bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wading bird functional diversity in a floodplain: Influence of habitat type and hydrological cycle
Authors: de Arruda Almeida Bia , Gimenes Márcio Rodrigo , dos Anjos Luiz
Published: June 2016

Waterbirds play important roles in maintaining ecosystem functioning in wetlands. However, the lack of essential information about the levels of interaction between waterbirds and wetland characteristics is a major impediment for service valuation. In this study, we examined the influence of the flood pulse across different freshwater habitats on the functional diversity and possible assembly structuring mechanisms of herons and storks in a neotropical floodplain. We investigated functional richness, evenness and divergence as descriptors of the functional diversity in rivers, channels and both connected and isolated lagoons across different phases of the hydrological cycle. We also compared observed values of functional diversity with expected null models to untangle the main mechanisms driving assemblages. We found spatiotemporal variation in functional diversity in wader assemblages of the high Paraná River floodplain. The functional diversity of Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes varied mainly in rivers, channels and connected lagoons opposed to isolated lagoons in a floodplain, and mostly during flood events, right after floods or after a long period of drought. This suggests that the variation in the water level plays different roles in maintaining wading birds' functional diversity in connected and isolated habitats. Also, wading bird assemblages in this floodplain may be structured by neutral mechanisms, independent of habitat type or hydrological period, which may support the idea that species traits are not important in explaining their coexistence patterns. Our study contributes to the understanding of how environmental variations may affect functional diversity, a first step towards understanding how changes in waterbird communities affect the magnitude and stability of services provided by them.
Post‐fire recovery of litter detritivores is limited by distance from burn edge
Authors: Arnold Kate T. , Murphy Nicholas P. , Gibb Heloise
Published: June 2016

Climate change is likely to result in an increased frequency of extreme fire events, including more large‐extent wildfires. The effects of fire extent on post‐fire faunal recovery are poorly understood. Effects on invertebrate detritivores are of particular interest due to their functional importance in litter breakdown. We asked if distance from fire edge affected the composition and morphological traits of a key group of large invertebrate detritivores: cockroaches (Blattodea) 6 years after fire. We used six replicate transects in herb‐rich foothill habitat in areas that were severely burnt during the 2009 Black Saturday fires, north‐east of Melbourne, Australia. Transects extended from unburnt controls up to 5 km into large extent burns. Habitat variables were measured and cockroach abundances were recorded using artificial habitats comprised of stacked egg trays. Cockroach morphological traits were recorded in the laboratory. Multivariate generalized linear models revealed that habitats varied with transect, but not distance into the burn, suggesting recovery of habitat features relevant to cockroaches. Distance from burn did not affect the species richness or abundance of cockroaches, but both richness and abundance increased with bark and litter cover and decreased at lower temperatures. Cockroach assemblage composition responded significantly to distance into burn, transect and habitat variables, although only Platyzosteria similis was negatively associated with distance into the burn. Fourth corner models including traits did not provide greater predictive power than models including only species abundances and environmental variables. Wing presence, which was associated with smaller body size, did not affect site occupancy. Although species traits did not predict cockroach responses, our work shows that distance into a fire, a surrogate for fire extent, continued to be an important determinant of post‐fire assemblages 6 years after fire. An increase in large‐extent fires may reduce the recolonization potential of some cockroach species, potentially limiting their functional importance in litter breakdown.
Does cardiotocography have a role in the antenatal management of pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Jeffery Timothy , Petersen Rodney , Quinlivan Julie
Published: June 2016

Background

Controversy surrounds the role of fetal cardiotocography (CTG) in the antenatal management of pregnancy complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Aim

The aim was to investigate whether antenatal CTG aids management in pregnancy complicated by GDM.

Materials and methods

A prospective audit of 1404 consecutive antenatal CTG in women diagnosed with GDM. Outcomes for all CTG were audited to determine whether CTG altered pregnancy management.

Results

In women requiring combination therapy (diet and medication), 43 CTG were required to change management of a pregnancy. In women managed by diet alone with a secondary pregnancy complication, 161 CTG were required to change management. In women managed by diet alone with no secondary pregnancy complication, CTG did not change management.

Conclusions

Antenatal CTG is not recommended in women with GDM managed by diet alone with no secondary pregnancy complication. Antenatal CTG is recommended in women with GDM who require combination therapy (diet and medication). The role of CTG in women managed by diet alone with a secondary pregnancy complication should be based upon the nature of the complication.
Meanings of the Hijab: Views of Canadian Muslim women
Authors: Litchmore Rashelle V. H. , Safdar Saba
Published: June 2016

