bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal relationships of moral hazard and adverse selection of Ghanaian Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) construction projects
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Kukah A.S. , Edwards David John , Pärn Erika Anneli , El-Gohary Hatem , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to assess the causal relationship(s) between moral hazard and adverse selection of public–private partnership (PPP) construction projects. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to explore the cause and effect relationship between moral hazard and adverse selection problems in PPP construction projects in Ghana. The study produced a framework to predict, estimate and depict the complex causal relationships (i.e. the directionality) between moral hazard and adverse selection.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed framework, a quantitative methodology was used, in which, data were collected using research questionnaires that targeted a sample of 280 PPP stakeholders in Ghana. In total, 210 useable questionnaires were retrieved, representing a response rate of 75 per cent.

Findings

The interrelationships between the eight causes and the nine effects of moral hazard and adverse selection were established using the model. The tested framework showed the degree of association and isolation of the unobserved variables on the indicator factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the fit of items to latent constructs. Because the fit of each model was good and the item loadings were adequate, it was assumed that the indicators of the different variables factors were fitting. Furthermore, a diagnostic fit analysis was conducted using the robust maximum likelihood method to test the statistical significance of the parameter estimates.

Practical implications

This novel research is one of the few studies investigating the causal relationships between moral hazard and adverse selection of PPP construction projects. The research concluded with future studies that seek to validate the model developed in other countries and/or other industries.

Originality/value

The research findings will serve as a guide for construction stakeholders in the PPP sector on the causes and effects of adverse selection and moral hazard and how to mitigate these.
New trends in intellectual capital reporting
Authors: Manes Rossi Francesca , Nicolò Giuseppe , Tartaglia Polcini Paolo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a new way to disclose intellectual capital (IC) in universities through their websites. Going beyond traditional tools used for intellectual capital disclosure (ICD), this study aims at identifying possible determinants of ICD via the web.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the institutional websites of a sample of Italian universities adapting the theoretical framework developed by Lowet al.(2015) to the peculiarities of the Italian university system. Moreover, the relationship between certain explanatory factors identified in previous research and the extent of online ICD represented by two disclosure indexes was tested through an ordinary least squares regression model.

Findings

The analysis reveals the extensive use of ICD via websites, especially regarding human and internal capital, while the disclosure of external capital through this means is still limited. Internationality and online visibility both positively affect the extent of a university’s ICD.

Research limitations/implications

The paper represents the first study investigating online ICD and its determinants in universities, contributing new knowledge to help answer the how and what of the matter.

Practical implications

The results can serve as encouragement to university managers to enhance online ICD to meet the information needs of a wider audience.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide evidence about online ICD in universities and to reveal some of the possible determinants to improve this disclosure.
Intellectual capital in support of farm businesses’ strategic management: a case study
Authors: Cavicchi Caterina , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the role of and relationships between human, structural and relational capital assets for strategic management in a farm business. In particular, it analyzes the interaction between human capital’s creativity skills and the introduction of climate-smart technologies for the competitiveness of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative case study was conducted on one of the largest Italian farm businesses to gain an understanding of the drivers of intellectual capital (IC) and of their implications for strategic management. Full-time employees’ perception of the skills required to achieve strategic goals and their perception of whether they possessed these abilities were investigated to determine if an alignment was present. The skills were subsequently classified using the framework of Amabile (1988) into domain-relevant and creativity-relevant skills. Then, two linear regression models were used to investigate the effects of training on the acquisition of these two sets of skills.

Findings

The analysis confirmed the strategic role of interactions among human capital assets to effectively exploit the structural capital of the company. When investigating employees’ perceptions, a gap emerged about informatics capabilities and knowledge of soils. As the company’s investments in innovation are oriented to ICT technologies, the company could strengthen informatics training to enable its employees to implement effective innovation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on IC by highlighting the role of interconnections of assets to align organizations with their strategic goals. Therefore, the provision of IC accounting contributes to the strategic management of human capital.
Facilitation as a vital skill in mental health promotion: findings from a mixed methods evaluation
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Withyman Cathie , Knight Bruce Allen
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The implementation of mental health promotion is a core part of the role for all mental health professionals. This involves working with individuals and groups to facilitate the uptake and application of new knowledge, skills and personal attributes. Recently, an Australian intervention that included teaching nurses and educators the skills of mental health promotion was implemented and evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of the qualitative evaluation and explore specific attributes of this facilitation, which helps to clarify and articulate a hidden, and taken-for-granted practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative mixed-methods study was designed to evaluate the perceived skills and attributes necessary for effective facilitation of a mental health promotion program in schools.

Findings

This evaluation revealed that facilitation is more than simply allowing free-flowing discussion amongst participants. For mental health promotion to be effective, the leader needs to be able to balance content delivery with flexibility, to use interpersonal behaviors that support and empower, and be willing to see the self as always learning and growing.

