bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of trainers on the use of swimming exercise for Standardbred racehorses in Australia
Authors: Steel CM , Bond BM , Morrice‐West AV
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To determine swimming training practices in Australian harness racing horses and potential targets for future research.

Methods

An online survey of Australian Standardbred trainers and telephone interviews with 20 leading trainers were conducted. Questions relating to swimming facility and protocol, perceived benefits and contraindications were included. Descriptive data analysis was performed.

Results

Data were collected from 270 trainers: 250 by online survey (250/1770, response rate 14.1%) and 20 by interview. Of these, 103 trainers (38.1%), including 91 surveyed trainers (91/250, 36.4%) and 12 interviewed trainers (12/20, 60.0%), used swimming exercise. The most popular reasons for swimming were to replace trackwork for horses with limb injuries (79.4%), improve or maintain fitness (62.7%) and provide mental stimulation through variety in training (40.0%). Free swimming (78.4%) was more common than tethered, but the frequency and duration for horses in full training varied widely between trainers, with a median of four swim sessions per horse each week (range 0.5–12) for a median of 7 min (range 1.5–30 min) per session, mostly as a continuous swim, but sometimes as intervals. The main reasons given by those not swimming horses were lack of an adequate facility (60.5%) and lack of perceived benefit (16.2%). Reasons for not swimming individual horses varied widely.

Conclusions

Trainer opinions and protocols varied widely with respect to swimming exercise for Standardbred race horses. The role of swimming exercise requires further study so that evidence‐based recommendations can be made.
Student use of PeerWise: A multi‐institutional, multidisciplinary evaluation
Authors: Kay Alison E. , Hardy Judy , Galloway Ross K.
Published: February 2019

This study explores the relationship between engagement with an online, free‐to‐use question‐generation application (PeerWise) and student achievement. Using PeerWise, students can create and answer multiple‐choice questions and can provide feedback to the question authors on question quality. This provides further scope for students to engage in discussion about the question with their peers. Data on PeerWise use and examination performance were collected from over 3000 students across six large undergraduate courses (in physics, chemistry and biology) over three academic years in three research‐intensive UK universities. A reliable and valid measure of overall PeerWise activity was created and a multilevel model developed describing the relationship between PeerWise activity and student performance in end of course examinations. Using this approach, a significant positive association was found between students’ engagement with PeerWise and their academic attainment in end of course exams, even controlling for prior ability. The implications of these findings for educators are discussed.
Holocene hydrological variability of Lake Ladoga, northwest Russia, as inferred from diatom oxygen isotopes
Authors: Kostrova Svetlana S. , Meyer Hanno , Bailey Hannah L. , Ludikova Anna V. , Gromig Raphael , Kuhn Gerhard , Shibaev Yuri A. , Kozachek Anna V. , Ekaykin Alexey A. , Chapligin Bernhard
Published: February 2019

This article presents a new comprehensive assessment of the Holocene hydrological variability of Lake Ladoga, northwest Russia. The reconstruction is based on oxygen isotopes of lacustrine diatom silica (δ18Odiatom) preserved in sediment core Co 1309, and is complemented by a diatom assemblage analysis and a survey of modern isotope hydrology. The data indicate that Lake Ladoga has existed as a freshwater reservoir since at least 10.8 cal. ka BP. The δ18Odiatom values range from +29.8 to +35.0‰, and relatively higher δ18Odiatom values around +34.7‰ between c. 7.1 and 5.7 cal. ka BP are considered to reflect the Holocene Thermal Maximum. A continuous depletion in δ18Odiatom since c. 6.1 cal. ka BP accelerates after c. 4 cal. ka BP, indicating Middle to Late Holocene cooling that culminates during the interval 0.8–0.2 cal. ka BP, corresponding to the Little Ice Age. Lake‐level rises result in lower δ18Odiatom values, whereas lower lake levels cause higher δ18Odiatom values. The diatom isotope record gives an indication for a rather early opening of the Neva River outflow at c. 4.4–4.0 cal. ka BP. Generally, overall high δ18Odiatom values around +33.5‰ characterize a persistent evaporative lake system throughout the Holocene. As the Lake Ladoga δ18Odiatom record is roughly in line with the 60°N summer insolation, a linkage to broader‐scale climate change is likely.
Extensional fault and fold growth: Impact on accommodation evolution and sedimentary infill
Authors: Serck Christopher Sæbø , Braathen Alvar
Published: February 2019

