bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and internal audit: an institutional theory perspective
Authors: Vadasi Christina , Bekiaris Michalis , Andrikopoulos Andreas
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore internal audit effectiveness through its contribution to corporate governance. Namely, the authors attempt to investigate the impact of internal audit professionalization on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a research framework informed by institutional theory, the authors predict that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is associated with factors related to internal audit professionalization. To investigate the arguments, the authors combine data from a survey of 49 listed companies in the Athens Stock Exchange with publicly available information from annual reports.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that internal audit professionalization affects internal audit effectiveness, as internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is improved for organizations where internal audit function complies with internal auditing standards and internal auditors hold professional certifications. The findings also suggest that internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance is shaped by some company-specific characteristics, namely, CEO duality and audit committee quality.

Practical implications

The results have implications for internal auditors who wish to increase the efficiency of their work, corporate governance mechanisms such as the board of directors and the audit committee, which can use the findings of this study to better respond to their responsibilities concerning internal audit and regulators who can also benefit to strengthen areas with substantial impact on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the academic discussion on the role of internal audit in corporate governance and complements the work of other researchers in the field of internal audit professionalization. This study tries to fill a gap in the literature on the effect of internal audit professionalization elements on internal audit’s contribution to corporate governance.
Use of Koha-integrated library system by higher education institutions in Malawi
Authors: Chaputula Aubrey , Kanyundo Allan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of Koha integrated library system by higher education institutions in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

The study made use of the diffusion of innovation theory as an anchoring model. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire that was administered to library managers of higher education institutions registered with the National Council for Higher Education in Malawi. The data collected were analyzed using SPPS version 21 to generate descriptive statistics.

Findings

The findings revealed that 84.2 per cent of libraries in higher education institutions in Malawi are automated, and 81.3 per cent of them are using Koha ILS and the rest were using proprietary and other open source software. Cost and technical aspects have been discovered to be the primary factors that have assisted in the rapid diffusion of Koha. The study also exposed some factors that negatively impacted the use of Koha in the adopting institutions. The main ones included lack of information and communication technology infrastructure, unreliable Internet connectivity and limited finances.

Originality/value

Previously, some small-scale case studies have been performed to examine implementation of Koha in some higher education institutions in Malawi. However, this is the first large-scale attempt to investigate use of Koha among higher education institutions in the country. Findings that have shown that Koha can be installed easily and used at minimal cost could assist in its rapid adoption in the higher education institutions, a majority of whom face a myriad of financial challenges.
Generalised grey target decision method based on the Gini–Simpson index involving mixed attributes and uncertain numbers
Authors: Ma Jinshan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel generalised grey target decision method (GGTDM) with index and weight involving mixed attribute values.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed attribute values are transformed into binary connection numbers and also comprised of two-tuple (determinacy, uncertainty) numbers to fulfil the decision-making task. The proposed method constructs the weight function to convert the mixed attribute-based weights into the certain number-based weights and determines the alternatives ranking by the comprehensive weighted Gini–Simpson indices (CWGSIs).

Findings

The result of decision making regarding the numerical example by the proposed approach is somewhat different from that obtained by the reported vector-based method. The reasons for this are threefold: the decision-making bases are different, the target centre indices are determined by different mechanisms and certain number-based weights are calculated in different ways.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method ranks an alternative based on the Gini–Simpson index, as derived from the viewpoint of measuring the uncertainty (heterogeneity): however, the vector-based GGTDM makes a decision based on proximity, as is the case when measuring the similarities between index vectors.

Practical implications

The proposed approach is admissible to solving mixed attribute-based decision making especially for alternative indices and attribute weights containing both uncertain numbers.

Originality/value

The proposed method provides a new perspective on measuring the difference of alternatives to the target centre via the CWGSI: the CWGSI is obtained by relying on the pseudo-probabilities achieved by the ratios of the alternative indices to the target centre indices. It also builds a weight function converting the mixed attribute-based weights into certain number-based weights. This method provides a framework that should be tested in terms of its effective decision making using real data and an actual problem.
Extracting core questions in community question answering based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Li Ming , Chen Lisheng , Xu Yingcheng
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A large number of questions are posted on community question answering (CQA) websites every day. Providing a set of core questions will ease the question overload problem. These core questions should cover the main content of the original question set. There should be low redundancy within the core questions and a consistent distribution with the original question set. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, a method named QueExt method for extracting core questions is proposed. First, questions are modeled using a biterm topic model. Then, these questions are clustered based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). With the clustering results, the number of core questions to be extracted from each cluster can be determined. Afterwards, the multi-objective PSO algorithm is proposed to extract the core questions. Both PSO algorithms are integrated with operators in genetic algorithms to avoid the local optimum.

