bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of self-efficacy of students enrolled in a mathematics pathway course
Authors: Zientek Linda , Dorsey Jennifer , Stano Nancy , Lane Forrest C.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine hypothesized links between the Dana Center Mathematics Pathways’ (DCMP) Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning curriculum and the four hypothesized sources of self-efficacy. The sample of developmental mathematics students who were taught with a curriculum that incorporates active and collaborative learning reported increased ratings on social persuasions from the beginning to the end of the semester.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines changes in the four sources of self-efficacy. Students completed a pre- and post-survey. Non-parametric methods were conducted to measure changes.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into changes in the four sources of self-efficacy with the implementation of a new curriculum in developmental mathematics classrooms. Students in the DCMP Foundation course increased their ratings on social persuasions and mastery experiences and decreased their ratings on physiological states. The largest proportion of variability in the four sources that was accounted for by course grade was mastery experiences followed by vicarious experiences, social persuasions and physiological states.

Research limitations/implications

A control group was not included. Therefore, comparisons between students enrolled in the intervention course and a traditional course were not possible.

Practical implications

An implication of the study is that a curriculum that has an emphasis on face-to-face communication with collaborative learning activities might be linked to more positive measures of the sources of self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to study how the implementation of an alternative curriculum in developmental mathematics classrooms can be linked to students’ self-efficacy.
The role of consumer willingness to pay for halal certification in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Mahroo , Najmi Arsalan , Ahmed Waqar , Aman Ameenullah
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the factors that motivate consumers to pay for halal logistics certification and consequently demand for its certification in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample of 302 respondents from the city of Karachi, Pakistan and used partial least square structural equation model. The study used consumers’ perception, concern and personal societal perspective to determine their willingness to pay and the demand of halal certification.

Findings

Results revealed that all of the aforementioned variables are significant and positive except perspective usefulness which has insignificant and negative relationship with consumer willingness.

Originality/value

Pakistan is an Islamic state and people living there are very cautious about the food items they eat and the procedures they follow. Therefore, this study contributes to evaluate such factors that influence consumer willingness to pay for halal logistics in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study suggests policymakers and 3rd party logistics service providers to educate their potential consumers about halal logistics and halal certification.
E-mail viral marketing: modeling the determinants of creation of “viral infection”
Authors: Sharma Rishi Raj , Kaur Balpreet
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing the opening and forwarding of commercial e-mails received directly from companies to further promote products via sharing by consumers to create viral infection.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive in nature and carried out in the country, India. A structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs pertaining to opening and forwarding of commercial e-mails.

Findings

The results indicate that mail opening intentions of the recipients are influenced by the perceived value of e-mail content and their positive relation with the sender, increasing the probability of further forwarding. However, relationships among consumers have a significant effect on intentions to forward the commercial e-mails. E-mails that arouse positive emotions in the minds of the receivers are forwarded. The study significantly contributes to literature with the findings that not only positive emotions additionally content leads to high arousal through positive emotions leading to viral infection.

Practical implications

The study has implications for marketers who are in the business of promoting their products through e-mails, need to redesign the message content to engender positivity and generate viral infection, which is the ultimate goal of viral marketing.

Originality/value

This study explains factors behind the creation of “viral infection” specifically with regard to commercial e-mails targeted to individuals with high networking potential.
Food intake among smallholder cassava value chain households
Authors: Samuel Folake Olukemi , Akinwande Bolanle Aishat , Opasola Rachel Oluwatoyin , Azeez Lukuman Akande , Abass Adebayo Busura
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare food consumption and dietary diversity in smallholder cassava value chain households (CVCHs) and non-cassava value chain households (non-CVCHs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 572 rural households were selected using multi-stage sampling from Oyo and Kwara states, Southwest Nigeria. Socio-demographic, 24 h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires were used to collect data. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) were measured.

Findings

The mean age of respondents was 49.1 ± 17.3 years, 68.3 per cent were female, household sizes ranged from 2-20 with an average of 8 members. Most households consumed monotonous staple-based diets mainly from roots and tubers, cereals and legumes. There was no significant difference in HDDS (6.70 ± 1.37 and 6.77 ± 1.12; p = 0.12) and MDD-W (4.78 ± 1.12 and 4.95 ± 1.16; p = 0.09) for CVCH and non-CVCH respectively. About one-third of all women did not achieve the MDD-W score required for micronutrient adequacy, with the main dietary gap being vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that there was no influence of households’ involvement in cassava value chain activities on their pattern of food consumption and dietary diversity.

