bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling IASB standardization projects and its influence on the position of Takaful Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Mukhlisin Murniati
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the alignments of the Takaful industry between the Islamic and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requirement and the subsequent social and political consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analysis of thorough examination of 1* to 4* relevant peer-reviewed journals in the academic journal guide 2015 of the Association of Business School from the period when first IFRS was issued in 2005 to 2012 and where Indonesia declared to fully adopt IFRS. The examination also includes some other appropriate Indonesian and Islamic accounting publications. The paper employs comparative analysis between IFRS, Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institution and the financial reporting standards practiced by Takaful industry to examine the hindrance towards the standardization process.

Findings

It is shown that the literature emphasis not only on the technical matters related to financial reporting standardization but also on the complex arrangement in different country settings. Learning from Indonesian experience, the literature suggests that neo-liberalism is piercing through different parts of economic and political setting of the country’s infrastructural powers leading up to the influence of financial reporting standardization process.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing ontological arguments whether the Takaful industry is a mere business entity that has no specific requirements for financial reporting standards.
A knowledge structures exploration on social network sites
Authors: Sánchez-Franco Manuel J. , Muñoz-Expósito Mirian , Villarejo-Ramos Ángel F.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a method for combining perceived community support, relationship quality and the extended technology acceptance model in the same empirically derived associative network. The research also examines the moderating role of accumulation of knowledge (based on beliefs and opinions) derived from social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The Pathfinder algorithm is a valid approach for determining network structures from relatedness data. Such a graphical representation provides managers with a comprehensible picture of how social behaviours relate to loyalty-based dimensions.

Findings

As the benefits of community participation and integration might be differently evaluated by new and long-term users, the research examines the associative network by levels of user familiarity. This study indeed contributes to the analysis of enduring social bonds with respect to individuals’ decision-making processes, as it provides details representing specific relationships between diverse concepts based on true-loyalty.

Practical implications

The application of Pathfinder to the study of online social services and user behaviour appears to have potential for unveiling the structures of social network sites members and designing successful strategies for prospective community managers.

Originality/value

This is the first study to the author’s knowledge that empirically tests a theory-grounded framework for integrating individual characteristics and relational driver and focuses on associative structures evidenced as a representation of the most salient loyalty-based concepts by also studying the moderating effects of familiarity.
Platform investment strategy on reducing transaction costs
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , He Ping
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the investment strategy of a two-sided platform on reducing transaction costs of two user sides and to study the pricing problem of the platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical derivation is used to compute the optimal decisions of a two-sided platform on pricing and investment. Numerical analysis is used to illustrate the findings.

Findings

It is found that the demand of one user side decreases in the maximal transaction costs reduction to this side but increases in the maximal transaction costs reduction to the other side. It is also found that a platform should never choose the investment in such a way that the maximal transaction costs reductions of two user sides are the same.

Research limitations/implications

Several limitations exist in this paper, most of which exist due to the assumptions. These limitations could be good research directions in the future. For example, only one platform’s decision is considered, and platforms’ competition is not taken into account. Considering other platforms’ competition, the decisions of the users and the platform would be different.

Originality/value

From the transaction costs perspective, this paper finds that a platform should never choose the investment in such a way that the maximal transaction costs reductions of two user sides are the same. This conclusion has not been found in previous literature.
Total quality management elements and results in higher education institutions
Authors: Psomas Evangelos , Antony Jiju
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the main total quality management (TQM) elements adopted and the respective results achieved by higher education institutions (HEIs) in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

A research study was designed and carried out in private sector Greek HEIs. Fifteen HEIs were approached through interviews based on a structured questionnaire. The measured variables of the TQM elements and results identified in the literature were used as the questionnaire items. Descriptive statistics were applied to determine the TQM elements mostly adopted and the results achieved by the HEIs.

Findings

According to the findings, the TQM elements mostly adopted by the Greek HEIs concern the following: student focus, leadership and top management commitment, strategic quality planning, process management and teaching staff and employee involvement. On the other hand, the most significant results achieved by the sample HEIs concern quality performance improvement, teaching staff and employee satisfaction, operational performance improvement and the positive impact on society.

Research limitations/implications

The subjective data collection involved chief executive officers of a small sample of HEIs operating in a European Union country. Thus, no advanced statistical methods could be applied. Based on these limitations, future research studies are recommended.