Findings

Extensive experiments on real data collected from the famous CQA website Zhihu have been conducted and the experimental results demonstrate the superior performance over other benchmark methods.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method provides new insight into and enriches research on information overload in CQA. It performs better than other methods in extracting core short text documents, and thus provides a better way to extract core data. The PSO is a novel method used for selecting core questions. The research on the application of the PSO model is expanded. The study also contributes to research on PSO-based clustering. With the integration of K-means++, the key parameter number of clusters is optimized.

Originality/value

The novel core question extraction method in CQA is proposed, which provides a novel and efficient way to alleviate the question overload. The PSO model is extended and novelty used in selecting core questions. The PSO model is integrated with K-means++ method to optimize the number of clusters, which is just the key parameter in text clustering based on PSO. It provides a new way to cluster texts.
Peculiarity of the bit rot and link rot phenomena
Authors: Król Karol , Zdonek Dariusz
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Almost two decades after diagnosing the link rot phenomenon, and in spite of the universal character of the bit rot phenomenon, the need for reminding about these is still valid. This is because it appears that digital device users have become accustomed to them. The bit rot and link rot phenomena describe the inability to access specific contents or the inability to use specific digital resources. This paper aims to answer the question as to whether it is possible to eliminate the link rot and bit rot phenomena from the internet space.

Design/methodology/approach

The link rot and bit rot phenomena were characterised based on a review of various source materials, including the academic literature and internet materials.

Findings

The phenomena known as bit rot and link rot have already been well researched and described. Research has revealed the reasons for their occurrence, and also offered recommendations on how to minimise their occurrence. In the current digital ecosystem, however, it is not possible to completely eliminate the link rot and bit rot phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

One can forecast that the link rot phenomenon will intensify and the internet resources will be even more unstable, because more and more new, highest-level domains which are purchased are emerging.

Originality/value

The study compares the phenomena of bit rot and link rot, even though they are usually considered separately. Moreover, it presents the terms of “digital bumps”, which cause “digital tsunami”.
Variational multi-scale finite element method for the two-phase flow of polymer melt filling process
Authors: Li Xuejuan , He Ji-Huan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective numerical algorithm for a gas-melt two-phase flow and use it to simulate a polymer melt filling process. Moreover, the suggested algorithm can deal with the moving interface and discontinuities of unknowns across the interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The algebraic sub-grid scales-variational multi-scale (ASGS-VMS) finite element method is used to solve the polymer melt filling process. Meanwhile, the time is discretized using the Crank–Nicolson-based split fractional step algorithm to reduce the computational time. The improved level set method is used to capture the melt front interface, and the related equations are discretized by the second-order Taylor–Galerkin scheme in space and the third-order total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta scheme in time.

Findings

The numerical method is validated by the benchmark problem. Moreover, the viscoelastic polymer melt filling process is investigated in a rectangular cavity. The front interface, pressure field and flow-induced stresses of polymer melt during the filling process are predicted. Overall, this paper presents a VMS method for polymer injection molding. The present numerical method is extremely suitable for two free surface problems.

Originality/value

For the first time ever, the ASGS-VMS finite element method is performed for the two-phase flow of polymer melt filling process, and an effective numerical method is designed to catch the moving surface.
Health and safety leadership
Authors: Börner Heidi Elizabeth , Lassowski Sandra
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Based on the research findings the authors derive propositions for further research to explore the role of safety and ethical leadership in enhancing health and safety performance within New Zealand companies. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on quantitative and qualitative health and safety data collected by Börner in New Zealand and analysed in the (unpublished) Master Thesis of Lassowski “Supporting Aspects of Organisational culture on Occupational Health and Safety” (2014) the authors will examine in this paper the responses of company governance and senior leadership to reports made from front-line staff about their perception of the safety culture and (potential) threats to health and safety.

Findings

The data indicate that company governance and senior leadership are sometimes reluctant to give adequate responses to employee reporting and fail to take effective measures to protect people and the business.

Research limitations/implications

Directors and senior leaders need to be vigilant that the company systems remain compliant with Health and Safety legislation and are aligned with best practices in the sector/organisation. Reports from employees using company systems on a daily basis are vital to assure that those systems work as they should, and that action can be taken when (potential) threats to health and safety are reported.