Originality/value

While cassava value chain activities have potential for improved livelihoods among its actors, a nutrition-sensitive approach needs to be incorporated to translate this into their improved food consumption, dietary diversity and nutritional (particularly micronutrient) status.
Occupational therapy intervention addressing weight gain and obesity in people with severe mental illness: A scoping review
Authors: Conn Aleisha , Bourke Nicola , James Carole , Haracz Kirsti
Published: April 2019

Background

Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness have higher rates of obesity than the general population due to a range of factors, including: medication side effects, poor nutrition and reduced physical activity. Obesity is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can be effective in addressing this issue. While such interventions would appear to fit within the scope of practice of occupational therapy, there is no publication synthesising the existing literature regarding occupational therapy interventions addressing lifestyle factors associated with obesity.

Aim

To determine what is known from the existing literature about occupational therapy interventions addressing weight gain and obesity in adults diagnosed with severe mental illness.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted. Searches were performed in online databases, occupational therapy journals and grey literature databases. Thematic analysis occurred across all articles included in the review.

Results

A total of 14 articles were included in the review. Analysis revealed a central theme of supporting occupational performance and participation in health promoting occupations. This central theme consisted of four categories; facilitating client‐centred practice, addressing personal performance issues, addressing environmental barriers and providing the ‘just right’ challenge.

Conclusion/Significance

These findings suggest occupational therapists are providing occupation focused interventions that are aligned with current clinical guidelines. However, more research is required to strengthen evidence‐based occupational therapy practice in this important area.
Extreme weather event results in the removal of invertebrates from cryoconite holes on an Arctic valley glacier (Longyearbreen, Svalbard)
Authors: Zawierucha Krzysztof , Buda Jakub , Nawrot Adam
Published: April 2019

The question why aquatic communities are often absent in suitable pools still remains a topic of debate and is often explained by dispersal limitation or biological barriers. Cryoconite holes (water‐filled depressions on glaciers) as natural, simple and dynamic habitats in a glacial biome seem to be a good model for addressing this question. The main aim of our research was to investigate links between changes in weather conditions and short temporal changes in invertebrate densities on glaciers. For this study, we selected cryoconite holes on the valley Longyear Glacier and collected samples at two‐day intervals from the same holes in August 2016. During the sampling campaigns, we detected freezing, shrinking and ablation of cryoconite holes. In the samples, we found only two groups of invertebrates, Tardigrada and Rotifera. We observed invertebrates in cryoconite holes until calm weather patterns were interrupted by wind and rainstorm, after which no individuals were detected. Before the storm event, densities in the samples reached up to 149 tardigrades/cm3 and 119 rotifers/cm3 of cryoconite. In addition, we found a strong erosion of cryoconite granules, redistribution into sediments (mud‐like forms), and the migration of granules after rain, which confirmed the mechanical removal of invertebrates by streaming water. Water depth, pH or electrical conductivity did not seem to shape invertebrates communities. Their frequency and densities on valley glaciers depend on stochastic events, for example, weather breakdown (rainstorms). Furthermore, such events may form new niches for tardigrades and rotifers on polar glaciers and influence their coexistence within cryoconite holes.
Phosphate‐limited ocean regions select for bacterial populations enriched in the carbon–phosphorus lyase pathway for phosphonate degradation
Authors: Sosa Oscar A. , Repeta Daniel J. , DeLong Edward F. , Ashkezari Mohammad D. , Karl David M.
Published: April 2019

In tropical and subtropical oceanic surface waters phosphate scarcity can limit microbial productivity. However, these environments also have bioavailable forms of phosphorus incorporated into dissolved organic matter (DOM) that microbes with the necessary transport and hydrolysis metabolic pathways can access to supplement their phosphorus requirements. In this study we evaluated how the environment shapes the abundance and taxonomic distribution of the bacterial carbon–phosphorus (C–P) lyase pathway, an enzyme complex evolved to extract phosphate from phosphonates. Phosphonates are organophosphorus compounds characterized by a highly stable C–P bond and are enriched in marine DOM. Similar to other known bacterial adaptions to low phosphate environments, C–P lyase was found to become more prevalent as phosphate concentrations decreased. C–P lyase was particularly enriched in the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, two regions that feature sustained periods of phosphate depletion. In these regions, C–P lyase was prevalent in several lineages of Alphaproteobacteria (Pelagibacter, SAR116, Roseobacter and Rhodospirillales), Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The global scope of this analysis supports previous studies that infer phosphonate catabolism via C–P lyase is an important adaptive strategy implemented by bacteria to alleviate phosphate limitation and expands the known geographic extent and taxonomic affiliation of this metabolic pathway in the ocean.
MADS‐box transcription factor Mcm1 controls cell cycle, fungal development, cell integrity and virulence in the filamentous insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Xingju , Lu Zhuoyue , Wang Huifang , He Zhangjiang , Zhou Guangyan , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Yongjun
Published: April 2019

