utilize the component of social content marketing in social and mobile media and content publication through e-commerce, social and mobile media and m-commerce while analyzing user-generated content to identify user demands and achieve the proper idea generation. At the time of commercializing, by educating and informing customers, they mitigate fears and risks. This will lead to increasing the effectiveness of the product development process, market share and achieving revenue goals.

Originality/value

This study investigates the social content marketing role in product development process in high-tech companies and tests the model in the context of the Tehran IT industries. The result of this study provides a reference for managers of high-tech companies and helps them lower the failure rate of product development.
Teachers’ motivation to adopt technology in higher education
Authors: Sharma Lavina , Srivastava Mallika
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The higher education, universities and institutions across the world have increasingly adopted information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool for curriculum development, learning and teaching, and for administrative activities. The use of technology to facilitate learning is gaining acceptance across various educational institutions. In order to use technology in the best possible manner, it becomes essential that the teacher should be willing to accept the technology and use it for the teaching activities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to understand the teachers’ motivation toward adopting technology in the higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory-descriptive approach is used in this research. The sampling frame for the study is the teachers employed in the management institutes in Bengaluru, Pune, Indore and Delhi. A simple random sampling technique is used for identifying the sample for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to measure the validity of items measuring the teacher’s intention to use technology.

Findings

The results of the study confirm a significant positive impact of value beliefs (VB), social influence (SI) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) on the behavioral intention (BI) to use technology by the teachers. However, the study does not establish the relationship between self-efficacy and BI to use technology by teachers.

Practical implications

The use of technology will be an important area in the field of higher education where it becomes crucial to understand the motivation factors that lead to the adoption of ICT in the classroom and the curriculum. In order to successfully integrate technology into the teaching-learning process, it is concluded that the factors that positively influence the BI to use technology include the VB, PEOU and the SI.

Originality/value

This study contributes toward the study of teachers’ motivation in the adoption of technology in higher education in India.
The moderating role of sales experience in adaptive selling, customer orientation and job satisfaction in a unionized setting
Authors: R.M. Harindranath , Sivakumaran Bharadhwaj , Jacob Jayanth
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The principal purpose of this study is to examine the moderating influence of selling experience on the following two relationships – adaptive selling and job satisfaction and customer orientation and job satisfaction – using unionized salespeople as respondents. It also tests for the mediating role of adaptive selling in the customer orientation–job satisfaction relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses data from a survey conducted on 208 pharmaceutical unionized salespeople from 46 pharmaceutical firms in India. The model was tested using structural equation modeling. Moderation hypotheses were estimated using process macro and the Johnson–Neyman technique.

Findings

The data fitted the model well. This research found that customer orientation drove adaptive selling behavior and job satisfaction, and that adaptive selling influenced job satisfaction (all positively); it was found that adaptive selling partially mediated the relationship between customer orientation and job satisfaction. Results revealed that job experience negatively moderated the adaptive selling behavior–job satisfaction and customer orientation–job satisfaction relationships.

Practical implications

The results show that pharma firms may hire young recruits and, importantly, measure their customer orientation and adaptive selling levels. For the purposes of training to enhance customer orientation and adaptive selling, pharma firms may send only their less experienced salespersons.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this study could be the first to examine the interaction of job experience and customer-directed selling behaviors such as adaptive selling and customer orientation on job satisfaction. Moreover, this is possibly the only study in this domain that uses unionized salespeople in an emerging market (India).
Enticing the IT crowd: employer branding in the information economy
Authors: Dabirian Amir , Berthon Pierre , Kietzmann Jan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure employer branding in the information age. Firms increasingly migrate from matter-intensive business models to information-intensive models, where value lies in information rather than the physical objects. This shift has, in turn, led to a change in employee work skills. This is particularly true in the information technology (IT) sector, where firms rely on a limited supply of skilled labor. Employer branding, a firm’s reputation as a place to work, is an important strategy to attract and retain employees.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature, the authors developed and refined an instrument to measure key value propositions of employer brands. The potential IT employees surveyed in the study were students enrolled in the disciplines of computer science and information systems at a comprehensive university in North America. The study went through three stages resulting in an instrument for psychometric properties.

Findings

This research revealed eight employer branding value propositions that future IT employees care about. These dimensions are important for both IT firms and industries competing for skilled IT labor to understand and manage.