This study demonstrates the individualized phenomenological experiences of Muslim‐Canadian women through their relationships with head covering, most commonly known as the hijab. By conducting in‐depth interviews with ten women, five who cover and five who do not, we sought to understand their day‐to‐day experiences with covering, and how their interpretations of these experiences were related to them as individuals, as well as to broader social contexts. Through the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, we found that the women's experiences can be regarded as an interplay between internal experience, that is, the personal meanings that the women placed on wearing or not wearing a headscarf, and external experience, that is, their interpretations of outside events and treatment by others as related to the headscarf. Their experiences were also embedded in the contexts of their cultural and religious communities, and broader Canadian society. Consistent with previous work, themes such as Muslim identity, religiosity and modesty were highlighted by the women, however, rather than focusing on general experiences across participants, we give primary attention to how these themes unfolded in the individual women's lives. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd, Asian Association of Social Psychology and Beijing Normal University
Determinants of pro‐environmental consumption intention in rural China: The role of traditional cultures, personal attitudes and reference groups
Authors: Wang Xingdong , Tu Ming , Yang Rong , Guo Jinyong , Yuan Zhimei , Liu Wenxing
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to identify social‐psychological predictors of pro‐environmental consumption intention in rural China. To this end, a proposed conceptual model was tested by analyzing the survey data derived from 972 rural respondents in Jiangxi province in south‐eastern China. Results showed that the endorsement of traditional cultures (man–nature orientation and collectivism) was linked with pro‐environmental consumption behaviuor, but was mediated by intentions. Personal attitudes (environmental cognition and environmental affect) and reference groups influenced both intention and behaviour. The results also provided good evidence of the intention–behaviour relationship. These findings provided a better understanding of the process in which Chinese rural residents developed their pro‐environmental consumption behaviours.
Antimicrobial resistance genes in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida isolated from Australian pigs
Authors: Dayao DAE , Gibson JS , Blackall PJ , Turni C
Published: June 2016

Objective

To identify genes associated with the observed antimicrobial resistance in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida isolated from Australian pigs.

Design

Isolates with known phenotypic resistance to β‐lactams, macrolides and tetracycline were screened for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Procedure

A total of 68 A. pleuropneumoniae, 62 H. parasuis and 20 P. multocida isolates exhibiting phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (A. pleuropneumoniae and P. multocida) or elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (H. parasuis) to any of the following antimicrobial agents − ampicillin, erythromycin, penicillin, tetracycline, tilmicosin and tulathromycin − were screened for a total of 19 associated antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) by PCR.

Results

The gene bla
ROB‐1 was found in all ampicillin‐ and penicillin‐resistant isolates, but none harboured the bla
TEM‐1 gene. The tetB gene was found in 76% (74/97) of tetracycline‐resistant isolates, 49/53 A. pleuropneumoniae, 17/30 H. parasuis and 8/14 P. multocida. One A. pleuropneumoniae isolate harboured the tetH gene, but none of the 97 isolates had tetA, tetC, tetD, tetE, tetL, tetM or tetO. A total of 92 isolates were screened for the presence of macrolide resistance genes. None was found to have ermA, ermB, ermC, erm42, mphE, mefA, msrA or msrE.

Conclusion

The current study has provided a genetic explanation for the resistance or elevated MIC of the majority of isolates of Australian porcine respiratory pathogens to ampicillin, penicillin and tetracycline. However, the macrolide resistance observed by phenotypic testing remains genetically unexplained and further studies are required.
Transitioning care‐leavers with mental health needs: ‘they set you up to fail!’
Authors: Butterworth Sarah , Singh Swaran P. , Birchwood Max , Islam Zoebia , Munro Emily R. , Vostanis Panos , Paul Moli , Khan Alia , Simkiss Douglas
Published: June 2016

Background

Children in the UK care system often face multiple disadvantages in terms of health, education and future employment. This is especially true of mental health where they present with greater mental health needs than other children. Although transition from care – the process of leaving the local authority as a child‐in‐care to independence – is a key juncture for young people, it is often experienced negatively with inconsistency in care and exacerbation of existing mental illness. Those receiving support from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), often experience an additional, concurrent transfer to adult services (AMHS), which are guided by different service models which can create a care gap between services.

Method

This qualitative study explored care‐leavers’ experiences of mental illness, and transition in social care and mental health services. Twelve care‐leavers with mental health needs were interviewed and data analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Sixteen individual themes were grouped into four superordinate themes: overarching attitudes towards the care journey, experience of social care, experience of mental health services and recommendations.