MADS‐box transcription factor Mcm1 plays crucial roles in regulating mating processes and pathogenesis in some fungi. However, its roles are varied in fungal species, and its function remains unclear in entomopathogenic fungi. Here, Mcm1 orthologue, Bbmcm1, was characterized in a filamentous entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Disruption of Bbmcm1 resulted in a distinct reduction in growth with abnormal conidiogenesis, and a significant decrease in conidial viability with abnormal germination. ΔBbmcm1 displayed impaired cell integrity, with distorted cell wall structure and altered cell wall component. Abnormal cell cycle was detected in ΔBbmcm1 with longer G2/M phase but shorter G1/G0 and S phases in unicellular blastospores, and sparser septa in multicellular hyphae, which might be responsible for defects in development and differentiation due to the regulation of cell cycle‐involved genes, as well as the corresponding cellular events‐associated genes. Dramatically decreased virulence was examined in ΔBbmcm1, with impaired ability to escape haemocyte encapsulation, which was consistent with markedly reduced cuticle‐degrading enzyme production by repressing their coding genes, and downregulated fungal effector protein‐coding genes, suggesting a novel role of Mcm1 in interaction with host insect. These data indicate that Mcm1 is a crucial regulator of development, cell integrity, cell cycle and virulence in insect fungal pathogens.
Taux d'intérêt et investissement privé en Tunisie: Asymétrie à court terme et symétrie à long terme
Authors: Gritli Mohamed Ilyes , Marrakchi Charfi Fatma
Published: April 2019

Ce papier analyse la réponse de l'investissement privé aux fluctuations du taux d'intérêt en Tunisie. L'application du modèle ARDL non linéaire confirme la présence de cointégration entre l'investissement privé, l'investissement public, le PIB réel par habitant, la stabilité gouvernementale et le taux d'intérêt réel. Les résultats montrent que l'hypothèse d'asymétrie est valide seulement pour le court terme. Cela suggère que l'investissement privé est plus sensible à la baisse qu'à la hausse du taux d'intérêt. Nous constatons aussi que les coefficients estimés du taux d'intérêt sont toujours négatifs et significatifs, aussi bien à court qu'à long terme. Cela signifie que l'offre de crédit joue un rôle important dans la décision d'investissement. Ainsi, le maintien des taux d'intérêt réels à des niveaux relativement faibles devrait favoriser le financement du secteur privé tunisien.
A supply‐side analysis of agritourism: Evidence from farm‐level agriculture census data in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao , Mishra Ashok K. , Lee Tzong‐Haw
Published: April 2019

Due to consumers’ increased demand for leisure and farmers’ need for income diversification, researchers and policymakers have significant interest in topics related to agritourism. This study provides a supply‐side analysis on agritourism using Taiwan as a case study. Utilising a sample of 720,148 family farms from the 2010 agriculture census survey in Taiwan, we quantify the effects of engaging in the agritourism business on farm income, on farm succession, and on family members’ labour supply decisions between on‐farm and off‐farm work. An analytical framework that combines the doubly robustness regression model and semiparametric estimation is proposed to address the endogeneity bias. Results indicate that participation in agritourism increases farm income and family farm succession. Farms engaging in agritourism also have more family members working on the farm, and fewer family members working off‐farm, compared to farms not engaging in agritourism. Although agritourism enterprises are developed to meet consumers’ demand for leisure, our results show that they also improve the economic welfare of farm households.
Tough Love and Creativity: How Authoritarian Leadership Tempered by Benevolence or Morality Influences Employee Creativity
Authors: Gu Qinxuan , Hempel Paul S. , Yu Mingchuan
Published: April 2019

Influenced by Amabile's views on the intrinsic nature of creative motivation (T. M. Amabile (1988). A model of creativity and innovation in organizations’. In B. M. Staw and L. L. Cummings (eds), Research in Organizational Behavior, Vol. 10, pp. 123–167. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press), researchers have focused primarily on supportive leadership, with authoritarian leadership known to negatively influence employee creativity. Arguing from social information processing theory, the authors show that low levels of authoritarian leadership act as a stressor encouraging creativity, while high levels discourage creativity. Authoritarian leadership is one component of a larger constellation of leader behaviours known as paternalistic leadership. Under paternalistic leadership, authoritarian leadership is combined with benevolence and morality and these interact with authoritarianism. The authors argue that the presence of benevolence and moral leadership causes subordinates to view the leader's authoritarian actions as serving a positive purpose, and show that both benevolence and moral leadership act to offset the negative effects of authoritarian leadership on creativity.
Reflective teaching, inclusive teaching and the teacher’s tasks in the inclusive classroom: a literary investigation
Authors: Minott Mark
Published: April 2019