Extensional faults and folds exert a fundamental control on the location, thickness and partitioning of sedimentary deposits on rift basins. The connection between the mode of extensional fault reactivation, resulting fault shape and extensional fold growth is well‐established. The impact of folding on accommodation evolution and growth package architecture, however, has received little attention; particularly the role‐played by fault‐perpendicular (transverse) folding. We study a multiphase rift basin with km‐scale fault displacements using a large high‐quality 3D seismic data set from the Fingerdjupet Subbasin in the southwestern Barents Sea. We link growth package architecture to timing and mode of fault reactivation. Dip linkage of deep and shallow fault segments resulted in ramp‐flat‐ramp fault geometry, above which fault‐parallel fault‐bend folds developed. The folds limited the accommodation near their causal faults, leading to deposition within a fault‐bend synclinal growth basin further into the hangingwall. Continued fold growth led to truncation of strata near the crest of the fault‐bend anticline before shortcut faulting bypassed the ramp‐flat‐ramp structure and ended folding. Accommodation along the fault‐parallel axis is controlled by the transverse folds, the location and size of which depends on the degree of linkage in the fault network and the accumulated displacement on causal faults. We construct transverse fold trajectories by tracing transverse fold hinges through space and time to highlight the positions of maximum and minimum accommodation and potential sediment entry points to hangingwall growth basins. The length and shape of the constructed trajectories relate to the displacement on their parent faults, duration of fault activity, timing of transverse basin infill, fault linkage and strain localization. We emphasize that the considerable wavelength, amplitudes and potential periclinal geometry of extensional folds make them viable targets for CO2 storage or hydrocarbon exploration in rift basins.
Drought and the interannual variability of stem growth in an aseasonal, everwet forest
Authors: Hogan J. Aaron , McMahon Sean M. , Buzzard Vanessa , Michaletz Sean T. , Enquist Brian J. , Thompson Jill , Swenson Nathan G. , Zimmerman Jess K.
Published: February 2019

Linking drought to the timing of physiological processes governing tree growth remains one limitation in forecasting climate change effects on tropical trees. Using dendrometers, we measured fine‐scale growth for 96 trees of 25 species from 2013 to 2016 in an everwet forest in Puerto Rico. Rainfall over this time span varied, including an unusual, severe El Niño drought in 2015. We assessed how growing season onset, median day, conclusion, and length varied with absolute growth rate and tree size over time. Stem growth was seasonal, beginning in February, peaking in July, and ending in November. Species growth rates varied between 0 and 8 mm/year and correlated weakly with specific leaf area, leaf phosphorus, and leaf nitrogen, and to a lesser degree with wood specific gravity and plant height. Drought and tree growth were decoupled, and drought lengthened and increased variation in growing season length. During the 2015 drought, many trees terminated growth early but did not necessarily grow less. In the year following drought, trees grew more over a shorter growing season, with many smaller trees showing a post‐drought increase in growth. We attribute the increased growth of smaller trees to release from light limitation as the canopy thinned because of the drought, and less inferred hydraulic stress than larger trees during drought. Soil type accounted for interannual and interspecific differences, with the finest Zarzal clays reducing tree growth. We conclude that drought affects the phenological timing of tree growth and favors the post‐drought growth of smaller, sub‐canopy trees in this everwet forest.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Nectar quality affects ant aggressiveness and biotic defense provided to plants
Authors: Pacelhe Fábio T. , Costa Fernanda V. , Neves Frederico S. , Bronstein Judith , Mello Marco A. R.
Published: February 2019

Ant–plant mutualisms are useful models for investigating how plant traits mediate interspecific interactions. As plant‐derived resources are essential components of ant diets, plants that offer more nutritious food to ants should be better defended in return, as a result of more aggressive behavior toward natural enemies. We tested this hypothesis in a field experiment by adding artificial nectaries to individuals of the species Vochysia elliptica (Vochysiaceae). Ants were offered one of four liquid foods of different nutritional quality: amino acids, sugar, sugar + amino acids, and water (control). We used live termites (Nasutitermes coxipoensis) as herbivore competitors and observed ant behavior toward them. In 88 hr of observations, we recorded 1,009 interactions with artificial nectaries involving 1,923 individual ants of 26 species. We recorded 381 encounters between ants and termites, of which 38% led to attack. Sixty‐one percent of these attacks led to termite exclusion from the plants. Recruitment and patrolling were highest when ants fed upon nectaries providing sugar + amino acids, the most nutritious food. This increase in recruitment and patrolling led to higher encounter rates between ants and termites, more frequent attacks, and faster and more complete termite removal. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that plant biotic defense is mediated by resource quality. We highlight the importance of qualitative differences in nectar composition for the outcome of ant–plant interactions.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Human activities influence the occupancy probability of mammalian carnivores in the Brazilian Caatinga
Authors: Dias Douglas de Matos , Lima Massara Rodrigo , de Campos Claudia Bueno , Henrique Guimarães Rodrigues Flávio
Published: February 2019

The Caatinga is a semi‐arid domain, characterized by reduced humidity and high rates of anthropogenic impact. In addition to the low availability of water, carnivorous mammals are still exposed to a number of threats related to landscape modifications. We used data from camera traps and occupancy models to investigate the habitat use by carnivores in an area of Caatinga in northeastern Brazil. We found a negative correlation between the distance from wind farms and the occupancy probability of the jaguar, and a positive correlation with the occupancy probability of the jaguarundi. Puma and jaguarundi occupied primarily sites near watercourses, whereas the occupancy of the crab‐eating fox was correlated positively with the presence of poachers. The ocelot was detected more frequently at sites distant from human settlements, whereas the jaguar was detected more often in areas far from wind farms. We found a negative correlation between the distance of water and the detection of the ocelot. The detection of the crab‐eating fox was influenced positively by the detection of cattle. In addition to the negative influence of some anthropic activities, our results indicate that water is a very important resource for species, and the few permanent sources of this resource available in the area must be preserved. The replication of our research in other systems, worldwide, that are experiencing similar pressures, should permit a systematic evaluation of the management and conservation strategies needed to rebuild or maintain populations, restore ecosystems, and support conservation policies in human‐altered landscapes.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Public servants’ appreciation for themes in public administration scholarship
Authors: Charbonneau Étienne , Bautista‐Beauchesne Nicholas , Bernier Luc
Published: February 2019

