bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Construct Effective Consultation System for S&T Decision-making
Authors: Tang Zijun
Published: February 2019

With the development of a new round of science and technology (S&T) revolution and industrial transformation in the world, the complexity of S&T decision-making is increasing. It not only needs the comprehensive participation of scientific, technological, economic, educational and other social factors but also an effective consultation system to guarantee. To build an effective consultation system for S&T decision-making, a lot of measures can be taken, such as establishing the system of the policy and regulation, perfecting the multi-mode operation system, constructing the support system of talent team, developing of multi-channel financing system, optimizing the system of social public participation and strengthening the system of interactive international cooperation.
Initial microstructure and retained austenite in 8 Mn steel controlled by cooling rate
Authors: Renzetti Reny Angela , da Piedade Santos Vanda , Freitas Neto Ernesto Soares , Nakagomi Fábio , Corrêa Marcio Assolin , Melo Acácio Silveira , Santos Dagoberto Brandão , Siqueira Guilherme Oliveira
Published: February 2019

The present work investigates the effect of the initial microstructure on phase transformation after intercritical annealing by measuring the amount of austenite, which was obtained by X-ray diffraction and saturation magnetisation. Pieces of 8 Mn steel were austenitised at 1100°C for 1 h followed by different cooling rates: water, air, and furnace. Samples of each piece were subsequently intercritically annealed from 600 to 800°C followed by air cooling. The microstructure was characterised using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Results show how changing the cooling rate affects the temperature of intercritical annealing at which the highest content of retained austenite was obtained.
Environmental Niche Adaptation Revealed Through Fine Scale Phenological Niche Modeling
Authors: Dam Matthew H. Van , Rominger Andrew J. , Brewer Michael S.
Published: February 2019

Aim

Phenology, the temporal response of a population to its climate, is a crucial behavioral trait shared across life on earth. How species adapt their phenologies to climate change is poorly understood but critical in understanding how species will respond to future change. We use a group of flies (Rhaphiomidas) endemic to the North American deserts to understand how species adapt to changing climatic conditions. Here we explore a novel approach for taxa with constrained phenologies aimed to accurately model their environmental niche and relate this to phenological and morphological adaptations in a phylogenetic context.

Taxon

Insecta, Diptera, Mydidae,Rhaphiomidas

Location

North America, Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.

Methods

We gathered geographical and phenological occurrence data for the entire genusRhaphiomidas, and, estimated a time calibrated phylogeny. We compared Daymet derived temperature values for a species adult occurrence period (phenology) with those derived from WorldClim data that is partitioned by month or quarter to examine what effect using more precise data has on capturing a species’ environmental niche. We then examined to what extent phylogenetic signal in phenological traits, climate tolerance and morphology can inform us about how species adapt to different environmental regimes.

Results

We found that the Bioclim temperature data, which are averages across monthly intervals, poorly represent the climate windows to which adult flies are actually adapted. Using temporally-relevant climate data, we show that many species use a combination of morphological and phenological changes to adapt to different climate regimes. There are also instances where species changed only phenology to track a climate type or only morphology to adapt to different environments.

Main Conclusions

Without using a fine-scale phenological data approach, identifying environmental adaptations could be misleading because the data do not represent the conditions the animals are actually experiencing. We find that fine-scale phenological niche models are needed when assessing taxa that have a discrete phenological window that is key to their survival, accurately linking environment to morphology and phenology. Using this approach, we show thatRhaphiomidasuse a combination of niche tracking and adaptation to persist in new niches. Modeling the effect of phenology on such species’ niches will be critical for better predictions of how these species might respond to future climate change.
Sex differences in the effects of gonadal hormones on white matter microstructure development in adolescence
Authors: Ho Tiffany C. , Oskirko Kira , Colich Natalie L. , Sisk Lucinda M. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: February 2019