Originality/value

The workplace has a significant influence on injury, illness, fatalities and threats to environmental, community and individual wellbeing and this influence can be positive or negative. The research explores the link between the ethics of organisational leadership and its influence on workplace health and safety climate and outcomes.
Foreign direct investment and wage spillover in Thailand
Authors: Paweenawat Sasiwimon Warunsiri
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether foreign direct investment (FDI) benefitted Thai workers in domestic firms.

Design/methodology/approach

By utilizing existing firm-level unbalanced panel data from the survey of the Office of Industrial Economics, Ministry of Industry, Thailand, between 2004 and 2013, this study applies dynamic panel data analysis, using the generalized method of moments proposed by Arellano and Bond (1991), to estimate the wage spillover from multinational enterprises (MNEs) to domestic firms in Thailand.

Findings

The study reveals that there is a positive wage spillover from the presence of MNEs in the industry to domestic firms. Furthermore, a wage spillover also exists in the low-technology industry, as well as in firms located in the Metropolitan and Northern regions. These findings confirmed that FDI offers a significant advantage in Thailand’s labor market.

Originality/value

This study is the empirical research to utilize existing firm-level unbalanced panel data in Thailand, applying dynamic panel data analysis to data from 2004 to 2013 to estimate the wage spillover from MNEs to domestic firms.
Sustainability disclosure in higher education
Authors: Son-Turan Semen , Lambrechts Wim
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the extent and content of the sustainability disclosure of public and foundation (private but not-for-profit) universities in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

Subsequent to a systematic literature review of six academic databases and the National Thesis Center, a content analysis using a combination of Global Reporting Initiative and campus assessment tools from previous studies is conducted on stand-alone sustainability reports and websites of a purposive sample of eight universities in Turkey.

Findings

Infrequent and unsystematic sustainability practice done through websites seems to be more prevalent than formal reporting through international initiatives. Research and practice diverge by focusing on different sustainability indicators. Sustainability needs to be integrated into teaching and curriculum through university policies and regulations. Foundation universities show greater effort in sustainability reporting than public universities.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the availability of mostly self-reported, dispersed and unaudited data by foundation universities in addition to framework-imposed specificities. Furthermore, there is only one public university with a formal sustainability report in the sample.

Practical implications

The findings offer suggestions for developing extra sustainability indicators and may assist local policy-makers and researchers in their efforts to improve sustainability reporting by local universities.

Originality/value

This comprehensive research effort is one of the few studies from a non-Western country perspective and the only study on Turkey in relation to universities and sustainability reporting.
A proposal of calligraphy learning assistant system with letter portion practice function using projection mapping
Authors: Huda Samsul , Funabiki Nobuo , Kuribayashi Minoru , Kao Wen-Chung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

For several decades, calligraphy has been popular among people in Japan, China, and even in the world. Traditionally, a teacher teaches how to write letters on a paper with a brush, and a student will imitate them by referring to the model letters. However, if a teacher is not available, this method will not be applicable either. This study aims to propose a calligraphy learning assistant system (CLAS) using projection mapping, which allows a student to learn calligraphy by him/herself.

Design/methodology/approach

By following the letter writing video of a teacher that is directly projected on the paper, a student is able to learn the stroke order and writing speed in addition to the letter shape. Moreover, the letter portion practice function is incorporated in CLAS to allow a learner to repeat practicing hard portions of each letter.

Findings

For evaluations, the authors implemented CLAS using Raspberry Pi and open-source software and asked students to use it. The results confirmed that CLAS is effective in improving calligraphy skills of novice students.

Originality/value

With CLAS, a student can practice calligraphy using a conventional brush, ink and paper at a desk while looking at the model letter writing of a teacher projected on the paper using projection mapping.
Prediction of impact response in construction safety helmet using FEA
Authors: Khan Mohammed Rajik , Sonawane Atul
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present 3D finite element (FE) simulations of impact loading on a construction safety helmet over a headform to improve the ventilation slots profile in helmet design.

Design/methodology/approach

Impact response on headforms in three different studies considering ventilation slots of varied profiles and dimensions in helmets with rectangular elliptical and circular slots is compared and analysed. Head injury criteria (HIC) and safety regulations from past literature have been considered to evaluate the impact responses.

Findings

Simulation results show that a helmet with rectangular ventilation slots achieves a lowest peak impact force of 5941.3 N for a slot area of 170 mm2 as compared to elliptical and circular slots.