This article has three aims: to continue the process of giving credence to reflective teaching, which is integral to effective teaching and learning; to make explicit the connections between reflective teaching and inclusive teaching; and to identify key tasks for teachers in the inclusive classroom. Relevant articles were selected for inclusion in this review by searching online databases for key words and phrases. Findings reveal that the following features of reflective teaching connect with and are fundamental to inclusive teaching: giving careful consideration or thought; questioning personal assumptions, values, and beliefs; taking initiatives; using intuition; taking part in development and change; and the use of journalling. Teachers’ tasks in the inclusive classroom include giving careful consideration to what is to be taught and how it is to be taught (rather than who is to learn); considering the learning needs of all students (not just those with additional needs); questioning beliefs and rejecting deterministic and associated ideas; reflecting on the classroom situation; constantly seeking out and trying new things to support all learners; discussing new initiatives with colleagues in order to receive feedback; examining, framing and attempting to solve dilemmas of the classroom; using journals to track students’ learning; and taking responsibility for their own professional growth and understanding.
A multilevel neo‐institutional analysis of infection prevention and control in English hospitals: coerced safety culture change?
Authors: Kyratsis Yiannis , Ahmad Raheelah , Iwami Michiyo , Castro‐Sánchez Enrique , Atun Rifat , Holmes Alison H.
Published: April 2019

Despite committed policy, regulative and professional efforts on healthcare safety, little is known about how such macro‐interventions permeate organisations and shape culture over time. Informed by neo‐institutional theory, we examined how inter‐organisational influences shaped safety practices and inter‐subjective meanings following efforts for coerced culture change. We traced macro‐influences from 2000 to 2015 in infection prevention and control (IPC). Safety perceptions and meanings were inductively analysed from 130 in‐depth qualitative interviews with senior‐ and middle‐level managers from 30 English hospitals. A total of 869 institutional interventions were identified; 69% had a regulative component. In this context of forced implementation of safety practices, staff experienced inherent tensions concerning the scope of safety, their ability to be open and prioritisation of external mandates over local need. These tensions stemmed from conflicts among three co‐existing institutional logics prevalent in the NHS. In response to requests for change, staff flexibly drew from a repertoire of cognitive, material and symbolic resources within and outside their organisations. They crafted ‘strategies of action’, guided by a situated assessment of first‐hand practice experiences complementing collective evaluations of interventions such as ‘pragmatic’, ‘sensible’ and also ‘legitimate’. Macro‐institutional forces exerted influence either directly on individuals or indirectly by enriching the organisational cultural repertoire.
‘I Think I Made The Right Decision … I Hope I'm Not Wrong’. Vaccine hesitancy, commitment and trust among parents of young children
Authors: Peretti‐Watel Patrick , Ward Jeremy K. , Vergelys Chantal , Bocquier Aurélie , Raude Jocelyn , Verger Pierre
Published: April 2019

During the last decade, public health research has emphasised the growing public disaffection with vaccination. This contemporary vaccine hesitation (VH) refers to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines, as well as agreement despite doubt and reluctance. We investigated VH among French parents of young children, with an emphasis on two key features of VH: trust towards physicians and commitment to vaccination issues. We targeted two populations with contrasting socioeconomic profiles, using in‐depth interviews (n = 25). Most parents exhibited some kind of VH, with differentiated attitudes across vaccines, including acceptance despite enduring doubts, especially for vaccines already provided to older siblings (‘vaccine inertia’). Despite the rise of the Internet and social media, our participants still strongly relied on face‐to‐face interactions with peers and significant others. Most participants trusted their own physician but this was the result of a selection process: they had engaged resources to find a physician they could trust. Participants with contrasted socioeconomic profiles struggled with the same dilemmas, and they committed themselves to the same quest to find the ‘right’ physician. Nevertheless, parents with a higher socioeconomic status were able to engage more resources and use a wider repertoire of actions, and they also displayed greater health literacy.
Climate change mitigation in Austria and Switzerland: The pitfalls of federalism in greening decentralized building policies
Authors: Steurer Reinhard , Clar Christoph , Casado‐Asensio Juan
Published: April 2019

The present paper analyses and compares how federalism in Austria and Switzerland affected climate change mitigation in the fully decentralized building sectors of the two countries during the Kyoto Period (1990–2012). This is of interest because the environmental significance of federal political systems is still contested. We first review the literature on federalism in the context of environmental and climate policymaking, and we show that the effects of federal political systems can be positive or negative (depending on interactions between politics and problem characteristics). We then summarize the two qualitative country studies. By analysing who initiated and coordinated respective policies at what time and why, we show that respective policy changes neither emerged bottom‐up nor diffused between provinces/cantons, although the latter are fully responsible for building policies. While most policy changes were triggered by federal and/or European Union interventions, the provinces/cantons usually delayed and/or watered down policy changes to smallest common denominator solutions. Based on these findings we conclude that the building sectors of the two countries became more efficient despite, not because of federalism. Against this background we recommend centralizing building policies, or to engage sub‐national actors in national target‐setting early on.
Exploring necessary conditions in HRM research: Fundamental issues and methodological implications
Authors: Hauff Sven , Guerci Marco , Dul Jan , van Rhee Henk
Published: April 2019

