bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coding of odour and space in the hemimetabolous insect Periplaneta americana
Authors: Paoli Marco , Nishino Hiroshi , Couzin-Fuchs Einat , Giovanni Galizia C.
Published: December 2019

The general architecture of the olfactory system is highly conserved from insects to humans, but neuroanatomical and physiological differences can be observed across species. The American cockroach, inhabiting dark shelters with a rather stable olfactory landscape, is equipped with long antennae used for sampling the surrounding air-space for orientation and navigation. The antennae’s exceptional length provides a wide spatial working range for odour detection; however, it is still largely unknown whether and how this is also used for mapping the structure of the olfactory environment. By selective labelling antennal lobe projection neurons with a calcium sensitive dye, we investigated the logic of olfactory coding in this hemimetabolous insect. We show that odour responses are stimulus-specific and concentration-dependent, and that structurally related odorants evoke physiologically similar responses. By using spatially confined stimuli, we show that proximal stimulations induce stronger and faster responses than distal ones. Spatially confined stimuli of the female pheromone periplanone-B activate sub-region of the male macroglomerulus. Thus, we report that the combinatorial logic of odour coding deduced from holometabolous insects applies also to this hemimetabolous species. Furthermore, a fast decrease in sensitivity along the antenna, not supported by a proportionate decrease in sensillar density, suggests a neural architecture that strongly emphasizes neuronal inputs from the proximal portion of the antenna.

Summary statement

By selective labelling the cockroach’s antennal lobe output neurons, we investigated the logic of olfactory coding in a hemimetabolous insect, showing that odour responses are stimulus-specific, concentration-dependent, and preserve information on the spatial structure of the stimulus.
Multisite-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Forloni Matteo , Liu Alex Y. , Wajapeyee Narendra
Published: December 2019

This protocol, suitable for both general and close-proximity mutagenesis, includes a simple and rapid procedure that combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DpnI digestion, and overlap extension. The key point of this approach is the use of overlap extension to form a circular DNA plasmid with mutations without the need for phosphorylated primers or ligase reactions. Essentially, during the first round of PCR, the new DNA is synthesized with nicks between the 3′ ends of the synthesized DNA and the 5′ ends of the first pair of primers. During successive rounds of PCR, a new pair of mutagenic oligonucleotides leads to the synthesis of two DNA segments that anneal together with the overlap sequence inside the two primers. This new mutated molecule also contains nicks but at different positions compared with those formed in the first round of PCR that had been “repaired” by overlap extension. Mutations can be introduced successfully by this method. Finally, the circular DNA is transformed into E. coli cells, where the nicks are ligated into a circular plasmid. One important requirement is that the parental plasmid carrying the target gene needs to be methylated by Dam methyltransferase or purified from Dam+E. coli (i.e., DH5a).
On stability for learning human control strategy by demonstrations using SVM
Authors: Wang Zhiyang , Ou Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the trade-off of the stability and the accuracy in learning human control strategy from demonstrations. With the stability conditions and the estimated stability region, this paper aims to conveniently get rid of the unstable controller or controller with relatively small stability region. With this evaluation, the learning human strategy controller becomes much more robust to perturbations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the criterion to verify the stability and a method to estimate the domain of attraction are provided for the learning controllers trained with support vector machines (SVMs). Conditions are formulated based on the discrete-time system Lyapunov theory to ensure that a closed-form of the learning control system is strongly stable under perturbations (SSUP). Then a Chebychev point based approach is proposed to estimate its domain of attraction.

Findings

Some of such learning controllers have been implemented in the vertical balance control of a dynamically stable, statically unstable wheel mobile robot.
Social construction of innovation and the role of innovation brokers in the construction sector
Authors: Sergeeva Natalya , Liu Naomi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-visit social construction of technology (SCOT) framework in understanding of innovation in the construction sector and unpack the role of innovation brokers in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper adopting SCOT framework to understand innovation in the context of the construction sector. The role of innovation brokers is unpacked in the paper, currently under-explored in the construction innovation studies.

Findings

The authors suggest SCOT framework as a useful overarching frame through which to understand construction innovation. The authors argue that innovation brokers should be positioned to oversee the interface of multiple social groups.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical research is proposed to test the theoretical assumptions outlined in the paper. The research agenda is to conduct further empirical research adopting a socio-technical theoretical lens and appropriate qualitative or mixed-design methodologies. There are other socio-technical theoretical frameworks that could be used to explore socio-technical interactions in different ways, e.g. socio-technical systems theory, sociomateriality, actor-network theory, etc.