Adolescence, the transition between childhood and adulthood, is characterized by rapid brain development in white matter (WM) that is attributed in part to surges in gonadal hormones. To date, however, there have been no longitudinal investigations of the effects of gonadal hormones on WM development in adolescents. We acquired T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRIs at two timepoints and saliva samples from 80 adolescents (52 females [11.10±1.05 years at Time 1; 12.75±1.37 years at Time 2] and 28 males [ages 11.91±0.88 years at Time 1; 13.79±0.95 years at Time 2] who were matched on pubertal stage at Time 1. We estimated mean fractional anisotropy (FA) from 10 major WM tracts and assayed levels of testosterone (in both sexes) and estradiol (in females only). We used linear regression models to test whether interactions between sex and changes in testosterone levels significantly explained changes in FA. Sex significantly moderated the associations between changes in testosterone and changes in FA within the corpus callosum, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), uncinate fasciculus (UF), and cingulum cingulate (all ps<0.05): whereas these associations were positive in females, they were not significant in males. Females also exhibited positive associations between changes in estradiol and changes in UF, IFOF, and corticospinal FA (all ps<0.05). Our findings indicate that sex differences in WM microstructure of tracts supporting cognitive control, response inhibition, and emotion regulation are explained by differences in changes in testosterone, and have important implications for understanding sex differences in brain development and psychosocial behaviors during the pubertal transition.
Microbial metabolism and adaptations in Atribacteria-dominated methane hydrate sediments
Authors: Glass Jennifer B. , Ranjan Piyush , Kretz Cecilia B. , Nunn Brook L. , Johnson Abigail M. , Xu Manlin , McManus James , Stewart Frank J.
Published: February 2019

Gas hydrates harbor gigatons of natural gas, yet their microbiomes remain understudied. We bioprospected 16S rRNA amplicons, metagenomes, and metaproteomes from methane hydrate-bearing sediments under Hydrate Ridge (offshore Oregon, USA, ODP Site 1244, 2-69 mbsf) for novel microbial metabolic and biosynthetic potential. Atribacteria sequences generally increased in relative sequence abundance with increasing sediment depth. Most Atribacteria ASVs belonged to JS-1-Genus 1 and clustered with other sequences from gas hydrate-bearing sediments. We recovered 21 metagenome-assembled genomic bins spanning three geochemical zones in the sediment core: the sulfate-methane transition zone, metal (iron/manganese) reduction zone, and gas hydrate stability zone. We found evidence for bacterial fermentation as a source of acetate for aceticlastic methanogenesis and as a driver of iron reduction in the metal reduction zone. In multiple zones, we identified a Ni-Fe hydrogenase-Na+/H+ antiporter supercomplex (Hun) in Atribacteria and Firmicutes bins and in other deep subsurface bacteria and cultured hyperthermophiles from the Thermotogae phylum. Atribacteria expressed tripartite ATP-independent (TRAP) transporters downstream from a novel regulator (AtiR). Atribacteria also possessed adaptations to survive extreme conditions (e.g., high salt brines, high pressure, and cold temperatures) including the ability to synthesize the osmolyte di-myo-inositol-phosphate as well as expression of K+-stimulated pyrophosphatase and capsule proteins.

Originality-Significance Statement

This work provides insights into the metabolism and adaptations of microbes that are ubiquitous and abundant in methane-rich ecosystems. Our findings suggest that bacterial fermentation is a source of acetate for aceticlastic methanogenesis and a driver of iron reduction in the metal reduction zone. Atribacteria, the most abundant phylum in gas hydrate-bearing sediments, possess multiple strategies to cope with environmental stress.
Hemocyte subpopulation changes in Bithynia snails infected with Opisthorchis viverrini in Thailand.
Authors: Suwannatrai Kulwadee , Thinkhamrop Suwannatrai Apiporn , Donthaisong Chalermlap , Arunsan Patpicha , Thinkhamrop Kavin , Tabsripair Pairat , Welbat Jariya Umka , Tangkawattana Sirikachorn , Sotillo Javier , Tesana Smarn
Published: February 2019

