bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social marketing’s role in improving water quality on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Hay Rachel , Eagle Lynne , Saleem Muhammad Abid
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the implications of claimed detrimental impacts for the agricultural activity of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystem health in Queensland, Australia. The authors discuss the complex interaction of factors that have contributed to the decline in reef ecosystems and the challenges presented by multiple industries operating within the GBR catchment area. The authors then discuss measures employed to address agricultural run-off, claimed to be a significant factor in declining reef water quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys of land managers were undertaken in partnership with two of the six natural resource management (NRM) organizations operating in areas adjacent to the GBR identified as having very high risk of natural and anthropogenic runoff. The sample population was obtained from a membership database within the two regions. Participants include land managers from the both regions who engaged in sugar cane production (Region 1 and Region 2, included in this paper) and cattle production (Region 2, to be reported later). Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed including open-ended responses.

Findings

A large-scale study of land managers reveals several reasons for the lack of success at reducing agricultural run-off. The authors discuss the rationale for a move to a theory-grounded social marketing approach to encouraging land manager behavior change, highlighting barriers, and potential enablers of sustained behavior change.

Originality/value

This study is first of its kind that discusses the behavior of land managers in the GBR catchment area and highlights facilitators and impediments of land managers’ behavior change toward GBR protection actions.
Understanding female consumers’ intention to shop online
Authors: Raman Prashant
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to examine the female consumer’s intention to shop online. The rising number of female online shoppers has compelled the analysts and online vendors to believe that understanding the attitude and behaviour of the female consumers is very crucial for their growth.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is proposed that expands the theory of reasoned action (TRA) with three additional constructs, namely, trust, convenience and customer service. The proposed model is examined with the help of questionnaire responses collected from 909 online shoppers from India.

Findings

The paper empirically shows that there is a significant influence of attitude, convenience, customer service and subjective norm on the female consumer’s intention to buy online. Customer service acts as the most crucial factor in influencing the attitude of female consumers towards online shopping. The paper also points out that trust does not directly affect the female’s intention to shop online but indirectly influences it through attitude.

Practical implications

The paper has significant implications for practitioners. First, the results advocate that convenience and customer service are the vital antecedents to both behavioural intention and behavioural attitude. Second, the paper also showcases that trust influences behavioural intention indirectly through attitude, stressing the need for the online retailers to develop consumers’ trust in online shopping.

Originality/value

The paper examines TRA framework in the context of female online shopping, while earlier studies have concentrated completely on efficiency-based software tools like word processing, spreadsheets, etc. The integration of the three constructs – trust, convenience and customer service – in the TRA framework has not been studied in the past. The interaction effect of the different elements of customer services on the female consumer behaviour has never been examined in the previous research works.
An adaptive wavelet Galerkin scheme for solving contact problems based on elliptic variational inequalities of the first kind
Authors: Ranjan Kumar Kaushik , Kumar Sandeep , Tyagi Amit , Sharma Ambuj
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The real challenge in the solution of contact problems is the lack of an optimal adaptive scheme. As the contact zone isa prioriunknown, successive refinement and iterative method are necessary to obtain a high-accuracy solution. The purpose of this paper is to provide an optimal adaptive scheme based on second-generation finite element wavelets for the solution of non-linear variational inequality of the contact problem.

Design/methodology/approach

To generate an elementary multi-resolution mesh, the authors used hierarchical bases (HB) composed of Lagrange finite element interpolation functions. These HB functions are customized using second-generation wavelet techniques for a fast convergence rate. At each step of the algorithm, the active set method along with mesh adaptation is used for solving the constrained minimization problem of contact case. Wavelet coefficients-based error indicators are used, and computation is focused on mesh zones with a high error indication. The authors take advantage of the wavelet transform to develop a parameter-free adaptive scheme to generate an appropriate and optimal mesh.

Findings

Adaptive wavelet Galerkin scheme (AWGS), a newly developed method for multi-scale mesh adaptivity in this work, is a combination of the second-generation wavelet transform and finite element method and significantly improves the accuracy of the results without approximating an additional problem of error estimation equations. A comparative study is performed taking a solution on a highly refined mesh and results are generated using AWGS.

Practical implications

The proposed adaptive technique can be utilized in the simulation of mechanical and biomechanical structures where multiple bodies come into contact with each other. The algorithm of the method is easy to implement and found to be successful in producing a sufficiently accurate solution with relatively less number of mesh nodes.

