bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A continuous improvement assessment tool, considering lean, safety and ergonomics
Authors: Brito Marlene Ferreira , Ramos Ana Luísa , Carneiro Paula , Gonçalves Maria Antónia
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an attempt to develop an instrument containing operational measures of lean combined with safety and ergonomic conditions in a workstation or production line. This operational tool aims to help researchers and practitioners to prioritize and evaluate the lean implementations, as well as the ergonomic and safety conditions, in an integrated way.

Design/methodology/approach

Lean manufacturing methods and principles, as well as safety and ergonomics aspects, were exhaustively researched with the ultimate goal of finding a way to improve the workplace by taking into account the efficiency and well-being of workers. The instrument was validated in an interactive process between theory and practical insights. At the end, it was tested in several workstations/production areas.

Findings

The study reveals that high scores are derived from a good interaction between lean, ergonomics and safety.

Research limitations/implications

It would be important to validate it in different companies and different types of industries because each one has its own characteristics.

Practical implications

This tool helps practitioners (technicians and ergonomic practitioners from manufacturing companies) assess the implementation of lean principles and the safety issues in their processes. It also allows managers to evaluate their business and identify the priority areas to improve according to the previously defined company’s aims.

Originality/value

As Peter Drucker said: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” For a successful implementation, managers should start the lean journey with a lean assessment and make it in a regular basis. To the authors’ knowledge, there are various lean assessment tools, but this work is innovative because it provides an assessment instrument to evaluate organizations’ workstations/production areas simultaneously in three dimensions: lean, safety and ergonomic aspects.
Impacts of educational mismatches on job satisfaction
Authors: Sam Vichet
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Education-job mismatches, especially overeducation or vertical mismatch, are generally found to lower the worker’s job satisfaction, which may generate the counter-productive behaviors, such as high rates of absenteeism and turnover in developed countries. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of educational mismatches from their both forms and dimensions (match, overeducation, horizontal mismatch and double mismatch) on the job satisfaction among university graduates in Cambodia.

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with the sample selection bias owing to the unobserved job satisfaction of unemployed graduates, this paper applies the Heckman probit model on a survey conducted with 19 higher education institutions in Cambodia.

Findings

Results indicate that a half of graduates suffer at least one type of educational mismatch and the both forms of mismatches adversely affect the job satisfaction with the strongest impact from the double mismatch case.

Research limitations/implications

The authors take into account the sample selection bias, but are not able to deal with the unobserved heterogeneity, such as individual competences and preferences. With the panel data, it would be possible to isolate those individual fixed effects.

Practical implications

The findings underline the importance of improvement in the quality of higher education in Cambodia that seems to play a main role in this education-job mismatch problem. Creating the occupational counseling for the high school students would be also helpful to orientate students to the majors strongly needed by the labor market.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on all forms and dimensions of mismatches and takes into account the sample selection bias in the context of a low-income country where the increasing rate of enrollment in higher education seems to be accompanied by an increasing rate of education-job mismatches. Previous research works focused mostly on overeducation and in developed countries.
A study on the wear behavior of tin-based journal bearing under different working conditions
Authors: Li Hulin , Yin Zhongwei , Wang Yanzhen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the friction and wear properties of journal bearings under different working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction coefficient and wear losses of journal bearing under different working conditions have been determined by a bearing test rig. The worn surfaces of bearing were examined by scanning electron microscopy and laser three-dimensional micro-imaging profile measurements, and the tribological behavior and wear mechanisms were investigated.

Findings

The wear loss and friction coefficient of bearing under starting-stopping working condition is far greater than that of steady-state working conditions. In addition, the maximum wear loss under start-up and stop conditions is about 120 times of that under stable operating conditions. Under stable working conditions, the main wear forms of bearings are abrasive wear, under starting-stopping working conditions the main wear mechanisms of bearings are adhesion wear, abrasive wear and fatigue wear.

Originality/value

These research results have certain practical value for understanding the tribology behavior of journal bearings under different working conditions.
Plus-size children’s apparel
Authors: Lee Youngji , Hodges Nancy
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences with shopping for apparel among mothers of young girls who wear plus sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was employed to collect data, including in-depth interviews and online observation. Interviews were conducted with mothers because the literature indicates that they typically function as intermediaries between social forces and their children’s developing perceptions of self.

