bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The content disseminated on social media by public secondary school libraries as a reflection of society
Authors: Faba-Pérez Cristina , Infante-Fernández Lara María
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the type of content disseminated by school libraries through social media and what topics are the most commonly used, to discover if, in addition to topics concerning libraries, information with a wide social scope is also disseminated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the use of social media as well as the implementation of a content analysis on the most used 2.0 platforms, to locate which content is the most relevant in the school libraries of public secondary schools in Extremadura.

Findings

In the Extremadura region of Spain, the results of the 752 publications posted during the period 2014-2017 by the libraries of the 86 public secondary schools on six selected social media platforms generated a total of 4 categories and 14 subcategories, and point to a predominance of topics related to encouraging and promoting reading and writing, and to the library’s support function for both the classroom and the school. However, shortcomings are detected in content related to social aspects of special interest, such as bullying or education in equality.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the fact that although there are some works on the analysis of the content of the social web of libraries in general, especially university libraries, the same does not apply to the evaluation of social media in school libraries, and much less about the analysis of social media content in these types of libraries.
Governing major transformation portfolios in practice: illustrations from the UK central government
Authors: Kortantamer Dicle
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine major transformation portfolio governing practices. Previous research focuses on the structure of project portfolio governance and is relatively silent on micro-practices of governing. This paper intends to respond to this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study draws upon practice approaches and the theoretical lens of organisational routines. The empirical inquiry is conducted across six major transformation portfolios in two UK central government departments. The data are collected through conducting semi-structured interviews and gathering documentary reports and analysed by adopting an abductive approach.

Findings

The findings highlight that two governing practices that have not been previously discussed in the literature: structuring the policy relationship and structuring the business relationship. These practices can be associated with the complex ownership system of the UK central government. The findings also show that in complex ownership systems owners may have different governing and supporting orientations. The micro-dynamics of these governing practices illustrate that the ecology of governing practices is complex, both in terms of the co-existence of complementary and competitive relationships between practices, and in terms of bundles of practices enacting different control regimes.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative case study supports further inquiry into major transformation portfolio governing and complex ownership systems.

Originality/value

The paper adopts a governance-as-practice approach and examines governing major transformation portfolios.
Maintenance performance improvement analysis using Fuzzy Delphi method
Authors: Ghazali Zulkipli , Lim M. Ridhuan Tony , A. Jamak Abu Bakar Sedek
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze issues pertaining to maintenance performance and to develop a framework that addresses challenges of maintenance management of an international lube blending plant in Malaysia. This study capitalizes on the contribution of selected maintenance department stakeholders from within the plant to develop “tailor-made” intervention strategies for maintenance performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed two focus group workshops to ascertain issues facing the maintenance department and identify intervention strategies. The final phase of the study employed fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to prioritize and rank the intervention strategies for performance improvement.

Findings

The first focus group workshop identified 106 issues which could be classified under aspects of spare parts (n=8), equipment (n=14), communication (n=12), non-technical resource (n=8), health, safety and environment (n=4), technical skills and recruitment (n=27), and handling and procedures (n=33). Based on these findings, the second focus group revealed 28 significant performance initiatives to improve the issues identified for maintenance performance improvement. Through the FDM, 18 performance initiatives were ranked and prioritized. Performance improvement through leadership category leads the overall initiatives followed by equipment maintenance management, talent management, work environment and vendor management.

Research limitations/implications

Interesting implications for maintenance management theory would be realized if future research were able to demonstrate that certain aspects or dimensions were related to high performing plant maintenance, and not with low performing ones. Apparently, the present study is not able to provide this clue because it is merely a case study of a single company.

Practical implications

As ILBP attempts to implement maintenance performance improvement, it is pertinent for the management to understand the relevant performance issues and concerns. The appropriate enablers have been identified and must be initiated to chart the strategic role of their maintenance organization.

Social implications

This study contributes toward further understanding of the maintenance performance management. It has demonstrated the need of organizations to make infrastructural investments such as quality leadership, employee training and empowerment, to name a few, to strategically enhance their maintenance capabilities.

Originality/value

This study uses the FDM for the decision-making process of improving plant maintenance performance. It adds value to the body of knowledge of plant operation management.
Customer engagement in an e-commerce brand community
Authors: Vohra Anupama , Bhardwaj Neha
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to outline a conceptual framework for customer engagement in the context of social media for emerging markets. Three competing models of customer engagement were identified and tested to arrive at the best suited model for the given contexts. The alternative conceptual frameworks involve the constructs of active participation, community trust and community commitment in relation to customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires sent via e-mail to respondents. Structural equation modelling was then used to arrive at the best suited model, while also empirically testing for the relationships among the constructs.

