bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The consumer of food products in organic markets of central Mexico
Authors: Escobar-López Sttefanie Yenitza , Espinoza-Ortega Angélica , Vizcarra-Bordi Ivonne , Thomé-Ortiz Humberto
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the characteristics of consumers of organic food, based on their motivations.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire based on the Food Choice Questionnaire was applied to a 656 consumers. A multivariate factor analysis and cluster analysis was performed to the data.

Findings

Seven factors were identified: ecological concern; nutritional content; availability of natural products; sensory aspects; certifications, health and confidence; and economic aspects. Resulting clusters were named as: conscious and interested in certification; conscious with no interest in certification; opportunist in transition; unconscious opportunist. There are signs of different consumers. The consumers of these products are characterised by an interaction between hedonic and ethical motivations, where the most important motivation is environmental concern and the least important are the economic aspects.

Research limitations/implications

The reduced number of alternative markets in Mexico limits the amplitude of the research.

Practical implications

The work herein reported is pioneer and contributes to reduce the lack of studies on the motivations and characteristics of consumers of organic foods in Mexico. Findings may set a path for new research in other cultural contexts; as well as for more specific work in Mexico as of consumers of industrialised organic products.

Social implications

Characterising consumers of organic foods will enable the development of these markets.

Originality/value

Social studies of eating habits have taken place in European countries; and several works have been developed in other areas of the world to determine the way in which consumers build their preferences and food choice patterns. In Mexico, specifically in organic foods, studies have focussed in agrarian economics, but the analysis of motivations for choice has not been addressed. Therefore, it is important to research this issue given the relevance for consumers.
Factors affecting Halal meat purchase intention
Authors: Ali Afzaal , Xiaoling Guo , Sherwani Mehkar , Ali Adnan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of Halal meat consumption within international Muslim students’ population in China using the theory of planned behaviour as a conceptual framework. The role of self-identity (SI) as a Muslim, dietary acculturation (DA) in the host culture, moral obligation (MO) to purchase Halal meat and trust on the authenticity of Halal meat is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data were collected through a questionnaire survey with 436 international Muslim students mainly originating from Muslim countries and currently studying in China. Data were analysed by stepwise multiple regression analyses to test the model and the moderating effects of SI, DA, MO and trust on behavioural intention.

Findings

The results indicate that a positive personal attitude towards the consumption of Halal meat, personal conviction and the perceived control over consuming Halal meat predict the intention to eat Halal meat among Muslims.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include the use of a snow-ball sampling technique and the focus on only four individual characteristics related to religious food consumption, namely, SI, DA, MO and trust.

Practical implications

Practical implications extend to dealing with food policymakers and food marketing managers in companies who might pursue identity-, acculturation-, MO- and trustworthiness-related strategies in their distribution and communication efforts targeted at the growing local as well as international market of Halal food.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies investigating the determinants of Halal meat consumption among international Muslim students in China and a first application of the theory of planned behaviour-related religious food consumption context by considering four individual characteristics, namely, SI, DA, MO and trust.
Developing a meat supply chain network design using a multi-objective possibilistic programming approach
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed , Wang Qian
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study in developing a cost-effective meat supply chain network design aiming to minimizing the total cost of transportation, the number of transportation vehicles and the delivery time of meat products. The developed model was also used for determining the optimum numbers and allocations of farms and abattoirs that need to be established and the optimal quantity flow of livestock from farms to abattoirs and meat products from abattoirs to retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-objective possibilistic programming model was formulated with a focus on minimizing the total cost of transportation, the number of transportation vehicles and the delivery time of meat products. Three sets of Pareto solutions were obtained using the three different solution methods. These methods are the LP-metrics method, the ɛ-constraint method and the weighted Tchebycheff method, respectively. The TOPSIS method was used for seeking a best Pareto solution as a trade-off decision when optimizing the three conflicting objectives.

Findings

A case study was also applied for examining the effectiveness and applicability of the developed multi-objective model and the proposed solution methods. The research concludes that the ɛ-constraint method has the superiority over the other two proposed methods as it offers a better solution outcome.

Research limitations/implications

This work addresses as interesting avenues for further research on exploring the delivery planner under different types of uncertainties and transportation means. Also, environmentalism has been increasingly becoming a significant global problem in the present century. Thus, the presented model could be extended to include the environmental aspects as an objective function.

Practical implications

The developed design methodology can be utilized for food supply chain designers. Also, it could be applied to realistic problems in the field of supply chain management.