Practical implications

Three propositions are developed regarding the position of an innovation broker from the perspectives of multi-social-groups interfaces, shifting significance of the roles of innovation broker and the collaboration with government.

Originality/value

The authors outline the value of SCOT framework for innovation study within project-based construction sector. The authors contribute to better understanding of the role of innovation brokers in the system of construction innovation.
The human dimension of early warning – a viewpoint
Authors: Hamza Mo , Månsson Peter
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami prompted global efforts to develop end-to-end multi-hazard warning systems. Taking this event as a starting point, and drawing on experiences from the following advancement of the Indonesian tsunami early warning system, this paper aims to highlight the importance of paying attention to human factors and the perceptions and behaviors of end recipients when trying to design efficient early warning systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a viewpoint where theoretical frameworks for the design of efficient early warning systems are used as backdrop to an extensive review and analysis of secondary data, including scientific papers and newspaper articles.

Findings

The paper presents what an end-to-end warning system means, explores process problems related to perception and communication and concludes with views and recommendations toward more inclusive early warnings.

Originality/value

Research and practice related to early warning systems have traditionally had a strong focus on technological elements whilst the target groups of early warnings (i.e. communities) have received far less attention and resources. This paper focuses on the human dimension of warning systems and uses a real case to exemplify how efficient warning systems not only require a sound scientific and technological basis, but also depend on the awareness, trust and will of the people they aim to protect.
“I want to leave, but there is nowhere to go”
Authors: Singh Riann
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Limited research has explored the behavioural tendencies of reluctant stayers. This study aims to expand research here to explain how employees who are victims of abusive supervision behave when they intend to leave but are unable to because of limited job alternatives. This study postulates that employees who are victims of abusive supervision are more likely to develop intentions to leave their job. Abusive supervision is expected to indirectly spur workplace deviance, with turnover intentions as the mediator. Further, the availability of job alternatives is expected to moderate the relationship between turnover intentions and workplace deviance, thereby forming a moderated-mediation model.

Design/methodology/approach

Employee data were collected from 228 frontline employees within the banking sector of Trinidad, using a two-wave research design. A path-analytic approach was used to test the research relationships.

Findings

The findings provided support for the propositions that abusive supervision predicts turnover intentions, that turnover intentions mediate the abusive supervision – workplace deviance relationship, and that the availability of job alternatives moderate the relationship between turnover intentions and workplace deviance.

Originality/value

This study addresses a clear research gap, as no study has examined how employees who are victims of abusive supervision behave when they intend to leave but are unable to because of limited job alternatives. In fact, few studies have explored the behaviour of reluctant stayers and the moderating role of job alternatives in the behaviours of such stayers.
Dimensions of wine hotel experiences shared online
Authors: Brochado Ana , Troilo Mike , Rodrigues Helena , Oliveira-Brochado Fernando
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study sought to identify the main themes linked with wine hotel experiences, based on tourists’ narratives shared online, and to investigate whether these narratives vary according to traveler type.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was carried out on 4,114 online reviews of 52 wine hotels located in 27 wine regions across 11 nations in both the Old and New World.

Findings

The analysis of these web reviews revealed that narratives can be grouped under 11 themes organized into 7 main dimensions as follows: wine, lodging (i.e. hotel, area and room), food service (i.e. restaurant and breakfast), scenery (i.e. views and vineyards), staff, transportation and recommendation. The main narratives vary according to traveler type.

Practical implications

Improving the present understanding of wine tourists’ experiences should help wine hotel managers find new approaches to enhancing visitors’ satisfaction. As the dimensions of wine tourism experiences shared online vary according to traveler type, wine managers can design their offer to target families, couples, friends, solo and corporate clients.

Originality/value

Prior research has identified the need for market segmentation in the wine tourism industry. This research addresses this need by specifying the wine tourism experience according to traveler type. The breadth of the data, and the method of using travelers’ own testimony as opposed to more common surveying are additional contributions for both academics and managers.
Analyst reaction to non-articulation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows
Authors: Frischmann Peter , Lin K.C. , Wang Dilin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of non-articulation on analyst earnings forecast quality. The authors look for evidence on the relationship between non-articulation and analyst earnings forecast properties: forecast inaccuracy, forecast dispersion and forecast bias.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical tests are primarily based analyst earnings and cash flow forecasts covered by Institutional Broker Estimate System and financial statement information obtained from Compustat North America database.

