bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An implementation of adjoint-based topology optimization in magnetostatics
Authors: Youness Rtimi , Messine Frederic
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In magnetostatics, topology optimization (TO) addresses the problem of finding the distributions of both current densities and ferromagnetic materials to comply with fixed magnetic specifications. The purpose of this paper is to develop TO in order to design Hall-effect Thrusters (HETs).

Design/methodology/approach

In fact, TO problems are known to be large-scale optimization problems. The authors therefore adopt the adjoint method to reduce the computation time required to obtain the gradient information. In this paper, they illustrate the continuous variant of the adjoint method in the context of magnetostatics TO. Herein, the authors propose an implementation of the adjoint method then use it within a gradient-based optimization solver fmincon-MATLAB to solve a HET TO design problem.

Findings

By comparison with finite difference method, the authors validate the accuracy of the suggested implementation of the adjoint method. Then, they solve a large-scale HET TO design problem. The resultant design of TO is distinctly original and not intuitive.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the authors introduce TO as a tool that has allowed them to explore new and innovative design of a HET. However, although the design presented is original, its manufacture is not feasible. Thus, a discussion section has been included at the end of paper to suggest a possible way to concretize topological solutions.

Practical implications

TO helps to explore more original design possibilities. In this paper, the authors present an implementation of the adjoint method that makes it possible to solve efficiently and in less central processing unit time large-scale TO design problem.

Originality/value

An easy implementation of the adjoint method is presented in magnetostatics TO. This implementation was first validated by comparison with the finite difference method and then used to solve a large-scale design problem. The result of the TO design problem is distinctly original and non-intuitive.
A three-step process for reporting progress in detail engineering using BIM, based on experiences from oil and gas projects
Authors: Mejlænder-Larsen Øystein
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Traditionally, progress in detail engineering in construction projects is reported based on estimates and manual input from the disciplines in the engineering team. Reporting progress on activities in an engineering schedule manually, based on subjective evaluations, is time consuming and can reduce accuracy, especially in larger and multi-disciplinary projects. How can progress in detail engineering be reported using BIM and connected to activities in an engineering schedule? The purpose of this paper is to introduce a three-step process for reporting progress in detail engineering using building information modeling (BIM) to minimize manual reporting and increase quality and accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of this paper are based on the studies of experiences from the execution of projects in the oil and gas industry. Data are collected from an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and two engineering contractors using case study research.

Findings

In the first step, control objects in building information models are introduced. Statuses are added to control objects to fulfill defined quality levels related to milestones. In the second step, the control objects with statuses are used to report visual progress and aggregated in an overall progress report. In the third step, overall progress from building information models are connected to activities in an engineering schedule.

Originality/value

Existing research works related to monitoring and reporting progress using a BIM focus on construction and not on detail engineering. The research demonstrates that actual progress in detail engineering can be visualized and reported through the use of BIM and extracted to activities in an engineering schedule through a three-step process.
Sexual health principles and the procurement of sexual services: evidence of the interface between sexual health and criminal justice
Authors: Birch Philip , Braun-Harvey Doug
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between sexual health principles and the procurement of sexual services. Most that has been written about sex work has been done so from the perspective of deviancy; in contrast, recent work examining the practice of sex work has explored and evidenced how emotional and intimacy needs are met through procurement. Recognising the conventional aspects of procuring sexual services, this paper seeks to examine and understand this social practice through applying Braun-Harvey and Vigorito’s (2015) six principles of sexual health.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a mixed method approach, this paper presents findings from a survey consisting of a sample of 309 men who procure sexual services and 20 interviews from a sub-sample of the men who were surveyed and female sex workers who provide such services.

Findings

The findings illustrate the reasons for men’s procurement of sexual services, which corroborate with the accounts of women who sell the services and reflect how the procurement of sexual services align with principles of sexual health, which, in turn, challenge the stigma of buying sex.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are: provision of examining and understanding sex work through the principles of sexual health; provision of a framework to examine and understand sex work in a less stigmatising way; support for the growth of sexual health and criminal justice research; and provision of a platform for further research examining sexual health, sex work and decriminalisation.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it brings together principles of sexual health as a tool for examining the procurement of sexual services, a practice that is demonised in many parts of the globe. A consequence of this study is its presentation of a novel understanding for the social practice of procurement that aides in both challenging the stigmatisation and criminalisation of sex work.
Emergency contraceptive pill use among women of reproductive age in Pathein, Myanmar
Authors: Htun Khin Wai Wai , Yodmai Korravarn , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) allow a second chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy in unplanned sexual intercourse. Therefore, it helps reduce the rate of induced or unsafe abortions. Although they are available over-the-counter in Myanmar, relevant information remains improperly known by women and its use is limited. The purpose of this paper is to identify the prevalence and associated factors of ECPs use among women of reproductive age in the delta region of Myanmar.

