bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restraint That Blinds: Attention Narrowing and Consumers’ Response to Numerosity in Self-Control Decisions
Authors: Wilcox Keith , Prokopec Sonja
Published: December 2018

A significant amount of research on numerosity demonstrates that product perceptions are often influenced by the scale on which numerical attribute information is presented. However, fewer studies have examined how self-control is influenced by the numerosity of cost information (e.g., price, nutritional content) in situations that may violate a personal goal. The present research demonstrates that, in such situations, the numerosity of cost information has a stronger influence on self-control when consumers are highly focused on restraint. Because restrained consumers regulate their behavior by anticipating the negative emotions from violating their goals, they experience a narrowing of attention during self-control decisions that makes them more reliant on numerosity as a cue for judgment. The results of eight experiments demonstrate that consumers who are primed or predisposed to be high in restraint display less self-control when cost information is presented on a contracted scale with small numbers compared to an expanded scale with large numbers. When consumers are less focused on restraint, numerosity has less of an effect on self-control because unrestrained consumers do not experience an analogous narrowing of attention.
Enthymematic classical recapture 1
Authors: Antunes Henrique
Published: December 2018

Priest (2006, Ch.8, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press), argues that classical reasoning can be made compatible with his preferred (paraconsistent) logical theory by proposing a methodological maxim authorizing the use of classical logic in consistent situations. Although Priest has abandoned this proposal in favour of the one in G. Priest (1991, Stud. Log., 50, 321–331), I shall argue that due to the fact that the derivability adjustment theorem holds for several logics of formal (in)consistency (cf. W. A. Carnielli and M. E. Coniglio, 2016, Springer), these paraconsistent logics are particularly well suited to accommodate classical reasoning by means of a version of that maxim, yielding thus an enthymematic account of classical recapture.
The Italian 2017 Outbreak Chikungunya Virus Belongs to an Emerging Aedes albopictus–Adapted Virus Cluster Introduced From the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Lindh Erika , Argentini Claudio , Remoli Maria Elena , Fortuna Claudia , Faggioni Giovanni , Benedetti Eleonora , Amendola Antonello , Marsili Giulia , Lista Florigio , Rezza Giovanni , Venturi Giulietta
Published: December 2018

Background

Chikungunya virus is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen with a wide global distribution. With the severe morbidity that it causes, chikungunya virus is a major public health problem in the affected areas and poses a considerable risk for unaffected areas hosting competent vector populations. In the summer of 2017, Italy experienced a chikungunya virus outbreak that spread in the Lazio region and caused a secondary outbreak in the Calabrian village of Guardavalle, with a final case number of 436. The causative strain was recognized as an Indian Ocean lineage (IOL) virus.

Methods

To understand the underlying genetic and molecular features of the outbreak virus, viruses from mosquito pools and clinical samples were isolated in cell culture and subjected to whole-genome sequencing and genetic analyses.

Results

All 8 characterized genomes shared a high sequence identity. A distinct substitution pattern in the Italian 2017 viruses (including mutations in E1, E2, and nsP4) was partly shared with the Pakistani 2016 outbreak viruses. Evolutionary analyses indicate that these 2 recent outbreaks and several geographically widely distributed, travel-associated viruses form a cluster of rapidly emerging Indian-origin IOL viruses.

Conclusions

Our analyses show that the 2017 Italian outbreak virus belongs to a cluster of novel IOL chikungunya viruses originating in India. Their emergence calls for enhanced monitoring and strengthened preparedness measures, including vector control programs and raised awareness among general practitioners in countries potentially at risk.
Competitive Screening Under Heterogeneous Information
Authors: Garrett Daniel F , Gomes Renato , Maestri Lucas
Published: December 2018

We study the interplay between informational frictions and second-degree price discrimination. Our theory recognizes that consumers differ in their tastes for quality as well as in the information they possess about available offers, which leads to dispersion over price–quality menus in equilibrium. While firms are ex ante identical, we show that their menus are ordered so that more generous menus leave more surplus to consumers of all valuations. We explore the cross-section of equilibrium menus and variations in market conditions to generate empirical predictions on prices, qualities, and markups across firms, and within a firm’s product line. For instance, more competition may raise prices for low-quality goods; yet, consumers are better off, as the qualities they receive also increase. The predictions of our model illuminate empirical findings in many markets, such as those for cell phone plans, yellow-pages advertising, cable TV, and air travel.
Spinning Yarns From Moonbeams: A Jurisprudence of Statutory Interpretation in Common Law
Authors: Singh Prabhakar
Published: December 2018

