bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of self-generated behavior: untangling metacognitive read-out and error detection
Authors: Kononowicz Tadeusz W. , Wassenhove Virginie van
Published: January 2019

When producing a duration, for instance by pressing a key for one second, the brain relies on self-generated neuronal dynamics to monitor the “flow of time”. Converging evidence has suggested that the brain can also monitor itself monitoring time. Here, we investigated which brain mechanisms support metacognitive inferences when self-generating timing behavior. Although studies have shown that participants can reliably detect temporal errors when generating a duration (Akdogan & Balci, 2017; Kononowicz et al., 2017), the neural bases underlying the evaluation and the monitoring of this self-generated temporal behavior are unknown. Theories of psychological time have also remained silent about such self-evaluation abilities. How are temporal errors inferred on the basis of purely internally driven brain dynamics without external reference for time? We contrasted the error-detection hypothesis, in which error-detection would result from the comparison of competing motor plans with the read-out hypothesis, in which errors would result from inferring the state of an internal code for motor timing. Human participants generated a time interval, and evaluated the magnitude of their timing (first and second order behavioral judgments, respectively) while being recorded with time-resolved neuroimaging. Focusing on the neural signatures following the termination of self-generated duration, we found several regions involved in performance monitoring, which displayed a linear association between the power of α (8-14 Hz) oscillations, and the duration of the produced interval. Altogether, our results support the read-out hypothesis and indicate that first-order signals may be integrated for the evaluation of self-generated behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

When typing on a keyboard, the brain estimates where the finger should land, but also when. The endogenous generation of the when in time is naturally accompanied by timing errors which, quite remarkably, participants can accurately rate as being too short or too long, and also by how much. Here, we explored the brain mechanisms supporting such temporal metacognitive inferences. For this, we contrasted two working hypotheses (error-detection vs. read-out), and showed that the pattern of evoked and oscillatory brain activity parsimoniously accounted best for a read-out mechanism. Our results suggest the existence of meta-representations of time estimates.
Weak Membrane Interactions Allow Rheb to Activate mTORC1 Signaling Without Major Lysosome Enrichment
Authors: Angarola Brittany , Ferguson Shawn M.
Published: January 2019

Stable localization of the Rheb GTPase to lysosomes is thought to be required for activation of mTORC1 signaling. However, the lysosome targeting mechanisms for Rheb remain unclear. We therefore investigated the relationship between Rheb subcellular localization and mTORC1 activation. Surprisingly, we found that Rheb was undetectable at lysosomes. Nonetheless, functional assays in knockout human cells revealed that farnesylation of the C-terminal CaaX motif on Rheb was essential for Rheb-dependent mTORC1 activation. Although farnesylated Rheb exhibits partial endoplasmic reticulum localization, constitutively targeting Rheb to ER membranes did not support mTORC1 activation. Further systematic analysis of Rheb lipidation revealed that weak, non-selective, membrane interactions support Rheb-dependent mTORC1 activation without the need for a specific lysosome targeting motif. Collectively, these results argue against stable interactions of Rheb with lysosomes and instead that transient membrane interactions optimally allow Rheb to activate mTORC1 signaling.
Can Sexual Selection Cause Divergence in Mating System-Related Floral Traits?
Authors: Lankinen Åsa , Strandh Maria
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Research

The wide diversity of floral traits seen among plants is shaped by neutral and selective evolutionary processes. In outcrossing species, sexual selection from competing pollen donors is expected to be important for shaping mating system-related traits but empirical evidence is scarce. In a previous evaluation of experimental evolution lines crossed with either one or two pollen donors (monogamous, M, or polyandrous, P, lines) at early floral stages in mixed-mating Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae), P showed enhanced pollen competitive ability and reduced maternal seed set compared to M, in accordance with sexually antagonistic evolution of pollen. Here, we asked whether the presence of sexual selection during pollen competition affect mating system-related floral traits in the same lines.

Methodology

We compared flowering start, timing of anther-stigma contact (as an indication of timing of self-pollination), timing of stigma receptivity and first seed set between M and P, and with a source line, S (starting material). The former three traits are later in outcrossers than in selfers of Collinsia. The latter trait was expected to be earlier in P than in M because of sexual selection for early seed siring of pollen.

Pivotal Results

Artificial polyandry for four generations resulted in later flowering start and later anther-stigma contact in P compared to M, and the latter trait was intermediate in S. Thus, P appeared more ‘outcrossing’ than M. Stigma receptivity did not differ between lines. First seed set was earlier in P than in M, as expected from sexual selection.