Findings

Three primary emergent themes were used to structure the interpretation: the style factor, a good fit and working around the label. Findings of this study reveal the extent to which the mothers face challenges in finding stylish, age appropriate and well-fitting plus-sized clothing for their young daughters, despite the increasing number of retailers offering expanded children’s sizes.

Originality/value

Despite the notable increase in children who wear plus sizes, there has been little research on the needs of this group, and particularly among those of early (3–5 years) and middle childhood (6–11 years). Although research on plus sizes among adolescents is on the increase, the difficulties of conducting research with younger children in general have likely resulted in a gap in knowledge about their plus-size apparel needs. However, this study offers new insight on the topic of plus sizes in apparel from the perspective of parents as household consumption decision makers.
Explaining tourist behavioral loyalty toward mobile apps
Authors: Castañeda José-Alberto , Martínez-Heredia María-José , Rodríguez-Molina Miguel-Ángel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The overall tourist experience is changing because of the development of mobile devices, ubiquitous internet access and applications (apps) designed specifically for tourism. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of continued use and recommendation of such apps (loyalty), framed within the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model, considering innate user traits (innovativeness) and one of the principal attributes of mobile phones (portability).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 285 Spanish tourists who owned a smartphone and were using some kind of mobile app in connection with their stay.

Findings

The results show that the UTAUT2 model is effective in explaining loyalty toward tourism apps and that its variables mediate the effect of user and mobile device characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

To ensure continued use of a tourism app, it should possess the following core attributes: deliver a positive cost–benefit trade-off, be fun to use, provide up-to-date and useful information and generate a degree of dependency in the user.

Originality/value

The present research is particularly relevant because of its focus on the use of apps during the stay, given that most of the extant literature centers on previous stages (such as service booking).
Technology acceptance comparison between on-road dynamic message sign and on-board human machine interface for connected vehicle-based variable speed limit in fog area
Authors: Li Jia , Xu Wenxiang , Zhao Xiaohua
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Connected vehicle-based variable speed limit (CV-VSL) systems in fog area use multi-source detection data to indicate drivers to make uniform change in speed when low visibility conditions suddenly occur. The purpose of the speed limit is to make the driver's driving behavior more consistent, so as to improve traffic safety and relieve traffic congestion. The on-road dynamic message sign (DMS) and on-board human–machine interface (HMI) are two types of warning technologies for CV-VSL systems. This study aims to analyze drivers’ acceptance of the two types of warning technologies in fog area and its influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed DMS and on-board HMI for the CV-VSL system in fog area on a driving simulator. The DMS and on-board HMI provided the driver with weather and speed limit information. In all, 38 participants participated in the experiment and completed questionnaires on drivers’ basic information, perceived usefulness and ease of use of the CV-VSL systems. Technology acceptance model (TAM) was developed to evaluate the drivers’ acceptance of CV-VSL systems. A variance analysis method was used to study the influencing factors of drivers’ acceptance including drivers’ characteristics, technology types and fog density.

Findings

The results showed that drivers’ acceptance of on-road DMS was significantly higher than that of on-board HMI. The fog density had no significant effect on drivers’ acceptance of on-road DMS or on-board HMI. Drivers’ gender, age, driving year and driving personality were associated with the acceptance of the two CV-VSL technologies differently. This study is beneficial to the functional improvement of on-road DMS, on-board HMI and their market prospects.

Originality/value

Previous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CV-VSL systems. However, there were rare studies focused on the drivers’ attitude toward using which was also called as acceptance of the CV-VSL systems. Therefore, this research calculated the drivers’ acceptance of two normally used CV-VSL systems including on-road DMS and on-board HMI using TAM. Furthermore, variance analysis was conducted to explore whether the factors such as drivers’ characteristics (gender, age, driving year and driving personality), technology types and fog density affected the drivers’ acceptance of the CV-VSL systems.
Integrating system dynamics and VoFI for the dynamic visualization of financial implications arising from IT and IS investments
Authors: Oesterreich Thuy Duong , Teuteberg Frank
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Despite the advantages that the VoFI approach offers compared with traditional capital budgeting methods, its application for the appraisal of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) investments in both research and practice is not widespread to date. Given the static nature of the generic VoFI table, the method reaches its limits in its financial plan form because it is unable to investigate the dynamic behaviour of complex investment calculations. To date, there has been no attempt to address these shortcomings to advance the use of VoFI as a useful and valid capital budgeting method in finance and accounting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address this research gap and aim at developing a ‘dynamic’ VoFI model that integrates all input variables and target measures of a VoFI table and visualises the causal relationships among these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The ‘dynamic’ VoFI model is developed through System Dynamics (SD) modelling to enhance the strength of the VoFI concept as an instrument for visualising the financial implications of investments in IT and IS at the corporate level. Case study research is used as a research method to study the behaviour of the developed model. The validity of the model is demonstrated by conducting simulation runs in Vensim software. In addition, probabilistic sensitivity analyses are performed to account for the impact of uncertainty on the main model variables.

