bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moderating roles of technological self-efficacy and time management in the technostress and employee performance relationship through burnout
Authors: Yener Serdar , Arslan Aykut , Kilinç Sebahattin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The ongoing dispute as to whether using technology extensively at work may cause harm continues to gain momentum. Thus, the need for more research on the harmful effect of using technology at work and on the indirect effects on work performance is needed. The call for additional moderators in technostress research is still ongoing. The research contributes to the abovementioned gaps in the literature by analyzing a model with two moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample population was chosen randomly from the lists provided by civil-servant unions and the chamber of commerce subsidiaries in the northwest region of Turkey. The employees received letters that explained the purpose of the study; the questionnaires sent to them. Out of 500 forms, 328 were returned. PLS-SEM technique was selected for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results revealed support for all the hypotheses, and proposed moderators can be used to mitigate the harms of technostress and burnout. The findings have implications for both theory and practice.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research is its sample characteristics. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the data set, it is difficult to claim causality. Therefore, readers should use caution when extending generalizations to a broader population. As for the theoretical implications, the interest in the challenges posed by various technologies in the workplace on human psychology and health over the long term is quite new. And there is still room for other mediating and moderating mechanism for the interplay between technostress and related outcomes.

Practical implications

One of the practical implications is that technology at work might have the potential to create stress, sometimes greater than its benefits. The effects that might be created by other sources of stress when combined with stress related to technology in the workplace should also be taken seriously. There are tools to reduce the harm caused by technostress that practitioners could make use of such as time-management interventions.

Originality/value

The dispute whether using technology extensively at work may cause harm rather than advantage continues to confuse people, and with time it is gaining momentum. Thus, there is necessity for more research on the harms of technology, and especially on the indirect effects on work performance. Second, the vast technostress literature seems to neglect to discern task performance from contextual one as the dependent variable. Lastly, the call for additional moderators in technostress research is still prevailing. The research contributes to the abovementioned gaps in the literature by analyzing a model with two moderators.
The state of restroom facilities as a measure of cleaning service quality in an educational institution
Authors: Okoro Chioma Sylvia , Nkambule Malusi , Kruger Andre
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Sourcing decisions are important considerations in organizations’ strategic and policy resolutions. Given sometimes conflicting factors such as cost and financial implications, individual perceptions and motivation, health and safety of facility users, and organizational objectives, finding a balance and basis for making such decisions, presently and in future, is crucial. This paper aims to investigate the quality of services delivered by an insourced cleaning service team in a higher learning institution. The objective of the study is to establish the condition of the facilities (restrooms) in the institution, and thus the quality of services delivered by the insourced team.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive approach including observation and scoring to obtain and analyse information about the state of five restrooms on two campuses of the institution.

Findings

Findings revealed that the condition of the restrooms inspected over a period of five weeks was good, except for a week where there was low water supply on the sampled campuses. Further findings revealed that restrooms provided in the library were paid more attention to.

Practical implications

The findings from the study are envisaged to assist facilities management stakeholders and organizations’ management in making decisions on sourcing services and supporting core business functions.

Originality/value

Better decision-making can be made to improve the quality of services provided by sourcing teams, which will contribute to supporting core strategies and increasing value-add and image of organizations.
Forecasting Islamic securities index using artificial neural networks: performance evaluation of technical indicators
Authors: Aslam Faheem , Mughal Khurrum S. , Ali Ashiq , Mohmand Yasir Tariq
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a precise Islamic securities index forecasting model using artificial neural networks (ANNs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data of daily closing prices of KMI-30 index span from Aug-2009 to Oct-2019. The data of 2,520 observations are divided into training and test data sets by using the 80:20 ratio, which corresponds to 2016 and 504 observations, respectively. In total, 25 features are used; however, in model selection step, based on maximum accuracy, top ten indicators are selected from several iterations of predictive models.

Findings

The results of feature selection show that top five influencing indicators on Islamic index include Bollinger Bands, Williams Accumulation Distribution, Aroon Oscillator, Directional Movement and Forecast Oscillator while Mesa Sine Wave is the least important. The findings show that the model captures much of the trend and some of the undulations of the original series.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may have important implications for investment and risk management by using index-based products.

Originality/value

Numerous studies proved that traditional econometric techniques face significant challenges in out-of-sample predictability due to model uncertainty and parameter instability. Recent studies show an upsurge of interest in machine learning algorithms to improve the prediction accuracy.
The investigation on infoecology in the field of smart manufacturing
Authors: Asemi Asefeh , Ko Andrea
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The present study is aimed to determine the infoecology of scientific articles in the field of smart manufacturing (SM). The researchers designed a general framework for the investigation of infoecology.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative and quantitative data collection methods are applied to collect data from the Scopus and experts. The bibliometric technique, clustering and graph mining are applied to analysis data by Scopus data analysis tools, VOSviewer and Excel software.