What methods, if at all, do Indian judges deploy in their law reading? In their abundant references to the term “jurisprudence”, the Indian judge gives neither precise meanings nor methods to ascertaining what is jurisprudence; the judges declare when purposively breaking new grounds, or, the state constitutively roots for a strict, even a conservative, reading of its will and legislative intention. Judges while read penal and taxation statutes strictly, at the Indian Supreme Court the ‘ends of justice’ clearly override, as it should, positivist interpretations. The legislature and the executive therefore tolerate the Supreme Court’s purposive reading down of the colonial statutes, just as, conversely, they reject the Court’s ‘reading down and reading wide’ of politically sensitive public law statutes to defend their postcolonial intent. I aim to map the uncertain landscape of the Indian Supreme Court’s use of “jurisprudence” and jurisprudence’s relationship with statutory interpretation.
The Dual Effect of the Brassinosteroid Pathway on Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Infection by Modulating the Peroxidase-Mediated Oxidative Burst and Plant Defense
Authors: Zhang Hehong , He Yuqing , Tan Xiaoxiang , Xie Kaili , Li Lulu , Hong Gaojie , Li Junmin , Cheng Ye , Yan Fei , Chen Jianping , Sun Zongtao
Published: December 2018

The phytohormone brassinosteroid (BR) not only plays key roles in regulating plant growth and development but is also involved in modulating the plant defense system in response to pathogens. We previously found that BR application made rice plants more susceptible to the devastating pathogen rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), but the mechanism of BR-mediated susceptibility remains unclear. We now show that both BR-deficient and -insensitive mutants are resistant to RBSDV infection. High-throughput sequencing showed that the defense hormone salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways were activated in the RBSDV-infected BR mutant. Meanwhile, a number of class III peroxidases (OsPrx) were significantly changed and basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in BR mutants. Treatment with exogenous hormones and other chemicals demonstrated that the BR pathway could suppress the levels of OsPrx and the ROS burst by directly binding the promoters of OsPrx genes. Together, our findings indicate that BR-mediated susceptibility is at least partly caused by inhibition of the action of defense hormones, preventing the accumulation of the peroxidase-mediated oxidative burst.
Biological Control of Pierce’s Disease of Grape by an Endophytic Bacterium
Authors: Baccari Clelia , Antonova Elena , Lindow Steven
Published: December 2018

Effective preventive measures and therapies are lacking for control of Pierce’s disease of grape caused by the xylem-colonizing bacterium Xylella fastidiosa responsible for serious losses in grape production. In this study we explored the potential for endophytic bacteria to alter the disease process. While most endophytic bacteria found within grape did not grow or multiply when inoculated into mature grape vines, Paraburkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN achieved population sizes as large as 106 cells/g and moved 1 m or more within 4 weeks after inoculation into vines. While X. fastidiosa achieved large population sizes and moved extensively in grape when inoculated alone, few viable cells were recovered from plants in which it was co-inoculated with strain PsJN and the incidence of leaves exhibiting scorching symptoms typical of Pierce’s disease was consistently greatly reduced from that in control plants. Suppression of disease symptoms occurred not only when strain PsJN was co-inoculated with the pathogen by puncturing stems in the same site in plants, but also when inoculated at the same time but at different sites in the plant. Large population sizes of strain PsJN could be established in both leaf lamina and petioles by topical application of cell suspensions in 0.2% of an organo-silicon surfactant conferring low surface tension, and such treatments were as effective as direct puncture inoculations of this biocontrol strain in reducing disease severity. While inoculation of strain PsJN into plants by either method at the same time as or even 4 weeks after that of the pathogen resulted in large reductions in disease severity, much less disease control was conferred by inoculation of PsJN 4 weeks prior to that of the pathogen. The expression of grapevine PR1 and ETR1 within 3 weeks of inoculation was substantially higher in plants inoculated with both X. fastidiosa and strain PsJN compared with that in plants inoculated only with the pathogen or strain PsJN, suggesting that this biological control agent reduces disease by priming expression of innate disease resistance pathways in plants that otherwise would have exhibited minimal responses to the pathogen. Strain PsJN thus appears highly efficacious for the control of Pierce’s disease when used as an eradicant treatment that can be easily made even by spray application.
Coinfection Organizes Epidemiological Networks of Viruses and Hosts and Reveals Hubs of Transmission
Authors: McLeish Michael , Sacristán Soledad , Fraile Aurora , García-Arenal Fernando
Published: December 2018