Findings

The results demonstrate the usefulness of SD modelling for extending the generic VoFI concept by integrating risk analyses and providing a new strategy of data analysis and data presentation different from the typical financial plan form. Furthermore, the dynamic VoFI model enables the visualisation of interdependencies among the various variables incorporated in the VoFI financial plan, which significantly enhances the conceptual understanding of the investment and its financial consequences.

Originality/value

The integration of the VoFI concept into an SD model helps researchers and practitioners to enhance their conceptual understanding of this method. This thus increases its acceptance and popularity as a practical capital budgeting method, especially for the financial assessment of IT and IS investments. The VoFI model proposed in this paper should also enable analysts and decision makers to become more conscious of the interdependencies between the assumptions made for an appraisal and the quantitative results.
Online presence, visibility and reputation: a systematic literature review in management studies
Authors: Cioppi Marco , Curina Ilaria , Forlani Fabio , Pencarelli Tonino
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this 22-year paper is to synthetize business and management literature in the context of online presence, online visibility and online reputation concepts. In particular, this paper aims to generalize the analysis by investigating the level of interest of the Internet, digital and interactive marketing-focused literature, as well as the more general business and management one towards these topics.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the existence or otherwise of an online presence, visibility and reputation definition, as well as an index for measuring them, a systematic review and a content analysis process were performed on 199 articles categorized over 1997-2018.

Findings

The findings highlight the absence of clear and shared online presence, visibility and reputation definitions; the absence of unanimously accepted indexes for measuring them; and the identification of a sequence relationship between the three investigated constructs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper underlines the need for both theoretical and empirical contributions to reduce the complexity characterizing the business and management literature focused on these topics.

Originality/value

The current study brings out interesting directions for future research studies by systematizing all the articles devoted to the online presence, visibility and reputation concepts from a business and management perspective.
A review of the open-access scenario in Afghanistan
Authors: Dandawate Vrushali Sainath , M. Dhanamjaya
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Open access movement is getting increased in Asia and the Pacific and has been started in the form of subject gateways, informal collections of articles on web pages and directories. Many Asian countries adopted the transition to Open Access journals and full-text repositories and digital libraries. Open access also helps to underprivilege countries to spread their research output. But third-world Islamic countries are far away from open access and its implementations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on open-access e-resource development in Afghanistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were complemented by documentary analysis, and information retrieved from open-access databases like DOAR, DOAJ and OER Sites.

Findings

The paper provides information about open-access development in Afghanistan and also focuses on the challenges for spreading OA awareness in Afghanistan. It suggests that how local people and universities can help to spread open-access movement.

Social implications

This paper gives an idea about the educational system and other resources available in Afghanistan.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study open-access development and status in Afghanistan.
The context and state of open source software adoption in US academic libraries
Authors: Choi Namjoo , Pruett Joseph A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify barriers and drivers to open source software (OSS) adoption, and measures awareness and adoption stages of OSS in US academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of chief information officers, chief technology officers or heads for IT in US academic libraries was conducted. A total number of 179 responses were used for data analysis.

Findings

From the survey, the authors identify significant barriers and drivers that US academic libraries may consider before adopting OSS and found that awareness itself is not a barrier. While about half of respondents confirmed using OSS, the authors found surprisingly low levels of intent to adopt from current non-adopters.

Practical implications

This research offers insights for promoting OSS adoption. Also, it provides funding agencies and administrators with guidelines to encourage successful deployment of OSS in higher education.

Originality/value

While extant research is mostly anecdotal, this research draws from an online survey to snap-shot the current state of OSS adoption in US academic libraries and provides a baseline for practice and research.
Depression and anxiety in policework: a systematic review
Authors: Wagner Shannon , White Nicole , Matthews Lynda R. , Randall Christine , Regehr Cheryl , White Marc , Alden Lynn E. , Buys Nicholas , Carey Mary G. , Corneil Wayne , Fyfe Trina , Krutop Elyssa , Fraess-Phillips Alex , Fleischmann Matthew H.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the extant literature on depression and anxiety disorders in police using a multinational data set to determine whether the prevalence of these trauma-related disorders (TRMDs) is elevated in comparison to the general population.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review was employed in combination with best-evidence narrative synthesis to evaluate these hypotheses.