Practical implications

Without explicit training or discussion of facilitation, it is possible that mental health professionals may slip into teaching didactically. Didactic teaching may not empower learners to articulate their own views, or internalize and demonstrate new skills. A facilitative approach is more fitting to the values of twenty-first-century health promotion. Facilitation is a skill that deserves to be taught explicitly within all mental health promotion courses, so that mental health professionals are inspired to teach in ways that are transactional, and empowering.

Originality/value

A facilitative approach is more fitting to the values of twenty-first-century health promotion. This study confirms that facilitation is a skill that deserves to be taught explicitly to all mental health professionals so they are inspired to implement effec"tive mental health promotion.
How to strike a balance between CEO compensation and strategic risk? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Olson Bradley , Parayitam Satyanarayana , Skousen Bradley , Skousen Christopher
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between CEO ownership, stock option compensation, and risk taking. The authors include important CEO power variables as moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a longitudinal regression analysis. In addition, the paper includes interactional plots for further interpretation.

Findings

The results indicate that CEO ownership reduces risk taking, while there is a partial support that stock options increase risk taking. CEO tenure is a powerful moderator that decreases risk taking in both CEO ownership and CEO stock option scenarios. Board independence, counter to the hypothesis in this paper, may encourage risk taking.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this paper provide support for the inclusion of CEO power variables in CEO compensation studies. However, the study examines large publicly traded companies; thus, all findings may not be applicable to small- and medium-sized companies.

Originality/value

Scholars have encouraged more complex CEO compensation models and the authors have examined both main effect and interaction models.
Using vignettes in qualitative interviews as clues, microcosms or provokers
Authors: Törrönen Jukka
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Recent studies have introduced new productive theoretical orientations to the vignette studies. There is not, however, sufficient analytical discussion on how the vignettes can be used in qualitative interviews for different functions. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Whatever theoretical framing the researcher decides to apply in qualitative interviews using vignettes, the paper proposes that it is always important to consider in what way the chosen vignettes refer to the object under examination, whether they represent it as clues (metonyms, symptoms, enigmatic traces), as microcosms (icons, metaphors, totems, ideal types, homologies) or as provokers (anomalies, taboos, controversies).

Findings

When vignettes are used as clues in interviews, they can be introduced as puzzling traces, tracks or indexes which together with the interview questions carry out the interviewees to metonymic reasoning. When vignettes are used in interviews as microcosms, the interview questions are built so that they encourage the interviewees to consider the vignettes as icons that mimic reality or realities, their actors, situations, acts, events and processes. And when vignettes are used as provokers, they are selected and produced so that they challenge the forms, boundaries, meanings and habits of the well-known and plausible realities of the interviewees.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates with examples how vignettes function in the interviews as clues, microcosms or provokers and shows why it is important to pay attention to this.
Impact of material concentration and distribution on composite parts manufactured via multi-material jetting
Authors: Meisel Nicholas Alexander , Dillard David A. , Williams Christopher B.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Material jetting approximates composite material properties through deposition of base materials in a dithered pattern. This microscale, voxel-based patterning leads to macroscale property changes, which must be understood to appropriately design for this additive manufacturing (AM) process. This paper aims to identify impacts on these composites’ viscoelastic properties due to changes in base material composition and distribution caused by incomplete dithering in small features.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is used to measure viscoelastic properties of two base PolyJet materials and seven “digital materials”. This establishes the material design space enabled by voxel-by-voxel control. Specimens of decreasing width are tested to explore effects of feature width on dithering’s ability to approximate macroscale material properties; observed changes are correlated to multi-material distribution via an analysis of ingoing layers.

Findings

DMA shows storage and loss moduli of preset composites trending toward the iso-strain boundary as composition changes. An added iso-stress boundary defines the property space achievable with voxel-by-voxel control. Digital materials exhibit statistically significant changes in material properties when specimen width is under 2 mm. A quantified change in same-material droplet groupings in each composite’s voxel pattern shows that dithering requires a certain geometric size to accurately approximate macroscale properties.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first quantification of viscoelastic properties for digital materials with respect to material composition and identification of the composite design space enabled through voxel-by-voxel control. Additionally, it identifies a significant shift in material properties with respect to feature width due to dithering pattern changes. This establishes critical design for AM guidelines for engineers designing with digital materials.
Physicochemical attributes and starch functional properties of high β-glucan sorghum inbred line
Authors: Hamad Solafa Abdulrahim Ali , Magboul Bahieldin I. , Mustafa Abdel Moneim I. , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Sorghum is a vital cereal crop and staple food for many peoples around the globe having good nutritional and health-promoting bioactive compounds and recently received great attention as gluten-free food. However, sorghum grains contain low β-glucans contents, dietary fibre polysaccharides with great technological and disease prevention properties, and improving the concentration of these compounds in sorghum is very important. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the physicochemical and starch properties of high β-glucan sorghum inbred line (Tabat-NL) in comparison with two commercial cultivars (Wadakar and Tabat-C).