Multiple virus infections affect the competence of host plants to transmit disease. The effects of coinfection on transmission are expected to produce ecologically complex pathogen and host-pathogen interactions. However, the prediction of disease risk will rely on untangling nonrandom from random patterns of infection to identify underlying processes that drive these interactions. Are the spatial distributions of infections in complex multispecies systems random or not? For the first time, we use an empirical evaluation of this basic but nontrivial question to test the hypothesis that coinfection contributes to (i) nonrandom ecological interactions between hosts and viruses and (ii) structuring infection distributions. We use a novel approach that decomposed the ecological interactions of 11 generalist viruses in 47 host species in four habitats of an agroecosystem into single-infection and coinfection “modes.” Then, we relate ecological structuring in infection networks to the distribution of infection using generalized regression models. The network analyses of coinfection showed that virus−host interactions occurred more often than expected at random in one of the four habitats, Edge. A pattern of specific interactions was shared between Edge and the ecosystem, indicating scale invariance. The regression modeling also showed that the plant community characteristics of Edge were unique in explaining infection distributions. The results showed that the spatial distribution of infection at the ecosystem level was not only a species-specific phenomenon but also, strongly structured by specific virus−virus and host−virus interactions. The evidence of scale invariance and the special role of Edge as a reservoir suggest that ecological interactions were less strongly structured by community differences among habitats than by wider-scale processes and traits underlying the interactions. Addressing whether reservoir communities significantly contribute to epidemiological processes at the ecosystem scale is a promising avenue for future research.
Multicenter Validation of the Emotional State Instrument for Dialysis Patients
Authors: Rodríguez-Rey Rocío , García-Llana Helena , Ruiz-Álvarez María Paz , Gómez-Gómez Alicia , del Peso Gloria , Selgas Rafael
Published: December 2018

Background

The Emotional State Instrument for Dialysis Patients (ES-D) is a brief semistructured questionnaire to assess emotional distress in patients undergoing dialysis. It was designed to be administered by a healthcare provider. A previous study showed preliminary indicators of its content and face validity.

Objective

The aim of the current multicenter study was to explore the ES-D’s psychometric properties.

Methods

A total of 605 patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis (524 hemodialysis and 81 peritoneal dialysis) in 19 Spanish dialysis centers completed the ES-D, along with anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) questionnaires. The 75 healthcare providers who performed the assessments completed a satisfaction survey.

Results

The ES-D showed adequate internal consistency (α = .73). Correlations between the ES-D scores and the scores for anxiety, depression, and resilience showed evidence of its convergent and concurrent validity. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a cutoff of nine detected patients with moderate-to-severe emotional distress. According to these criteria, 35.4% of patients showed emotional distress. No significant differences were found between patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The healthcare providers perceived the ES-D as useful for knowing the patients’ emotional state, understanding patients’ concerns, and establishing therapeutic relationships.

Conclusions

The ES-D is a useful tool for healthcare providers to explore the emotional dimension of their patients. Thus, its development represents a step forward in the improvement of comprehensive assistance and the quality of life of patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis.
Sex chromosome evolution via two genes
Authors: Harkess Alex , Huang Kun , van der Hulst Ron , Tissen Bart , Caplan Jeffrey L , Koppula Aakash , Batish Mona , Meyers Blake C , Leebens-Mack Jim
Published: December 2018

The origin of sex chromosomes has been hypothesized to involve the linkage of factors with antagonistic effects on male and female function. Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is an ideal species to test this hypothesis, as the X and Y chromosomes are cytologically homomorphic and recently evolved from an ancestral autosome pair in association with a shift from hermaphroditism to dioecy. Mutagenesis screens paired with single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) directly implicate Y-specific genes that respectively suppress female organ development and are necessary for male gametophyte development. Comparison of contiguous X and Y chromosome shows that loss of recombination between the genes suppressing female function (SUPPRESSOR OF FEMALE FUNCTION, SOFF) and promoting male function (TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION 1, aspTDF1) is due to hemizygosity. We also experimentally demonstrate the function of aspTDF1. These finding provide direct evidence that sex chromosomes can evolve from autosomes via two sex determination genes: a dominant suppressor of femaleness and a promoter of maleness.
Advantech: evolution of its IoT ecosystem strategy
Authors: Bai Guo (Ginkgo) , Zhao Liman , Wang Zhenrong Edison
Published: December 2018

Learning outcomes

Through this case, students will not only learn about the latest development of this emerging industry, IoT, but also gain a systematic understanding of “ecosystem strategy” and get to know a new corporate growth model called “co-creation”.

Case overview/synopsis

This case describes why and how Advantech Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Advantech) has transformed in the age of the Internet of Things. Aware of the ecosystem attributes of the IoT industry and committed to the company’s principle of “altruism”, Advantech strategically positioned itself as an “IoT platform provider” and an “enabler” for IoT applications. After carrying out a reform in terms of internal management, external cooperation, and development model, Advantech has evolved from an industrial computer maker to an IoT solution provider. Since the launch of the “co-creation model” at the end of 2016, Advantech has drawn attention from many excellent companies in traditional industries. With the Internet of Everything close at hand, Chairman KC Liu is well aware there are many challenges to overcome as Advantech strives to build an industrial IoT ecosystem, the “evolution” continues.