Conclusions

Our results from C. heterophylla experimental evolution lines suggest that a component of sexual selection during outcross pollination could enhance the patterns of floral divergence commonly found between outcrossers and selfers.
Biochemical characterization ofMycobacterium tuberculosisLexA and structural studies of its C-terminal segment
Authors: Chandran A. V. , Srikalaivani R. , Paul A. , Vijayan M.
Published: January 2019

LexA is a protein that is involved in the SOS response. The protein fromMycobacterium tuberculosisand its mutants have been biochemically characterized and the structures of their catalytic segments have been determined. The protein is made up of an N-terminal segment, which includes the DNA-binding domain, and a C-terminal segment encompassing much of the catalytic domain. The two segments are defined by a cleavage site. Full-length LexA, the two segments, two point mutants involving changes in the active-site residues (S160A and K197A) and another mutant involving a change at the cleavage site (G126D) were cloned and purified. The wild-type protein autocleaves at basic pH, while the mutants do not. The wild-type and the mutant proteins dimerize and bind DNA with equal facility. The C-terminal segment also dimerizes, and it also shows a tendency to form tetramers. The C-terminal segment readily crystallized. The crystals obtained from attempts involving the full-length protein and its mutants contained only the C-terminal segment including the catalytic core and a few residues preceding it, in a dimeric or tetrameric form, indicating protein cleavage during the long period involved in crystal formation. Modes of tetramerization of the full-length protein similar to those observed for the catalytic core are feasible. A complex ofM. tuberculosisLexA and the cognate SOS box could be modeled in which the mutual orientation of the two N-terminal domains differs from that in theEscherichia coliLexA–DNA complex. These results represent the first thorough characterization ofM. tuberculosisLexA and provide definitive information on its structure and assembly. They also provide leads for further exploration of this important protein.
India’s Kochi Biennale: sponsorship, patronage, and art’s resistance
Authors: Joy Annamma , Belk Russell
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning, in both local and international context, of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the first international exhibit of contemporary art in India. Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), which administers the KMB, identifies art as a means for transforming society, with a mission to bring global contemporary art to India and to present India’s modern art to the world. The authors further investigate the role of government sponsorship and corporate patronage in funding the KMB, and investigate how resistance through art is key to the KMB’s identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses primarily on published materials relating to the KMB. One of the authors attended the 2016 KMB and interviewed fellow attendees. Additionally, the authors reviewed and assessed social media postings regarding the 2016 KMB.

Findings

The authors argue that government sponsorship and corporate patronage are never solely about political or financial power. Rather, a generalized reciprocity among the three entities – corporations, the government and the artists – allows the KMB to flourish. For the artists involved, the KMB, co-founded by activist artists, sustains interest in and awareness of resistance.

Originality/value

Extant literature on biennales is sparse on ways in which these exhibits extend their impact beyond the art world. The authors examine issues such as India expanding its position on the world stage through art, and the implications of political resistance embraced by Indian artists on future directions for the KMB, that have heretofore been unaddressed.
Political and community activism in Toronto: 2000-2016
Authors: Goossen Tam
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of political and community activism in Toronto’s Chinese Canadian community between 2000 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a mixed approach (historical, political and personal), the paper draws from both primary and secondary sources to explore three different cases – SARS in 2003, the Head Tax Redress in 2006 and Maclean’s “Too Asian?” controversy in 2010 – to illustrate discrimination against the Chinese Canadian community in Toronto during the 2000–2016 period while illuminating the importance of safeguarding human rights and dignity in the community.

Findings

The outbreak of SARS in early 2003 traumatized the whole city of Toronto and sparked waves of racial discrimination and bigotry directed at the Chinese Canadian community. Meanwhile, the community’s ongoing struggle to fight for justice and redress for the Chinese Head Tax seized the opportunity in 2006 to successfully challenge the Canadian government and other political parties to recognize and apologize for the racist tax and its long-term negative impact on the community. However, despite constant efforts, discrimination against Asian Canadians rose again, fueling Maclean’s controversial “Too Asian” article in 2010. Notwithstanding Canada’s positive image abroad, racial discrimination still exists. This paper urges that Canadians of all backgrounds must come together in solidarity and work hard to advocate for social and racial justice and human rights.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest to community activists, journalists and scholars who are interested in the history of political and community activism in Toronto since 2000. Policymakers may also learn that an unexpected public crisis like SARS can ignite racial intolerance and negative attitudes toward Chinese Canadian and other communities.
Investigating the impact of ECRM success factors on business performance
Authors: Al-Dmour Hani H. , Algharabat Raed Salah , Khawaja Rawan , Al-Dmour Rand H.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated framework to explore the influences of electronic customer relationship management (ECRM) success factors (process fit, customer information quality and system support) on customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention, which, in turn, impact upon the business financial performance of Jordanian commercial banks in Amman city.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 343 branch managers, assistant branch managers and heads of departments in Jordanian commercial banks, who answered a self-administrated questionnaire, data were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling (AMOS 17.0).