Design/methodology/approach

Grain samples of sorghum cultivars: white colour and low tannin cultivar (Tabat-C), red colour and high tannin sorghum, and new inbred line of white sorghum cultivar (Tabat-NL) were carefully cleaned, examined for physical properties (colour, hectolitre and 1,000 kernel weights, and endosperm texture), and ground to flour and assessed for chemical composition (moisture, protein, ash, carbohydrate, sugars, fibre and β-glucan contents). The starch was extracted and investigated for morphological characteristics and functional properties.

Findings

The results showed that Tabat-NL grains contain significantly (p=0.05) higher values of 1,000 kernel weight, hectolitre weight, total carbohydrate, amylopectin, dietary fibre and β-glucan compared to Tabat-C and Wadakar. Tabat-NL starch had greater (p=0.05) gelatinization temperature, viscosity, bulk density, and water and oil holding capacities and lower (p=0.05) acidity compared to Tabat-C and Wadakar.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this study demonstrated that Tabat-NL grains had an excellent marketing and milling properties, health-promoting and disease-preventing potentials, and technological features for uses in functional and speciality foods.

Originality/value

To the best of our understating, this is the first study on the evaluation of sorghum cultivar with high β-glucan content and could thus provide the bases for further development and application of this important food grains.
Clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3% fixed‐dose combination gel versus topical combination therapy of adapalene 0.1% gel and clindamycin phosphate 1.2% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris in Japanese patients: A multicenter, randomized, investigator‐blind, parallel‐group study
Authors: Hayashi Nobukazu , Kurokawa Ichiro , Siakpere Obukohwo , Endo Akira , Hatanaka Toshiki , Yamada Masahiro , Kawashima Makoto
Published: June 2018

Adapalene 0.1% (ADA) with clindamycin phosphate 1.2% (CLNP; ADA + CLNP) and the fixed‐dose combination containing CLNP and benzoyl peroxide 3% (CLNP/BPO 3%) are strongly recommended for the early treatment of acne vulgaris in Japan. Here, we compare the early efficacy and safety of CLNP/BPO 3% with Japanese standard topical use of ADA + CLNP in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In this phase IV, multicenter study, 351 patients were randomized to receive CLNP/BPO 3% or ADA + CLNP for 12 weeks. The primary end‐point was percentage change from baseline in total lesion (TL) counts at week 2. Secondary end‐points included the percentage change from baseline in TL, inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesion (IL and non‐IL) counts, Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA), quality of life (QoL [Skindex‐16]) and patient preference. Local tolerability scores and adverse events were also recorded. CLNP/BPO 3% provided a significantly greater percentage reduction from baseline in TL compared with ADA + CLNP at week 2, and week 4. Compared with ADA + CLNP, CLNP/BPO 3% was superior at reducing IL (but not non‐IL) over weeks 2–12, was more effective at improving patient QoL and ISGA, and scored higher in patient‐preference assessments. Both treatments were well tolerated; adverse drug reactions occurred more frequently in patients receiving ADA + CLNP (37%) than in those receiving CLNP/BPO 3% (17%). In conclusion, CLNP/BPO 3% showed greater efficacy for the early treatment of acne vulgaris in Japan, with a more favorable safety profile compared with ADA + CLNP.
Intragastric Gelation of Heated Soy Protein Isolate‐Alginate Mixtures and Its Effect on Sucrose Release
Authors: Huang Zhaozhi , Gruen Ingolf , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: June 2018

The goal of our study was to investigate the effect of alginate on in vitro gastric digestion and sucrose release of soy protein isolate (SPI) in model beverages. Model beverages containing 5% w/w SPI, 0% to 0.20% w/w alginate, and 10% w/w sucrose were prepared by heating the mixtures at 85 °C for 30 min at pH 6.0 or 7.0. Characterizations of beverages included determination of zeta potential, particle size and rheological properties. Digestion patterns and sucrose release profiles were determined during 2 hr in vitro gastric digestion using SDS‐PAGE and HPLC analysis, respectively. Increasing alginate concentration led to increased negative surface charge, particle size, as well as viscosity and pseudoplastic behavior; however, no phase separation was observed. SPI beverages formed intragastric gel during in vitro gastric digestion when the formulations contained alginate or at pH 6.0 without alginate. Formation of the intragastric gel led to delayed protein digestion and release of sucrose. Higher resistance to digestion and a slower sucrose release rate were exhibited at increased alginate concentration, and to a lesser extent, at pH 6.0. This suggests that electrostatic interaction between SPI and alginate that occurred when the beverages were under gastric condition could be responsible for the intragastric gelation. These results could potentially lead to the formulation of SPI beverages with functionality to lower postprandial glycemic response.