Findings

The authors hypothesize and find that non-articulation is positively related to analyst forecast dispersion, forecast accuracy and forecast bias for one-year ahead of earnings. The effects of non-articulation on analyst earnings forecast inaccuracy and bias are neutralized when the analyst issues a cash flow forecast and when such forecast provides accurate information regarding the forecasted firm’s operating cash flow. On the other hand, cash flow forecast issuance alone does not mitigate the negative influence of non-articulation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample selection procedure limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings confirm CFA Institute and prior research asserting that non-articulation deteriorates the quality of earnings forecasts by financial statement users (more specifically, the financial analysts). The authors add to the literature by documenting that accurate cash flow forecasts help analysts mitigate the negative influence of non-articulation on earnings forecast quality.

Originality/value

It remains an empirical question whether non-articulation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows has an effect on financial statement users’ ability to assimilate financial information. The paper highlights the detrimental effect of non-articulation by documenting the relationship between the non-articulation and the quality of earnings expectation.
The link between CSR and earnings quality: evidence from Egypt
Authors: Mohmed Abobaker , Flynn Antoinette , Grey Colette
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings quality, as proxied by accrual earnings management, in Egyptian firms. This research is conducted in a bidirectional fashion using simultaneous equations and considers two theoretical perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs CSR annual scores from the Egyptian environmental, social and governance index (S&P/ESG index) for the 100 highest scoring firms from 2007 to 2015. It utilizes three earnings quality measures, in addition to considering reverse causality and endogeneity.

Findings

The results indicate that CSR has a positive association with earnings quality only in the top CSR scoring firms (top 30 ranked firms according to the index). Engaging in CSR in such firms enhances the quality of their earnings. This suggests that firms with relatively lower CSR scores (bottom 70 ranked firms according to the index) may use CSR to “greenwash” weaker earnings.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that researchers, analysts and policy makers should consider earnings quality when estimating the real value of a firm’s CSR score. In particular, the Egyptian S&P/ESG index committee could further develop the index by incorporating earnings quality measures.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by exploring in-depth the causal relationship between CSR practices and accrual earnings management in an emerging market. The results provide a nuanced story of CSR practices, with accruals earnings management (earnings quality) acting as a mediator of CSR’s inherent value.
How the construction of women in discourse explains society’s challenge in accepting that females commit sexual offences against children
Authors: de Motte Claire , Mutale Gabriella
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way gender and gender roles are socially constructed by those who have experience of females committing sexual offences against children.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a discursive approach, supported by membership category analysis, a secondary analysis of qualitative data illustrates how the social construction of gender and gender roles impacts on society’s perception of females who commit sexual offences against children.

Findings

Discourse analysis found three patterns employed within conversation that demonstrate how the construction of women influence society’s incomprehension of females who commit sexual offences against children: women can be trusted, women do not manipulate and groom and, women are not sexually aggressive.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is the use of secondary data, which cannot provide the richness or detail found in primary accounts from people with this lived experience. The difficulty in accessing this sub-population highlights the hidden nature of the topic and the need for further research in this area.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore how gender discourse is used in discussions of females who commit sexual offences against children. The value of this exploration highlights the need of society to adjust their perceptions of the offending capabilities of women and to ensure the experiences of people who experience this form of sexual abuse receive support.
Factors hindering effective partnering in Indian public sector construction organizations
Authors: Tawalare Abhay , Laishram Boeing
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The Indian public sector construction industry is normally driven by traditional contracting practices. Though no formal partnering agreement is being used in public sector projects in India, improvement in Indian public sector organizations could be observed in the post-liberalization era, as they get the opportunities to work with multinational companies from countries with experiences in partnering. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent of partnering strategies being adopted by Indian public sector organizations and identify factors hindering the adoption of formal partnering.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical success factors for successful partnering were first identified through literature review. This guided the collection of primary data through semi-structured interviews with 36 top management personnel and secondary data in the form of organizational documents and site reports from several site visits of four public sector construction organizations. The evidence collected from four cases were arranged and compared against organizational strategies of successful partnering.

Findings

Most of the strategies adopted by the organizations were found to be in line with the suggested partnering practices. However, partnering performance of these organizations was found to be not satisfactory. This study has identified 14 factors hindering effective partnering such as reservations over joint risk-sharing process, limited bid evaluation criteria, difficulty in time-bound payment to contractor, absence of incentive mechanism, obsolete training procedures and absence of time-bound dispute resolution mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are based on a case study with four public sector organizations only. Additional cases need to be undertaken to generalize the findings. Further study should also be undertaken to explore partnering relationships between contractors and subcontractors in public sector projects.

