bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The educational impact of using mobile technology in a database course in college
Authors: Sakibayev Spartak , Sakibayev Razakh , Sakibayeva Bela
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Nowadays, when mobile devices are actively evolving and penetrating the various spheres of human activity they have a potential to modernize and facilitate the sphere of IT education as well. This paper aims to test the hypothesis stating that introduction of mobile technology to the college-level database course for future IT specialists has a positive academic impact on students.

Design/methodology/approach

The main theoretical premises for the present study were the general findings of the surveys by Hinze et al. (2017) and Bowen and Pistilli (2012) indicating that: using mobile tools to work on classroom projects improves student’s academic success students, especially those from computing specialties, actively turn to mobile tools in their academic activity students favor the Android and iPhone platforms and prefer native mobile apps to Web-based mobile apps The key idea of the present study was to validate these general premises in the specific case of the college-level database class. Namely, the authors formulated a hypothesis that Android-based mobile devices have a positive impact on the IT students’ academic performance and interest in the subject at the college-level introductory database lessons. Throughout the study, the authors examined both quantitative (students’ scores and attendance rate) and qualitative aspects (students’ and teachers’ opinions) of the hypothesis.

Findings

Based on the experiment’s positive outcome resulting in students’ increased academic performance and interest in the subject, the authors conclude that in the context of the college-level database course mobile devices can successfully substitute traditional desktop computers and positively affect students’ academic activity.

Originality/value

Based on the experiment’s positive outcome resulting in students’ increased academic performance and interest in the subject, the authors conclude that in the context of the college-level database course mobile devices can successfully substitute traditional desktop computers and positively affect students’ academic activity.
Identification of factors affecting productivity in Thailand’s construction industry and proposed maturity model for improvement of the productivity
Authors: Pornthepkasemsant Patraporn , Charoenpornpattana Santi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Low productivity is one of the main challenges facing the Thai construction industry. The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the productivity of Thailand’s construction industry and to develop a maturity model for improvement of the productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected quantitatively through questionnaire surveys targeting different Thai construction companies to identify factors affecting the productivity in the Thai construction industry. Based on the identified factors and opinions of experts, a maturity model was then developed and validated.

Findings

The top five factors affecting the productivity are labor skills, material management, equipment management, site management and safety. A maturity model for the productivity improvement has been developed, and its performance is satisfactory.

Research limitations/implications

The productivity maturity model is based on data collected in Thailand, and the model is valid only in Thailand or other countries which have similar social and economic circumstance.

Practical implications

Construction companies may use the proposed maturity model as a framework for improving their productivity.

Originality/value

Unlike other studies, which usually rely on an issue-based approach, this study uses a systematic company-wide approach to improve the productivity.
Mapping the impact of hotel promotional factors on consumers’ actual use of interactive systems in hotels
Authors: Morosan Cristian , DeFranco Agnes
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of several hotel promotional factors and consumers’ behavioral and demographic characteristics on their actual use of specific interactive information systems in hotels. The specific systems examined in this study were a hotel’s website, mobile app, push notification system, kiosk, smart TV in room, and tablet at front desk or in room.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with a sample of 841 respondents who had stayed in a hotel that had interactive information systems. Logistic regression models were designed with the promotional factors (e.g. hotel staff encouraging purchasing products, push notifications or information presented on mobile devices or kiosks, seeing or hearing about other consumers using systems, advertising and press releases), behavioral variables (e.g. frequency and duration of stay) and demographic variables (e.g. gender and age) as independent variables. The independent variables were the individual systems used by guests.

Findings

The various promotional factors had a differential effect on consumers’ use of various interactive information systems. Information provided on mobile devices, staff encouraging purchasing and press releases and blogs, along with age and duration of stay, was found to have the highest impact on system usage.

Originality/value

This study examines for the first time, as per the authors’ knowledge, the actual use behavior of several hotel interactive systems, thus advancing the technology adoption literature. This study also utilizes a comprehensive list of hotel promotional factors that are able provide theoretical and empirical insight into the use of interactive systems, which was explained predominantly based on system perceptions and consumers’ characteristics.
The use of websites by Mediterranean tourist ports
Authors: Benevolo Clara , Spinelli Riccardo
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the use of websites by tourist ports to assess whether they support ports in communicating their image and provide information and services to actual and potential customers.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of 129 tourist ports websites from ten Mediterranean countries was conducted using the 2QCV3Q model, a multi-purpose qualitative evaluation tool based on experts’ judgments.

Findings

The findings show that tourist ports’ websites are typically beautiful and well-managed, give ports a clear image and link them with the local territory; however, sample websites are only partially user-friendly, offer limited room for interaction and fail to provide all the expected information and services to the visitors.