Findings

The results showed that the ECRM success factors (process fit, customer information quality and system support) positively affected customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention. Furthermore, the authors discovered that customer satisfaction and customer trust positively influenced customer retention. It was determined that customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention positively impact on a business’s financial performance.

Originality/value

Previous research lacks the link between ECRM success factors and business performance (financial and non-financial).
Entropy generation analysis of magneto-nanoliquids embedded with aluminium and titanium alloy nanoparticles in microchannel with partial slips and convective conditions
Authors: N.S. Shashikumar , Gireesha B.J. , Mahanthesh B. , B.C. Prasannakumara , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Outstanding features such as superior electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of alloy nanoparticles with working fluids make them ideal materials to be used as coolants in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs). This paper aims to investigate the effects of different alloy nanoparticles such as AA7075 and Ti6Al4V on microchannel flow of magneto-nanoliquids with partial slip and convective boundary conditions. Flow features are explored with the effects of magnetism and nanoparticle shape. Heat transport of fluid includes radiative heat, internal heat source/sink, viscous and Joule heating phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

Suitable dimensionless variables are used to reduce dimensional governing equations into dimensionless ordinary differential equations. The relevant dimensionless ordinary differential systems are computed numerically by using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg-based shooting approach. Pertinent results of velocity, temperature, entropy number and Bejan number for assorted values of physical parameters are comprehensively discussed. Also, a closed-form solution is obtained for momentum equation for a particular case. Analytical results agree perfectly with numerical results.

Findings

It is established that the entropy production can be improved with radiative heat, Joule heating, convective heating and viscous dissipation aspects. The entropy production is higher in the case of Ti6Al4V-H2O nanofluid than AA7075-H2O. Further, the inequality Ns(ξ)Sphere > Ns(ξ)Hexahedran > Ns(ξ)Tetrahydran > Ns(ξ)Column > Ns(ξ)Lamina holds true.

Originality/value

Effects of aluminium and titanium alloy nanoparticles in microchannel flows by using viscous dissipation and Joule heating are investigated for the first time. Flow features are explored with the effects of magnetism and nanoparticle shape. The results for different alloy nanoparticles such as AA7075 and Ti6Al4V have been compared.
School feeding as a social protection programme or a political largesse: a review
Authors: Iddrisu Issah , Sayibu Muhideen , Zhao Shuliang , Ahmed Abdul-Rahim , Suleiman Amran Said
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In an attempt to tackle the incidence of poverty and social exclusion in the Ghanaian society, a number of social protection programmes including the school feeding programme is introduced. The programme is designed to cater for the extreme poor and as well encourage enrolment and attendance in the country. The purpose of this paper is to assess the intention or objective for which the programme is initiated and the realities on the ground. It looks at whether the current beneficiaries are the extreme poor described in the policy document.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explored the incidence of poverty in Ghana using the Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS6) and the Ghana School Feeding Annual Operation Plan (GSFAOP) with the help of the school feeding policy document to draw on actual beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries. The differences between percentages of poverty (2012/2013) and feeding schools was computed using GLSS6 and GSFAOP. The study also conducted a number of open-ended interviews with some stakeholders to validate the nature of recruitment of beneficiary schools.

Findings

The study concluded that there is a mismatch of potential beneficiaries and current beneficiaries using the referred data sources. It was found out that majority of beneficiary schools are located within areas of lesser incidence of poverty. This could be attributed to political interference in view of testimonies from respondents and the computerisation of GLSS6 and GSFAOP. The study therefore proposed that the allocation of feeding schools should be done to reflect the percentage of poverty situation in each region. This could be achieved when the district education office takes control. It will help minimise the level of politicisation and as well improve efficiency.

Originality/value

The study therefore highlighted the relevance of the school feeding programme and the inverse relationship it has with political interference. It again demonstrates the need to restructure the operations of the programme to meet the objective for which it was established.
The double-edged effects of guanxi on partner opportunism
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhang Chuang , Teng Wenbo
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the double-edged effects of guanxi on opportunism and the moderating effects of legal enforceability and partner asset specificity. It thus differs from the current literature, which primarily focuses on the benevolent effects of guanxi.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on matched data collected from 268 sales manager and salesperson dyads, this study tested hypotheses using hierarchical regressions.

Findings

The empirical test supports the conceptual model and demonstrates two findings. First, guanxi between boundary spanners follows an inverted U-shaped relationship with inter-firm opportunism. Second, both the benefits and drawbacks of guanxi are stronger under the condition of low legal enforceability and high partner asset specificity.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not untangle guanxi into different dimensions and did not investigate how firms should make trade-offs between the benefits and drawbacks of guanxi. Therefore, future research could further explore this question by using a multidimensional approach.