Originality/value

Although many error estimation techniques have been developed over the past several years to solve contact problems adaptively, because of boundary non-linearity development, a reliable error estimator needs further investigation. The present study attempts to resolve this problem without having to recompute the entire solution on a new mesh.
Global sensitivity analysis approaches applied to parameter selection for numerical model-updating of structures
Authors: Jafari Marzieh , Akbari Khaled
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the sensitivity of the structure’s deformation numerical model (NM) related to the various types of the design parameters, which is a suitable method for parameter selection to increase the time of model-updating.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a variance-based sensitivity analysis (VBSA) approach is proposed to measure the sensitivity of NM of structures. In this way, the contribution of measurements of the structure (such as design parameter values and geometry) on the output of NM is studied using first-order and total-order sensitivity indices developed by Sobol’. In this way the generated data set of parameters by considering different distributions such as Gaussian or uniform distribution and different order as input along with, the resulted deformation variables of NM as output has been submitted to the Sobol’ indices estimation procedure. To the verification of VBSA results, a gradient-based sensitivity analysis (SA), which is developed as a global SA method has been developed to measure the global sensitivity of NM then implemented over the NM’s results of a tunnel.

Findings

Regarding the estimated indices, it has been concluded that the derived deformation functions from the tunnel’s NM usually are non-additive. Also, some parameters have been determined as most effective on the deformation functions, which can be selected for model-updating to avoid a time-consuming process, so those may better to be considered in the group of updating parameters. In this procedure for SA of the model, also some interactions between the selected parameters with other parameters, which are beneficial to be considered in the model-updating procedure, have been detected. In this study, some parameters approximately (27 per cent of the total) with no effect over the all objective functions have been determined to be excluded from the parameter candidates for model-updating. Also, the resulted indices of implemented VBSA were approved during validation by the gradient-based indices.

Practical implications

The introduced method has been implemented for a circular lined tunnel’s NM, which has been created by Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua software.

Originality/value

This paper plans to apply a statistical method, which is global on the results of the NM of a soil structure by a complex system for parameter selection to avoid the time-consuming model-updating process.
On the response and prediction of multi-layered flexible riser under combined load conditions
Authors: Liu Mengsha , Li J.Y. , Chen Lixin , Ju J.S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The internal force is more complicated in a combined load case than in a single load case, and the influence of the combined load on the stress cannot be neglected. The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical behavior of the flexible riser under combined load conditions of tension and internal pressure or external pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical behavior of the flexible riser under combined load conditions is studied by numerical simulation with a nine-layer detailed finite element model. The layers of flexible riser are modeled separately, and the interactions between layers have been taken into consideration in numerical simulation.

Findings

Under tension and internal pressure or external pressure, the pressure armor will bear extra external pressure because of the squeezing actions between layers caused by tension, and the extra external pressure will increase proportionately with the increase of the tension. Under internal pressure and tension, the internal stress for tension armor was nearly unchanged compared to that under unique tension load, whereas under external pressure and tension, the change of internal stress for tension armor was significant. Prediction methods of internal force for pressure armor and tension armor under pressure and tension are given, and the result from the formula agrees well with the simulation results.

Originality/value

The prediction methods on the internal force of flexible riser proposed in this study are proven accurate, with numerical simulation results, and the prediction methods are convenient for engineering applications.
Revealing change dynamics in hospital construction projects
Authors: Lavikka Rita Henriikka , Kyrö Riikka , Peltokorpi Antti , Särkilahti Anna
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Hospital construction projects often suffer from relatively late changes in the project lifecycle, which disrupt the project execution and impact project productivity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the root causes of changes in hospital construction projects. The paper aims to propose ways to prepare for the changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on changes during the construction of new hospital facilities. An explorative, case study research design is utilised. Five case projects from Finland, Sweden and the USA were selected for in-depth analysis. The primary data comprise semi-structured interviews, supported by secondary evidence such as change order documents.