Design/methodology/approach

This community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pathein Township, Ayeyarwady Division, Myanmar from March 30 to April 29, 2018. This study was conducted among 238 respondents selected using multistage sampling and face-to-face interviews employed structured questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the associations among variables.

Findings

The prevalence of ECPs use among reproductive aged women was 11.3 percent. Factors significantly associated with ECPs use were high monthly family income (AOR=4.50, 95% CI=1.31–15.48), condom use (AOR=4.40, 95% CI=1.07–18.16) and never having experienced pregnancy (AOR=6.20, 95% CI=2.06–18.67).

Originality/value

To improve the use of ECPs, extension of services such as opening hours or working days is needed. The government and NGOs should implement the services to support women who have encountered unplanned sexual intercourse so that unwanted pregnancy can be prevented.
Scoping review of mentoring research in the occupational therapy literature, 2002–2018
Authors: Doyle Nancy W. , Gafni Lachter Liat , Jacobs Karen
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Mentoring affords personalised learning for professional growth. Research across disciplines has shown mentoring to positively affect behaviour, attitude, motivation, job performance, organisational commitment, and career productivity and success. This study was conducted to provide an overview of research focussed on mentoring practices and related outcomes specific to the occupational therapy profession.

Methods

This study follows Arksey and O’Malley’s five main scoping review stages. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ERIC, Social Services Abstract, ScienceDirect and ProQuest databases were searched for mentoring practices in the occupational therapy profession. Inclusion criteria were: empirical studies of mentoring provided to occupational therapy students, practitioners, faculty and researchers, published in English between January 2002 and December 2018. Studies of mentoring provided to occupational therapy clients were excluded. Data were extracted for quantitative information about study characteristics and qualitative information about mentoring processes and outcomes.

Results

Of 1313 retrieved resources, 20 empirical studies were selected for analysis. In these studies, occupational therapy entry‐level students, post‐professional students, educators, researchers and clinicians were mentored in education, research and clinical areas of practice. Mentoring definitions, rationale, approaches and measurement methods were varied. Mentoring processes and relationships were facilitated by mechanisms of creating a plan, using mentoring strategies and providing support. Common defining terms, mechanisms and outcomes of mentoring were extracted and categorised into: support, learning, process and relationship. Mentoring outcomes were related to knowledge acquisition and translation, professional behaviours, increased productivity and professional networking.

Conclusion

This scoping review presented commonalities of mentoring definitions, mechanisms and outcomes in empirically studied mentoring experiences and programmes in the occupational therapy profession. Methodological gaps in this research emphasise the need for occupational therapy practitioners and researchers to continue researching mentoring experiences by integrating theoretical frameworks, uniform definitions, rigorous design and standardised measures to evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring.
Assigning alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci
Authors: Huang Kang , Zhang Pei , Dunn Derek W. , Wang Tongcheng , Mi Rui , Li Baoguo
Published: May 2019

Duplicated loci, for example those associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, often have similar DNA sequences that can be coamplified with a pair of primers. This results in genotyping difficulties and inaccurate analyses. Here, we present a method to assign alleles to different loci in amplifications of duplicated loci. This method simultaneously considers several factors that may each affect correct allele assignment. These are the sharing of identical alleles among loci, null alleles, copy number variation, negative amplification, heterozygote excess or heterozygote deficiency, and linkage disequilibrium. The possible multilocus genotypes are extracted from the alleles for each individual and weighted to estimate the allele frequencies. The likelihood of an allele configuration is calculated and is optimized with a heuristic algorithm. Monte‐Carlo simulations and three empirical MHC data sets are used as examples to evaluate the efficacy of our method under different conditions. Our new software, mhc‐typer V1.1, is freely available at https://github.com/huangkang1987/mhc-typer.
Intrinsic predictors of prolonged length of stay in a colorectal enhanced recovery pathway: a prospective cohort study and multivariate analysis
Authors: van Dellen J. , Carapeti E.A. , Darakhshan A.A. , Datta V. , George M.L. , McCorkell S. , Williams A.B.
Published: May 2019

Aim

This was a prospective cohort study to determine the intrinsic non‐modifiable factors influencing length of stay (LOS) in unselected consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery pathway.

Methods

This study interrogated a prospective database of consecutive elective procedures from October 2006 to April 2011 at a tertiary referral academic hospital in the UK to identify independent predictors of prolonged length of stay (pLOS). pLOS was defined as longer than median length of stay (mLOS). Differences in determinants were identified in three groups of increasing operative complexity.

