bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crisis communication adaptation strategies in the MM&A train explosion in Lac-Mégantic downtown
Authors: David Marc D. , Carignan Marie-Eve
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the adaptation of communication strategies set out in the pre-crisis plan implemented by the members of Quebec’s public safety authorities in the specific case of the rail explosion and fire that destroyed the downtown of Lac-Mégantic in July 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a triangulation approach combining three qualitative methodologies, namely in-depth interviews, analysis of communication artifacts, and news analysis, this research aims to determine how public safety authorities used the existing crisis management plan at the time of the Lac-Mégantic crisis. It also seeks to determine whether or not the crisis managers used emergent communication strategies, as defined by Mintzberg (2007). Finally, the case study also seeks to identify potentially unforeseen contextual elements that influenced the communication strategies deployed.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the disaster, whose magnitude and consequences were unprecedented in Canada, prompted those in charge of public safety to review the established crisis management communication strategies and practices in order to adapt to the realities of a particular terrain and context. It is important to mention, first, that the crisis was managed in an unforeseen context of a twofold digital divide that created a dead zone for emergency and public health messages; and, second, that direct communication with the victims revealed major difficulty in understanding such messages (literacy). As a result, the traditional and digital communication strategies established in the crisis management plan had to be rapidly reviewed in order to incorporate “old-fashioned” communication tools, such as giving out information door-to-door, meeting with people on their front porches, and holding informal street gatherings with public health doctors and social workers to better communicate messages to the disaster victims and to promote the adoption of safe behaviors.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate that in a crisis and emergency context, communication efforts must sometimes deviate from the planned strategies and come back to simple, direct, and “human” communication methods in order to adapt to the realities of the victims.
Is gender an impediment to firm performance? Evidence from small firms in Mauritius
Authors: Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena , Kasseeah Harshana
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the female entrepreneurship underperformance hypothesis using a sample of small firms. The paper also attempts to explain why gender matters in entrepreneurship. The paper specifically investigates the differences in turnover of female and male entrepreneurs and also examines the reasons behind this differential performance by accounting for the gender factor.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data on 256 male and female entrepreneurs from the Island of Mauritius. The survey allows for the examination of the performance differential across male- and female-owned small businesses. The paper uses ordinary least squares and logistic estimation techniques to investigate the underperformance of female entrepreneurs. Sensitivity analyses are also undertaken to ensure robustness of the results.

Findings

The study finds evidence that gender matters when comparing the performance of male- and female-owned businesses. The results reveal that access to finance is an important hindrance to the performance of these small firms. Furthermore, the study also reveals that ethnicity plays a major role in influencing firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few studies, which investigates the female entrepreneurship underperformance hypothesis in a small developing state context and also attempts to explain the reasons why gender matters. The paper is an important empirical contribution to the literature in an African context.
Trust-performance relationship in international joint ventures: the moderating roles of structural mechanisms
Authors: Ali Tahir , Khalid Saba
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between trust and performance in international joint ventures (IJVs) with the moderating effects of the structural mechanisms from transaction cost approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Using web-survey, data are collected from 89 IJVs of Northern European firms in Asia, Europe and America. Empirical data are analyzed with structural equation modeling and estimates moderating effects of symmetric dependence, symmetric equity share and resource complementarity.

Findings

The findings offer some interesting insights for transaction cost and the social exchange theory. This study demonstrates that a symmetric equity share between IJV partners does not moderate the trust–performance relationship, while a symmetric dependence and resource complementarity between partners effect positively. Therefore, trust takes on greater importance in enhancing IJV performance under symmetric dependence and resource complementarity and symmetric equity share between IJV partners deprecates the importance of equity distribution.

Practical implications

A symmetric dependence prevents the deceit from either partner in trusting relationships. Further, a trustful relationship enhances IJV performance regardless of the equity share in IJVs. IJVs with asymmetric equity share can also be successful, provided that IJV partners develop inter-partner trust.

Originality/value

The extant research has not examined how the trust–performance relationship is contingent on structural mechanisms of IJVs that transaction cost economics deem necessary to prevent opportunistic behavior. Three structural mechanisms of symmetric dependence, symmetric equity share and resource complementarity moderate the trust–performance relationship in IJVs.
Posting purchases on social media increases happiness: the mediating roles of purchases’ impact on self and interpersonal relationships
Authors: Duan Jingyi , Dholakia Ruby Roy
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present research is to investigate how consumers’ purchase posting behavior on social media influences their own happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents three studies. Study 1 was an experiment that manipulated purchase and posting behavior. Studies 2 and 3 utilized surveys which asked participants to report their actual purchases and posting behaviors. Data were examined using regression and bootstrap mediation analysis.