Conclusions

Existing social care and mental health teams can improve the care of care‐leavers navigating multiple personal, practical and service transitions. Recommendations include effective Pathway Planning, multiagency coordination, and stating who is responsible for mental health care and its coordination. Participants asked that youth mental health services span the social care transition; and provide continuity of mental health provision when care‐leavers are at risk of feeling abandoned and isolated, suffering deteriorating mental health and struggling to establish new relationships with professionals. Young people say that the key to successful transition and achieving independence is maintaining trust and support from services.
Synthesis of Human Skin Pigmentation Disorders
Authors: Barros R. S. , Walter M.
Published: June 2016

Changes in the human pigmentary system can lead to imbalances in the distribution of melanin in the skin resulting in artefacts known as pigmented lesions. Our work takes as departing point biological data regarding human skin, the pigmentary system and the melanocytes life cycle and presents a reaction–diffusion model for the simulation of the shape features of human‐pigmented lesions. The simulation of such disorders has many applications in dermatology, for instance, to assist dermatologists in diagnosis and training related to pigmentation disorders. Our study focuses, however, on applications related to computer graphics. Thus, we also present a method to seamless blend the results of our simulation model in images of healthy human skin. In this context, our model contributes to the generation of more realistic skin textures and therefore more realistic human models. In order to assess the quality of our results, we measured and compared the characteristics of the shape of real and synthesized pigmented lesions. We show that synthesized and real lesions have no statistically significant differences in their shape features. Visually, our results also compare favourably with images of real lesions, being virtually indistinguishable from real images.
Morphometric evaluation of the early stages of healing at cortical and marrow compartments at titanium implants: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Caroprese Marino , Lang Niklaus P. , Rossi Fabio , Ricci Sara , Favero Riccardo , Botticelli Daniele
Published: June 2016

Objective

To study the early sequential stages of tissue composition in the cortical and marrow compartments of the alveolar bone crest at implants with a moderately rough surface.

Materials and methods

Three month after tooth extraction in 12 Labrador dogs, full‐thickness flaps were elevated in the edentulous region of the right side of the mandible and one implant was installed. The flaps were sutured to allow a fully submerged healing. The timing of the installations in the left side of the mandible and of sacrifices were scheduled in such a way to obtained biopsies representing the healing after 5, 10, 20, and 30 days. Ground sections (n = 6 per each healing period) were prepared, and the percentages of osteoid/new bone, old bone, new soft tissues (provisional matrix and primitive marrow), mature bone marrow, vessels, and other tissues (bone debris/particles and clot) were evaluated laterally to the implant surface up to a distance of about 0.4 mm from it.

Results

Osteoid/new bone was found after 5 days at percentages of 10.8 ± 4.3% at the marrow and 0.6 ± 0.6% at the cortical compartments. After 30 days, these percentages increased up to 56.4 ± 4.0% and 23.3 ± 6.1%, respectively. Old parent bone was resorbed between 5 and 30 days from 28.7 ± 10.9% to 14.9 ± 3.4% at the marrow (~48% of resorption) and from 81.2 ± 9.4% to 67.6 ± 5.6% at the cortical (~17% of resorption) compartments. All differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Bone apposition to an implant surface followed a significantly different pattern in the compact and the marrow compartments around the implants. While in the compact compartments, bone apposition had to develop through the BMUs following resorption, it developed in very dense layers through an early apposition in the marrow compartments.
Colorectal cancer resection in the Australian nonagenarian patient
Authors: Schlichtemeier S. , Logaraj A. , Gill A. J. , Engel A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The nonagenarian population is a rapidly growing segment of the Australian population. Surgical resection continues to offer the best chance of long‐term survival in colorectal cancer. The primary aims of the present study were to evaluate the 30‐day mortality and survival of Australian patients ≥ 90 years of age undergoing surgical resection for colorectal cancer in our health service. The secondary aims were to examine the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and their tumours.

Method

All patients ≥ 90 years of age undergoing surgical resection for colorectal cancer from 1998 to 2012 were identified in a centralized multihospital database. Key clinicopathological data, 30‐day mortality and long‐term overall survival were recorded for each patient.

Results

There were 121 patients identified of median age 91 years, 74% of whom were female. The median tumour size was 40 mm, and 51% of operations were carried out as an emergency. The TNM stage was Stage I/II in 57%, Stage III in 40% and Stage IV in 3%. The 30‐day mortality was 6.6% (eight of 121) and the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates were 82.6%, 50.2% and 32.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Surgical resection in the nonagenarian patient has an acceptable mortality and offers good overall survival.
Women of an uncertain age: quantifying human capital accumulation in rural Ireland in the nineteenth century†
Authors: Blum Matthias , Colvin Christopher L. , McAtackney Laura , McLaughlin Eoin
Published: June 2016

