bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital politics: internet and democracy in Africa
Authors: Evans Olaniyi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between internet use and democracy in Africa. It examines the non-linearities and causality between the two variables in the short and long run for 38 countries in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is empirical. It uses pooled mean group and causality tests for the sample of 38 African countries.

Findings

The panel long-run and short-run estimates show evidence of significant non-linear relationship between internet usage and democracy. While internet usage is significantly and negatively related to democracy, squared internet usage is significantly but positively related. This suggests that internet usage increases with the decrease of democracy, but after a certain level of internet usage which is the turning point, democracy starts to increase. Additionally, there is uni-directional causality from internet usage to democracy. However, a bi-directional causality exists between squared internet usage and democracy.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence from this study suggests that internet usage and democracy are highly interrelated to each other in Africa. The findings support that at the macro level, Africa is moving toward a new stage, where internet will lead to improved levels of democracy and digital politics.

Practical implications

Remarkably, the paper shows that democracy displays a quadratic relationship with internet usage. As a whole, the findings indicate a U-shaped pattern: democracy decreases with internet usage, stabilizes, and then increases. In other words, internet usage increases with the decrease of democracy, but after a certain level of internet usage which is the turning point, democracy starts to increase.

Social implications

Many African Governments that have frequently imposed restrictions on internet and social media need to stop. The decline in democracy as internet usage increases may be explained by more severity of these restrictions. However, the findings support that at the macro level, Africa is moving toward a new stage, where internet will lead to improved levels of democracy and digital politics.

Originality/value

Contrary to previous conceptual papers, the current study empirically investigates the causality between internet and democracy in 38 African countries. The findings indicate a U-shaped pattern: democracy decreases with internet usage, stabilizes, and then increases. In other words, internet usage increases with the decrease of democracy but after a certain level of internet usage which is the turning point, democracy starts to increase.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Citicoline in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Brown E. Sherwood , Van Enkevort Erin , Kulikova Alexandra , Escalante Chastity , Nakamura Alyson , Ivleva Elena I. , Holmes Traci
Published: November 2018

Background

Alcohol use disorder is a major societal and individual burden that exacerbates health outcomes, decreases quality of life, and negatively affects U.S. healthcare spending. Although pharmacological treatments are available for alcohol use disorder, many of them are limited by small effect sizes and used infrequently. Citicoline is a widely available over‐the‐counter supplement with a favorable side effect profile. It acts through cholinergic pathways and phospholipid metabolism. The current report examines the effect of oral citicoline on alcohol use, craving, depressive symptoms, and cognitive outcomes in individuals with alcohol use disorder.

Methods

A 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, pilot study of citicoline (titrated to 2,000 mg/d) in 62 adults (age 18 to 75) with alcohol use disorder was conducted. Alcohol use, such as number of drinking days, amount used, and number of heavy drinking days, was assessed using the Timeline Followback method and liver enzymes, while alcohol craving was measured using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale. A neurocognitive battery (e.g., Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and depressive symptoms scale (e.g., Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self‐Report) scores were also collected. Data were analyzed using a random regression analysis.

Results

The primary outcome analysis was conducted in the intent‐to‐treat sample and consisted of 55 participants (78.2% men and 21.8% women, mean age of 46.47 ± 9.15 years). In the assessment period, the drinking days, on average, represented 77% of the assessed days. Significant between‐group differences were not observed on alcohol use, craving, and cognitive or depressive symptom measures. Citicoline was well tolerated.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study observed that citicoline was well tolerated, but was not associated with a reduction in alcohol use or other outcomes, as compared to placebo. The favorable effects reported with citicoline for cocaine use, cognitive disorders, and other conditions do not appear to extend to alcohol use disorder.
French territories in the Forum: Trojan horse or paddles for the Pacific canoe?
Authors: Leslie Helen , Prinsen Gerard
Published: November 2018

With the development of the new Framework for Pacific Regionalism and through collective action on issues such as climate change, home‐grown Pacific regionalism is arguably strengthening. The admission in 2016 of French Polynesia and New Caledonia as full members of the Pacific Islands Forum, however, could potentially shift the balance of policy influence away from Pacific Island members towards that of the Forum's metropolitan members (Australia, New Zealand and now France). While it is early days, this research note makes some beginning observations about where the balance of influence is likely to tilt. We conclude that despite their status as non‐self‐governing territories, New Caledonia and French Polynesia have at times successfully pursued their own interests over those of France and both have much human and economic capital to offer their Pacific Island peers. We also suggest that assuming France's territories will align with the geopolitical interests of Australia and New Zealand and potentially move the Forum back towards a neoliberal agenda, denies the political agency that Pacific Island countries have been increasingly exercising over the Forum's policy. On balance, rather than acting as France's Trojan horse, we argue that the territories’ membership will further strengthen the Pacific canoe.
Unpacking land acquisition at the oil palm frontier: Obscuring customary rights and local authority in West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Rietberg Petra Irene , Hospes Otto
Published: November 2018