Practical implications

The study alerts managers that guanxi is a double-edged sword, so they should complement it with formal control mechanisms, particularly when they are operating in legally inefficient regions or when their partner firm’s asset specificity is high.

Originality/value

The study offers a more balanced view of guanxi by showing both its positive and negative effects on opportunism. It also uncovers legal enforceability and partner asset specificity as two boundary conditions that influence the curvilinear effects of guanxi on opportunism.
The Healthy e-Elderly People Assessment (HEPA) application
Authors: Wilaiwan Wachiraporn , Siriwong Wattasit
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate health effects and determine the factors associated with health effects from smartphone and tablet use among the elderly in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The participants comprised 490 elderly people. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection via the Healthy e-Elderly People Assessment mobile application in the Android operating system by Google which consists of five parts of a questionnaire. The variables were analyzed using SPSS such as frequency, percentage, mean and binary logistic regression.

Findings

Altogether, the participants were 223 males and 267 females; mean age=64.9±5.4. The average time spent using a mobile device was 2.8±1.9 h/day. Participants recorded that after use of either device, 59.0 percent experienced eye pain, 52.7 percent experienced dim eyes, 30.2 percent experienced tiredness, and 28.0 percent experienced moodiness. Socially, 26.8 percent recorded changes in social interaction. Periods of time using devices, time consumed in device usage (hours/day), the type of application, and the difference in times of use, place of usage and time spent in rest breaks from smartphone or tablet usage were significantly associated with health effects (p<0.05).

Originality/value

The elderly users may be at risk of several health effects from smartphone and tablet use. The potential gap in knowledge conceals some of the risk factors for the current health effects. Practical intervention to reduce health effects from the use of smartphones and tablets should be considered.
Effects of adopting IFRS 10 and IFRS 11 on consolidated financial statements
Authors: Lopes Ana Isabel , Lopes Mariana
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the adoption of IFRS 10 and IFRS 11 affected consolidated financial statements. Specifically, the paper explores whether entities adopted mandatorily or voluntarily both IFRS, whether expressly declared effects, whether considered those effects as material and whether those effects had impacts on selected items of financial statements and on selected financial ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is an exploratory study using public entities from Germany, France and the UK. The majority of the data is manually collected from financial statements.

Findings

The results suggest that the adoption of the new IFRS 10 affected the composition of a large number of entity groups but that their financial information and economic-financial indicators do not present material changes. There is also evidence of a large and material impact on the changes in the classification and accounting for interests in arrangements under joint control through the new IFRS 11. The evidence thus suggests unequal effects of the adoption of IFRS 10 and IFRS 11 on the proportion of entities declaring materiality of effects, on the quantitative effects on selected items of financial statements, and on financial ratios. A comparison between the pre-adoption and post-adoption periods reveals that the majority of the effects are driven by the adoption of IFRS 11.

Originality/value

As far as is known this exploratory paper is the first presenting the effectiveness of adopting the most important standards under the “consolidation package” and opens an avenue for future research by academics, for future post-implementation reviews by IASB, and for analysis of peer reviews between accounting practitioners.
Influence of environmental regulations on China’s tourism competitiveness
Authors: Peng Cong , Yuan Peng
Published: January 2019

Purpose

China intends to enhance its environmental regulations, which will affect many industries, because of the serious environmental pollution that the country faces. This study aims to investigate the influence of environmental regulations on China’s provincial tourism competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A vertical-and-horizontal scatter degree method is used to construct provincial-level tourism competitiveness and environmental regulation indices in China. Thereafter, a spatial econometric model is established to empirically assess the influence of environmental regulations on China’s provincial tourism competitiveness and investigate the spatial spillover effects of environmental regulations.

Findings

Environmental regulations and China’s provincial tourism competitiveness exhibit a “U”-shaped relationship, mainly because of the indirect effects of environmental regulations (spatial spillover effects). The environmental regulation indices of the majority of the provinces have crossed the turning point. Thus, improving environmental regulations has a positive effect on tourism competitiveness. This effect mainly originates from the positive spatial spillover effects.

Social implications

Tourism development plays an important role in promoting economic growth. However, increasing environmental pollution may constrain the development of tourism. Therefore, the possible influence of environmental regulations on tourism development should be understood.

Originality/value

At present, no research has explored the influence of environmental regulations on China’s tourism competitiveness. The current study considers the nonlinear effects of environmental regulations and investigates their spatial spillover effects.
Nickel effects on the structural and some physical properties of the eutectic Sn-Ag lead-free solder alloy
Authors: Gumaan Mohammed S. , Shalaby Rizk Mostafa , Mohammed Yousef Mustafa Kamal , Ali Esmail A.M. , Abdel-Hady E. E.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of tin–silver–nickel (Sn-Ag-Ni) melt-spun solder alloys. So, it aims to improve the mechanical properties of the eutectic tin–silver (Sn-Ag) such as tensile strength, plasticity and creep resistance by adding different concentrations of Ni content.