Findings

Despite wide variability in prevalence outcomes across the literature, strong evidence supports the hypothesis that the prevalence of depression is elevated in police, whereas moderate evidence supports the same hypothesis regarding anxiety. Preliminary evaluation of commonly examined predictive factors for each disorder demonstrated weak and inconsistent associations between these TRMDs and sociodemographic factors. No studies evaluated the relationship between incident-related factors (e.g. severity or frequency of exposure) and TRMDs, thus, at present, the literature on police is almost entirely unable to address the question of whether the prevalence of these disorders in police is influenced by exposure to work-related trauma.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight a critical need for future work to address incident-related factors in predicting symptoms of depression and anxiety in police samples to determine whether these disorders bear a unique relationship to work-related traumatic exposure. Such work will significantly benefit the design and implementation of successful prevention and intervention strategies in the workplace.

Originality/value

The present review provides a comprehensive synthesis of a highly variable literature, highlighting critical gaps in our current knowledge of TRMDs in police and suggesting numerous avenues for future study.
The role of employee attributions in burnout of “talented” employees
Authors: Malik Amina Raza , Singh Parbudyal
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a process through which perceived talent identification affects employee burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected from 242 employees using a cross-sectional survey design.

Findings

The findings supported the mediating role of work effort in the relationship between perceived talent identification and burnout. Furthermore, the results highlighted the moderating role of employee well-being attributions in the relationship between perceived talent identification and employee work effort. The moderated–mediated relationship for burnout was also supported.

Research limitations/implications

Using insights from conservation of resources and attribution theories, this study not only examined the direct relationship between perceived talent identification and feelings of burnout but also provided insights into why perceived talent identification leads to different employee outcomes.

Practical implications

Management should pay attention to the communication processes related to talent identification because employees’ interpretation of the underlying motives of this identification impacts their well-being (i.e. feelings of burnout).

Originality/value

This study examines employees’ attributions in the context of talent management and demonstrates that these interpretations play an important role in shaping their behaviours.
Risk identification and management for the research use of government administrative data
Authors: Shepherd Elizabeth , Sexton Anna , Duke-Williams Oliver , Eveleigh Alexandra
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Government administrative data have enormous potential for public and individual benefit through improved educational and health services to citizens, medical research, environmental and climate interventions and better use of scarce energy resources. The purpose of this study (part of the Administrative Data Research Centre in England, ADRC-E) was to examine perspectives about the sharing, linking and re-use (secondary use) of government administrative data. This study seeks to establish an analytical understanding of risk with regard to administrative data.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study focused on the secondary use of government administrative data by academic researchers. Data collection was through 44 semi-structured interviews plus one focus group, and was supported by documentary analysis and a literature review. The study draws on the views of expert data researchers, data providers, regulatory bodies, research funders, lobby groups, information practitioners and data subjects.

Findings

This study discusses the identification and management of risk in the use of government administrative data and presents a risk framework.

Practical implications

This study will have resonance with records managers, risk managers, data specialists, information policy and compliance managers, citizens groups that engage with data, as well as all those responsible for the creation and management of government administrative data.

Originality/value

First, this study identifies and categorizes the risks arising from the research use of government administrative data, based on policy, practice and experience of those involved. Second, it identifies mitigating risk management activities, linked to five key stakeholder communities, and it discusses the locus of responsibility for risk management actions. The conclusion presents the elements of a new risk framework to inform future actions by the government data community and enable researchers to exploit the power of administrative data for public good.
Topologically optimized axle carrier for Formula Student produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Vaverka Ondřej , Koutny Daniel , Palousek David
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present the design process, manufacturing and testing of a prototype of an axle carrier for Formula Student race car. The axle carrier is topologically optimized and additively manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

The shape of the axle carrier was created in three design stages using topology optimization and four additional design stages based on finite element calculations and experimental testing. Topology optimization was performed on the basis of relevant load cases. The sixth design stage was manufactured by SLM and then tested on a loading device together with photogrammetry measurement to obtain the real deformation. Measured deformations were compared with deformation calculated by the finite element method (FEM), verified and experiences used in the last design stage.