Results

In all, 872 procedures were identified and ranged from a simple ileostomy reversal to complex total pelvic exenteration. Preoperative anaemia and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade III+ predicted pLOS in stoma reversal surgery patients (n = 191, mLOS 4 days). In colonic and small bowel surgery (n = 444, mLOS 8 days), an open procedure, new stoma formation, planned critical care admission and ASA III+ predicted pLOS. New stoma formation and planned critical care admission predicted pLOS in patients undergoing pelvic rectal surgery (n = 237, mLOS 11 days). pLOS was associated with significantly higher morbidity across Dindo–Clavien grades and a longer time to postoperative functional recovery and discharge.

Conclusions

Operative complexity is associated with longer LOS even with an established enhanced recovery pathway in place. Intrinsic non‐modifiable predictors of pLOS differ with operative complexity, and this should be taken into account when planning benchmarking and research across units.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE LABOR SUPPLY DECISIONS OF REGISTERED NURSES
Authors: Condliffe Simon , Link Charles R. , Zengin Farias Martinez Sezin
Published: May 2019

We estimate the labor force participation and the full‐time and part‐time work decisions of female registered nurses (RNs) and find higher wages are not a significant factor to (a) increase the likelihood of working nor (b) to encourage full‐time work. Another key factor is age which, given the aging of the RN population, foreshadows dwindling labor supply. This, while demand for RNs is predicted to continue to rise, will exacerbate labor shortages in the market for RNs. The results also offer insight to explain the reduction in labor supply wage elasticities for female workers in general in the United States. (JEL I11, J22, J44)
Ginsenoside Rb3 provides protective effects against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity via regulation of AMPK‐/mTOR‐mediated autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xing Jing‐jing , Hou Jin‐gang , Ma Zhi‐na , Wang Zi , Ren Shen , Wang Ying‐ping , Liu Wen‐cong , Chen Chen , Li Wei
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Based on previous reports that ginsenosides have been shown to exert better preventive effects on cisplatin‐induced kidney injury, the present work aims to evaluate the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb3 (G‐Rb3) on cisplatin‐induced renal damage and underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Materials and methods

The protective effect of G‐Rb3 on cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in ICR mouse model and HEK293 cell model was investigated, and the underlying possible mechanisms were also explored. For animal experiment, renal function, kidney histology, inflammation, oxidative stress, relative protein molecules involved in apoptosis and autophagy signalling pathways were assessed. In addition, rapamycin (a specific inhibitor of mTOR), compound C (a specific inhibitor of AMPK) and acetylcysteine (NAC, a specific ROS scavenger) were employed to testify the effects of AMPK/mTOR signal pathway on the protective effects of G‐Rb3 in HEK293 cells.

Results

Pre‐treatment with G‐Rb3 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for ten days significantly reversed the increases in serum creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and decrease in glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Histopathological examination further revealed that G‐Rb3 inhibited cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity. G‐Rb3 diminished cisplatin‐induced increase in protein expression levels of p62, Atg3, Atg5 and Atg7, and decrease in protein expression level of p‐mTOR and the ratio of LC3‐I/LC3‐II, indicating that G‐Rb3 suppressed cisplatin‐induced activation of autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy induced inactivation of apoptosis, which suggested that autophagy played an adverse effect on cisplatin‐evoked renal damage. Further, we found that G‐Rb3 might potentially modulate the expressions of AMPK‐related signal pathways.

Conclusions

These findings clearly suggested that G‐Rb3‐mediated alleviation of cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity was in part due to regulation of AMPK‐/mTOR‐mediated autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
A case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites as initial symptom
Authors: Jiang Si , Manandhar Upasana , Zheng Kai P. , Liu Qin , Liang Pin , Song Ji Q.
Published: May 2019

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) refers to skin reactions such as bullae and necrosis, which occurs after being bitten by mosquitoes and can present with multiple systemic reactions such as fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly simultaneously or subsequently. A 48‐year‐old male patient presented with recurrent erythema, nodules, papules, vesicles and bullae over upper body and bilateral limbs with itching over the sites of mosquito bite for more than 1 year with low‐grade fever and superficial lymph nodes enlargement. The patient's symptoms failed to improve from conventional anti allergic treatment although skin biopsy showed changes of HMB reaction. Subsequently, the lymph node was biopsied and was reported to be nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL), and then the patient was eventually diagnosed with nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB. To date only one case of nodal marginal zone lymphoma with HMB has been reported from Korea, and this is the first case to be reported in China.
Horizontal and vertical diversity jointly shape food web stability against small and large perturbations
Authors: Zhao Qinghua , Van den Brink Paul J. , Carpentier Camille , Wang Yingying X. G. , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Pablo , Xu Chi , Vollbrecht Silke , Gillissen Frits , Vollebregt Marlies , Wang Shaopeng , De Laender Frederik
Published: May 2019