Originality/value

This paper extends the work of Berthon et al. (2005) on employer branding to the information intensive age and particularly the IT sector. It allows executives to manage and measure their employer brand so as to maximize competitive advantage in attracting and retaining skilled employees.
The meaning of furloughs on family identification
Authors: Mandeville Ashley , Whitman Marilyn , Halbesleben Jonathon
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the meaning maintenance model (MMM) by elucidating the meaning employees provide to both work and family during a furlough.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 180 state government employees, who completed four surveys, starting at a time before a furlough was initiated through returning to work following a furlough. The authors used random coefficient modeling of a mixed-effects model for discontinuous change.

Findings

Findings suggest that a furlough is associated with increases in perceived psychological contract breach, an indication that the meaning of work is being threatened. Following the furlough, employees’ family identity salience significantly increased. Further, rumination about the furlough increased the shift in family identity salience.

Research limitations/implications

This research tests the MMM in the context of furloughs and work-family implications. The results suggest that employees experience fluid compensation, a key facet of the MMM, during a furlough. Further, rumination of the experienced furlough can strengthen the fluid compensation process.

Practical implications

The implications for organizations implementing furloughs and various methods for implementing furloughs are discussed.

Originality/value

This research extends the MMM by empirically examining it in the context of furloughs and work-family implications. Further, it extends the MMM by examining the impact of rumination on the fluid compensation process.
Review of image low-level feature extraction methods for content-based image retrieval
Authors: Wang Shenlong , Han Kaixin , Jin Jiafeng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the past few decades, the content-based image retrieval (CBIR), which focuses on the exploration of image feature extraction methods, has been widely investigated. The term of feature extraction is used in two cases: application-based feature expression and mathematical approaches for dimensionality reduction. Feature expression is a technique of describing the image color, texture and shape information with feature descriptors; thus, obtaining effective image features expression is the key to extracting high-level semantic information. However, most of the previous studies regarding image feature extraction and expression methods in the CBIR have not performed systematic research. This paper aims to introduce the basic image low-level feature expression techniques for color, texture and shape features that have been developed in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this review outlines the development process and expounds the principle of various image feature extraction methods, such as color, texture and shape feature expression. Second, some of the most commonly used image low-level expression algorithms are implemented, and the benefits and drawbacks are summarized. Third, the effectiveness of the global and local features in image retrieval, including some classical models and their illustrations provided by part of our experiment, are analyzed. Fourth, the sparse representation and similarity measurement methods are introduced, and the retrieval performance of statistical methods is evaluated and compared.

Findings

The core of this survey is to review the state of the image low-level expression methods and study the pros and cons of each method, their applicable occasions and certain implementation measures. This review notes that image peculiarities of single-feature descriptions may lead to unsatisfactory image retrieval capabilities, which have significant singularity and considerable limitations and challenges in the CBIR.

Originality/value

A comprehensive review of the latest developments in image retrieval using low-level feature expression techniques is provided in this paper. This review not only introduces the major approaches for image low-level feature expression but also supplies a pertinent reference for those engaging in research regarding image feature extraction.
High‐commitment human resource practices and employee outcomes: The contingent role of organisational identification
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed Mohammed Sayed , Bottomley Paul , Gould‐Williams Julian , Abouarghoub Wessam , Lythreatis Sophie
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we examine whether the relationship between high‐commitment human resource (HR) practices and two employee outcomes, quit intentions and organisational citizenship behaviours (OCBs), is contingent on organisational identification. Incorporating insights from both social exchange and social identity theories, we propose that the relationship between high‐commitment HR systems, intention to quit, and OCBs is attenuated when employees strongly identify with their organisation. This proposition was tested and supported with employees of a Swedish relocation company and a Greek shipping organisation. For high identifiers, as perceptions of HR practices deteriorated from high to low, they were associated with smaller increases in quit intentions and smaller decreases in citizenship behaviours. But overall, high identifiers always had lower quit intentions and higher citizenship behaviours than low identifiers, which is managerially reassuring.
Antroquinonol Attenuated Abdominal and Hepatic Fat Accumulation in Rats Fed an Obesogenic Diet
Authors: Chen Jiun‐Rong , Yeh Wan‐Ju , Tan Hsiu‐Yun , Yang Hsin‐Yi
Published: August 2019