Practical Application

The results could be used to design beverages or semi solid food products with altered digestion properties and lowered or slower glucose release.
Influence of Various Phenolic Compounds on Properties of Gelatin Film Prepared from Horse Mackerel Trachurus japonicus Scales
Authors: Le Thuy , Maki Hiroki , Okazaki Emiko , Osako Kazufumi , Takahashi Kigen
Published: June 2018

Influence of various phenolic compounds on physical properties and antioxidant activity of gelatin film from horse mackerel Trachurus japonicus scales was investigated. Tensile strength (TS) of the film was enhanced whereas elongation at break was declined by adding 1% to 5% phenolic compounds. Rutin was the most effective to improve the TS compared to the other tested phenolic compounds including ferulic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and catechin. Gelatin films with the phenolic compounds showed the excellent UV barrier properties. FTIR spectra exhibited that wavenumber of amide‐A band of films decreased with formation of hydrogen bonding between amino groups of gelatin and hydroxyl groups of the phenolic compounds. Gelatin film incorporated with rutin which has the largest number of hydroxyl groups among the tested compounds demonstrated the lowest wavenumber for the amide‐A peak. It is indicated that hydroxyl groups contained in the phenolic compounds contribute to formation of hydrogen bonds involved in improvement of the mechanical properties of the films. The incorporation of the phenolic compounds with gelatin films also led to the increasing of total phenolic contents and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Thus, it is concluded that phenolic compounds can promote the quality of gelatin film.

Practical Application

Properties of gelatin film derived from horse mackerel scales can be improved by adding of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds containing a large number of hydroxyl groups should be selected to enhance physical properties of the gelatin film. A biodegradable film prepared from horse mackerel gelatin incorporated with phenolic compounds, which has good physical properties and antioxidant properties, can solve environmental problems caused by synthetic plastic materials.
Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Berry Fruit Pomace–Fortified Specialty Mustard
Authors: Davis Lissa , Jung Jooyeoun , Colonna Ann , Hasenbeck Aimee , Gouw Virginia , Zhao Yanyun
Published: June 2018

Blueberry pomace (BP) and cranberry pomace (CP) are good sources of dietary fiber and phenolics. This study aimed to develop berry fruit pomace (FP)‐fortified specialty mustard with elevated bioactive compounds and ascertain consumer acceptance of a new product. Wet BP and CP were ground and incorporated into Dijon‐style mustard at concentrations of 15%, 20%, and 25% (w/w). Total dietary fiber (TDF), total phenolic content (TPC), and radical scavenging activity (RSA) were evaluated for samples obtained from both chemical extraction (CE) and simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD). Physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance were also examined. Increasing concentrations of BP or CP significantly increased TDF of mustards from both CE (AOAC methods) and SGD, with the highest values from 25% fortifications. TDF from AOAC ranged from 26.86% to 40.16% for BP and from 26.86% to 38.42% for CP, while TDF from SGD ranged from 31.02% to 42.68% for BP and 31.02% to 63.65% for CP. From CE, no significant variation of TPC was found, but RSA significantly increased with increasing concentration of BP and CP. TPC from SGD was higher than that from CE, where TPC decreased with increasing concentration of BP or CP. RSA from SGD was lower than that from CE. Sensory scores of pomace‐fortified samples were significantly lower than the control; however, informed panelists scored BP‐fortified mustard significantly higher on appearance and color liking than uninformed panelists. This study demonstrated that with proper marketing, the utilization of FP in condiments is a viable option for potential health benefits.

Practical Application

This research is applicable to multiple areas of the food industry. Juice manufacturers or other companies that process raw agricultural produce can use this research as another way to repurpose biowaste, and companies making specialty condiments can use this research to inform future product development. General considerations discussed regarding the use of berry fruit pomace can be applied by any company interested in pomace reuse.
Detection and Verification of the Viable but Nonculturable (VBNC) State of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes Using Flow Cytometry and Standard Plating
Authors: Afari George Kwabena , Hung Yen‐Con
Published: June 2018

The use of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water to inactivate microorganisms on foods has been extensively studied and shown to be effective. However, the prospect of the formation of “viable but nonculturable” (VBNC) cells in pathogens after low free chlorine concentration (FCC) treatments under high organic loads presents safety concerns. This study investigated the effect of EO water FCC on inducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes into the VBNC state and studied possible resuscitation triggering procedures of the VBNC cells. A 5‐strain cocktail of each pathogen (106 colony forming units [CFU]/mL) was exposed to EO water (FCC of 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 mg/L) and allowed to stand for 1 and 5 min, followed by the addition of neutralizing broth. Treated samples were plated on nonselective agar and analyzed using flow cytometry. For resuscitation, samples treated with identified VBNC induction conditions were exposed to elevated temperatures (37 °C) as well as addition of sodium pyruvate (SP) and Tween® 20 (T20) solutions. The initial culturing procedures suggested complete inactivation of both pathogens at 2.5 and 1.25 mg/L FCC in the growth medium. However, flow cytometry profiles showed VBNC cells were present. Subjecting samples to the recovery procedures further proved that VBNC E. coli O157:H7 can be resuscitated after exposure to SP and T20 at 37 °C, while L. monocytogenes did not resuscitate. These findings show that treating pathogens at low FCC can induce the VBNC state, and culturability of E. coli O157:H7 can be restored under appropriate conditions.