Practical implications

To improve project performance, top management of public sector organizations in India can take these factors into account while formulating strategies on introduction of project partnering in their organizations.

Originality/value

The work is novel providing insights into organizational strategies promoting and hindering partnering in Indian public sector construction organizations.
Halal marketing: a marketing strategy perspective
Authors: Shah Syed Adil , Azhar Sarwar M. , Bhutto Niaz Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize halal marketing from the marketing strategy perspective, particularly segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is carried out for the study. Building on the STP framework, an attempt is made to conceptualize halal marketing from the marketing strategy perspective and provide its implications.

Findings

The findings suggest that halal marketing has emerged and is used as a segmentation strategy. Furthermore, halal marketing can be more effectively used as a positioning strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents the opportunity to use halal marketing by combining the Islamic principles for halal with the marketing positioning strategy. In this way, halal marketing can also be used to attract consumers from other religious segments.

Originality/value

The paper presents a marketing strategy perspective of segmentation and targeting. Furthermore, the paper proposes an approach for using halal as a positioning strategy.
Research methods as bridging devices: path and context mapping in governance
Authors: Van Assche Kristof , Beunen Raoul , Gruezmacher Monica , Duineveld Martijn , Deacon Leith , Summers Robert , Hallstrom Lars , Jones Kevin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential, both analytically and practically, of understanding research methods as bridging devices. Methods can bridge theory and empirics, but it is argued that they can perform several bridging functions: between theory and praxis, between analysis and strategy and between past and future. The focus is on those forms of bridging relevant for understanding and effectuating change in governance, at community level and at the scale of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a perspective on methods as bridging devices. It uses the newly minted methods of governance path and context mapping as a case study. These methods conceptually derive from evolutionary governance theory (EGT) and were developed and tested in Canadian empirical research. The case helps to develop insight in features, forms and limitations of methods as bridging devices in governance research and practice. The authors then use the case to further develop the initial concept of bridging more generally, emphasizing the shifting balance between methods as bridging and creating boundaries.

Findings

Both the case study and the theoretical analysis underline the necessary imperfection of any method as bridging device. The authors affirm the potential of method to perform different bridging functions at the same time, while revealing clear tradeoffs in each role. Tradeoffs occur with adapted versions of the method producing new strengths and weaknesses in new contexts. In each of the forms of bridging involved neither side can be reduced to the other, so a gap always remains. It is demonstrated that the practice of bridging through method in governance is greatly helped when methods are flexibly deployed in ongoing processes of bricolage, nesting and modification. Governance enables the continuous production of new framing devices and other methods.

Originality/value

The idea of methods as bridging devices is new, and can assist the development of a broader understanding of the various forms and functions of research methods. Moreover, it helps to discern roles of research methods in the functioning of governance. The context of governance helps to recognize the multi-functionality of research methods, and their transformation in a context of pressured decision-making. Moreover, this approach contributes to the understanding of governance as adumbrated by EGT.
Owning one’s epistemology in religious studies research methodology
Authors: Baron Philip
Published: December 2019

Purpose

There is a lack of epistemological considerations in religious studies methodologies, which have resulted in an on-going critique in this field. In addressing this critique, the researcher’s observer effect needs to be actively accounted for owing to the influence of the researcher’s epistemology in the author’s research. This paper aims to answer the question of why a researcher should address one’s epistemology in the research.

Design/methodology/approach

Using second-order cybernetics as an approach, observer dependence is exemplified and justified in the context of religious studies research methodology. The research activity is shown as a relational temporal coupling that introduces inter-subjective aspects to the research. The research process is analysed showing the need to provide scope for the researcher’s epistemology in one’s research.

Findings

A relational observer-dependent approach to research embraces the epistemology of the researcher and the participants providing equality in the relationship. The research results are thus framed according to the nature of the relationship and are thus not detached. This addresses social justice and reduces troubling truth claims.

Research limitations/implications

This first paper focuses on the question of why epistemology should be included in scholarly research. A detailed framework for how scholars may achieve this goal is to be part of the future study and is not presented in this paper.

Practical implications

In many positivist approaches there is a motivation to hide the researcher; however, recently there has been a move towards including authors in the first person, realising that science is tied to politics, which does not reach its ideals of objectivity. Cybernetics is presented as an approach to addressing the move from “objective” to “subjective” research.