Findings

Posting purchases on social media has a positive influence on consumers’ happiness through the mediating roles of perceived impact of purchases on self and interpersonal relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the research on social media by demonstrating that because of its remarkable characteristics, posting purchases on social media significantly increases consumers’ happiness. It fills the research gap of how word-of-mouth and conspicuous consumption influences the storyteller’s happiness. It is also the first research which suggests that user-generated content of purchases actually can be a new carrier of conspicuous consumption. The findings shed light on the substantial influences of posting purchases on the use/consumption stage of consumer behavior.

Practical implications

Because posting purchases on social media increases consumers’ happiness, marketers can develop strategies to encourage consumers to post about their purchases more.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to demonstrate the positive effect of social media purchase posting on consumers’ happiness and identify the mechanism under which this effect occurs.
Activating values to stimulate organic food purchases: can advertisements increase pro-environmental intentions?
Authors: Bullock Graham , Johnson Christopher , Southwell Brian
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine different strategies for an increasing adoption of “environmentally friendly” products. Scholars have consistently shown that consumers with strong biospheric and altruistic beliefs are more likely to purchase these products, while marketers are increasingly appealing to consumers’ self-interest in their efforts to sell their “green” products. This paper explores this divide and offers a potential explanation for it, using the concept of value activation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents results of two survey experiments that test this explanation in the context of organic food advertisements. In a simulated trip to a grocery store, participants were exposed to advertisements designed to activate the six different values in Schwartz’s framework. After viewing the advertisements, participants were asked to select among organic and non-organic options in six product categories – milk, bread, eggs, spinach, potatoes and chocolate.

Findings

The study’s results suggest that while advertisements designed to activate values may have limited effect on consumer intentions, those that relate to protecting the health of oneself and one’s family are most likely to increase organic purchases.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first of its kind to explicitly test whether advertisements designed to activate a range of human values can increase consumers’ intention to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. The two studies reveal that value-based advertisements may have a stronger effect on the organic purchasing intentions of specific demographic groups (e.g. consumers who are aged under 40, lack a college degree and do not identify as liberal).
Antitumour bioactive peptides isolated from marine organisms
Authors: Xing Haibo , Tong Mengting , Jiang Nanyu , Zhang Xiaomin , Hu Hong , Pan Hongming , Li Da
Published: July 2017

Marine organisms are an important source of antitumour active substances. Thus, pharmaceutical research in recent years has focused on exploring new antitumour drugs derived from marine organisms, and, many peptide drugs with strong antitumour activities have been successfully extracted. Based on different mechanisms, this paper reviews the research on several typical antitumour bioactive peptides in marine drugs and the latest progress therein. Additionally, the development prospects for these antitumour bioactive peptide‐based drugs are discussed so as to provide a reference for future research in this field.
High reliability leadership: A conceptual framework
Authors: Martínez‐Córcoles Mario
Published: July 2017

Although it is assumed that leaders can be extremely important in enhancing safe operations, little is known about how they actually contribute to high reliability organizing. This study proposes a conceptual framework for leadership in High Reliability Organizations (HROs) based on theory and previous empirical research. It identifies leadership behaviours that contribute to six organizing facets in HROs, from which two leadership behavioural categories are extracted: leading expansion and leading reaction. Behaviours included in both categories might be potentially beneficial practices for leaders working in high‐hazard industries. The framework provides the basis for future theory development and debate.
ON THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF SELF‐REPORTED ILLEGAL EARNINGS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STUDY OF CRIMINAL ACHIEVEMENT*
Authors: NGUYEN HOLLY , LOUGHRAN THOMAS A.
Published: July 2017

The study of the monetary returns to criminal activity is a central component in many emerging areas of criminology, including rational choice and offender decision‐making, desistance, and criminal achievement. Scholars have been increasingly captivated with specification of the earnings function and with examining how variations in illegal earnings predict important outcomes such as persistence in offending. The potential utility of findings in related empirical studies hinges on the quality of the key measure, self‐reported illegal earnings. Yet to date scant attention has been paid by researchers to the measurement properties of this metric. We analyze self‐reported illegal earnings generated from a variety of instrumental crimes by using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study (n = 585) and the National Supported Work Project (n = 1,509), which are two longitudinal data sets of active offenders separated by more than 30 years. Findings based on analyses both within and between data sets reveal support for the internal consistency reliability and criterion validity of self‐reported illegal earnings. Moreover, the results reveal premiums in terms of higher earnings associated with different crime types, which are persistent both over time and across data sets. Implications and future directions for advancing the theoretical study of criminal achievement are also discussed.
Ultra‐short‐course booster is effective in recurrent grass pollen‐induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Pfaar O. , Lang S. , Pieper‐Fürst U. , Astvatsatourov A. , Gerich F. , Klimek L. , Kramer M. F. , Reydelet Y. , Shah‐Hosseini K. , Mösges R.
Published: July 2017

Background

A relevant proportion of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) patients experience recurrent symptoms after successfully completing allergen immunotherapy (AIT). This prospective, controlled, noninterventional study used internationally standardized instruments to determine the clinical effects of a preseasonal, ultra‐short‐course booster AIT on clinical outcome parameters.