Findings

It is concluded that researchers paid attention to “Flow Control”, “Embedded Systems”, “IoT”, “Big Data” and “Cyber-Physical System” more than other infocenose. Finally, a thematic model presented based on the infoecology of SM in Scopus for future studies. Also, as future work, designing a “research-related” metamodel for SM would be beneficial for the researchers, to highlight the main future research directions.

Practical implications

The results of the present study can be applied to the following issues: (1) To make decisions based on research and scientific evidence and conduct scientific research on real needs and issues in the field of SM, (2) Holding the workshops on infoecology to determine research priorities with the presence of experts in related industries, (3) Determining the most important areas of research in order to improve the index of applied research, (4) Assist in prioritizing research in the field of SM to select a set of research and technological activities and allocate resources effectively to these activities, (5) Helping to increase the relationship between research and technological activities with the economic and long-term goals of industry and society, (6) Helping to prioritize the issues of SM in research and technology in order to target the allocation of financial and human capital and solving the main challenges and take advantage of opportunities, (7) Helping to avoid fragmentation of work and providing educational infrastructure based on prioritized research needs and (8) Helping to hold start-ups and the activities of knowledge-based companies based on research priorities in the field of SM.

Originality/value

The analysis results demonstrated that the information ecosystem of SM studies dynamically developed over time. The continuous conduction flow of scientific studies in this field brought continuous changes into the infoecology of this field.
Investigating the role of social media on mental health
Authors: Sadagheyani Hassan Ebrahimpour , Tatari Farin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Today with the internet expansion, social media has also been identified as a factor in evolutions. Social media is the title used to refer to the set of sites and tools that have been born and developed in the space created by modern media such as communication networks, the internet and mobile phones. The effects of emerging phenomena, such as social media on human health, especially mental health, are important. As the effects of social media on users mental health is unclear, and the evidence in this field is contradictory, this study aims to determine the role of social media on mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was a review conducted in 2020. According to keywords, an extensive search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran and SID databases. In total, 501 articles were obtained. The articles were screened in three stages. Finally, out of 501 evaluated articles, 50 cases were carefully assessed and included in the study.

Findings

The findings showed that social media has negative and positive effects on mental health. Negative effects included anxiety, depression, loneliness, poor sleep quality, poor mental health indicators, thoughts of self-harm and suicide, increased levels of psychological distress, cyber bullying, body image dissatisfaction, fear of missing out and decreased life satisfaction. Positive effects included accessing other people’s health experiences and expert health information, managing depression, emotional support and community building, expanding and strengthening offline networks and interactions, self-expression and self-identity, establish and maintain relationships.

Originality/value

The impact of social media on mental health can be considered as a double-edged sword. The important thing is to be able to reduce the negative effects of social media on mental health and turn it into an opportunity by implementing appropriate strategies and actions and to increase and strengthen the positive effects.
Defining urban design strategies: an analysis of Iskenderun city center’s imageability
Authors: Güngör Onur , Harman Aslan Ebru
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Legibility, intelligibility, mental images and cognitive and syntactical mapping are significant issues that help expose the spatial knowledge necessary for effective urban design. They also help us understand how a city’s new image is forming. This paper aims to present a new holistic approach to define urban design strategies that improve a city’s imageability through cognitive and syntactic concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study establishes a coherent framework by including residents’ mental images and space syntax theory’s descriptors to understand how residents perceive their physical environment. Using a mixed-methods research design, the authors studied the Iskenderun city center’s image and spatial design. First, the authors used descriptive analysis techniques (questionnaires, verbal interviews and cognitive mapping) and consulted 110 Iskenderun residents. Second, the authors used analytical analysis techniques to investigate the structural relations among city elements with the help of space syntax descriptors.

Findings

The results demonstrated the importance of applying combined descriptive and analytic techniques to provide an understanding of the city’s image. The authors also offered a proposal including the appropriate urban design strategies to promote Iskenderun city center’s imageability.

Originality/value

Applying this new coherent framework can support design decision-making for redesigning cities at the micro level and for planning new cityscapes at the macro level.
Low cost and miniaturized NDIR system for CO2 detection applications
Authors: Makhdoumi Akram Mohammad , Nikfarjam Alireza , Hajghassem Hassan , Ramezannezhad Mohammad , Iraj Massoud
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The importance of Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas detection as a greenhouse and exhale breathe gas is an undeniable issue. This study aims to propose a new miniaturized, low cost and portable no dispersive infrared (NDIR) system for detecting CO2 gas.