One of the defining characteristics of Canadian Public Administration is its singular coverage of topics. In this research, we extend Wake Carroll and Kpessa’s (2007) work to see if the themes found in Canadian Public Administration (CPA) for the 2008‐2016 period are in line with the topics published for the 2000‐2006 period. We also compare the contemporary topics published in CPA to the Australian Journal of Public Administration (AJPA). We then surveyed Canadian public servants about their interests. Our results show that they express more interest towards the themes published in CPA in the last decade than during 2001‐2006, and more interest than the ones published in AJPA in the last decade.
A risk‐based forecast of extreme mortality events in small cetaceans: Using stranding data to inform conservation practice
Authors: Bouchard Colin , Bracken Cameron , Dabin Willy , Van Canneyt Olivier , Ridoux Vincent , Spitz Jérôme , Authier Matthieu
Published: February 2019

Effective conservation requires monitoring and pro‐active risk assessments. We studied the effects of at‐sea mortality events (ASMEs) in marine mammals over two decades (1990–2012) and built a risk‐based indicator for the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Strandings of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) along French coastlines were analyzed using Extreme Value Theory (EVT). EVT operationalizes what is an extreme ASME, and allows the probabilistic forecasting of the expected maximum number of dead animals assuming constant pressures. For the period 2013–2018, we forecast the strandings of 80 harbor porpoises, 860 common dolphins, and 57 striped dolphins in extreme ASMEs. Comparison of these forecasts with observed strandings informs whether pressures are increasing, decreasing, or stable. Applying probabilistic methods to stranding data facilitates the building of risk‐based indicators, required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, to monitor the effect of pressures on marine mammals.
The prognostic value of serum amyloid A for long‐term mortality among patients with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Mayer Florian J. , Binder Christoph J. , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Schillinger Martin , Minar Erich , Hoke Matthias
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Despite extensive research in the last decade, the role of serum amyloid A (SAA) in atherogenesis remains highly controversial. The aim of this study was therefore to assess whether SAA is associated with long‐term mortality in patients with subclinical carotid artery disease.

Methods

One thousand sixty‐five patients with neurological asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis as evaluated by duplex sonography were prospectively followed for cause‐specific mortality.

Results

During a median of 11.8 years, a total of 549 deaths, including 362 cardiovascular deaths, were recorded. Patients who died within the follow‐up period had significantly higher baseline SAA serum levels compared to those who survived (12.9 vs 9.5 mg/dL; P < 0.001). In univariable Cox regression analysis, the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality significantly increased in patients with elevated serum levels of SAA (crude hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality per increase of 1 SD of SAA levels was 1.14, 95% CI 1.08‐1.22], P < 0.0001). However, SAA lost its significance after adjusting for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), suggesting that SAA might not be directly associated with atherogenesis, but rather be a mere reflection of the individual patient's inflammatory status.

Conclusions

Serum amyloid A is not independently associated with (cardiovascular) mortality in patients with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.
Mosaic environments shape the distribution of Neotropical freshwater ichthyoplankton
Authors: Lopes Carolina Antonieta , Zaniboni‐Filho Evoy
Published: February 2019

Dam presence results in heterogeneous aquatic environments that probably favour segregation of ichthyoplankton developmental stages. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that dams in the Upper Uruguay River create heterogeneous aquatic environments favouring segregation of ichthyoplankton developmental stages and also separate species with different reproductive tactics. Ichthyoplankton were captured bimonthly during 2002–2015 in 25 sampling stations grouped by fluviometric characteristics. Sampling was performed at night, with cylindrical–conical plankton nets and light traps. After quantifying ichthyoplankton, we identified larvae to the lowest possible taxonomic level and classified them based on developmental stage and reproductive tactics. Egg abundance was higher in lotic environments, preflexion individuals were more abundant in transitional lotic/lentic environments, and the flexion stage was predominant in lentic environments. Larval assemblages consisted mainly of sedentary species or those with short reproductive migrations. Species with similar reproductive tactics occurred in different environments. In conclusion, we provided evidence demonstrating that mosaic environments in the Upper Uruguay River are important for life cycle completion of different fish species. These distinct habitat zones allow for successful spawning and offspring development, thus guaranteeing recruitment.
Insect assemblages attacking seeds and fruits in a rainforest in Thailand
Authors: Basset Yves , Ctvrtecka Richard , Dahl Chris , Miller Scott E. , Quicke Donald L. J. , Segar Simon T. , Barrios Héctor , Beaver Roger A. , Brown John W. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Gripenberg Sofia , Knížek Miloš , Kongnoo Pitoon , Lewis Owen T. , Pongpattananurak Nantachai , Pramual Pairot , Sakchoowong Watana , Schutze Mark
Published: February 2019