Although the notion that HRM activities are necessary conditions for achieving certain outcomes is widespread in HRM research, most empirical studies follow an additive sufficiency logic. That is, they analyse whether HRM activities increase an outcome, assuming that they can compensate for one another. However, this does not correspond to the idea of necessity where single HRM activities are required for an outcome to occur and cannot be compensated when absent. We discuss the differences between sufficiency and necessity logics in terms of theory, methodology, and practical relevance. Also, we suggest using a new approach and analysis technique in HRM research: necessary condition analysis. We illustrate the application of the method by analysing data on the relationship between ability‐, motivation‐, and opportunity‐enhancing HRM practices (i.e., high‐performance work practices) and employee performance. This illustrative example highlights that necessary conditions require particular theoretical attention and suitable empirical methods. The paper concludes by showing the value of studying necessary conditions, because such analyses allow straightforward recommendations to be given of high relevance for HRM practice, which differ from and add to recommendations based on additive sufficiency logic and analyses.
Five‐year trends of bone scan and prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography utilization in prostate cancer: A retrospective review in a private centre
Authors: Haran Crishan , McBean Rhiannon , Parsons Rex , Wong David
Published: April 2019

Introduction

In the last 5 years, there has been a significant focus on the use of positron emission tomography (PET) for primary and secondary staging of prostate cancer. In this study, we aim to describe the trends of use between Gallium‐68 prostate‐specific membrane antigen ligand (Ga‐68 PSMA) PET/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) and nuclear medicine bone scan (NMBS) for prostate cancer staging in the first institution in Australia to offer both modalities.

Methods

We evaluated trends in prostate cancer staging/restaging imaging modalities at our facility between the time period January 2013–April 2018. Imaging logs were filtered to identify NMBS and PSMA PET/CT scans done within the time period for prostate cancer. Sub‐analysis was undertaken (i) to investigate the number of patients who were imaged using both modalities, (ii) to compare the age of the patients in the NMBS group and the PSMA PET/CT group and (iii) to compare the use of PSMA PET/CT for pre‐treatment staging compared to the detection of recurrence or metastatic disease (secondary staging).

Results

A total of 3144 examinations were performed in the time period reviewed, with 546 NMBS and 2598 PSMA PET/CT scans performed. In the 6 months after PSMA PET/CT was introduced, there was a 45.7% decrease in the number of NMBS performed and 95.3% decrease across the duration of the study. In the PSMA PET/CT cohort, 1569 examinations were performed for pre‐treatment staging and 1029 performed for secondary staging. There was a significant difference in the proportion of PSMA PET/CT conducted for pre‐treatment staging compared with secondary staging when comparing the first and final 500 examinations (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

After the introduction of PSMA PET/CT there was a marked decline in the use of NMBS for prostate cancer staging. This finding is of note as it occurred before there was clinical data or guidelines supporting the use of PSMA PET/CT for prostate cancer imaging.
Testing for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in structured populations using genotype or low‐depth next generation sequencing data
Authors: Meisner Jonas , Albrechtsen Anders
Published: April 2019

Testing for deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) is a common practice for quality control in genetic studies. Variable sites violating HWE may be identified as technical errors in the sequencing or genotyping process, or they may be of particular evolutionary interest. Large‐scale genetic studies based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) methods have become more prevalent as cost is decreasing but these methods are still associated with statistical uncertainty. The large‐scale studies usually consist of samples from diverse ancestries that make the existence of some degree of population structure almost inevitable. Precautions are therefore needed when analysing these data set, as population structure causes deviations from HWE. Here we propose a method that takes population structure into account in the testing for HWE, such that other factors causing deviations from HWE can be detected. We show the effectiveness of PCAngsd in low‐depth NGS data, as well as in genotype data, for both simulated and real data set, where the use of genotype likelihoods enables us to model the uncertainty.
Improving Illumina assemblies with Hi‐C and long reads: An example with the North African dromedary
Authors: Elbers Jean P. , Rogers Mark F. , Perelman Polina L. , Proskuryakova Anastasia A. , Serdyukova Natalia A. , Johnson Warren E. , Horin Petr , Corander Jukka , Murphy David , Burger Pamela A.
Published: April 2019