Findings

The study, by way of an empirical comparison of alternative conceptual frameworks, presents a customer engagement framework best suiting the social media context for emerging markets. The study also outlines active participation, community trust and community commitment to be acting as antecedents to customer engagement. Further active participation is identified as a necessary antecedent to customer engagement based on the comparative assessment of the frameworks.

Research limitations/implications

While there is not much consensus on the nature of customer engagement, the study offers insights to marketers in terms of managing customer engagement with their brand communities. The study identifies the role and importance of inducing active participation in a brand community context. Further, it also identifies community trust and community commitment to be occurring as antecedents to customer engagement, with commitment implying for a more pronounced role in the framework.

Originality/value

There is no consensus among researchers regarding the nomological network surrounding customer engagement. Further, very few of these studies have focussed on this construct in the context of emerging markets. This study thus attempts to close the above gap, by testing for alternative conceptual frameworks involving customer engagement, in the context of social media for emerging markets.
Approach to integrating management systems
Authors: Ahidar Ikram , Sarsri Driss , Sefiani Naoufal
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated management system that addresses the shortcoming revealed in the previous approaches of the IMS in literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the methodology of literature review analysis, proposition of an approach based on theory by the standards’ cross-references and on practice by the analysis of the real work and the use of the System Modeling Language (SYSML), the computer tool for the engineering system modeling.

Findings

An integration approach based on theory and practice in the automotive sector, integrating IATF 16949:2016, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:DIS and some aspects of ISO 26000 is proposed. The proposed approach initiates the use of the SYSML in the IMS development. The model is intended to societies that seek to be sustainable and responsible toward environment and community. The link of the IMS model created with the European Foundation for Quality Management excellence model highlights the fact that the factors of excellence, especially the enablers, are covered by the requirements of the IMS.

Originality/value

This paper is the first approach of IMS that includes ISO 45001 (draft), uses the SYSML and sheds light on the link of excellence and IMS. The paper is the first detailed approach of IMS that addressed car manufacturer.
School bullying as a quality issue in educational institutions
Authors: Manna Rosalba , Calzone Samuele , Adinolfi Paola , Palumbo Rocco
Published: January 2019

Purpose

School quality relies on the educational institutions’ ability to establish an environment which enhances the pupils’ social and emotional well-being. School bullying negatively affects the school climate; hence, it is likely to trigger side effects on pupils’ behaviors and performances. This is especially true when socially disadvantaged students are concerned, such as those with a migrant background. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of school bullying among pupils with a migrant background living in Italy and suggests several insights to address this relevant school quality issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed quantitative research has been designed to investigate the relationship between school bullying, victims’ socio-demographic attributes, school behaviors and school performances. Secondary data were collected from the study on the Integration of Second Generations performed in 2015 by the Italian Institute of Statistics.

Findings

Verbal and relational bullying were prevailing. Physical bullying was also recurring, but it primarily concerned male pupils. Bullied students were more likely to self-report lower school performances; moreover, they showed greater willingness to dropout from school. Victims of school bullying suffered from social exclusion; they were also used to perform working activities beyond mandatory schooling. They expressed lower trust in their teachers as compared with their peers.

Practical implications

School bullying is thought to deteriorate the school climate and, consequently, to impair educational services’ quality. Timely management interventions are needed to address school bullying and to prevent its negative effects.

Originality/value

This study conceives school bullying as a critical quality issue and paves the way for further developments intended to enhance school services’ effectiveness.
Effects of Different Fermentation Strains on the Flavor Characteristics of Fermented Soybean Curd
Authors: Liu Ping , Xiang Qin , Gao Liu , Wang Xuemei , Li Jiayi , Cui Xiaohong , Lin Junfan , Che Zhenming
Published: January 2019