An imbalance of energy intake and expenditure leads to fat accumulation and metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of antroquinonol on diet‐induced obesity. Thirty‐two rats were divided into a control group (C), an obesogenic group (OB), and two experimental groups consuming 25 (OB‐AQ25) and 50 mg/kg (OB‐AQ50) antroquinonol (n = 8). After a 12‐week experimental period, we collected blood, liver, abdominal fat, and gastrocnemius muscle tissue for analysis. The obesogenic diet induced greater weight gain and fat accumulation, and increased hepatic lipids, and tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β concentrations in rats. Antroquinonol consumption reduced epididymal and hepatic lipids and inflammatory cytokines. We found that antroquinonol upregulated hepatic adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and downregulated sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 protein expressions and downregulated fatty acid synthase mRNA expression. In addition, gastrocnemius fibronectin type III domain containing 5 protein expression was also higher in the B group. In conclusion, our results suggested that consuming antroquinonol may ameliorate diet‐induced abdominal and hepatic fat accumulation.

Practical Application

Antroquinonol is a bioactive compound derived from Antrodia camphorate which is traditionally used in Chinese medicinal cuisine, and is used for developing functional foods in Taiwan. This is the first study investigating the possible effects of antroquinonol on obesity and we found that antroquinonol can ameliorate diet‐induced obesity, and therefore may be used in further studies and functional food development.
Female directors on the board and cost of debt: evidence from Australia
Authors: Pandey Rakesh , Biswas Pallab Kumar , Ali Muhammad Jahangir , Mansi Mansi
Published: August 2019

We examine whether the presence of female board members has any impact on the cost of debt among Australian listed companies. We find that female presence on the board is negatively associated with the cost of debt. Most importantly, our findings support the argument of critical mass theory that a certain threshold of gender balance is required for enhancing board effectiveness. Our results are valid irrespective of alternate model specifications and endogeneity issues. Overall, the results provide support to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendation for the appointment of female directors on corporate boards.
Predictors of early motor trajectories from birth to 5 years in neonatal at‐risk and control children
Authors: Baumann Nicole , Tresilian James , Heinonen Kati , Räikkönen Katri , Wolke Dieter
Published: August 2019

Aim

To describe motor development in preschool children, to identify perinatal, neonatal and social environmental risk factors of poor motor development, and to replicate results in a second cohort.

Methods

Two prospective samples in Germany (Bavarian Longitudinal Study, BLS) and Finland (Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study, AYLS) assessed 4741 and 1423 children from birth to 56 months, respectively. Motor functioning was evaluated at birth, and 5, 20 and 56 months. Perinatal, neonatal and social environmental information was collected at birth and 5 months.

Results

Two distinct motor trajectories were identified: low (BLS: n = 4486 (94.6%), AYLS: n = 1391 (97.8%)) and high (BLS: n = 255 (5.4%), AYLS: n = 32 (2.2%)) degree of motor difficulties. High degree of motor difficulties was predicted by neonatal complications, abnormal neonatal neurological status, duration of hospitalisation and poor parent‐infant relationships. Although neonatal complications and poor parent‐infant relationships did not significantly predict high degree of motor difficulties in the AYLS, the trends identified were similar to those obtained from the BLS.

Conclusion

Early identification of children at‐risk of motor difficulties across infancy and toddlerhood may help referring those children to interventions earlier. Modifiable risk factors, such as parent‐infant relationships, may be addressed by intervention strategies to prevent children from developing motor difficulties.
Time‐resolved three‐dimensional technique for dynamic magnetic resonance dacryocystography
Authors: Sia Paul I. , Curragh David , Patel Sandy , Rajak Saul , Drivas Peter , Selva Dinesh
Published: August 2019

Importance

This study introduces a new technique in the assessment of nasolacrimal drainage with magnetic resonance imaging.

Background

To describe a new dynamic magnetic resonance dacryocystography (MRDCG) protocol and report normative findings on asymptomatic lacrimal drainage systems.

Design

A prospective observational study at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Participants

Seventeen patients with unilateral epiphora were prospectively recruited.

Methods

Patients underwent dynamic MRDCG. The time‐resolved angiography with interleaved stochastic trajectories (TWIST) sequence was used to visualise contrast flow through the lacrimal drainage system.

Main Outcome Measures

Tear transit times and anatomical dimensions were measured.