Practical Application

VBNC induction conditions for foodborne pathogens during chlorine washing treatment were determined in a broth system and the information can serve as a basis for future studies that address the prevention of VBNC formation during produce wash treatments.
Immunoreactivity of Biochemically Purified Amandin from Thermally Processed Almonds (Prunus dulcis L.)
Authors: Zaffran Valerie D. , Sathe Shridhar K.
Published: June 2018

Almond seeds were subjected to select thermal processing and amandin was purified from processed and unprocessed (control) seeds using cryoprecipitation. Amandin immunoreactivity was assessed using two murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)–4C10 and 4F10 detecting human IgE‐relevant conformational and linear epitopes, respectively. Overall amandin immunoreactivity following thermal treatment ranged from 64.9% to 277.8% (4C10) and 81.3% to 270.3% (4F10). Except for autoclaving (121 °C, 15 psi, 30 min) and roasting (160 °C, 30 min), the tested processing conditions resulted in increased immunoreactivity as determined by mAbs 4C10 and 4F10‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A significant, yet not complete, reduction in immunoreactivity was caused by autoclaving (121 °C, 15 psi, 30 min) and roasting (160 °C, 30 min). Western‐ and dot‐blot immunoassays corroborated the ELISA results, confirming amandin thermal stability.

Practical Application

The tested immunoassays indicated amandin to be stable, regardless of the targeted epitope and the processing method that whole almond seeds were subjected to.
Sea Squirt Shell Protein and Polylactic Acid Laminated Films Containing Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
Authors: Beak Songee , Kim Hyeri , Song Kyung Bin
Published: June 2018

Sea squirt (Halocynthia roretzi) shell protein (SSP) was used as a biodegradable film material and laminated with polylactic acid (PLA) to improve its physical and water barrier properties. Cinnamon bark oil (CBO) was incorporated into the SSP film as a bioactive material. After laminating with PLA, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the SSP film increased from 4.07 to 9.09 MPa and from 8.68 to 138.84%, respectively. In addition, water vapor permeability and water solubility decreased from 5.62 to 0.91 × 10−9 g m/m2 s Pa and from 42.17% to 23.93%, respectively. DSC results of the SSP films indicate that melting point temperature increased 140.05 to 163.52 °C by laminating PLA. The addition of 0.5%, 0.7%, and 1.0% CBO conferred the antimicrobial activity against four pathogenic bacteria to the SSP/PLA‐laminated films. The SSP/PLA‐laminated films containing CBO also had antioxidant activities. Therefore, the SSP/PLA‐laminated films containing CBO are applicable as biodegradable packaging films.

Practical Application

Sea squirt shell has been discarded after the consumption of sea squirt, and sea squirt shell protein can be a base material for biodegradable films. In this study, sea squirt shell protein and polylactic acid laminated films containing cinnamon bark essential oil were developed. The developed films are promising environmentally‐friendly alternatives for active packaging material.
Systematic review and guide to management of core and psychiatric symptoms in youth with autism
Authors: Ameis S. H. , Kassee C. , Corbett‐Dick P. , Cole L. , Dadhwal S. , Lai M.‐C. , Veenstra‐VanderWeele J. , Correll C. U.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Evidence‐based guidance of clinical decision‐making for the management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is lacking, particularly for co‐occurring psychiatric symptoms. This review evaluates treatment evidence for six common symptom targets in children/adolescents with ASD and provides a resource to facilitate application of the evidence to clinical practice.

Method

A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and high‐quality systematic reviews published between 2007 and 2016, focused on: social interaction/communication impairment, stereotypic/repetitive behaviours, irritability/agitation, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, mood or anxiety symptoms, and sleep difficulties. We then completed qualitative evaluation of high‐quality systematic reviews/meta‐analyses and quantitative evaluation of recently published RCTs not covered by prior comprehensive systematic reviews.

Results

Recently published RCTs focused on social interaction and communication impairment (trials = 32) using psychosocial interventions. Interventions for irritability/agitation (trials = 16) were mainly pharmacological. Few RCTs focused on other symptom targets (trials = 2–5/target). Integration of these results with our qualitative review indicated that few established treatment modalities exist, and available evidence is limited by small studies with high risk of bias.

Conclusion

Given the current evidence‐base, treatment targets must be clearly defined, and a systematic approach to intervention trials in children/adolescents with ASD must be undertaken with careful consideration of the limitations of safety/efficacy data.
Downregulation of ILT4+ dendritic cells in recurrent miscarriage and recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Liu Su , Wei Hongxia , Li Yuye , Huang Chunyu , Lian Ruochun , Xu Jian , Chen Lanna , Zeng Yong
Published: June 2018

Problem

The role of ILT4+ DCs in healthy fertile controls and patients with recurrent miscarriages (RM) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is unclear.