The Bithynia snails of B. funiculata, B. siamensis siamensis and B. siamensis goniomphalos, are first intermediate hosts of Opisthorchis viverrini. The success of parasitic infection in snails is related to the host species and efficiency of their internal defense system. Parasitic infections in snails exhibited significant variations in the number of hemocytes in hemolymph. This study investigated hemocyte counts in Bithynia snails for various durations of O. viverrini infection. The three species/subspecies snails were infected with O. viverrini and hemocytes were counted at post-exposed periods of 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 h, and 1, 4 and 8 wk to evaluate the hemocyte response to the infection. Three major hemocyte morphotypes, namely, agranulocytes, semigranulocytes and granulocytes, were observed. After infection, the differential hemocyte morphotype counts in all species/subspecies significantly increased in granulocytes at 2 h (p < 0.05) and decreased in semigranulocytes and agranulocytes at 2 to 4 h (p < 0.05). The total hemocyte counts were significant increased at 2 h after exposure in B. s. siamensis and B. funiculata (p < 0.05). Additionally, the number of hemocytes was reduced after exposure at 4, 6 and 12 h in B. s. goniomphalos and at 12, 24 and 48 h in B. funiculata (p < 0.05). From 96 h to 8 wk, the number of hemocytes was reestablished in the hemolymph, indicating that defensive cells in the host species have different mechanisms for their susceptibility or resistance to parasitic infections. Further studies on molecular functions will be done.
Comparative genome analysis indicates rapid evolution of pathogenicity genes inColletotrichum tanaceti
Authors: Lelwala Ruvini V. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Young Neil D. , Scott Jason B. , Ades Peter K. , Gasser Robin B. , Taylor Paul W. J.
Published: February 2019

Colletotrichum tanacetiis an emerging foliar fungal pathogen of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), posing a threat to the global pyrethrum industry. Despite being reported consistently from field surveys in Australia, the molecular basis of pathogenicity ofC. tanacetion pyrethrum is unknown. Herein, the genome ofC. tanaceti(isolate BRIP57314) was assembledde novoand annotated using transcriptomic evidence. The inferred pathogenicity gene suite ofC. tanaceticomprised a large array of genes encoding secreted effectors, proteases, CAZymes and secondary metabolites. Comparative analysis of its CAZyme pathogenicity profiles with those of closely related species suggested thatC. tanacetihad additional hosts to pyrethrum. The genome ofC. tanacetihad a high repeat content and repetitive elements were located significantly closer to genes inferred to influence pathogenicity than other genes. These repeats are likely to have accelerated mutational and transposition rates in the genome, resulting in a rapid evolution of certain CAZyme families in this species. TheC. tanacetigenome consisted of a gene-sparse, A-T rich region facilitating a “two-speed” genome. Pathogenicity genes within this region were likely to have a higher evolutionary rate than the ‘core’ genome. This “two-speed” genome phenomenon in certainColletotrichumspp. was hypothesized to have caused the clustering of species based on the pathogenicity genes, to deviate from taxonomy. With the large repertoire of pathogenicity factors that can potentially evolve rapidly in response to control measures,C. tanacetimay pose a high-risk to global pyrethrum production. Knowledge of the pathogenicity genes will facilitate future research in disease management ofC. tanacetiand otherColletotrichumspp..
TheArabidopsis thalianapan-NLRome
Authors: Van de Weyer Anna-Lena , Monteiro Freddy , Furzer Oliver J. , Nishimura Marc T. , Cevik Volkan , Witek Kamil , Jones Jonathan D.G. , Dangl Jeffery L. , Weigel Detlef , Bemm Felix
Published: February 2019