Findings

The findings reveal eight categories for change sources: contracts, and equipment and systems are reflective of the fast-paced healthcare technology and changing user requirements, while external environment comprises changes caused by both regulatory and physical environment. Changes in operations are reflected in the continuous development of treatment methods and processes. The user, owner, designer and contractor initiated changes represent the stakeholder influence. The paper makes a connection between these change sources and project complexity dimension. A framework for change dynamics is introduced, and product and process flexibility is suggested as a suitable method to prepare for and manage changes.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to link construction changes to project complexity factors. The paper argues that changes, when managed appropriately, are not only necessary but also beneficial to large construction projects in a quickly changing environment. The findings guide project stakeholders in implementing project flexibility, in the product and process dimensions, which is a balancing force to project complexity.
Normative and descriptive models for COBie implementation: discrepancies and limitations
Authors: Abdirad Hamid , Dossick Carrie S.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inquire into the reasons why Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie) has not become mainstream across the construction industry despite the significant attempts to promote it.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper framed and compared the normative model of COBie to a descriptive model of COBie. The normative model was based on the assumptions and planned procedures outlined in the COBie documentation. The descriptive model was developed through a case study of COBie implementation, with ethnographic observations, interviews and artifact analysis as the data collection methods and thematic analysis as the data analysis method.

Findings

The comparative analysis of the normative and descriptive models showed that the underlying normative assumptions of COBie can be challenged in its implementation. In the case study, implementing COBie disrupted the conventional practice of few participating firms as the data requirements and the expected sequences and timelines of tasks were not aligned with the industry norms for exchanging data. Furthermore, the normative model of COBie could not account for the unanticipated variability in the internal routines of firms for submittal production.

Practical implications

COBie, as an instruction-based model, may not provide enough flexibility for some firms to adapt to its requirements such that COBie tasks become integrated with their existing workflows. COBie tasks may become additional efforts, and at times, conflict with the industry norms and firms’ routines, and therefore, disrupt the efficiency goals.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical evidence to clarify why implementing COBie has not been as efficient for all industry players as expected.
A hybrid group decision model for green supplier selection: a case study of megaprojects
Authors: Liang Ru , Chong Heap-Yih
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Green supplier selection is one of the crucial activities in green supply chain management. However, limited studies have addressed the vagueness and complexities during the selection process, particularly in multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) circumstances. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to develop a group decision model using a modified fuzzy MCDM approach for green supplier selection under a complex situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed study develops a framework for sorting decisions in green supplier selection by using the hesitant fuzzy qualitative flexible multiple attributes method (QUALIFLEX). The synthetic consistent or inconsistent indexes were used to calculate all alternative suppliers by normalizing the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix.

Findings

The proposed framework has been successfully applied and illustrated in the case example of CB02 contract section in Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge project. The results show various complicated decision-making scenarios can be addressed through the proposed approach. The synthetic (in)consistent indexes are able to calculate all alternative suppliers by normalizing the hesitant fuzzy decision matrix.

Originality/value

The research contributes to improving accuracy and reliability decision-making processes for green supplier selection, especially under vagueness and complex situations in megaprojects.
Expectations and service quality: perceived performance at low-season events
Authors: Meleddu Marta , Melis Giuseppe , Pulina Manuela , Zapata-Aguirre Sandra
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Events play a strategic role to attract tourist flows especially during the low season. The purpose of this paper is to explore the gap between consumers’ expectations and actual satisfaction at cultural events.

Design/methodology/approach

A principal components analysis identifies a set of orthogonal factors related to visitors’ expectations and actual satisfaction at two different events. The empirical data were collected during two events. The geographical setting is Sardinia (Italy) where two important cultural events are held in the low season: the Cavalcata (held at the end of May) and the Sartiglia (held during Carnival). A representative random sample is collected taking into account gender, age and visitors’ nationality heterogeneity (Italian, English-speakers, French and Spanish).

Findings

Some homogeneous findings have been obtained for the two events, regardless of the different levels of attractiveness. Notably, both the events are perceived as authentic and as the expression of identity. On the whole, the empirical results indicate that the events were able to generate high levels of satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this research is that the data refer to only one year, while a wider time series could allow a more accurate evaluation of both the expectations and the performance results deriving from the management of the two events. The findings provide directions to local policy makers to adopt tailored strategies to boost strengths and to contrast weaknesses of low season events.

Practical implications

The methodological approach presented in this paper helps practitioners and policy makers to deepen their understanding of visitors’ actual experience as well as to improve the overall quantity and quality of services offered during the events.

Social implications

An in-depth analysis of the perceived quality of the services provided at events can allow public and private organizers to identify critical issues, enabling them to improve event planning, efficiency, profitability and overall performance.