The effects of different fermentation strains on the flavor characteristics of fermented soybean curd (FSC) were investigated in this study. Fresh tofu was fermented by Actinomucor elegans, Rhizopus arrhizus, Mucor racemosus, and Rhizopus chinensis, either alone or in various combinations. The FSC manufacturing process included prefermentation by different strains at 28 °C for 60 hr, followed by salting at 16 °C for 7 days and finally proceeding postfermentation at 25 °C for 35 days. Subsequently, five tested samples were obtained, namely, sample A (fermented by A. elegans alone), R (fermented by R. arrhizus alone), AR (fermented by A. elegans and R. arrhizus at 5:1), AM (fermented by A. elegans and M. racemosus at 1:1), and RR (fermented by R. arrhizus and R. chinensis at 7:3). The flavors of the five samples were determined by E‐nose, sensory evaluation, and GC‐MS. E‐nose system observed significant discriminations by principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis analysis. Sensory evaluation ranked the overall sensory scores: AR>AM>A>RR>R. As shown in GC‐MS results, sample AR also had, on average, the highest level of many volatiles. Out of 10 critical volatiles, the detected frequency of samples AR, AM, RR, A, and R was 10, 9, 9, 8, and 7, respectively. PLS2 regression model was used to explore the influence on flavor quality of different strains. All three analytic methods revealed similar results, with sample AR providing the best flavor quality, while the opposite was the case with sample R. Therefore, it could be concluded that A. elegans and R. arrhizus at 5:1 (v/v) was the optimal combination, and may likely promote the production of critical volatile compounds.

Practical Application

The flavors of fermented soybean curds are influenced by various factors such as physicochemical and microorganism during the fermentation surroundings. The results of this work not only provide valuable information for FSC flavor studies, but can also guide the FSC industry to improve flavor quality by applying the most appropriate production strains.
Do exchange‐traded fund flows increase the volatility of the underlying index? Evidence from the emerging market in China
Authors: Wang Hua , Xu Liao
Published: January 2019

Studying 70 Chinese equity exchange‐traded funds (ETFs), we show that daily ETF flows significantly increase both the total volatility and the fundamental volatility of the underlying index on the next trading day. More specifically, it is the forward‐looking flow component which captures APs’ share creation/redemption activities beyond their role of market makers that can significantly predict the two types of volatility. Moreover, ETF arbitrage (ETF's information share) enhances the effect of forward‐looking flows on the total volatility (fundamental volatility) of the index. Furthermore, the relationships between forward‐looking flows and the two types of index volatility show a two‐way contagion.
Stock morality:
Authors: BELDO LES
Published: January 2019

The Makah Tribe of Washington State sparked controversy in the late 1990s when tribal leaders sought to revive their people's whaling traditions after a 70‐year hiatus. The ensuing political conflict has been shaped by the normative presuppositions of the US National Marine Fisheries Service. The conception of gray whales as countable, harvestable “stocks” enables Makah officials to claim affinities with the authorized discourse of the state. Antiwhaling activists have strategically adapted to this register, mobilizing scientific uncertainty to delay the hunt, but in doing so they tacitly affirm the idea that it is acceptable to kill whales. These findings call into question anthropological expectations regarding who benefits from the exercise of state power in environmental conflicts, showing that moral and ontological differences are not necessarily coterminous. [whaling, morality, fisheries, ontology, conservation, activism, indigeneity, Makah, United States]
Dose tailoring of human cell line‐derived recombinant factor VIII simoctocog alfa: Using a limited sampling strategy in patients with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Delavenne Xavier , Dargaud Yesim , Ollier Edouard , Négrier Claude
Published: January 2019

Aims

The use of factor VIII (FVIII) prophylaxis in haemophilia A is considered the standard of care, particularly in children. Despite adjustment of doses for body weight and/or age, a large pharmacokinetic (PK) variability between patients has been observed. PK‐tailored prophylaxis may help clinicians adjust coagulation factor FVIII activity (FVIII:C) to the desired level, which may differ in individual patients. The objective was to develop a population PK model for simoctocog alfa based on pooled clinical trial data and to develop a Bayesian estimator to allow PK parameters in individual patients to be estimated using a reduced number of blood samples.

Methods

PK data from 86 adults and 29 children/adolescents with severe haemophilia A were analysed. The FVIII data measured using 2 different assays (chromogenic and the 1‐stage clotting assay) were fit to separate develop population PK models using nonlinear mixed‐effect models. A Bayesian estimator was then developed to estimate the time above the threshold of 1%.

Results

The PK data for chromogenic and the 1‐stage clotting assays were both best described by a 2‐compartment models. Simulations demonstrated good predictive capacity. The limited sampling strategy using blood sample at 3 and 24 hours allowed an accurate estimation of the time above the threshold of 1% FVIII:C (mean bias 0.01 and 0.11, mean precision 0.18 and 0.45 for 2 assay methods).

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that a Bayesian approach can help to reduce the number of samples required to estimate the time above the threshold of 1% FVIII:C with good accuracy.
A phase 1b randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with SNF472 in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Salcedo Carolina , Joubert Pieter H. , Ferrer Miguel D. , Canals Ana Z. , Maduell Francisco , Torregrosa Vicens , Campistol Josep Maria , Ojeda Raquel , Perelló Joan
Published: January 2019

Aims

SNF472 is a calcification inhibitor that is being studied as a novel treatment for calciphylaxis and cardiovascular calcification (CVC). A first study showed acceptable safety and tolerability in a single ascending dose administration in healthy volunteers and a single dose administration in haemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics relationship of intravenous SNF472 in HD patients in a multiple ascending dose administration trial with 5 doses tested for 1 week (3 administrations) and 1 dose tested for 4 weeks (12 administrations).