Originality/value

This research provides an unprecedented picture of the use and quality of websites by tourist ports located in the Mediterranean Sea and offers a robust and exhaustive assessment tool that might be of interest to researchers. The tool might also help managers of tourist ports to improve their websites by making them more business- and customer-oriented.
Empirical evidence of the roles of public spaces and public activities in the promotion of community relations and sense of place in a coastal community
Authors: Piyapong Janmaimool , Riruengrong Ratanavilaisakul , Wipawee Iemworamate , Siriphan Nunsunanon , Passanan Assavarak
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the roles of public spaces in promoting community relations and sense of place in a coastal community, which are both important elements of sustainable community development. This study investigated how activities in public spaces can foster community relations, thereby affecting sense of place, and described how public spaces are used by local residents.

Design/methodology/approach

The Ban-Chaytalae community in the coastal area of Samutsakorn province, Thailand, was selected as a case study. This community has plentiful wetland resources, which provide various benefits for local people, and several areas in the community are used as public spaces for various activities, such as social interactions, recreation, sports, learning activities and cultural and traditional practices. In-depth interviews with residents in the community were conducted, and a questionnaire was administered in the Ban-Chaytalae community during August-December 2017.

Findings

The results of content analysis revealed that several places in the community are utilised as public spaces, including shrines, commercial shops, transportation routes, the coast and spaces between homes. Moreover, the results of path analysis revealed that engaging in cultural, traditional, community development and socialising activities had direct effects on residents’ sense of place and indirect effects on sense of place through community relations.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings implied that land development policy should avoid the deterioration of public places, and furthermore, public spaces should be developed to facilitate activities that can strengthen the active roles of citizens in sustainable community development.

Originality/value

This study provided empirical evidence on the role of public activities and spaces in promoting community relations and sense of place. The study results imply that the quality and quantity of public spaces where cultural, socialising and community development activities are performed should be conserved. Any development that might change these public spaces has the potential to affect people’s ways of living, which, in turn, influences social relationships and sense of place.
Cross-lagged effects of resilience and indicators of sustainable employability; a study among Dutch police officers
Authors: Semeijn Judith H. , Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , Kooistra Daniël
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Sustainable employability is an important goal for individuals and organizations alike. However, scarce knowledge is available on possible cross-lagged relations of resilience among police officers and different aspects of their sustainable employability over time. Based on assumptions of COR theory, the purpose of this paper is to test these relations in a two-wave design.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 532 police officers participated in a time-lagged survey design (time interval of six months) concerning their resilience and relevant aspects, i.e., self-reported vitality, workability and organization-reported individual absenteeism rates. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results indicate cross-lagged effects between resilience and vitality with an acceptable model fit. Thus, the level of resilience at T1 affected the level of vitality at T2 and vice versa. In addition, a nearly significant negative effect of vitality on T1 was found on absenteeism on T2.

Research limitations/implications

More measurements over time are needed to test reciprocal relations and possible gain spirals. Different samples are needed to assess generalizability. Cross-lagged effects may indicate a reciprocal relation between resilience and vitality that can be further facilitated.

Practical implications

For example, resilience can be addressed explicitly in training.

Originality/value

This study is the first to test the cross-lagged relations between resilience and indicators of sustainable employability among police officers. It is important to further study this for the sake of both police officers, as well as society as a whole.
Preparation and characterisation of glass and cotton fibers reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: R. Giridharan , M.P. Jenarthanan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Natural fiber composites have been proven an alternative to conventional composites in many applications such as automotive and transportation industries owing to their eco-friendliness and abundant availability. Also, they are recyclable and biodegradable. Therefore, the need for composites having superior performance is increasing consistently, which has prompted the research reported in this paper. This paper aims to fabricate and evaluate the properties of hybrid composites using glass and cotton fiber with epoxy resin.

Design/methodology/approach

They were prepared by hand lay-up method, using e-glass and cotton fibers. Epoxy resin used in the preparation of composites. The composites were hybridized at two weight percentages (20 and 30 Wt.%). The prepared samples were tested to evaluate its properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and scanning electron microscope .

Findings

Microscopic examination revealed the morphological features. Hybrid fiber reinforced epoxy composite (HFREC) exhibited better mechanical properties than the individual samples. It is clear that 30 Wt.% fraction of fiber is better in mechanical properties than 20 Wt.% fraction of fiber reinforcement in both glass fiber and cotton fiber as reinforcement. Also, the hybridization of fibers resulted in increase in properties.

Research limitations/implications

As cotton fibers are biodegradable, recyclable and lightweight, it has many applications and is mainly used as automotive components, aerospace parts, sporting goods and building industry when reinforced with glass and epoxy. With this scenario, the obtained results of cotton fiber reinforced composites are not ignorable, which could be of potential use, as it leads to better use of available natural fibers.