Design/methodology/approach

Ternary melt-spun Sn-Ag-Ni alloys were investigated using x-ray diffractions, scanning electron microscope, dynamic resonance technique (DRT), Instron machine, Vickers hardness tester and differential scanning calorimetry.

Findings

The results revealed that the Ni additions 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 3 and 5 Wt.% to the eutectic Sn-Ag melt-spun solder were added. The “0.3wt.%” of Ni was significantly improved its mechanical properties to efficiently serve under high strain rate applications. Moreover, the uniform distribution of Ag3Sn intermetallic compound with “0.3wt.%” of Ni offered the potential benefits, such as high strength, good plasticity consequently and good mechanical performance through a lack of dislocations and microvoids. The tensile results showed improvement in 17.63 per cent tensile strength (26 MPa), 21 per cent toughness (1001 J/m3), 22.83 per cent critical shear stress (25.074 MPa) and 11 per cent thermal diffusivity (2.065 × 10−7m2/s) when compared with the tensile strength (21.416 MPa), toughness (790 J/m3), critical shear stress (19.348 MPa) and thermal diffusivity (1.487 × 10−7m2/s) of the eutectic Sn-Ag. Slight increments have been shown for the melting temperature of Sn96.2-Ag3.5-Ni0.3(222.62°C) and electrical resistivity to (1.612 × 10−7Ω.m). It can be said that the eutectic Sn-Ag solder alloy has been mechanically improved with “0.3wt.%” of Ni to become a suitable alloy for high strain rate applications. The dislocation movement deformation mechanism (n= 4.5) without Ni additions changed to grain boundary sliding deformation mechanism (n= 3.5) with Ni additions. On the other hand, the elastic modulus, creep rate and strain rate sensitivity with “0.3wt.%” of Ni have been decreased. The optimum Ni-doped concentration is “0.7wt.%” of Ni in terms of refined microstructure, electrical resistivity, Young’s Modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, thermal diffusivity, maximum shear stress, tensile strength and average creep rate.

Originality/value

This study provides nickel effects on the structural of the eutectic Sn-Ag rapidly solidified by melt-spinning technique. In this paper, the authors have compared the elastic modulus of the melt-spun compositions which has been resulted from the tensile strength tester with these results from the DRT for the first time to best of the authors’ knowledge. This paper presents new improvements in mechanical and electrical performance.
Voiced or voiceless? Old english  In Middle English  Sequences
Authors: Laing Margaret , Lass Roger
Published: January 2019

The Old English past system for the verb habban have, has past tense (pt) hæfde, hefde and past participle (ppl) hæfd, hefd (late West‐Saxon also hæfed (Campbell 1959: §762)). Many early Middle English texts show a reflex set that does not reflect the handbook consensus on the voicing of fricatives between voiced segments. In certain text languages in the Linguistic Atlas of Early Middle English (LAEME) corpus of tagged texts (CTT), the ppl of the verb have is hVued, while the pt is hVfde. The reflex of OE  in these words is spelled  intervocalically and  before . This orthographic distinction seems to be systematic and is illustrated also by the reflexes of OE hēafod head (LAEME heued, bihefdet), hlǣfdige lady (lefdi, lauedy), wēofod altar (ƿeofdes, ƿeouedes (pl), the past systems of (be)lǣfan leave (leafde, leuede), (be)lefan believe (lefde, ileuet) and (be)rēafian (be)reave (reafde, reuede).

By this stage in the history of English, voiceless and voiced fricatives could appear contrastively in initial position. This opened the way for  and  to contrast medially, which happened increasingly systematically. Our main research question therefore is: does  in early Middle English texts represent [vd] as normally supposed, or could it represent [fd]?

From LAEME CTT we have retrieved the forms of all words that potentially show non‐initial labial fricative plus voiced consonant: i.e. reflexes of OE non‐initial , , , . The results indicate that the different consonants provoke non‐arbitrary differential use of  or . Frequency of occurrence of voicing is tied to the sonority of the following consonant in the pattern: voiced stops > nasals > liquids (order: lateral > rhotics). Voicing is most resisted where sonority is lowest, with [d] the most resistant followed by [n], [l] and [r] in that order. Our concluding hypothesis is that at least a subset of reflexes of OE , were at least variably pronounced [fd]. Such a pronunciation existed variably alongside [vd] and more commonly [ved], from voicing of [f] in voiced surroundings and addition of unhistorical [e]. Similarly, at least a subset of reflexes of OE non‐initial , ,  also were at least variably pronounced with [f] and what we find in the texts are representations of what was current in speech.