Methods

This double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled Phase 1b study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SNF472 after repeated administrations to HD patients for up to 28 days. A pharmacodynamic assessment was performed to evaluate the potential for SNF472 to inhibit hydroxyapatite (HAP) formation. Patients were grouped into 2 cohorts, receiving multiple ascending doses for 1 week (1 to 20 mg/kg, Cohort 1) and 1 dose of 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks (Cohort 2) of intravenous SNF472.

Results

Physical status, body weight, cardiorespiratory function, body temperature and laboratory parameters were in the normal range. No clinically relevant effects on heart rate or blood pressure were observed. No abnormal electrocardiogram or QTcB period were reported. The peak plasma concentration (7.6, 16.1, 46.0 and 66.9 μg/mL for 3, 5, 12.5 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) was observed at the end of the 4‐hour infusion and thereafter concentrations declined rapidly with half‐life between 32 and 65 min. SNF472 at 10 mg/kg inhibited dose dependently HAP crystallization in plasma samples after 28 days of treatment (78% inhibition, P < .001).

Conclusions

SNF472 is safe and well tolerated in HD patients after 2 schemes: multiple ascending doses for 1 week and after repeated dosing of 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks. In both schemes, SNF472 inhibits the induction of HAP crystallization. These results provide support for the use of SNF472 as a novel treatment for CVC in end‐stage renal disease.
Debate: That which we call a rose
Authors: Hazell Philip
Published: January 2019

Read the Editors’ introduction at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12315

Read the core debate at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12231; doi: 10.1111/camh.12243; doi: 10.1111/camh.12296; doi: 10.1111/camh.12306

Read more perspectives in this debate at: doi: 10.1111/camh.12318 doi: 10.1111/camh.12316; doi: 10.1111/camh.12313; doi: 10.1111/camh.12310; doi: 10.1111/camh.12314
UNC5D, suppressed by promoter hypermethylation, inhibits cell metastasis by activating death‐associated protein kinase 1 in prostate cancer
Authors: Dong Dong , Zhang Lufang , Bai Changsen , Ma Na , Ji Wei , Jia Li , Zhang Aimin , Zhang Pengyu , Ren Li , Zhou Yunli
Published: January 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) death primarily occurs due to metastasis of the cells, but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of UNC5D, a newly identified tumor suppressor gene, analyze its epigenetic alterations, and elucidate its functional relevance to PCa metastasis. Meta‐analysis of publicly available microarray datasets revealed that UNC5D expression was frequently downregulated in PCa tissues and inversely associated with PCa metastasis. These results were verified in clinical specimens by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry assays. Through methylation analysis, the downregulated expression of UNC5D in PCa tissues and cell lines was found to be attributable to the hypermethylation of the promoter. A negative correlation was observed between methylation and UNC5D mRNA expression in PCa samples. The ectopic expression of UNC5D in PCa cells effectively reduced their ability to migrate and invade both in vitro and in vivo, and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of UNC5D yielded consistent results. UNC5D can recruit and activate death‐associated protein kinase 1, which remained to be essential for its metastatic suppressor function. In conclusion, these results suggested that UNC5D as a novel putative metastatic suppressor gene that is commonly down‐regulated by hypermethylation in PCa.
Stability of the Manual Ability Classification System in young children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Burgess Andrea , Boyd Roslyn , Ziviani Jenny , Chatfield Mark D , Ware Robert S , Sakzewski Leanne
Published: January 2019

Aim

To examine the stability over time of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 18 to 60 months.

Method

This was a prospective longitudinal population‐based study of 252 Australian children (160 males [63%] 92 females [37%]; mean age [SD] 41.7mo [14], range 17.2mo–69.2mo) with CP. Children were classified at 18 months (n=70), 24 months (n=131), 30 months (n=173), 36 months (n=209), 48 months (n=226), and 60 months (n=221) of age. Stability of the MACS was examined using the proportion of specific positive agreement and transition proportions, which are measures of agreement.

Results

There were 1030 unique observations, with each of the 252 participants seen between two and six occasions (median=4). Average specific positive agreement over the study period was 76% for MACS level I, 67% for level II, 50% for level III, 51% for level IV, and 83% for level V. MACS levels I and V have the highest degree of stability, while levels III and IV have the lowest. We show how this may be explained by the proportion of children in each MACS level.