Insect seed predators are important agents of mortality for tropical trees, but little is known about the impact of these herbivores in rainforests. During 3 years at Khao Chong (KHC) in southern Thailand we reared 17,555 insects from 343.2 kg or 39,252 seeds/fruits representing 357 liana and tree species. A commented list of the 243 insect species identified is provided, with details about their host plants. We observed the following. (i) Approximately 43% of identified species can be considered pests. Most were seed eaters, particularly on dry fruits. (ii) Approximately 19% of parasitoid species (all Opiinae) for which we could determine whether their primary insect host was a pest or not (allBactroceraspp. breeding in fruits) can be considered beneficials. (iii) The seeds/fruits of approximately 28% of the plant species in this forest were free of attack. Phyllanthaceae, Rubiaceae and Meliaceae were attacked relatively infrequently; in contrast, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Sapindaceae and Myristicaceae were more heavily attacked. There was no apparent effect of plant phylogeny on rates of attack but heavily attacked tree species had larger basal area in the KHC plot than rarely attacked tree species. (iv) Insects reared from fleshy fruits were more likely to show relatively stable populations compared to insects reared from dry fruits, but this was not true of insects reared from dipterocarps, which appeared to have relatively stable populations throughout the study period. We tentatively conclude that insects feeding on seeds and fruits have little effect on observed levels of host abundance in this forest.
Diversity and host associations of dipteran insects exploiting fungal fruiting bodies in Hokuriku, central Japan
Authors: Tuno Nobuko , Nitta Masayuki , Kobayashi Mio , Kitabayashi Keiko
Published: February 2019

To clarify the diversity and host associations of dipteran insects exploiting fungal fruiting bodies, we collected fruiting bodies at 18 localities in Hokuriku region, central Japan, from 2012 to 2015 and examined them for the emergence of insects. In total, 14,107 dipteran individuals belonging to 20 families emerged from fungi of 8 orders, 25 families, 49 genera and 129 species. Approximately 79% of dipteran individuals belonged to three families, Phoridae, Muscidae and Drosophilidae. The faunal similarity at the family level was relatively high between central (warm‐temperate) and northern (cool‐temperate) areas of Japan. However, the species composition of Drosophilidae was much different between central and northern Japan. The difference in the species composition was discussed in relation to the climatic conditions and fungal flora. None of the species from Drosophilidae, Phoridae, Muscidae, Mycetophilidae, Lonchaeidae and Chloropidae were specialists (they exploited more than one species of fungi), but they showed differences their fungi preference. Adults of some families, especially Drosophilidae, were frequently collected from fruiting bodies, but those of other families were seldom collected, probably reflecting differences in adult feeding ecology.
Construction of a bacterial artificial chromosome library of Endoclita excrescens as a tool for comparative gene mapping in Lepidoptera
Authors: Okumura Azusa , Kobayashi Masanori , Kitajima Hiroshi , Yasukochi Yuji , Suzuki Go , Sahara Ken
Published: February 2019

Karyotype evolution in one of the most diverse and species‐rich group of insects, moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera), has interesting features that remain to be resolved. Recent studies showed that fluorescence in situ hybridization using bacterial artificial chromosome clones (BAC‐FISH) is an efficient cytogenetic method for identification and gene mapping of lepidopteran chromosomes. Using comparative mapping by BAC‐FISH, extensive synteny of genes was revealed between chromosomes of different lepidopteran species based on Bombyx mori genomic information. However, this comparative mapping has been done only in representatives of advanced groups of Lepidoptera. Here we constructed a BAC library of Endoclita excrescens, which belongs to the primitive lepidopteran family Hepialidae. High molecular weight DNA for the library construction was prepared from the pupae by using a rapid nuclear isolation method known in plants. The BAC clones of E. excrescens contain 66.6 kb inserts on average. The successful application of BAC‐FISH showed that the BAC library of E. excrescens is a useful tool for comparative gene mapping on chromosomes of this species.
Effect of X‐ray irradiation on pharmacokinetics of irinotecan hydrochloride and expression of CES1 and CYP3A1 in rats
Authors: Yijie Qiao , Xuejun Wang , Yuanyao Xin , Yongqiong Nian , Jianxin Yang , Yabin Duan , Xiangyang Li
Published: February 2019