Design/methodology/approach

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based channels with Au coating because of its high reflection properties in IR region were used in this work. The optical windows were fabricated using PDMS polymer which is cost effective and novel in comparison to other conventional methods. The effects of channel dimensions, lengths and entrance angle of light on optical path length and losses were analyzed with four types of channel using both simulation and experimental tests.

Findings

The simulation results indicate that the 0 degree light entrance angle is the most efficient angle among different investigated conditions. The experimental data are in agreement with the simulation results regarding the loss and optical path length in different types of channel. The experimental tests were performed for the 0.5% up to 20% of CO2 concentration under constant temperature and humidity condition. The results show that the device with 5  and 2 cm channels length were saturated in 4% and 8% concentration of CO2 gas, respectively. Response and recovery times were depending on gas concentration and channels specifications that in average found to be 10 S and 14 S, respectively, for the largest size channel. Moreover, the environment humidity effect on detection system performance was investigated which had no considerable influence. Also, the saturation fraction absorbance value for devices with various dimensions were 0.62 and 0.8, respectively.

Practical implications

According to the performed curve fitting for practical situation and selected CO2 concentration range for experimental tests, the device is useful for medical and environmental applications.

Originality/value

PMMA with Au deposition layer was used as a basic material for this NDIR system. Besides, a novel PDMS optical window helps to have a low cost device. The effects of channel dimensions, lengths and entrance angle of light on optical path length and losses were analyzed using both simulation and experimental tests. Using narrowband optical filter (100 nm bandwidth) helps to have a system with good CO2 selectivity. In addition, experimental tests with different channel dimensions and lengths covered a considerable range of CO2 concentration useful for medical and environmental applications. Finally, curve fitting was adopted for a modified Beer–Lambert law as a practical situation.
Strategies for transcending the chaos of societal disruptions
Authors: Camillus John C. , Baker Jeffrey E. , Daunt Anushka I. , Jang Jungyoon
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to offer a strategic management response to societal disruptions of the magnitude triggered by the agricultural, industrial and information revolutions. These pose challenges that are much greater and different in kind than the industry-wide disruptions that businesses have learned to manage. Pandemics, climate change, biotech and artificial intelligence guarantee that such societal disruptions will be an inescapable and recurring reality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on the strategic management responses to wicked problems, which possess in microcosm the chaotic ambiguity that characterizes societal disruptions.

Findings

The authors propose a management process that affirms a sense of identity, identifies robust actions, adopts a real-options approach and uses a platform organization.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation is that the recommendations and findings are extrapolations of organizational practices in analogous situations. No examples of formal management processes specifically designed to address societal disruptions were identified.

Practical implications

The practical implications are significant. The specific recommendations in the paper directly address strategic management practice in organizations.

Social implications

The social implications are integral to the motivation of the paper as it describes the intrinsic characteristics of societal change and transformation, enabling organizations to interact with society on a dynamic basis.

Originality/value

While there has been growing interest and research into business and industry disruptions, the challenge of societal disruptions, which is the focus of this paper, has not been directly addressed.
Short‐term resistance that persists: Rapidly induced silicon anti‐herbivore defence affects carbon‐based plant defences
Authors: Waterman Jamie M. , Hall Casey R. , Mikhael Meena , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Hartley Susan E. , Johnson Scott N.
Published: October 2020

Silicon (Si) is known to alleviate diverse biotic and abiotic stresses including insect herbivory. Si accumulation in plants, notably the Poaceae, can be induced through stimulation of the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway (associated with chewing herbivores). Nevertheless, the temporal dynamics of Si accumulation as a defence response and its consequential effects on carbon‐based defences (e.g. phenolics), particularly in the short‐term, remain unclear.

The model grass Brachypodium distachyon was grown in a hydroponic solution where half the plants were supplemented with 2 mM potassium silicate and half had no Si supplied. Plants were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as a form of standardised simulated herbivory. We measured Si accumulation, the phytohormones JA and salicylic acid (SA) and carbon‐based defences over 24 hr to determine the temporal dynamics of Si accumulation and the interplay between Si, simulated herbivory and plant defence machinery.

MeJA‐induced Si accumulation occurred as early as 6 hr after treatment via increased JA concentrations. Si supplementation decreased SA concentrations, which could have implications on additional downstream defences. We show a trade‐off between Si and phenolics in untreated plants, but this relationship was weakened upon MeJA treatment. Further, this trade‐off did not apply to the phenolic precursor compound, phenylalanine.