Method of study

We studied the expression of ILT4 from peripheral blood and endometrial samples from healthy controls and patients with RM and RIF by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry analysis. Endometrial Foxp3 expression was also investigated using immunohistochemistry.

Results

In peripheral blood, there was a significant increase in the percentage of ILT4+ DCs in healthy fertile controls compared with patients with RM and RIF. The presence of ILT4+ DC is even more prominent in the endometrium of healthy fertile controls compared with patients with RM and RIF. Moreover, there was a strong correlation between the number of ILT4+ cells and Foxp3+ Tregs in healthy fertile controls, but not in patients with RM and RIF.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that ILT4+ DCs play an important role in the maintenance of immune tolerance during pregnancy, probably through the induction of Foxp3+ Treg cells, a process which is impaired in RM and RIF.
Parental status and psychological distress among older Thais
Authors: Quashie Nekehia T. , Pothisiri Wiraporn
Published: June 2018

This study examines whether childless older Thais are more vulnerable to psychological distress relative to older adults with children. Drawing from the 2011 Survey of Older Persons in Thailand (n = 37,936), zero‐inflated negative binomial regression methods examine psychological distress of childless older adults relative to coresident and noncoresident parents. Analyses further explore how gender and marital status moderate this relationship. Results show that 40% of older Thais did not experience any symptoms of psychological distress in the past month. Compared to coresident parents, noncoresident parents showed a higher likelihood of experiencing psychological distress but being childless was associated with increased symptoms of psychological distress. While the relationship between parental status and psychological distress did not significantly differ by gender, marital status presents a significant moderating effect. Specifically, widowed childless older adults and widowed noncoresident parents experienced more symptoms of psychological distress relative to their married counterparts. In collectivistic societies, where the family unit is highly valued, and institutional support is weak, being childless and unmarried may negatively affect one's psychological well‐being in later life. Children and marriage are protective for older Thais’ psychological well‐being. The implications for social welfare policies are discussed.
A within‐subject consideration of the psychotic spectrum disorder concept in a patient in remission associated with cortical gray matter recovery
Authors: Meltzer Herbert Y. , Sim Min Young , Anderson Adam , Cannistraci Christopher , Jayathilake Karu , Share Daniel Barrett , Lee Myung
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Psychotic spectrum disorder (PSD) links the syndromes of bipolar disorder, psychotic depression, and schizophrenia, often viewed as unique disorders.

Aims

Application of the PSD concept to a single patient rather than across groups of patients and demonstration of a remarkable remission of schizophrenia phenotype with recovery of gray matter in specific brain regions.

Results

We report a woman who experienced discrete, nonoverlapping periods of each of the above syndromes, in the order noted, over a 30‐year period, followed by abrupt ending of psychosis and full remission lasting at least 7 years. This patient had 2 episodes of Bipolar 1 mania, followed by a 20‐year period of psychotic depression. From ages 35‐48, she manifested severe, paranoid schizophrenia with marked functional decline. She became refractory to antipsychotic drugs, including oral risperidone and clozapine. At age 48, while participating in a double‐blind, 6‐month clinical trial of long‐acting injectable risperidone (Consta®, 100 mg IM biweekly) for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia, at week 23, upon awakening, complete disappearance of psychosis and marked improvement in function was noted, which persisted until the present (approximately 7 years). Remarkably, cognitive test performance in most domains improved beginning at 6 weeks and reached normal levels in executive function, despite minimal improvement in psychosis until week 23. MRI studies before and after remission revealed unique and substantial increases in gray matter of the cingulate and parietal cortex, and subthalamic nucleus, not seen in other patients in this study.

Conclusions

The 3 discrete periods of psychopathology support the diagnosis of PSD. The unusual course and outcome, including remarkable improvement, in executive function and enhanced cortical gray matter in selective brain regions may have been the result of unique endogenous genetic and epigenetic factors and effect of medication.
The communal consultation video—Enhancing learning and broadening experience through observing dialogue
Authors: Botelho M. G.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

This study presents a novel, student‐centred, on‐demand video learning modality that supports students as they transition from theory to clinical practice. Authentic, one‐to‐one teacher and student consultations have been video recorded and uploaded online for the peers and subsequent years of students to consume and learn from. This study describes the development and use of these communal consultation videos (CCVs), examines how students perceive this novel intervention and proposes supporting educational theory.

Methods

A library of 28 CCVs has been archived online, to enable learning for students not present at the original staff consultation. A questionnaire was designed and administered to evaluate student perceptions of this novel learning intervention and administered to see how students used and perceived its benefit.

Results

The CCV has proven to be popular, well received and valued by students. Students reported the videos were interactive, engaged them cognitively and supported them for assessments and in preparation for the clinical care of their own patients. Students also reported that watching the videos broadened their “clinical” experience of others cases that were different to their own.