Concurrent chemoradiation with irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT‐11) is accepted for cancer treatment. However, the effects of X‐ray irradiation on chemotherapeutics in the plasma remain unclear. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of CPT‐11 in rats after exposure to X‐ray irradiation and examined the changes of protein and mRNA expression of CES1 and CYP3A1. The X‐ray irradiation with 1 Gy and 5 Gy was delivered to the whole body of rats. CPT‐11 at 30 and 60 mg/kg, respectively, was intravenously infused 24 h after irradiation. CPT‐11 was determined by RP‐HPLC in plasma. ELISA and PCR were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of CES1 and CYP3A1, respectively. Compared with control rats, the X‐ray irradiation decreased the AUC of CPT‐11 (30 mg/kg) by 15.6% at 1 Gy and 39.0% at 5 Gy and increased the CL by 60.0% at 5 Gy. The X‐ray irradiation could also decrease the AUC of CPT‐11 (60 mg/kg) and increase the CL. In addition, the protein and mRNA expression of CES1 and CYP3A1 were increased significantly in rats after irradiation. This study found significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of CPT‐11 in rats after exposure to X‐ray irradiation, and they might be due to significant increases in the expressions of CYP3A1 and CES1. The pharmacokinetics of CPT‐11 should be rechecked, and the optimal CPT‐11 dose should be reevaluated during concurrent chemoradiation therapy.
Cracking process of a granite specimen that contains multiple pre‐existing holes under uniaxial compression
Authors: Huang Yan‐Hua , Yang Sheng‐Qi , Tian Wen‐Ling
Published: February 2019

The pre‐existence of openings, which play an important role in the mechanical properties and cracking behaviours of rock, is prevalent in rock mass. The interaction among pre‐existing openings (or holes) complicates the instability problems when rock contains multiple holes. Studying the strength failure behaviour of rock that contains multiple pre‐existing holes contributes to the fundamental knowledge of the excavation and stability of underground rock engineering. In this study, first, a series of uniaxial compression tests were performed on granite specimens that contain multiple small holes to investigate the effect of the geometry of pre‐existing holes on the strength and fracture behaviours of rock. The crack initiation, propagation and coalescence process, and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics were investigated using photographic and AE monitoring. Three failure modes were identified, ie, splitting failure, stepped path failure, and planar failure modes. Second, a set of micromechanical parameters in the PFC3D model were calibrated by comparison with the experimental results of an intact granite specimen. The numerically simulated peak strength, peak strain, and failure mode of preholed specimens were consistent with the experimental results. In accordance with the numerical results, the failure modes of the preholed specimens were dependent on the bridge angle and number of holes. Last, the internal fracture characteristics of numerical specimens were revealed by analyzing the horizontal and vertical cross sections at different positions.
Effects of mesophyll conductance on vegetation responses to elevated CO2concentrations in a land surface model
Authors: Knauer Jürgen , Zaehle Sönke , De Kauwe Martin G. , Bahar Nur H. A. , Evans John R. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Reichstein Markus , Werner Christiane
Published: February 2019

Mesophyll conductance (gm) is known to affect plant photosynthesis. However,gmis rarely explicitly considered in land surface models (LSMs), with the consequence that its role in ecosystem and large‐scale carbon and water fluxes is poorly understood. In particular, the different magnitudes ofgmacross plant functional types (PFTs) are expected to cause spatially divergent vegetation responses to elevated CO2concentrations. Here, an extensive literature compilation ofgmacross major vegetation types is used to parameterize an empirical model ofgmin the LSM JSBACH and to adjust photosynthetic parameters based on simulatedAn − Cicurves. We demonstrate that an explicit representation ofgmchanges the response of photosynthesis to environmental factors, which cannot be entirely compensated by adjusting photosynthetic parameters. These altered responses lead to changes in the photosynthetic sensitivity to atmospheric CO2concentrations which depend both on the magnitude ofgmand the climatic conditions, particularly temperature. We then conducted simulations under ambient and elevated (ambient + 200 μmol/mol) CO2concentrations for contrasting ecosystems and for historical and anticipated future climate conditions (representative concentration pathways; RCPs) globally. Thegm‐explicit simulations using the RCP8.5 scenario resulted in significantly higher increases in gross primary productivity (GPP) in high latitudes (+10% to + 25%), intermediate increases in temperate regions (+5% to + 15%), and slightly lower to moderately higher responses in tropical regions (−2% to +5%), which summed up to moderate GPP increases globally. Similar patterns were found for transpiration, but with a lower magnitude. Our results suggest that the effect of an explicit representation ofgmis most important for simulated carbon and water fluxes in the boreal zone, where a cold climate coincides with evergreen vegetation.
Towards connecting biodiversity and geodiversity across scales with satellite remote sensing
Authors: Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Read Quentin D. , Record Sydne , Gaddis Keith D. , Pau Stephanie , Hobi Martina L. , Malone Sparkle L. , Costanza Jennifer , M. Dahlin Kyla , Latimer Andrew M. , Wilson Adam M. , Grady John M. , Ollinger Scott V. , Finley Andrew O.
Published: February 2019

Issue

Geodiversity (i.e., the variation in Earth's abiotic processes and features) has strong effects on biodiversity patterns. However, major gaps remain in our understanding of how relationships between biodiversity and geodiversity vary over space and time. Biodiversity data are globally sparse and concentrated in particular regions. In contrast, many forms of geodiversity can be measured continuously across the globe with satellite remote sensing. Satellite remote sensing directly measures environmental variables with grain sizes as small as tens of metres and can therefore elucidate biodiversity–geodiversity relationships across scales.