Findings

An additively manufactured axle carrier has a minimal safety factor of 1.2 according to experimental testing. The weight and maximal deformations are comparable with the milled part, although the material has about 50 per cent worse yield strength. The topologically optimized axle carrier proved big potential in the effective distribution of material and the improvement of toughness.

Practical implications

This paper helps the Formula Student team to enhance the driving performance while keeping low weight. It also improves further development and upgrading of the race car.

Originality/value

The whole design of the topologically optimized part was investigated – from estimation of the loads to experimental verification of FEM analysis on real part.
How logistics capabilities offered by retailers influence millennials’ online purchasing attitudes and intentions
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Klein Richard
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand consumers’ use of online retail channels. This study examines how tracking capabilities, delivery speed, trust, logistics carriers’ reputation, people important to the consumer and online reviews influence Millennials’ online purchasing attitudes and intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to 321 Millennials. Subsequently, it was used to test both direct and indirect hypotheses using structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The study determined that tracking capabilities, trust, people important to the consumer and online reviews directly influence online purchase attitude and by extension intention formation. The results also revealed that logistics carrier reputation moderates the trust to online purchase attitude linkage.

Research limitations/implications

This work improves the explanatory power of the theory of reasoned action by linking logistics factors to online shopping behavior. Further, it provides insight into the moderating influence of logistics carriers’ reputation.

Practical implications

For retailers, the results provide information on how to better develop ecommerce service offerings. By providing information about logistics services and capabilities during the ecommerce transaction, retailers can improve the chance that consumers will complete online purchases.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in the literature regarding how to influence millennial consumers. Moreover, findings strengthen the understanding of online-purchasing attitudes and intentions formation, important to retailers developing new online shopping platforms and technologies.
Repeated evolution of bacteriocytes in lygaeoid stinkbugs
Authors: Kuechler Stefan Martin , Fukatsu Takema , Matsuura Yu
Published: October 2019

Host–microbe symbioses often evolved highly complex developmental processes and colonization mechanisms for establishment of stable associations. It has long been recognized that many insects harbour beneficial bacteria inside specific symbiotic cells (bacteriocytes) or organs (bacteriomes). However, the evolutionary origin and mechanisms underlying bacterial colonization in bacteriocyte/bacteriome formation have been poorly understood. In order to uncover the origin of such evolutionary novelties, we studied the development of symbiotic organs in five stinkbug species representing the superfamily Lygaeoidea in which diverse bacteriocyte/bacteriome systems have evolved. We tracked the symbiont movement within the eggs during the embryonic development and determined crucial stages at which symbiont infection and bacteriocyte formation occur, using whole‐mount fluorescence in situ hybridization. In summary, three distinct developmental patterns were observed: two different modes of symbiont transfer from initial symbiont cluster (symbiont ball) to presumptive bacteriocytes in the embryonic abdomen, and direct incorporation of the symbiont ball without translocation of bacterial cells. Across the host taxa, only closely related species seemed to have evolved relatively conserved types of bacteriome development, suggesting repeated evolution of host symbiotic cells and organs from multiple independent origins.
Reinforcing medical authority: clinical ethics consultation and the resolution of conflicts in treatment decisions
Authors: Hauschildt Katrina , De Vries Raymond
Published: October 2019

Despite substantial efforts in the past 15 years to professionalise the field of clinical ethics consultation, sociologists have not re‐examined past hypotheses about the role of such services in medical decision‐making and their effect on physician authority. In relation to those hypotheses, we explore two questions: (i) What kinds of issues does ethics consultation resolve? and (ii) what is the nature of the resolution afforded by these consults? We examined ethics consultation records created between 2011 and mid‐2015 at a large tertiary care US hospital and found that in most cases, the problems addressed are not novel ethical dilemmas as classically conceived, but are instead disagreements between clinicians and patients or their surrogates about treatment. The resolution offered by a typical ethics consultation involves strategies to improve communication rather than the parsing of ethical obligations. In cases where disagreements persist, the proposed solution is most often based on technical clinical judgements, reinforcing the role of physician authority in patient care and the ethical decisions made about that care.
Effect of Dietary Red Meat on Colorectal Cancer Risk—A Review
Authors: Hur Sun Jin , Yoon Yohan , Jo Cheorun , Jeong Jong Youn , Lee Keun Taik
Published: October 2019