Originality/value

This paper employs an “Importance-Performance” model (Martilla and James, 1977; Riviezzo et al., 2009) to study the gap between visitors’ expectations and their perceived performance in two events held during the low tourist season. Thanks to the use of an equivalent survey, the comparison offered the opportunity to highlight common features that allowed a generalization of results and a broader discussion.
Influences of role models and gender on Saudi Arabian freshman students’ entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Choukir Jamel , Aloulou Wassim J. , Ayadi Faouzi , Mseddi Slim
Published: May 2019

Purpose

There have been few investigations regarding the relationship of gender and role models with students’ entrepreneurial intention (EI). The purpose of this study is to apply a conceptual framework to explain the relationship of gender and role models with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) constructs: attitudes towards behaviour (ATB), subjective norms (SN), perceived behaviour control (PBC) and intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data collected from a questionnaire survey completed by 1,496 freshman Saudi students enrolled during the 2016-2017 academic year in business, finance and economics undergraduate programmes. To analyse the data and test the proposed hypotheses, a confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) are applied.

Findings

The results show that the TPB constructs are validated in the specific Saudi context. In fact, these constructs were significantly related to EI. Only the SN and PBC constructs mediate the relationship between role models and EI. Furthermore, gender moderates the relationships of role models with EI, PBC with EI and role models with the SN. More precisely, this study reveals that gender differences in SN and PBC, and women’s EI are more likely to be influenced by the SN and PBC than men’s EI. However, PBC is a relevant determinant for both male and female students. These results differ from those of previous studies on gender influences. These results could be explained by two main reasons, such as women’s socialization and institutional processes.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that it was not possible to claim generalization of findings. Theoretical and managerial implications are proposed to add new evidence in the field. These results could help all stakeholders engaged in promoting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and stimulate appropriate and customized entrepreneurial initiatives, curriculum and policies for both men and women.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to conduct such investigations in Saudi Arabia and in institutions of higher education. This study removes the stereotypes about the entrepreneurial potential of women.
Quality criteria for lesson and learning studies as forms of action research
Authors: Elliott John
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to articulate criteria for assessing the quality of lesson and learning studies as forms of practice-based educational action research that are grounded in the practical experience of those engaged in such research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the implications of Stake and Schwandt’s distinction between quality as measured and quality as experienced for assessing lesson and learning studies in higher education contexts, where “standards templates” are increasingly used to measure “quality”. Such templates it is claimed distance research from the action context of teachers’ work. Previously published work, in which the author distils criteria for good educational action research from his own narratives of experience, is then summarised as a basis for conceptualising lesson study as good action research. This poses the issue of whether the use of learning theories to inform lesson study distorts their quality by distancing them from action. The author argues that this does not apply to lesson studies that are informed by Marton and Booth’s theory of variation. In doing so he distils a set of experience-based quality criteria for assessing learning studies, and demonstrates a high degree of congruence between the pedagogical implications of variation theory and Stenhouse’s idea of “teachers as researchers”.

Findings

A set of experience-based quality criteria are distilled for assessing what counts as a high-quality learning study report.

Originality/value

The paper creates an alternative view of the relationship between educational research and practice to that which currently dominates academic discourse.
Quantifying the relationship between lean maturity and occupational health and safety
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Sajad , Khani Jazani Reza , Cudney Elizabeth A. , Trucco Paolo
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to quantify the multifaceted relationship between lean implementation and occupational health and safety (OHS) performance. Hypotheses based on a set of antecedents (mediating factors) are built and quantitatively tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an international survey with responses from more than 20 countries. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical framework derived from literature. Leading indicators (formative indices) were used to evaluate the four antecedents of OHS performance (mediating factors).

Findings

All the identified antecedents show a significant mediating role. Antecedents related to the working environment and organizational factors have the strongest mediating effect. Results support the importance of using OHS leading indicators to appropriately measure the impact of lean implementation on workers’ health and safety.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed OHS leading indicators connecting lean practices to OHS performance antecedents are only explored in this study. Therefore, to establish a comprehensive, validated and practically usable set of leading indicators, further research is needed.

Practical implications

As there are some synergistic and trade-off relationships between lean and safety, the findings of this study will enable managers and organizations to leverage the positive effects of lean implementation on workers’ health and safety and mitigate the negative effects.