Geary and Stark find that Ireland's post‐Famine per capita GDP converged with British levels, and that this convergence was largely due to total factor productivity growth rather than mass emigration. In this article, new long‐run measurements of human capital accumulation in Ireland are devised in order to facilitate a better assessment of sources of this productivity growth, including the relative contribution of men and women. This is done by exploiting the frequency at which age data heap at round ages, widely interpreted as an indicator of a population's basic numeracy skills. Because Földvári, van Leeuwen, and van Leeuwen‐Li find that gender‐specific trends in this measure derived from census returns are biased by who is reporting and recording the age information, any computed numeracy trends are corrected using data from prison and workhouse registers, sources in which women ostensibly self‐reported their age. The findings show that rural Irish women born early in the nineteenth century had substantially lower levels of human capital than uncorrected census data would otherwise suggest. These results are large in magnitude and thus economically significant. The speed at which women converged is consistent with Geary and Stark's interpretation of Irish economic history; Ireland probably graduated to Europe's club of advanced economies thanks in part to rapid advances in female human capital.
The macroecology of infectious diseases: a new perspective on global‐scale drivers of pathogen distributions and impacts
Authors: Stephens Patrick R. , Altizer Sonia , Smith Katherine F. , Alonso Aguirre A. , Brown James H. , Budischak Sarah A. , Byers James E. , Dallas Tad A. , Jonathan Davies T. , Drake John M. , Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Farrell Maxwell J. , Gittleman John L. , Han Barbara A. , Huang Shan , Hutchinson Rebecca A. , Johnson Pieter , Nunn Charles L. , Onstad David , Park Andrew , Vazquez‐Prokopec Gonzalo M. , Schmidt John P. , Poulin Robert
Published: June 2016

Identifying drivers of infectious disease patterns and impacts at the broadest scales of organisation is one of the most crucial challenges for modern science, yet answers to many fundamental questions remain elusive. These include what factors commonly facilitate transmission of pathogens to novel host species, what drives variation in immune investment among host species, and more generally what drives global patterns of parasite diversity and distribution? Here we consider how the perspectives and tools of macroecology, a field that investigates patterns and processes at broad spatial, temporal and taxonomic scales, are expanding scientific understanding of global infectious disease ecology. In particular, emerging approaches are providing new insights about scaling properties across all living taxa, and new strategies for mapping pathogen biodiversity and infection risk. Ultimately, macroecology is establishing a framework to more accurately predict global patterns of infectious disease distribution and emergence.
Efficient representative pattern mining based on weight and maximality conditions
Authors: Yun Unil , Lee Gangin , Lee Kyung‐Min
Published: June 2016

As a core area in data mining, frequent pattern (or itemset) mining has been studied for a long time. Weighted frequent pattern mining prunes unimportant patterns and maximal frequent pattern mining discovers compact frequent patterns. These approaches contribute to improving mining performance by reducing the search space. However, we need to consider both the downward closure property and patterns' subset checking process when integrating these different methods in order to prevent unintended pattern losses. Moreover, it is also essential to extract valid patterns with faster runtime and less memory consumption. For this reason, in this paper, we propose more efficient maximal weighted frequent pattern (MWFP) mining approaches based on tree and array structures. We describe how to handle these problems more efficiently, maintaining the correctness of our method. We develop two types of maximal weighted frequent mining algorithms based on weight ascending order and support descending order and compare these two algorithms to conclude which is more suitable for MWFP mining. In addition, comprehensive tests in this paper show that our algorithms are more efficient and scalable than state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, and they also have the correctness of the MWFP mining in terms of their pattern generation results.
Cyclic hysteresis of AZ31B extrusion under load‐control tests using embedded sensor technology
Authors: Marzbanrad B , Toyserkani E , Jahed H
Published: June 2016

The fatigue behaviour of AZ31B extrusion magnesium alloy under load‐control cyclic test conditions is estimated using a combination of simulation and experimental results. The strain measurement of this asymmetric material is found experimentally using a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor during rotating bending tests. Then, to analyse applied stresses in the sample – particularly in the plastic deformation range – the Variable Material Property (VMP) method is employed. Using this simulation method, the hysteresis loops of two critical top and bottom elements of the sample's cross section under different bending moments are obtained. Finally, the strain of the sample during rotating bending, as measured by the embedded FBG sensor, is related to the stresses obtained from the modeling using a mapping function. The hystereses obtained from this combination of the modeling and experimental results are compared with the results of a companion strain‐control pull–push test in which the input strain history was that of measured by the FBG sensor. Observations verify that the stresses of the combined VMP‐FBG hysteresis loops have good compatibility with the stress responses obtained through the experiment. The hybrid model introduced in this work can be employed to capture cyclic hysteresis, and hence estimate the fatigue life, under load‐controlled rotating bending tests.
Effects of silver nanoparticles on bacterioplankton in a boreal lake
Authors: Blakelock Graham C. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Norman Beth C. , Vincent Jennifer L. , Frost Paul C.
Published: June 2016

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used antimicrobial agents and a growing body of evidence suggests that their release into aquatic environments threatens natural bacterial communities and whole ecosystems. However, a knowledge gap exists between the toxic effects of AgNPs found in laboratory studies and their potential impacts in natural environments.

In an enclosure experiment conducted in a boreal lake, we exposed natural bacterial communities to AgNPs with two common types of coatings (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and citrate) under two different exposure regimes, a one‐time (pulse) and a continuous (chronic) addition. AgNP additions increased Ag concentrations to nearly 50 μg L−1 in the highest treatments. We examined bacterial responses (abundance, biomass, production, chlorophyll‐a content and nutrient stoichiometry) over the course of 6 weeks in the summer of 2012.