Heme iron overload has been implicated as the main cause of the increased risk of cancer due to the consumption of red meat. However, fish and shellfish, teas, and spices contain up to five times more iron than red meat. There is insufficient evidence that iron intake in dietary red meat is the primary causal factor for colorectal cancer. In addition, harmful substances produced during the preparation of red meat, including heterocyclic amines (HCAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), N‐nitroso compounds, and acrylamide, are extrinsic factors that increase carcinogenicity. HCAs are produced during the cooking of red meat, poultry meat, and fish. PAHs may also be produced during the cooking of diverse food groups, such as dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. The average daily intake of red meat among Korean individuals is 62 g; the amount of PAHs entering the body via red meat is less than the average amount of PAHs the body is exposed to in the air. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that dietary red meat is the main cause of colorectal cancer. Rather, there may be an intricate influence of multiple factors, including fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, overweight, obesity, and stress.
Mouth Width and Cupid’s Bow Estimation in a Southern African Population
Authors: Houlton Tobias M. R. , Jooste Nicolene , Steyn Maryna
Published: October 2019

Standards for estimating mouth width and Cupid’s bow width in craniofacial approximation and superimposition are limited. Currently, the only guideline for mouth width, using direct skeletal references, is a general rule indicating a 75% inter‐canine to mouth width ratio. The philtrum, which closely corresponds to the Cupid’s bow, is said to be equal to the inter‐superior prominences of the maxillary central incisors. This study tested these guidelines against newly generated regression models and mean values. Cone‐beam CT scans of 120 black and 39 white southern African adults were used. Comparative hard and soft tissue measurements were taken using a 3D DICOM viewer. Regression equations accounting population, sex, and approximate age variables (20–39 and 40+ years), utilizing maxillary inter‐canine width to estimate mouth width and maxillary central–lateral incisor junction width to estimate Cupid’s bow width, performed statistically best. The regression models were more reliable than existing standards in validation tests.
The Unusual Victim: Understanding the Specific Crime Processes and Motivations for Elderly Sexual Homicide
Authors: Chopin Julien , Beauregard Eric
Published: October 2019

Sexual homicides involving elderly victims are rare and unusual crimes, and research specifically focusing on these homicides is almost inexistent. The current study investigates the crime commission process as well as the motivations underlying elderly sexual homicides. The sample comes from the Sexual Homicide International Database (SHIelD) including sexual homicide cases from Canada and France. A total of 56 cases involving victims aged 65 years or more were compared with 513 cases involving victims aged between 16 and 45 years old. Bivariate analyses and two‐step cluster analysis are performed. Findings show major differences in the crime commission process of the two groups of offenders. We also identified a four‐cluster typology of elderly sexual homicide offenders based on their motivations (sexual, robber, sadistic, experimental). Although sexual homicides involving elderly victims are rare, these crimes are different, presenting specificities and should be studied as a group on its own.
Impact of the primary contact physiotherapy practitioner role on emergency department care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries in New South Wales
Authors: Alkhouri Hatem , Maka Katherine , Wong Lilian , McCarthy Sally
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To determine the impact of the emergency physiotherapy service provided through different models of care on service quality indicators, patient flow, staff and patient satisfaction.

Method

A mixed method prospective observation study was conducted between September 2014 and April 2015 in 19 EDs where a physiotherapy service is provided.

Results

Patients seen by the primary contact physiotherapist (PCP) were associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay by 108 min, wait time to treatment by 10 min (n = 4 EDs) and time‐to‐first analgesia by 18 min (n = 19 EDs) compared to those seen through usual care processes. Patients who received care by a doctor first and then physiotherapist (secondary contact model) had a prolonged length of stay compared to other care pathways. High levels of satisfaction with the PCP role were expressed by ED staff (n = 17 EDs) and patients (n = 19 EDs). More than 95% of patients who received care by PCP were satisfied with the management of their condition, understood the advice and discharge information provided and had enough time to ask questions.

Conclusion

ED implementation of the PCP model may improve patient flow and efficiency of clinical skill utilisation in a complex, high demand workplace.
Survey of nocturnal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Hou Xiao Hua , Zou Xiao Ping , Li Rong Zhou , Wang Cheng Dang , Sun Jing , Wang Cai Hua , Xu Chun Fang , Chen Chun Xiao , Deng Ming Ming , Zuo Xiu Li , Zou Duo Wu
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate current diagnosis and treatment of patients with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (nGER).

Methods

This multicenter observational study was conducted in 44 hospitals in China from May 2017 to February 2018. Outpatients with nGER were recruited and their relevant data were collected using a questionnaire, including age, gender, body mass index, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, comorbid diseases, lifestyle, self‐reported health status, medical history, nGER symptoms and severity, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, diagnosis and treatment choices. The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. ChiCTR1800017525).