We provide evidence for rapidly induced Si accumulation associated with herbivory, and that increased Si accumulation impacts on phytohormones and carbon‐based defences over a 24‐hr period. Additionally, herbivory modifies the relationship between Si‐ and carbon‐based defences. Thus, in addition to its well‐documented role as a long‐term defence against herbivores, we demonstrate that, over short‐term temporal scales, Si accumulation responds to herbivore signals and impacts on plant defence machinery.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Environmental predictability drives adaptive within‐ and transgenerational plasticity of heat tolerance across life stages and climatic regions
Authors: Diaz Fernando , Kuijper Bram , Hoyle Rebecca B. , Talamantes Nathaniel , Coleman Joshua M. , Matzkin Luciano M.
Published: October 2020

Although environmental variability and predictability have been proposed as the underlying ecological context in which transgenerational plasticity (TGP) arises, the adaptive significance and interaction with within‐generation plasticity (WGP) in such scenarios is still poorly understood. To investigate these questions, we considered the tolerance to upper thermal limits of larvae and adults of the desert endemic Drosophila mojavensis adapted to different climatic regions (Desert vs. Mediterranean climate).

Thermal plasticity was investigated by acclimating parents and offspring at 36°C (vs. at 25°C). We then used historical temperature variation data from both regions to perform individual‐based simulations by modelling expected components of adaptive plasticity in multiple life stages.

Our results indicated that thermal response to ramping heat shocks was more pronounced in larvae, where acclimation treatments in parents and offspring increased their heat‐shock performance, while heat knockdown in adults was only increased by offspring acclimation of adults. The relative contribution of WGP and TGP was greater for the population from the more thermally variable Sonoran Desert.

Similarly, individual‐based simulations of evolving maternal effects indicated that variation in tolerance to upper thermal limits across life stages and climates is expected from its adaptive significance in response to environmental predictability.

Our approach offers a new perspective and interpretation of adaptive plasticity, demonstrating that environmental predictability can drive thermal responses across generations and life stages in a scenario with regional climate variability.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Observation of leaf phenology of trees in a secondary deciduous broad‐leaved forest in northern Chugoku mountain range, western Japan, from 2004 to 2016
Authors: Ozaki Yoshinobu , Kasai Erika , Yamashita Tamon
Published: October 2020

Long‐term record of leaf phenology of woody plants that have high longevity and that have been growing on the same site for a longer time could be one of the good indicators for assessing the effects of climate change on forest ecosystem functioning. Since climatic conditions could be different among locations, we need to record the phenology of forest plants growing under various climate types. Here, we report seasonal changes in leaf abundance of deciduous trees during a 13‐year period in the Sambe Forest of Shimane University located in northern Chugoku mountain range, western Japan (35°9′N, 132°37′–40′E, 300–628 m above sea level [asl]). Northern Chugoku mountain range is situated in the west end of Japan Sea side climate. Our study would provide the first record of tree phenology in this region. We examined eight species belonging to eight genera common in a secondary deciduous broad‐leaved forest in western Japan. Habitats of native trees ranged from canopy to understory in the forest and pioneers in an open site. Some of trees were exceptionally planted in an arboretum in the Sambe Forest. Leaf types included single leaf (i.e., Carpinus tschonoskii, Swida macrophylla, etc.) and pinnate leaves (i.e., Aesculus turbinata and Phellodendron amurense). We observed changes in the relative leaf abundance caused by budburst, leaf expansion and leaf shedding of the fixed shoots of targeted trees during 3‐day to 3‐week intervals from March to December each year from 2004 to 2016. Over the 13‐year period, we used a digital camera to take photographs of the shoots that were processed to estimate the leaf abundance. Our data was obtained from common tree species that have a wide habitat range and are distributed nationwide. Therefore, comparison of our data with those data in other climate types may significantly contribute to understand the effect of climate change across Japan on forest plants.

The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-20.1/jalter-en.
Ursodeoxycholic acid in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a secondary analysis of the PITCHES trial
Authors: Fleminger J , Seed PT , Smith A , Juszczak E , Dixon PH , Chambers J , Dorling J , Williamson C , Thornton JG , Chappell LC
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether a particular group of women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), based on their presenting characteristics, would benefit from treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

Design

Secondary analysis of the PITCHES trial (ISRCTN91918806).

Setting

United Kingdom.

Population or Sample

527 women with ICP.

Methods

Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether baseline bile acid concentrations or baseline itch scores moderated a woman’s response to treatment with UDCA.

Main outcome measures

Bile acid concentration and itch score.