Complexity academic level

MBAs, EMBAs and senior executives.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
Integrated resort employee competencies: a Macau perspective
Authors: Lou Nga Man , So Amy Siu Ian , Hsieh Yuchin Jerrie
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to develop an employee competency model for integrated resorts (IRs) in Macau through insights gleaned from IR professionals and to investigate whether any differences emerge in competency perception between IR professionals and college and high school students.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was adopted to answer the research questions. The Delphi approach was used, and four IR experts were invited to refine components of the IR competency for the survey questionnaire. Quantitative data were collected from 596 IR professionals and college/high school students. Fisher’s least significant difference test was used to test the competency gaps between groups. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 respondents to gather their comments on the survey results.

Findings

The IR competency model consists of 15 critical competencies. A strong work ethic and customer service orientation were ranked as important attributes of employee competency among the four target groups. A mismatch in IR competency perceptions emerged among IR managers, employees and students.

Practical implications

The IR competencies can serve as a pragmatic reference for IRs in terms of employee recruitment and training. This model can also serve as a guideline to ensure the alignment between IR industry needs and the course offerings in higher education institutions in Macau.

Originality/value

The IR competencies contribute to resolving human capital issue challenging Macau’s IRs and provide insights for Macau’s IR stakeholders to improve the IR workforce development.
What do we know about meta-analyses in accounting, auditing, and corporate governance?
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key findings of meta-analyses in accounting, auditing and corporate governance research.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured literature review on 63 meta-analyses related to financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and corporate governance is conducted.

Findings

Most of the previous meta-analyses have been focused on the topic of corporate governance with a clear focus on board composition as an independent variable and by integrating research- and country-specific moderating variables. Meta-analyses in management accounting are rare; furthermore, no meta-analysis in tax accounting has been published yet.

Originality/value

Meta-analyses on these topics are expected to become increasingly important in the following years because of the increased number of empirical quantitative research. This literature review gives useful insights for research, practice and regulation.
Chronicles of one woman’s journey towards well-being: perspective
Authors: Mullen Jo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of one woman’s journey towards well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on lived experience.

Findings

Reflections are offered based on a personal journey towards well-being.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the accounts of the lived experience of the journey towards well-being, and as such, contributes to the understanding of the process of rebuilding a life.
Role of psychological empowerment in the relationship between structural empowerment and innovative behavior
Authors: Singh Manjari , Sarkar Anita
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the relationship between the empowering structure and the employees’ innovative behavior and the role of psychological empowerment in mediating this link.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from 401 female primary school teachers in India. Prior to the main study, the scales were tested on a sample of 288 teachers. While psychological empowerment and structural empowerment were based on the self-reporting by the teachers, the innovative behavior of the teacher was assessed by two to three colleagues for each teacher.

Findings

The results confirmed that structural empowerment leads to innovative behavior and psychological empowerment and partially mediates the relationship between structural empowerment and innovative behavior.

Practical implications

Promising ideas die down because of lack of proper resource support and a free flow of information exchange despite employees’ willingness to carry out innovative tasks. Psychological empowerment affects creative intention in the workplace and can play a critical role for employees at their workplace.

Social implications

In the context of development at the teacher and school levels, it is imperative to address both the psyche of the individual and the existing structure in schools.

Originality/value

This study makes two critical contributions. One, it emphasizes the importance of structural empowerment in ensuring innovative behavior of employees. Two, it also brings forward the importance of psychological empowerment in the relationship between structural empowerment and innovative behavior.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and kidney function in elderly population
Authors: Tajik Somaye , Eimeri Saragol , Mansouri Sara , Rahimi-Foroushani Abbas , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII), kidney function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) among the senior population (60-83 years).

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 221 elderly subjects who are living in Tehran, Iran. The DII was calculated from validated semi-quantified food frequency questionnaire, combining putatively pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. Biochemical measurements of blood and urine samples were measured. The estimated glomerular ﬁltration rate (eGFR) was assessed from serum creatinine.

Findings

A total of 221 subjects with mean BMI of 29.75 and age ranged 60-83 years old were included in the current study. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that eGFR (ß = –0.471; p = 0.48; 95 per cent CI: –2.90, 2.63), albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) (ß = 0.041 p = 0.55; 95 per cent CI: –5.12, 9.46) and hs-CRP (ß = 0.004; p = 0.55; 95 per cent CI: –0.96, 1.79) were not associated with the DII before and after adjusting for potential confounders, including energy intake, age, sex, BMI, smoking status, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, use of lipid-lowering medication, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), steroidal and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, it is difficult to find the cause-and-effect relationship between the DII and the serum hs-CRP concentration. Another limitation of our study is concerning a possible overestimation or underestimation of dietary intakes, because the participants in the study were elderly and FFQ is a memory-based questionnaire.