Methods

This two‐arm study included patients aged ≥12 years with recurrent grass pollen‐induced seasonal AR who had completed a successful course of any grass pollen AIT at least 5 years before enrolment. Overall, 56 patients received one preseasonal short‐course booster AIT using tyrosine‐absorbed grass pollen allergoids containing the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL®); 51 control patients received symptomatic medication. The combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) was recorded in the (peak) grass pollen season. Furthermore, concomitant (antiallergic) medication use, the patients’ state of health, Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ) results and safety/tolerability of the treatment were assessed.

Results

The CSMS in the peak grass pollen season was significantly lower in the booster AIT group (Δ=38.4%, P<.01). Moreover, significantly more patients in this group used no concomitant antiallergic medication throughout the peak grass pollen season. Twice as many patients in the booster AIT group as in the control group reported having a better state of health than in the preceding season. MiniRQLQ results showed significant differences favouring the booster AIT. The booster AIT was generally well tolerated, with only two patients reporting mild, grade 1 systemic adverse events.

Conclusion

Booster AIT using tyrosine‐absorbed allergoids containing the adjuvant MPL® effectively prevents re‐occurrence of symptoms in patients with grass pollen‐induced ARC.
An Empirical Study on the Reliability of Perceiving Correlation Indices using Scatterplots
Authors: Sher Varshita , Bemis Karen G. , Liccardi Ilaria , Chen Min
Published: July 2017

Scatterplots have been in use for about two centuries, primarily for observing the relationship between two variables and commonly for supporting correlation analysis. In this paper, we report an empirical study that examines how humans’ perception of correlation using scatterplots relates to the Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC) – a commonly used statistical measure of correlation. In particular, we study human participants’ estimation of correlation under different conditions, e.g., different PPMCC values, different densities of data points, different levels of symmetry of data enclosures, and different patterns of data distribution. As the participants were instructed to estimate the PPMCC of each stimulus scatterplot, the difference between the estimated and actual PPMCC is referred to as an offset. The results of the study show that varying PPMCC values, symmetry of data enclosure, or data distribution does have an impact on the average offsets, while only large variations in density cause an impact that is statistically significant. This study indicates that humans’ perception of correlation using scatterplots does not correlate with computed PPMCC in a consistent manner. The magnitude of offsets may be affected not only by the difference between individuals, but also by geometric features of data enclosures. It suggests that visualizing scatterplots does not provide adequate support to the task of retrieving their corresponding PPMCC indicators, while the underlying model of humans’ perception of correlation using scatterplots ought to feature other variables in addition to PPMCC. The paper also includes a theoretical discussion on the cost‐benefit of using scatterplots.
Integrating Visual Analytics Support for Grounded Theory Practice in Qualitative Text Analysis
Authors: Chandrasegaran Senthil , Badam Sriram Karthik , Kisselburgh Lorraine , Ramani Karthik , Elmqvist Niklas
Published: July 2017

We present an argument for using visual analytics to aid Grounded Theory methodologies in qualitative data analysis. Grounded theory methods involve the inductive analysis of data to generate novel insights and theoretical constructs. Making sense of unstructured text data is uniquely suited for visual analytics. Using natural language processing techniques such as parts‐of‐speech tagging, retrieving information content, and topic modeling, different parts of the data can be structured and semantically associated, and interactively explored, thereby providing conceptual depth to the guided discovery process. We review grounded theory methods and identify processes that can be enhanced through visual analytic techniques. Next, we develop an interface for qualitative text analysis, and evaluate our design with qualitative research practitioners who analyze texts with and without visual analytics support. The results of our study suggest how visual analytics can be incorporated into qualitative data analysis tools, and the analytic and interpretive benefits that can result.
Visualizing a Sequence of a Thousand Graphs (or Even More)
Authors: Burch M. , Hlawatsch M. , Weiskopf D.
Published: July 2017

The visualization of dynamic graphs demands visually encoding at least three major data dimensions: vertices, edges, and time steps. Many of the state‐of‐the‐art techniques can show an overview of vertices and edges but lack a data‐scalable visual representation of the time aspect. In this paper, we address the problem of displaying dynamic graphs with a thousand or more time steps. Our proposed interleaved parallel edge splatting technique uses a time‐to‐space mapping and shows the complete dynamic graph in a static visualization. It provides an overview of all data dimensions, allowing for visually detecting time‐varying data patterns; hence, it serves as a starting point for further data exploration. By applying clustering and ordering techniques on the vertices, edge splatting on the links, and a dense time‐to‐space mapping, our approach becomes visually scalable in all three dynamic graph data dimensions. We illustrate the usefulness of our technique by applying it to call graphs and US domestic flight data with several hundred vertices, several thousand edges, and more than a thousand time steps.
Comparing Personal Image Collections with PICTuReVis
Authors: van der Corput Paul , van Wijk Jarke J.
Published: July 2017