Practical implications

By focusing on specific TQM elements, an HEI can develop a robust TQM model, approach business excellence, which can, in turn, help the HEI apply for appropriate quality awards, and finally derive significant benefits. In doing so, an HEI can lay the foundations for being competitive in the current global context that is characterised by an economic downturn.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by empirically determining the TQM elements mostly adopted as well as the respective results achieved by Greek HEIs in a period of economic downturn. This is the first research study in the field of TQM in higher education that has been carried out in Greece in a period where many service organisations, whether private or public, are making significant efforts to withstand the current downturn and achieve a sustainable growth.
Effects of presynaptic muscarinic cholinoreceptor blockade on neuromuscular transmission as assessed by the train‐of‐four and the tetanic fade response to rocuronium
Authors: Kim Yong Beom , Lee Sangseok , Lee Kyeong Chun , Kim Ha Jung , Ro Young Jin , Yang Hong‐Seuk
Published: April 2017

This study investigated the effect of muscarinic M1 and M2 receptor antagonists on the rocuronium‐induced train of four (TOF) fade and tetanic fade, respectively. Ex‐vivo phrenic nerves and diaphragms were obtained from adult Sprague‐Dawley rats and stabilized in Krebs buffer; the nerve‐stimulated muscle TOF fade was observed at 20 s intervals. For the TOF study, phrenic nerves and diaphragms were incubated with pirenzepine (an M1 blocker) at concentrations of 0 nmol L−1 (control), 10 nmol L−1 (PZP10), or 100 nmol L−1 (PZP100). Rocuronium was then administered incrementally until the first twitch tension had depressed by >95% during TOF stimulation. The mean TOF ratios were compared when the first twitch tensions were depressed by 40%‐50%. For the tetanic fade study, 50 Hz/5 s tetani was applied initially, 30 min after the administration of a loading dose of rocuronium and methoctramine (an M2 receptor blocker, loaded at 0 μmol L−1 [control], 1 μmol L−1 [MET1], or 10 μmol L−1 [MET10]). The EC95 of rocuronium was significantly lower in the PZP10 group than in the control group. In the PZP10 group, the TOF ratios at 50% and first twitch tension depression were significantly lower than those in the control group (P=.02). During tetanic stimulation, the tetanic fade was significantly enhanced in the MET10 group compared to the other groups. This study shows that antagonists of muscarinic M1 and M2 receptors affect the rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block as demonstrated by the reduced EC95 and TOF ratios (M1 antagonist, pirenzepine) or the enhanced 50‐Hz tetanic fade (M2 antagonist, methoctramine).
Integrated species distribution models: combining presence‐background data and site‐occupancy data with imperfect detection
Authors: Koshkina Vira , Wang Yan , Gordon Ascelin , Dorazio Robert M. , White Matt , Stone Lewi
Published: April 2017

Two main sources of data for species distribution models (SDMs) are site‐occupancy (SO) data from planned surveys, and presence‐background (PB) data from opportunistic surveys and other sources. SO surveys give high quality data about presences and absences of the species in a particular area. However, due to their high cost, they often cover a smaller area relative to PB data, and are usually not representative of the geographic range of a species. In contrast, PB data is plentiful, covers a larger area, but is less reliable due to the lack of information on species absences, and is usually characterised by biased sampling. Here we present a new approach for species distribution modelling that integrates these two data types.

We have used an inhomogeneous Poisson point process as the basis for constructing an integrated SDM that fits both PB and SO data simultaneously. It is the first implementation of an Integrated SO–PB Model which uses repeated survey occupancy data and also incorporates detection probability.

The Integrated Model's performance was evaluated, using simulated data and compared to approaches using PB or SO data alone. It was found to be superior, improving the predictions of species spatial distributions, even when SO data is sparse and collected in a limited area. The Integrated Model was also found effective when environmental covariates were significantly correlated. Our method was demonstrated with real SO and PB data for the Yellow‐bellied glider (Petaurus australis) in south‐eastern Australia, with the predictive performance of the Integrated Model again found to be superior.

PB models are known to produce biased estimates of species occupancy or abundance. The small sample size of SO datasets often results in poor out‐of‐sample predictions. Integrated models combine data from these two sources, providing superior predictions of species abundance compared to using either data source alone. Unlike conventional SDMs which have restrictive scale‐dependence in their predictions, our Integrated Model is based on a point process model and has no such scale‐dependency. It may be used for predictions of abundance at any spatial‐scale while still maintaining the underlying relationship between abundance and area.
Graphical diagnostics for occupancy models with imperfect detection
Authors: Warton David I. , Stoklosa Jakub , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , MacKenzie Darryl I. , Welsh Alan H.
Published: April 2017

Occupancy‐detection models that account for imperfect detection have become widely used in many areas of ecology. As with any modelling exercise, it is important to assess whether the fitted model encapsulates the main sources of variation in the data, yet there have been few methods developed for occupancy‐detection models that would allow practitioners to do so.

In this paper, a new type of residual for occupancy‐detection models is developed according to the method of Dunn & Smyth (Journal of Computational and Graphical Statistics, 5, 1996, 236–244). Residuals are separately constructed to diagnose the occupancy and detection components of the model.

Because the residuals are quite noisy, we suggest fitting a smoother through plots of residuals against predictors of fitted values, with 95% confidence bands, to diagnose lack‐of‐fit.