Originality/value

This work discovered the properties of e-glass and cotton fiber reinforced epoxy resin hybrid composites (hybridized at different weight percentages), which has not been attempted so far.
Ink tack stability readings of the offset thermochromic inks
Authors: Kapović Dominik , Rožić Mirela , Vukoje Marina , Lozo Branka
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the tack stability measurement readings of thermochromic offset inks. For this purpose, three reversible leuco-dye formed thermochromic inks were used to evaluate their tack. The used inks differ in their activation temperature, colour, drying mechanism, viscosity and chemical content. Thermochromic offset inks differ from conventional inks in formulation and size of colourants due to the presence of the microcapsules.

Design/methodology/approach

Printing inks in offset lithography must have sufficient tack so they can be transported from a reservoir onto the substrate. The ink transfer takes place through the ink splitting by inking rollers, printing plate and blanket transport. An IGT Tackoscope device was used to produce the dynamic readings of ink tack as a function of distribution and splitting time. The data can be used for prediction of the ink press stability under controlled settings, such as temperature.

Findings

This research explains the temperature and velocity influence on the tack stability measurement readings of thermochromic inks. It also gives an insight of the chemical compounds that dictate the tack measuring reading results.

Originality/value

Development of new printing inks, such as thermochromic printing inks, may affect the printing of different products. The research was conducted due to a lack of available data for the tack of thermochromic inks.
Understanding contextual factors affecting the adoption of energy-efficient household products in Jordan
Authors: Abu-Elsamen Amjad A. , Akroush Mamoun N. , Asfour Nermeen A. , Al Jabali Hana
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine contextual factors affecting intention to purchase energy-saving products (ESPs), via a research model integrating environmental awareness, perceived performance risk and perceived financial risk with the theory of reasoned action (TRA).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 474 targeted Jordanian householders completed a structured survey, providing data for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and for structural path analysis to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

Attitude most strongly predicts purchase intention. Environmental awareness positively influences subjective norms and reduces perceived performance and financial risks, which are related to purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research examines perceived performance and financial risks. Others including social and physical risks have research potential. Future research on international marketing strategy and cross-cultural consumer behavior could compare Jordan with its oil-producing neighbors.

Practical implications

Environmental awareness affects ESP purchase intention. Marketing strategy should focus on reducing perceived functional and financial risks while enhancing subjective norms by encouraging positive word of mouth.

Social implications

The findings enhance environmental sustainability by indicating ways of reducing energy consumption and increasing the usage of environmentally friendly products. The study addresses behavioral and social aspects of green products, whereas most ESP suppliers focus on technology.

Originality/value

The study’s major theoretical contribution is incorporating perceived risk and environmental awareness into the TRA to better understand intention to purchase ESPs. Empirically, it conceptualizes and tests an integrated model of determinants of attitudes and intentions with new insights from an emerging market.
Visiting the “enemy”: visitation in politically unstable destinations
Authors: Farmaki Anna , Antoniou Katerina , Christou Prokopis
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors shaping the intentions of people to visit a hostile outgroup.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory, qualitative research approach was followed. Specifically, 77 semi-structured interviews with citizens of the divided island of Cyprus were conducted.

Findings

This study identifies several categories of visitors and non-visitors, depicted along a continuum, and concludes that there is a multiplicity of factors in the socio-political environment which influence the travel intentions of people.

Originality/value

This study not only imparts insights into the way travel decision-making evolves in politically unstable situations but also serves as a stepping stone towards understanding the conditions under which reconciliation between hostile nations may be encouraged by travel.
A boundary-type approach for the computation of vertical stresses in soil due to arbitrarily shaped foundations
Authors: Al-Gahtani Husain Jubran , Adekunle Saheed Kolawole
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a simple, yet accurate and efficient, formulation for computing the vertical soil stresses due to arbitrarily distributed surface pressures or loads over an arbitrarily shaped area.

Design/methodology/approach

By leveraging on the strength of Green’s theorem, the present approach is based on the formulation of the classical Boussinesq solution as a boundary-type problem over an arbitrarily shaped simply- or multiply-connected loaded region. The accuracy of the developed formulation was exemplified through a number of illustrative examples, which included both simply- and multiply-connected loaded areas.

Findings

The results of the test examples presented in this work indicated a high degree of accuracy and flexibility of the developed approach despite its simplicity.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the present work is the introduction of an efficient meshless approach and an algorithm that can be implemented in few lines of code on any programing platform, as either a stand-alone program or a computational module in larger engineering software packages.
Lenalidomide in the management of eosinophilic dermatosis of hematological malignancy
Authors: Sato‐Sano Marcelo , Teixeira Solange Pistori , Vargas Juliano Cordova , Baiocchi Otávio Cesar Carvalho Guimarães , Enokihara Milvia Maria Simões e Silva , Gomes Elimar Elias , Batista Mariana Dias
Published: May 2019

Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematological malignancy is a paraneoplastic skin eruption associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B‐cell malignancies. It clinically resembles an insect bite reaction and it can precede the symptoms of the hematological malignancy or be related to a more aggressive course. Different treatments have been proposed, but partial response and recurrence are frequent. Herein, we describe a case of eosinophilic dermatosis associated with mantle cell lymphoma with remission after lenalidomide therapy.
There is no such thing as a crisis: A critique of and alterative to the dominant crisis management model
Authors: Spector Bert
Published: May 2019

In this Forum piece, I propose an alternative conceptual model, one that replaces the crisis event with the claim of urgency made by a leader as the focal unit of analysis. The proposed crisis‐as‐claim model insists that no claim of urgency is legitimate per se. From the perspective of the researcher, the crisis‐asclaim model reverses cause‐and effect from the event to the claim as independent variable. Finally, the crisis‐as‐claim model elides the consideration of heroic leadership so common in the crisis‐as‐event model, positioning instead leaders as claims makers always intent on advancing interests and enhancing power.
Physicochemical properties of High‐Protein‐Set Yoghurts obtained with the addition of whey protein preparations
Authors: Nastaj Maciej , Sołowiej Bartosz G , Gustaw Waldemar , Peréz‐Huertas Salvador , Mleko Stanisław , Wesołowska‐Trojanowska Marta
Published: May 2019

The aim of the paper was to investigate the effects of the addition of whey protein isolate (WPI) and whey protein concentrate (WPC80) on physicochemical properties of high‐protein yoghurts. Changes in storage, loss moduli, phase angle values, flow behaviour and textural parameters were determined. Surface properties (roughness, contact angles) were also estimated. The properties of yoghurts depended on the preparation type and their concentration. The application of WPI resulted in accelerated gel formation in comparison with the yoghurts produced with WPC80. This technology is addressed to particular consumers who search for new foods to meet their daily protein requirements.
Physical and sensory characteristics and probiotic survival in ice cream sweetened with various polyols
Authors: Kalicka Dorota , Znamirowska Agata , Pawlos Małgorzata , Buniowska Magdalena , Szajnar Katarzyna
Published: May 2019

The effect of polyols (xylitol, erythritol, maltitol and isomalt) on physical and sensory properties of probiotic ice cream, as well as the survival of Bifidobacterium BB‐12 during freezing over 28 days of frozen storage, was investigated. The control sample of ice cream, sweetened with sugar, showed a lower pH and higher overrun than those sweetened with polyols. The viable bifidobacteria counts remained above 8 log cfu/g in all samples. The amount of erythritol added was not enough to obtain a similar sweetness as in control, but too high to get an ice cream with good textural properties.
Antecedents and outcomes of employee empowerment practices: A theoretical extension with empirical evidence
Authors: Yin Yishuai , Wang Yue , Lu Ying
Published: May 2019

Despite being often touted as a best practice to enhance organisational performance, in reality, employee empowerment practices have not been widely adopted. This paper combines transaction cost economics with organisational behaviour and resource‐based views to examine antecedents and outcomes of empowerment practices, from both cost‐efficiency and value‐creation perspectives. On the basis of a study of 99 multinational subsidiaries in China, we found that human asset specificity, a key characteristic of employee–employer exchange, related significantly to organisations' adoption of empowerment practices. We also found that empowerment practices had a positive impact on organisational performance, and they mediated the relationship between human asset specificity and performance. In addition, results showed that task interdependence strengthened the impact of empowerment practices on performance outcome. The paper contributes to research on empowerment practices by offering a theoretically more comprehensive and balanced analysis of why and when empowerment is good for performance, with the support of empirical evidence.
Clinical features and treatment options among Chinese adults with self‐reported constipation: An internet‐based survey
Authors: Song Jun , Bai Tao , Zhang Lei , Hou Xiao Hua
Published: May 2019

Objective

We aimed to investigate the clinical features, precipitating factors, bowel habits, bothersome symptoms and treatment strategies of individuals in China with self‐reported constipation.

Methods

An internet‐based survey was conducted in China. The participants had self‐reported chronic constipation (≥1 symptoms including straining, hard stools, time‐consuming defecation, sensations of incomplete evacuation and anorectal blockage, using manual assistance, and fewer than three defecations per week, for over 6 months). Data on their sex, age and occupation, precipitating factors, bowel habit, main symptoms and treatment options were collected.

Results

Overall, 6318 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria for chronic constipation. More women (54.6%, n = 3450) than men reported constipation. The most common age group for constipation was 31 to 40 years (40.0%, n = 2520) and the most common occupation was office workers (43.6%, n = 2754). Disordered eating routines, consuming spicy food, and failure to defecate in time were the most common factors associated with constipation. Overall, 76.0% (n = 4804) participants did not defecate in the morning; 56.2% (n = 3548) spent 6 to 15 minutes in defecating. The most prevalent symptom was straining (39.4%, n = 2489). For preferred treatment options, 81.7% (n = 5160) selected changes in their lifestyle and diet, 51.1% (n = 3229) selected using traditional Chinese medicine, and 25.2% (n = 1590) selected using laxatives.