Originality/value

Several prior studies investigated the multifaceted link between lean and OHS; however, this is the first study that tested direct and mediated influence by defining a coherent set of antecedents. The results justify and strongly support the adoption of OHS leading indicators to measure the impact of lean implementation on OHS performance.
Application of Six Sigma to minimize the defects in glass manufacturing industry
Authors: Yadav Narottam , Mathiyazhagan Kaliyan , Kumar Krishna
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the yield of a particular model of a car windshield, as the organization faces losses due to poor performance and rejection.

Design/methodology/approach

The Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology is used to reduce variation and defects in the process. It is a methodology based on data-driven and fact-based analysis to find out the root cause of the problem with the help of statistical analysis. A worst performing model is selected as a case study through the scoping tree. The preprocess, printing, bending and layup process defects are reduced by analyzing the potential causes and hypothesis testing.

Findings

This paper describes Six Sigma methodology in a glass manufacturing industry in India for automotive applications. The overall yield of a car windshield achieved 93.57 percent against the historical yield of 88.4 percent, resulting in saving 50 lacs per annum. Due to no rework or repairing in the glass, low first-time yield causes major losses. Process improvement through focused cross-functional team reduces variation in the process. Six Sigma improves profitability and reduces defects in the automotive glass manufacturing process.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is applied in automotive glass manufacturing industries. For service and healthcare industries, a similar type of study can be performed. Further research on the common type of processor industry would be valuable.

Practical implications

The case study can be used as a problem-solving methodology in manufacturing and service industries. The tools and techniques can be used in other manufacturing processes also. This paper is useful for industries, researchers and academics for understanding Six Sigma methodology and its practical implementation.

Originality/value

This case study is an attempt to solve automobile glass manufacturing problems through DMAIC approach. The paper is a real case study showing benefits of Six Sigma implementation in the manufacturing industry and saving an annual cost of 50 lacs due to rejections in the process.
Purchasing strategies for relief items in humanitarian operations
Authors: Lamenza Arthur Abreu da Silva , Fontainha Tharcisio Cotta , Leiras Adriana
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix to guide purchasing strategies for relief items in humanitarian operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research synthesizes the structures of a Purchasing Portfolio Model and the characteristics of purchasing in humanitarian operations, validating them with academics and practitioners to develop a Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix. Then, based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process to classify the relief items in the matrix, an illustrative example is used as an empirical test for the proposed Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix.

Findings

The academic literature on purchasing in general and purchasing in humanitarian operations share some similarities in terms of “Importance of Purchasing” and “Complexity of Supply Market” dimensions. Moreover, the analysis of such criteria supports the definition of purchasing strategies for different relief items in humanitarian operations.

Practical implications

The Humanitarian Purchasing Matrix can be considered a tool/guide for professionals of humanitarian organizations in the adoption of purchasing strategies for the different relief items purchased for humanitarian operations.

Originality/value

Considering a scenario of a constant increase in the variety of relief items, the high purchasing volume and the pressure to more efficient relief operations, the research discusses the intersectionality of business purchasing models and the purchasing characteristics of humanitarian operations. Moreover, the research deliveries a tool/guide to the adoption of purchasing strategies that are composed of criteria observed in the literature and suggested by both humanitarian logistic academics and practitioners.
Customer-based brand equity index of Kurukshetra
Authors: Rani Pooja
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the customer-based brand equity index (CBBE-I) of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this study, the author uses primary and secondary data on destination attractiveness of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra for a sample of 150 tourists including domestic and international. The study used structural equation modeling and factor weighting methods.

Findings

The research presents an investigation into the destination attractiveness index of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra in an emerging market, i.e. Kurukshetra. Tourism Brand Kurukshetra from the brand equity perspective is an attractive destination.

Practical implications

It suggests that the CBBE index of Kurukshetra ought to analyze a longitudinal study to get the proper image of Kurukshetra from a touristic perspective. It provides long-term attractiveness to enhance tourism.