Results

In women with baseline bile acid concentrations less than 40 μmol/l, treatment with UDCA resulted in increased post‐randomisation bile acid concentrations (geometric mean ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.00–1.41, P = 0.048). A test of interaction showed no significance (P = 0.647). A small, clinically insignificant difference was seen in itch response in women with a high baseline itch score (–6.0 mm, 95% CI −11.80 to −0.21, P = 0.042), with a test of interaction not showing significance (P = 0.640). Further subgroup analyses showed no significance. Across all women there was a weak relationship between bile acid concentrations and itch severity.

Conclusions

There was no subgroup of women with ICP in whom a beneficial effect of treatment with UDCA on bile acid concentration or itch score could be identified. This confirms that its routine use in women with this condition for improvement of bile acid concentration or itch score should be reconsidered.

Tweetable abstract

PITCHES: No group of women with ICP has been found in whom UDCA reduces bile acid concentrations or pruritus.
The bioactive compounds and cellular antioxidant activity of Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) seed oil from China
Authors: Wu Gangcheng , Shen Yingbin , Nie Rong , Li Peiyan , Jin Qingzhe , Zhang Hui , Wang Xingguo
Published: October 2020

Herbaceous peony (HP) seed oil has been consumed in some regions of China, yet little information is available on its bioactive composition and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid compositions, micronutrients contents, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) of HP seed oil from five varieties. Results indicated that this oil had high percentages of monounsaturated (32.15 to 45.92%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (58.65 to 61.95%), and the α‐linolenic acid C18:3 was the highest in Fushao seed oil. Additionally, the high concentrations of tocopherol and phytosterol were found in all seed oils, and 10 individual polyphenols have been evaluated. Fushao seed oil had the highest polyphenols levels and showed higher CAA values. Both hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis have been used to distinguish HP seed oil from different varieties. This information is valuable for the nutritional value and industrial interest of HP seed oil in China.

Practical Application

This research showed that Herbaceous peony seed oil had higher levels of minor components and polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially, α‐linolenic acid, and our results could also provide the theoretical foundation for the health benefits of Herbaceous peony seed oil as the vegetable oils. However, the variety of Herbaceous should be considered when extracting oil from Herbaceous peony seeds in the industry.
Maternal obesity is associated with phenotypic alterations in fetal immune cells by single‐cell mass cytometry
Authors: Enninga Elizabeth Ann L. , Jang Jin Sung , Hur Benjamin , Johnson Erica L. , Wick Myra J. , Sung Jaeyun , Chakraborty Rana
Published: October 2020

Problem

Prenatal exposure to metabolic dysregulation arising from maternal obesity can have negative health consequences in post‐natal life. To date, the specific effects of maternal obesity on fetal immunity at a cellular level have not been well characterized.

Method of Study

Using cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) and cord plasma (n = 9/group) isolated from infants born to women with a high body mass index (BMI>25kg/m2) compared to women with a normal BMI (18‐25kg/m2), we evaluated differences in immune cell populations using single‐cell mass cytometry (CyTOF). CBMCs were matched according to potentially confounding variables, such as maternal and gestational age, ethnicity, smoking status, and gravidity. Statistical results were adjusted for fetal sex. Data were analyzed by viSNE and FlowSOM softwares in Cytobank™.

Results

In newborn CBMCs from women with high BMI, we observed changes in frequency and phenotype of immune cell populations, including significant increases in CD4+ T cells and decreases in myeloid cell populations. IL‐12p40 and MDC concentrations were significantly elevated in the high BMI group compared to control.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates an association between maternal obesity and fetal immunity. Our results warrant following long‐term immunologic outcomes and associated clinical risks in children born to women with a high pre‐pregnancy BMI.
Expulsion at home for early medical abortion: A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Schmidt‐Hansen Mia , Pandey Anuja , Lohr Patricia A. , Nevill Michael , Taylor Peter , Hasler Elise , Cameron Sharon
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The safety and acceptability of medical abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol at home at ≤9+0 weeks’ gestation is well established. However, the upper gestational limit at which the procedure remains safe and acceptable at home is not known. To inform a national guideline on abortion care we conducted a systematic review to determine what gestational limit for expulsion at home offers the best balance of benefits and harms for women who are having medical abortion.