Very few studies have captured the full complexity of land acquisition processes at the agricultural frontier. Specifically, the different stages in the land acquisition process and the changing responses of local communities to plantation development have not been adequately described and explained. Based on a detailed empirical case study of a land acquisition process in a village at the oil palm frontier in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, we address this knowledge gap. To comprehensively capture reactions ‘from below’ to large‐scale land acquisition, we use the interlinked concepts of access, property and authority. We show that the land acquisition process is basically a process of transforming and obscuring customary property rights and local authority. In our case, this process is characterised by an initial recognition of customary rights and local authority by the oil palm company. However, in the course of the process, these property rights and local authority are being transformed and eventually obscured. We call for a more interventionist state to prepare a less uneven playing field at the very beginning of land acquisition processes. This could slow down the nearly irrevocable obfuscation of customary rights and the erosion of local authority at the oil palm frontier.
When They're Done with You: Legal Violence and Structural Vulnerability among Injured Immigrant Poultry Workers
Authors: Stuesse Angela
Published: November 2018

“When they're done with you,” an impassioned union representative once cautioned me, “they'll crumple you up like a piece of paper, throw you out, and reach back for your kids.” Industrial poultry production is horrific work, reliant upon the expendable bodies of Black and Brown workers, many of whom are immigrants. While anthropologists have increasingly employed the concepts of structural violence and vulnerability to understand the experiences of migrant health, few have focused on the workplace. Over several years, as the coordinator of the Mississippi Poultry Workers' Center's Workplace Injury Project, I documented the lengths to which this industry will go to avoid reporting and treating injuries via the workers' compensation system. From obstructionist plant nurses and company doctors to surveillance, retaliation, and termination, injured undocumented workers' experiences underscore the failings of workers' compensation as a medico‐legal project. Drawing on scholarship from legal and medical anthropology, public health, critical legal studies, and healthcare economics and policy, this article employs the framework of legal violence to scrutinize the ways in which immigration and workers' compensation laws work together to produce layered precarities among injured immigrant poultry workers, considering the role of occupational injury and the repression of injured immigrant workers in reproducing a docile and exploitable labor force for a capitalist economy that places profit over people.
Comparison of the HAT study, the largest global hypoglycaemia study to date, with similar large real‐world studies
Authors: Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , Alsifri Saud , Aronson Ronnie , Berković Maja Cigrovski , Galstyan Gagik , Gydesen Helge , Lekdorf Jesper Barner , Ludvik Bernhard , Moberg Erik , Ramachandran Ambady , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: November 2018

Aims

Optimal diabetes care requires clear understanding of the incidence of hypoglycaemia in real‐world clinical practice. Current data on hypoglycaemia are generally limited to those reported from randomised controlled clinical trials. The Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool (HAT) study, a non‐interventional real‐world study of hypoglycaemia, assessed hypoglycaemia in 27 585 individuals across 24 countries. The present study compared the incidence of hypoglycaemia from the HAT study with other similarly designed, large, real‐world studies.

Materials and Methods

A literature search of PubMed (1995‐2017) for population‐based studies of insulin‐treated patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D, T2D), excluding clinical trials and reviews, identified comparable population‐based studies reporting the incidence of hypoglycaemia.

Results

The 24 comparative studies, including more than 24 000 participants with T1D and more than 160 000 participants with T2D, varied in design, size, inclusion criteria, definitions of hypoglycaemia and method of recording hypoglycaemia. Reported rates (events per patient‐year [PPY]) of hypoglycaemia were higher in patients with T1D than in those with T2D (overall T1D, 21.8‐73.3 and T2D, 1.3‐37.7; mild/non‐severe T1D, 29.0‐126.7 and T2D, 1.3‐41.5; severe T1D, 0.7‐5.8 and T2D, 0.0‐2.5; nocturnal T1D, 2.6‐11.3 and T2D, 0.38‐9.7) and were similar to the ranges found in the HAT study.

Conclusions

The HAT data on hypoglycaemia incidence were comparable with those from other real‐world studies and indicate a high incidence of hypoglycaemia among insulin‐treated patients. Differences in rates among studies are mostly explained by differences in patient populations and study methodology. The goal of reducing hypoglycaemia should be a target for continued educational and evidence‐based pharmacological interventions.
Liraglutide pharmacotherapy reduces body weight and improves glycaemic control in juvenile obese/hyperglycaemic male and female rats
Authors: Liberini Claudia G. , Lhamo Rinzin , Ghidewon Misgana , Ling Tyler , Juntereal Nina , Chen Jack , Cao Anh , Stein Lauren M. , Hayes Matthew R.
Published: November 2018

Aims

To examine whether the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide could be used in juvenile male and female rats as an anti‐obesity/diabetic pharmaceutical to prevent not only adolescent obesity/hyperglycaemia, but also early‐adult onset obesity.