Research limitations/implications

Ventilation slots of simple geometry (rectangular, elliptical and circular) have been considered in this work. Other/complex geometry slots can also be chosen to predict its effect during impact response on a helmet–headform model. Biofidelic head–neck FE model can be developed to achieve precise results.

Practical implications

The presented work gives a clear idea to design engineers for the selection of ventilation slot profiles to design a construction safety helmet.

Social implications

Construction safety (CS) helmets are used to reduce injuries on heads of workers at construction sites in the event of free-falling objects. Rectangular ventilation slots in CS helmets as suggested in the work may reduce the risk of injury.

Originality/value

Results are found in good agreement with the past numerical simulation of impact response on a construction safety helmet over a validated biofidelic head FE model.
Teaching medical students child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP)
Authors: Salmon Gill , Tombs Michal
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and young people is increasing, leading to recommendations that medical schools re-consider their curriculum content and teaching practices for child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP). The purpose of this paper is to seek guidance for undergraduate curriculum development from the wider literature on CAP curriculum content and teaching practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted, focussing on studies that examined undergraduate teaching of CAP. In an attempt to establish whether there is an agreed level of curriculum content and teaching practices, literature from all over the world was included.

Findings

Findings suggest that curriculum content and teaching practices are varied, therefore it was difficult to identify best practice upon which recommendations can be made. In addition, despite previous calls for curriculum improvements and expansion of learning objectives, recent studies suggest that there has been little change.

Research limitations/implications

A common theme emerging was the importance of making the CAP curriculum relevant to all future doctors rather than only those who plan to specialise in CAP. Further research to determine what CAP knowledge, skills and attitudes non-psychiatrists think that medical students need to be taught is warranted.

Originality/value

This paper reviewed the literature on undergraduate CAP teaching, highlighting common themes from the wider literature on medical curriculum development to inform how CAP curricula content can be developed to equip future doctors.
Message content features and social media engagement: evidence from the media industry
Authors: Moran Gillian , Muzellec Laurent , Johnson Devon
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to uncover the drivers of consumer-brand engagement on Facebook, understood here as users’ behavioral responses in the form of clicks, likes, shares and comments. We highlight which content components, interactivity cues (calls to action [CTA]) and media richness (e.g. video, photo and text) are most effective at inducing consumers to exhibit clicking, liking, commenting and sharing behaviors toward branded content.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes 757 Facebook-based brand posts from a media and entertainment brand over a 15-week period. It investigates the relationship between interactive cues and media richness with consumer engagement using a negative binomial model.

Findings

Results show positive relationships for both interactivity cues and media richness content components on increasing consumer-brand engagement outcomes. The findings add clarity to previous inconsistent findings in the marketing literature. CTAs enhance all four engagement behaviors. Media richness also strongly influences all engagement behaviors, with visual imagery (photos and videos) attracting the most consumer responses.

Research limitations/implications

The sampled posts pertain to one brand (a radio station) and are thus concentrated within the media/entertainment industry, which limits the generalizability of findings. In addition, the authors limit their focus to Facebook but recognize that findings may differ across more visual or textual social networking sites.

Practical implications

The authors uncover the most effective pairings of media richness and interactivity components to trigger marketer-desired, behavioral responses. For sharing, for example, the authors show that photo-based posts are more effective on average than video-based posts. The authors also show that including an interactive call to act to encourage one type of engagement behavior has a near-universal effect in increasing all engagement behaviors.

Originality/value

This study takes two widely used concepts within the communications and advertising literatures – interactivity cues and media richness – and tests their relationship with engagement using real and actual users’ data available via Facebook Insights. This method is more robust than surveys or wall scrapping, as it mitigates Facebook’s algorithm effect. The results produce more consistent relationships than previous content marketing studies to date.
A summary of grey forecasting and relational models and its applications in marine economics and management
Authors: Xuemei Li , Cao Yun , Wang Junjie , Dang Yaoguo , Kedong Yin
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Research on grey systems is becoming more sophisticated, and grey relational and prediction analyses are receiving close review worldwide. Particularly, the application of grey systems in marine economics is gaining importance. The purpose of this paper is to summarize and review literature on grey models, providing new directions in their application in the marine economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper organized seminal studies on grey systems published by Chinese core journal database – CNKI, Web of Science and Elsevier from 1982 to 2018. After searching the aforementioned database for the said duration, the authors used the CiteSpace visualization tools to analyze them.