Digital image collections contain a wealth of information, which for instance can be used to trace illegal activities and investigate criminal networks. We present a method that enables analysts to reveal relations among people, based on the patterns in their collections. Similar temporal and spatial patterns can be found using a parameterized algorithm, visualization is used to choose the right parameters and to inspect the patterns found. The visualization shows relations between image properties: the person it belongs to, the concepts in the image, its time stamp and location. We demonstrate the method with image collections of 10, 000 people containing 460, 000 images in total.
Dynamic Visual Abstraction of Soccer Movement
Authors: Sacha D. , Al‐Masoudi F. , Stein M. , Schreck T. , Keim D. A. , Andrienko G. , Janetzko H.
Published: July 2017

Trajectory‐based visualization of coordinated movement data within a bounded area, such as player and ball movement within a soccer pitch, can easily result in visual crossings, overplotting, and clutter. Trajectory abstraction can help to cope with these issues, but it is a challenging problem to select the right level of abstraction (LoA) for a given data set and analysis task. We present a novel dynamic approach that combines trajectory simplification and clustering techniques with the goal to support interpretation and understanding of movement patterns. Our technique provides smooth transitions between different abstraction types that can be computed dynamically and on‐the‐fly. This enables the analyst to effectively navigate and explore the space of possible abstractions in large trajectory data sets. Additionally, we provide a proof of concept for supporting the analyst in determining the LoA semi‐automatically with a recommender system. Our approach is illustrated and evaluated by case studies, quantitative measures, and expert feedback. We further demonstrate that it allows analysts to solve a variety of analysis tasks in the domain of soccer.
Visualization of Delay Uncertainty and its Impact on Train Trip Planning: A Design Study
Authors: Wunderlich M. , Ballweg K. , Fuchs G. , von Landesberger T.
Published: July 2017

Uncertainty about possible train delays has an impact on train trips, as the exact arrival time is unknown during trip planning. Delays can lead to missing a connecting train at the transfer station, or to coming too late to an appointment at the destination. Facing this uncertainty, the traveler may wish to use an earlier train or a different connection arriving well before the appointment. Currently, train trip planning is based on scheduled times of connections between two stations. Information about approximate delays is only available shortly before train departure. Although several visualization approaches can show temporal uncertainty, we are not aware of any visual design specifically supporting trip planning, which can show delay uncertainty and its impact on the connections. We propose and evaluate a visual design which extends train trip planning with delay uncertainty. It shows the scheduled train connections together with their expected train delays as well as their impacts on both the arrival time, and the potential of missing a transfer. The visualization also includes information about alternative connections in case of these critical transfers. In this way the user is able to judge which train connection is suitable for a trip. We conducted a user study with 76 participants to evaluate our design. We compared it to two alternative presentations that are prominent in Germany. The study showed that our design performs comparably well for tasks concerning train schedules. The additional uncertainty display as well as the visualization of alternative connections was appreciated and well understood. The participants were able to estimate when they would likely arrive at their destination despite possible train delays while they were unable to estimate this with existing presentations. The users would prefer to use the new design for their trip planning.
Visual Narrative Flow: Exploring Factors Shaping Data Visualization Story Reading Experiences
Authors: McKenna S. , Henry Riche N. , Lee B. , Boy J. , Meyer M.
Published: July 2017

Many factors can shape the flow of visual data‐driven stories, and thereby the way readers experience those stories. Through the analysis of 80 existing stories found on popular websites, we systematically investigate and identify seven characteristics of these stories, which we name “flow‐factors,” and we illustrate how they feed into the broader concept of “visual narrative flow.” These flow‐factors are navigation input, level of control, navigation progress, story layout, role of visualization, story progression, and navigation feedback. We also describe a series of studies we conducted, which shed initial light on how different visual narrative flows impact the reading experience. We report on two exploratory studies, in which we gathered reactions and preferences of readers for stepper‐ vs. scroller‐driven flows. We then report on a crowdsourced study with 240 participants, in which we explore the effect of the combination of different flow‐factors on readers’ engagement. Our results indicate that visuals and navigation feedback (e.g., static vs. animated transitions) have an impact on readers’ engagement, while level of control (e.g., discrete vs. continuous) may not.
Steering the Craft: UI Elements and Visualizations for Supporting Progressive Visual Analytics
Authors: Badam Sriram Karthik , Elmqvist Niklas , Fekete Jean‐Daniel
Published: July 2017