Originality/value

Our findings suggest that the DII score is not associated with serum hs-CRP and kidney function markers in elderly people.
Service quality of property managers of shopping complexes in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ojekalu Samson Oluseun , Ojo Olatoye , Oladokun Timothy Tunde , Olabisi Sumoila Aremu , Omoniyi Sunday Samuel
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the service quality (SQ) of property managers of shopping complexes in Ibadan with a view to improving management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were used for the study through questionnaire administration. Ibadan was stratified into five axes using existing major roads where shopping complexes were highly concentrated. From each axis, 33, 65, 48, 64 and 66 shopping complexes were identified (Oyo State Ministry of Land, Housing and Survey, 2017), and the systematic sampling technique (20 percent) was adopted to select 57 out of 276 shopping complexes and 192 (10 percent) out of 1919 occupiers of the shopping complexes in the study area. In total, 157 occupiers responded to the questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using mean ranking and stepwise multiple regression.

Findings

This study found that professionalism, tangible, assurance and empathy dimensions of SQ were rated fair, whereas reliability and responsiveness dimensions were rated poor. Also, stepwise multiple regression analysis predicted 78.5 percent overall SQ of property managers, and assurance, professionalism and empathy dimensions contributed significantly to the overall SQ. Hence, reliability and responsiveness dimensions of SQ need to be improved. It is expected that the findings of this study will help property managers to understand the role of various dimensions of SQ for enhanced property management practice.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few studies that assessed the SQ of property managers of shopping complex with a view to improving its management practice.
Intervention in time‐processing ability, daily time management and autonomy in children with intellectual disabilities aged 10–17 years – A cluster randomised trial
Authors: Janeslätt Gunnel , Ahlström Sara Wallin , Granlund Mats
Published: December 2018

Background/aim

Difficulties with management of time are frequently observed in children and youth with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate a new intervention programme ‘My Time’ to improve time‐processing ability (TPA) in children with IDs aged 10–17 years (n = 61).

Methods

Cluster randomised and waiting‐list control group design was used. Data collection included the Kit for assessment of TPA, the Time‐Parent scale and a self‐rating of autonomy to assess occupational performance in daily life. The method was implemented over an 8‐week period. Effect size (ES) was calculated and an analysis of covariance on the individual level and a two‐stage process on the cluster level.

Results

The estimated mean improvement in the KaTid‐Child score from baseline (t1) to t2 was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the waiting‐list group, ES Cohen's d = 0.64.

Conclusion

The results present first evidence of the effectiveness of a new occupational therapy intervention programme (‘My Time’) to facilitate TPA in children with mild to moderate IDs. Children with IDs aged 10–17 years could improve their TPA at a measurable pace when given intervention. The method could complement interventions using time‐assistive devices. Children with IDs should be identified to guide intervention. Further research is necessary to establish whether using the intervention programme can facilitate the development of TPA in younger children.
Reproductive medicine in 2020 and beyond
Authors: El‐Toukhy T
Published: December 2018

Scientific Editor, Tarek El‐Toukhy, discusses his top articles from this themed issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/reproductivemedicine-issue
Analysis of habitat characteristics of mosquitoes in Danwon‐gu, Ansan city, Korea, based on civil complaint data
Authors: Kim Jeong Eun , Bae Yeon Jae , Lee Hwang Goo , Kim Dong Gun
Published: December 2018

Climate change due to global warming and changes in land use increase the development time and distribution, as well as the abundance, of mosquitoes, thereby negatively affecting human life and health. In this study, we investigated the habitat characteristics of mosquito occurrence sites in Danwon‐gu, Ansan city, Korea, based on a daily record of civil pest complaints lodged at the Danwon‐gu Community Health Center. We considered two types of factors (natural and artificial) known to affect mosquito occurrence. We confirmed a total of 554 cases of mosquito occurrence from March 2014 to August 2017. The total study area was 49.11 km2, with urban areas constituting the largest proportion. Additionally, we investigated habitat preferences of mosquitoes in terms of terrain factors; generally, mosquitoes occurred at low elevations and on low slopes. Regarding the preference of oviposition sites, mosquitoes occurred at higher rates near streams and crops lands. The rate of mosquito occurrence tended to increase in areas with dense human populations. Regarding climatic factors, the rate of mosquito occurrence increased in areas with high temperature and low precipitation.
Regional Pungency Degree in China and Its Correlation with Typical Climate Factors
Authors: Wang Siyuan , Cheng Lingru , He Shuai , Xie Dingyuan
Published: December 2018