The method is illustrated using Swiss squirrel data, and evaluated using simulations based on that dataset.

Plotting residuals against predictors or against fitted values performed reasonably well as methods for diagnosing violations of occupancy‐detection model assumptions, particularly plots of residuals against a missing predictor. Relatively high false positive rates were sometimes observed, but this seems to be controlled reasonably well by fitting smoothers to these plots and being guided in interpretation by 95% confidence bands around the smoothers.
Technical advances at the interface between ecology and statistics: improving the biodiversity knowledge generation workflow
Authors: Warton David I. , McGeoch Melodie A.
Published: April 2017

Cross‐disciplinary research between ecologists and statisticians has considerable potential for significant new advances, capitalising on recent advances in technology for collecting and analysing data.

We introduce a Special Feature of five papers showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration, centred around problems estimating biodiversity and how it changes over space and time.

Each paper arose around the Eco‐Stats ‘15 conference at UNSW Sydney, held in December 2015, and more papers inspired by this conference are in preparation. This highlights the potential of interdisciplinary research, and of meetings designed to bring together researchers across disciplines, as a vehicle for scientific advances.
How do predators and scavengers locate resource hotspots within a tropical forest?
Authors: Natusch Daniel J. D. , Lyons Jessica A. , Shine Richard
Published: April 2017

In many parts of the world, wildlife species congregate at ‘hotspot’ locations that offer feeding opportunities unmatched in the wider landscape. But to exploit those resource‐rich sites, animals must first locate them. In tropical Australia, predators and scavengers (especially dingos, scrub turkeys, snakes, and invasive toads) gather beneath large canopy‐emergent trees that house breeding colonies of metallic starlings (Aplonis metallica). Some wildlife species feed on fallen nestlings whereas others consume the rich insect fauna supported by bird detritus, or the other species attracted to those resources. Those congregations largely cease as soon as colony trees fall, suggesting that wildlife aggregations are responses to bird‐associated cues rather than to specific locations. To identify the proximate cues that elicit congregation of wildlife under such trees, we deployed sound cues (starling‐chatter) and two types of scent cues (soil from beneath a starling tree, and complete nests on broken branches). We recorded visitations by animals with camera‐traps. Starling‐chatter did not attract significant numbers of animals, but soil from beneath colony trees attracted many animals (mostly scrub turkeys). Complete nests attracted nest‐predators (dingos, snakes). Our experiments suggest that faunal aggregations beneath colony trees are driven by proximate responses to distinctive scent cues in the soil, especially for species that obtain their food from that bird‐fertilized substrate; but predators that feed directly on fallen nestlings key in specifically on that resource.
Are AZFb deletions always incompatible with sperm production?
Authors: Stouffs K. , Vloeberghs V. , Gheldof A. , Tournaye H. , Seneca S.
Published: April 2017

Deletions on the long arm of the Y chromosome are a well‐known cause of male infertility and it is generally accepted that deletions involving the AZFb region are not compatible with sperm production. Here, we report on two patients for whom basic diagnostic tests showed a deletion of the AZFb region. Unexpectedly, both patients had some residual sperm production. Subsequently, extension and additional analyses of the AZFb region disclosed an aberrant deletion pattern. Therefore, these results emphasize the need for a detailed and powerful analysis of cases where first‐line Yq deletion tests reveal an AZFb deletion. Moreover, our study clearly demonstrated that only a very careful selection of test markers will avoid the pitfall of a ‘no further treatment possible’ wrongful conclusion.
Accelerated Failure Time Models for Semi-Competing Risks Data in the Presence of Complex Censoring
Authors: Lee Kyu Ha , Rondeau Virginie , Haneuse Sebastien
Published: April 2017

Statistical analyses that investigate risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are often subject to a number of challenges. Some of these challenges arise due to practical considerations regarding data collection such that the observation of AD events is subject to complex censoring including left-truncation and either interval or right-censoring. Additional challenges arise due to the fact that study participants under investigation are often subject to competing forces, most notably death, that may not be independent of AD. Towards resolving the latter, researchers may choose to embed the study of AD within the “semi-competing risks” framework for which the recent statistical literature has seen a number of advances including for the so-called illness-death model. To the best of our knowledge, however, the semi-competing risks literature has not fully considered analyses in contexts with complex censoring, as in studies of AD. This is particularly the case when interest lies with the accelerated failure time (AFT) model, an alternative to the traditional multiplicative Cox model that places emphasis away from the hazard function. In this article, we outline a new Bayesian framework for estimation/inference of an AFT illness-death model for semi-competing risks data subject to complex censoring. An efficient computational algorithm that gives researchers the flexibility to adopt either a fully parametric or a semi-parametric model specification is developed and implemented. The proposed methods are motivated by and illustrated with an analysis of data from the Adult Changes in Thought study, an on-going community-based prospective study of incident AD in western Washington State.
Cytochrome c1 in ductal carcinoma in situ of breast associated with proliferation and comedo necrosis
Authors: Chishiki Mayuko , Takagi Kiyoshi , Sato Ai , Miki Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Yuta , Ebata Akiko , Shibahara Yukiko , Watanabe Mika , Ishida Takanori , Sasano Hironobu , Suzuki Takashi
Published: April 2017