Originality/value

The paper presents a methodology that can be used for tackling a multi-objective optimization problem of a meat supply chain network design. The proposed optimization method has the potential in solving the similar issue providing a compromising solution due to conflicting objectives in which each needs to be achieved toward an optimum outcome to survive in the competitive sector of food supply chains network.
Interaction between science and technology in the field of fuel cells based on patent paper analysis
Authors: Chang Yu-Wei , Yang Hsiao-Wen , Huang Mu-Hsuan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyse and explore the characteristics of patent–paper pairs (PPPs) in the field of fuel cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used bibliometric analysis to analyse the bibliometric records of PPPs identified from 20,758 papers and 8,112 utility patents between 1991 and 2010.

Findings

The findings show that the percentages of papers and patents constituting PPPs were low, but an increasing trend was identified in the absolute number of PPPs. Researchers affiliated with research institutions were the primary contributors to PPPs. Countries with the most papers and patents had the most PPPs, exploiting the advantage of dual knowledge creation. Similar growth trends were observed in the numbers of patents approved and papers published. Patents in PPPs were typically produced earlier than the papers in PPPs. On average, patents were applied for approximately four years before papers were published, and patents were approved only approximately four months before papers were published.

Research limitations/implications

While the study was limited to the PPPs in the field of fuel cells, PPPs analysis can be applied to numerous fields.

Originality/value

PPPs indicate the coactivity of researchers involved in publishing and patenting. Although this coactivity has been studied, few studies have investigated PPPs. This study helps us better understand the characteristics of papers and patents constituting PPPs, changes in the annual numbers of papers and patents constituting PPPs, delays between papers and patents, as well as individuals, institutions and countries producing numerous PPPs.
Relationship between crime and economic affluence in India: an empirical study from 1982 to 2013
Authors: Debnath Avijit , Das Sujoy
Published: February 2017

Purpose

There have been limited studies which investigate the interlinkage between crime and economic affluence. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between crime and economic affluence in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on annual data spans over the time period 1982-2013. Standard econometric tools like unit root test, co-integration and two stage least square technique have been used to analyze data and to draw inferences.

Findings

The study finds that crime and economic affluence are interlinked in India. However, the nature of the linkage is not uniform over the time span. It is observed that economic affluence affects violent crime positively in the long run, but crime effects affluence negatively. In the short run, however, the relationship between crime and economic affluence is observed to be reversed.

Originality/value

This study is first of its nature to investigate the bi-directional linkage between crime and economic affluence in India. This study helps us to understand that controlling the crime rate is the urgent need of the hour to alleviate the pace of long run economic affluence in India.
Social and solidarity economics in India and Brazil
Authors: Morais Leandro Pereira , Dash Anup , Bacic Miguel Juan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the policies in the field of social and solidarity economics (SSE) in India and in Brazil, to draw a comparison between them and to present their strengths and weaknesses. This proposal is based on the innovative initiative of an ongoing collaboration between India and Brazil in the field of SSE within the South-South Triangular Cooperation framework of the International Labor Organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological procedures used for the elaboration of this article were: literature review in both countries and field trips to India and Brazil.

Findings

The study helped us understand the realities of SSE in both countries. The importance of SSE can be observed as a means to deal with poverty and the need to generate income for portions of the population, in spite of the historic, cultural, political, economic and social differences. The Indian experience contributes to the theme of the insertion of women in the mechanisms of generation of work positions and income opportunities, whereas the Brazilian experience contributes to the topic of social cooperativism.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the contributions of SSE to mitigate poverty and income deficiency, considering a significant share of the poor, particularly in India, the mechanisms for inclusion of this population are limited. A similar situation, however, to a lesser degree can also be observed in Brazil.

Practical implications

This study is an input for the elaboration of public policies of SSE, including the advantages of its transversality.

Social implications

Besides, it will also help in the analysis and elaboration of social policies from an integrated and emancipatory view.

Originality/value

Within the international context, the authors understand that this was the first comparative study on the topic of SSE, undertaken between Brazil and India.
Social entrepreneurship research in Asia-Pacific: perspectives and opportunities
Authors: Sengupta Subhanjan , Sahay Arunaditya
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to facilitate researchers, academicians and entrepreneurs gain insights on the social entrepreneurship concept and future research opportunities in the context of the Asia-Pacific countries (APAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The diversity of social entrepreneurship phenomenon visible in 101 journal publications was reviewed and analyzed to identify research perspectives and opportunities, with special focus on papers published on the APAC context between 1998 and 2015. The keywords for search were “social entrepreneurship”, “social enterprises”, “social entrepreneur” and the names of all countries in APAC.

Findings

The study identifies three prominent themes in need of more research in the APAC countries: contextual, institutional and personal factors surrounding social entrepreneurship; usage of market orientation by social enterprises to generate economic and social value; and impact of social entrepreneurship education on generating talent pool for social enterprises.