Findings

The authors sorted the studies according to their countries/regions, institutions, keywords and categories using the CiteSpace tool; analyzed current research characteristics on grey models; and discussed their possible applications in marine businesses, economy, scientific research and education, marine environment and disasters. Finally, the authors pointed out the development trend of grey models.

Originality/value

Although researches are combining grey theory with fractals, neural networks, fuzzy theory and other methods, the applications, in terms of scope, have still not met the demand. With the increasingly in-depth research in marine economics and management, international marine economic research has entered a new period of development. Grey theory will certainly attract scholars’ attention, and its role in marine economy and management will gain considerable significance.
Shocking secret you won’t believe! Emotional arousal in clickbait headlines
Authors: Pengnate Supavich (Fone)
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Clickbait has become a popular strategy for attracting online users by enticing them to follow the link to a particular website to read further. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by providing empirical evidence of how clickbait headlines affect online users’ emotional and behavioral responses, specifically emotional arousal and intention to read news. In addition, it is an early attempt to examine pupillary dilation response as an indicator of emotional arousal in the online news context.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted primarily to examine the levels of emotional arousal evoked by two treatment groups of online news headlines, news and clickbait, compared to a neutral control group. Emotional arousal was assessed using two approaches – pupillary dilation response recorded by an eye-tracking device and the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) – and the results were compared. The influence of emotional arousal on intention to read news was hypothesized and tested.

Findings

The level of emotional arousal evoked by the headlines varies. In general, clickbait headlines generate a higher level of emotional arousal than do the neutral headlines but a lower level than the news headlines. The results also indicate that the level of emotional arousal measured by pupillary dilation response and by SAM are somewhat consistent. Emotional arousal appears to be a significant predictor of intention to read news.

Originality/value

This study is an initial attempt to investigate how clickbait headlines influence online users’ perceptions and responses, which will be of interest to researchers and news media publishers. The current study also provides evidence for adopting pupillary dilation response, an unobtrusive measure of emotional response, as an alternative methodology for future studies that investigate emotional arousal related to textual information in the online news context.
Implementing a new human settlement theory
Authors: Liaros Steven
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Whilst the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables offers significant environmental benefits, the other transition – from a centralised to a distributed energy system – underpins a disruptive model for planning cities, towns and villages. A local energy micro-grid can power a local water micro-grid, which in turn can irrigate a local food system, offering a community the opportunity to harvest, store and distribute food, water and energy within their immediate catchment. A distributed network of regenerative villages, connected virtually and with shared electric vehicles is offered as an alternative vision for future cities. The paper aims to justify this as a preferred model for human settlements and develop an implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper asks: Is it inevitable that large cities will keep growing, while rural communities will continue to be deprived of resources and opportunities? Is the flow of people into cities inevitable? To answer this question, the adopted methodology is to take a systems approach, observing town planning processes from a range of different disciplines and perspectives.

Findings

By contrasting the current centralising city model with a distributed network of villages, this paper offers ten reasons why the distributed network is preferable to centralisation.

Research limitations/implications

It is argued that in this time of dramatic technological upheaval, environmental destruction and social inequality, business-as-usual is unacceptable in any field of human endeavour. This paper presents a sketch outlining a new human settlement theory, a different way of living on the land. It is an invitation to academics and practitioners to participate in a debate.

Originality/value

The information and energy revolutions, both distributed systems, are reshaping cities.
Factors affecting fear of crime: a study of elderly in a district of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Patel Avanish Bhai
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Fear of crime is an emerging social problem in Indian society that has a significant impact on the quality of life of the elderly. In the view of this fact, the purpose of this paper is to examine the factors such as (prior victimisation, vulnerability and incivility) which contribute their role in bringing fear of crime among the elderly.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed method approach has been applied in this paper. This study has been designed as an exploratory lead-in to a planned wider study into rural–urban context as possible factors in shaping the victimisation experience. The study has been conducted from October 2012 to January 2013 on a sample of 220 elderly living in both rural and urban areas of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Findings

The study found that elderly have been victimised by known persons as compared to unknown persons. Further, the study found that immediate neighbourhood was swarming with loiters, unruly teenagers, gangs, beggars and alcoholic people walk in the society which have significantly impact on the elderly and give threat in neighbourhood.