Results

Dynamic MRDCG with TWIST sequence reliably demonstrated contrast flow. Tear transit times and anatomical dimensions were comparable to previously reported values in other imaging modalities.

Conclusions and Relevance

Dynamic MRDCG provides good structural and temporal resolution to the assessment of lacrimal outflow obstructions. The physiological nature of this modality allows potential assessment for functional obstruction and future research on tear flow assessment.
A homozygous missense variant in CHRM3 associated with familial urinary bladder disease
Authors: Beaman Glenda M. , Galatà Gabriella , Teik Keng W. , Urquhart Jill E. , Aishah Ali , O'Sullivan James , Bhaskar Sanjeev S. , Wood Katherine A. , Thomas Huw B. , O'Keefe Raymond T. , Woolf Adrian S. , Stuart Helen M. , Newman William G.
Published: August 2019

CHRM3 codes for the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor that is located on the surface of smooth muscle cells of the detrusor, the muscle that effects urinary voiding. Previously, we reported brothers in a family affected by a congenital prune belly‐like syndrome with mydriasis due to homozygous CHRM3 frameshift variants. In this study, we describe two sisters with bladders that failed to empty completely and pupils that failed to constrict fully in response to light, who are homozygous for the missense CHRM3 variant c.352G > A; p.(Gly118Arg). Samples were not available for genotyping from their brother, who had a history of multiple urinary tract infections and underwent surgical bladder draining in the first year of life. He died at the age of 6 years. This is the first independent report of biallelic variants in CHRM3 in a family with a rare serious bladder disorder associated with mydriasis and provides important evidence of this association.
Blackleg or blackmail? Economics of the Canada–China canola trade dispute
Authors: Cardwell Ryan , Brewin Derek G.
Published: August 2019

The Chinese government's recent decision to suspend the export licenses of two Canadian grain firms has garnered international attention. The dispute has been portrayed by some as a diplomatic dispute between two countries, and by others as a concern about plant health. We analyze the economics of the dispute, including a simple economic model of international trade in which a large‐country importer imposes a targeted import ban on one large‐country exporter. The model provides a framework for understanding the economic effects of a trade ban under various market conditions. We also discuss the legal framework and dispute settlement process that would be encountered if the disagreement proceeds to a formal dispute in the World Trade Organization.
Barriers to effective management of hepatitis C virus in people who inject drugs: Evidence from outpatient clinics
Authors: Molinaro Sabrina , Resce Giuliano , Alberti Alfredo , Andreoni Massimo , D′Egidio Pietro P. F. , Leonardi Claudio , Nava Felice A. , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Villa Stefano
Published: August 2019

Introduction and Aims

People who inject drugs (PWID) constitute the largest reservoir of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although effective medications are available and access to care is universal in Italy, the proportion of PWID receiving appropriate care remains low.

Design and Methods

To identify the major barriers for PWID to HCV treatment we surveyed a large sample of practitioners working in outpatient addiction centres (SerDs). The survey was conducted in two stages and involved 30.3% of SerDs operating in Italy. In the first, SerD physicians completed a questionnaire designed with a Delphi structure. In the second, SerD practitioners completed a targeted questionnaire to identify barriers to four SerD services in HCV management: screening, referral, treatment and harm reduction.

Results

The first‐stage questionnaire, in which a Delphi and RAND‐UCLA method was used, revealed a lack of agreement among the physicians about barriers to health care. The more detailed second‐stage questionnaire indicated the barriers to delivering specific SerD services. As regarded the delivery of all four services, the major reasons for treating <50% of patients were: physician and nurse understaffing, technical, economic and logistic issues. In contrast, the practitioners who responded that they follow protocol recommendations often deliver all four services to >50% of patients.