Originality/value

During the review on the social entrepreneurship concept, it was felt that most research originated from both sides of the Atlantic rather than the APAC. Interestingly, no review was found on research published on social entrepreneurship as perceived and practiced in APAC. Therefore, this paper would be of particular value to any researcher who would conduct social entrepreneurship research in the Asia-Pacific context. Asia-Pacific offers immense scope for empirical research for theory generation and theory testing in different contexts.
Social innovation practices in the regional tourism industry: case study of a cooperative in Brazil
Authors: Quandt Carlos , Ferraresi Alex , Kudlawicz Claudineia , Martins Janaína , Machado Ariane
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the main elements of the process of social innovation by using a case of a tourism cooperative created by an underprivileged community in Northeastern Brazil while assessing the applicability of the conceptual framework proposed by Centre de Recherche sur les Innovations Sociales (CRISES) in that context.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study was based mainly on content analysis of semi-structured interviews with cooperative managers and members, complemented by direct observation, analysis of documents and data from secondary sources.

Findings

The process of social innovation in the tourism cooperative presents distinctive characteristics that are not adequately captured by the dimensions that are proposed in the CRISES framework. Alternative frameworks may contribute additional perspectives to complement and expand the current approach to the analysis of social innovation in diverse contexts.

Practical implications

The study indicates the need for more appropriate territorially based metrics and assessment models for particular configurations and settings of social innovation, such as in this case.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding of the diversity of social innovation possibilities and how extant analytical frameworks may be adapted and expanded to capture such diversity.
How the concept of organizational unlearning contributes to studies of learning organizations
Authors: Tsang Eric W.K.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The first purpose of this short essay is to respond to Howells and Scholderer’s (2016) harsh critique that organizational unlearning is a superfluous concept. The second purpose is to establish a relationship between organizational unlearning and the learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

To respond to Howells and Scholderer’s critique, the author carefully examines their arguments – focusing on their comments on the author’s previous publications – and checks whether the arguments are logical and coherent. To establish a relationship between organizational unlearning and the learning organization, the author draws on his own research of international joint ventures in China.

Findings

Howells and Scholderer seriously miscited the ideas in one of the author’s publications, and their main arguments are blatantly flawed. Moreover, they are unaware that many of the faults they find in the organizational unlearning literature are also present in the organizational learning literature. As to the second part of this essay, the study of the acquisition type of joint ventures clearly indicates the presence of organizational unlearning. Moreover, for such ventures to be learning organizations, the unlearning step has to be well managed.

Research limitations/implications

As mentioned, the author’s response to Howells and Scholderer’s critique focuses on their comments on the author’s publications. It is highly likely that they have made other erroneous arguments that this essay fails to capture. The author’s discussion of unlearning and learning organizations is constrained by the context of acquisition joint ventures.

Originality/value

This essay forcefully rebuts Howells and Scholderer’s critique, which can become an obstacle in the development of organizational unlearning research. The dynamics of knowledge transfer in acquisition joint ventures suggest that skills of unlearning, and not just learning, are essential to reaching the goal of being a learning organization.
Learning and unlearning: a conceptual note
Authors: Visser Max
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Organizational learning and unlearning are often viewed as different and distinct concepts in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the unlearning concept and reassess its positionvis-à-vislearning, in particular second-order and double-loop learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper entails a conceptual analysis.

Findings

It is found that there are two conceptual problems with unlearning, and that it is best embedded in the dynamics of the learning process, where it appears to fit well in the “interruption” phase.

Research limitations/implications

The research scope of the paper is limited to a theoretical analysis of organizational learning and unlearning. Implications for theory reside in the importance of unlearning and its relation to learning in current organizations.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications for organizations wishing to become more adept at learning and unlearning.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first organizational papers to analyze unlearning in direct relation to different phases in the learning dynamics.
Organizational learning and unlearning
Authors: Starbuck William H.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize four decades of research into organizational adaptation, learning and unlearning.

Design/methodology/approach

The most important contributions to this stream of research have been case studies of organizations struggling to survive serious crises.

Findings

Very diverse kinds of organizations run into serious crises, and many organizations fail because they respond poorly or slowly to these crises. Slow and inadequate initial responses result in organizations going into a stage of “unlearning” that is demoralizing, harmful and very difficult to manage.

Research limitations/implications

The research involved a small number of longitudinal case studies.

Practical implications

Organizations may survive longer if they deal with serious crises more effectively. Top management teams especially may benefit from discussing how to spot and mitigate crises. The paper proposes a few actions that organizations might usefully take before and after trouble becomes visible.

Social implications

Almost all organizations have short lives, and many organizations fail when they encounter unexpected, serious crises. The consequences include unemployment, dislocation, emotional turmoil, wasted resources and cynicism.