Chili is an indispensable condiment in Chinese dishes. Due to regional environmental and cultural differences, there are certain differences in the regional food spicy degree. This study analyzed the pungency degree of dishes in 21 regions of China and created a pungency degree map using experiments and statistics. Seven typical climatic factors were selected, such as temperature and humidity, to analyze the most influential climatic factor on pungency degree through multiple regression methods. This study sampled 300 dishes of 12 cities in three typical provinces (Sichuan, Hubei, and Zhejiang) and found out the SHU (pungency degree in Scoville Heat Units) of dishes to supplement the study. The results suggest that Guizhou cuisine is the most pungent, where the proportion of dishes with chili is more than 50%. In the pungency degree map of the 21 Chinese regions, southwest China has cuisine that is strongly pungent, and the next pungent cuisine area includes the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Shanxi, and Ningxia. The cold area in northeast China, including Qinghai and Beijing, is the area of intermediate pungent cuisine. Central and eastern parts of China belong to the light pungent cuisine area. The field sampling of 12 cities also confirmed that the pungency degree of regions is Sichuan > Hubei > Zhejiang. The multiple regression analysis results suggest that the most influential climatic factor is the average sunshine duration which has negative correlation with pungency degree.

Practical Application

Environment correlative dietology is an emerging and important discipline in China. This research has helped us to enrich our data on chili dishes and expand our geo‐environmental food database. In terms of the flavor of the dishes, objective data were used instead of the former subjective comments for quantitative analysis. Since ancient times, there has been a traditional saying of spicy dehumidification and perspiration. This study uses mathematical statistical analysis methods to innovatively analyze the correlation between regional chili taste and geographical environment climate. These are all conducive to the establishment of scientific and healthy food flavor models.
The association between subjective maternal stress during pregnancy and offspring clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders
Authors: Brannigan R. , Cannon M. , Tanskanen A. , Huttunen M. O. , Leacy F. P. , Clarke M. C.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Exposure to prenatal stress is a ubiquitous and non‐specific risk factor for adverse outcomes in adulthood. In this study, we examined associations between exposure to subjective maternal stress during pregnancy and subsequent diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in offspring.

Method

This study used the Helsinki Longitudinal Temperament Cohort, a prospective birth cohort of individuals born between 1 July 1975 and 30 June 1976 in Helsinki, Finland. The sample for this study comprised 3626 infants whose mothers had completed health and well‐being assessments during pregnancy which included a measure of self‐reported stress. We ran logistic regressions to assess potential associations between prenatal stress and offspring psychiatric disorder in adulthood, identified through the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register.

Results

Individuals whose mothers reported stress during pregnancy had significantly greater odds of developing a psychiatric disorder (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.10–1.81) particularly a mood disorder (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.10–2.54). These associations remained after adjusting for parental psychiatric history, and other prenatal factors.

Conclusions

Individuals exposed to prenatal stress had significantly increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders later in life. This finding highlights the importance of supporting the mental health and emotional well‐being of women during pregnancy.
Hoarding symptoms and workplace impairment
Authors: Mathes Brittany M. , Henry Alastair , Schmidt Norman B. , Norberg Melissa M.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

A prior study found that over 50% of treatment‐seeking individuals who hoard incur at least one psychiatric work impairment day (i.e., they are unable to work or are less effective at work due to poor mental health) each month. The aim of the current study was to assess work‐related variables associated with workplace impairment in a non‐treatment‐seeking sample.

Design

Cross‐sectional. Self‐report questionnaires were administered via Amazon's Mechanical Turk.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐five employed individuals who reported elevated hoarding symptoms completed questionnaires regarding hoarding symptoms, work engagement, psychiatric work impairment, work control, attention and concentration difficulties at work, and quality of workplace relationships.

Results

Greater workplace control and higher quality workplace relationships were associated with greater work engagement. Greater hoarding symptoms and attention difficulties at work were associated with more psychiatric work impairment days. Work engagement statistically mediated the association between the quality of workplace relationships and work impairment, though mediation was also significant when reversing the mediating and outcome variables.

Conclusions

Among a community sample of employed individuals, greater hoarding symptoms were associated with greater psychiatric work impairment. Work‐related variables, such as co‐worker relationships and attention difficulties, contributed additional variance above that accounted for by hoarding symptoms. There were significant associations between co‐worker relationships, work engagement, and workplace impairment, though the direction of the mediation model is unclear. Future research should examine factors associated with unemployment in hoarding disorder.

Practitioner Points

Clinicians should be aware that greater hoarding severity directly contributes to greater workplace impairment.

Clinicians should consider prioritizing the reduction in clutter in living areas that impact one's daily activities and subsequent ability to attend work.