Discussion and Conclusions

HCV treatment remains out of reach for many PWID attending a drug treatment centre in Italy. To meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) target, there is a need to increase economic, technical and staff support at treatment centres using the protocols and the universal health care already in place.
Statistical learning of multiple speech streams: A challenge for monolingual infants
Authors: Benitez Viridiana L. , Bulgarelli Federica , Byers‐Heinlein Krista , Saffran Jenny R. , Weiss Daniel J.
Published: August 2019

Language acquisition depends on the ability to detect and track the distributional properties of speech. Successful acquisition also necessitates detecting changes in those properties, which can occur when the learner encounters different speakers, topics, dialects, or languages. When encountering multiple speech streams with different underlying statistics but overlapping features, how do infants keep track of the properties of each speech stream separately? In four experiments, we tested whether 8‐month‐old monolingual infants (N = 144) can track the underlying statistics of two artificial speech streams that share a portion of their syllables. We first presented each stream individually. We then presented the two speech streams in sequence, without contextual cues signaling the different speech streams, and subsequently added pitch and accent cues to help learners track each stream separately. The results reveal that monolingual infants experience difficulty tracking the statistical regularities in two speech streams presented sequentially, even when provided with contextual cues intended to facilitate separation of the speech streams. We discuss the implications of our findings for understanding how infants learn and separate the input when confronted with multiple statistical structures.
Cabbage whiteflies colonise Brassica vegetables primarily from distant, upwind source habitats
Authors: Ludwig Martin , Ludwig Hella , Conrad Christopher , Dahms Thorsten , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: August 2019

The occurrence of species in rapidly changing environments, such as agricultural landscapes, is affected by their ability to recolonise habitats. Knowledge of the landscape scale affecting colonisation is essential for large‐scale pest management. Colonisation by insects can be affected on multiple landscape scales, as different morphs of a species may have specific dispersal abilities. The cabbage whitefly, Aleyrodes proletella (L.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), a major pest of Brassica vegetables, is known to colonise Brassica vegetables primarily from fields of oilseed rape, Brassica napus L. (Brassicaceae). We used field mapping and remote sensing to characterise the relevant scales for colonisation of Brussels sprouts by cabbage whiteflies. Surprisingly, oilseed rape fields in wide landscapes (2–8 km around study sites) explained colonisation better than oilseed rape areas in local landscapes (200–1 000 m around study sites). The explained variance increased when additional weight was given to upwind source habitats, indicating wind transport of whitefly colonisers. Low importance of local compared to wide landscape source habitats can be explained by the flight behaviour of whitefly morphs. Migratory morphs show phototactic attraction but are attracted by hosts only during the later phases of flight. Therefore, they ignore host plants close to their origin and disperse several kilometres. Trivial flight morphs rarely move more than a few hundred metres. In conclusion, as most whitefly colonisers reached Brassica vegetables from source habitats at a distance of 2–8 km, predictions on pest pressure and landscape‐scale whitefly management should consider these distances. In contrast, oilseed rape fields in the local landscape, which usually worry farmers, had little effect.
Grandisol as an attractant for the sugar beet pest Bothynoderes affinis and data on other Lixinae species
Authors: Toshova Teodora B. , Tóth Miklós , Velchev Dimitar I. , Meregalli Massimo , Talamelli Fabio , Abaev Vasiliy D. , Imrei Zoltán , Lohonyai Zsófia , Subchev Mitko
Published: August 2019

As a result of field tests in Bulgaria and Hungary, cis‐2‐isopropenyl‐l‐methylcyclobutane ethanol (racemic grandisol) is reported for the first time as an attractant for Bothynoderes affinis (Schrank) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Lixinae), a member of the pest weevil complex of sugar beet. Dose–response experiments in the field using Csalomon TAL (modified pitfall) traps (Plant Protection Institute, CAR HAS, Budapest, Hungary) showed that catches of B. affinis adults increased with increasing attractant dose. In a subsequent experiment studying the effect of trap color (white, blue, yellow, fluorescent yellow, and transparent) all traps with the lure caught more than non‐baited control traps, and the highest number of adults was recorded in transparent and yellow baited traps. Trap color had a significant effect on the number of B. affinis females captured. Transparent TAL traps baited with 1–10 mg grandisol applied on rubber dispensers are recommended for the detection and monitoring of B. affinis. In addition to the target species, 17 other Lixinae species were captured during the field experiments, demonstrating for the first time the possible role of grandisol in the chemical communication systems of some of these species. A second locality of Lixus punctiventris Boheman (Lixinae, Lixini) in Bulgaria is reported. TAL traps baited with grandisol might be a useful tool for surveying Lixinae diversity in different biotopes.
Gardens and gardening in early medieval Spain and Portugal
Authors: Davies Wendy
Published: August 2019