Material and Methods

Pregnant dams were fed either standard chow or a high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet (HFSD) from gestational day 2, throughout pregnancy and lactation. Offspring were weaned onto the respective maternal diet. Juveniles received daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide (50 μg/kg, from postnatal day [PND]30 to PND40 and 200 μg/kg from PND40 to PND60) or vehicle. Food intake, body weight and glycaemic levels were evaluated across the experimental period.

Results

Chronic liraglutide administration in juveniles prevented body weight gain in males and retained a normoglycaemic profile in both male and female rats.

Conclusion

These preclinical data suggest that maternal and early‐life consumption of an HFSD increases caloric intake, body weight gain and hyperglycaemia, a collective set of unwanted metabolic effects that appear to be treatable in juveniles with liraglutide pharmacotherapy intervention.
Interferon‐γ Receptor 1 and GluR1 upregulated in motor neurons of symptomatic hSOD1G93A mice
Authors: Sengupta Saikata , Le Thanh Tu , Adam Adam , Tadić Vedrana , Stubendorff Beatrice , Keiner Silke , Kloss Linda , Prell Tino , Witte Otto W. , Grosskreutz Julian
Published: November 2018

Motor neurons are markedly vulnerable to excitotoxicity mostly by alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic receptor (AMPAR) stimulation and are principal targets in the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, can independently cause neuronal dysfunction by triggering calcium influx through a calcium‐permeable complex of IFN‐γ receptor 1(IFNGR1) subunit and AMPAR subunit GluR1. This receptor complex is formed via a non‐canonical neuron‐specific IFN‐γ pathway that involves Jak1/Stat1 and Protein Kinase A. In this study, we explore the expression of the pathway's participants for the first time in the hSOD1G93A Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse model. Elevated IFNGR1 and GluR1 are detected in motor neurons of hSOD1G93A symptomatic mice ex vivo, unlike the downstream targets ‐ Jak1, Stat1, and Protein Kinase A. We, also, determine effects of IFN‐γ alone or in the presence of an excitotoxic agent, kainate, on motor neuron survival in vitro. IFN‐γ induces neuronal damage, but does not influence kainate‐mediated excitotoxicity. Increased IFNGR1 can most likely sensitize motor neurons to excitotoxic insults involving GluR1 and/or pathways mediated by IFN‐γ, thus, serving as a potential direct link between neurodegeneration and inflammation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Is the locus of class development of the transnational capitalist class situated within nation‐states or in the emergent transnational space?
Authors: GONZÁLEZ CARLOS
Published: November 2018

The rise of the modern corporation has disrupted the class structures of nation‐states because, in the era of globalization, such reorganization now occurs across borders. Yet, has globalization been deep enough to facilitate the emergence of a transnational capitalist class (TCC) in which both class formation and consolidation processes are located in the transnational space itself? I contribute to our understanding of the TCC by contrasting the personal characteristics, life histories and capital endowments of members of the British corporate elite with and without transnational board appointments. The existence of the honours system in the UK allows us to compare individuals objectively in terms of their symbolic capital and to link this trait to embeddedness in the TCC. By studying 448 directors from the 100 largest firms in the UK in 2011, I find evidence of a TCC with a class consolidation process that is located within transnational space, but whose class formation dynamics are still tethered to national processes of elite production and reproduction.
The resonance of moderate feminism and the gendered relations of austerity
Authors: Budgeon Shelley
Published: November 2018

During the tenure of the UK Conservative‐led coalition government (2010–15) austerity policy was rolled out in response to the global financial crisis of 2007–08. In this article a discourse analysis of mainstream newspaper representations of austerity, which appeared throughout this period, is undertaken using the principles of Cultural Political Economy (Jessop 2004). Three key questions are posed: 1) How is gender drawn upon to render austerity intelligible? 2) How do these discursive constructions contribute to the reproduction of particular ideas regarding contemporary gender relations? 3) What do these gendered austerity discourses reveal about the institutionalisation of particular forms of feminism? A critical gender discourse which emphasised equality appeared alongside constructions of gender that reproduced problematic assumptions. Made meaningful in this way, austerity, as a strategy for restoring pre‐crash social arrangements, also restored particular aspects of gender relations. This is theorised as the product of the successful institutionalisation of a hegemonic, moderate liberal feminism prior to the financial crash. The findings contribute to debates within feminist scholarship about the dynamics of gender inclusion and extend our understanding of the associated implications for feminist critique.
Devonian shallow marine ostracods from central Japan
Authors: Tanaka Gengo , Siveter David J. , Williams Mark
Published: November 2018