Social implications

Researchers cannot get into the minds of their participants and thus an authorial privileged presentation by the researcher of the participant’s experiences is fraught with epistemological weaknesses. Attempting to own one’s own epistemology could address social justice in research by personalising the research and accounting for the observer effect and the inter-subjective attributes of the research relationship.

Originality/value

The principle of observer dependence in cybernetics is not new; however, a research approach that focuses on the nature of knowing and how this may influence one’s research in religious studies is uncommon. It is thus presented here as a viable option to address the critique of epistemologically weak research methodology in religious studies.
A dynamic model of effective factors on Agile business–IT alignment
Authors: Bigdeli Elaheh , Motadel Mohammadreza , Toloie Eshlaghy Abbas , Radfar Reza
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a dynamic model based on casual relationships among the most important effective factors on business–IT alignment in Agile businesses by using system dynamics modeling approach.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the most important factors on agility and alignment, the data were collected by questionnaires filled by 201 experts and were analyzed by SPSS and PLS. Casual relationships among studied factors and efficiency coefficients of each factor were identified by fuzzy DEMATEL technique and analyzed by MATLAB and EXCELL. Finally, the dynamic model was plotted by VENSIM.

Findings

According to the results, only “learning IT capabilities” are the most important casual factor that has the highest influence on the other factors. “Business responding capabilities” take the highest effect from the system, and “business sensing capabilities” are in the next rank.

Practical implications

This study underpins effective IT deployment toward developing efficient IT capabilities to gain greater agility.

Originality/value

The dynamic capabilities view (DCV) has emerged as an influential theoretical and management framework in modern IS and agility researches. In this regard, we propose a conceptualization of dynamic capabilities in the form of an alignment model. Based on the dynamic capabilities, and on the alignment perspectives found in Henderson and Venkatraman’s seminal model, IT alignment is modeled as a process of reconfiguration of the firm’s IT and organizational resources, competencies and capabilities.
Corporate accountability and stakeholder connectivity. A case study
Authors: Masiero Eleonora , Arkhipova Daria , Massaro Maurizio , Bagnoli Carlo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how relational connectivity can enhance accountability through non-financial reporting regulation in Europe. The paper contributes to the mandatory disclosure literature and provides practical implications for the application of the EU Directive 2014/95/EU.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research methodology is used, analyzing how a listed Italian insurance company embraces a dialogic communication approach with stakeholders along 2018.

Findings

From a theoretical standpoint, this paper enhances the scholarly understanding of the relevance and role of the concept of relational connectivity as a mean for effectively enhancing accountability, providing some prerequisites for effectively implementing relational connectivity. From a practical perspective, results address the criticism related to the directive 2014/95/EU guidelines in effectively helping the organization toward enhancing accountability. Through a case study, results show how companies can achieve in practice the goal of enhancing corporate accountability.

Originality/value

The paper is original, as it addresses the topic of relational connectivity applied to the EU Directive 2014/95/EU. Results contribute to the development of the understanding of the mandatory disclosure in a dialogic perspective. Additionally, the paper addresses a case study showing how the analyzed company used relational connectivity to engage an effective dialogue with stakeholders.
Cross-border acquisition and financial leverage: the empirical evidence from acquisition in Asia
Authors: Novialdi Fadhil Rahmat , Wardhani Ratna
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to find empirical evidence on the effect of cross-border acquisition (CBA) on the financial leverage of the acquirer from Asia. It also examines the moderating role of the target countries (developed or developing countries) and experience of the acquirer in the foreign market on the relationship between CBA and financial leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses pooled data regression using 1,073 acquisition transactions by Asian Acquirer from 2012 to 2014.

Findings

The results show that before the acquisition, the leverage level of CBA firms is higher than the domestic acquisition firms and after the acquisition. CBA firms increase their leverage. This study also shows that the increasing leverage post the CBA is lower if the target comes from developed countries rather than developing countries and acquirer’s experience in international activities does not affect the impact of CBA on acquirer’s post-acquisition financial leverage.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the impact of CBA on leverage in the context of Asian countries. By contrast, most of the Asian countries are developing countries, and the institutional environment across countries in Asia is different from developed countries from other regions.
Parsing the effects of demography, climate and management on recurrent brucellosis outbreaks in elk
Authors: Cotterill Gavin G. , Cross Paul C. , Merkle Jerod A. , Rogerson Jared D. , Scurlock Brandon M. , du Toit Johan T.
Published: December 2019

Zoonotic pathogens can harm human health and well‐being directly or by impacting livestock. Pathogens that spillover from wildlife can also impair conservation efforts if humans perceive wildlife as pests. Brucellosis, caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, circulates in elk and bison herds of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and poses a risk to cattle and humans. Our goal was to understand the relative effects of climatic drivers, host demography and management control programmes on disease dynamics.