Originality/value

This is an original work of researcher.
Radiation‐induced osteosarcoma of the skull mimicking cutaneous tumor after treatment for frontal glioma
Authors: Maruyama Ayano , Yasuoka Sayaka , Katoh Norito , Asai Jun
Published: October 2019

Radiation‐induced sarcomas are recognized complications of radiation therapy and are associated with poor prognosis. Radiation‐induced osteosarcoma is one of the rare types of radiation‐induced sarcomas, with the risk of radiation‐induced osteosarcomas being only 0.01%–0.03% among all patients treated with radiotherapy. There have been only four reported cases of radiation‐induced osteosarcomas after radiotherapy for gliomas. Here, we report a unique case of radiation‐induced osteosarcomas arising on the skull and extending to the skin, with a short latent period. We also review the clinical features of the previously reported cases.
Anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐γ antibody as a biomarker in patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Shimizu Kyoko , Kobayashi Tadahiro , Kano Miyu , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Takehara Kazuhiko , Matsushita Takashi
Published: October 2019

The presence of anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor (TIF)1‐γ antibody (Ab) is associated with cancer in adult patients with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) or dermatomyositis (DM). In this study, we examined whether anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab levels are associated with disease activity in patients with CADM/DM. Anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab levels were examined in 23 patients with CADM or DM (CADM, n = 6; DM, n = 17). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were recorded, and serial measurements of anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab levels were obtained. Of the 23 patients with detectable anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab, 16 (70%) had an internal malignancy, while two (9%) had interstitial lung disease. Mean initial anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab levels (134 ± 47 index) were significantly decreased after 24 months (54 ± 45 index, P < 0.0001) and remained decreased thereafter. Anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab became negative (index value, <32) in 10 patients (43%) and remained positive (index value, ≥32) in 13 patients (57%) during the clinical course. The frequency of remission in the anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab‐negative conversion group (100%) was significantly higher than in the sustained positive group (0%, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, mortality in the anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab‐negative conversion group (0%) was significantly lower than that in sustained positive group (69%, P < 0.001). This study indicates that anti‐TIF1‐γ Ab levels are a useful and relevant surrogate marker of disease activity during follow‐up monitoring.
Darker ants dominate the canopy: Testing macroecological hypotheses for patterns in colour along a microclimatic gradient
Authors: Law Stephanie J. , Bishop Tom R. , Eggleton Paul , Griffiths Hannah , Ashton Louise , Parr Catherine
Published: October 2019

Gradients in cuticle lightness of ectotherms have been demonstrated across latitudes and elevations. Three key hypotheses have been used to explain these macroecological patterns: the thermal melanism hypothesis (TMH), the melanism‐desiccation hypothesis (MDH) and the photo‐protection hypothesis (PPH). Yet the broad abiotic measures, such as temperature, humidity and UV‐B radiation, typically used to detect these ecogeographical patterns, are a poor indication of the microenvironment experienced by small, cursorial ectotherms like ants.

We tested whether these macroecological hypotheses explaining cuticle lightness held at habitat and microclimatic level by using a vertical gradient within a tropical rainforest.

We sampled 222 ant species in lowland, tropical rainforest across four vertical strata: subterranean, ground, understory and canopy. We recorded cuticle lightness, abundance and estimated body size for each species and calculated an assemblage‐weighted mean for cuticle lightness and body size for each vertical stratum. Abiotic variables (air temperature, vapour pressure deficit and UV‐B radiation) were recorded for each vertical stratum.

We found that cuticle lightness of ant assemblages was vertically stratified: ant assemblages in the canopy and understory were twice as dark as assemblages in ground and subterranean strata. Cuticle lightness was not correlated with body size, and there was no support for the TMH. Rather, we attribute this cline in cuticle lightness to a combination of the MDH and the PPH.