Originality/value

This is the first brand equity study contributed to branding literature of Tourism Brand Kurukshetra. The index is an accomplished way to present the tourism condition of any destination.
Corporate social responsibility performance of small and medium enterprises in regional Japan: an empirical examination
Authors: Zoysa Anura De , Takaoka Nobyuki
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional Japan. It also aims to examine the impact of firm size, industry, CSR awareness, firm origin and firm’s strategic focus on CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The study measures the CSR performance using a CSR index and seven sub-indexes designed on the global CSR standard – ISO26000. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 146 firms. The indexes were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Findings

The results indicate that CSR performance of firms in regional Japan is low across all main areas of CSR and is significantly lower in SMEs relative to large firms. Further, CSR performance of SMEs differs across various industries and firms established in the region display significantly lower CSR performance compared to their metropolitan counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

Little research exists on the role SME’s play in improving CSR practices in Japan, especially regarding SMEs in regional areas. The findings highlight the need for improving CSR performance of SMEs and promoting the use of ISO26000 as a guiding tool for measuring CSR performance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first papers that critically examine the CSR performance of SMEs in regional Japan. It highlights that despite the recent CSR boom and regulatory initiatives in Japan, CSR performance of SMEs in regional Japan remained low.
SRUD: A simple non‐destructive method for accurate quantification of plant diversity dynamics
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Kowalchuk George A. , Soons Merel B. , Hefting Mariet M. , Chu Chengjin , Firn Jennifer , Brown Cynthia S. , Zhou Xianhui , Zhou Xiaolong , Guo Zhi , Zhao Zhigang , Du Guozhen , Hautier Yann
Published: May 2019

Predicting changes in plant diversity in response to human activities represents one of the major challenges facing ecologists and land managers striving for sustainable ecosystem management. Classical field studies have emphasized the importance of community primary productivity in regulating changes in plant species richness. However, experimental studies have yielded inconsistent empirical evidence, suggesting that primary productivity is not the sole determinant of plant diversity. Recent work has shown that more accurate predictions of changes in species diversity can be achieved by combining measures of species’ cover and height into an index of space resource utilization (SRU). While the SRU approach provides reliable predictions, it is time‐consuming and requires extensive taxonomic expertise. Ecosystem processes and plant community structure are likely driven primarily by dominant species (mass ratio effect). Within communities, it is likely that dominant and rare species have opposite contributions to overall biodiversity trends. We, therefore, suggest that better species richness predictions can be achieved by utilizing SRU assessments of only the dominant species (SRUD), as compared to SRU or biomass of the entire community.

Here, we assess the ability of these measures to predict changes in plant diversity as driven by nutrient addition and herbivore exclusion. First, we tested our hypotheses by carrying out a detailed analysis in an alpine grassland that measured all species within the community. Next, we assessed the broader applicability of our approach by measuring the first three dominant species for five additional experimental grassland sites across a wide geographic and habitat range.

We show that SRUD outperforms community biomass, as well as community SRU, in predicting biodiversity dynamics in response to nutrients and herbivores in an alpine grassland. Across our additional sites, SRUD yielded far better predictions of changes in species richness than community biomass, demonstrating the robustness and generalizable nature of this approach.

Synthesis. The SRUD approach provides a simple, non‐destructive and more accurate means to monitor and predict the impact of global change drivers and management interventions on plant communities, thereby facilitating efforts to maintain and recover plant diversity.
Significance of isolating non‐tuberculous mycobacterial organisms in infertile women with tubal disease: an observational study
Authors: Radha Bai Prabhu T , Pandiyan N , Sujatha N , Jawahar MS
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To explore whether non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are associated with tubal disease leading to infertility.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Teaching hospital.

Population

Women with tubal factor infertility.

Methods

In all, 173 infertile women with tubal disease were investigated for genital tuberculosis,Chlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeusing polymerase chain reaction, culture and histopathological examination. On culture,NTMwere grown in 23.7% of endometrial samples. The mycolic characteristics of these organisms were analysed.

Main outcome measure

WhetherNTMare associated with tubal disease leading to infertility.

Results

The organisms identified in association with tubal disease wereMycobacterium tuberculosisin 30%, gonococci in 1.7%,Chlamydiain 7.5% andNTMin 23.7% of cases.Mycobacterium chelonaewas the predominant organism identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In ten women, for whom there was laparoscopic evidence of tubal disease, the only organism that was grown wasNTM, and the tests for other organisms were negative. Tests for possible environment (theatre, instruments) contamination was reported negative.

Conclusion

While evaluating infertile women for tubal disease, culture studies revealed a high prevalence ofNTMin the endometrium. In the absence ofM. tuberculosis, gonococci andChlamydiainfection, the presence ofNTMsuggests the possibility that these organisms may be responsible for tubal damage leading to infertility.