Using >20 years of serologic, demographic and environmental data on brucellosis in elk, we built stochastic compartmental models to assess the influences of climate forcing, herd immunity, population turnover and management interventions on pathogen transmission. Data were collected at feedgrounds visited in winter by free‐ranging elk in Wyoming, USA.

Snowpack, hypothesized as a driver of elk aggregation and thus brucellosis transmission, was strongly correlated across feedgrounds. We expected this variable to drive synchronized disease dynamics across herds. Instead, we demonstrate asynchronous epizootics driven by variation in demographic rates.

We evaluated the effectiveness of test‐and‐slaughter of seropositive female elk at two feedgrounds. Test‐and‐slaughter temporarily reduced herd‐level seroprevalence but likely reduced herd immunity while removing few infectious individuals, resulting in subsequent outbreaks once the intervention ceased. We simulated an alternative strategy of removing seronegative female elk and found it would increase herd immunity, yielding fewer infections. We evaluated a second experimental treatment wherein feeding density was reduced at one feedground, but we found no evidence for an effect despite a decade of implementation.

Synthesis and applications. Positive serostatus is often weakly correlated with infectiousness but is nevertheless used to make management decisions including lethal removal in wildlife disease systems. We show how this can have adverse consequences whereas efforts that maintain herd immunity can have longer‐term protective effects. Climatic drivers may not result in synchronous disease dynamics across populations unless vital rates are also similar because demographic factors have a large influence on disease patterns.
Structure and ecological function of the soil microbiome affecting plant–soil feedbacks in the presence of a soil‐borne pathogen
Authors: Hannula S. Emilia , Ma Hai‐kun , Pérez‐Jaramillo Juan E. , Pineda Ana , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: December 2019

Interactions between plants and soil microbes are important for plant growth and resistance. Through plant–soil‐feedbacks, growth of a plant is influenced by the previous plant that was growing in the same soil. We performed a plant–soil feedback study with 37 grass, forb and legume species, to condition the soil and then tested the effects of plant‐induced changes in soil microbiomes on the growth of the commercially important cut‐flower Chrysanthemum in presence and absence of a pathogen. We analysed the fungal and bacterial communities in these soils using next‐generation sequencing and examined their relationship with plant growth in inoculated soils with or without the root pathogen, Pythium ultimum. We show that a large part of the soil microbiome is plant species‐specific while a smaller part is conserved at the plant family level. We further identified clusters of plant species creating plant growth promoting microbiomes that suppress concomitantly plant pathogens. Especially soil inocula with higher relative abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi caused positive effects on the Chrysanthemum growth when exposed to the pathogen. We conclude that plants differ greatly in how they influence the soil microbiome and that plant growth and protection against pathogens is associated with a complex soil microbial community.
LncRNA SNHG1 influences cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of non‐small cell lung cancer cells via the miR‐361‐3p/FRAT1 axis
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Zheng Hong
Published: December 2019

Background

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most lethal type of cancer. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as crucial regulators in the development of NSCLC. The aim of our study was to explore the molecular mechanism of SNHG1 to enable better treatment for NSCLC patients.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to detect the expression of Small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), miR‐361‐3p and frequently rearranged in advanced T‐cell lymphomas 1 (FRAT1). The protein level of FRAT1 was measured by western blot assay. Cell proliferation was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry assay. The number of migrated and invaded cells were counted by transwell assay. The relationship between miR‐361‐3p and SNHG1 or FRAT1 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Our results indicated that SNHG1 and FRAT1 were highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. SNHG1 silencing inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Also, FRAT1 downregulation suppressed proliferation, promoted apoptosis and hindered migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Further, FRAT1 could recover the effects of SNHG1 silencing on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. SNHG1 sponged miR‐361‐3p and negatively regulated miR‐361‐3p expression. Meanwhile, miR‐361‐3p targeted FRAT1 and inversely modulated FRAT1 expression. In addition, miR‐361‐3p inhibition abated the effect of SNHG1 knockdown on FRAT1 expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LncRNA SNHG1 promoted the proliferation, repressed apoptosis and enhanced migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by regulating FRAT1 expression via sponging miR‐361‐3p.
Laparoscopic EndoClose fixation of a peritoneal catheter reduces migration
Authors: Rouse Michael , Choi Julian , Bakhit Jacqueline , Soh Brian , Chan Steven
Published: December 2019