Bacterioplankton exposed to AgNPs initially accumulated Ag over the experimental period regardless of AgNP concentration or coating. After the initial period of increase, Ag in the bacterial size fraction changed largely in concert with bacterial biomass.

We found no toxic effects of AgNPs on bacterioplankton abundance, biomass, production or chlorophyll‐a content throughout the experiment. Bacterial production was greater after the pulse addition of PVP‐coated AgNPs and in the chronic addition of PVP‐coated AgNPs at the highest concentrations. Furthermore, AgNPs produced no significant changes in nutrient stoichiometry of the bacterioplankton size fraction.

This lack of effects of AgNPs on lake bacterioplankton observed under the natural conditions studied here differs from results of short‐term and laboratory studies of single‐species bacterial cultures. Our results thus indicate AgNP effects in lakes may be less than expected based on standard laboratory experiments, and that additional studies are needed to understand AgNP toxicity under realistic natural conditions in lakes and other ecosystems.
Environment and predation govern fish community assembly in temperate streams
Authors: Giam Xingli , Olden Julian D.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The elucidation of patterns and drivers of community assembly remains a fundamental issue in ecology. Past studies have focused on a limited number of communities at local or regional scales, thus precluding a comprehensive examination of assembly rules. We addressed this challenge by examining stream fish community assembly within numerous independent watersheds spanning a broad environmental gradient. We aimed to answer the following questions: (1) are fish communities structured non‐randomly, and (2) what is the relative importance of environmental filtering, predator–prey interactions and interspecific competition in driving species associations?

Location

The conterminous USA.

Methods

We used null models to analyse species associations in streams. Non‐random communities were defined as those where the summed number of segregated and aggregated species pairs exceeded the number expected by chance. We used species traits to characterize species dissimilarity in environmental requirements (ENV), identify potential predator–prey interactions (PRED) and estimate likely degree of competition based on species similarity in body size, feeding strategies and phylogeny (COMP). To evaluate the effect of environmental filtering, predation and competition on species associations, we related ENV, PRED and COMP to the degree of species segregation.

Results

The majority (75–85%) of watersheds had non‐random fish communities. Species segregation increased with species dissimilarity in environmental requirements (ENV). An increase in competition strength (COMP) did not appear to increase segregation. Species pairs engaging in predator–prey interactions (PRED) were more segregated than non‐predator–prey pairs. ENV was more predictive of the degree of species segregation than PRED.

Main conclusions

We provide compelling evidence for widespread non‐random structure in US stream fish communities. Community assembly is governed largely by environmental filtering, followed by predator–prey interactions, whereas the influence of interspecific competition appears minimal. Applying a traits‐based approach to continent‐wide datasets provides a powerful approach for examining the existence of assembly rules in nature.
Does Corruption Hinder Private Businesses? Leadership Stability and Predictable Corruption in China
Authors: Zhu Jiangnan , Zhang Dong
Published: June 2016

We study whether corruption hinders businesses by investigating China's private enterprises, which have developed rapidly despite high corruption levels. We argue that a key factor determining the effects of corruption is corruption predictability, which is significantly influenced by government leadership stability. When the same leaders remain in major offices for long tenures, corruption is relatively predictable, reducing hindrance to businesses. When leaders change frequently, entrepreneurs need to constantly cultivate new connections with officials and face more uncertainty; therefore, corruption becomes a major obstacle. We conduct field interviews to explore channels through which leadership stability encourages predictable corruption. We also use the 2012 World Bank Enterprise Survey of Chinese private firms and develop a novel measure of leadership stability of the local Chinese government based on a self‐collected data set of municipal party committees to test our hypotheses. Results of various models are consistent with our hypotheses.
A comparison between physicians and computer algorithms for form CMS‐2728 data reporting
Authors: Malas Mohammed Said , Wish Jay , Moorthi Ranjani , Grannis Shaun , Dexter Paul , Duke Jon , Moe Sharon
Published: June 2016