Tweetable abstract

On evaluating the causes of tubal disease,NTMwere associated with tubal disease.
Increased risk of fatal paediatric injuries in rural Northern Norway
Authors: Holter June A. , Wisborg Torben
Published: May 2019

Background

Finnmark, Northern Norway, had a mortality rate for paediatric injury in 1998‐2007 that was more than twice the national average. We investigated whether this rate had decreased in 2008‐2015 after improvements in emergency care. We also compared the mortality rate to rates of non‐fatal injury and trauma team activation both regionally and in Norway.

Methods

The study was based on 4 national registries. Mortality and injury rates were calculated per 100 000 persons per year. The study population was divided into age groups; 0‐5, 6‐10, 11‐15 and 16‐17 years.

Results

Between 1998‐2007 and 2008‐2015 there was an overall decrease in paediatric mortality rate due to external causes in Norway in total from 7.1 to 4.0. Despite this, in 2008‐2015, the mortality rate remained 2.5 times higher in Finnmark than in Norway (9.7, RR = 2.5 CI 1.4‐4.3, P = 0.001), similar to findings for 1998‐2007. Finnmark had half the rate of non‐fatal injuries in 1999‐2007 (5052, RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.6‐0.7, P < 0.001) and in 2008‐2015 (3893, RR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.5‐0.6, P < 0.001) as in Norway. The rate of trauma team activation was similar in Finnmark and Norway.

Conclusions

The risk of injury‐related death remained significantly higher, while the overall risk of non‐fatal injury was significantly reduced for children in rural Northern Norway. Thus, injuries in this rural area seem to be less frequent but more severe. There is a need for detailed examination of each death to determine possible preventive measures.
Is There a Recent Epidemic of Women's Drinking? A Critical Review of National Studies
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Jager Justin , Mal‐Sarkar Tatini , Patrick Megan E. , Rutherford Caroline , Hasin Deborah
Published: May 2019

Alcohol consumption is increasing in the United States, as is alcohol‐attributable mortality. Historically, men have had higher rates of alcohol consumption than women, though evidence for birth cohort effects on gender differences in alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related harm suggests that gender differences may be diminishing. We review studies using U.S. national data that examined time trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related harm since 2008. Utilizing a historical–developmental perspective, here we synthesize and integrate the literature on birth cohort effects from varying developmental periods (i.e., adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and late adulthood), with a focus on gender differences in alcohol consumption. Findings suggest that recent trends in gender differences in alcohol outcomes are heterogeneous by developmental stage. Among adolescents and young adults, both males and females are rapidly decreasing alcohol consumption, binge and high‐intensity drinking, and alcohol‐related outcomes, with gender rates converging because males are decreasing consumption faster than females. This pattern does not hold among adults, however. In middle adulthood, consumption, binge drinking, and alcohol‐related harms are increasing, driven largely by increases among women in their 30s and 40s. The trend of increases in consumption that are faster for women than for men appears to continue into older adult years (60 and older) across several studies. We conclude by addressing remaining gaps in the literature and offering directions for future research.
Chinese Mongolian horses may retain early domestic male genetic lineages yet to be discovered
Authors: Han H. , Wallner B. , Rigler D. , MacHugh D. E. , Manglai D. , Hill E. W.
Published: May 2019

The Mongolian horse represents one of the most ancient extant horse populations. In this study we determined the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) haplotype distribution in 60 Chinese Mongolian horses representing five distinct populations. Cosmopolitan male lineages were predominant in horses from one improved (Sanhe), one Chinese Mongolian subtype (Baicha Iron Hoof) and one indigenous (Abaga Black) population. In contrast, autochthonous Y chromosome diversity was evident among the two landrace populations (Wushen and Wuzhumuqin), as the majority of their MSY haplotypes were situated at root nodes in a network. Our results also suggest gene flow between Chinese Mongolian and Arabian horses, as an appreciable number of Wuzhumuqin horses carried haplotypes that are typically observed in Arabian horses. Although most horses carried modern haplotypes as a direct result of recent breed improvement, authentic Chinese Mongolian horses retain an ancient signature of paternal lineages that has not previously been described in extant horse populations. Therefore, further characterization of MSY variation in these populations will be important for the discovery of lost diversity in modern domestic horses and also for understanding the evolutionary history of equine paternal lineages.
Continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions from rural or remote Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Street Tamara D. , Somoray Klaire , Richards Georgia C. , Lacey Sarah J.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To identify the barriers and facilitators of achieving continuity of care between health services for patients with chronic conditions living in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Design

A systematic literature review of peer‐reviewed journal publications between January 1990 and April 2018.