Originality/value

This paper reviews published research. Its value depends on the plausibility of its interpretations and the practical usefulness of the advice offered.
The journey of organizational unlearning: a conversation with William H. Starbuck
Authors: Nguyen Nhien
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the concept ‘organizational unlearning’ and its development since it was first introduced to the management literature and presents a useful perspective that can help to advance the conceptual development of this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a conversation with celebrated scholar William H. Starbuck, this paper discusses several topics that are still up for debate in the organizational unlearning literature and argues for a number of viewpoints relevant to the application of this concept.

Findings

Unlearning is an important requirement for organizational learning and adaptation. Change cannot occur in organizations until old knowledge and practices are replaced by new ideas and methods. Researchers and managers should pay attention to the distinction between individual behavior and organizational behavior regarding unlearning.

Originality/value

The discussion of the contested topics of unlearning and their implications for organizational learning and adaptation will be of value to academic researchers as well as managers working in a context of environment change.
Prospective, open‐label, rater‐blinded and self‐controlled pilot study of the treatment of proliferating superficial infantile hemangiomas with 0.5% topical timolol cream versus 595‐nm pulsed dye laser
Authors: Ying Hanru , Zou Yun , Yu Wenxin , Qiu Yajing , Ma Gang , Chang Lei , Gu Yifei , Lyu Dongze , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: February 2017

Topical timolol and 595‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) are both widely used in the treatment of superficial infantile hemangiomas (IH). However, to date, there is no reliable study comparing the therapeutic outcomes between the two treatment options. We designed the present study to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of timolol cream and PDL in the treatment of superficial proliferating IH. Twenty‐one patients with superficial IH were included in the study. Each lesion was divided into two regions; one part was treated with 0.5% topical timolol cream four times daily, and the other part was treated monthly with PDL. Both treatments were continued for 2–6 months. Five independent and blinded assessors were asked to judge the results in both the topical timolol‐treated and PDL‐treated parts by comparing photographs taken before and after treatment. Both treatments resulted in significant clinical improvements after 3.39 sessions in the 2‐month follow up. The average visual evaluation showed that PDL had significantly better results than topical timolol (6.55 ± 2.26 to 4.98 ± 2.92, P < 0.01). No patients experienced permanent side‐effects during the treatment. Our short‐term study revealed that PDL had better results compared with topical timolol cream application in the treatment of superficial proliferating IH. Further studies with longer follow‐up time and larger sample size are required to validate our findings.
LUMBAR syndrome: A case manifesting as cutaneous infantile hemangiomas of the lower extremity, perineum and gluteal region, and a review of published work
Authors: Yu Xia , Zhang Jia , Wu Zhouwei , Liu Ming , Chen Ruhong , Gu Yan , Li Ming , Yao Zhirong
Published: February 2017

We herein report a rare case of LUMBAR syndrome. A 1‐month‐old female infant presented with extensive segmental hemangiomas on the left lower extremity, left perineum and gluteal region with ulceration. Bilateral labia minoras were asymmetrical. Both legs were asymmetrical with left leg atrophy, and the intergluteal cleft was deviated. A dark red pustule and a sacrococcygeal dimple could be seen in the lumbosacral region. Lipomyelomeningocele, tethered cord and sacrum dysplasia were noted by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was found to have an absent left kidney at 32 weeks of pregnancy. Eventually, we draw the diagnosis of LUMBAR syndrome. In addition, we discuss the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis by a review of published work.
To graze or gorge: consistency and flexibility of individual foraging tactics in tits
Authors: Milligan Nicole D. , Radersma Reinder , Cole Ella F. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: February 2017

An individual's foraging behaviour and time allocated to feeding have direct consequences for its fitness. Despite much research on population‐level foraging decisions, few studies have investigated individual differences in fine‐scale daily foraging patterns among wild animals.

Here, we explore the consistency and plasticity of feeding tactics of individual great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), using a grid of 65 automated feeding stations in a 385‐ha woodland, during three winters. We use a principal component analysis to describe individual variation in six feeding parameters and examine how these differences covary with dominance‐linked attributes (species, age and sex), the personality trait ‘exploration behaviour’, distance to territory and local competition intensity.

Analysis of 933 086 feeder visits by 3134 individuals revealed that the majority of variation in the timing of feeding was explained by two principal components. PC1 (‘binge‐eating’), accounting for 38% of variation, captured temporal clustering of feeding, with high repeatability both within and between years (r range: 0·42–0·55). PC2 (‘transience’), accounting for 27% of variance, described how much individuals used feeders and was also repeatable (r: 0·34–0·62). While exhibiting consistent individual differences, birds also showed flexibility in foraging patterns, binge‐eating less and using feeders more when they experienced greater local competition.