Clinicians should assess and treat workplace impairment by helping individuals achieve greater control at work, developing higher quality interpersonal relationships, and improving their attentional abilities.
Histopathological analysis of papillary thyroid carcinoma detected during ultrasound screening examinations in Fukushima
Authors: Suzuki Shinichi , Bogdanova Tetiana I. , Saenko Vladimir A. , Hashimoto Yuko , Ito Masahiro , Iwadate Manabu , Rogounovitch Tatiana I. , Tronko Mykola D. , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: December 2018

Thyroid ultrasound screening of young residents in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, showed a high detection rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Detailed morphological analysis of these tumors was not presented to date. This study sets out to evaluate changes in histopathological and invasive characteristics of Fukushima PTC with time after the nuclear accident of March 2011 in all available cases and in different age subgroups. Histological specimens of 115 PTCs from patients aged 18 years or younger at the time of the Fukushima Dai‐ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, who underwent surgical resection at Fukushima Medical University during 2012‐2016, were reviewed. Patients were divided into those treated during the first 4 years after the accident (n = 78, shorter‐onset) or later (n = 37, longer‐onset). The whole group and 3 age subgroups: children (aged less than 15 years), adolescents (aged from 15 to less than 19 years), and young adults (aged from 19 years) at surgery were analyzed. No statistically significant time‐related changes in tumor structure or invasiveness were found in the whole group or in age‐matched subgroups. Statistically significant age‐related downtrend was observed for intrathyroid spread in the whole group of patients. The absence of temporal changes in tumor morphological characteristics and tumor invasiveness strongly suggests common etiology of the shorter‐ and longer‐onset Fukushima PTCs, which are unlikely related to the effect of exposure to very low doses of radiation.
The trouble with thresholds: Rationing as a rational choice in child and family social work
Authors: Devaney John
Published: December 2018

The financial crisis of 2008, has led central governments in industrialized nations to seek to reduce public expenditure at the same time that demands upon the welfare state are increasing. Using the example of statutory social work with children and families in England, this article explores whether the concept of rationing might be a more useful way of describing practices at the front line that seek to meet the objectives of policymakers, while also being financially responsible. In doing so, the article challenges social work to see austerity as less of a descriptor of the straightened financial times we live in but rather as an ideology that is seeking to reshape the very nature of the welfare state and to push responsibility for dealing with the consequences of these decisions away from politicians and policymakers onto front line staff.
The Impact of Ritual Bathing in a Holy Hindu River on Waterborne Diseases
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Soumi , Bohara Alok K. , Katuwal Hari , Pagán José A. , Thacher Jennifer A.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we identify the role of religious practices on individual outcomes by examining if bathing in polluted river water for religious reasons affects the likelihood of missing days at work. To exploit the relationship, we use a primary survey (N = 1,200) of the residents of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal on their Bagmati River water usage. Probit and negative binomial estimation strategies reveal that bathing in river water, driven by traditional and cultural norms, is significantly associated with a higher probability of missing work. Among other factors, accessibility to personal sanitation facilities have a negative and significant correlation with the likelihood of missing work due to health reasons.
Key performance indicators and administrative data in an early psychosis service
Authors: Gore‐Jones Victoria , Dark Frances
Published: December 2018

Aim

This study aimed to introduce a set of administrative key performance indicators (KPIs) for Early Psychosis Services.

Methods

The study design was longitudinal with data retrieved from a 4‐year period between January 2009 and December 2013 included in the study. Descriptive statistics and t tests were used to evaluate the KPIs.

Results

Results in the 1 year before early psychosis (EP) intervention and 1‐year postintervention were calculated for most items, and entry and exit scores were calculated for involuntary treatment orders (ITOs) and Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) scores. There was a 54% reduction in mental health emergency department presentations representing a cost saving of $62 524.00 (AUD). There was also an improvement in the number and duration of mental health admissions with a financial saving of $1 653 534.00 (AUD). Patients improved on all HoNOS scores from entry to exit from the services. ITOs were reduced by approximately 29% on discharge from the service.

Conclusions

Administrative data can provide useful KPIs to measure the effectiveness of EP teams and allow benchmarking with similar services.
Guppies learn faster to discriminate between red and yellow than between two shapes
Authors: Lucon‐Xiccato Tyrone , Manabe Kazuchika , Bisazza Angelo
Published: December 2018

Animal species are expected to evolve specialised cognitive abilities to solve the tasks that are critical for their fitness. The literature contains several examples of specialised cognitive abilities, but few regard fish. The guppy, Poecilia reticulata, is a freshwater fish in which females choose their mates based on colouration, and orange‐coloured fruits are important diet enrichments for both sexes. For these reasons, we expect that this species has evolved enhanced learning abilities in colour discrimination compared to other types of discrimination. The comparison between studies in which guppies were tested for colour discrimination and studies in which guppies were tested for shape discrimination seems to support this hypothesis, but direct testing is still lacking. We experimentally compared the learning performance of guppies trained in a red–yellow colour discrimination learning task and that of guppies trained in a shape discrimination learning task using the same, automated conditioning procedure. Guppies trained in the colour discrimination showed greater learning performance, which provides support to the hypothesis that guppies possess enhanced colour discrimination abilities. Moreover, we found that male guppies performed better than females in both shape and colour discrimination learning.
Ethno‐sectarianism in Iraq, diaspora positionality and political transnationalism
Authors: KADHUM OULA
Published: December 2018