Evidence

We show how one important geodiversity variable, elevation, relates to alpha, beta and gamma taxonomic diversity of trees across spatial scales. We use elevation from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and c. 16,000 Forest Inventory and Analysis plots to quantify spatial scaling relationships between biodiversity and geodiversity with generalized linear models (for alpha and gamma diversity) and beta regression (for beta diversity) across five spatial grains ranging from 5 to 100 km. We illustrate different relationships depending on the form of diversity; beta and gamma diversity show the strongest relationship with variation in elevation.

Conclusion

With the onset of climate change, it is more important than ever to examine geodiversity for its potential to foster biodiversity. Widely available satellite remotely sensed geodiversity data offer an important and expanding suite of measurements for understanding and predicting changes in different forms of biodiversity across scales. Interdisciplinary research teams spanning biodiversity, geoscience and remote sensing are well poised to advance understanding of biodiversity–geodiversity relationships across scales and guide the conservation of nature.
Electronic healthcare records and data quality
Authors: Charnock Victoria
Published: February 2019

This paper is based on Victoria Charnock's MA dissertation carried out as part of her Masters in Leadership and Management in Healthcare at the University of Salford and supervised by Professor Hardiker. A review of current literature was conducted to provide a robust and dimensional definition of data quality in the field of health care. This was used as the basis on which to assess the effect that electronic health care records has had in practice, specifically on data quality and according to the dimensions of accuracy, completeness and use of data. All of the papers reviewed referred to the importance of accuracy and completeness, identifying the advantages of electronic health records in their use of standardized data entry controls. Drawing on the third dimension in the definition, use of data, the impact that system design may have on data quality and implications for staff training is further discussed and recommendations made.

F.J.
Diversity and association of HLA/KIR receptors with type 2 diabetes in South India
Authors: Chinniah Rathika , Vijayan Murali , Sivanadham Ramgopal , Ravi Padmamalini , Panneerselvam Dharmarajan , Kannan Arun , Karuppiah Balakrishnan
Published: February 2019

The present study was undertaken to delineate the association(s) of KIR–HLA combination in South Indian Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The T2DM patients (n = 343) and healthy controls (n = 309) were genotyped for KIR/HLA ligands by PCR‐SSP method. The increased frequency of activatory KIR (aKIR) 2DS2 (OR = 1.91; p < 2.91 × 10−4) was observed in patients suggesting a susceptible association. The frequencies of iKIR 2DL2 (OR = 0.38; p < 1.55 × 10−5) and aKIRs 2DS1 (OR = 0.60; p < 0.001) and 3DS1 (OR = 0.52; p < 5.83 × 10−5) were decreased in patients suggesting protective associations. The C1/C2 combinatorial analysis has revealed an increased frequency of C1+/C2− in T2DM patients (OR = 1.62; p < 0.014). The KIR “AB” genotype (OR = 2.41; p < 3.87 × 10−5) was observed to be higher in patients. However, the “BB” genotype (OR = 0.32; p < 4.71 × 10−7) was increased in controls. The KIR motifs, “Tel‐B/B” (OR = 1.84; p < 0.007), were observed higher among patients. However, the frequency of “Tel‐A/B” motif genotype was decreased in patients (OR = 0.56; p < 3.13 × 10−4). The iKIR/HLA combinations such as 2DL2/3 +C1 and 3DL2+A3/A11 were increased in patients (OR = 3.90; p < 7.5 × 10−5) suggesting susceptible associations. On the contrary, the aKIR+HLA combinations such as 2DS2+C1, 2DS1+C2 and 3DS1+Bw4 were less frequent in patients (OR = 0.32; p < 4.2 × 10−4) suggesting protective associations. Thus, the present study clearly establishes the positive and negative associations of different KIR–HLA receptor combinations with T2DM in South India.
Multi‐mode resource‐constrained project scheduling using modified variable neighborhood search heuristic
Authors: Chakrabortty Ripon K. , Abbasi Alireza , Ryan Michael J.
Published: February 2019

This paper aims at providing a fast near‐optimum solution to the multi‐mode resource‐constrained project scheduling problems (MRCPSPs), for projects with activities that have known deterministic renewable and nonrenewable resource requirements. The MRCPSP is known to be nondeterministic polynomial‐time hard and has been solved using various exact, heuristic, and meta‐heuristic procedures. In this paper, a modified variable neighborhood search heuristic algorithm is used as an advanced optimization technique that suits scheduling problems. For the experimental study, we have considered a standard set of 3929 multi‐mode benchmark instances from the project scheduling library with a range of projects comprising 10–30 activities. Moreover, for a better comparison, this research also considers a standard set of 4320 newly developed multi‐mode instances from MMLIB50, MMLIB100, and MMLIB+ datasets. With the limit of 50,000 schedules on these datasets, our proposed algorithm provides better makespan for 106, 34, and 1601 instances, respectively, which justifies the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, particularly for projects with a larger number of activities. The results reported in this paper can be used as a benchmark for other researchers to compare and improve.
Multi‐level, multi‐stage lot‐sizing and scheduling in the flexible flow shop with demand information updating
Authors: Hakeem‐Ur‐Rehman  , Wan Guohua , Zhan Yang
Published: February 2019