Thirteen ostracod species including two new species, Clavofabellina fukujiensis n. sp. and Bythocypris wangi n. sp., are reported from the Middle Shale Member of the Fukuji Formation, Devonian of central Japan. The ostracods demonstrate species‐links with South China, indicating that the Hida‐Gaien Terrane of central Japan shared biogeographical affinities with the shallow marine faunas of the South China paleocontinent during the Early Devonian.
Nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate therapy—Part II: Assessment of alveolar bone tissue inflammatory response in rats—A blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pacheco Viviane N. , Langie Renan , Benfica Jules R. D. , Munaretto Jéssica C. , Etges Adriana , Ponzoni Deise , Puricelli Edela
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the alveolar bone tissue inflammatory response in rats undergoing zoledronic acid therapy. The study sample was composed of 28 Wistar rats. Animals from the test group GTa received a weekly intraperitoneal dose of 0.2 mg/kg of zoledronic acid for 3 weeks, while test group GTb received the same dose for 8 weeks. A physiological saline dose, equivalent to that of the medication, was administered to the controls in groups GCa and GCb. A defect was created in the dental crown of the lower first molars using a drill to simulate pulp and periapical injury. Data were evaluated regarding image grey levels by cone‐beam computed tomography and histologically by assigning scores for the presence of inflammatory infiltrate, type of infiltrate, vascularization, bone necrosis and dental resorption. Grey levels in the 3‐week therapy group (GTa) showed more pronounced changes in comparison with those seen in the GCa group (P < 0.05). Evaluation of the scores demonstrated no association between any of the variables amongst the groups (>0.05). However, bone remodelling decreased in the groups receiving the medication. Bone necrosis was present more frequently in group GTb than in the control group GCb. The results suggest that the drug interfered in the reaction capacity of the alveolar bone tissue as test group GTa showed higher grey levels in comparison to the control group GCa. In addition, there was less bone remodelling activity, with the appearance of bone necrosis zones and intense acute inflammatory infiltrate associated with the 8‐week therapy group GTb.
Sulfate‐vanadate hot corrosion of neodymium cerate/yttria stabilized zirconia composite coating
Authors: Ejaz Noveed , Ali Liaqat , Ahmed Akhlaque , Rafiq Asif , Awan Gul Hameed , Mehmood Khalid
Published: November 2018

Neodymium cerate (Nd2Ce2O7) was laboratory synthesized by solid‐state reactions of neodymia and ceria and spray dried to get the feedstock for plasma spraying. Hot corrosion behavior of air plasma sprayed 10% Nd2Ce2O7/yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) topcoat was studied in the presence of V2O5 and Na2SO4 salts at 950°C for 10‐60 hours. It was observed that due to the presence of relatively higher basic compounds Nd2O3 and CeO2 (form Nd2Ce2O7) than Y2O3 in YSZ changed the reaction dynamics during hot corrosion and the major part of corrosive (NaVO3) was consumed by Nd of Nd2Ce2O7, making NdVO4. The Y2O3 of YSZ contributed in the corrosive reaction partially, relieving majority tetragonal zirconia (t‐ZrO2) in topcoat (YSZ). No remarkable cracking was developed in the topcoat even after 60 hours of accelerated hot corrosion, which was attributed to the retention of in‐relief t‐ZrO2 in YSZ.
High precision extrusion of glass tubes
Authors: Kalnins Christopher A. G. , Bachus Kyle J. , Gooley Andrew , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike
Published: November 2018

Precision glass tubes for analytical instrumentation often require tight tolerances in their inner and outer diameter, which makes them cumbersome to fabricate. The extrusion method is a potential method for the fabrication of precision glass tubes, however, the effects of die swell and taper which occur during the extrusion process can distort the final product. This work aims to determine the tolerances that can be achieved for glass tubes fabricated using the extrusion method by comparing the extent of the die swell and tapering on tubes extruded under a variety of extrusion parameters. Lead‐silicate glass tubes of 6.5 mm outer diameter and 0.50 mm inner diameter were fabricated with a taper of <1% for the outer diameter and <5% for the inner diameter over 200 mm lengths. This target geometry was achieved using a volume flow rate of 4.7 mm3/s, a glass viscosity of 107.2 Pa.s and a die geometry that accommodated a 8%‐10% offset due to die swell. This result indicates the extrusion method is a viable method for producing glass tubes with tight tolerances for applications in analytical instrumentation.
Neo‐Calvinism on General Revelation: A Dogmatic Sketch
Authors: Sutanto Nathaniel Gray
Published: November 2018

Neo‐Calvinism, it is often observed, affirms a ubiquitous and dogmatic account of general revelation. Yet, critics claim, the tradition is too reticent to affirm that there is a positive, even if limited, project for natural theology. I argue that what accounts for this apparent discrepancy is a failure to recognize some distinctive marks of the neo‐Calvinistic account of general revelation. Theologians like Herman Bavinck, Johan Bavinck and Abraham Kuyper operate with an account of general revelation that is precognitive and primordial in character – an account irreducible to propositional beliefs about God. Once this dogmatic sketch is retrieved, a strong distinction between the ubiquity of general revelation and its rational reception in the form of concepts can be made. The conclusion then draws some salient implications of the above exposition.
The Logos and the Authority of Scripture: A Proposal Motivated by Irenaeus’ Trinitarian Account of Revelation
Authors: Laing Kenneth R.
Published: November 2018