Disease is both among the most important selection pressures in nature and among the main causes of yield loss in agriculture. In plants, resistance to disease is often conferred by Nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich Repeat (NLR) proteins. These proteins function as intracellular immune receptors that recognize pathogen proteins and their effects on the plant. Consistent with evolutionarily dynamic interactions between plants and pathogens, NLRs are known to be encoded by one of the most variable gene families in plants, but the true extent of intraspecific NLR diversity has been unclear. Here, we define the majority of theArabidopsis thalianaspecies-wide “NLRome”. From NLR sequence enrichment and long-read sequencing of 65 diverseA. thalianaaccessions, we infer that the pan-NLRome saturates with approximately 40 accessions. Despite the high diversity of NLRs, half of the pan-NLRome is present in most accessions. We chart the architectural diversity of NLR proteins, identify novel architectures, and quantify the selective forces that act on specific NLRs, domains, and positions. Our study provides a blueprint for defining the pan-NLRome of plant species.
A genome-based species taxonomy of theLactobacillusGenus Complex
Authors: Wittouck Stijn , Wuyts Sander , Meehan Conor J , Noort Vera van , Lebeer Sarah
Published: February 2019

Background

There are over 200 published species within theLactobacillusGenus Complex (LGC), the majority of which have sequenced type strain genomes available. Although gold standard, genome-based species delimitation cutoffs are accepted by the community, they are seldom checked against currently available genome data. In addition, there are many species-level misclassification issues within the LGC. We constructed ade novospecies taxonomy for the LGC based on 2,459 publicly available, decent-quality genomes and using a 94% core nucleotide identity threshold. We reconciled thesede novospecies with published species and subspecies names by (i) identifying genomes of type strains in our dataset and (ii) performing comparisons based on 16S rRNA sequence identity against type strains.

Results

We found that genomes within the LGC could be divided into 239 clusters (de novospecies) that were discontinuous and exclusive. Comparison of thesede novospecies to published species lead to the identification of ten sets of published species that can be merged and one species that can be split. Further, we found at least eight genome clusters that constitute new species. Finally, we were able to accurately classify 98 unclassified genomes and reclassify 74 wrongly classified genomes.

Conclusions

The current state of LGC species taxonomy is largely consistent with genome data, but there are some inconsistencies as well as genome misclassifications. These inconsistencies should be resolved to evolve towards a meaningful taxonomy where species have a consistent size in terms of sequence divergence.
Pyrethroid exposure altersAnopheles albimanusmicrobiota and resistant mosquitoes harbor more insecticide-metabolizing bacteria
Authors: Dada Nsa , Lol Juan C. , Benedict Ana Cristina , López Francisco , Sheth Mili , Dzuris Nicole , Padilla Norma , Lenhart Audrey
Published: February 2019

A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance is needed to mitigate its threat to malaria vector control. Building upon our earlier identified associations between mosquito microbiota and insecticide resistance, we demonstrate for the first time, type-specific effects of pyrethroid exposure on internal and cuticle surface bacteria in adult progeny of field-collectedAnopheles albimanus. In contrast, larval cuticle surface—but not internal—bacteria were affected by pyrethroid exposure. Being over five-folds more abundant in pyrethroid resistant adults, as compared to susceptible or non-insecticide-exposed mosquitoes,Klebsiella(alphacypermethrin),PantoeaandAsaia(permethrin) were identified as potential markers of pyrethroid resistance inAn. albimanus. We also show for the first time thatAn. albimanuslarvae and adult cuticles harbor more diverse bacterial communities than their internal microbial niches. Our findings indicate insecticide selection pressures on mosquito microbiota, and support the hypothesis of an undescribed microbe-mediated mechanism of insecticide metabolism in mosquitoes.
A Moving Target: The Megaplasmid pMPPla107 Sensitizes Cells to an Inhibitory Agent Conserved AcrossPseudomonas spp
Authors: Smith Brian A. , Feinstein Yelena , Clark Meara , Baltrus David A.
Published: February 2019