Interpretation

Using measures of agreement rather than measures of reliability provides accurate information when measuring stability over time of an ordinal classification system. The relative stability of MACS levels can be explained by the proportion of children in each level.

What this paper adds

Children classified in Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels III and IV change levels at next assessment about 50% of the time.

Children should be assessed with the MACS regularly, particularly those in levels III and IV.

Stability within ordinal classification level categories can be predicted using a measurement error model.

Transition proportions or specific agreement is recommended for reporting stability of ordinal classification systems.
Dance as art and therapy in cerebral palsy
Authors: Herman Jerron
Published: January 2019

This commentary is on the systematic review by López‐Ortiz et al. on pages 393–398 of this issue.
Vacuum‐formed mouthguard fabrication to obtain proper fit using notched sheet
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: January 2019

Background/Aim

Mouthguards should be provided with appropriate thickness and proper fit to exert their effects. However, mouthguard thickness becomes thinner after forming. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of using a notched mouthguard sheet and forming as the heated surface of the sheet contacts the surface of the working model.

Materials and methods

The material used was a 3.8‐mm‐thick Sports Mouthguard. Notches with a length of 90 and 80 mm were cut into an ethylene vinyl acetate sheet 20 mm from the anterior and posterior margins and 15 mm from the right and left margins, respectively, and the sheet was compared with the original. The sheets were then formed using a vacuum former. Original and notched sheets were heated until the temperature of the sheet reached 80°C, and the non‐heated surface of the sheet was sucked down over the model. Both sheets were also heated at first until the sheet temperature reached 80°C, then turned upside down, and the heated surface of the sheet was sucked down over the model. The thickness and fit of the mouthguard were measured at the central incisor and first molar. Differences in thickness and fit according to the measurement parts and the sheet conditions were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA.

Results

The thickness of the mouthguard significantly differed by the measurement parts and the sheet conditions (P < 0.01), and the notched sheet maintained the required thickness. Fit differed between the measurement parts and the sheet conditions (P < 0.01), and the sheets formed as the heated surface contacted the working model showed better fit.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the ideal mouthguard with appropriate thickness and proper fit can be fabricated by notching a sheet and contacting the heated surface of the sheet to the working model.
The role of aquaporin‐4 and transient receptor potential vaniloid isoform 4 channels in the development of cytotoxic edema and associated extracellular diffusion parameter changes
Authors: Chmelova Martina , Sucha Petra , Bochin Marcel , Vorisek Ivan , Pivonkova Helena , Hermanova Zuzana , Anderova Miroslava , Vargova Lydia
Published: January 2019

The proper function of the nervous system is dependent on the balance of ions and water between the intracellular and extracellular space (ECS). It has been suggested that the interaction of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) and the transient receptor potential vaniloid isoform 4 (TRPV4) channels play a role in water balance and cell volume regulation, and indirectly, of theECSvolume. Using the real‐time iontophoretic method, we studied the changes of theECSdiffusion parameters:ECSvolume fractionα(α = ECSvolume fraction/total tissue volume) and tortuosityλ(λ2 = free/apparent diffusion coefficient) in mice with a genetic deficiency ofAQP4 orTRPV4 channels, and in control animals. The used models of cytotoxic edema included: mild and severe hypotonic stress or oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) in situ and terminal ischemia/anoxia in vivo. This study shows that anAQP4 orTRPV4 deficit slows down theECSvolume shrinkage during severe ischemia in vivo. We further demonstrate that aTRPV4 deficit slows down the velocity and attenuates an extent of theECSvolume decrease duringOGDtreatment in situ. However, in any of the cytotoxic edema models in situ (OGD, mild or severe hypotonic stress), we did not detect any alterations in the cell swelling or volume regulation caused byAQP4 deficiency. Overall, our results indicate that theAQP4 andTRPV4 channels may play a crucial role in severe pathological states associated with their overexpression and enhanced cell swelling. However, detailed interplay betweenAQP4 andTRPV4 channels requires further studies and additional research.
Potential climate change impacts on Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus L. in Ireland
Authors: Connor Lynda , Shephard Samuel , Rocks Kieran , Kelly Fiona L.
Published: January 2019