Background

With the introduction of laparoscopic Tenckhoff catheter insertion in the early 1990s, catheter malposition resulting in malfunction remains a frequent complication, often requiring surgical or radiological intervention. In this pioneer study, we describe the technique of suturing the Tenckhoff catheter using an EndoClose (Medtronic, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia) device to the anterior abdominal wall during laparoscopic insertion and compare its outcomes with those not sutured.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic Tenckhoff catheter insertion at Western Health from January 2013 to June 2018. All procedures were undertaken or supervised by one surgeon. The primary outcome was catheter malposition requiring surgical revision. Secondary outcomes were time to malposition and complications. Peri‐ and post‐operative factors were analysed to adjust for confounders using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test.

Results

There were 82 patients in the sutured group and 63 patients in the non‐sutured group. Catheter malposition occurred in 7.32% in the sutured group and 19.05% in the non‐sutured group (P = 0.034; 95% confidence interval for the difference 0.007–0.237). There was an overall reduction in the odds of catheter malposition of 63% in favour of the sutured group. The median time‐to‐malposition was 128 and 182 days for the non‐sutured and sutured group, respectively, but not statistically different. No differences were found for the number of post‐operative complications.

Conclusion

Suturing of Tenckhoff catheter with an EndoClose device to the anterior abdominal wall during laparoscopic insertion is a simple, safe and useful method of reducing catheter malposition.
Low complication rate in immunocompromised children with varicella‐zoster virus infections in a single centre
Authors: Shamriz Oded , Ben‐Ami Roni , Averbuch Diana , Reif Shimon
Published: December 2019

Aim

Recent studies focusing on morbidity and mortality rates of immunocompromised children with varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) infections are scarce. We aimed to summarise our experience.

Methods

The study was a retrospective analysis of the medical records of children, who were admitted to Hadassah‐Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel, during the period of 2008‐2016. Data regarding baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome were extracted from patient's medical files.

Results

We enrolled 74 patients (43% males) with a mean age of 8 (1‐19) years. Most patients (72%) had no reported complications. Clinical outcome was favourable with 73 (99%) patients who had completely recovered and none died. Multivariable analysis identified the presence of fever (P = .005 and 0.02; hazard ratio (HR) 7.72 and 17.61, for total and herpes zoster groups, respectively) and prolonged interval period from clinical presentation to treatment onset (P = .021 and 0.025; HR 1.68 and 2.26, respectively), as associated with higher rates of complications.

Conclusion

Our results found low complication rate of VZV‐associated infections in immunocompromised children admitted to a single centre. This should encourage conducting further large multicentre studies evaluating management of low‐risk patients with oral acyclovir treatment.
Abortion is incommensurable with fetal alcohol syndrome
Authors: Pickard Claire
Published: December 2019

A recent article argued for the immorality of abortion regardless of personhood status by comparing the impairment caused by fetal alcohol syndrome to the impairment caused by abortion. I argue that two of the premises in this argument fail and that, as such, one cannot reasonably attribute moral harms to abortion on the basis of the moral harms caused by fetal alcohol syndrome. The impairment argument relies on an inconsistent instantiation, which undermines the claim that personhood is irrelevant, and it does not fulfill its own ceteris paribus clause, which demands that no additional benefit be gained from abortion that would not be gained from causing fetal alcohol syndrome.
Collectively biased representations of the past: Ingroup Bias in Wikipedia articles about intergroup conflicts
Authors: Oeberst Aileen , von der Beck Ina , Matschke Christina , Ihme Toni Alexander , Cress Ulrike
Published: December 2019