This is an overview of the range of gardens, garden plants and garden work in early medieval Spain and Portugal, and of the kinds of relevant source material available. There were different kinds of garden, from the architectural gardens of Andalusī rulers and officials to peasant plots in the countryside. Fine gardens were closely associated with an elite and were southern rather than northern. Productive gardens could be found all over the peninsula; vegetables were clearly grown in them, with the emphasis on pulses, but they constituted a small proportion of produce. Fruits were exceptionally important as a source of vitamins, sugar and mineral salts.
Investigation of bias in an epilepsy machine learning algorithm trained on physician notes
Authors: Wissel Benjamin D. , Greiner Hansel M. , Glauser Tracy A. , Mangano Francesco T. , Santel Daniel , Pestian John P. , Szczesniak Rhonda D. , Dexheimer Judith W.
Published: August 2019

Racial disparities in the utilization of epilepsy surgery are well documented, but it is unknown whether a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm trained on physician notes would produce biased recommendations for epilepsy presurgical evaluations. To assess this, an NLP algorithm was trained to identify potential surgical candidates using 1097 notes from 175 epilepsy patients with a history of resective epilepsy surgery and 268 patients who achieved seizure freedom without surgery (total N = 443 patients). The model was tested on 8340 notes from 3776 patients with epilepsy whose surgical candidacy status was unknown (2029 male, 1747 female, median age = 9 years; age range = 0‐60 years). Multiple linear regression using demographic variables as covariates was used to test for correlations between patient race and surgical candidacy scores. After accounting for other demographic and socioeconomic variables, patient race, gender, and primary language did not influence surgical candidacy scores (P > .35 for all). Higher scores were given to patients >18 years old who traveled farther to receive care, and those who had a higher family income and public insurance (P < .001, .001, .001, and .01, respectively). Demographic effects on surgical candidacy scores appeared to reflect patterns in patient referrals.
A large cyst in the distal femur of a horse
Authors: Skov Hansen S. , Lagerquist U. , Tóth T.
Published: August 2019

A 10‐year‐old Warmblood gelding presented with a left hindlimb lameness. Diagnostic analgesia located the lameness to the stifle. Radiography showed an unusually large cyst in the distal femur. Diagnostic arthroscopy of the stifle did not reveal any significant abnormalities. An extra‐articular transcortical approach to the cyst was performed for drainage, curettage, and provision of an autologous, cancellous bone graft, gentamicin‐impregnated collagen fleeces and injectable steroid. The horse returned to a higher level of competitive dressage than prior to surgery. This report describes a large cyst in the distal femur of a horse.
In‐hospital development of an aorto‐cardiac fistula in a Warmblood gelding with chronic renal disease
Authors: Baker R. E. , Schlipf J. W. , Scollan K. F. , LeBlanc N. L. , Russell D. S.
Published: August 2019

A 20‐year‐old Warmblood gelding presented for evaluation and treatment of ventral oedema and azotaemia of unknown aetiology. On presentation, a diastolic heart murmur was appreciated and echocardiography revealed moderate aortic insufficiency due to chronic degenerative valve disease. The horse was hospitalised and failed to respond to oral and i.v. fluids and diuretics. Following discontinuation of all fluid and diuretic therapy, the horse became acutely agitated and developed monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. The ventricular tachycardia spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm, however the heart murmur changed in timing to a right basilar continuous murmur and bounding jugular pulses were noted. Repeat echocardiogram revealed an aorto‐cardiac fistula with dissection into the basilar interventricular septum and left‐sided chamber volume overload that was not previously present. Attempts at stabilisation were unsuccessful and euthanasia was elected. Post‐mortem examination confirmed chronic renal disease of unknown aetiology in addition to an aorto‐cardiac fistula originating from the right sinus of Valsalva with subsequent dissection into the basilar interventricular septum.
Enhancing democratic accountability in health and social care: The role of reform and performance information in Health and Wellbeing Boards
Authors: Grubnic Suzana , Cooper Stuart
Published: August 2019

The UK government passed the Health and Social Care Act in 2012, and a key element of this legislation was the introduction of Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) in local government. HWBs were argued to have the potential to both improve democratic accountability and give greater autonomy to health and social care leaders to strengthen local health outcomes. This paper explores how members of HWBs construct and discharge accountability for better health outcomes to a local population. We find that there are multiple types of accountability present and that democratic accountability can be complemented by and compete with other types of accountability.
Development of thermal insulating material with low emissivity and high‐temperature stability
Authors: Akamine Shuko
Published: August 2019