Climate change has been identified as a global threat to Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus L. populations. Bayesian statistical models were used to identify important physical and ecological factors explaining Arctic char presence and persistence in Irish lakes. Maximum lake depth and the presence of mixed fish communities (i.e. including non‐salmonid fish species) were the most important drivers of Arctic char presence. There was a 75% probability that an Irish lake would contain Arctic char when maximum depth exceeded 40 m, if only a salmonid community was present. However, the required depth increased to 57 m when a mixed fish community (e.g. pike, perch or roach) was present. Similar variables explained char persistence, with surviving Arctic char populations being more likely in lakes with greater maximum depth and fewer non‐salmonid fish species. Tested temperature covariates were not important in explaining Arctic char presence or persistence in Irish lakes. A risk analysis was undertaken to identify which Arctic char lakes are vulnerable to colonisation by thermally plastic mixed fish communities due to flooding. Results indicated that 32 out of 45 lakes were not at any risk from the colonisation of thermally plastic mixed fish communities and 13 lakes had some level of risk.
Relative importance of local and landscape variables on fish assemblages in streams of Brazilian savanna
Authors: Barbosa Hugo de Oliveira , Borges Pedro Paulino , Dala‐Corte Renato Bolson , Martins Patrick Thomaz de Aquino , Teresa Fabrício Barreto
Published: January 2019

Understanding variability in the composition of aquatic assemblages requires a multiscale perspective, since processes operating at different spatial scales (from regional to local) drive the community assembly. Here, the relative importance of environmental variables on fish species composition in streams of the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) is assessed and quantified at local and landscape scales. The importance of both local and landscape environmental variables in structuring fish assemblages was supported. Local variables explained a substantially higher amount of variance of fish assemblages than landscape variables. However, the shared explanation indicate that landscape variables had a complementary effect. The streams sampled were mostly headwaters at similar altitudes and with similar watershed sizes, so the sensitivity of the fish assemblages, even to small landscape gradients, is highlighted. Maintaining these important instream habitat characteristics close to natural conditions seems to be essential for conserving stream fish species, and for this, the landscape context should be taken into account. Considering the near‐pristine condition of the streams studied, these findings can be used as a reference for further studies addressing the effects of human modifications on stream fish biodiversity of the Cerrado.
Navigating and making sense of urgent and emergency care processes and provision
Authors: Pope Catherine , McKenna Gemma , Turnbull Joanne , Prichard Jane , Rogers Anne
Published: January 2019

Background

Whilst many health systems offer a range of urgent and emergency care services to deal with the need for unscheduled care, these can be problematic to navigate.

Objective

To explore how lay people make sense of urgent care provision and processes.

Design

Qualitative study, incorporating citizen panels and longitudinal semi‐structured qualitative interviews.

Setting and Participants

Two citizens’ panels, comprising purposively selected public populations—a group of regular users and a group of potentially marginalized users of urgent and emergency care. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 100 people, purposively sampled to include those over 75, aged 18‐26 years, and from East/Central Europe. A sub‐sample of 41 people received a second interview at +6‐12 months. Framework analysis was thematic and comparative, moving through coding to narrative and interpretive summaries.

Findings and Discussion

Participants narratives illuminated considerable uncertainty and confusion regarding urgent and emergency care provision which in part could be traced to the contingent nature of urgent and emergency care need. Accounts of emergency care provision were underpinned by strong moral positioning of appropriate help‐seeking, demarcating legitimate service use that echoed policy rhetoric, but did not necessarily translate into individual behaviour. People struggled to make sense of urgent care provision making navigating “appropriate” use problematic.

Conclusions

The focus on help‐seeking behaviour, rather than sense‐making, makes it difficult to move beyond the polarization of “appropriate” and “inappropriate” service use. A deeper analysis of sense‐making might shift the focus of attention and allow us to intervene to reshape understandings before this point.
Intragenomic internal transcribed spacer 2 variation in a genus of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): implications for accurate species delimitation and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Fagan‐Jeffries E. P. , Cooper S. J. B. , Bradford T. M. , Austin A. D.
Published: January 2019

A recent DNA barcoding study of Australian microgastrines (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) sought to use next‐generation sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcoding gene region, the wingless (WG) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) to delimit molecular species in a highly diverse group of parasitic wasps. Large intragenomic distances between ITS2 variants, often larger than the average interspecific variation, caused difficulties in using ITS2 for species delimitation in both threshold and tree‐based approaches, and the gene was not included in the reported results of the previous DNA barcoding study. We here report on the intragenomic, and the intra‐ and interspecies, variation in ITS2in the microgastrine genus Diolcogasterto further investigate the value of ITS2as a marker for species delimitation and phylogenetics of the Microgastrinae. Distinctive intragenomic variant patterns were found in different species of Diolcogaster, with some species possessing a single major variant, and others possessing many divergent variants. Characterizing intragenomic variation of ITS2is critical as it is a widely used marker in hymenopteran phylogenetics and species delimitation, and large intragenomic distances such as those found in this study may obscure phylogenetic signal.
Praying on Brexit? Unpicking the Effect of Religion on Support for European Union Integration and Membership
Authors: Kolpinskaya Ekaterina , Fox Stuart
Published: January 2019