Introduction: CMS‐2728 form (Medical Evidence Report) assesses 23 comorbidities chosen to reflect poor outcomes and increased mortality risk. Previous studies questioned the validity of physician reporting on forms CMS‐2728. We hypothesize that reporting of comorbidities by computer algorithms identifies more comorbidities than physician completion, and, therefore, is more reflective of underlying disease burden. Methods: We collected data from CMS‐2728 forms for all 296 patients who had incident ESRD diagnosis and received chronic dialysis from 2005 through 2014 at Indiana University outpatient dialysis centers. We analyzed patients' data from electronic medical records systems that collated information from multiple health care sources. Previously utilized algorithms or natural language processing was used to extract data on 10 comorbidities for a period of up to 10 years prior to ESRD incidence. These algorithms incorporate billing codes, prescriptions, and other relevant elements. We compared the presence or unchecked status of these comorbidities on the forms to the presence or absence according to the algorithms. Findings: Computer algorithms had higher reporting of comorbidities compared to forms completion by physicians. This remained true when decreasing data span to one year and using only a single health center source. The algorithms determination was well accepted by a physician panel. Importantly, algorithms use significantly increased the expected deaths and lowered the standardized mortality ratios. Discussion: Using computer algorithms showed superior identification of comorbidities for form CMS‐2728 and altered standardized mortality ratios. Adapting similar algorithms in available EMR systems may offer more thorough evaluation of comorbidities and improve quality reporting.
Evaluating the effects of executive learning and development on organisational performance: implications for developing senior manager and executive capabilities
Authors: Akrofi Solomon
Published: June 2016

In spite of decades of research into high‐performance work systems, very few studies have examined the relationship between executive learning and development and organisational performance. In an attempt to close this gap, this study explores the effects of a validated four‐dimensional executive learning and development measure on a composite measure of organisational performance. The study is based on ordinal regression analysis with empirical data elicited from 222 executives and senior leaders drawn from a wide geographic region. The theoretical link theoretical between the two variables was established by building on the Activity‐Motivation‐Outcome concept in order to encapsulate human capital, dynamic capability, resource dependency, social exchange and leader‐member‐exchange theories. The study reported an overall positive effect of executive learning and development on firm performance and has significant implications for the effective development of executive and senior management capabilities as a means of improving organisational effectiveness.
Role of compassion competence among clinical nurses in professional quality of life
Authors: Lee Y. , Seomun G.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The study aimed to explore measurable compassion competence among nurses and to examine the relationships between nurses’ compassion competence and levels of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress.

Background

Compassion is a vital asset in the nursing profession. It is necessary to explore whether compassion competence is a factor influencing professional quality of life.

Methods

This study utilized a multicenter descriptive cross‐sectional survey. Data were collected from 680 nurses.

Results

Professional quality of life based on nurses’ general characteristics showed a significant difference in the subjects’ age, marital status, education, and total clinical experience. In addition, compassion competence had a significant positive correlation with compassion satisfaction and STS, whereas it had a significant negative correlation with burnout. Compassion competence was a factor influencing compassion satisfaction and burnout in professional quality of life.

Limitations

Our study included nurses with at least 1 year of clinical experience in a single cultural area, which limits its widespread applicability. To improve generalizability, future studies should include clinical nurses of various races, working in diverse cultural areas and with various levels of experience (including entry‐level nurses and nursing students).

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

Compassion competence of clinical nurses was a predictive factor for professional quality of life. Hospital administrators, nurse leaders and policy makers should develop and adopt nurse‐retaining strategies that focus on improving nurses’ compassion competence in order to reduce their burnout. We recommend the development of educational programmes to improve nurses’ compassion competence and thereby enhance their professional quality of life.
Internationally educated nurses’ reflections on nursing communication in Canada
Authors: Lum L. , Dowedoff P. , Englander K.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The overall goal of this study was to explore internationally educated nurses’ perceptions of the English language and nursing communication skill requirements in a Canadian bridging education program.

Background

The increased global mobility of nurses creates a need to address the educational needs of migrating nurses. A large percentage of these nurses require additional language and professional education. New research is needed that would represent an in‐depth analysis of their educational experiences associated with learning academic English and Canadian nursing communication.

Introduction

Developing proficiency with a new language has been documented as posing challenges for new immigrants. Since language proficiency is a key requirement of Canadian nursing regulatory bodies, previously unrecognized barriers such as attitudes and beliefs about required English language and nursing communication competency which may hinder their ability to meet local practice standards need to be explored.

Method

Using a grounded theory study design, narratives from 22 participants from the Philippines, Nigeria and Europe enrolled in bridging education were collected and analysed.

Results

The participants identified the incongruence in professional norms between Canada and their home country as a major challenge. The major themes identified included cultural dissonance, academic literacy challenges and skepticism regarding unexpected communication competency requirements.

Discussion

The participants possessed varying degrees of comprehension and acceptance of new educational and professional regulatory requirements. A certain degree of culture shock, which may be associated with frustration and disillusionment, is a typical and anticipated aspect of the immigration process. Their perceptions need to be recognized and accommodated when assisting internationally educated nurses to integrate into the Canadian practice culture.

Limitations of the study

Any generalizations to other host countries need to be made cautiously.