Individuals in behaviourally dominant states (great tits, males and adults) binged more than subordinate birds (blue tits, females and juveniles) when their territories were distant from feeding stations. Moreover, great tits and males used feeders more than blue tits and females respectively, while birds feeding further from their territory used feeders less than those feeding closer. ‘Exploration behaviour’ was unrelated to both measures of daily foraging behaviour.

This study presents some of the first evidence that birds use consistent alternative foraging tactics at a fine temporal scale. Individuals are consistent in their tactics, and also adjust their foraging behaviour with changes in local competition. Hence, studies of foraging behaviour should consider the extent to which such individual‐level variability in foraging behaviour is under selection.
Complex inter‐Kingdom interactions: carnivorous plants affect growth of an aquatic vertebrate
Authors: Davenport Jon M. , Riley Alex W.
Published: February 2017

Coexistence of organisms in nature is more likely when phenotypic similarities of individuals are reduced. Despite the lack of similarity, distantly related taxa still compete intensely for shared resources. No larger difference between organisms that share a common prey could exist than between carnivorous plants and animals. However, few studies have considered inter‐Kingdom competition among carnivorous plants and animals.

In order to evaluate interactions between a carnivorous plant (greater bladderwort, Utricularia vulgaris) and a vertebrate (bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus) on a shared prey (zooplankton), we conducted a mesocosm experiment. We deployed two levels of bladderwort presence (functional and crushed) and measured bluegill responses (survival and growth).

Zooplankton abundance was reduced the greatest in bluegill and functional bladderwort treatments. Bluegill survival did not differ among treatments, but growth was greatest with crushed bladderwort. Thus, bluegill growth was facilitated by reducing interference competition in the presence of crushed bladderwort. The facilitating effect was dampened, however, when functional bladderwort removed a shared prey.

To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to experimentally demonstrate interactions between a carnivorous plant and a fish. Our data suggest that carnivorous plants may actively promote or reduce animal co‐occurrence from some ecosystems via facilitation or competition.
A New Progressive Coalition? The European Left in a Time of Change
Authors: Gingrich Jane
Published: February 2017

This article examines changing patterns of voting for parties on the left in the UK and Europe. It shows that while combined support for social‐democratic, left and Green parties remains strong, the composition of the left's electorate has radically changed. Increasingly, left parties rely on a coalition of new middle‐class voters and traditional and new working‐class constituencies. This coalition is relatively cohesive on questions of economic redistribution, but divided on social and cultural issues. Recent instability in Labour's electoral coalition reflects broader structural trends facing left parties across Europe.
Effect of Vitamin D3 Fortification and Saskatoon Berry Syrup Addition on the Flavor Profile, Acceptability, and Antioxidant Properties of Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis)
Authors: Grant Jennifer , Ryland Donna , Isaak Cara K. , Prashar Suvira , Siow Yaw L. , Taylor Carla G. , Aliani Michel
Published: February 2017

The unique characteristics and healthful reputation of caffeine‐free rooibos tea (RT) make it an ideal carrier for vitamin D3 supplementation, and a potential base for the addition of Saskatoon berry syrup (SBS), a natural flavor additive. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D3 fortification and SBS addition on the flavor profile, consumer acceptability, and antioxidant properties of RT. Six formulations (RT, RT with SBS, RT with SBS and vitamin D3, RT with vitamin D3, green tea [GT], and GT with SBS) were evaluated by 12 trained panelists and 114 consumers. The formulations were also assessed for antioxidant capacity, physical characteristics, and untargeted phytochemical content. Sensory results revealed that the mean intensity values for berry and sweet attributes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) while bitter and astringent attributes were significantly lower when SBS was added to RT samples compared to those without syrup. Acceptability of flavor, aftertaste, and overall acceptability were also significantly higher for the RT with SBS. The addition of SBS to RT significantly increased the antioxidant capacities which may increase the related health benefits of RT. SBS contributed several polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, to the tea. Vitamin D3 added to RT formulations did not significantly affect the sensory attributes, acceptability, or antioxidant content. For the development of a functional vitamin D3 fortified iced‐tea beverage that can be consumed as part of the daily diet, SBS could be a favorable flavoring additive that may provide additional health benefits.
Identification of candidate pelagic marine protected areas through a seabird seasonal‐, multispecific‐ and extinction risk‐based approach
Authors: Krüger L. , Ramos J. A. , Xavier J. C. , Grémillet D. , González‐Solís J. , Kolbeinsson Y. , Militão T. , Navarro J. , Petry M. V. , Phillips R. A. , Ramírez I. , Reyes‐González J. M. , Ryan P. G. , Sigurðsson I. A. , Van Sebille E. , Wanless R. M. , Paiva V. H.
Published: February 2017