Material and methods

We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Cinahl Plus and Web‐of‐Science on 2 January 2020 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies with ≥50 women per gestational age group, published in English from 1995 onwards, that included women undergoing medical abortion and compared home expulsion of pregnancies of ≤9+0 weeks’ gestational age with pregnancies of 9+1‐10+0 weeks or >10+1 weeks’ gestational age, or compared the latter two gestational age groups. We assessed risk‐of‐bias using the Newcastle‐Ottowa scale. All outcomes were meta‐analyzed as risk ratios (RR) using the Mantel‐Haenszel method. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Six studies (n = 3381) were included. The “need for emergency care/admission to hospital” (RR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45‐1.4), “hemorrhage requiring transfusion/≥500 mL blood loss” (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.11‐3.55), patient satisfaction (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.95‐1.03), pain (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.82‐1.02), and “complete abortion without the need for surgical intervention” (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 1‐1.05) did not differ statistically significantly between the ≤9+0 and >9+0 weeks’ gestation groups. The rates of vomiting (RR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.69‐0.93) and diarrhea (RR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.73‐0.99) were statistically significantly lower in the ≤9+0 weeks group but these differences were not considered clinically important. We found no studies comparing pregnancies of 9+1‐10+0 weeks’ gestation with pregnancies of >10+0 weeks’ gestation. The certainty of this evidence was predominantly low and mainly compromised by low event rates and loss to follow up.

Conclusions

Women who are having a medical abortion and will be taking mifepristone up to and including 10+0 weeks’ gestation should be offered the option of expulsion at home after they have taken the misoprostol. Further research needs to determine whether the gestational limit for home expulsion can be extended beyond 10+0 weeks.
Investigation of Johne's disease in Tasmanian fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Jackson RB , Kennedy DJ , Sergeant ESG
Published: October 2020

In 2012 when many sheep flocks in northern‐central Tasmania were experiencing a high prevalence of ovine Johne's disease, 34 wild adult fallow deer shot on or near infected properties were negative to microscopic Mptb lesions of the ileo‐caecal valve, terminal ileum and ileo‐caecal lymph nodes. This study demonstrated 95% confidence of detecting Johne's disease in this fallow deer population if ≥10% of animals were shedding Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in their faeces, or if ≥21% of animals were sub‐clinically infected.
Effect of low level laser therapy on crestal bone levels around dental implants—A pilot study
Authors: Gulati Prachi , Kumar Manoj , Issar Gaurav , Thakral Ankur
Published: October 2020

Background

Implant success is affected by initial bone resorption at the implant surface. Continuous efforts have been made to reduce the peri‐implant crestal bone loss. Limited information is available regarding the influence of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on interaction between the bone and implant surface.

Purpose

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effect of LLLT on peri‐implant crestal bone levels.

Materials and methods

Twenty implants were placed in 20 patients who were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I patients' received no adjunctive treatment and group II patients' were administered LLLT using 980 nm diode laser at 0.1 W output power following implant placement. The energy density of 4 J/cm2 was delivered at six sites for a duration of 10 seconds per site. Crestal bone levels were evaluated primarily using digital intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiograph. The measurements were made immediately (T0) and 6 weeks (T1) post implant placement; and 6 months (T2) and 1 year (T3) post prosthetic loading time intervals and compared using repeated measures ANOVA test.

Results

Crestal bone levels at baseline were statistically not significant between groups (P = .880). At T3 time interval, the mean change in crestal bone levels around all anatomical implant sites measured was 0.81 (SE 0.04) mm for irradiated group and 0.97 (SE 0.04) mm for nonirradiated group. Intergroup analysis revealed statistically significant (P = .020) less crestal bone loss in group that received LLLT.

Conclusion

Under the conditions of this study, LLLT reduced the crestal bone resorption surrounding dental implants.

Trial registration

The present clinical trial was not registered.
Children's interpretation of ambiguous pronouns based on prior discourse
Authors: Bohn Manuel , Le Khuyen Nha , Peloquin Benjamin , Köymen Bahar , Frank Michael C.
Published: October 2020

In conversation, individual utterances are almost always ambiguous, with this ambiguity resolved by context and discourse history (common ground). One important cue for disambiguation is the topic under discussion with a particular partner (e.g., “want to pick?” means something different in a conversation with a bluegrass musician vs. with a book club partner). Here, we investigated 2‐ to 5‐year‐old American English‐speaking children's (N = 131) reliance on conversational topics with specific partners to interpret ambiguous or novel words. In a tablet‐based game, children heard a speaker consistently refer to objects from a category without mentioning the category itself. In Study 1, 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds interpreted the ambiguous pronoun “it” as referring to another member of the same category. In Study 2, only 4‐year‐olds interpreted the pronoun as referring to the implied category when talking to the same speaker but not when talking to a new speaker. Thus, children's conception of what constitutes common ground in discourse develops substantially between ages 2 and 5.
First report of the parasitoid Aphelinus chaonia Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Algeria and its host aphid Takecallis arundicolens Clarke, 1903 in Africa
Authors: Benhamacha M. , Marniche F. , Chemala A. , Ghezali D.
Published: October 2020