Progressive visual analytics (PVA) has emerged in recent years to manage the latency of data analysis systems. When analysis is performed progressively, rough estimates of the results are generated quickly and are then improved over time. Analysts can therefore monitor the progression of the results, steer the analysis algorithms, and make early decisions if the estimates provide a convincing picture. In this article, we describe interface design guidelines for helping users understand progressively updating results and make early decisions based on progressive estimates. To illustrate our ideas, we present a prototype PVA tool called InsightsFeed for exploring Twitter data at scale. As validation, we investigate the tradeoffs of our tool when exploring a Twitter dataset in a user study. We report the usage patterns in making early decisions using the user interface, guiding computational methods, and exploring different subsets of the dataset, compared to sequential analysis without progression.
Survey of Surveys (SoS) ‐ Mapping The Landscape of Survey Papers in Information Visualization
Authors: McNabb Liam , Laramee Robert S.
Published: July 2017

Information visualization as a field is growing rapidly in popularity since the first information visualization conference in 1995. However, as a consequence of its growth, it is increasingly difficult to follow the growing body of literature within the field. Survey papers and literature reviews are valuable tools for managing the great volume of previously published research papers, and the quantity of survey papers in visualization has reached a critical mass. To this end, this survey paper takes a quantum step forward by surveying and classifying literature survey papers in order to help researchers understand the current landscape of Information Visualization. It is, to our knowledge, the first survey of survey papers (SoS) in Information Visualization. This paper classifies survey papers into natural topic clusters which enables readers to find relevant literature and develops the first classification of classifications. The paper also enables researchers to identify both mature and less developed research directions as well as identify future directions. It is a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced researchers in and outside the field of Information Visualization and Visual Analytics.
A population‐based study of self‐reported skin exposures and symptoms in relation to contact allergy in adolescents
Authors: Lagrelius Maria , Wahlgren Carl‐Fredrik , Matura Mihály , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Lidén Carola
Published: July 2017

Background

Knowledge about the relations between skin exposures, skin symptoms and contact allergy in adolescents is limited.

Objectives

To explore self‐reported skin exposures and skin symptoms in girls and boys, and to assess the associations between exposures, symptoms and contact allergy at age 16 years.

Participants and methods

In all, 3115 adolescents from the population‐based BAMSE birth cohort answered a questionnaire at age 16 concerning various skin exposures and related skin symptoms. Of these, 2285 were patch tested.

Results

The prevalences of self‐reported piercing (55.4%), hair dyeing (50.1%) and related skin symptoms were high, particularly in girls. Piercing and itchy rash after contact with metal items were associated with increased risks of nickel allergy [respectively: odds ratio (OR) 1.77, 95%CI: 1.04–3.03, and OR 2.25, 95%CI: 1.57–3.23]. An itchy rash resulting from the use of personal hygiene products or makeup was associated with a positive patch test reaction to fragrance mix I (OR 2.11, 95%CI: 1.02–4.35).

Conclusions

Adolescents are exposed to skin‐sensitizing substances, for example because of piercing, hair dyeing, and tattooing. Such early‐life skin exposure may lead to lifelong contact allergy and future allergic contact dermatitis and hand eczema.
White matter maturation in the neonatal brain is predictive of school age cognitive capacities in children born very preterm
Authors: Keunen Kristin , Benders Manon J , Leemans Alexander , Fieret‐Van Stam Petronella C , Scholtens Lianne H , Viergever Max A , Kahn René S , Groenendaal Floris , de Vries Linda S , van den Heuvel Martijn P
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate the association between white matter organization in the neonatal brain and cognitive capacities at early school age in children born very preterm.

Method

Thirty children born very preterm (gestational age median 27.5wks, interquartile range [IQR] 25.5–29.5; 18 males, 12 females) were included in this retrospective observational cohort study. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) had been performed on a 3T system in the neonatal period (median 41.3 [IQR 40.0–42.6]wks) and cognitive functioning was formally assessed at age 5 years and 7 months (IQR 5.4–5.9y) using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Structural connectivity maps were reconstructed from the DWI data using deterministic streamline tractography. Network metrics of global and local communication and mean fractional anisotropy of white matter pathways were related to IQ and processing speed at age 5 years using linear regression analyses.

Results

Mean fractional anisotropy was significantly related to Performance IQ at age 5 years (F=8.48, p=0.007). Findings persisted after adjustment for maternal education level.