Conclusions

Constipation rates were higher in women, people aged 31 to 40 years old, and those working in offices. Having eating disorders, eating spicy food and withholding stools were the most common precipitating factors. Straining was the most prevalent symptom. Lifestyle changes were the most common action taken for managing constipation.
Influence of serum vitamin D level on Helicobacter pylori eradication: A multi‐center, observational, prospective and cohort study
Authors: Han Chuan , Ni Zhen , Yuan Ting , Zhang Jian , Wang Chan , Wang Xin , Ning Han Bing , Liu Jie , Sun Nina , Liu Cai Fang , Shi Miao , Lu Wen Quan , Shi Yong Quan
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This study was designed to test whether serum vitamin D levels affected Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and eradication rates.

Methods

A multicenter observational prospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 496 H. pylori− positive (H. pylori+) and 257 H. pylori‐negative (H. pylori−) patients were enrolled from four hospitals in China. Baseline serum vitamin D levels were measured and a 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) was performed for all the participants. The H. pylori+ patients were divided into two subgroups based on their serum vitamin D levels (<10 or ≥10 ng/mL). A second 13C‐UBT was performed between 4 and 8 weeks after 14‐day bismuth‐containing quadruple eradication therapies. Factors potentially affecting H. pylori eradication were determined using a questionnaire survey.

Results

Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the H. pylori+ group than in the H. pylori− group ([17.0 ± 6.9] ng/mL vs [19.2 ± 8.0] ng/mL, P = 0.000). H. pylori eradication rate significantly differed between patients with serum vitamin D levels of <10 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL (71.7% vs 87.3%, P = 0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that having serum vitamin D level ≥10 ng/mL was an independent risk factor for a successful H. pylori eradication (odds ratio 0.381, 95% confidence interval 0.183‐0.791, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Serum vitamin D level may affect H. pylori infection and its eradication. Randomized controlled trials are needed to find out whether vitamin D supplements may increase the H. pylori eradication rate.
Microstructure Evolution of Organic Matter and Clay Minerals in Shales with Increasing Thermal Maturity
Authors: GU Yuantao , LI Xiaoxia , YANG Shuguang , WAN Quan
Published: May 2019

As the two important components of shale, organic matter (OM) and clay minerals are usually thought to strongly influence the hydrocarbon generation, enrichment and exploitation. The evolution process of OM and clay minerals as well as their interrelationship over a wide range of thermal maturities are not completely clear. Taking Yanchang (T3y), Longmaxi (S1l) and Niutitang (Є1n) shales as examples, we have studied the microstructure characteristics of OM and clay minerals in shales with different thermal maturities. The effects of clay minerals and OM on pores were reinforced through sedimentation experiments. Using a combination of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and low‐pressure N2 adsorption, we investigated the microstructure differences among the three shales. The results showed that both OM and clay minerals have strong effects on pores, and small mesopore (2–20 nm) is the dominant pore component for all three samples. However, the differences between the three samples are embodied in the distribution of pore size and the location. For the T3y shale, clay minerals are loosely arranged and develop large amounts of pores, and fine OM grains often fill in intergranular minerals or fractures. Widespread OM pores distribute irregularly in S1l shale, and most of the pores are elliptical and nondirectional. The Є1n shale is characterized by the preferred orientational OM‐clay aggregates, and lots of pores in the composites are in the mesopore range, suggesting that over maturity lead to the collapse and compaction of pores under huge pressure of strata. The results of the current research imply that with increasing thermal maturity, OM pores are absent at low maturity (T3y), are maximized at high maturity (S1l) and are destroyed or compacted at over‐mature stage (Є1n). Meanwhile, clay minerals have gone through mineral transformation and orientational evolution. The interaction of the two processes makes a significant difference to the microstructure evolution of OM and clay minerals in shale, and the findings provide scientific foundation in better understanding diagenetic evolution and hydrocarbon generation of shale.
Palaeodiet of Miocene Producers and Depositional Environments: Inferences from the First Evidence of Microcoprolites from India
Authors: KAPUR Vivesh V. , KUMAR Kamlesh , MORTHEKAI P. , CHADDHA Amritpal Singh
Published: May 2019