It is well known that comedo necrosis is closely associated with an aggressive phenotype of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of human breast, but its molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Therefore, in this study, we first examined the gene expression profile of comedo DCIS based on microarray data and identified CYC1 as a gene associated with comedo necrosis. Cytochrome c1 (CYC1) is a subunit of complex III in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation that is involved in energy production. However, the significance of CYC1 has not yet been examined in DCIS. We therefore immunolocalized CYC1 in 47 DCIS cases. CYC1 immunoreactivity was detected in 40% of DCIS cases, and the immunohistochemical CYC1 status was significantly associated with tumor size, nuclear grade, comedo necrosis, van Nuys classification, and Ki‐67 labeling index. Subsequent in vitro studies indicated that CYC1 was significantly associated with mitochondrial membrane potential in MCF10DCIS.com DCIS cells. Moreover, CYC1 significantly promoted proliferation activity of MCF10DCIS.com cells and the cells transfected with CYC1 siRNA decreased pro‐apoptotic caspase 3 activity under hypoxic or anoxic conditions. Considering that the center of DCIS is poorly oxygenated, these results indicate that CYC1 plays important roles in cell proliferation and comedo necrosis through the elevated oxidative phosphorylation activity in human DCIS.
Murine models of transplantation tolerance through mixed chimerism: advances and roadblocks
Authors: Mahr B , Wekerle T
Published: April 2017

Organ transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage organ failure, but chronic immunosuppression is taking its toll in terms of morbidity and poor efficacy in preventing late graft loss. Therefore, a drug-free state would be desirable where the recipient permanently accepts a donor organ while remaining otherwise fully immunologically competent. Mouse studies unveiled mixed chimerism as an effective approach to induce such donor-specific tolerance deliberately and laid the foundation for a series of clinical pilot trials. Nevertheless, its widespread clinical implementation is currently prevented by cytotoxic conditioning and limited efficacy. Therefore, the use of mouse studies remains an indispensable tool for the development of novel concepts with potential for translation and for the delineation of underlying tolerance mechanisms. Recent innovations developed in mice include the use of pro-apoptotic drugs or regulatory T cell (Treg) transfer for promoting bone marrow engraftment in the absence of myelosuppression and new insight gained in the role of innate immunity and the interplay between deletion and regulation in maintaining tolerance in chimeras. Here, we review these and other recent advances in murine studies inducing transplantation tolerance through mixed chimerism and discuss both the advances and roadblocks of this approach.
Whole‐exome sequencing identifies a homozygous donor splice‐site mutation in STAG3 that causes primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: He W.‐B. , Banerjee S. , Meng L.‐L. , Du J. , Gong F. , Huang H. , Zhang X.‐X. , Wang Y.‐Y. , Lu G.‐X. , Lin G. , Tan Y.‐Q.
Published: April 2017

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is the depletion or loss of normal ovarian function, which cause infertility in women before the age of 40 years. Two homozygous germline truncation mutations in STAG3 gene had been reported to causes POI in consanguineous families. Here, we aimed to identify the genetic cause of POI in 2 affected sisters manifested with primary amenorrhea and partial development of secondary sexual characters with normal range of height of a consanguineous Han Chinese family. Whole‐exome and Sanger sequencing identified a homozygous donor splice‐site mutation (NM_012447.2: c.1573+5G>A) in the STAG3 gene. RT‐PCR revealed that the mutation causes loss of wild‐type donor splice‐site which leads to aberrant splicing of STAG3 mRNA and consecutive formation of STAG3 alternative transcript (p.Leu490Thrfs*10) . This is the first report of splice‐site mutation of STAG3 gene causes POI in 2 Han Chinese patients.
The Suburbanization of Islamic Activism in Saudi Arabia
Authors: MENORET PASCAL
Published: April 2017

What happens to organized protest in an era of global suburbanization? After World War II, Cold War experts depoliticized urban spaces and imposed the notion of “development” as a deterrent to collective action. This article is based on four years of fieldwork in Riyadh and on archival work in Athens and Paris. It examines the making of Saudi suburbia at the hands of Cold War experts, and analyzes Islamist action (al‐‘amal al‐islāmī) in the local and global context of its emergence: the new suburbs that were engineered by urban planners, developers, and builders. [suburbia, Islamism, activism, elections, urbanism, Salafism]
Housing as Battleground: Targeting the City in the Battles of Algiers
Authors: CRANE SHEILA
Published: April 2017