Results

The study included 4978 individuals, with valid questionnaires collected from 4448 patients (89.4%). The symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation were more severe at night than during the day (P < 0.05). Age and body mass index were positively correlated with reflux severity at night and during the day (P < 0.05). The severity of nGER was positively associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, a high‐fat diet, carbonated beverage consumption, late supper (later than 9 pm), and snoring (all P < 0.05). Night‐time heartburn and regurgitation were related with sleep disorder.

Conclusions

Lifestyle factors are associated with nGER severity, and nGER affects sleep quality. It will be beneficial to popularize and strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of nGER.
Establishment of a rapeseed meal fermentation model for iturin A production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX‐20
Authors: Chen Wenchao , Ma Xuli , Wang Xiuzhen , Chen Shouwen , Rogiewicz Anna , Slominski Bogdan , Wan Xia , Huang Fenghong
Published: October 2019

Iturin A is an important broad‐spectrum antifungal cyclic lipopeptide used as an ideal potential biological control agent. However, its application is limited mainly due to the producer strains’ low productivity and the high production costs. Here, a potentially industrial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CX‐20 was proved to use low‐cost rapeseed meal (RSM) as the sole source of all nutrients except the carbon source for the high productivity of iturin A. A fermentation model was first established to analyse the specific roles of different RSM components on iturin A production. Proteins and minerals in RSM were confirmed to play positive role, whereas fibre had negative effect. And the maximal concentration of iturin A was predicted to be more than 1.64 g l−1 by the established evaluation model. Moreover, submerged fermentation of B. amyloliquefaciens CX‐20 demonstrated a strong ability to hydrolyse RSM and release water‐soluble nutrients. This fermentation broth, a mixture of Bacillus, iturin A and RSM hydrolysate, could simultaneously combat clubroot disease and promote the growth of Brassica napus. In conclusion, this study provides a promising strategy to achieve full utilization of RSM for the production of a combination of value‐added biological control agent and biofertilizer.
Faecal microbiota and functional capacity associated with weaning weight in meat rabbits
Authors: Fang Shaoming , Chen Xuan , Zhou Liwen , Wang Chongchong , Chen Qiaohui , Lin Ruiyi , Xiao Tianfang , Gan QianFu
Published: October 2019

Weaning weight is an important economic trait in the meat rabbit industry. Evidence has linked the gut microbiota to health and production performance in rabbits. However, the effect of gut microbiota on meat rabbit weaning weight remains unclear. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of 135 faecal samples from commercial Ira rabbits. We detected 50 OTUs significantly associated with weaning weight. OTUs that showed positive associations with weaning weight were mostly members of the family Ruminococcaceae which are important in degrading dietary fibres and producing butyrate. On the contrary, OTUs annotated to genera Blautia, Lachnoclostridium and Butyricicoccus correlated with fat deposition were negatively associated with weaning weight. Predicted functional capacity analysis revealed that 91 KOs and 26 KEGG pathways exhibited potential correlations with weaning weight. We found that gut microbiota involved in the metabolism of amino acids, butanoate, energy and monosaccharides affected weaning weight. Additionally, cross‐validation analysis indicated that 16.16% of the variation in weaning weight was explained by the gut microbiome. Our findings provide important information to improve weaning weight of meat rabbits by modulating their gut microbiome.
Integration of eDNA‐Based Biological Monitoring within the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Streamgage Network
Authors: Pilliod David S. , Laramie Matthew B. , MacCoy Dorene , Maclean Scott
Published: October 2019

This study explores the feasibility and utility of integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) assessments of species occurrences into the United States (U.S.) Geological Survey’s national streamgage network. We used an existing network of five gages in southwest Idaho to explore the type of information that could be gained as well as the associated costs and limitations. Hydrologic technicians were trained in eDNA sampling protocols and they collected samples during routine monthly visits to streamgages over an entire water year (2016). We analyzed the eDNA in the filtered water samples to determine the presence of two fish species: bull trout and rainbow trout. We then modeled the spatiotemporal distribution of each species using discharge and temperature data. To assess the influence of the spatial distribution of the gages on the biological information obtained, we also collected eDNA samples from locations between the gages three times during the water year. We found eDNA monitoring at the five gages provided meaningful information about the distribution of both species, especially when detection probabilities accounted for variations in temperature and discharge. Sampling between the gages provided additional information about bull trout distribution — the rarer of the two species. Our study suggests the integration of eDNA sampling into a streamgage network is feasible and could provide a novel and powerful source of biological information for riverine ecosystems in the U.S.
biodivMapR: An r package for α‐ and β‐diversity mapping using remotely sensed images
Authors: Féret Jean‐Baptiste , de Boissieu Florian
Published: October 2019

The accelerated erosion of biodiversity is a critical environmental challenge. Operational methods for the monitoring of biodiversity taking advantage of remotely sensed data are needed in order to provide information to ecologists and decision‐makers.