Then since that I have neuer swarfde

Let not my paines be ondeseruid

(Sir Thomas Wyatt (1502–1542): London British Library, Egerton 2711, poem 41)
Terrorism and lethal moralism in the United States and United Kingdom, 1970–2017
Authors: Michalski Joseph H.
Published: January 2019

The current paper examines terrorism as a special form of moralistic violence, with several key features that distinguish such behaviour from other types of violence. The theory of lethal moralism highlights the importance of social polarization, characterized by vast differences in social space and inequality between adversaries as crucial to explaining deadly terrorist attacks. Where the differences are more permanent or chronic – and the groups in question define and justify their existence specifically in contradistinction to ‘other’ groups – then the polarization intensifies and attacks tend to be more lethal. In contrast, groups that appeal to broader audiences or the general public as potential allies more often use non‐lethal terrorism to their strategic advantage. The study examines the United States and the United Kingdom to classify each of more than 8,000 attacks between 1970 and 2017 in terms of their ideological orientations. The evidence highlights the arc of terrorism in relation to different types of groups, as well as confirms the more lethal nature of terrorism linked especially to radical Islam, right‐wing religious extremists, hate groups, ethno‐nationalist sectarian violence, and anti‐government anarchists. Yet apart from the extensive use of terrorism associated with ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, the majority of terrorist attacks in the US and the UK have not produced deaths. Most terrorism instead has been perpetrated by groups aiming to rally support for a general cause and has been far less deadly on balance. The implications of these findings are discussed with a view toward developing more powerful explanatory models that focus on the socio‐cultural contexts and justification frameworks that inspire extremism and the use of lethal moralism to settle disputes.
Development and validation of a crisis self‐efficacy index
Authors: Park Sejin , Avery Elizabeth Johnson
Published: January 2019

This study develops a crisis self‐efficacy index to provide a tool for crisis communication researchers and practitioners to understand behavioural aspects of crisis response better. Evaluations of public's crisis self‐efficacy using this index inform strategic message development to protect the public and minimize crisis damages by identifying the public/s most in need of self‐efficacy enhancing interventions. The index also provides practitioners a useful longitudinal index to evaluate progress in crisis preparedness programs and track changes in efficacy. A four‐stage survey index development process using structural equation modelling identifies four underlying constructs of crisis self‐efficacy: action, preventive, achievement and uncertainty management.
Sirt1–hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α interaction is a key mediator of tubulointerstitial damage in the aged kidney
Authors: Ryu Dong Ryeol , Yu Mi Ra , Kong Kyoung Hye , Kim Hyoungnae , Kwon Soon Hyo , Jeon Jin Seok , Han Dong Cheol , Noh Hyunjin
Published: January 2019

Although it is known that the expression and activity of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) decrease in the aged kidney, the role of interaction between Sirt1 and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated whether HIF‐1α could be a deacetylation target of Sirt1 and the effect of their interaction on age‐associated renal injury. Five‐week‐old (young) and 24‐month‐old (old) C57Bl/6J mice were assessed for their age‐associated changes. Kidneys from aged mice showed increased infiltration of CD68‐positive macrophages, higher expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and more apoptosis than young controls. They also showed decreased Sirt1 expression along with increased acetylated HIF‐1α. The level of Bcl‐2/adenovirus E1B‐interacting protein 3, carbonic anhydrase 9, Snail, and transforming growth factor‐β1, which are regulated by HIF‐1α, was significantly higher in aged mice suggesting that HIF‐1α activity was increased. In HK‐2 cells, Sirt1 inhibitor sirtinol and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Sirt1 enhanced apoptosis and ECM accumulation. During hypoxia, Sirt1 was down‐regulated, which allowed the acetylation and activation of HIF‐1α. Resveratrol, a Sirt1 activator, effectively prevented hypoxia‐induced production of ECM proteins, mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species generation, and apoptosis. The inhibition of HIF‐1α activity by Sirt1‐induced deacetylation of HIF‐1α was confirmed by Sirt1 overexpression under hypoxic conditions and by resveratrol treatment or Sirt1 overexpression in HIF‐1α‐transfected HK‐2 cells. Finally, we confirmed that chronic activation of HIF‐1α promoted apoptosis and fibrosis, using tubular cell‐specific HIF‐1α transgenic mice. Taken together, our data suggest that Sirt1‐induced deacetylation of HIF‐1α may have protective effects against tubulointerstitial damage in aged kidney.
Efficacy and retrievability of root canal filling using calcium silicate‐based and epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers with matched obturation techniques
Authors: Kim Seo Ryeong , Kwak Sang Won , Lee Ju‐Kyung , Goo Hye‐Jin , Ha Jung‐Hong , Kim Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of root canal filling procedures and the retrievability of the filling material with various sealers. Forty‐three patients assigned to endodontic treatment with (i) continuous wave of condensation technique (CTW) with AH‐plus (ii) single‐cone technique (SCT) with EndoSeal MTA. The spent time, voids entrapping and postoperative symptoms were evaluated. To evaluate the retrievability, mandibular premolar (n = 60) were divided into four groups: AH‐plus/CTW, EndoSeal MTA/SCT, MTA Fillapex/SCT and EndoSequence BC Sealer/SCT. The time required removing the filled materials and remnant score were examined. EndoSeal MTA/SCT showed significantly shorter time of filling procedure. The number of void did not show significant differences between two techniques. No patients showed clinical signs during the follow‐up periods. There were no significant differences between group AH‐plus and EndoSeal MTA for remnant score. A certain calcium silicate‐based sealer with SCT may give similar clinical efficiencies as much as continuous‐wave technique using AH‐plus sealer.
Early changes of the heat‐shock protein 60 to 70 ratio as prediction of miscarriage in pregnancy
Authors: Makri Aggeliki , Siristatidis Charalampos , Chrelias Charalampos , Christodoulaki Chrysi , Evangelinakis Nikolaos , Kassanos Dimitrios , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Pistiki Aikaterini
Published: January 2019