In the months preceding the Algerian war for independence, the mayor of Algiers declared a much‐publicized “battle for housing” through which new apartment complexes were intended to replace the rapidly proliferating bidonvilles, or shantytowns, along the capital city's urban periphery. The declaration in 1956 of a state of emergency in French Algeria marked a shift from the rhetorical framing of mass housing estates as tools of pacification to the overt militarization of residential areas with majority Muslim Algerian populations, areas that were thereafter subject to direct military control and surveillance. By reading evidence gleaned from military reports against substantially different accounts of the city at war by Mouloud Feraoun and others, this essay traces the radical urban transformations effected in Algiers under cover of war as well as the multiple means by which inhabitants actively rewrote these same spaces as battlegrounds. In the process, significant links are revealed between new models of emergency housing and new policies to eliminate the bidonville (shantytown) that were developed in Algiers during the war and later implemented on a grand scale in France. Taking advantage of the state of exception in a war that was not acknowledged as such, the military played an active role in the provision of housing, the policing of residents, and the thoroughgoing transformation of the urban landscape in Algiers. [Algeria, war, colonialism, urban space, housing, shantytowns]
Neuro‐oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1): Implications in neurological diseases and cancers
Authors: Xin Yu , Li Zheng , Zheng Heyi , Ho Jeffery , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K.
Published: April 2017

Neuro‐oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) is a RNA‐binding protein that interacts with RNA containing repeats of the YCAY sequence. This protein is a brain‐specific splicing factor regulating neuronal alternative splicing. It has been increasingly recognized as an important contributor to neurological disorders and carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the biological functions and pathological roles of NOVA1. The clinical implications of NOVA1 will also be discussed.
Do the Right Thing: Incentives for Policy Selection in Presidential and Parliamentary Systems
Authors: Cella Michela , Iannantuoni Giovanna , Manzoni Elena
Published: April 2017

Constitutional structures shape politicians’ behaviour and hence policy outcomes through the different incentives schemes that they generate. In this paper we analyse these mechanisms in parliamentary and presidential systems. The comparison is carried out by analysing how the two systems may select the efficient policy in the presence of asymmetric information. Presidential and parliamentary systems differ in that the policy proposed by the executive in the parliamentary system is confidence‐dependent and observable. The main findings suggest that the parliament responds better to the incentive scheme in the presidential system due to the lower uncertainty faced by legislators over their term limit. However, the parliamentary system generates a more efficient behaviour of the executive due to selection and disciplining effects.
Wall‐motion tracking in fetal echocardiography—Influence of frame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking
Authors: Enzensberger Christian , Achterberg Friederike , Graupner Oliver , Wolter Aline , Herrmann Johannes , Axt‐Fliedner Roland
Published: April 2017

Background

Frame rates (FR) used for strain analysis assessed by speckle tracking in fetal echocardiography show a considerable variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking.

Methods

Fetal echocardiography was performed prospectively on a Toshiba Aplio 500 system and a Toshiba Artida system, respectively. Based on an apical or basal four‐chamber view of the fetal heart, cine loops were stored with a FR of 30 fps (Aplio 500) and 60 fps (Artida/Aplio 500). For both groups (30fps and 60fps), global and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values of both, left (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were assessed by 2D wall‐motion tracking.

Results

A total of 101 fetuses, distributed to three study groups, were included. The mean gestational age was 25.2±5.0 weeks. Mean global LPSS values for RV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were −16.07% and −16.47%, respectively. Mean global LPSS values for LV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were −17.54% and −17.06%, respectively. Comparing global and segmental LPSS values of both, the RV and LV, did not show any statistically significant differences within the two groups.

Conclusion

Performance of myocardial 2D strain analysis by wall‐motion tracking was feasible with 30 and 60 fps. Obtained global and segmental LPSS values of both ventricles were relatively independent from acquisition rate.
Stimulus processing and error monitoring in more‐able kindergarteners with autism spectrum disorder: a short review and a preliminary Event‐Related Potentials study
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Grammer Jennie , Benrey Nurit , Morrison Frederick , Lord Catherine
Published: April 2017

Deficits in executive functions (EF) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been identified. However, there is limited evidence about patterns of deficits in EF‐related skills, especially at the neurobiological level, in young children with ASD and little is known about how these skills are related to other domains of functioning and symptom severity. In this study, we provide a focused review of EF‐related Event‐Related Potentials (ERP) studies in children with ASD, accompanied by preliminary data for neurophysiological correlates of EF on a child‐friendly Go/No‐go task. We focus our preliminary investigation on ERPs associated with stimulus processing (N2, P3) and error monitoring [error/correct‐related negativity (ERN, CRN), error positivity (Pe)] in 5‐year‐old kindergarteners with ASD and typical controls matched on age, gender and task accuracy. Children with ASD showed significantly greater amplitudes of ERN/CRN compared to matched controls, suggesting heightened response monitoring. The ASD group also showed less distinct inhibitory P3 compared to the TD group, potentially suggesting atypical stimulus processing. In children with ASD, higher autism symptom severity was correlated with larger P3. Better behavioral performance on an EF‐related task was correlated with smaller CRN. Our study is the first investigation to demonstrate the presence of N2, P3, ERN/CRN and Pe in kindergartners with ASD. The potential links between ERP patterns and behavioral and clinical features in more‐able children with ASD highlight the need for further exploration into the functional mechanisms of these atypical neural activities and for more focused behavioral interventions targeting cognitive control and response monitoring.
Dynamical entrainment of corticospinal excitability during rhythmic movement observation: a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation study
Authors: Varlet Manuel , Novembre Giacomo , Keller Peter E.
Published: April 2017