With increasing pressure on the oceans from environmental change, there has been a global call for improved protection of marine ecosystems through the implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs). Here, we used species distribution modelling (SDM) of tracking data from 14 seabird species to identify key marine areas in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, valuing areas based on seabird species occurrence, seasonality and extinction risk. We also compared overlaps between the outputs generated by the SDM and layers representing important human threats (fishing intensity, ship density, plastic and oil pollution, ocean acidification), and calculated loss in conservation value using fishing and ship density as cost layers. The key marine areas were located on the southern Patagonian Shelf, overlapping extensively with areas of high fishing activity, and did not change seasonally, while seasonal areas were located off south and southeast Brazil and overlapped with areas of high plastic pollution and ocean acidification. Non‐seasonal key areas were located off northeast Brazil on an area of high biodiversity, and with relatively low human impacts. We found support for the use of seasonal areas depending on the seabird assemblage used, because there was a loss in conservation value for the seasonal compared to the non‐seasonal approach when using ‘cost’ layers. Our approach, accounting for seasonal changes in seabird assemblages and their risk of extinction, identified additional candidate areas for incorporation in the network of pelagic MPAs.
Dominance of spotted stemborer Chilo partellusSwinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) over indigenous stemborer species in Africa's changing climates: ecological and thermal biology perspectives
Authors: Mutamiswa Reyard , Chidawanyika Frank , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: February 2017

Africa hosts several economically significant lepidopteran cereal stemborer species belonging to the Crambidae, Noctuidae and Pyralidae families. The invasive spotted stemborer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe), which is native to Asia, is one of the most damaging cereal stemborers in Africa. The impact of C. partellus on indigenous stemborer species remains unclear, although recent work demonstrates its increasing ecological influence and numerical advantage over Sesamia calamistis and Busseola fusca in African landscapes.

In the present study, we discuss C. partellus dominance under Africa's changing climates and highlight the ecological and thermal physiological factors that may contribute to its dominance over indigenous stemborer species. Chilo partellus is an efficient colonizer and competitor and may have an advantage under limited resources typical under climate change. Its invasion potential may also probably stem from its short generation time, overwintering physiology, temperature and relative humidity resilience, wide host preferences, and asynchrony with its biocontrol agents.

Using laboratory experiments, we show that C. partellus has a high basal temperature tolerance and related plasticity compared with S. calamistis and B. fusca. These results indicate that ecophysiology may determine invasion success and thus may explain the relative invasion advantage of C. partellus in African landscapes.

We recommend that future climate change work be directed towards more comprehensive stemborer total ecology research, stemborer thermal biology and implications on the efficacy of biocontrol. Specifically, knowledge of stemborer‐natural enemy evolutionary potential is vital for understanding how climate change and variability may shape host‐natural enemy interactions, with implications for pest forecasts, prediction models and pest management.
Caregiving‐related needs of family caregivers of older Singaporeans
Authors: Ajay Shweta , Østbye Truls , Malhotra Rahul
Published: February 2017

Objective

To describe the extent and correlates of caregiving‐related needs among family caregivers of Singaporeans aged 75+ with ≥1 activity of daily living limitations (care‐recipients).

Methods

National survey data of 1181 care‐recipient/caregiver dyads were used. Caregiver's report (yes/no) of 16 needs was assessed. Care‐recipient and caregiver correlates of each need were determined through logistic regression analysis.

Results

Caregiving‐related needs were expressed by 42.3% caregivers. The most commonly reported need was keeping care‐recipient safe at home (24.5%). Needs concerned with caring for care‐recipients were more frequent than those concerned with the caregiver's own needs. The most frequent correlate was care‐recipient's extent of mood impairment (associated with 13 needs).

Conclusion

Caregivers should not neglect themselves when engaging in care provision. Families and service providers should explore whether reported lack of needs reflects limited awareness and/or under‐reporting.
The effect of co‐trimoxazole on serum potassium concentration: safety evaluation of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Wei Yee , Clark Allan B. , Wilson Andrew M. , Loke Yoon K. ,   on behalf of the TIPAC investigators
Published: February 2017

Aims

Co‐trimoxazole maintains a well‐established role in the treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Toxoplasma gondii, as well as urinary tract infections. Observational studies report hyperkalaemia to be associated with co‐trimoxazole, which may stem from an amiloride‐like potassium‐sparing effect. The current study investigated changes in serum potassium in patients without acute infections, and the influence of concomitant antikaliuretic drugs on this effect.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was carried out of a randomized controlled trial in patients with interstitial lung disease who were assigned to placebo or 960 mg co‐trimoxazole twice daily. Serum potassium and creatinine were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the difference in mean serum potassium concentrations between co‐trimoxazole and placebo at 6 weeks.