Problem

To study the balance of circulating heat shock protein (HSP)60 and HSP70 in pre‐term delivery.

Method of study

A two‐stage approach was used. At first stage, we run retrospective analysis of prospective collected clinical data, and at a second stage, we studied an animal model of pre‐term delivery (PTD). Blood samples were collected for prenatal screening in 3629 women. Samples from 23 women with miscarriage before gestational week 21 and 53 well‐matched comparators for age, body mass index, parity, and previous miscarriage with full‐term pregnancy were depicted. Women with risk factors were excluded. HSP60 and HSP70 were measured by an enzyme immunosorbent assay. PTD was induced after injection of low dose of bacterial lipopolysaccharide; mice were killed for the measurement of HSP60 and HSP70 in blood and tissues. The study endpoint was the association of the HSP60 to HSP70 ratio to miscarriage.

Results

A ratio >6 could distinguish between women who will miscarry from women with term pregnancies with sensitivity 60%, specificity 81.8%, positive predictive value 81.8%, and negative predictive value 60% (OR: 6.750, P = 0.025). Mice of the LPS‐group PTD had this ratio significantly increased in maternal serum, placentas, and embryos compared to the sham‐operation group. Gene expression of hsp60/70 remained in tissues unaltered.

Conclusion

A HSP60/HSP70 ratio equal to or more than 6 until gestational week 12 is accompanied with great likelihood for miscarriage. A similar ratio applies in an animal model of PTD induced by low‐dose LPS.
Contradictions of Spatial Governance: Bioeconomy and the Management of State Space in Finland
Authors: Ahlqvist Toni , Sirviö Heikki
Published: January 2019

In recent years, the bioeconomy has emerged as a key policy idea in liberal western states. This paper analyses the bioeconomy as a state strategy. By building on theoretical strands by Poulantzas, Moore, and Castán Broto, the paper argues that the bioeconomy has to be understood simultaneously as an accumulation strategy within the capitalist world‐ecology and as a transformative agenda through which tensions in the state space can be governed. The politics of bioeconomy do not concern its outright endorsement or rejection but the ways its contradictions are interpreted and articulated. The empirical part of the paper scrutinises the bioeconomy strategy adopted in Finland. Our main concern is that the bioeconomy strategy has been appropriated by the traditional forest industries in such a way that fails to address the problem of uneven development and ignores the potential of the bioeconomy as part of a transformative agenda.
Mature B‐NHL in children, adolescents and young adults: current therapeutic approach and emerging treatment strategies
Authors: Egan Grace , Goldman Stan , Alexander Sarah
Published: January 2019

Mature B cell lymphomas account for approximately 60% of all cases of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children and adolescents and includes Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other less common histologies. The outcome for patients treated with modern regimens in resource‐intensive settings is excellent. Improvements in care have been accomplished through enhanced supportive therapy, including tumour lysis management and incremental refinement of chemotherapy backbones via cooperative group clinical trials in which patients receive risk group‐specific intensive chemotherapy. More recent trials have established the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy. Ongoing work is required to address the substantial burden of acute therapy‐related toxicity, as well as the identification of effective therapies for those patients with relapsed and refractory disease, for whom outcomes remain very poor. In this review we will summarize the results from recent therapeutic clinical trials, describe the evidence to support the inclusion of rituximab and review the rationale for the investigation of several new categories of novel agents for mature B cell lymphomas in children and adolescents.
Evidence from masked‐priming that initial identification of brand names is via abstract letter identities
Authors: Martin Nicholas , Davis Colin J.
Published: January 2019