Researchers have assembled thousands of eukaryotic genomes using Illumina reads, but traditional mate‐pair libraries cannot span all repetitive elements, resulting in highly fragmented assemblies. However, both chromosome conformation capture techniques, such as Hi‐C and Dovetail Genomics Chicago libraries and long‐read sequencing, such as Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore, help span and resolve repetitive regions and therefore improve genome assemblies. One important livestock species of arid regions that does not have a high‐quality contiguous reference genome is the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Draft genomes exist but are highly fragmented, and a high‐quality reference genome is needed to understand adaptation to desert environments and artificial selection during domestication. Dromedaries are among the last livestock species to have been domesticated, and together with wild and domestic Bactrian camels, they are the only representatives of the Camelini tribe, which highlights their evolutionary significance. Here we describe our efforts to improve the North African dromedary genome. We used Chicago and Hi‐C sequencing libraries from Dovetail Genomics to resolve the order of previously assembled contigs, producing almost chromosome‐level scaffolds. Remaining gaps were filled with Pacific Biosciences long reads, and then scaffolds were comparatively mapped to chromosomes. Long reads added 99.32 Mbp to the total length of the new assembly. Dovetail Chicago and Hi‐C libraries increased the longest scaffold over 12‐fold, from 9.71 Mbp to 124.99 Mbp and the scaffold N50 over 50‐fold, from 1.48 Mbp to 75.02 Mbp. We demonstrate that Illumina de novo assemblies can be substantially upgraded by combining chromosome conformation capture and long‐read sequencing.
NO3− removal efficiency in field denitrification beds: key controlling factors and main implications
Authors: Grießmeier Victoria , Leberecht Kerstin , Gescher Johannes
Published: April 2019

Nitrate pollution is a growing environmental threat that affects both ground‐ and surface‐water. The typically used technique for nitrate elimination in wastewater treatment plants cannot be applied for all water streams as it necessitates a highly developed technical infrastructure. Field denitrification beds comprise one strategy to treat surface water containing high nitrate loads, which typically is due to the increasing agricultural land use. Here, the water passes through a basin containing a cheap carbon material as electron donor that provides the environmental niche for a complex microbial biocenosis. The microorganisms catalyse the hydrolysis of the polymeric organic carbon substrate and a variety of fermentative and respiratory pathways that are in the end supposed to lead to an efficient denitrification process. This review article integrates our current knowledge on environmental and operating parameters of and within denitrification beds including biotic and abiotic factors influencing the nitrate removal efficiency. Steering of these two factors can allow to minimise pollution swapping and the formation of greenhouse gases.
Fishers’ knowledge indicates temporal changes in composition and abundance of fishing resources in Amazon protected areas
Authors: Hallwass G. , Schiavetti A. , Silvano R. A. M.
Published: April 2019

The local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishermen has been applied to reconstruct temporal patterns of resource abundance and to assess resource exploitation, especially in tropical ecosystems. Protected areas (PAs) are the main conservation measure in the Amazon, but their efficacy to improve fisheries is poorly known. The main goal of this study was to apply fishermen’ LEK to evaluate temporal changes in composition and abundance of exploited fish species among three different categories of PAs in the Tapajós River, Brazilian Amazon. We interviewed 203 fishers about their highest fish catches, and the main fish caught at two time periods: the beginning of their fishing careers and currently. Fishers’ LEK indicated decreases in citations of larger‐bodied fishes and in reported catches over time, evidencing a gradient of conservation according to PA's time of establishment and management rules. We noticed higher changes (reduced catches and smaller fish exploited) in the Environmental PA, established 10 years ago and lacking management plan and buffer zone. In National Forest, which was created 40 years ago with more restrictive management rules, fish composition and catches included larger commercial fish. The Extractive Reserve, which was created 15 years ago and lacks specific fishing rules, may be in an intermediate stage, as large fish and highest catches decreased over time, but medium and large fish are still exploited. Fishers’ LEK can be an invaluable but neglected source of data on temporal patterns of fishing pressure and conservation needs, especially in tropical megadiverse, poorly known and threatened rivers.
Two insertion/deletion variants in the promoter region of the QPCTL gene are significantly associated with body weight and carcass traits in chickens
Authors: Ren T. , Li W. , Liu D. , Liang K. , Wang X. , Li H. , Jiang R. , Tian Y. , Kang X. , Li Z.
Published: April 2019

Glutaminyl‐peptide cyclotransferase‐like (QPCTL) is an isoenzyme of glutaminyl‐peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT). QPCTL and QPCT catalyze the formation of N‐terminal modified pyroglutamate‐fractalkine and the chemokine CCL2. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between insertions/deletions in the chicken QPCTL promoter region with growth traits in chickens. We first detected two insertion/deletion variants of QPCTL via whole‐genome resequencing analysis of DNA samples from Xichuan chickens. A total of 1896 individuals from 12 breeds were genotyped for 52‐ and 224‐bp insertions/deletions. We found two novel insertions/deletions in the promoter region of the chicken QPCTL gene and studied their association with chicken body weight and carcass traits. Our findings show that QPCTL can be a molecular marker for chicken genetics and breeding programs.
A novel SLC12A1 mutation in Bedouin kindred with antenatal Bartter syndrome type I
Authors: Halperin Daniel , Dolgin Vadim , Geylis Michael , Drabkin Max , Yogev Yuval , Wormser Ohad , Schreiber Ruth , Shalev Hanna , Landau Daniel , Birk Ohad S.
Published: April 2019