This article suggests an alternative approach to the modern emphasis on the Spirit as the ground of the authority of Scripture – a view largely absent in the church of the first four centuries – on the basis of the thoroughly trinitarian account of the process of divine revelation articulated by Irenaeus. In his account, the Logos, as the Revealer of the Father, is the primary agent of all the Father’s revelatory actions. In this way the Logos, working in cooperation with the Spirit, provides the basis for the revelatory authority of Scripture.
Upholding Sola Scriptura Today: Some Unturned Stones in Herman Bavinck’s Doctrine of Inspiration
Authors: Pass Bruce R.
Published: November 2018

This article revisits the disagreement between Rogers and McKim and Richard Gaffin over whether or not Herman Bavinck upheld the concept of biblical inerrancy. A sketch of Bavinck’s doctrine of inspiration of Scripture that engages with the terms of their debate is presented in order to highlight ways in which a more nuanced reading of Bavinck holds constructive potential for the maintenance of Scripture as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
Advancing the assessment of automated deception detection systems: Incorporating base rate and cost into system evaluation
Authors: Twitchell Douglas P. , Fuller Christie M.
Published: November 2018

In the last two decades, there has been an increased interest in automated deception detection systems (ADDs) for use in screening, although little attention has been paid to the usefulness of these systems. ADDs use various means, both invasive and non‐invasive, to ascertain individual intent to deceive or engage in malicious behaviour. Many papers introducing ADDs use signal detection theory to compare a technique's ability to detect malicious intent with other techniques, but in doing so, they do not include contextual information such as base rate and cost. In this paper, we aim to improve future research by showing how the inclusion of contextual information provides a more realistic picture of the research. Through both theoretical arguments and a real‐data example, we show that especially for those contexts where malicious intent is infrequent (ie, with low base rates of deception) that not factoring in the base rate overestimates the accuracy and therefore usefulness. We conclude with recommendations for how future research should provide a fuller picture of the accuracy and usefulness of ADDs.
Sodium silicate activated slag‐fly ash binders: Part III—Composition of soft gel and calorimetry
Authors: Sankar Kaushik , Stynoski Peter , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: November 2018

Sodium silicate activated, slag‐fly ash binders are potential alternative binders to Portland cement. In this study, the early age properties of slag‐fly ash binders namely, set time, and heats of reaction were investigated. Set time was investigated using a combination of two methods namely, theASTMC403 penetration testing, and s‐wave ultrasonic wave reflectometry (SUWR). The discrepancy in set time identified by these two methods suggested the presence of a soft gel which eventually hardened with time. The composition of this soft gel was analyzed by suspending the chemical reaction of the binder after the soft gel formed, but before it hardened. In order to analyze the composition of the soft gel, selective chemical extractions were performed on the binder.29Si Magic Angle Spinning‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS‐NMR), andFTIRspectroscopy were performed on binders and extraction residues. The soft gel contained a modified calcium silicate hydrate gel (C–N–S–H where N=Na), with a short mean chain length and no observable Al incorporation. Orthosilicate units were also found to be present in relatively high proportions when compared to hardened binders at later ages.
In situ synthesis of three‐dimensional nanofiber‐knitted ceramic foams via reactive sintering silicon foams
Authors: Huo Wenlong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jie , Hu Zunlan , Yan Shu , Gan Ke , Yang Jinlong
Published: November 2018

Three‐dimensional ceramic nanofiber‐assembled materials with large specific surface area and excellent thermal insulation properties are attracting increasing interests for their unique structure and promising applications. In this paper, we propose a facile methodology to fabricate three‐dimensional silicon nitride nanofiber‐knitted ceramic foams via in situ reactive synthesis from silicon foams. Silicon particle‐stabilized foams are fabricated for the first time using long‐chain surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as a hydrophobic modifier. First, the fabrication and stability of silicon foams are investigated. Based on the stable silicon foams, silicon nitride‐based nanofiber‐knitted ceramic foams are synthesized via in situ reactive sintering in nitrogen atmosphere. The novel ceramic foam materials consist of three‐dimensional nanofiber‐assembled strut wall and nanofiber‐spheres in the pores. The diameter of obtained silicon nitride nanofibers ranges from 15 to 100 nm. The unique nanofiber‐knitted foams may have potential applications in specific fields, including catalysis, adsorption, separation, and thermal insulation.
The effects of depressive symptom management interventions on low‐income mothers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Kisook , Lee Yoonyoung
Published: November 2018

Aim

To evaluate the effects of depressive symptom management interventions (DSMI) for low‐income mothers.

Background

Depressive symptoms and depression are common complications following childbirth. Depressive symptoms experienced by low‐income mothers negatively affect infant–toddler development.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to provide a synthesized and critical appraisal of the included studies.

Data Sources

We conducted a systematic search of randomized controlled trials in the following electronic databases through November 2017: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL.