This paper reviews research on coprolites from India, providing the first evidence of microcoprolites from the early Miocene (Aquitanian) Khari Nadi Formation sedimentary succession, exposed about 1.5 km northeast of the village of Kotada, Kachchh (Kutch) District, Gujarat State, western India. Morphometric and size comparisons (in a statistical framework) with known coprolites from the Mesozoic‐Cenozoic successions of India (including those recorded herein) and globally suggest that fishes were the likely producers of the Kotada coprolites. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the presence of fish dental remains within the coprolites, while both Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS) reveal the phosphatic nature of the microscopic coprolite specimens (recorded herein) hinting that the producer(s) were predominantly carnivorous (ichthyophagous) in their diet. Furthermore, X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the host and associated lithologies allows us to deduce that the Kotada coprolites were deposited in a shallow marine environment, with possible aerial exposure of the host lithology occurring at some point after deposition. To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first record of microscopic fish coprolites from India, as well as being the first from the Aquitanian of India and the oldest Neogene record from India.
Molecular Organic Geochemical Characteristics and Coal Gas Potential Evaluation of Mesozoic Coal Seams in the Western Great Khingan Mountains
Authors: QU Yue , SHAN Xuanlong , DU Tiantian , DU Xianli , ZHAO Rongsheng
Published: May 2019

Coal‐bearing strata are widespread in the western Great Khingan Mountains. Abundant coal resources have been found in the Jurassic Alatanheli Groups, the Cretaceous Bayanhua Groups, the Damoguaihe Formation and the Yimin Formation. The organic geochemical characteristics were analyzed in combination with hydrocarbon source rock evaluation and molecular organic geochemistry experiments, and the coal gas potential of coal seams was evaluated. The source rock evaluation results indicated that the Mesozoic coal samples have the characteristics of high organic matter abundance (TOC>30%), low maturity (Ro values of approximately 0.6%), and type III composition. The hydrocarbon generation potentials of the Alatanheli Groups and Bayanhua Groups are high, while the generation potentials of the Damoguaihe Formation and the Yimin Formation are low. The results of geochemistry show that the depositional environment of the coal seam was a lacustrine, oxidizing environment with a low salinity, and the source of the organic matter was mainly higher plants. Affected by weak degradation, the coal seams mainly formed low‐maturity gas of thermal catalytic origin. The Cretaceous coal seams contain a large amount of phytoplankton groups deposited in a low‐stability environment affected by a transgression event, and the potential range varied widely. For the Jurassic coal seams, the depositional environment was more stable, and the coal seams feature a higher coal‐forming gas potential.
Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Pore Structure on Resistivity, Formation Factor and Cementation Index in Tight Sandstone
Authors: WU Feng , WEN Zhu , YAO Cong , WANG Xianhu , XI Yanping , CONG Linlin
Published: May 2019

Tight sandstone, with severe diagenesis and complex pore structure, differs greatly from conventional sandstone in terms of rock electrical parameters. In subsurface rock electrical experiments, various electrical parameters are confounded and can only be analyzed qualitatively. The lack of quantitative analysis for each individual electrical parameter presents a challenge for the evaluation of oil and gas saturation in tight sandstone. Based on the 2D pore‐throat model and the features of pore structure in the tight sandstone of the Penglaizhen and Shaximiao Formations in the upper and middle Jurassic of the Western Sichuan Depression, this paper presents 3D micro pore‐throat models for three types of tight sandstone. It proposes a finite element‐based rock electrical simulation method to analyze the influence of pore structure parameters, such as throat radius and throat tortuosity, on electrical parameters such as resistivity, formation factor, and cementation index quantitatively. The research revealed the following results: (1) Throats of tight sandstone usually have lamellar or curved lamellar shapes that are slender and narrow. The lamellar throat used in the proposed pore‐throat model is more consistent with the features of tight sandstone than the tubular throat used in the original model. (2) The throat determines the conductivity of tight sandstone. The throat parallel to the electric potential has the greatest influence on conductivity, and the throat perpendicular to the potential has the least influence. (3) In tight sandstone grades I to III, as the porosity decreases, the formation factor increases and the cementation index decreases. (4) The results of the rock electrical simulation are consistent with the results of the rock electrical experiment, which indicates that the proposed rock electrical simulation method of tight sandstone is effective and accurate.
Tight Carbonate Microstructure and its Controls: A Case Study of Lower Jurassic Da'anzhai Member, Central Sichuan Basin
Authors: LI Bo , WANG Xingzhi , LIU Hongqi , WANG Yongjun , TIAN Jie , HUO Fei , GAO Zhaolong
Published: May 2019