Spontaneous modulations of corticospinal excitability during action observation have been interpreted as evidence for the activation of internal motor representations equivalent to the observed action. Alternatively or complementary to this perspective, growing evidence shows that motor activity during observation of rhythmic movements can be modulated by direct visuomotor couplings and dynamical entrainment. In‐phase and anti‐phase entrainment spontaneously occur, characterized by cyclic movements proceeding simultaneously in the same (in‐phase) or opposite (anti‐phase) direction. Here we investigate corticospinal excitability during the observation of vertical oscillations of an index finger using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from participants’ flexor and extensor muscles of the right index finger, placed in either a maximal steady flexion or extension position, with stimulations delivered at maximal flexion, maximal extension or mid‐trajectory of the observed finger oscillations. Consistent with the occurrence of dynamical motor entrainment, increased and decreased MEP responses – suggesting the facilitation of stable in‐phase and anti‐phase relations but not an unstable 90° phase relation – were found in participants’ flexors. Anti‐phase motor facilitation contrasts with the activation of internal motor representation as it involves activity in the motor system opposite from activity required for the execution of the observed movement. These findings demonstrate the relevance of dynamical entrainment theories and methods for understanding spontaneous motor activity in the brain during action observation and the mechanisms underpinning coordinated movements during social interaction.
Local meetings and meeting places in early medieval León
Authors: Carvajal Castro Álvaro
Published: April 2017

This article explores the written evidence for local meetings and meeting places in early medieval León between the tenth and early eleventh centuries. It considers the functions of local meetings, as well as the role they played in the negotiation of social relations within the localities. The analysis of meeting places – among which churches feature prominently in the record – provides further insight into the ways in which links between the localities and the overarching social and political framework developed, and reveals the different forces that could lead to the institutionalization of local meetings.
Single stage urethroplasty for perineal hypospadias in a foal
Authors: Harrison J. , Corley K. , Kearney C. , Mushtaq I.
Published: April 2017

The incidence of hypospadias is increasing in man, but the condition is rarely reported in horses. There are few available data regarding the surgical management of this disorder in horses, with no previous published report of urethral reconstructive surgery and only two reports documenting phallectomy procedures. This case report documents hypospadias repair, not previously reported in the horse, in a Thoroughbred foal with proximal hypospadias. The indication for surgery was contact dermatitis of the hind leg, which was impairing the foal's ambulation and had the potential to impair the foal's racing ability. Preoperative examination revealed a proximal hypospadias with a wide urethral plate. The anus was normal. The foal was otherwise thriving. A single stage urethroplasty was performed, during which the urethral plate was tubularised in two layers and the urethral meatus was successfully relocated distally to open upon the glans. The urethroplasty was covered with dartos fascia and the penile shaft skin and prepuce were reconstructed. Minor superficial dehiscence of the wound was successfully managed conservatively. Post‐operatively, urine was voided through the opening created on the glans penis, resolving the contact dermatitis. Follow‐up after 3 years confirmed that the horse continues to void through the re‐sited meatus without complication and had gone on to race successfully. In conclusion, we present the first report of reconstructive urethroplasty for the treatment of a horse for proximal hypospadias with good functionality and long‐term outcome.
Circulating irisin levels as a predictive biomarker for sarcopenia: A cross‐sectional community‐based study
Authors: Chang Jae Seung , Kim Tae Ho , Nguyen Tuyet Thi , Park Kyu‐Sang , Kim Nahyun , Kong In Deok
Published: April 2017

Aim

Myokines are peptides released by the skeletal muscle, and have gained popularity as potential biomarkers for sarcopenia. Irisin is a recently identified myokine, but its role in pathological sarcopenia remains unclear. We investigated the validity and accuracy of circulating irisin levels as a potential biomarker for sarcopenia.

Methods

We evaluated the anthropometrics, body composition, sarcopenia‐related parameters and serum irisin levels of 715 community‐dwelling Koreans. Sarcopenia was determined on the basis of the clinical diagnostic criteria of muscle atrophy and weakness, which were proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.