Review Methods

Ten studies were found in the systematic review of DSMI in terms of content, mode of delivery, session, and provider. We then conducted a meta‐analysis of nine randomized controlled trials with 798 participants, comparing low‐income mothers with and without DSMI.

Results

A significant effect was noted for DSMI in improving depressive symptoms in low‐income mothers with young children and for interventions lasting 8 weeks or less.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis suggested that DSMI for low‐income mothers can be effective; however, the effectiveness varies by intervention type, intervention duration, and whether the mothers had other children.

Impact

The findings of this study will contribute to the development of effective DSMI by providing scientific evidence for the development of such programmes for low‐income mothers, especially with respect to target population and intervention duration.
The relationship between workplace characteristics and work ability in residential aged care: What is the role of work–life interaction?
Authors: Weale Victoria P. , Wells Yvonne , Oakman Jodi
Published: November 2018

Aims

To examine whether the work–life interface (through work–family conflict and overall work–life balance) moderates the relationship between work ability and workplace demands and resources.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional survey design to collect data from 426 employees working in residential aged care.

Methods

A paper‐based questionnaire was distributed to all permanent and casual employees at eight aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia, between June ‐ September 2013. Moderation analyses were conducted usingPROCESSv. 2.13 inSPSSv. 22.

Results/Findings

As expected, workplace demands and resources directly influenced workers’ work ability. In addition, moderate‐to‐high levels of work–family conflict and low‐to‐moderate levels of satisfaction with work–life balance combined interactively with particular workplace demands and resources (relationships with management, physical demands, and safety climate) to reduce work ability.

Conclusions

This study advances understanding of how work–life balance and work–life conflict can influence work ability levels and shows that addressing the work–life interface may be a legitimate means to improve work ability, potentially leading to continued workforce participation.

Impact

Staff retention in the residential aged care sector needs to be addressed. One possible means of achieving this is through improving work ability. This study expanded knowledge of how the work–life interface may influence work ability.

The research demonstrated that relationships between work ability and particular workplace demands and resources were moderated by the work–life interface. This finding has implications for how human resources managers of residential aged care facilities may improve workforce retention—through facilitating employees to manage the work–life interface better.
Cardio‐ankle vascular index and cardiovascular disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective and cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Matsushita Kunihiro , Ding Ning , Kim Esther D. , Budoff Matthew , Chirinos Julio A. , Fernhall Bo , Hamburg Naomi M. , Kario Kazuomi , Miyoshi Toru , Tanaka Hirofumi , Townsend Raymond
Published: November 2018

The cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a new measure of arterial stiffness that reflects the stiffness from the ascending aorta to the ankle arteries, and demonstrates little dependence on blood pressure during the evaluation. However, a comprehensive assessment of the association of CAVI with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been reported. We performed a systematic review to assess the association between CAVI and CVD. We searched for both prospective and cross‐sectional studies using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from inception until April 11, 2017. We pooled the results using random‐effects models. Among 1519 records, we identified nine prospective studies (n = 5214) and 17 cross‐sectional eligible studies (n = 7309), with most enrolling high CVD risk populations in Asia. All nine prospective studies investigated composite CVD events as an outcome (498 cases including coronary events and stroke) but modeled CAVI inconsistently. The pooled adjusted hazard ratio for CVD events per 1 standard deviation increment of CAVI in four studies was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.05‐1.36, P = 0.006). Of the 17 cross‐sectional studies, 13 studies compared CAVI values between patients with and without CVD and all reported significantly higher values in those with CVD (pooled mean difference in CAVI values 1.28 [0.86‐1.70], P < 0.001). This systematic review suggests a modest association between CAVI and incident CVD risk, and highlights the need for studies assessing CAVI as a predictor of CVD in the general population and non‐Asian countries.
Optimization of ultrasound and microwave assisted oil extraction from sea buckthorn seeds by response surface methodology
Authors: Isopencu Gabriela , Stroescu Marta , Brosteanu Alma , Chira Nicoleta , Pârvulescu Oana Cristina , Busuioc Cristina , Stoica‐Guzun Anicuta
Published: November 2018

Sea buckthorn (SB) seeds were used as raw material to obtain SB oil using two extraction methods: ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction. The favorable experimental conditions that maximize the extraction efficiency were investigated by applying response surface methodology (RSM). The selected key independent variables were ultrasonic intensity (UI), temperature, and time for ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave power, time, and solid/liquid ratio for microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The results obtained for extraction efficiency under optimal conditions are comparable for the two extraction methods (89.2 ± 0.50% for MAE and 87.4 ± 0.44% for UAE). The operation conditions for maximum extraction efficiency were: 13.77 W/cm2 UI, 40 °C temperature, and 10 min extraction time for UAE and 225 W microwave power, 15 ml/ g solid/liquid ratio, and 20 min extraction time for MAE. The extraction kinetics was characterized using a second order model for optimal conditions for UAE and MAE of SB seed oil.