Conclusion and implications for nursing policy

Clear communication from regulators about English language and nursing communication requirements during the pre‐arrival period is recommended. If bridging education is required, these programs need to be designed to address English language competency and nursing communication skills of non‐native English speakers.
YCrO3/Al2O3 Core‐Shell Design: The Effect of the Nanometric Al2O3‐Shell on Dielectric Properties
Authors: Durán Alejandro , Moxca Luis , Tiznado Hugo , Romo‐Herrera José Manuel , Herrera Manuel , Siqueiros Jesús M.
Published: June 2016

We report a novel strategy to improve the dielectric properties of the biferroic YCrO3 ceramic compound through interface conduction control by means of an insulating Al2O3 using a core‐shell design. The YCrO3 particles were covered with several layers of insulating Al2O3 using the atomic layer deposition technique to produce the core‐shell structure. TEM images reveal homogeneous and well‐defined Al2O3 coatings of ~8, ~60, and ~130 nm thickness. XRD shows the Al2O3‐shell to be amorphous. The dielectric characteristics of the sintered nano‐composite were investigated in the 100 Hz–1 MHz frequency range and temperature between 300 and 580 K. As the Al2O3‐shell thickness covering the YCrO3 particles is increased, a decrease of the dielectric permittivity, loss tangent and AC conductivity values was found in the whole range of temperatures and frequencies. Furthermore, the rounded hysteresis loop, typical of conductive ceramic is restored as the insulating Al2O3 layer becomes thicker. This behavior is explained because the insulating Al2O3‐shell acts as internal barrier layer localizing the surface charges on the sintered grain boundaries. This fact was confirmed by Electron Beam Induced Current technique where a clear contrast at the grain boundaries confirms the charge localization at the YCrO3/Al2O3 interface. These results also reveal that the Al2O3‐shell induces another conductive mechanism when the insulating Al2O3 layer becomes thicker. Nonetheless, this new strategy is an effective approach to suppress the parasitic conductivity in polycrystalline multiferroic ceramics and increasing thus the multifuncionality.
High Brightness 2.2–12 μm Mid‐Infrared Supercontinuum Generation in a Nontoxic Chalcogenide Step‐Index Fiber
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yu Yi , Zhai Chengcheng , Qi Sisheng , Wang Yuwei , Yang Anping , Gai Xin , Wang Rongping , Yang Zhiyong , Luther‐Davies Barry
Published: June 2016

An environment friendly nonlinear chalcogenide glass fiber with a Ge‐Sb‐Se core and a Ge‐Se cladding is fabricated for bright broadband mid‐infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) generation. The fabricated Ge‐Sb‐Se/Ge‐Se fiber with a core diameter of 6 μm shows zero group velocity dispersion at ~4.2 μm and ~7.3 μm. By pumping the fiber with a length of 11 cm at 4.485 μm with 330 fs pulses, we achieve a SC covering the 2.2–12 μm spectral range and with an output average power of ~17 mW. This bright broadband SC source is promising for high‐resolution MIR spectroscopy.
Teleocichla preta, a new species of cichlid from the Rio Xingu Basin in Brazil (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: Varella H. R. , Zuanon J. , Kullander S. O. , López‐Fernández H.
Published: June 2016

Teleocichla preta nov. sp. inhabits the rapids along the Rio Xingu and lower portion of the Rio Iriri. It is the largest species in the genus, reaching 121·3 mm standard length (LS) while others do not reach more than 87·8 mm LS. Teleocichla preta is distinguished from all other species of Teleocichla by the unique blackish (in live specimens) or dark brown (preserved specimens) overall colouration of the body, which masks the faint vertical bars or zig‐zag pattern of blotches on the flanks. Teleocichla preta also has a deeper body and a deep laterally compressed caudal peduncle, unlike any other congener, as well as a stout lower pharyngeal tooth plate bearing molariform teeth on its median area.
Numerical Investigation of Two‐Phase Flow of Non‐Newtonian Fluid Discharged from a Sauce Dispenser
Authors: Chen Ruiyan , Zhang Zhaoyan , Hawks Jeff , Edwards Peter
Published: June 2016

Fluid dispensers are widely used in various food processing applications. The present work investigates a two‐phase flow of sauce discharged from a dispenser. Preliminary simulations were conducted to study the effects of non‐Newtonian properties on the resulting flow. It was found that the non‐Newtonian properties of the sauce tends to distribute the flow more toward the mid‐plane of the fluid field. Transient, liquid‐air flow simulations were conducted to study the effects of surface tension and geometry of the dispenser on the liquid film in ambient air. The volume of fluid (VOF) method was used to track the interface between phases. Gravity was taken into account since it is comparable with the inertia force. It was found that the breakup time of the liquid film increases as the Weber number decreases and the breakup length of the liquid film increases as the Froude number increases.