Interpretation

Our findings provide evidence that the blueprint of later cognitive achievement is already present at term‐equivalent age and suggest that white matter connectivity strength may be a valuable predictor for long‐term cognitive functioning.
Armillaria ostoyae in managed coniferous forests in Kastamonu in Turkey
Authors: Lehtijärvi A. , Doğmuş‐Lehtijärvi H. T. , Aday Kaya A. G. , Ünal S. , Woodward S.
Published: July 2017

Although several Armillaria species have been reported in Turkey, there is little information about their ecology in Turkish forests. In this study, we investigated five forest stands, approximately 5–74 ha in size, in Kastamonu province in the Black Sea Region of Turkey for the presence of Armillaria species in stumps and logs. The stands were mixed Abies nordmanniana ssp. bornmülleriana and Pinus sylvestris forests managed using a selective cuttings system; the proportion of fir in the total number of stems and stumps ranged from 36 to 98%. Based on sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer and intergenic spacer regions of the rDNA, all rhizomorphs sampled from the stumps and logs were of Armillaria ostoyae. The size of the genets was estimated with random amplified microsatellites analysis of the isolates and ranged from single stumps to approximately 450 m2. One to seven genets were found in each stand. These results indicate that the genets had arisen from spores and vegetative spread was limited on most sites.
Feedbacks between plant N demand and rhizosphere priming depend on type of mycorrhizal association
Authors: Sulman Benjamin N. , Brzostek Edward R. , Medici Chiara , Shevliakova Elena , Menge Duncan N. L. , Phillips Richard P.
Published: July 2017

Ecosystem carbon (C) balance is hypothesised to be sensitive to the mycorrhizal strategies that plants use to acquire nutrients. To test this idea, we coupled an optimality‐based plant nitrogen (N) acquisition model with a microbe‐focused soil organic matter (SOM) model. The model accurately predicted rhizosphere processes and C–N dynamics across a gradient of stands varying in their relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees. When mycorrhizal dominance was switched – ECM trees dominating plots previously occupied by AM trees, and vice versa – legacy effects were apparent, with consequences for both C and N stocks in soil. Under elevated productivity, ECM trees enhanced decomposition more than AM trees via microbial priming of unprotected SOM. Collectively, our results show that ecosystem responses to global change may hinge on the balance between rhizosphere priming and SOM protection, and highlight the importance of dynamically linking plants and microbes in terrestrial biosphere models.
Prospective clinical trials to investigate clinical and molecular biomarkers
Authors: Auvin Stéphane , Walker Lauren , Gallentine William , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Tombini Mario , Sills Graeme J.
Published: July 2017

Among clinical studies, randomized studies as well as well‐designed observational studies are providing the highest quality data. In addition, these studies represent a good opportunity to examine biomarkers of ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. To date, no validated molecular or cellular biomarker exists for any aspect of epilepsy. We provide an overview of the inflammatory biomarkers under investigation in prospective clinical studies in epilepsy: proinflammatory cytokines in prolonged febrile seizure; High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) as a prognosis biomarker in epilepsy and the interaction between inflammation and metabolism, in particular, iron metabolism, in epilepsy. The designs of the European Union EPISTOP project following prospectively patients with tuberous sclerosis from birth to the start of the epilepsy and of the Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs‐II study illustrate how such studies can be used to find new inflammatory biomarkers of ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. If we want to bridge the current gap between having numerous biomarker candidates from preclinical studies and their selective use in clinical practice, we need to explore multiple biologic systems, not just including inflammation. In addition, it is crucial that those involved in the design and support of relevant clinical studies recognize this gap and act accordingly, and in the interests of improving the diagnosis and prognosis for epilepsy.
Neuroinflammatory targets and treatments for epilepsy validated in experimental models
Authors: Aronica Eleonora , Bauer Sebastian , Bozzi Yuri , Caleo Matteo , Dingledine Raymond , Gorter Jan A. , Henshall David C. , Kaufer Daniela , Koh Sookyong , Löscher Wolfgang , Louboutin Jean‐Pierre , Mishto Michele , Norwood Braxton A. , Palma Eleonora , Poulter Michael O. , Terrone Gaetano , Vezzani Annamaria , Kaminski Rafal M.
Published: July 2017

A large body of evidence that has accumulated over the past decade strongly supports the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of human epilepsy. Specific inflammatory molecules and pathways have been identified that influence various pathologic outcomes in different experimental models of epilepsy. Most importantly, the same inflammatory pathways have also been found in surgically resected brain tissue from patients with treatment‐resistant epilepsy. New antiseizure therapies may be derived from these novel potential targets. An essential and crucial question is whether targeting these molecules and pathways may result in anti‐ictogenesis, antiepileptogenesis, and/or disease‐modification effects. Therefore, preclinical testing in models mimicking relevant aspects of epileptogenesis is needed to guide integrated experimental and clinical trial designs. We discuss the most recent preclinical proof‐of‐concept studies validating a number of therapeutic approaches against inflammatory mechanisms in animal models that could represent novel avenues for drug development in epilepsy. Finally, we suggest future directions to accelerate preclinical to clinical translation of these recent discoveries.
Differences in the frequency of Alzheimer's disease‐associated genomic variations in populations of different races
Authors: Huang Poyin , Hsieh Sun‐Wung , Chang Ya‐Hsuan , Hour Ai‐Ling , Chen Hsuan‐Yu , Liu Ching‐Kuan
Published: July 2017

Aim

The general genetic background is important when studying major common diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Determining the underlying genetic factors in populations of different races might allow for the tailored management of such diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify potential single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and genes associated with racial differences.