Practical applications

This article describes two modern methods of sea buckthorn seed oil extraction: ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction. Both methods offer many advantages if they are likened with conventional oil extraction. The results illustrated that both methods give comparable values for extraction efficiency, but with an advantage for UAE. The extraction time for UAE is shorter in comparison with MAE (10 min in comparison with 20 min).
Research on the reaction mechanism of colorimetric sensor array with characteristic volatile gases‐TMA during fish storage
Authors: Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Ye Weitao , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Xu Haixia , Dai Chunxia , Tian Xiaoyu
Published: November 2018

Freshness is one of the important qualities of fish on the priority list of consumers. During storage of fish, nutrient components such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats decompose to produce many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which could be monitored using colorimetric sensor array (CSA). In this study, density functions theory (DFT) was applied to study the reaction between chromogenic sensitive materials and the characteristic gases of the fish during spoilage. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was applied to confirm the characteristic gases of mackerels during storage. In the course of monitoring the VOCs during the various stages of spoilage, the relative content (%) of trimethylamine (TMA) was found to be increasing relative to the other volatile substances. Thus, TMA was selected as the characteristic gas for further analysis. Six kinds of metalloporphyrins and protoporphyrin were selected as chromogenic sensitive materials to simulate the reaction with TMA. The results demonstrated that MnTPP, NiTPP, and FeTPP have the best ability binding with TMA, while TPP has the worst ability binding with TMA, so metal porphyrins can be added when constructing colorimetric sensor array.

Practical applications

Fish is an important food commodity worldwide and is popular with consumers because of its delicacy and nutrition. However, fish is highly perishable as a consequence of biochemical and microbial breakdown mechanisms. In this study, colorimetric sensor array was constructed to monitor quality changes during fish spoilage. GC–MS was applied to confirm the characteristic gases of mackerels during storage. DFT was applied to study the reaction between chromogenic sensitive materials and the characteristic gases of the fish during spoilage. The outcome of this study provided a theoretical basis for the construction of CSA. Based on the reaction mechanism, we can shorten time of screening sensitive materials. After the construction of CSA, we can simplify and shorten the detection time and labor of fish freshness detection.
Psychometric properties of the Group Climate Instrument (GCI) in individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning
Authors: Neimeijer E. G. , Roest J. J. , van der Helm G. H. P. , Didden R.
Published: November 2018

Background

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Group Climate Instrument (GCI) in a sample of N = 189 adults (79% men) with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning who were residents of a treatment facility in the Netherlands.

Method

Construct validity of the GCI was examined by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Also, reliability and convergent validity of the GCI were examined. We also examined the variability in perception of the living group climate between and within living groups by computing intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

The model contained four first‐order factors (support, growth, group atmosphere and repression) and a second‐order factor overall climate, providing preliminary support for construct validity of the GCI. Reliability coefficients were good for all factors. Preliminary evidence for convergent validity was found in significant moderate associations between subscales and single item ratings for the factors of group climate. The intraclass correlation coefficients indicated that a considerate proportion of variance can be attributed to between‐group differences.

Conclusions

The GCI might be used to assess perception of the living group climate for individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning in psychiatric and forensic care settings, although further development of the GCI and replication of our findings seem necessary.
Identity Inclusiveness and Centrality: Investigating Identity Correlates of Attitudes toward Immigrants and Immigration Policies
Authors: Espinosa Adriana , Guerra Rita , Sanatkar Samineh , Paolini Stefania , Damigella Daniela , Licciardello Orazio , Gaertner Samuel L.
Published: November 2018

Social psychology highlights ingroup identity as an important determinant of intergroup attitudes and relations; however, research has demonstrated that its effects can be positive, negative, or nonexistent depending on how such identity is conceptualized. This research explores how national identity inclusiveness (Study 1) and centrality (Study 2) are associated with immigration related attitudes in school and countrywide settings, respectively. Study 1 showed that teachers’ inclusive (i.e., overlapping) identities regarding their immigrant students related to positive attitudes toward these students, but not to attitudes about immigrants in general or immigration policy preferences. Study 2 found that national identity centrality was related to negative attitudes toward the social impact of immigrants, and to higher support for policies inhibiting the social inclusion of immigrants in the receiving community. Combined, these studies highlight the importance of considering different conceptualizations of ingroup identity in identifying relations to immigration‐based attitudes. Moreover, the studies highlight the value of promoting inclusive identities when aiming to improve attitudes toward immigrants. We conclude by discussing a new approach for promoting inclusive identities by framing immigrants as indispensable to the receiving community.
Differences, Threats, Values, and Country‐Specific Prejudice toward Immigrants and Foreign Workers in Three Major Receiving Countries: The United States, Germany, and Australia
Authors: Shin Hyeyoung , Dovidio John F.
Published: November 2018