Results

Mean serum potassium levels were similar at baseline: 4.24 (± 0.44) mmol l–1 in the 87 co‐trimoxazole group participants and 4.25 (± 0.39) mmol l–1 in the 83 control participants. Co‐trimoxazole significantly increased mean serum potassium levels at 6 weeks, with a difference between means compared with placebo of 0.21 mmol l–1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09, 0.34; P = 0.001). This significant increase in serum potassium was detectable even after exclusion of patients on antikaliuretic drugs, with a difference between means for co‐trimoxazole compared with placebo of 0.23 mmol l–1 (95% CI 0.09, 0.38; P = 0.002). There were 5/87 (5.7%) patients on co‐trimoxazole whose serum potassium concentrations reached ≥5.5 mmol l–1 during the study period.

Conclusions

Co‐trimoxazole significantly increases serum potassium concentration, even in participants not using antikaliuretic drugs. While the magnitude of increase was often minor, a small proportion in our outpatient cohort developed hyperkalaemia of clinical importance.
‘I Was Little Then’
Authors: Banes David , Sebba Judy
Published: February 2017

Should pupils with severe learning difficulties be introduced to history in the National Curriculum? Views are divided. David Banes, teacher, Rainbow School, Bedford Education Authority, and a member of the National Curriculum Development Team (SLD), and Judy Sebba, coordinator, National Curriculum Development Team (SLD), Cambridge Institute of Education, are exploring access to history. They describe how the use of personal video material can help some pupils to become more aware of ‘the past’, an essential component of learnin g history.
SATs for Some but Not for All?
Authors: Bartlett David
Published: February 2017

How did pupils with special educational needs and their teachers tackle this year's first full run of SATs at Key Stage 1? David Bartlett, senior psychologist, Birmingham Education Authority, was previously coordinator for special needs and bilingualism working with the writing team for Key Stage 1 SATs, Consortium for Assessment and Testing in Schools. He comments on Birmingham schools' experiences with SATs and proposes improvements.
Planning National Curriculum Science
Authors: Carden Nigel
Published: February 2017

Nigel Carden, deputy head of Kirkleatham Hall School, Redcar, Cleveland, describes how the work of a consortium funded through the Technical and Vocational Initiative (TVEI) has complemented school‐based developments, giving rise to a broader but realistic science curriculum.
Assessing the relative influence of hospital and surgeon volume on short‐term mortality after radical cystectomy
Authors: Waingankar Nikhil , Mallin Katherine , Smaldone Marc , Egleston Brian L. , Higgins Andrew , Winchester David P. , Uzzo Robert G. , Kutikov Alexander
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To assess the relationship between surgeon (SV) and hospital volume (HV) on mortality after radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for adult patients undergoing RC between 2010 and 2013. We calculated average volume for each surgeon and hospital. Using propensity‐scored weights for combined volume groups with a proportional hazards regression model, we compared the associations between HV and SV with 90‐day survival after RC.

Results

A total of 19 346 RCs were performed at 927 hospitals by 2 927 surgeons in the period 2010–2013. The median (interquartile range) HV and SV were 12.3 (5.0–35.5) and 4.3 (1.3–12.3) cases, respectively. For HV, 90‐day unadjusted mortality was 8.5% in centres with <5 cases/year (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7–9.3) and 5.6% in those with >30 cases/year (95% CI 5.0–6.2). For SV, 90‐day mortality was 8.1% for surgeons with <5 cases/year (95% CI 7.6–8.6) and 4.0% for those with >30 cases/year (95% CI 2.8–5.2; all P < 0.05). The 30‐day mortality rate was lowest for the combined HV–SV groups with HV >30, ranging from 1.6% to 2.1%.

Conclusions

In hospitals reporting to the NCDB, volume was associated with improved mortality after RC. These associations appear to be driven by hospital‐ rather than surgeon‐level effects. An elevated SV had a beneficial effect on mortality at the highest‐volume hospitals. These findings inform efforts to regionalize complex surgical care and improve quality at community and safety net hospitals.
YPC‐21661 and YPC‐22026, novel small molecules, inhibit ZNF143 activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Haibara Hirotaka , Yamazaki Ryuta , Nishiyama Yukiko , Ono Masahiro , Kobayashi Tsuneyuki , Hokkyo‐Itagaki Atsuko , Nishisaka Fukiko , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kurita Akinobu , Matsuzaki Takeshi , Izumi Hiroto , Kohno Kimitoshi
Published: February 2017