Our findings indicate that broad macroecological patterns can be detected at much smaller spatial scales and that microclimatic gradients can shape trait variation, specifically the cuticle lightness of ants. These results suggest that any changes to microclimate that occur due to land‐use change or climate warming could drive selection of ants based on cuticle colour, altering assemblage structure and potentially ecosystem functioning.
Effects of ANP on pulmonary vein electrophysiology, Ca2+ homeostasis and adrenergic arrhythmogenesis via PKA
Authors: Lu Yen‐Yu , Cheng Chen‐Chuan , Wu Hui‐Jun , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Yao‐Chang , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: October 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of arrhythmia and increases the risk of stroke and heart failure (HF). Pulmonary veins (PVs) are important sources of triggers that generate AF, and calcium (Ca2+) overload participates in PV arrhythmogenesis. Neurohormonal activation is an important cause of AF. Higher atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) level predicts paroxysmal AF occurrence in HF patients. However, it is not clear if ANP directly modulates electrophysiological characteristics and Ca2+ homeostasis in the PVs. Conventional microelectrodes, whole‐cell patch‐clamp, and the Fluo‐3 fluorimetric ratio technique were performed using isolated rabbit PV preparations or single isolated PV cardiomyocytes before and after ANP administration. We found that ANP (1, 10, and 100 nmol/L) concentration‐dependently decreased spontaneous activity in PV preparations. ANP (100 nmol/L) decreased isoproterenol (1 μmol/L)‐induced PV spontaneous activity and burst firing. AP811 (100 nmol/L, NPR‐C agonist), H89 (1μmol/L, PKA inhibitor) decreased isoproterenol‐induced PV spontaneous activity or burst firing, but successive administration of ANP had no further effect on PV activity. KT5823 (1 μmol/L, PKG inhibitor) decreased isoproterenol‐induced PV spontaneous activity but did not change isoproterenol‐induced PV burst firing, whereas successive administration of ANP did not change isoproterenol‐induced PV burst firing. ANP decreased intracellular Ca2+ transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in single PV cardiomyocytes. ANP decreased the late sodium current, L‐type Ca2+ current, but did not change nickel‐sensitive Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger current in single PV cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, ANP directly regulates PV electrophysiological characteristics and Ca2+ homeostasis and attenuates isoproterenol‐induced arrhythmogenesis through NPR‐C/cAMP/PKA signal pathway.
Tardigrades in the city: A review of diversity patterns in response to urbanization
Authors: delBarco‐Trillo Javier
Published: October 2019

In different taxonomical groups, the number of species found in urban environments tends to decline compared to adjacent nonurban environments. It is unclear whether tardigrades also conform to this pattern of diversity decline in cities. Tardigrades are microscopic invertebrates which have been understudied, despite the fact that they are cosmopolitan and found in all types of habitats. Due to their capability to withstand extreme conditions, tardigrades should be able to successfully thrive in urban environments. Here, all available information about tardigrade diversity in cities was compiled. It was quantitatively determined that tardigrade diversity declines in urban areas compared to adjacent rural areas. Geographically, closer cities are also likely to harbor a more similar set of tardigrade species. In comparison to other groups like mammals and birds, there are no tardigrade species consistently found in most studied cities. In fact, most urban tardigrades have only been found in one single city. Ultimately, the species of tardigrades found in a given city will normally depend on the set of species already living in the adjacent native environments. One question that deserves further investigation is why only a subset of such native species is able to colonize the new environmental niches available in cities.
Psf3 as a possible biomarker of postoperative chemotherapy for patients with early pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kimura Kenji , Tanaka Yugo , Tauchi Shunsuke , Kitamura Yoshitaka , Nishio Wataru , Sakai Yasuhiro , Hayashi Yoshitake , Yoshimura Masahiro , Maniwa Yoshimasa
Published: October 2019

Background

Partner of Sld five 3 (Psf3) is a member of the heterotetrameric complex that consists of SLD5, Psf1, Psf2, and Psf3. We have shown in previous studies that high Psf3 expression was a poor prognostic marker for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Here, we statistically evaluated the relationship between clinicopathologic factors and Psf3 expression in stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A total of 583 patients who had undergone complete resection of stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma from January 2002 to December 2009 were included in the study. Tissue microarrays were performed, and the resected tumors were divided into groups according to Psf3 expression.

Results

Of 583 patients, high expression of Psf3 was observed in 211 (36.2%) and low expression of Psf3 observed in 372 (63.8%) patients. Among stage I patients, the five‐year survival rate was 76.7% in the Psf3 high expression group and 90.9% in the Psf3 low expression group (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, Psf3 was found to be the independent prognostic factor. Among stage I patients in the Psf3 high expression group, a significantly greater five‐year survival rate was observed in patients who received postoperative chemotherapy with tegafur‐uracil than in those who underwent surgery alone (P < 0.0001). In contrast, among stage I patients in the Psf3 low expression group, no difference was found in the five‐year survival, regardless of the presence or absence of tegafur‐uracil (P = 0.873).