Methods

We identified AD‐associated SNP with different carrier frequencies among races through the National Human Genome Research Institute and 1000 Genome Project databases. We generated heatmaps and carried out principle component analysis and pathway analysis. A total of 99 AD‐associated SNP from genome‐wide association studies were found to have different frequencies among races. Principle component analysis showed that specific SNP had higher or lower frequencies in specific races, and that similar races were clustered together.

Results

Pathway analysis showed that a total of 15 pathways involving intracellular endocytosis, inflammation, immune response and lipid metabolism were significant, and that apolipoprotein E was involved in the most significant pathways. A literature review showed that 16 genes were involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and that the identified SNP could be used to cluster different races, suggesting that these SNP represented different genomic backgrounds of races.

Conclusions

As disease‐associated genes might have several functional variants across different populations, these genes could be candidates for further studies, such as target gene sequencing or functional follow up of putative loci regarding racial differences. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2184–2193.
Prediction‐Focused Approaches: An Opportunity for Hydrology
Authors: Hermans Thomas
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: Going directly from data to predictions through prediction‐focused approaches: A changing paradigm for solving prediction problems.
Missed opportunities for adolescent friendly care in hospital
Authors: Crossen Kendall
Published: July 2017

Aim

To investigate whether adolescent friendly care, as defined by current best practice, was being provided within a hospital setting.

Methods

All patients aged 12–18 presenting to Tauranga Hospital over a 5‐week period were invited to complete a questionnaire on their experience of care. Responses were obtained from 319 adolescents (40% response rate).

Results

Adolescents reported that staff were generally friendly (>80%) and respectful (>90%) and that they trusted staff to care for them (90%). Explanations were considered clear by 87% of adolescents, but 20% felt uncomfortable asking questions. Confidentiality was discussed with some adolescents (52%). Privacy was provided (93%), and most adolescents (86%) were satisfied with the extent of their involvement in consultations. Adolescents reported that staff did not routinely undertake psychosocial assessments. The physical environment and resources did not always meet the needs of adolescents, with 70% complaining about a lack of access to other adolescents.

Conclusion

While adolescents rated the care they received highly, the care did not always align with best practices regarding adolescent friendly care. There is ample opportunity for improvement.
Estimating the cost of school sealant programs with minimal data
Authors: Griffin Susan O. , Jones Kari , Naavaal Shillpa , O'Connell Joan M. , Demopoulos Christina , Arlotta Dawn
Published: July 2017

Objective

Develop methodology to estimate the annual cost of resources used by school sealant programs (SSPs) and demonstrate its use.

Methods

We used existing literature and expert opinion to identify SSP cost components and the most appropriate units for their measurement (e.g., per operator) and collection frequency (e.g., per day). For equipment and reusable instruments, costs were sufficiently homogenous across SSPs that we could provide default per unit cost estimates (2016 US$) that SSPs can use in lieu of collecting their own data. We also provide default costs for supply items such that SSPs can estimate total supply costs with program‐specific information on sealant material used, as well as number of: sealant stations, operators, service delivery days, children screened/sealed, and number of teeth sealed. For the remaining three categories (labor, mileage, and administrative), costs varied substantially by SSP and required us to develop and pilot collection logs for program‐specific data.

Results

The annual cost per sealant station ranged from $584 to $797 depending on program characteristics. For a hypothetical SSP that staffed each of two stations with two operators (hygienist and assistant) compensated at the national rate, hourly labor costs would equal $77.97. Assuming this SSP used disposable instruments, light‐cured sealants and delivered sealants (3 per child) to 60 percent of the 3,390 children screened over 100 service days, infection control/supply costs per child would equal $5.30.

Conclusion

This methodology allows SSPs to estimate costs with minimal data collection and time.
Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence During Pregnancy and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: DİNÇ Ayten
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy and associated risk factors.

Methods

The study is a cross‐sectional and descriptive study. A questionnaire was conducted with a total of 750 pregnant women about their urinary incontinence complaints between April and December 2013.

Results

The prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy was 300 in 750 (40%). Stress urinary incontinence was the most common type of incontinence during pregnancy. 41.7% of nulliparous women, 38% of primipara women, and 20.3% of multipara women experienced urinary incontinence. Among women reporting UI, 29.3% experienced leakage a few times a day and the amount of leakage was generally (59.7%) moderate. Factors significantly associated with urinary incontinence included age group, gestational age, parity, previous urinary incontinence, constipation, mode of delivery at last childbirth, previous urinary tract infection, body mass index during pregnancy. But on multivariable analysis, the risk factors for urinary incontinence during pregnancy were previous urinary tract infection (OR = 3.8, 95%CI 1.5–9.3), constipation (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.7–5.6) and gestational age (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.3–0.9).