Individuals tend to present their own group (the ingroup) in a systematically more favourable way (ingroup bias). By examining socially negotiated and publicly accessible Wikipedia articles about intergroup conflicts, we investigated ingroup bias at a collective level. Specifically, we compared articles about the same intergroup conflicts (e.g., the Falklands War) in the corresponding language versions of Wikipedia (e.g., the Spanish and English Wikipedia articles about the Falklands War). Study 1 featured a content coding of translated Wikipedia articles by trained raters, which showed that articles systematically presented the ingroup in a more favourable way (e.g., Argentina in the Spanish article and the United Kingdom in the English article) and, in reverse, the outgroup as more immoral and more responsible for the conflict. These findings were replicated and extended in Study 2, which was limited to the lead sections of articles but included considerably more conflicts and many participants instead of a few trained coders. This procedure allowed for separate analyses for each conflict, which showed considerable variance in the results pattern with a stronger ingroup bias for (1) more recent conflicts and (2) conflicts in which the proportion of ingroup members among the top editors was larger. Finally, a third study ruled out that these effects were driven by translations or the raters’ own nationality. Therefore, this paper is the first to demonstrate ingroup bias in Wikipedia – a finding that is of practical as well as theoretical relevance as we outline in the discussion.
Commentary: Increasing diagnostic precision in reactive attachment disorder – a commentary on Allen & Schuengel (2019)
Authors: Zeanah Charles H. , Guyon‐Harris Katherine L.
Published: December 2019

A study by Allen and Schuengel in this issue of the journal replicates and extends previous findings by Woolgar and Baldock (2015) indicating that community practitioners are far more likely to diagnose reactive attachment disorder in symptomatic children than are specialists using well‐validated measures. We consider historic variability in how this disorder is defined but note an emerging consensus in nosologies and among researchers. We consider how more systematic assessments might improve diagnostic efforts to specify the kinds of clinical phenomena that are associated with neglect and deprivation.
Qualitative transcriptional signature for predicting pathological response of colorectal cancer to FOLFOX therapy
Authors: He Jun , Cheng Jun , Guan Qingzhou , Yan Haidan , Li Yawei , Zhao Wenyuan , Guo Zheng , Wang Xianlong
Published: December 2019

FOLFOX (5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) is one of the main chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC), but only half of CRC patients respond to this regimen. Using gene expression profiles of 96 metastatic CRC patients treated with FOLFOX, we first selected gene pairs whose within‐sample relative expression orderings (REO) were significantly associated with the response to FOLFOX using the exact binomial test. Then, from these gene pairs, we applied an optimization procedure to obtain a subset that achieved the largest F‐score in predicting pathological response of CRC to FOLFOX. The REO‐based qualitative transcriptional signature, consisting of five gene pairs, was developed in the training dataset consisting of 96 samples with an F‐score of 0.90. In an independent test dataset consisting of 25 samples with the response information, an F‐score of 0.82 was obtained. In three other independent survival datasets, the predicted responders showed significantly better progression‐free survival than the predicted non‐responders. In addition, the signature showed a better predictive performance than two published FOLFOX signatures across different datasets and is more suitable for CRC patients treated with FOLFOX than 5‐fluorouracil‐based signatures. In conclusion, the REO‐based qualitative transcriptional signature can accurately identify metastatic CRC patients who may benefit from the FOLFOX regimen.
Unaccompanied refugee minors and foster care: A narrative literature review
Authors: Van Holen Frank , Trogh Lenny , Carlier Elke , Gypen Laura , Vanderfaeillie Johan
Published: December 2019

This article describes the results of a narrative literature review on empirical research examining the outcomes and/or experiences of unaccompanied refugee minors in family foster care. The limited research' in which only 17 references were identified' suggests that family foster care is an important type of care for this group and is associated with better health and psychosocial outcomes compared to other types of care. Nevertheless' breakdown of family foster care placements is a cause for concern. Four groups of factors that influence the course of family foster care placements are discussed' namely' foster family characteristics' differences in expectations between foster parents and refugee youth' cultural differences' and contextual factors. Furthermore' practical implications and suggestions for further research are described.
Child protection social workers' constructions of children and childhood: An integrative review
Authors: Jensen Ida Bruheim , Studsrød Ingunn , Ellingsen Ingunn T.
Published: December 2019

Social workers' constructions of children and childhood are central to how professionals interact with children and support their needs. The aim of this integrative review was to provide a comprehensive portrayal of child protection social workers' constructions of children and childhood. We analysed and synthesized 35 empirical studies with samples of social workers in the child protection domain where issues regarding the child or the child's situation were the study focus. The findings show that children and youth are constructed as a generalized group viewed in light of their parents. We see a fragmented and context‐free child produced by causal shortcuts strongly informed by specific and, at times, simplified and biased psychological knowledge. Moreover, we identify constructions of the child in need of protection and thereby position children as objects for intervention, separating that from children as subjects in their own rights. Although the participatory child is visible in the data material, the actual practice of involving children seems arbitrary.