Four affected individuals of consanguineous kindred presented at infancy with an apparently autosomal recessive syndrome of polyuria and hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, following maternal polyhydramnios and premature delivery, culminating in severe failure to thrive. Hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and hyperaldosteronism were further apparent as well as an unusual finding of intermittent hypernatremia. Additionally, all patients demonstrated variable micrognathia with upper respiratory airway abnormalities. As neither postnatal hyperkalemia nor permanent hearing deficits were shown, clinical assessment was consistent with antenatal Bartter syndrome (ABS) type I, which was never described before in the Israeli Bedouin population. Through genome‐wide linkage analysis, we identified a single ∼3.3 Mbp disease‐associated locus on chromosome 15q21.1, segregating within the pedigree. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a single novel homozygous missense mutation within this locus, in SLC12A1, encoding the Na‐K‐Cl cotransporter, NKCC2, in accordance with the clinical diagnosis. In this concise study, we report a novel missense mutation within the SLC12A1 gene, causing a severe form of ABS type I, the first to be described in Israeli Bedouins, with unusual clinical features of hypernatremia caused by nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and putatively related micrognathia with upper airway abnormalities
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Seasonal shifts in habitat use and diet by eland confined in a small fenced reserve
Authors: Parrini Francesca , D’Ammando Giacomo , Marshal Jason P.
Published: April 2019

Large‐scale environmental changes create challenges for conservation of wildlife, particularly in fenced, insular protected areas where many wildlife populations persist. Moreover, large mammalian herbivores inhabiting spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments face the challenge of securing highly variable forage resources. Mixed feeders like the eland (Taurotragus oryx) can switch between browse and grass, but the cues that elicit that switch are not well understood. We investigated the seasonal diet shift of eland confined to a small fenced reserve and the role of greenness to elicit that shift. Eland changed from a diet in the wet season, consisting of grasses and browse found in woodland and grassland vegetation types, to a diet in the dry season dominated by the greenest browse species still available in woodland vegetation types, as greenness of dry season forage decreased. Our results suggest that eland switch from browsing to grazing in response to phenophase of the grass sward, which could explain the varying selection of grasses versus browse observed across the species range.
Comparison of celiac disease markers in women with early recurrent pregnancy loss and normal controls
Authors: Kutteh Michael A. , Abiad May , Norman Gary L. , Kutteh William H.
Published: April 2019

Problem

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune intestinal inflammatory disease triggered by gluten in the diet. Untreated CD has been associated with pregnancy loss and infertility. The purpose of this study was to screen unselected women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) for markers of CD to determine whether a correlation exists between RPL and CD serum markers.

Method of study

Frequencies of three serum markers of CD [tissue transglutaminase (TTG) IgA, endomysial (EMA) IgA, and deaminated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgA] were determined by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Seven hundred and eight women who had two or more failed clinical pregnancies (cases) and one hundred women with at least one live birth and no miscarriages (controls) were included in this study. All cases had a full workup for RPL based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2013 guidelines. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were correlated with CD markers based on their potential prothrombotic role.

Results

The results show no significant difference in the prevalence of CD autoantibodies when comparing the RPL patients with the controls. Over half of the patients who tested positive for serum markers for CD also had positive aPL.

Conclusion

Screening unselected women with RPL who are asymptomatic for CD is not supported based on these data. Women who test positive for CD may be candidates for aPL testing based on the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dose–response relationship of perineural dexamethasone for interscalene brachial plexus block: a randomised, controlled, triple‐blind trial
Authors: Albrecht E. , Reynvoet M. , Fournier N. , Desmet M.
Published: April 2019

Perineural dexamethasone has a ceiling dose of 4 mg for prolongation of analgesia duration after injection of long‐acting local anaesthetic for peripheral nerve block, but evidence for doses < 4 mg is lacking. This randomised controlled triple‐blind trial tested the hypothesis that increasing doses of perineural dexamethasone between 1 mg and 4 mg would prolong the duration of analgesia in a dose‐dependent manner. Eighty ASA physical status 1–2 patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy under general anaesthesia with ultrasound‐guided interscalene brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive saline (control), dexamethasone 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg, together with 20 ml ropivacaine 0.5%. Postoperative analgesia consisted of paracetamol, diclofenac and oxycodone on request, using a pre‐defined protocol. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia, defined as the time between the block procedure and the first analgesic request. Secondary outcomes included rest and dynamic pain scores, and analgesic consumption at 2 h, 24 h and 48 h postoperatively. An analysis of the dose–response relationship was performed using multiple comparison procedure‐modelling. The median (IQR [range]) duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in a dose‐dependent manner: control 685 (590–860 [453–1272]) min; 1 mg 835 (740–1110 [450–1375]) min; 2 mg 904 (710–1130 [525–1365]) min; 3 mg 965 (875–1025 [730–1390]) min; 4 mg 1023 (838–1239 [518–1500]) min (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the secondary outcomes. Perineural administration of dexamethasone with doses between 1 mg and 4 mg, combined with ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus block, prolongs duration of analgesia in a dose‐dependent manner.
Attitudes of postnatal women and maternity staff towards audio recording of consent discussions
Authors: Ivermee C. , Yentis S. M.
Published: April 2019