The biodiversity of food webs is composed of horizontal (i.e. within trophic levels) and vertical diversity (i.e. the number of trophic levels). Understanding their joint effect on stability is a key challenge. Theory mostly considers their individual effects and focuses on small perturbations near equilibrium in hypothetical food webs. Here, we study the joint effects of horizontal and vertical diversity on the stability of hypothetical (modelled) and empirical food webs. In modelled food webs, horizontal and vertical diversity increased and decreased stability, respectively, with a stronger positive effect of producer diversity on stability at higher consumer diversity. Experiments with an empirical plankton food web, where we manipulated horizontal and vertical diversity and measured stability from species interactions and from resilience against large perturbations, confirmed these predictions. Taken together, our findings highlight the need to conserve horizontal biodiversity at different trophic levels to ensure stability.
Intimacies: An Integrative Multicultural Framework for Couple Therapy
Authors: Scheinkman Michele
Published: May 2019

Implicitly or explicitly, our ideas about intimacy are the most fundamental notions giving direction to the process of couple therapy. Yet, as a field, we have spent little time conceptualizing intimacy and even less time considering the diversity of priorities and meanings couples bring to our offices. In Part One, Varieties of Intimacy, I describe a kaleidoscope of contexts—socio‐historical, cultural, gender, life cycle, and developmental—that inform our ideas and expectations for intimacy in couples’ relationships. I highlight different spheres in which intimacy may take place such as the emotional, sexual, intellectual, or familial. I propose a starting point in which the therapist, in a collaborative manner, helps the partners articulate their yearnings and priorities in order to negotiate a shared vision. In Part Two, Conceptualizing Intimacy, I suggest an experiential definition that gives room for each partner's subjective meanings, yet consider diverse relational processes that may need to be addressed for a resilient ebb and flow of intimate experiences. In Part Three, Sexual Intimacy, I outline conditions in which sex is more likely to be experienced as intimate rather than nonintimate. Finally, in Part Four, I describe Therapeutic Principles to guide the therapist in taking couples from reactivity to dialogue to negotiations of intimacy. The integrative framework proposed here discourages monolithic a priori notions of intimacy and highlights instead: nuanced meanings, relational processes to be considered differentially, present and past emotional blocks, and a flexible clinical approach to foster conditions for the creation and resilience of intimate experiences.
Accumulation of soil carbon under elevated CO2 unaffected by warming and drought
Authors: Dietzen Christiana A. , Larsen Klaus Steenberg , Ambus Per L. , Michelsen Anders , Arndal Marie Frost , Beier Claus , Reinsch Sabine , Schmidt Inger Kappel
Published: May 2019

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate change may substantially alter soil carbon (C) dynamics, which in turn may impact future climate through feedback cycles. However, only very few field experiments worldwide have combined elevated CO2 (eCO2) with both warming and changes in precipitation in order to study the potential combined effects of changes in these fundamental drivers of C cycling in ecosystems. We exposed a temperate heath/grassland to eCO2, warming, and drought, in all combinations for 8 years. At the end of the study, soil C stocks were on average 0.927 kg C/m2 higher across all treatment combinations with eCO2 compared to ambient CO2 treatments (equal to an increase of 0.120 ± 0.043 kg C m−2 year−1), and showed no sign of slowed accumulation over time. However, if observed pretreatment differences in soil C are taken into account, the annual rate of increase caused by eCO2 may be as high as 0.177 ± 0.070 kg C m−2 year−1. Furthermore, the response to eCO2 was not affected by simultaneous exposure to warming and drought. The robust increase in soil C under eCO2 observed here, even when combined with other climate change factors, suggests that there is continued and strong potential for enhanced soil carbon sequestration in some ecosystems to mitigate increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations under future climate conditions. The feedback between land C and climate remains one of the largest sources of uncertainty in future climate projections, yet experimental data under simulated future climate, and especially including combined changes, are still scarce. Globally coordinated and distributed experiments with long‐term measurements of changes in soil C in response to the three major climate change‐related global changes, eCO2, warming, and changes in precipitation patterns, are, therefore, urgently needed.
PRICE, PRODUCT QUALITY, AND EXPORTER DYNAMICS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: Rodrigue Joel , Tan Yong
Published: May 2019

This article develops a model of heterogeneous firms that endogenously choose prices and product quality to build demand in export markets. New exporters optimally charge relatively low prices and produce low‐quality goods upon entry. Product quality, prices, and sales increase as demand grows. We structurally estimate model parameters using Chinese customs data. The estimated incentive to build future demand reduces average export prices by 0.7% and increases export sales by 4% upon entry. Endogenous demand accumulation causes estimated export prices, product quality, and sales to grow by 2.2%, 12%, and 79%, respectively, over the following five years.
Protection from injury of organs adjacent to a renal tumor during percutaneous cryoablation
Authors: Yamagami Takuji , Yoshimatsu Rika , Kajiwara Kenji , Yamanishi Tomoaki , Minamiguchi Hiroki , Karashima Takashi , Inoue Keiji
Published: May 2019