Although visual‐word recognition is often assumed to proceed on the basis of case‐invariant letter representations, previous research has shown a role for letter‐case in recognizing brand names. One recent study reported early effects of letter‐case in a brand‐decision task using masked primes (Pereaet al., 2015,British Journal of Psychology, 106, 162). The present study attempts to replicate this finding using brand names typically presented in all lowercase (e.g., adidas), all uppercase (e.g.,IKEA), or titlecase (e.g., Ford). Across three masked‐priming experiments, we found no advantage for case‐matched identity primes over case‐mismatched identity primes. This finding suggests that brand‐specific letter‐case information does not play a role in the early processing of brand names. However, we observed evidence that case may be used as a cue for making brand decisions, which may explain the effect reported by Pereaet al. (2015,British Journal of Psychology, 106, 162).
Support workers’ understanding of their role supporting the sexuality of people with learning disabilities
Authors: Maguire Karla , Gleeson Kate , Holmes Nan
Published: January 2019

Accessible Summary

We asked support workers what they thought about their role supporting sexuality.

They said they want to try to support sexuality and relationships but also have to keep people safe.

They said they have lots of things to consider which makes it difficult.

We think support workers need more training and advice to help them talk about some of their worries and difficulties supporting sexuality.

Background

Despite positive attitudes amongst support staff towards sexuality, adults with learning disabilities report being dissatisfied with the support they receive. This research aimed to explore support workers’ understanding of their role supporting the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities.

Method

Six support workers from supported living services were interviewed about their role. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged which were understood as suggesting that support workers held conflicting beliefs and emotions about their role supporting sexuality. This was interpreted as creating an ambivalence that could result in support workers distancing themselves from an active role in supporting sexuality.

Conclusion

This study concluded that support workers may inadvertently express an understanding of their role that may be consistent with negative and limiting discourses about the sexuality of adults with learning disabilities. The findings suggest a continuing need for sexuality training with a focus on reflective practice.
Management of hypothalamic disease in patients with craniopharyngioma
Authors: Thompson Christopher J. , Costello Richard W. , Crowley Rachel K.
Published: January 2019

Patients with craniopharyngioma experience excess morbidity and mortality when compared with the background population and with other hypopituitary patients. Large, suprasellar tumours which form micropapillae into surrounding structures can cause hypothalamic damage before any therapeutic intervention; attempted gross total resection can lead to hypothalamic obesity, sleep disorders, thirst disorders and dysregulation of temperature as well as panhypopituitarism. The management of tumour bulk and the pathophysiology of hypothalamic complications have been reviewed extensively. We present a practical, clinical approach to management of hypothalamic disease in a patient with craniopharyngioma and highlight potential targets for future pharmacological or surgical intervention.
Increasing the Spatial Resolution of BTF Measurement with Scheimpflug Imaging
Authors: Havran V. , Hošek J. , Němcová Š. , Čáp J.
Published: January 2019

We present an improved way of acquiring spatially varying surface reflectance represented by a bidirectional texture function (BTF). Planar BTF samples are measured as images at several inclination angles which puts constraints on the minimum depth of field of cameras used in the measurement instrument. For standard perspective imaging, we show that the size of a sample measured and the achievable spatial resolution are strongly interdependent and limited by diffraction at the lens' aperture. We provide a formula for this relationship. We overcome the issue of the required depth of field by using Scheimpflug imaging further enhanced by an anamorphic attachment. The proposed optics doubles the spatial resolution of images compared to standard perspective imaging optics. We built an instrument prototype with the proposed optics that is portable and allows for measurement on site. We show rendered images using the visual appearance measured by the instrument prototype.
MyEvents: A Personal Visual Analytics Approach for Mining Key Events and Knowledge Discovery in Support of Personal Reminiscence
Authors: Parvinzamir F. , Zhao Y. , Deng Z. , Dong F.
Published: January 2019

Reminiscence is an important aspect in our life. It preserves precious memories, allows us to form our own identities and encourages us to accept the past. Our work takes the advantage of modern sensor technologies to support reminiscence, enabling self‐monitoring of personal activities and individual movement in space and time on a daily basis. This paper presents MyEvents, a web‐based personal visual analytics platform designed for non‐computing experts, that allows for the collection of long‐term location and movement data and the generation of event mementos. Our research is focused on two prominent goals in event reminiscence: (1) selection subjectivity and human involvement in the process of self‐knowledge discovery and memento creation; and (2) the enhancement of event familiarity by presenting target events and their related information for optimal memory recall and reminiscence. A novel multi‐significance event ranking model is proposed to determine significant events in the personal history according to user preferences for event category, frequency and regularity. The evaluation results show that MyEvents effectively fulfils the reminiscence goals and tasks.