We present an R package designed to compute a selection of α‐ and β‐diversity indicators from optical imagery, based on spectral variation hypothesis. This package builds upon previous work on biodiversity mapping using airborne imaging spectroscopy, and has been adapted in order to process broader range of data sources, including Sentinel‐2 satellite images.

biodivMapR is able to produce α‐diversity maps including Shannon and Simpson indices, as well as β‐diversity maps derived from Bray–Curtis dissimilarity. It is able to process large images efficiently with moderate computational requirements on a personal computer. Additional functions allow computing diversity indicators directly from field plots defined as polygon shapefiles for easy comparison with ground data and validation.

The package biodivMapR should contribute to improved standards for biodiversity mapping using remotely sensed data. It should also contribute to the identification of relevant Remotely Sensed enabled Essential Biodiversity Variables.
An ABCA12 missense variant in a Shorthorn calf with ichthyosis fetalis
Authors: Woolley S. A. , Eager K. L. M. , Häfliger I. M. , Bauer A. , Drögemüller C. , Leeb T. , O'Rourke B. A. , Tammen I.
Published: October 2019

Two clinical forms of ichthyosis in cattle have been reported, ichthyosis fetalis and congenital ichthyosis. Ichthyosis poses animal welfare and economic issues and the more severe form, ichthyosis fetalis, is lethal. A Shorthorn calf with ichthyosis fetalis was investigated and a likely causal missense variant on chromosome 2 in the ABCA12 gene (NM_001191294.2:c.6776T>C) was identified by whole genome sequencing. Mutations in the ABCA12 gene are known to cause ichthyosis fetalis in cattle and Harlequin ichthyosis in humans. Sanger sequencing of the affected calf and the dam confirmed the variant was homozygous in the affected calf and heterozygous in the dam. Further genotyping of 130 Shorthorn animals from the same property revealed an estimated allele frequency of 3.8%. The presented findings enable genetic testing for breeding and diagnostics.
The expressions of some metabolic hormones (leptin, ghrelin and obestatin) in the tissues of sheep tongue
Authors: Sağsöz Hakan , Erdoğan Serkan , Saruhan Berna Güney
Published: October 2019

In this study, we aimed to observe the localization and expression of peptide hormones—leptin, ghrelin and obestatin—in the sheep tongue by immunohistochemistry. For that purpose, tongues of ten adult sheep were used. Leptin expression of moderate intensity was observed in the basal and parabasal epithelial cells of the luminal epithelium, and leptin was strongly expressed in the taste buds of the circumvallate and fungiform papillae and in von Ebner's glands. Ghrelin was primarily expressed in some of the skeletal muscle cells and the smooth muscle cells of the middle layer of blood vessels. A strong expression was observed in the epithelial cells lining the base of the groove surrounding the circumvallate papillae. Obestatin expression was particularly strong in the epithelial cells of the salivary ducts. It was also stronger in the von Ebner's glands than in the seromucous glands. Leptin, ghrelin and obestatin were shown to be produced at varying levels in different cell types, including epithelial, stromal and skeletal muscle cells, as well as in ganglion neurons, neural plexuses and blood vessels in the sheep tongue. Cellular localization and expression of these peptide hormones have not been investigated in many species including sheep.
Uncertainty and the Economy of Exclusion: Insights from Post‐Keynesian Institutionalism
Authors: Zalewski David A.
Published: October 2019

Critics of Pope Francis’s Evangelii gaudium argue that recent economic growth and reductions in inequality are evidence that his notion of the “economy of exclusion” is misguided. However, Francis alludes to another type of exclusion—increased uncertainty generated by technological change that affects citizens even in developed nations. Drawing from Post‐Keynesian institutionalist theory, this article argues that this condition is common in capitalism, and that grassroots reforms are needed to ensure shared prosperity.