In this article, I draw on the experiences of Iraqi diasporas in the UK and Sweden after the 2003 US‐led intervention to demonstrate how ethno‐sectarianism in Iraq has affected their political transnationalism. Using the concepts of intersectionality and positionality, I show how the reconfiguration of the social positions of individuals and groups in the diaspora affects their types of political engagement and the spaces in which political mobilization takes place. In the case of the Iraqi diaspora, I show how, among other things, the social categories of ethnicity, religion and gender create positions of both subordination and privilege, which inhibit, reshape and empower the political actions of diasporas in both the homeland and host country. In societies divided along ethnic, religious or tribal lines, the social positions of individuals and groups relative to the dominant ethnic/religious political parties and the nationalist ideology they promote determine the nature of their diasporic mobilization.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of Cf/LAS composite and Ti60 alloy joints brazed with TiZrNiCu + Cf mixed powders
Authors: Xia Long , Hu Shengpeng , Yang Hua , Bian Hong , Wang Ke , Huang Xiaoxiao , Song Xiaoguo
Published: December 2018

In this paper, carbon fiber reinforced lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) glass‐ceramics matrix composites (Cf/LAS composites) are joined to Ti60 alloy using TiZrNiCu + Cf mixed powders by proper process parameters. The carbon fibers distribute uniformly in the brazing interlayer and react with Ti, Zr elements in the brazing alloy to form (Ti, Zr)C thin reactive layers, which are between the carbon fibers and the Ti, Zr elements. The effect of Cf content on the mechanical properties and microstructure of brazed joints are investigated. The microstructure of brazed joints varied obviously with the increasing of Cf content. The thickness of reactive layer between interlayer and Cf/LAS composites and Ti solid solution (Ti (s.s)) decrease gradually, and the volume of eutectic structure (Ti(s,s) + (Ti,Zr)2(Ni,Cu)) decrease gradually. The obtained brazed joints exhibit a maximum shear strength of 73.5 MPa at room temperature using TiZrNiCu + 0.3 wt% Cf mixed powders. The enhanced shear strength can be attributed to the reduction in thermal stress and the reinforcing effect originated from the carbon fiber addition.
Optical bonding of tellurite glass film on silicate glass
Authors: Jeng Ray‐Jay , Kishi Tetsuo , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Yano Tetsuji
Published: December 2018

Tellurite glass thin film was successfully bonded on a silicate glass substrate by the direct‐bonding (DB) method. Glass film (thickness 1‐3 μm) was fabricated by the glassblowing technique and the DB process was performed at room temperature at relative humidity (RH) of 62% or 15%. The surface adhesive strengths of the glass films bonded at 15% and 62% RH were measured as 250 and 96 mJ/m2, respectively, by the Obreimoff‐Metsik method. The hydroxyl (–OH) functional groups on the interface between the film and silicate glass were analyzed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The major bonding forces between the tellurite thin film and silicate glass were hydrogen bonds at 62% RH and bonds between Te on the tellurite glass and O on the silicate glass were concerned at 15% RH. These forces, contributed by Si–OH, were important for bond formation at 62%. The large amounts of water and OH groups on the silicate glass, determined by thermogravimetric analysis, indicated a weaker bonding process at 62% RH. This work will contribute toward reliable, high‐integrity components for integrated optical circuits, which are increasingly needed for high‐throughput data transfer.
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris vegetative cells in apple juice
Authors: Cai Rui , Miao Miao , Yue Tianli , Zhang Yijun , Cui Lu , Wang Zhouli , Yuan Yahong
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity and mechanism of cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid against Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid were 0.375 and 2.0 mg mL−1, and the minimum bactericidal concentrations were 0.50 and 4.0 mg mL−1, respectively. The apple juice ingredients had little influence on the inactivation of A. acidoterrestris. After treatment with cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid, the morphology of A. acidoterrestris cells were severely destroyed; the leakage of nucleic acids and proteins increased significantly. SDS‐PAGE investigation of bacterial proteins proved that the loss of soluble proteins was obvious as well. These results demonstrated that cinnamic acid and chlorogenic acid exerted their antibacterial activity mainly by an action mode of membrane disruption. This study provides an alternative method for the control of A. acidoterrestris‐related spoilage in the fruit juice/beverage industry.