Conclusion

The Psf3 expression was an independent prognostic factor and could be a biomarker of adjuvant tegafur‐uracil for stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Key points

Significant findings of the study: The Psf3 expression could be a biomarker of adjuvant tegafur‐uracil administration for stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

What this study adds: Appropriate patients of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma using Psf3 expression could be selected.
Shadow banking shadowed in banks’ balance sheets: Evidence from China’s commercial banks
Authors: Zhu Feifei , Chen Jing , Chen Zihao , Li Huixuan
Published: October 2019

Using hand‐collected data, we creatively construct an ‘on‐balance‐sheet shadow banking business’ (OBS‐SBB) measure to precisely quantify commercial banks’ shadow banking activity concealed on their balance sheets. We show that OBS‐SBB activities could both increase individual and systemic risks. To further test the underlying mechanisms, we use China’s implementation of Basel III as an exogenous shock and employ the difference‐in‐differences approach. We find that banks demand OBS‐SBB in order to bypass capital requirements, previously less‐capitalised banks significantly increase their OBS‐SBB ex‐post, and greater impact is found among small and medium‐sized banks and during loose monetary policy periods.
Predictors of translocation success of captive‐reared lizards: implications for their captive management
Authors: Hare K. M. , Schumann N. , Hoskins A. J. , Daugherty C. H. , Towns D. R. , Chapple D. G.
Published: October 2019

Islands are biodiversity hotspots, but their native inhabitants are vulnerable to predation from exotic predators. Conservation of island endemics has often involved translocating captive‐reared populations to predator‐free refugia. However, the long‐term success of these translocations has rarely been assessed. We investigated the traits that maximize post‐translocation survival in a cohort of captive‐reared Suter's skinks Oligosoma suteri and compared traits normally associated with survival and persistence of lizards (body condition, speed and overall size) to that of wild‐born skinks 6 years after release onto a predator‐free island in the north‐east of New Zealand. Our models showed that larger lizards, and lizards with lower body condition, had improved survival. While sprint speed of captive‐reared lizards did not differ significantly to that of wild skinks, diving ability of captive‐reared skinks was poor, with only female captive‐reared lizards diving during trials. Our results indicate that the traits associated with higher survival after release are not necessarily obvious and may be influenced by adaptation to captive conditions. Long‐term monitoring post‐translocation is therefore vital to determine the success of the translocation.
Effect of occlusal reduction on postendodontic pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Nguyen‐Nhon David , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Pulikkotil Shaju J. , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of occlusal reduction on post‐operative pain following root canal treatment and was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement being registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018089941). Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed (MEDLINE), Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and the Cochrane Library databases. Seven studies were included, of which three were used to perform meta‐analysis for 6 days post‐operative and the rest for qualitative synthesis. Three studies were assessed as low risk of bias, three as some concern, and one as high risk of bias. Occlusal reduction diminishes the post‐operative pain (SMD −1.10 (95%CI −2.06, −0.15) I2 = 96.9%) at 6 days for teeth diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis, and, overall, likely reduces post‐operative pain for patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis and/or symptomatic apical periodontitis. Future high‐quality clinical trials are needed to better understand the role of occlusal reduction.
Telomere regulation: lessons learnt from mice and men, potential opportunities in horses
Authors: Denham J.
Published: October 2019

Telomeres are genetically conserved nucleoprotein complexes located at the ends of chromosomes that preserve genomic stability. In large mammals, somatic cell telomeres shorten with age, owing to the end replication problem and lack of telomere‐lengthening events (e.g. telomerase and ALT activity). Therefore, telomere length reflects cellular replicative reserve and mitotic potential. Environmental insults can accelerate telomere attrition in response to cell division and DNA damage. As such, telomere shortening is considered one of the major hallmarks of ageing. Much effort has been dedicated to understanding the environmental perturbations that accelerate telomere attrition and therapeutic strategies to preserve or extend telomeres. As telomere dynamics seem to reflect cumulative cellular stress, telomere length could serve as a biomarker of animal welfare. The assessment of telomere dynamics (i.e. rate of shortening) in conjunction with telomere‐regulating genes and telomerase activity in racehorses could monitor long‐term animal health, yet it could also provide some unique opportunities to address particular limitations with the use of other animal models in telomere research. Considering the ongoing efforts to optimise the health and welfare of equine athletes, the purpose of this review is to discuss the potential utility of assessing telomere length in Thoroughbred racehorses. A brief review of telomere biology in large and small mammals will be provided, followed by discussion on the biological implications of telomere length and environmental (e.g. lifestyle) factors that accelerate or attenuate telomere attrition. Finally, the utility of quantifying telomere dynamics in horses will be offered with directions for future research.