Results

Circulating irisin levels were correlated with appendicular lean mass/height2 (rmen = 0.275; rwomen = 0.321) and handgrip strength (rmen = 0.219; rwomen = 0.312) in both sexes (all P < 0.01). Furthermore, the mean circulating irisin levels were lower in the sarcopenia group than in the normal group (all P < 0.05). In the logistic regression models, the association between serum irisin concentration and incident sarcopenia persisted even after adjusting for potential confounders, such as sex, age and fat indices (odds ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.07–0.60; P for trend <0.01). The predictive values of serum irisin for sarcopenia were <1.0 μg/mL in men and <1.16 μg/mL in women, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.55–0.81), respectively (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

A low level of circulating irisin is a sensitive marker for muscle weakness and atrophy. Irisin is a potential biomarker for muscle dysfunction that could help predict the onset of sarcopenia and provide new avenues for monitoring age‐related muscle changes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2266–2273.
Knowing how to use and understand recipes: What arithmetical understanding is needed when students with mild intellectual disabilities use recipes in practical cooking lessons in Home Economics?
Authors: Granberg Albina , Brante Göran , Olsson Viktoria , Sydner Ylva Mattsson
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to explore what arithmetical understanding is needed when students with mild intellectual disabilities use recipes during practical cooking lessons in Home Economics. The settings were compulsory schools in Sweden attended by students with intellectual disabilities. Sixteen lessons in Home Economics during which cooking took place were observed. In total, 37 students and three teachers participated. All students had a mild intellectual disability. Their ages varied, but most were between 13 and 14 years old. The sociocultural perspective on learning, combined with a literacy framework, was used as a theoretical foundation for the study. Main findings are that students need an arithmetical understanding of (i) how to interpret numbers, (ii) how to interpret and use units, and (iii) how to compute when using recipes. The knowledge and skills needed to be able to use a recipe are featured in the concept recipe literacy, capturing both theoretical, declarative knowledge and the more practical, procedural knowledge. Recipe literacy can be used to theorize the use of recipes when learning to cook, as in Home Economics.
Investigating the einkorn (Triticum monococcum) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum) bread crumb structure with X‐ray microtomography: effects on rheological and sensory properties
Authors: Lomolino Giovanna , Morari Francesco , Dal Ferro Nicola , Vincenzi Simone , Pasini Gabriella
Published: April 2017

Einkorn wheat (Tm, Triticum monococcum L.) has nutritional characteristics that clearly distinguish it from common wheat (Ta, Triticum aestivum L.) although its rheological dough properties may be less‐performing. Therefore, to better understand the potential of Tm for human consumption and food preparation, we compared the quality of bread baked with ancient einkorn and common wheat leavened with brewer's yeast and sourdough. Results showed that Tm had generally higher firmness (21.6 N vs. 10.5 N), and lower (65.6% vs. 71.2%) and less homogeneous porosity than Ta. These results suggest a minor potential in bread‐making regardless of the Tm high total protein content and underline a weaker gluten ability to expand and retain the fermentation gas. The selection of best‐performing einkorn varieties and leavening agents (e.g. fresh sourdough) can lead to bread products with acceptable texture features, meeting consumer demand for organic, natural and ancient products.
Evaluation of synergistic and antagonistic effects between some selected antioxidants by means of an electrochemical technique
Authors: Palma Alberto , Ruiz Montoya Mercedes , Díaz Manuel Jesús , Arteaga Jesús F. , Estévez Brito Rafael , Rodríguez Mellado José Miguel
Published: April 2017

This work presents a systematic study of the possible interactions in mixtures of the natural antioxidants eugenol, thymol, sesamol and limonene. The antioxidant capacity is measured from the decrease of the DPV signal corresponding to the H2O2oxidation on a mercury electrode in the presence of the antioxidants. A three‐level full factorial design was used to analyse the antioxidant capacity of forty five mixtures. The higher synergistic effect was reached in the mixtures containing eugenol and sesamol (antioxidant capacity increases in a 28.5%). The synergistic and antagonistic effects of the combinations having the lower antioxidant capacity (thymol, sesamol and limonene) ranged between 20.2–26.3% and 8.6–11.8%, respectively. An increase in the eugenol concentration implies a progressive increase in the global synergy, not proportional to the concentration. A possible explanation of the synergy related to the oxidation mechanisms and to the possibility of interaction with the radicals is given.
Compulsory intergenerational family solidarity shaping choices between work and care: Perceptions of informal female carers and local policymakers in Estonia
Authors: Tarum Häli , Kutsar Dagmar
Published: April 2017

Estonians are obliged by law to provide maintenance for family members who are unable to cope by themselves. As a result, 80% of fragile older people receive informal care. Whether this is because the carers themselves feel solidarity and choose informal caring or because they lack alternatives is the question. We applied the cultural approach for explaining the construction of compulsory family solidarity in care provision to older people through the perceptions of informal carers and policy actors. Our interest is in how filial norms framed by individual responsibilities of care provision required by law can influence (i) informal carers’ perceptions concerning their choices between work and care and (ii) impact policy actors’ perceptions concerning eldercare service provision. Analysing the empirical data produced during focus groups with female carers and interviews with policy actors, we demonstrate the triple‐fold pressure to informal caregiving as an expression of compulsory family solidarity.