Zinc‐finger protein 143 (ZNF143) is a transcription factor that is involved in anticancer drug resistance and cancer cell survival. In the present study, we identified a novel small molecule N‐(5‐bromo‐2‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐(pyridine‐3‐yl) propiolamide (YPC‐21661) that inhibited ZNF143 promoter activity and down‐regulated the expression of the ZNF143‐regulated genes, RAD51, PLK1, and Survivin, by inhibiting the binding of ZNF143 to DNA. In addition, YPC‐21661 was cytotoxic and induced apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell line, HCT116 and human prostate cancer cell line, PC‐3. 2‐(pyridine‐3‐ylethynyl)‐5‐(2‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (YPC‐22026), a metabolically stable derivative of YPC‐21661, induced tumor regression accompanied by the suppression of ZNF143‐regulated genes in a mouse xenograft model. The present study revealed that the inhibition of ZNF143 activity by small molecules induced tumor regression in vitro and in vivo; therefore, ZNF143 is a promising target of cancer therapeutics.
Association of ORMDL3 with rhinovirus‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and type I Interferon responses in human leucocytes
Authors: Liu Y.‐P. , Rajamanikham V. , Baron M. , Patel S. , Mathur S. K. , Schwantes E. A. , Ober C. , Jackson D. J. , Gern J. E. , Lemanske R. F. , Smith J. A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Children with risk alleles at the 17q21 genetic locus who wheeze during rhinovirus illnesses have a greatly increased likelihood of developing childhood asthma. In mice, overexpression of the 17q21 gene ORMDL3 leads to airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness. However, the mechanisms by which ORMDL3 predisposes to asthma are unclear. Previous studies have suggested that ORMDL3 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and production of the type I interferon (IFN)‐regulated chemokine CXCL10.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ORMDL3 and rhinovirus‐induced ER stress and type I IFN in human leucocytes.

Methods

ER stress was monitored by measuring HSPA5, CHOP and spliced XBP1 gene expression, and type I IFN by measuring IFNB1 (IFN‐β) and CXCL10 expression in human cell lines and primary leucocytes following treatment with rhinovirus. Requirements for cell contact and specific cell type in ORMDL3 induction were examined by transwell assay and depletion experiments, respectively. Finally, the effects of 17q21 genotype on the expression of ORMDL3, IFNB1 and ER stress genes were assessed.

Results

THP‐1 monocytes overexpressing ORMDL3 responded to rhinovirus with increased IFNB1 and HSPA5. Rhinovirus‐induced ORMDL3 expression in primary leucocytes required cell–cell contact, and induction was suppressed by plasmacytoid dendritic cell depletion. The degree of rhinovirus‐induced ORMDL3, HSPA5 and IFNB1 expression varied by leucocyte type and 17q21 genotype, with the highest expression of these genes in the asthma‐associated genotype.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Multiple lines of evidence support an association between higher ORMDL3 and increased rhinovirus‐induced HSPA5 and type I IFN gene expression. These associations with ORMDL3 are cell type specific, with the most significant 17q21 genotype effects on ORMDL3 expression and HSPA5 induction evident in B cells. Together, these findings have implications for how the interaction of increased ORMDL3 and rhinovirus may predispose to asthma.
Mutations of MYH14 are associated to anorectal malformations with recto‐perineal fistulas in a small subset of Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Zhongxian , Peng Lei , Chen Guanglin , Jiang Weiwei , Shen Ziyang , Du Chunxia , Zang Rujin , Su Yang , Xie Hua , Li Hongxing , Xia Yankai , Tang Weibing
Published: February 2017

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are among the most commonly congenital abnormalities of distal hindgut development, ranging from anal stenosis to anal atresia with or without fistulas and persistent cloaca. The etiology remains elusive for most ARM cases and the majority of genetic studies on ARMs were based on a candidate gene approach.

Materials and Methods: In all eight family members of a non‐consanguineous Chinese family, we performed whole‐exome sequencing. Subsequently, exome sequencing of MYH14 in 72 unrelated probands with ARMs was performed. The accurate distribution of non‐muscle myosin II heavy chain (NMHC II) was investigated by immunohistochemistry in serial sagittal sections of E11.5–13.5 mouse cloacal regions.

Results: A homozygous mutation in MYH14 was identified in the two siblings of family 1. Compound heterozygous MYH14 changes were identified in an unrelated individual. Immunohistochemical analysis suggest stronger NMHC IIC localization in the epithelium of the murine embryonic cloaca, urorectal septum and hindgut compared with another two NMHC II isoforms.

Conclusion: This is the first identification of mutations in MYH14 as a cause of ARMs. The stronger localization of NMHC IIC in E11.5–13.5 mouse cloacal regions further supports the role of MYH14 in anorectal development.