This article examines how religious affiliation shapes support for European Union membership. While previous research has shown that Protestants are typically more eurosceptic than Catholics, little is known about the nature of this relationship: specifically, whether religion affects one's utilitarian assessments of the costs and benefits of membership, or one's affective attachment to the EU. Using the 2016 British Election Study Referendum Panel, this article shows that religious affiliation influences both sets of attitudes, suggesting that the values and shared history associated with one's religion shapes how a voter perceives the performance of the EU in delivering its policy objectives, and its operation as a legitimate institution. Moreover, some findings from previous research are challenged: Protestants are not as unified in their scepticism of the EU as is widely assumed, and the positive relationship between Catholicism and support for EU integration is not apparent in the UK.
Exophiala angulospora infection in hatchery‐reared lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) broodstock
Authors: Saraiva Marcia , Beckmann Max J. , Pflaum Sara , Pearson Marianne , Carcajona Daniel , Treasurer James W. , van West Pieter
Published: January 2019

Samples from moribund lumpfish were collected in a marine hatchery in Scotland in 2015. Black nodules were noted on the skin, and gills and fungal hyphae were extensively distributed in musculature and internal organs. Multifocal chronic inflammatory lesions displaced structures in all affected organs. Mortalities commenced on completion of spawning in May and were evenly distributed over the second year in the temperature range 11–15°C. The main systemic infection causing agent was initially identified based on morphological characteristics as an Exophiala species. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) ITS regions of the isolates were subsequently sequenced confirming the isolates belonged to Exophiala genus. All isolates fell in a single phylogenetic cluster, which is represented by Exophiala angulospora. Fish were treated with either formalin or Bronopol or a combination of both, but there was no effect on the pattern or numbers of mortalities. Isolates were also tested against three different concentrations of Latrunculin A, Amphotericin B and Itraconazole with no success. It is of utmost importance to increase the knowledge on pathogen–host interactions to successfully develop sustainable control methods.
Erythromycin and florfenicol treatment of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) experimentally infected with Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Jarau Maureen , MacInnes Janet I. , Lumsden John S.
Published: January 2019

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is responsible for significant economic losses in rainbow trout aquaculture. Antimicrobial treatment remains the primary means of control; however, there are limited choices available for use. The objectives of the study were therefore to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations for erythromycin and florfenicol in selected F. psychrophilum isolates and to evaluate their clinical treatment efficacy in experimentally infected rainbow trout. All isolates tested had moderate susceptibility to florfenicol and erythromycin except one isolate, which had low susceptibility to erythromycin. Two isolates (one with moderate and one with low susceptibility to erythromycin) were used in an experimental infection trial. Rainbow trout juveniles were injected intraperitoneally with 108 cfu/fish and after mortality had begun, fish were given erythromycin‐ and florfenicol‐medicated feed at a rate of 75 mg kg−1 day−1 and 10 mg kg−1 day−1 fish body weight, respectively, for 10 consecutive days. The splenic F. psychrophilum load was determined using an rpoC quantitative PCR throughout the 30‐day trial. Relative to antibiotic‐free controls, erythromycin treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mortality of rainbow trout juveniles infected with FPG101, even when treatment was initiated after clinical signs developed.
Feline predator–prey relationships in a semi‐arid biome in Brazil
Authors: Dias D. M. , Massara R. L. , de Campos C. B. , Rodrigues F. H. G.
Published: January 2019