Renal cryoablation has become accepted as treatment for small renal tumors as an alternative to surgery. However, parallel with the increase in the use of this therapy, there also has been increases in the number of reports of complications related to renal cryoablation. One potential complication is injury to important non‐renal structures adjacent to the ablated renal tumor, such as the colon, duodenum, ureter, psoas muscle and so on. To prevent injury of adjacent organs, separating organs from the tumor is desirable. Over the past 15 years, several techniques have been developed to protect against injury of organs adjacent to renal tumors that are targets of cryoablation. The most commonly used technique for this purpose has been hydrodissection. Others include dissection with gas, balloon dissection and probe traction. To avoid injury of a ureter running near the renal tumor, pyeloperfusion is known to be useful. The rate of cases necessitating avoidance of organ injury by using these techniques is relatively high. In some cases, more than two techniques are combined. In the present review, we provided an overview of techniques currently available to protect against organ injuries, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
CEO investment of deferred compensation plans and firm performance
Authors: Cambrea Domenico Rocco , Colonnello Stefano , Curatola Giuliano , Fantini Giulia
Published: May 2019

We study how US chief executive officers (CEOs) invest their deferred compensation plans depending on the firm's profitability. By looking at the correlation between the CEO's return on these plans and the firm's stock return, we show that deferred compensation is to a large extent invested in the company equity in good times and divested from it in bad times. The divestment from company equity in bad times arguably reflects CEOs' incentive to abandon the firm and to invest in alternative instruments to preserve the value of their deferred compensation plans. This result suggests that the incentive alignment effects of deferred compensation crucially depend on the firm's health status.
Predicting the impacts of climate change on Papio baboon biogeography: Are widespread, generalist primates ‘safe’?
Authors: Hill Sarah E. , Winder Isabelle C.
Published: May 2019

Aims

To explore whether wide‐ranging, generalist primates like baboons can be presumed ‘resilient’ in the face of climate change. We identify environmental variables influencing baboons’ current distributions and predict their future potential distributions under different climate change scenarios.

Location

Africa and Arabia.

Taxon

Baboons, Papio spp.

Methods

We used localities for olive, yellow, Guinea, hamadryas, chacma and Kinda baboons together with high‐resolution data on bioclimatic variables, altitude and vegetation to construct species distribution models (SDMs). These SDMs were run under current and future conditions, with future models based on three General Circulation Models (MIROC‐ESM, CCSM4 and HadGEM2‐ES) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP6.0) for 2050 and 2070 to explore a range of different possible futures.

Results

All SDMs produced AUC values >0.916 suggesting excellent overall performance. Altitude was the most important variable influencing Guinea baboon distributions (contributing 41.6%), temperature seasonality for olive and yellow baboons (47.5% and 35.4% respectively), precipitation of the driest month for hamadryas baboons (24.4%), annual mean precipitation for the Kinda baboon (45.1%) and mean temperature of the driest quarter for chacma baboons (41.4%). Chacma and Kinda baboons are predicted to suffer substantial habitat loss, and Guinea baboons may do the same if conditions aridify as climates warm. In contrast, all models for the olive and hamadryas baboons predicted an increase in suitable habitat and only smaller changes were predicted for the yellow baboon.

Main Conclusions

Two or three of six baboon taxa are at risk of significant habitat loss as climates warm despite their apparent ecological flexibility. The chacma and Kinda baboons (both IUCN listed as Least Concern) will be worst affected, followed by the Guinea baboon (Near Threatened) if warming brings aridification. We recommend more focus on biogeographical tools as a means of exploring vulnerabilities in seemingly resilient species.
Disentangling factors limiting diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), spatio‐temporal population abundance: A tool for pest forecasting
Authors: Machekano Honest , Mutamiswa Reyard , Mvumi Brighton M. , Nyabako Tinashe , Shaw Sachin , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: May 2019

Data‐mining techniques play an important role in hyperparameter optimization of heterogeneous environmental factors and their relative contribution as determinants of incidences in insect pest ecological studies. A multidimensional field‐based surveillance was conducted in two seasons (24 months), July–June of each season (2015/2016 ‐ season 1 and 2016/2017 ‐ season 2) using sex‐pheromone‐baited traps and Thermocron i‐Buttons to identify key determinants of population abundance of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., across spatial horticultural hotspots of Botswana. The moth is a notorious global brassica pest. Pearson's product moment correlation matrix showed month of the year (M), mean temperature (Tmean) and maximum temperature (Tmax) as positively correlated (p < 0.001) to number of moths (N), while minimum temperature (Tmin), minimum relative humidity (RHmin), mean relative humidity (RHmean), maximum relative humidity (RHmax) and host plant (h) were negatively correlated (p < 0.001) to N. Using Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis (WEKA) data‐mining techniques, two models were developed: (a) M5P decision‐tree algorithm associated with nine linear models (LMs) and (b) principal component analysis (PCA) based on four principal components. Both approaches identified M as the major predictor of moth abundance, followed by h and farming region (R). However, R was a function of Tmax (positive auto‐correlation) and RHmax (negative auto‐correlation). These results provide simplified relative contribution of heterogeneous factors in influencing P. xylostella spatio‐temporal abundance, essential for early warning systems in pest management. This is an important component of sustainable pest management aimed at managing insect pests and minimizing pesticides abuse in brassica production systems.
Exploring levels of egg parasitism and variation in egg cuticular chemistry in different Clavigralla spp.
Authors: Kpongbe Hilaire , Van den Berg Johnnie , Khamis Fathiya , Tamò Manuele , Talamas Elijah Jacob , Torto Baldwyn
Published: May 2019