Conclusion

This novel learning modality demonstrates new engaging learning opportunities for students and teachers that support students for assessments and clinical skill practice and afford observational clinical experience.
The distribution of intratumoral macrophages correlates with molecular phenotypes and impacts prognosis in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Wen Xianyu , Bae Jeong M , Kim Jung H , Cho Nam‐Yun , Kang Gyeong H
Published: June 2018

Aims

The role of tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to examine the correlation between TAMs, clinicopathological features, tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and prognosis in CRC by the use of image analysis.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical staining for CD68 and CD163 was performed as pan‐macrophage and M2‐macrophage markers, respectively. Each marker was analysed separately for intra‐epithelial and stromal area densities. All four macrophage densities showed a significant correlation with one another (P = 0.001). Intra‐epithelial CD68+ macrophage densities showed a correlation with pTNM stage (P = 0.008), microsatellite instability (MSI) (P < 0.001), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) (P < 0.001) and TIL densities (P < 0.001). Intra‐epithelial CD163+ macrophage densities were associated with perineural invasion, MSI, CIMP and TIL densities (P < 0.001). Stromal CD68+ and CD163+ macrophage densities had a significant relationship with intra‐epithelial and stromal CD3+ (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and CD8+ (P < 0.001) T cells. High intra‐epithelial CD68+ macrophage density was associated with worse overall survival (HR = 1.386, 95% CI = 1.043–1.843, P = 0.025) and progression‐free survival (HR = 1.522, 95% CI = 1.146–2.020, P = 0.004). Intra‐epithelial CD68+ macrophage density was also an independent prognostic factor of the progression‐free survival (HR = 1.447, 95% CI = 1.076–1.947, P = 0.015) of CRC patients regardless of pTNM stage, lymphatic, venous, and perineural invasions and TIL densities.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the density of intratumoural macrophages is a useful prognostic indicator for further stratifying T cell populations in CRC.
Demography, life history and the evolution of age‐dependent social behaviour
Authors: Rodrigues António M. M.
Published: June 2018

Since the inception of modern social evolution theory, a vast majority of studies have sought to explain cooperation using relatedness‐driven hypotheses. Natural populations, however, show a substantial amount of variation in social behaviour that is uncorrelated with relatedness. Age offers a major alternative explanation for variation in behaviour that remains unaccounted for. Most natural populations are structured into age‐classes, with ageing being a nearly universal feature of most major taxa, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Despite this, the theoretical underpinnings of age‐dependent social behaviour remain limited. Here, I investigate how group age‐composition, demography and life history shape trajectories of age‐dependent behaviours that are expressed conditionally on an actor and recipient's age. I show that demography introduces novel age‐dependent selective pressures acting on social phenotypes. Furthermore, I find that life history traits influence the costs and benefits of cooperation directly, but also indirectly. Life history has a strong impact not only on the genetic structure of the population but also on the distribution of group age‐compositions, with both of these processes influencing the expression of age‐dependent cooperation. Age of peak reproductive performance, in particular, is of chief importance for the evolution of cooperation, as this will largely determine the age and relatedness of social partners. Moreover, my results suggest that later‐life reproductive senescence may occur because of demographic effects alone, which opens new vistas on the evolution of menopause and related phenomena.
An inversion supergene in Drosophila underpins latitudinal clines in survival traits
Authors: Durmaz Esra , Benson Clare , Kapun Martin , Schmidt Paul , Flatt Thomas
Published: June 2018

Chromosomal inversions often contribute to local adaptation across latitudinal clines, but the underlying selective mechanisms remain poorly understood. We and others have previously shown that a clinal inversion polymorphism in Drosophila melanogaster, In(3R)Payne, underpins body size clines along the North American and Australian east coasts. Here, we ask whether this polymorphism also contributes to clinal variation in other fitness‐related traits, namely survival traits (lifespan, survival upon starvation and survival upon cold shock). We generated homokaryon lines, either carrying the inverted or standard chromosomal arrangement, isolated from populations approximating the endpoints of the North American cline (Florida, Maine) and phenotyped the flies at two growth temperatures (18 °C, 25 °C). Across both temperatures, high‐latitude flies from Maine lived longer and were more stress resistant than low‐latitude flies from Florida, as previously observed. Interestingly, we find that this latitudinal pattern is partly explained by the clinal distribution of the In(3R)P polymorphism, which is at ~ 50% frequency in Florida but absent in Maine: inverted karyotypes tended to be shorter‐lived and less stress resistant than uninverted karyotypes. We also detected an interaction between karyotype and temperature on survival traits. As In(3R)P influences body size and multiple survival traits, it can be viewed as a ‘supergene’, a cluster of tightly linked loci affecting multiple complex phenotypes. We conjecture that the inversion cline is maintained by fitness trade‐offs and balancing selection across geography; elucidating the mechanisms whereby this inversion affects alternative, locally adapted phenotypes across the cline is an important task for future work.
Epifluorescence microscopy study of a quadruple node of triple junctions of grain boundaries in a Eu2+‐doped Kcl:Kbr solid solution by using the doping ion as a fluorochrome
Authors: CORDERO‐BORBOA A.E. , UNDA‐ANGELES R.
Published: June 2018