In a previous study, we demonstrated that porous magnesium aluminate spinels, MgAl2O4, with two different pore size ranges (diameter = 0.05‐1 μm and 1‐5 μm) exhibited thermal conductivities of less than 0.3 W/(m K) in the high‐temperature region of 1000°C‐1500°C. In contrast, thermal insulating materials that are stable at even higher temperatures would offer further improved thermal efficiency and energy savings. Therefore, we investigated lanthanum hexaaluminate, LaAl11O18, with the expectation that its plate‐like grain morphology would allow stable retention of its porosity at high temperatures. A process was developed for generating pores with the desired dimensions for use of the thermal insulating materials at high temperatures. The heat transfer behavior of these materials was evaluated via optical measurements. Herein, we report the structures and thermal properties of the obtained porous ceramics, including determination of the thermal emissivity measurements, to demonstrate their superior high‐temperature thermal insulating properties.
Organization of the subumbrellar musculature in the ephyra, juvenile, and adult stages of Aurelia aurita Medusae
Authors: Zimmerman Keeley L. , Jamshidi Armin D. , Buckenberger Andreana , Satterlie Richard A.
Published: August 2019

We used fluorescently labeled phalloidin to examine the subumbrellar musculature of the scyphozoan jellyfish Aurelia aurita in a developmental series from ephyra to adult medusa. In the ephyra, the swim musculature includes a disc‐like sheet of circular muscle, in addition to two radial bands of muscle in each of the eight ephyral arms. The radial muscle bands join with the circular muscle, and both circular and radial muscle act together during each swim contraction. As the ephyra grows into a juvenile medusa, arms tissue is resorbed as the bell tissue grows outward, so eventually, the ephyral arms disappear. During this process, the circular muscle disc also grows outward and the radial muscle bands of the arms also disappear. At this time, a marginal gap appears at the bell margin, which is devoid of circular muscle cells, but has a loose arrangement of radial muscle fibers. This marginal gap is preserved as the medusa grows, and contributes to the floppy nature of the bell margin. Radial distortions in the circular muscle layer involve muscle fibers that run in random directions, with a primarily radial orientation. These are believed to be remnants of the radial muscle of the ephyral arms, and the distortions decrease in number and extent as the medusa grows. Since the mechanics of swimming changes from drag‐based paddling in the ephyra to marginal rowing in the adult medusa, the development of the marginal gap and the presence of radial distortions should be considered in terms of this mechanical transition.
The thriving of older people assessment scale: Psychometric evaluation and short‐form development
Authors: Baxter Rebecca , Lövheim Hugo , Björk Sabine , Sköldunger Anders , Lindkvist Marie , Sjögren Karin , Sandman Per‐Olof , Bergland Ådel , Winblad Bengt , Edvardsson David
Published: August 2019

Aim

To evaluate the psychometric properties and performance of the 32‐item Thriving of Older People Assessment Scale (TOPAS) and to explore reduction into a short‐form.

Background

The 32‐item TOPAS has been used in studies of place‐related well‐being as a positive measure in long‐term care to assess nursing home resident thriving; however, item redundancy has not previously been explored.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Method

Staff members completed the 32‐item TOPAS as proxy raters for a random sample of Swedish nursing home residents (N = 4,831) between November 2013 ‐ September 2014. Reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis and item response theory‐based analysis were undertaken. Items were systematically identified for reduction using statistical and theoretical analysis. Correlation testing, means comparison and model fit evaluation confirmed scale equivalence.

Results

Psychometric properties of the 32‐item TOPAS were satisfactory and several items were identified for scale reduction. The proposed short‐form TOPAS exhibited a high level of internal consistency (α = 0.90) and strong correlation (r = 0.98) to the original scale, while also retaining diversity among items in terms of factor structure and item difficulties.

Conclusion

The 32‐item and short‐form TOPAS’ indicated sound validity and reliability to measure resident thriving in the nursing home context.

Impact

There is a lack of positive life‐world measures for use in nursing homes. The short‐form TOPAS indicated sound validity and reliability to measure resident thriving, providing a feasible measure with enhanced functionality for use in aged care research, assessments and care planning for health‐promoting purposes in nursing homes.