Setting

Publications were sourced from medical and scientific databases, including: PubMed; Embase; OvidSP; ProQuest research library; and ScienceDirect.

Participants

Studies, involving two groups, were included in the review: (a) Australian adults, residing in non‐metropolitan areas with a chronic condition, who accessed health care services; and (b) health care service providers (eg, doctors) who provided care to non‐metropolitan patients.

Main outcome measures

Facilitators and barriers of continuity of care for non‐metropolitan patients with a chronic condition.

Results

Initially, 536 studies were included in the review. Of these, 12 studies were found to have met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis.

Conclusions

Coordination of health care services for non‐metropolitan patients with chronic conditions substantially improves the outcomes for patients. Overall, communication, availability of resources and location are the major barriers and facilitators to continuity of care, depending on how they are managed. Recommendations have been provided to assist practitioners and policy‐makers to improve the experience of shared care and health outcomes for non‐metropolitan patients.
Contribution of potassium channels to action potential repolarization of human embryonic stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Yin , Zhu Renjun , Tung Leslie
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose

The electrophysiological properties of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) have not yet been characterized in a syncytial context. This study systematically characterized the contributions of different repolarizing potassium currents in human embryonic stem cell‐derived CMs (hESC‐CMs) during long‐term culture as cell monolayers.

Experimental Approach

The H9 hESC line was differentiated to CMs and plated to form confluent cell monolayers. Optical mapping was used to record the action potentials (APs) and conduction velocity (CV) during electrophysiological and pharmacological experiments. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to detect the presence and expression levels of ion channel subunits.

Key Results

Long‐term culture of hESC‐CMs led to shortened AP duration (APD), faster repolarization rate, and increased CV. Selective block of IKr, IKs, IK1, and IKur significantly affected AP repolarization and APD in a concentration‐ and culture time‐dependent manner. Baseline variations in APD led to either positive or negative APD dependence of drug response. Chromanol 293B produced greater relative AP prolongation in mid‐ and late‐stage cultures, while DPO‐1 had more effect in early‐stage cultures. CV in cell monolayers in early‐ and late‐stage cultures was most susceptible to slowing by E‐4031 and BaCl2 respectively.

Conclusions and Implications

IKr, IKs, IK1, and IKur all play an essential role in the regulation of APD and CV in hESC‐CMs. During time in culture, increased expression of IKr and IK1 helps to accelerate repolarization, shorten APD, and increase CV. We identified a new pro‐arrhythmic parameter, positive APD dependence of ion channel block, which can increase APD and repolarization gradients.
Vasohibin‐2 plays an essential role in metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iida‐Norita Rie , Kawamura Minaho , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Hamada Shin , Masamune Atsushi , Furukawa Toru , Sato Yasufumi
Published: May 2019

Vasohibin‐2 (VASH2) is expressed in various cancers and promotes their progression. We recently reported that pancreatic cancer patients with higher VASH2 expression show poorer prognosis. Herein, we sought to characterize the role of VASH2 in pancreatic cancer. We used LSL‐KrasG12D; LSL‐Trp53R172H; Pdx‐1‐Cre (KPC) mice, a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and cells isolated from them (KPC cells). Knockdown of Vash2 from PDAC cells did not affect their proliferation, but decreased their migration. When Vash2‐knockdown PDAC cells were orthotopically inoculated, liver metastasis and peritoneal dissemination were reduced, and the survival period was significantly prolonged. When KPC mice were crossed with Vash2‐deficient mice, metastasis was significantly decreased in Vash2‐deficient KPC mice. VASH2 was recently identified to have tubulin carboxypeptidase activity. VASH2 knockdown decreased, whereas VASH2 overexpression increased tubulin detyrosination of PDAC cells, and tubulin carboxypeptidase (TCP) inhibitor parthenolide inhibited VASH2‐induced cell migration. We next clarified its role in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor angiogenesis was significantly abrogated in vivo when VASH2 was knocked down or deleted. We further examined genes downregulated by Vash2 knockdown in KPC cells, and found chemokines and cytokines that were responsible for the recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Indeed, MDSC were accumulated in PDAC of KPC mice, and they were significantly decreased in Vash2‐deficient KPC mice. These findings suggest that VASH2 plays an essential role in the metastasis of PDAC with multiple effects on both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, including tubulin detyrosination, tumor angiogenesis and evasion of tumor immunity.