A survey of aphids and their parasitoids in some localities of Algiers from February 2017 to June 2018 detected the presence of Aphelinus chaonia Walker, 1839 for the first time in Algeria. This parasitoid was found on five aphid species: Hyalopterus pruni, Aphis craccivora, Aphis fabae, Aphis spiraecola and Takecallis arundicolens. The latter was found on the leaves of Bambusa sp. and reported for the first time in Algeria and also Africa. Data on the diagnosis and the bioecology of Aphelinus chaonia are also given in this paper.
Modification of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin 2‐heptyl‐1‐hydroxyquinolin‐4(1H)‐one and other secondary metabolites by methyltransferases from mycobacteria
Authors: Sartor Pascal , Bock Jonathan , Hennecke Ulrich , Thierbach Sven , Fetzner Susanne
Published: October 2020

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most prevalent species in infections of the cystic fibrosis lung, produces a range of secondary metabolites, among them the respiratory toxin 2‐heptyl‐1‐hydroxyquinolin‐4(1H)‐one (2‐heptyl‐4‐hydroxyquinoline N‐oxide, HQNO). Cultures of the emerging cystic fibrosis pathogen Mycobacteroides abscessus detoxify HQNO by methylating the N‐hydroxy moiety. In this study, the class I methyltransferase MAB_2834c and its orthologue from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Rv0560c, were identified as HQNO O‐methyltransferases. The P. aeruginosa exoproducts 4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (DHQ), 2‐heptylquinolin‐4(1H)‐one (HHQ), and 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxyquinolin‐4(1H)‐one (the ‘Pseudomonas quinolone signal’, PQS), some structurally related (iso)quinolones, and the flavonol quercetin were also methylated; however, HQNO was by far the preferred substrate. Both enzymes converted a benzimidazole[1,2‐a]pyridine‐4‐carbonitrile‐based compound, representing the scaffold of antimycobacterial substances, to an N‐methylated derivative. We suggest that these promiscuous methyltransferases, newly termed as heterocyclic toxin methyltransferases (Htm), are involved in cellular response to chemical stress and possibly contribute to resistance of mycobacteria toward antimicrobial natural compounds as well as drugs. Thus, synthetic antimycobacterial agents may be designed to be unamenable to methyl transfer.

Enzymes

S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine:2‐heptyl‐1‐hydroxyquinolin‐4(1H)‐one O‐methyl‐transferase, EC 2.1.1.‐
Perspective: Increasing blue carbon around Antarctica is an ecosystem service of considerable societal and economic value worth protecting
Authors: Bax Narissa , Sands Chester J. , Gogarty Brendan , Downey Rachel V. , Moreau Camille V. E. , Moreno Bernabé , Held Christoph , Paulsen Maria L. , McGee Jeffrey , Haward Marcus , Barnes David K. A.
Published: October 2020

Precautionary conservation and cooperative global governance are needed to protect Antarctic blue carbon: the world's largest increasing natural form of carbon storage with high sequestration potential. As patterns of ice loss around Antarctica become more uniform, there is an underlying increase in carbon capture‐to‐storage‐to‐sequestration on the seafloor. The amount of carbon captured per unit area is increasing and the area available to blue carbon is also increasing. Carbon sequestration could further increase under moderate (+1°C) ocean warming, contrary to decreasing global blue carbon stocks elsewhere. For example, in warmer waters, mangroves and seagrasses are in decline and benthic organisms are close to their physiological limits, so a 1°C increase in water temperature could push them above their thermal tolerance (e.g. bleaching of coral reefs). In contrast, on the basis of past change and current research, we expect that Antarctic blue carbon could increase by orders of magnitude. The Antarctic seafloor is biophysically unique and the site of carbon sequestration, the benthos, faces less anthropogenic disturbance than any other ocean continental shelf environment. This isolation imparts both vulnerability to change, and an avenue to conserve one of the world's last biodiversity refuges. In economic terms, the value of Antarctic blue carbon is estimated at between £0.65 and £1.76 billion (~2.27 billion USD) for sequestered carbon in the benthos around the continental shelf. To balance biodiversity protection against society's economic objectives, this paper builds on a proposal incentivising protection by building a ‘non‐market framework’ via the 2015 Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This could be connected and coordinated through the Antarctic Treaty System to promote and motivate member states to value Antarctic blue carbon and maintain scientific integrity and conservation for the positive societal values ingrained in the Antarctic Treaty System.
Direct response of tree growth to soil water and its implications for terrestrial carbon cycle modelling
Authors: Eckes‐Shephard Annemarie H. , Tiavlovsky Egor , Chen Yizhao , Fonti Patrick , Friend Andrew D.
Published: October 2020