The spatiotemporal distribution of a predator within an environment tends to be synchronized with that of its prey, to maximize the efficiency of its hunting behavior. However, small predators may also be obliged to avoid potentially agonistic encounters with larger predators due to interspecific competition and intraguild predation. We used occupancy models and indices of temporal overlap to evaluate whether the occurrence of prey species, ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and top predators (puma Puma concolor and jaguar Panthera onca) influenced the habitat use and activity patterns of the northern tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) and jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) in a region of the semi‐arid Caatinga biome in Bahia, northeastern Brazil. The occurrence of prey had a positive influence on the use of habitat by the small felids. The northern tiger cat was nocturnal‐crepuscular and presented a high degree of temporal overlap with Spix's cavy (Galea spixii) and the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris). The jaguarundi was diurnal, by contrast and overlapped temporally with the agouti (Dasyprocta nigriclunis). The occurrence of the ocelot did not influence the habitat or daily activity pattern of the jaguarundi, but presented a high degree of temporal overlap with the northern tiger cat, which adopted a strategy of spatial segregation to avoid direct contact with this dominant competitor. The top predators did not influence the spatiotemporal distribution of the small felids, indicating that their niches are segregated by dietary parameters related to differences in body size. Our results indicate that the availability of prey has a more profound influence on the spatiotemporal ecology of the small felids than the occurrence of the top predators, although the presence of the northern tiger cat appeared to be correlated negatively with that of the ocelot. We believe that environmental factors, such as the conservation status, size and isolation of native habitats, may have a fundamental influence on the strategies adopted by the northern tiger cat to mediate its coexistence with the ocelot.
Domain‐General Cognitive Ability Predicts Bilingual Children's Receptive Vocabulary in the Majority Language
Authors: Blom Elma
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the influence of cognitive ability on bilingual children's vocabulary development in both their languages. Sixty‐nine bilingual immigrant children participated, with data collected at three annual intervals. At Time 1, the participants were 5 or 6 years old. Receptive vocabulary was tested in the minority (Turkish, Tarifit) and majority (Dutch) languages. Cognitive measures targeted working memory, selective attention, and executive attention. Cross‐lagged correlations were computed to establish the directionality of relationships. Significant partial correlations were followed by stepwise multiple regression analyses in which further control was exerted. Results showed that cognitive ability predicted receptive vocabulary 1 year later. Sequential relationships were found for the majority language only, and attention was more important than working memory. The differential patterns for the two languages set the stage for future research comparing the impact of context, timing, and type of learning on the relationship between cognition and vocabulary development.
Agencification and the administration of courts in Israel
Authors: Lurie Guy , Reichman Amnon , Sagy Yair
Published: January 2019

To shed a realist light on court administration and the regulation of judges in liberal‐democratic countries, we conduct an empirical study of an organ that has attracted little attention: the Director of Courts in Israel – an administrative entity that “manages” the judiciary. In important respects, the Director may be regarded as a regulator of judges, thus assessment of judicial independence in Israel is incomplete without recognizing its presence. The institution of the Director has undergone agencification, which entailed augmentation of its capacities and an evolution in mindset regarding the implementation of these capacities. As a result, its powers, mode of operation, and organization have fundamentally transformed over time, as has the regulatory terrain within which judges conduct their business. By introducing novel indicators for assessment and applying them in an unfamiliar context, this paper offers important theoretical contributions to studies of the regulation and administration of courts and judges, and agencification.
Indirect Inference for Lévy‐driven continuous‐time GARCH models
Authors: do Rêgo Sousa Thiago , Haug Stephan , Klüppelberg Claudia
Published: January 2019

We advocate the use of an Indirect Inference method to estimate the parameter of a COGARCH(1,1) process for equally spaced observations. This requires that the true model can be simulated and a reasonable estimation method for an approximate auxiliary model. We follow previous approaches and use linear projections leading to an auxiliary autoregressive model for the squared COGARCH returns. The asymptotic theory of the Indirect Inference estimator relies on a uniform strong law of large numbers and asymptotic normality of the parameter estimates of the auxiliary model, which require continuity and differentiability of the COGARCH process with respect to its parameter and which we prove via Kolmogorov's continuity criterion. This leads to consistent and asymptotically normal Indirect Inference estimates under moment conditions on the driving Lévy process. A simulation study shows that the method yields a substantial finite sample bias reduction compared with previous estimators.
Identification of a closed cutaneous injury after mechanical trauma caused by collision
Authors: Park Moon Young , Choi Jun Suk , Kim Kyung Sook , Rhim Sungsoo , Park Hyung Jin , Shin Min Kyung
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Robotics has evolved rapidly in terms of mechanical design and control in the past few years. Collaborative robots that have direct contact with humans are being introduced in various fields, including industrial and medical services. Because collaborative robot systems are being introduced rapidly, the safety of the humans who work with them is becoming an important issue. In this study, we investigated skin injuries resulting from a collision between robots and humans using a freefall experiment system.

Methods

We particularly focused on closed skin injuries caused by a collision. To induce a closed injury, we struck mini‐pigs with cubic‐edge square and semi‐sphere impactors at collision speeds of 1 and 3 m/s. We did not observe any open injuries with those conditions. Closed injuries were observed in the dermal layer of the skin after the collision test at both speeds and with both impactors.

Results

The collagen fiber in the dermal layer was separated and fragmented, and the subcutaneous fat layer became dense as a result of the collision.

Conclusions

We closely observed and analyzed the histopathologic changes in the dermal and subcutaneous layers with intact epidermis after mechanical trauma to the inner skin layers.