Clavigralla spp. (Hemiptera: Coreidae) are major pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Fabacae), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabacae) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L., Fabacae) in Africa. Clavigralla spp. egg parasitoids, Gryon spp. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), have previously been reported as potential biological control candidates. Little is known about the parasitism levels and their potential relationship with cuticular chemistry of Clavigralla spp. The aims of this study were to determine parasitism levels of Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål (Hemiptera: Coreidae) and C. elongata Signoret (Hemiptera: Coreidae) eggs, and to explore the relationship between egg parasitism and egg cuticular chemistry. High parasitism levels were determined for C. tomentosicollis by collecting eggs from plants in mono‐cropping and multi‐cropping systems in farmers’ fields in Bénin and Kenya between April and June 2016. Three species of Clavigralla were recorded: C. tomentosicollis, C. shadabi and C. elongata. Clavigralla tomentosicollis was the most common in both countries, while C. shadabi and C. elongata were only collected in Bénin and Kenya, respectively. An egg parasitoid (Gryon sp.) was recovered from egg batches collected from both countries. In parasitism assays using Gryon sp., the incidence of parasitism was higher in C. tomentosicollis eggs than that of C. elongata. Chemical analysis by coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of cuticular extracts obtained from C. tomentosicollis and C. elongata eggs identified fifteen compounds including ten alkanes of which the amounts varied between the two species. We speculate that Clavigralla spp. cuticular chemistry may serve as potential host location cues for Gryon sp.
Why Immigrants’ Multiple Identities Matter: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice
Authors: Wiley Shaun , Fleischmann Fenella , Deaux Kay , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: May 2019

Immigrants and their descendants typically identify with ethnic, national, religious, and/or regional groups, in various combinations and with varying degrees of compatibility or conflict. Research and theorizing on these patterns of identification, as represented in this issue, suggest guideposts for future research and domains for policy development. Here, we identify some of the issues that warrant additional research and we consider implications of existing research on dual (or multiple) identification for the development and implementation of policies related to immigrants. Examples of the former include the need for careful specification of concepts, the consideration of multiple dimensions of identity, deeper examination of identity meanings, methodological extensions in time and space, and greater theoretical integration. Policy development will require greater attention to various identity combinations, advocacy for national inclusivity, the promotion of sites for positive intergroup contact, and maximizing the potential for immigrants with multiple identities to help bridge intergroup gaps.
Newly qualified nurses' perceptions of working at mental health facilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Mabala Jaftaline , van der Wath Annatjie , Moagi Miriam
Published: May 2019

Accessible summary

What is already known about the topic?

Newly qualified nurses often feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the work environment and struggle to transition into healthcare work environments.

Nurses require opportunities during the transition period to develop both competence and confidence in their ability to practise independently.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Newly qualified mental health nurses experience fear during their adaptation period, especially when they perceive mental healthcare users as dangerous and the working environment as risky, with little concern for their safety.

Nurses new to the mental health environment learn from accepting responsibility, taking on challenges and making adjustments, in order to develop confidence as mental healthcare professionals.

What are the implications for practice?

Nursing management should ensure a safe and supportive mental healthcare environment. The potential for and consequences of negative stereotyping of patients among mental health nurses should be acknowledged and addressed as it may hinder the smooth adaptation of newly qualified nurses.

Although stressful experiences can help mental health nurses to develop confidence and skills to manage future demanding situations, newly qualified nurses need to be given appropriate support and debriefing to ensure challenging situations do not “go the wrong way” and decrease confidence levels.

Introduction

Much has been written about the experiences of newly qualified nurses in their first year of employment, yet not much has been heard from the perspectives of newly qualified nurses working in mental health facilities.

Aim

To explore and describe the adaptation process of newly qualified nurses working in public mental health facilities in South Africa.

Method

Following a qualitative descriptive design, 11 newly qualified nurses in their first 6–18 months of employment were purposively selected from three public mental health facilities in South Africa. Data collected through unstructured individual interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis: fear related to the mental healthcare environment; self‐doubt upon meeting the expectations of the inter‐professional team; ways to adjust to the challenges; and confidence as mental healthcare professionals.