A typical quadruple node (QN) of triple junctions (TJs) of grain boundaries (GBs) in a Eu2+‐doped KCl0.52Br0.48 solid solution is investigated from the geometrical point of view by epifluorescence microscopy using the doping ion as a fluorochrome. The excitation and fluorescence optical properties of the fluorochrome were previously characterised by spectrophotometry whereas the structural nature of the studied material as well as its Bravais lattice type, unit cell size and long‐range translational order degree was determined by X‐ray diffraction. A three‐dimensional reconstruction was built from the microscopy images of different optical cross‐sections of the studied arrangement of crystal defects. In the close vicinity of the QN, the studied arrangement of crystal defects adopts the geometry of a collapsed tristetrahedron which, centred at the QN, has its legs along the TJs and, hence, has its faces as collapsed in pairs into the GBs. The angles defined by different TJ couples as well as the dihedral angles defined by the different GB couples meeting in every TJ were measured at the QN site. All, the image recording and stacking as well as the measuring procedures are carefully described. The measured TJ angles (97°, 117°, 95°, 117°, 99° and 130° ± 2°) depart from the characteristic angle (109.47°) of a tetrahedron whereas the measured GB angles (101°, 119°, 140°; 125°, 127°, 108°; 133°, 109°, 119°; 129°, 99° and 132° ± 2°) depart from the angular argument (120°) of a 3‐fold symmetry rotation indicating that, in the close neighbourhood of the QN, the studied arrangement of crystal defects is structurally unstable. Such an instability is associated with an observed mismatch in orientation (by angles of 20°, 15°, 33° and 30° ± 2°) between the TJs and some <111> zone axis matrix lattice crystallographic directions ([], [11], [11] and [11]), respectively). Local variations in anionic composition, existing within the solid solution matrix, are discussed to be responsible for this mismatching and, therefore, for the observed structural instability.
PETROLEUM PROVINCES OF THE PARATETHYAN REGION
Authors: Boote D.R.D. , Sachsenhofer R.F. , Tari G. , Arbouille D.
Published: June 2018

Initial crustal collision between Africa and Eurasia in the middle Eocene – early Oligocene enclosed a semi‐restricted Paratethyan seaway of linked basins and platforms across a region stretching from the Eastern Alps to the South Caspian Sea. As the African Plate continued to advance north during the later Neogene, the seaway shrank into a series of more isolated basins separated by the rising Alpine – Carpathian – Caucasus fold‐thrust belts. Organic‐rich oil‐prone Paratethyan source rocks of middle Eocene (Kuma Formation and equivalents) and Oligocene – early Miocene (Maikop and Menilite Beds) ages, and more gas‐prone post‐orogenic mid‐upper Miocene shales, subsequently charged over 2500 accumulations across the region with combined recoverable reserves of 95 billion brl oil‐equivalent (B boe). These accumulations are clustered in discrete petroleum provinces, each with a distinct tectono‐stratigraphic architecture and comprised of one or more petroleum systems. The provinces can be grouped into five broad categories:

Average Reserves
Average Field Sizes

Fold‐thrust Provinces
60,980 MMboe
2–590 MMboe

Sub‐thrust Provinces
255 MMboe
3.4 MMboe

Foreland Provinces
18,671 MMboe
2–77 MMboe

Intermontane Provinces
13,122 MMboe
1–40 MMboe

Black Sea back‐arc Province
> 1391 MMboe
>33 MMboe

The productivity of each province (estimated very approximately from the number of barrels oil equivalent / square kilometre) is extremely variable, and its relationship with the geological factors controlling hydrocarbon entrapment and retention is complex. The most critical of these factors appears to be the quality and distribution of source rocks and post‐charge structural modification.
THE GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OLIGOCENE – LOWER MIOCENE MENILITE FORMATION IN THE POLISH AND UKRAINIAN OUTER CARPATHIANS: A REVIEW
Authors: Kosakowski P. , Koltun Y. , Machowski G. , Poprawa P. , Papiernik B.
Published: June 2018

The principal source rocks in the Outer Carpathians are organic‐rich shales in the Oligocene to Lower Miocene Menilite Formation. The average total organic carbon (TOC) content in the Menilite Formation is 4–8 wt%; the maximum measured is 26 wt%. Organic matter (OM) is oil‐prone Type II kerogen derived mainly from algae and cyanobacteria which was deposited under euxinic conditions. The thermal maturity of the Menilite shales varies significantly within the Outer Carpathians, both vertically in relation to burial depth and laterally in different tectonic units, and increases from external to internal parts of the orogenic belt. Maturity in general ranges from immature to different phases of the “oil window” and up to the “gas window”.