Cast thin section observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐pressure mercury injection (HPMI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to examine the microstructure of tight carbonate reservoirs in the Lower Jurassic Da'anzhai Member, the central Sichuan Basin. The pore space in the Da'anzhai Member is classified into 2 types and 17 subtypes, with nano‐scale pore throats of ‘O’, ‘S’, ‘Z’, and ‘I’ shapes. Poorly sorted pore throats vary greatly in diameter; thus, it is difficult for fluid flow to pass through these pore throats. There are three classes of pore throats in carbonate reservoirs, i.e. isolated pores, pores coexisting with fractures, and large pores and fractures. Isolated pores may provide some pore space, but the permeability is low. Pores and fractures coexisting in the reservoir may have a great impact on porosity and permeability; they are the major pore space in the reservoir. Large pores and fractures have a great impact on reservoir properties, but they only account for a limited proportion of total pore space. The microstructure of Da'anzhai reservoirs, which dominates fluid mobility, is dependent on sedimentary environment, diagenesis, and tectonic process. Pore structure is related to sedimentary environment. The occurrence of microfractures, which may improve reservoir properties, is dependent on tectonic process. Diageneses are of utmost importance to pore evolution, cementation and growth of minerals have played an important role in destroying reservoir microstructure.
Tooth wear and aging
Authors: Bartlett D , O'Toole S
Published: May 2019

Background

In an ageing population, tooth wear is likely to increase. It is increasing in prevalence in the younger population and a greater number of patients are retaining their teeth into old age.

Methods

This paper is a narrative review of the clinical presentation, the epidemiology and the restorative intervention for erosive tooth wear. The dilemmas in managing this common condition with the aging dentition in mind are described. The paper discusses evidence‐based prevention methods and highlights how preventive intervention may be preferable over extensive restorative care and high maintenance needs. Patient wishes, expectations and commitment to treatment and maintenance require consideration during clinical decision making.

Conclusion

Successful management of erosive tooth wear in an ageing population depends on effective diagnosis, preventive intervention and holistic advice regarding restorative intervention.
Carcinogen‐induced tumors in SFN‐transgenic mice harbor a characteristic mutation spectrum of human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Yunjung , Shiba‐Ishii Aya , Ramirez Karina , Muratani Masafumi , Sakamoto Noriaki , Iijima Tatsuo , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: May 2019

The landscape of genetic alterations in disease models such as transgenic mice or mice with carcinogen‐induced tumors has provided a huge amount of information that has shed light on the process of tumorigenesis in human non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have previously identified stratifin (SFN) as a potent oncogene, and generated SFN‐transgenic (Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/−) mice, which express human SFN (hSFN) only in the lung. Here, we have found that carcinogen nicotine‐derived nitrosaminoketone (NNK)‐induced tumors developing in Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− mice show a similar histology to human lung adenocarcinoma and exhibit high hSFN expression. In order to compare the genetic characteristics of Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− tumors and human lung adenocarcinoma, the former were subjected to whole‐exome sequencing. Interestingly, Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− tumors showed the distinct distribution of exonic mutations and high number of mutated genes and transversion. Moreover, Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− tumors showed 73 genes that were commonly detected in more than 2 tumors, mutations of which were also found in human lung adenocarcinoma. The expression levels of some of these genes were significantly associated with the clinical outcome of lung adenocarcinoma patients. Additionally, mutated genes in Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− tumors were closely associated with key canonical pathways such as PI3K/AKT signaling and apoptosis signaling. These results suggest that SFN overexpression is a universal abnormality in human lung adenocarcinogenesis and Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− tumors recapitulate key features of major human lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, Tg‐SPC‐SFN+/− mice provide a useful model for clarifying the molecular mechanism underlying lung adenocarcinogenesis.
Clinical significance of the LacdiNAc‐glycosylated prostate‐specific antigen assay for prostate cancer detection
Authors: Yoneyama Tohru , Tobisawa Yuki , Kaneko Tomonori , Kaya Takatoshi , Hatakeyama Shingo , Mori Kazuyuki , Sutoh Yoneyama Mihoko , Okubo Teppei , Mitsuzuka Koji , Duivenvoorden Wilhelmina , Pinthus Jehonathan H. , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Koie Takuya , Suda Yoshihiko , Gardiner Robert A. , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2019

To reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies (Pbx), better discrimination is needed. To identify clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC) we determined the performance of LacdiNAc‐glycosylated prostate‐specific antigen (LDN‐PSA) and LDN‐PSA normalized by prostate volume (LDN‐PSAD). We retrospectively measured LDN‐PSA, total PSA (tPSA), and free PSA/tPSA (F/T PSA) values in 718 men who underwent a Pbx in 3 academic urology clinics in Japan and Canada (Pbx cohort) and in 174 PC patients who subsequently underwent radical prostatectomy in Australia (preop‐PSA cohort). The assays were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and decision curve analyses to discriminate CSPC. In the Pbx cohort, LDN‐PSAD (AUC 0.860) provided significantly better clinical performance for discriminating CSPC compared with LDN‐PSA (AUC 0.827, P = 0.0024), PSAD (AUC 0.809, P < 0.0001), tPSA (AUC 0.712, P < 0.0001), and F/T PSA (AUC 0.661, P < 0.0001). The decision curve analysis showed that using a risk threshold of 20% and adding LDN‐PSA and LDN‐PSAD to the base model (age, digital rectal examination status, tPSA, and F/T PSA) permitted avoidance of even more biopsies without missing CSPC (9.89% and 18.11%, respectively vs 2.23% [base model]). In the preop‐PSA cohort, LDN‐PSA values positively correlated with tumor volume and tPSA and were significantly higher in pT3, pathological Gleason score ≥ 7. Limitations include limited sample size, retrospective nature, and no family history information prior to biopsy. LacdiNAc‐glycosylated PSA is significantly better than the conventional PSA test in identifying patients with CSPC. This study was approved by the ethics committee of each institution (“The Study about Carbohydrate Structure Change in Urological Disease”; approval no. 2014‐195).
Intestinal parasites including Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia, and Microsporidia, Entamoeba histolytica, Strongyloides, Schistosomiasis, and Echinococcus: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: La Hoz Ricardo M. , Morris Michele I. ,   on behalf of the AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: May 2019