Practical Applications

In food processing applications, various sauces are to be dispensed onto the meal tray. To ensure uniform reheating of the packaged food as well as retaining the moisture content, ideal coverage is required. When sauce leaves the dispenser, it starts to interact with the ambient air and results in a two‐phase flow. Understandings of the shape of the liquid film as well as its breakup during the dispensing process are crucial to sauce dispenser design. Through numerical investigations of the dispensing process, the present work proposes optimized dispenser geometry and provides physical insights of the breakup time and the breakup length of the liquid film. Based on these findings, better design of the sauce dispenser can be achieved.
Quantitative Determination of Rice Moisture Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology and BCC‐LS‐SVR Algorithm
Authors: Sun Jun , Lu Xinzi , Mao Hanping , Wu Xiaohong , Gao Hongyan
Published: June 2016

In this study, a method for quantitative determination of rice moisture based on hyperspectral imaging technology was proposed. First, the hyperspectral imaging system in the spectral range of 871–1766 nm was used to collect the hyperspectral images of 120 rice samples of 10 moisture grades. Support vector regression (SVR), least‐squares support vector regression (LS‐SVR), and bacterial colony chemotaxis least‐squares support vector regression (BCC‐LS‐SVR) models were established to determine the moisture content by using full wavelengths spectra data. Among all the models, the BCC‐LS‐SVR model showed the best results. To simplify the calibration model, successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used for feature selection and the number of characteristic wavelengths was determined as 25. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for feature extraction and the cumulative contribution rate of the first six principal components reached 99%, which could reflect most of the information of the full spectra data. Three new regression models based on the selected wavelengths were built and the results were improved obviously. The BCC‐LS‐SVR‐SPA model got the best accuracy in prediction and calibration with
of 0.980, RMSEP of 0.967%,
of 0.985 and RMSEC of 0.591%. The overall results from this study demonstrated that hyperspectral image technology is feasible to detect rice moisture.

Practical Applications

The quality of rice has a direct relationship with the moisture content of rice. Because of the moisture content over standard, rice storage time becomes shorter and rice is easy to go bad. It's harmful to eat this rice for a long time. Traditional methods for identification of rice moisture mainly focus on the appearance of rice and depend on the feelings of professionals, which are tedious, time‐consuming, expensive and greatly influenced by subjective factors. Hyperspectral imaging technology has the advantages of nondestructive, rapid, non‐pollution, and so on. The results showed that hyperspectral imaging technology for the detection of the rice moisture is feasible and it can measure the moisture of rice.
Long‐term outcome of surgical resection for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct
Authors: Luvira Vor , Pugkhem Ake , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa , Pairojkul Chawalit , Sathitkarnmanee Egapong , Luvira Varisara , Kamsa‐ard Supot
Published: June 2016

Background and Aims

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a specific type of bile duct tumor. Studies about the surgical outcomes for IPNB are few; therefore, we investigated the survival of patients who underwent curative surgical resection of IPNB.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical and pathological records of 148 IPNB patients who underwent curative‐intent hepatic resection between January 2005 and December 2011, to examine the prognosis of IPNB. All demographic and operative parameters were analyzed the effect on survival of patients.

Results

The median survival of IPNB patients was 1326 days with a respective 1, 3, and 5 year overall survival of 83.6% (95%CI: 76.5–88.7), 64.4% (95%CI: 56.0–71.6), and 47% (95%CI: 38.4–55.7). The level of invasiveness of IPNB predicted survival very well. For malignant IPNB, univariate analysis showed that serum CA19‐9 level, lymph node metastasis, and completeness of resection were significant prognostic factors. Lymph node metastasis and completeness of resection were found in multivariate analysis to be significantly related to survival of the patients.

Conclusions

The level of invasiveness and lymph node status were found to be associated with patient survival, as was adequacy of surgery. We recommend R0 resection be attempted for patients with IPNB.
Hospital Characteristics, Inpatient Processes of Care, and Readmissions of Older Adults with Hip Fractures
Authors: Elkassabany Nabil M. , Passarella Molly , Mehta Samir , Liu Jiabin , Neuman Mark D.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To determine hospital‐level predictors of readmission after hip fracture or potentially related inpatient care processes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

U.S. acute care hospitals.

Participants

Fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2007 and 2009 (N = 458,526).

Measurements

Information was obtained on hospital case volumes, teaching status, bed count, nurse staffing, and technological capabilities from Medicare files, and multivariable logistic regression was used to measure the association between these factors and an endpoint of readmission or death at 30 days and between these factors and the timing of surgery.

Results

Participants treated in the highest‐volume hospitals (>175 cases for the study period) had lower odds of readmission or death at 30 days than those treated in low‐volume hospitals (≤12; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83–0.92, P < .001). Higher nurse skill mix (aOR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.8–0.96; P = .007) and higher ratio of nurses to beds (aOR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97–0.99; P < .001) were also associated with better 30‐day outcomes. Greater hospital case volume was associated with lower odds of surgical delay beyond 48 hours.

Conclusion

Better nurse staffing and higher case volumes are associated with lower rates of readmission and mortality after hip fracture surgery; individuals treated at high‐volume centers experienced fewer delays in treatment, potentially indicating better inpatient care processes.