Audio recording consent discussions, and giving a copy of the recording to the patient to keep, might improve the consent process and reduce the risk of misunderstandings, complaints or medicolegal claims. However, there may be concerns over confidentiality and how being recorded could affect the consent discussion. We ascertained the views of 50 postnatal women and 100 maternity staff (25 anaesthetists, 25 obstetricians and 50 midwives) on making audio recordings of consent discussions. There was a wide range of opinions, with women and staff similarly supportive of audio recording overall, but the women were more supportive of recording than the staff when asked if they were against it, or whether they would support recording the discussion if the patient requested it; and less concerned than the staff regarding the potential disadvantages of audio recording. There were no significant differences in the views between anaesthetists, obstetricians and midwives.
Are breast conservation treatment rates optimized for Asian women with symptomatic malignancies?
Authors: Tan Mona P. C. , Sitoh Yih Yiow
Published: April 2019

Background

Published data indicate that 20–40% of patients undergo breast conservation treatment (BCT) in Asia, which is below an indicative benchmark of 50%. With an increasing body of evidence suggesting that BCT might be associated with improved survival outcomes, it is exigent to increase BCT utilization. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate BCT rates for women presenting with symptomatic breast cancer and potential for de‐escalation of surgical treatment.

Methods

All patients who presented with symptomatic tumours and underwent surgical treatment at the authors’ healthcare facility between January 2009 and December 2011 were included in this retrospective study. Standard wide excision was performed to achieve clear margins and reasonable cosmetic outcomes for BCT‐eligible patients. Oncoplastic techniques such as therapeutic mammoplasty or volume replacement with flaps were not employed.

Results

A total of 116 women presented with symptomatic breast cancer. The majority (92.2%) were Asian. Mean age at diagnosis was 48.3 years and mean tumour size was 23.4 mm. Ninety‐five patients (81.9%) underwent BCT. Of the 22 patients, 13 (59%) who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy had sufficient tumour size downstaging to successfully undergo BCT instead of mastectomy.

Conclusion

It is possible for more than 80% of Asian women with symptomatic breast malignancies to undergo BCT, with the appropriate use of neoadjuvant medical therapy and surgical techniques. As increasing data indicate improved survival with BCT, this should be offered as the treatment of choice.
Number of nodal metastases and prognosis in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Sood Ashish , Wykes James , Roshan David , Wang Laura Y. , McGuinness John , Forstner Dion , Fowler Allan , Lee Mark , Kernohan Michael , Ngo Quan , Estall Vanessa , Ebrahimi Ardalan
Published: April 2019

Background

Existing prognostic systems for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) do not discriminate between the number of involved nodes beyond single versus multiple. This study aimed to determine if the number of metastatic lymph nodes is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic cSCCHN and whether it provides additional prognostic information to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 101 patients undergoing curative intent treatment for metastatic cSCCHN to parotid and/or neck nodes by surgery +/− radiotherapy at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia. The impact of number of nodal metastases on disease‐free survival (DFS) and risk of distant metastases was assessed using multivariate Cox regression.

Results

The mean number of nodal metastases was 2.5 (range 1–12). On multivariate analysis, increasing number of nodal metastases significantly predicted reduced DFS (hazard ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.30; P = 0.004), with a 17% increased risk of recurrence or death for each additional node. This remained significant in multivariate models adjusted for AJCC 8th edition nodal and TNM stages. Number of nodal metastases was also associated with risk of distant metastatic failure (hazard ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.39; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Increasing number of nodal metastases is associated with decreased DFS and increased risk of distant metastases in metastatic cSCCHN, with a cumulative risk increase with each additional node. It provides additional prognostic information to the AJCC staging, which may be improved by incorporating information on the number of nodal metastases beyond the current single versus multiple distinction.
Letter: studies of salivary pepsin in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Authors’ reply
Authors: Corfe Bernard M. , Chowdry Joanna , Russell Jean M. , Race Caroline , Riley Stuart A.
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Race et al and Dettmar et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15138 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15213.
Letter: HCV complication and type 2 diabetes management—the directional link is not yet defined. Authors’ reply
Authors: Li Jia
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Li et al and Li papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15102 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15247.