Wood growth constitutes the main process for long‐term atmospheric carbon sequestration in vegetation. However, our understanding of the process of wood growth and its response to environmental drivers is limited. Current dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) are mainly photosynthesis‐driven and thus do not explicitly include a direct environmental effect on tree growth. However, physiological evidence suggests that, to realistically model vegetation carbon allocation under increased climatic stressors, it is crucial to treat growth responses independently from photosynthesis. A plausible growth response function suitable for global simulations in DGVMs has been lacking. Here, we present the first soil water‐growth response function and parameter range for deciduous and evergreen conifers. The response curve was calibrated against European larch and Norway spruce in a dry temperate forest in the Swiss Alps. We present a new data‐driven approach based on a combination of tree ring width (TRW) records, growing season length and simulated subdaily soil hydrology to parameterize ring width increment simulations. We found that a simple linear response function, with an intercept at zero moisture stress, used in growth simulations reproduced 62.3% and 59.4% of observed TRW variability for larch and spruce respectively and, importantly, the response function slope was much steeper than literature values for soil moisture effects on photosynthesis and stomatal conductance. Specifically, we found stem growth stops at soil moisture potentials of −0.47 MPa for larch and −0.66 MPa for spruce, whereas photosynthesis in trees continues down to −1.2 MPa or lower, depending on species and measurement method. These results are strong evidence that the response functions of source and sink processes are indeed very different in trees, and need to be considered separately to correctly assess vegetation responses to environmental change. The results provide a parameterization for the explicit representation of growth responses to soil water in vegetation models.
Elevation alters outcome of competition between resident and range‐shifting species
Authors: Shepard Isaac D. , Wissinger Scott A. , Greig Hamish S.
Published: October 2020

Species’ geographic range shifts toward higher latitudes and elevations are among the most frequently reported consequences of climate change. However, the role of species interactions in setting range margins remains poorly understood. We used cage experiments in ponds to test competing hypotheses about the role of abiotic and biotic mechanisms for structuring range boundaries of an upslope range‐shifting caddisflyLimnephilus picturatus. We found that competition with a ubiquitous speciesLimnephilus externussignificantly decreasedL. picturatussurvival and emergence at subalpine elevations supporting the notion that species interactions play a critical role in determining upslope range limits. However, without competitors,L. picturatussurvival was greater at high‐elevation than low‐elevation sites. This was contrary to decreases in body mass (a proxy for fecundity) with elevation regardless of the presence of competitors. We ultimately show that species interactions can be important for setting upslope range margins. Yet, our results also highlight the complications in defining what may be abiotically stressful for this species and the importance of considering multiple demographic variables. Understanding how species ranges will respond in a changing climate will require quantifying species interactions and how they are influenced by the abiotic context in which they play out.
Mapping out Early America: Encounters between imperial and indigenous geographies
Authors: Reynoso Jacqueline
Published: October 2020

Within the last three decades, the geographic dimensions of Early American History have expanded. Transregional, Atlantic, Diasporic, Continental, Hemispheric, and Transoceanic perspectives have helped bring about the conceptualization of a “Vast Early America” connected with but not limited to Britain's North American colonies. This article surveys some of the historiographical trends that have propelled that shift. Recognizing that those changes overlapped with the so‐called spatial turn in the discipline of History more broadly, it approaches the topic through a spatial lens. It first considers how histories of cartography in Early America have led to a scholarly rethinking of the field's geographic dimensions. It then examines the ways historians have teased out some of the lived and imagined geographies that Native and European agents negotiated in North America. Because Native geographies were at the center of America's early history as well as the colonial encounters that reshaped it, much of the article's focus is on Native American spatial practices.
The Rhenish League of 1254–1257 in historiographical perspective
Authors: Huffman Joseph P.
Published: October 2020

One of the distinctives of Rhineland cities during the central and later Middle Ages was their propensity to form leagues (Städtebünde) on their own initiative in the absence of strong imperial authority. These diplomatic and military alliances demonstrate remarkable collaboration between otherwise economic rivals in order to resolve conflicts and sustain the “king's peace” (Landfriede) when the monarch was incapable of doing so. The Rhenish League of 1254–1257, formed a century before the Hanseatic League, was the first of many such leagues. It embodied profound burgher agency and cooperation in traditional Hohenstaufen territory after the dynasty's collapse. Promising beginnings proved short‐lived, however, as the league itself dissolved over disagreements about the split royal election of 1257. But as pioneer and template for subsequent urban leagues, it has garnered special attention in German historiography. This article reviews the historical significance of the league for modern German historians and locates such perspectives within their own radically divergent historical contexts: German Confederation, Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi Dictatorship, Cold War FRG/GDR, and since Reunification.