Using nationally representative U.S., German, and Australian samples from the World Values Survey, we examined tendencies to perceive differences (socially‐ and biologically‐based) and threats (physical, economic, and symbolic) more negatively and cultural values (the emphasis on individual uniqueness and individual achievements) as predictors of prejudice toward immigrants and foreign workers. The effects of each of the predictors on prejudice in a regression model did not significantly differ among these countries, except for a biologically‐based difference, symbolic threat, and individual uniqueness. Compared to each of the other two countries, the effect of a biologically‐based difference was stronger in Australia, and the effect of symbolic threat was stronger in Germany. The effect of individual uniqueness was stronger in the U.S. than in Germany. Results demonstrated that country‐specific orientations toward race and ethnicity may affect the psychological dynamics of prejudice toward immigrants and foreign workers and ultimately the reception of these groups in each country.
Anomalous interaction of tri-acyl ester derivatives of uridine nucleoside with a l-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine biomembrane model: a differential scanning calorimetry study
Authors: Berrío Escobar Jhon Fernando , Márquez Fernández Diana Margarita , Giordani Cristiano , Castelli Francesco , Sarpietro Maria Grazia
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Uridine was conjugated with fatty acids to improve the drug lipophilicity and the interaction with phospholipid bilayers.

Methods

The esterification reaction using carbodiimides compounds as coupling agents and a nucleophilic catalyst allowed us to synthesize tri-acyl ester derivatives of uridine with fatty acids. Analysis of molecular interactions between these tri-acyl ester derivatives and l-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) multilamellar vesicles (MLV) – as a mammalian cell membrane model – have been performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Key findings

The DSC thermograms suggest that nucleoside and uridine triacetate softly interact with phospholipidic multilamellar vesicles which are predominantly located between the polar phase, whereas the tri-acyl ester derivatives with fatty acids (myristic and stearic acids) present a strongly interaction with the DMPC bilayer due to the nucleoside and aliphatic chains parts which are oriented towards the polar and lipophilic phases of the phospholipidic bilayer, respectively. However, the effects caused by the tri-myristoyl uridine and tri-stearoyl uridine are different.

Conclusions

We show how the structural changes of uridine modulate the calorimetric behaviour of DMPC shedding light on their affinity with the phospholipidic biomembrane model.
Icariside II prevents hypertensive heart disease by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress via the PERK/ATF-4/CHOP signalling pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Wu Yuting , Yue Yun , Fu Shu , Li Yeli , Wu Dongqing , Lv Junyuan , Yang Danli
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a key strategy for preventing hypertensive heart disease. In our previous study, Icariside II can improve left ventricular remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). This study aims to determine whether Icariside II can exert its effect by inhibiting ERS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the PERK/ATF-4/CHOP signalling pathway.

Methods

Spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into model group and Icariside II groups. The rats in the Icariside II groups were intragastrically administrated with Icariside II 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg from 14 to 26 week-age, respectively. The left ventricular function was measured at the 18, 22 and 26 week-age by small animal ultrasound. At the end of the 26th week, cardiomyocyte apoptosis was analysed and the levels of GRP78, PERK, ATF-4 and CHOP gene and protein were detected.

Key findings

The function of left ventricular became declined with age in SHRs, but improved in Icariside II groups. Myocardial apoptosis was aggravated in SHRs, but alleviated in Icariside II groups. Icariside II could reduce the levels of GRP78, PERK, ATF-4, CHOP gene and protein that increased in SHRs.

Conclusions

Icariside II prevents hypertensive heart disease by alleviating ERS-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and its mechanism is related to the impediment of the PERK/ATF-4/CHOP signalling pathway.
The Last Act of Brahms's Late Turn to F Major
Authors: MOSELEY ROWLAND
Published: November 2018

The Second Cello Sonata, Op. 99, was the third multi‐movement composition that Brahms produced in F major during the mid‐1880s, when he turned to F major in that capacity for the first time. One of the works of summer 1886 that elevated Brahms's opus numbers to three digits and occasioned Simrock's firstThematisches Verzeichniss, the Sonata was written just as followers of his music were becoming equipped to chart connections between thematic incipits and as he became more attuned to presenting an oeuvre. It richly rewards an intertextual reading of its musical fabric, especially relative to the First String Quintet and the Third Symphony.

This essay explores Op. 99's debt to its older F major kin – which previous scholarship has grasped incompletely – and argues that Brahms's ‘late turn’ to F major offers the most compelling illustration, in his music, of a key as a kind of resource. Three main observations about Op. 99 are developed here: (1) its first movement is modelled on the Quintet and Symphony as a repeat of their tonal structure but a reversal of their approach to the second group; (2) its last movement inflects major‐mode tonality with an emphasis on the diatonic mediant that is a salient characteristic of several of Brahms's F major compositions; and (3) it has musical ideas in common with various F‐centred pieces or passages before and after the multi‐movement works of the mid‐1880s, including the middle section of the third movement of the String Quartet Op. 51 No. 1 and the final chorus ofRinaldo.