Discussion

During the adaptation process newly qualified nurses working in mental health facilities need support to overcome their initial fears and develop self‐confidence in both managerial and therapeutic realms.

Implications for practice

Management of mental healthcare facilities needs to be cognisant of the importance of creating a supportive and safe environment that discourages negative stereotyping of patients and fosters newly qualified nurses' adaptation.
Viral load and clinical manifestations of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 infections
Authors: Lhomme Sebastien , Gallian Pierre , Dimeglio Chloé , Assal Azzedine , Abravanel Florence , Tiberghien Pierre , Izopet Jacques
Published: May 2019

A fraction of plasma donations undergoes hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA screening since late 2014 in France. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HEV RNA as well as the viral load and the evolution of genotype distribution over a 3‐year period (2015‐2017) in asymptomatic blood donors in comparison with symptomatic patients routinely diagnosed. The overall detection rate of HEV RNA in plasma donations was 0.10% during the 3‐year period, with a median viral load of 717 IU/mL (range: <60‐168 000 IU/mL) in the 189 samples found HEV RNA positive. One hundred and twenty samples (64.4%) were successfully HEV genotyped. Most strains were HEV3f (n = 54; 44.3%) and HEV3c (n = 46; 37.7%). The genotype distribution was not different throughout the 3‐year period and we found no association between the genotype and where the blood donors lived (P = 0.96). The HEV genotype distributions in infected blood donors and symptomatic patients were similar. However, the symptomatic patients had a higher viral load (median 282 000 IU/mL; range: <60‐136 000 000 IU/mL; P < 0.01) than the blood donors. Overall, asymptomatic blood donors and patients with symptomatic hepatitis E had similar genotype distributions but the blood donors had lower viral loads.
Phonological Awareness Trajectories: Young Spanish–English and Cantonese–English Bilinguals
Authors: Uchikoshi Yuuko
Published: May 2019

This study focused on the phonological awareness skills of 72 Spanish–English and 86 Cantonese–English bilinguals, all enrolled in bilingual and mainstream classrooms in the same schools. Bilinguals were assessed on phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, and knowledge of book reading each year from kindergarten until second grade. Individual growth modeling analysis revealed no difference in growth trajectories of English phonological awareness between (a) Spanish–English and Cantonese–English bilinguals and (b) children enrolled in bilingual and mainstream programs. Within‐language decoding, vocabulary, and knowledge of book reading were associated with the estimated average initial levels of phonological awareness skills, while only knowledge of book reading had significant effects on the estimated growth trajectory of phonological awareness skills. These findings suggest that young bilinguals with different home languages may have similar growth trajectories in English phonological awareness skills during early elementary school years. The findings have implications for early educational practices.
Molecular dialogues between viruses and receptor‐like kinases in plants
Authors: Macho Alberto P. , Lozano‐Duran Rosa
Published: May 2019

Receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) play a prominent role in the interaction between plants and extracellular pathogens. Intriguingly, in the past few years several studies have demonstrated that a number of RLKs influence plant susceptibility to viruses and, in some cases, interact with viral proteins. In this review, we will summarize and discuss recent advances suggesting a direct role for RLKs in plant–virus interactions.
Vegetation and ecological characteristics of the northernmost salt marshes of the European continent
Authors: Dítě Daniel , Dítě Zuzana , Hájková Petra , Šuvada Róbert
Published: May 2019

We surveyed 17 locations of salt marshes along the Barents Sea coast in northern Norway (Finnmark, Nordkinnhalvøya and Varangerhalvøya), where 86 phytosociological relevés were recorded and analyzed. Two main vegetation groups were identified: Caricion glareosae and Puccinellion phryganodis, both alliances belonging to the class Juncetea maritimi, order Puccinellietalia phryganodis. The first, Caricion glareosae (upper marshes) is subject to shorter‐term flooding and is saturated by brackish water in river estuaries on sandy or sandy gravel soils. Four units were distinguished: Festuceto‐Caricetum glareosae, Caricetum mackenzie, Caricetum salinae and the Plantago maritima × borealis community. The second group (lower marshes on fine muddy surface, higher salinity, inundated for a longer period directly by the sea) belongs to the alliance Puccinellion phryganodis which encompasses two units: the associations Caricetum subspathaceae and Puccinellietum phryganodis. The floristic composition and habitat preferences of each vegetation cluster are described and our study revealed that there are no significant differences in the vegetation composition of salt marshes beyond the Arctic line and the southern subarctic sites. The observed variations are related to the geomorphology of the sites rather than to their latitude. The comparison of historical records with our recent data demonstrates the great stability of habitat conditions and species composition. The salt marshes studied meet all criteria of good quality and we found no evidence for any threatening trends like those seen in most other habitats in Europe.
Inferior alveolar nerve transection disturbs innate immune responses and bone healing after tooth extraction
Authors: Xu Yamei , Xia Mengnan , Chen Tao , Yang Yao , Fu Gang , Ji Ping , Wu Qingqing
Published: May 2019