Motivated by a real‐world problem in an automobile manufacturing firm, we study the multi‐level, multi‐stage lot‐sizing and scheduling problem with demand information updating. The objective is to determine the quantities and sequences of production on different production stages to minimize the total costs of production and inventory. We employ the martingale model for forecast evolution to model the evolving demand over time and build a mixed‐integer programing (MIP) model for the problem using a hybrid period approach (i.e., combining micro‐ and macro‐periods). To solve this NP‐hard problem, we propose three heuristic algorithms based on the idea of “relax‐and‐fix” within the rolling horizon framework. We conduct computational experiments to test the performance of the heuristic algorithms as well as compare the performance of the proposed heuristics with the benchmark procedure (truncated procedure for MIP) for both small‐ and large‐scale problem instances. The computational results show that Heuristic 1 performs the best among the three heuristic algorithms.
Crystallization study of rare earth and molybdenum containing nuclear waste glass ceramics
Authors: McCloy John S. , Riley Brian J. , Crum Jarrod , Marcial José , Reiser Joelle T. , Kruska Karen , Peterson Jacob A. , Neuville Daniel R. , Patil Deepak S. , Saleh Muad , Barnsley Kristian E. , Hanna John V.
Published: February 2019

A glass‐ceramic waste form is being developed for immobilization of waste streams of alkali (A), alkaline‐earth (AE), rare earth (RE), and transition metals generated by transuranic extraction for reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. Benefits over an alkali borosilicate waste form are realized by the partitioning of the fission product fraction insoluble in glass into a suite of chemically durable crystalline phases through controlled cooling, including (AE,A,RE)MoO4 (powellite) and (RE,A,AE)10Si6O26 (oxyapatite). In this study, a simplified 8‐oxide system (SiO2‐Nd2O3‐CaO‐Na2O‐B2O3‐Al2O3‐MoO3‐ZrO2) was melted, then soaked at various temperatures from 1450 to 1150°C, and subsequently quenched, in order to obtain snapshots into the phase distribution at these temperatures. For these samples, small angle X‐ray and neutron scattering, quantitative X‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance, Nd3+ visible absorption, and temperature‐dependent viscosity were characterized. In this composition, soak temperatures of 1250°C were necessary to nucleate calcium molybdate (~10‐20 nm in diameter). Further cooling produced oxyapatite and total crystallization increased with lower soak temperatures. Both Na and Nd entered the crystalline phases with lower‐temperature soak conditions. Slow cooling or long isothermal treatments at ~975°C produced significantly higher crystal fractions.
Flexible response to short‐term weather in a cold‐adapted songbird
Authors: Laplante Marie‐Pier , McKinnon Emily A. , Love Oliver P. , Vézina François
Published: February 2019

To improve survival during winter, temperate species use a variety of behavioural and physiological adaptations. Among songbirds, the maintenance of lipid reserves is a widely‐used strategy to cope with the severity of winter; however, little is known regarding how multiple synchronously acting environmental mechanisms work together to drive these effects. In a context where temperate winter conditions are becoming more variable, it is important to widen our understanding regarding the flexible adaptations that may allow wintering species to adjust to projected climate change. Using a long‐term dataset collected across multiple wintering populations (7 years; 8 locations), we analyzed the effects of daily variation in weather (e.g. temperature, snowfall) on the variation in energy reserves (i.e. fat stores) of wintering snow buntings Plectrophenax nivalis. Our results support the prediction that birds carry more reserves to increase the safety margin against starvation when conditions are energy‐demanding and access to food is unpredictable (i.e. colder, snowier conditions). Birds responded to daily changes in weather by increasing their reserves as conditions deteriorated, with maximal temperatures and snow depth being the most important predictors of fattening decisions. We also found that females consistently exhibited higher fat reserves than males relative to their body size, suggesting that differential physiological adaptations among sexes or social dominance may play an additional role in explaining variation in energy reserves across individuals in this species. Overall, our findings increase knowledge on phenotypic adjustments used by species wintering in temperate zones to match variation in their environment.
Investigating the relationship between success factors and student participation in online and blended learning in adult education
Authors: Blieck Yves , Kauwenberghs Kurt , Zhu Chang , Struyven Katrien , Pynoo Bram , DePryck Koen
Published: February 2019