Key Practitioner Message: • The article demonstrates how the national Family Law Act constitutes a compulsory requirement of family solidarity in society; • The compulsory family solidarity norm influences local‐level policymaking and inhibits the development of formal care services for older people; • Informal carers’ choices between work and care are shaped by their personal filial norms, familialistic policymaking, and pressure exerted by older people.
Contrats de durée déterminée et productivité: une analyse à partir du cas des entreprises manufacturières allemandes
Authors: NIELEN Sebastian , SCHIERSCH Alexander
Published: April 2017

Les auteurs examinent la relation entre productivité du travail et recours aux contrats de durée déterminée (CDD) à partir d'un vaste ensemble de données sur les entreprises manufacturières allemandes. Ils combinent plusieurs modèles sur données de panel et tiennent compte du biais d'autosélection potentiel. La relation en cloche attendue n'est pas démontrée, et la recherche d'une relation linéaire conduit à des coefficients généralement négatifs (et non significatifs). Les auteurs concluent qu'il n'y a pas de relation significative entre CDD et productivité et qu'une telle corrélation ne devrait plus ětre invoquée pour justifier des politiques de flexibilisation destinées à promouvoir la compétitivité des entreprises.
La dynamique de l'emploi en République de Corée: influence du travail temporaire et indépendant sur le parcours professionnel
Authors: AHN Taehyun
Published: April 2017

Le travail temporaire et indépendant progresse par rapport à l'emploi classique (permanent) dans une bonne partie du monde développé. L'auteur examine la dynamique de cette évolution en République de Corée en analysant les décisions en matière d'emploi des classes d'âge de forte activité, par sexe. Il utilise pour cela des données de panel et un modèle logit multinomial dynamique reposant sur une spécification à effets aléatoires qui fait appel à l'analyse factorielle. Il montre que l'emploi temporaire est rarement un tremplin vers l'emploi permanent et que les indépendants sont moins susceptibles que toutes les autres catégories d'ětre sans emploi l'année suivante.
Protection de l'emploi temporaire et gains de productivité en Europe
Authors: DAMIANI Mirella , POMPEI Fabrizio , RICCI Andrea
Published: April 2017

Les auteurs examinent les différences de productivité totale des facteurs, ou efficience, entre dix branches d'activité et quatorze pays d'Europe, sur la période 1995–2007. L'objectif est de voir, par la méthode des doubles différences, si la législation protectrice de l'emploi temporaire conditionne cette productivité. Les résultats montrent que la déréglementation de l'emploi temporaire limite les gains de productivité dans les pays d'Europe et que cette libéralisation intéresse les branches d'activité qui recourent le plus intensément au travail temporaire. En outre, les auteurs observent que cette déréglementation affecte les activités de formation et l'acquisition de qualifications spécifiques à l'entreprise.
Effet des institutions du marché du travail sur la sécurité de l'emploi chez les jeunes: une perspective dynamique
Authors: BERLOFFA Gabriella , MATTEAZZI Eleonora , SANDOR Alina , VILLA Paola
Published: April 2017

Considérant qu'aujourd'hui la sécurité des parcours professionnels importe plus que la stabilité dans le poste, les auteures décident d'analyser la situation des jeunes Européens sur le marché du travail cinq ans après la fin de leurs études en se fondant sur les changements de statut d'activité mensuels et sur la durée d'emploi effective. Elles montrent que près de 40 pour cent des jeunes dits «précaires» connaissent en réalité une «sécurité de l'emploi» puisqu'ils ne restent jamais très longtemps au chômage. Elles préconisent en conséquence un durcissement de la législation protectrice des travailleurs temporaires et un renforcement des politiques actives du marché du travail.
Effects of fluoride ion on the formation of earthworm‐like mesoporous silica
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Yang Huan , Liu Lu , Li Tong , Yuan Hongmin , Ni Chaoying
Published: April 2017

In a strong acidic environment, ordered earthworm‐like mesoporous silica has been synthesized with CTAB templating and fluoride ion (F−) as a counterion. The synthesized products were characterized by small‐angle X‐ray diffraction (SXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of F/Si mole ratio on the morphology, surface area, and the pore size of the sample were discussed. It was found that a F/Si mole ratio at 0.083 induced the formation of 3D hexagonal mesophase, whereas higher F/Si mole ratios led to the formation of 2D hexagonal mesoporous silica, the optimum molar ratio of F/Si for the formation of delicate earthworm‐like mesoporous silica was observed at 0.250. The effects of the F/Si mole ratio, surfactant chain length, acid concentration, and shear flow on morphology were also studied.