Coordination between the nervous and innate immune systems to maintain bone homeostasis is largely uncharacterized. The present study investigated the sensory–immune interaction in resting alveolar bone and healing socket by surgical sensory denervation. Bone histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry showed that sensory denervation resulted in moderate suppression of bone remodeling, with a proinflammatory milieu manifested by increased neutrophil recruitment and possible alternations in macrophage phenotypes along the resting bone surface. This denervation effect intensified when bone remodeling was triggered by tooth extraction, as revealed by disrupted temporospatial variations in macrophage subpopulations and neutrophil infiltration, which were closely associated with a dramatic decline in socket bone filling and residual ridge height. Antagonism of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) brought about similar antianabolic and proinflammatory effects as sensory denervation, suggesting that sensory nerves may monitor the bony milieu by CGRP. Depletion of macrophages, rather than neutrophils, ruled out CGRP effects, illustrating that macrophages were the primary immune mechanism that linked sensory innervation, innate immunity, and bone. The data support that sensory innervation is required for control of innate immune responses and maintenance of bone homeostasis. Sensory neuropeptides, such as CGRP, are a possible target for the development of proanabolic treatments in bone disease by modulating innate immune responses.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense excreted/secreted factors impair lipopolysaccharide‐induced maturation and activation of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Dauchy Frédéric‐Antoine , Contin‐Bordes Cécile , Nzoumbou‐Boko Romaric , Bonhivers Mélanie , Landrein Nicolas , Robinson Derrick R. , Rambert Jérôme , Courtois Pierrette , Daulouède Sylvie , Vincendeau Philippe
Published: May 2019

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, an extracellular eukaryotic flagellate parasite, is the main etiological agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role at the interface between innate and adaptive immune response and are implicated during HAT. In this study, we investigated the effects of T gambiense and its excreted/secreted factors (ESF) on the phenotype of human monocyte‐derived DCs (Mo‐DCs). Mo‐DCs were cultured with trypanosomes, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ESF derived from T gambiense bloodstream strain Biyamina (MHOM/SD/82), or both ESF and LPS. Importantly, ESF reduced the expression of the maturation markers HLA‐DR and CD83, as well as the secretion of IL‐12, TNF‐alpha and IL‐10, in LPS‐stimulated Mo‐DCs. During mixed‐leucocyte reactions, LPS‐ plus ESF‐exposed DCs induced a non‐significant decrease in the IFN‐gamma/IL‐10 ratio of CD4 + T‐cell cytokines. Based on the results presented here, we raise the hypothesis that T gambiense has developed an immune escape strategy through the secretion of paracrine mediators in order to limit maturation and activation of human DCs. The identification of the factor(s) in the T gambiense ESF and of the DCs signalling pathway(s) involved may be important in the development of new therapeutic targets.
Spiritual care by nurses in curative oncology: a mixed‐method study on patients’ perspectives and experiences
Authors: Ebenau Anne , Groot Marieke , Visser Anja , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , van Leeuwen René , Garssen Bert
Published: May 2019

Aims

Spirituality can be important in adjusting to the experience of cancer and its medical treatment. Since nurses have frequent contact with patients, they seem to have a unique role in providing spiritual care. Nurses consider spiritual care important; however, little is known about how patients in a curative setting experience and value spiritual care. Therefore, this study aimed to give insight into patients’ experiences with and opinions about spiritual care as provided by nurses in curative cancer care.

Methods

This is a national, multicentre mixed‐methods study, combining a quantitative approach using questionnaires (n = 62) and a qualitative analysis of semi‐structured interviews (n = 61). Nonparametric tests were used for quantitative data, and qualitative data were analysed inductively.

Findings

Most patients rarely received spiritual care by nurses. If spiritual care was provided, it mainly consisted of noticing problems and referring to other professionals. This appeared to be dependent on certain ‘triggers’, such as age. Structural discussions on spirituality with a nurse were experienced rarely. This was explained by, among other factors, the hospital setting. Yet, the majority (79%) of patients found the attention to spirituality sufficient or very good. Furthermore, a majority (58%) viewed spiritual care as a nursing task: nurses should notice spiritual problems and refer to other professionals, though extensively discussing patients’ spirituality was neither considered nurses’ task nor capability.

Conclusions

Attention to spiritual care in a curative setting, though not so much desired by most patients, should be pursued, because of its importance in performing person‐centred nursing care and its positive impact on patients’ health. By training nurses in offering spiritual care in proactive and ‘nonactive’ (accepting) ways, spiritual care could be structurally offered in clinical practice in personalised forms. Since younger and less spiritual patients are not much satisfied with spiritual care by nurses, they need special attention.