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of intestinal parasites in the pre‐ and post‐transplant period. Intestinal parasites are prevalent in the developing regions of the world. With increasing travel to and from endemic regions, changing immigration patterns, and the expansion of transplant medicine in developing countries, they are increasingly recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality in solid‐organ transplant recipients. Parasitic infections may be acquired from the donor allograft, from reactivation, or from de novo acquisition post‐transplantation. Gastrointestinal multiplex assays have been developed; some of the panels include testing for Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia, and the performance is comparable to conventional methods. A polymerase chain reaction test, not yet widely available, has also been developed to detect Strongyloides in stool samples. New recommendations have been developed to minimize the risk of Strongyloides donor‐derived events. Deceased donors with epidemiological risk factors should be screened for Strongyloides and recipients treated if positive as soon as the results are available. New therapeutic agents and studies addressing the optimal treatment regimen for solid‐organ transplant recipients are unmet needs.
‘Something in the way you move’: Infants are sensitive to emotions conveyed in action kinematics
Authors: Addabbo Margaret , Vacaru Stefania V. , Meyer Marlene , Hunnius Sabine
Published: May 2019

Body movements, as well as faces, communicate emotions. Research in adults has shown that the perception of action kinematics has a crucial role in understanding others’ emotional experiences. Still, little is known about infants’ sensitivity to body emotional expressions, since most of the research in infancy focused on faces. While there is some first evidence that infants can recognize emotions conveyed in whole‐body postures, it is still an open question whether they can extract emotional information from action kinematics. We measured electromyographic (EMG) activity over the muscles involved in happy (zygomaticus major, ZM), angry (corrugator supercilii, CS) and fearful (frontalis, F) facial expressions, while 11‐month‐old infants observed the same action performed with either happy or angry kinematics. Results demonstrate that infants responded to angry and happy kinematics with matching facial reactions. In particular, ZM activity increased while CS activity decreased in response to happy kinematics and vice versa for angry kinematics. Our results show for the first time that infants can rely on kinematic information to pick up on the emotional content of an action. Thus, from very early in life, action kinematics represent a fundamental and powerful source of information in revealing others’ emotional state.
Triple therapy with low‐dose dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin versus dual therapy with each monocomponent, all added to metformin, in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Perl Shira , Johnsson Eva , García‐Sánchez Ricardo , Jacob Stephan
Published: May 2019

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with low‐dose dapagliflozin plus saxagliptin added to metformin in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

This 24‐week, double‐blind trial (NCT02681094) randomized 883 patients (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.5‐10.0%) on metformin ≥1500 mg/d to add‐on dapagliflozin 5 mg/d plus saxagliptin 5 mg/d or to add‐on of either monocomponent. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline.

Results

Baseline mean ± SD patient characteristics were: age 56.7 ± 10.5 years; HbA1c 8.2 ± 0.9%; and diabetes duration 7.6 ± 6.1 years. Triple therapy significantly decreased HbA1c versus dual therapy (−1.03% vs. −0.63% [dapagliflozin] vs. −0.69% [saxagliptin]; P < .0001). More patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with triple versus dual therapy (41.6% vs. 21.8% [dapagliflozin; P < .0001] vs. 29.8% [saxagliptin; P = .0018]). Triple therapy significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (−1.5 mmol/L vs. −1.1 mmol/L [dapagliflozin; P = .0135] vs. −0.7 mmol/L [saxagliptin; P < .0001]) and body weight (−2.0 kg vs. −0.4 kg [saxagliptin; P < .0001]), and β‐hydroxybutyrate levels were lower than with dapagliflozin plus metformin (mean difference −0.51; P = .0009). Urinary tract/genital infections and hypoglycaemia occurred in <5.0% and 5.8% of patients, respectively, with triple therapy.

Conclusions

Triple therapy with once‐daily dapagliflozin 5 mg, saxagliptin 5 mg and metformin significantly improved glycaemic control versus dual therapy with either agent added to metformin in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, and was generally well tolerated.