Online and blended learning (OBL) is valued, but it also offers challenges. Literature indicates that OBL can enhance access to education and increase flexibility for students. However, the reported dropout rates indicate that student participation in OBL programmes is a concern. Scientifically valid knowledge about how factors that help students participate in OBL are related to student participation is necessary for quality improvement of OBL. This knowledge can help professionals determine what they need to improve in their institution and how to prioritize those improvements. In this study, we report on the validation of a quality instrument with indicators related to quality dimensions present in quality management frameworks and important success factors that aid student participation in OBL. These success factors are as follows: credibility, transparency, flexibility, accessibility, interactivity, personalization, and productivity. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) method is suitable for validating complex models in studies where predictive accuracy is important. According to adult students, all success factors, except flexibility, are important for aiding OBL participation. Adult students perceive that the quality dimensions of learning activities and student support (related to interactivity) deserve priority in improving participation in OBL in adult education.
Association of sunbed use with skin cancer risk factors in Europe: an investigation within the Euromelanoma skin cancer prevention campaign
Authors: Suppa M. , Gandini S. , Njimi H. , Bulliard J.L. , Correia O. , Duarte A.F. , Peris K. , Stratigos A.J. , Nagore E. , Longo M.I. , Bylaite‐Bucinskiene M. , Karls R. , Helppikangas H. ,   Euromelanoma Working Group,, del Marmol V.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Sunbed use has been significantly associated with increased risk of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but its relationship with melanoma's risk factors such as high nevus count, atypical nevi and lentigines is poorly studied. Euromelanoma is a skin cancer prevention campaign conducted all over Europe. It offers a once‐a‐year screening during which participants’ data, including sunbed use and phenotype, are collected via questionnaires.

Objectives

To investigate the association of sunbed use with nevus count, atypical nevi, lentigines and suspicion of skin cancer.

Methods

To ensure reliability of the data, we defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for countries’ eligibility for the risk analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models (including age, gender, education, skin type, family history of melanoma, personal history of skin cancer, any sun exposure and any sunscreen use) were used to calculate summary odds ratios (SORs) of each clinical endpoint for ever sunbed use.

Results

Overall, 227 888 individuals from 30 countries completed the Euromelanoma questionnaire. After the data quality check, 16 countries were eligible for the multivariate analysis, for a total of 145 980 participants (64.8% females; median age 43 years; 62.3% highly educated; 28.5% skin type I–II; 11.0% ever sunbed use). Ever sunbed use was independently associated with nevus count >50 [SOR = 1.05 (1.01–1.10)], atypical nevi [SOR = 1.04 (1.00–1.09)], lentigines [SOR = 1.16 (1.04–1.29)] and suspicion of melanoma [SOR = 1.13 (1.00–1.27)]. Conversely, no significant association was found between ever sunbed use and suspicion of NMSC [SOR = 1.00 (0.91–1.10)].

Conclusions

Indoor tanning is significantly associated with well‐recognized risk factors for melanoma (including high nevus count, presence of atypical nevi and lentigines) as well as suspicion of melanoma within the Euromelanoma screenees. In order to reduce the prevalence of melanoma risk factors, avoidance/discontinuation of sunbed use should always be encouraged, especially but not exclusively for individuals with high‐risk phenotypes.
Sunbeds and carcinogenesis: the need for new regulations and restrictions in Europe from the Euromelanoma perspective
Authors: Calzavara‐Pinton P.G. , Arisi M. , Wolf P.
Published: February 2019

Experimental investigations have definitely assessed that ultraviolet A (UVA) as well as ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induce mutagenic DNA photoproducts and other cell damages with a carcinogenic potential. Artificial tanning increases significantly the lifetime risk for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma particularly in subjects with fair skin type, subjects with a history of skin cancer or frequent childhood sunburn or if exposures took place at an age younger than 18 years. In addition, experimental and clinical evidence indicate that UVA exposure promotes skin photoageing. Therefore we are dealing with a recreational activity (for customers) and a profitable business (for the tanning industry) with human costs, i.e. an increase in morbidity and mortality by skin cancer, and health and social costs leading to an increased expenditure by the European national health systems. In a few European countries, legislation has recently prohibited the use of sunbeds for minors, pregnant women, people with skin cancer or a history of skin cancer and individuals who do not tan or who burn easily from sun exposure. However, this legislation seems to be insufficient from a photobiological perspective, and importantly, it is largely disregarded by consumers and tanning industry. Therefore the Euromelanoma group proposes a new, more stringent regulation for the tanning industry and restrictions for customers, particularly for those individuals with constitutional and anamnestic risk factors. Finally, we ask for an enhanced commitment to increase the awareness of the general population on the risk of artificial tanning.
Overview on vitamin D and sunbed use
Authors: Pierret L. , Suppa M. , Gandini S. , del Marmol V. , Gutermuth J.
Published: February 2019

Vitamin D seems to be associated with a protective effect in a vast range of diseases, including cardiovascular, autoimmune and oncologic conditions. Since ultraviolet (UV) B light is the most important prerequisite for the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, sunbeds are able to increase serum vitamin D levels, although only transiently in most cases. In this scenario, the artificial tanning industry relentlessly tries to promote the use of sunbeds as a ‘safe’ therapeutic measure to achieve an adequate serum vitamin D status. The World Health Organization classified UV‐emitting tanning devices, as well as the whole UV spectrum, as group‐1 carcinogens, as they significantly increase the risk of melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer. In case of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, the current risk‐benefit ratio is therefore in favour of vitamin D supplementation instead of sunbed use. Artificial tanning devices should never be considered as an option to achieve an appropriate vitamin D status. Their supposedly beneficial effects, vastly publicised by the artificial tanning industry, are not worth the carcinogenic risk associated with sunbed use.