Conclusion

As a result of this study, urinary incontinence is a common condition during pregnancy. Results would help the design of more intensive training programs to prevent incontinence during pregnancy by increasing the awareness about urinary incontinence of healthcare staff engaging in the care of pregnant women.
Magnetite in Comet Wild 2: Evidence for parent body aqueous alteration
Authors: Hicks L. J. , MacArthur J. L. , Bridges J. C. , Price M. C. , Wickham‐Eade J. E. , Burchell M. J. , Hansford G. M. , Butterworth A. L. , Gurman S. J. , Baker S. H.
Published: July 2017

The mineralogy of comet 81P/Wild 2 particles, collected in aerogel by the Stardust mission, has been determined using synchrotron Fe‐K X‐ray absorption spectroscopy with in situ transmissionXRDand X‐ray fluorescence, plus complementary microRaman analyses. Our investigation focuses on the terminal grains of eight Stardust tracks: C2112,4,170,0,0; C2045,2,176,0,0; C2045,3,177,0,0; C2045,4,178,0,0; C2065,4,187,0,0; C2098,4,188,0,0; C2119,4,189,0,0; and C2119,5,190,0,0. Three terminal grains have been identified as near pure magnetite Fe3O4. The presence of magnetite shows affinities between the Wild 2 mineral assemblage and carbonaceous chondrites, and probably resulted from hydrothermal alteration of the coexisting FeNi and ferromagnesian silicates in the cometary parent body. In order to further explore this hypothesis, powdered material from aCR2 meteorite (NWA10256) was shot into the aerogel at 6.1 km s−1, using a light‐gas gun, and keystones were then prepared in the same way as the Stardust keystones. Using similar analysis techniques to the eight Stardust tracks, aCR2 magnetite terminal grain establishes the likelihood of preserving magnetite during capture in silica aerogel.
Solving Models with Jump Discontinuities in Policy Functions
Authors: Görtz Christoph , Mirza Afrasiab
Published: July 2017

We compare global methods for solving models with jump discontinuities in the policy function. We find that differences between value function iteration (VFI) and other methods are economically significant and Euler equation errors fail to be a sufficient measure of accuracy in such models. VFI fails to accurately identify both the location and size of jump discontinuities, while the endogenous grid method (EGM) and the finite element method (FEM) are much better at approximating this class of models. We further show that combining VFI with a local interpolation step (VFI‐INT) is sufficient to obtain accurate approximations. The combination of computational speed, relatively easy implementation and adaptability make VFI‐INT especially suitable for approximating models with jump discontinuities in policy functions: while EGM is the fastest method, it is relatively complex to implement; implementation of VFI‐INT is relatively straightforward and it is much faster than FEM.
Growth response of 98 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes to elevated CO2 and identification of related quantitative trait loci using genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Mitterbauer Esther , Enders Matthias , Bender Jürgen , Erbs Martin , Habekuß Antje , Kilian Benjamin , Ordon Frank , Weigel Hans‐Joachim
Published: July 2017

Elevated CO2 (eCO2) concentrations can stimulate crop growth, but little is known about intraspecific variability in the response to eCO2 and the underlying genetics in cereals. Field experiments over two years with 98 barley genotypes were conducted in open‐top chambers (OTCs) under ambient CO2 (400 ppm) and eCO2 (700 ppm) concentrations. At crop maturity, different fractions of aboveground biomass (AGB) were measured, and genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) were conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL). Averaged across all genotypes, eCO2 significantly enhanced AGB by 15%, while the increase in culm and ear biomass alone was not significant. The AGB response to eCO2 of the individual genotypes ranged from c. −36% to +95% compared with ambient CO2 (aCO2), showing a large variability of growth responses. In GWAS, 51 associations between SNP markers and the relative changes (eCO2/aCO2) in biomass were detected on different chromosomes. Loci potentially involved in biomass alterations under eCO2 were identified. The wide range of variability in responses might be exploited by marker‐based breeding for climate‐resilient barley.
Assessing the distributive effects of minimum wage
Authors: Borraz Fernando , González‐Pampillón Nicolás
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes the role of Uruguay's sharp minimum wage increases after 2004 amidst the country's slight wage inequality decrease. We found that the minimum wage increase has contributed to the reduction of wage inequality for formal workers mainly. However, we also found a negative impact on employment outside the capital city, Montevideo, and observed a reduction in working hours. These results raise doubts about the effectiveness of minimum wage as a redistribution instrument in developing countries.