The widespread use of antibiotics across clinical and agricultural settings results in strong selection pressures and contributes to the fixation of antibiotic resistance genes, the presence of which lowers the efficacy of proven treatments for infection. Furthermore, plasmids are often key vectors that facilitate the rapid dispersal of antibiotic resistance genes across bacterial strains via horizontal gene transfer. In contrast to previous widespread correlations between plasmid acquisition and resistance to antimicrobial compounds, we demonstrate that acquisition of theP. syringaemegaplasmid pMPPla107 sensitizes strains to a conserved, bacteriostatic small molecule produced by manyPseudomonas spp. Moreover, we find the acquisition of pMPPla107 reduces production of the inhibitory agent. Our results provide insights and suggest new directions to investigate collateral sensitivity to antimicrobials due to plasmid acquisition as well as highlight costs associated to horizontal gene transfer in the form of sensitivity to antagonistic microbial interactions.
Taxonomic revision of the dolphin genusLagenorhynchus
Authors: Vollmer Nicole L. , Ashe Erin , Brownell Robert L. , Cipriano Frank , Mead James G. , Reeves Randall R. , Soldevilla Melissa S. , Williams Rob
Published: February 2019

Evolutionary relationships among cetaceans within the family Delphinidae have been difficult to resolve due to the high number of species and their relatively rapid radiation. This is the case for the dolphin species currently placed in the genusLagenorhynchus, and their relations toCephalorhynchusandLissodelphisspecies. Phylogenetic relationships among these species have been investigated using multiple lines of evidence, and that evidence consistently suggests that the six species currently assigned toLagenorhynchusdo not form a monophyletic group. Here, we summarize findings from studies of morphology, genetics, historical biogeography, and acoustics that offer insight into the phylogenetics of these taxa. We present the taxonomic basis for revision ofLagenorhynchus, propose retention ofLagenorhynchus albirostrisand reassignment of the remaining five species into other existing generic names, namelyLeucopleurus acutus, Sagmatias australis, Sagmatias cruciger, Sagmatias obliquidens, andSagmatias obscurus. Making these revisions now so that the taxonomy better reflects evolutionary relationships among these species will ensure that future studies include the most appropriate taxa for investigating the complex phylogenetic and systematic relationships among cetaceans. However, comprehensive analyses using multiple lines of evidence are still needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within and among the Lissodelphininae generaCephalorhynchus,Lissodelphis, andSagmatias.
Older immigrants living in Switzerland and ambivalence related to return around the retirement period
Authors: Bolzman Claudio A , Bridji Slim
Published: February 2019

The aim of this article is to explore the links between former guest workers’ attitudes toward return, as they approach retirement age, and ambivalence. More specifically, we seek answers to the following two questions: Do older immigrants modify their intentions toward return around the retirement period? If the answer is positive, we then ask: To which factors are these changes related when looking at intentions to return both before and after retirement? These questions have seldom been analyzed in the sociological literature, and their relation to ambivalence has not yet really been explored. After considering the state of the art, both from a sociology of migration perspective and through a life-course approach, we analyze empirically how older immigrants deal with the question of return. Our data come from a representative survey of approximately 300 older immigrants from Southern Europe (Italy, Portugal, and Spain), aged between 65 and 79 and living in urban Switzerland. Our findings show that (1) while a significant proportion of Italian and Spanish older migrants give up the idea of returning definitively to their country of origin and decide to establish their main residence in Switzerland, among the Portuguese, a significant minority wanted to return before retirement and are still planning to return, expecting to recover full citizenship in their “home” country; (2) changes with respect to return intentions mainly concern former blue-collar workers and white-collar employees; and (3) older immigrants who do not see migration as a positive decision demonstrate more ambivalence about return.
The role of polyaniline and plasticizer on the development of the electrical conductivity of PHB composites
Authors: El-hadi Ahmed M , Abd Elbary Ahmed M , Alluqmani Saleh M
Published: February 2019

This work is aimed to use polyaniline (PAni) as the conductive filler with a different weight percentage for the development of the electrical conductivity in poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) to apply in the green electronic devices and biomedical application. PHB is brittle, and for this reason, it has mixed with polypropylene carbonate (PPC)/plasticizer (TEC) to improve its toughness and then mixed with PANI/CB to introduce semi-conductive biopolymer. I-V characteristics of the samples were measured and showed ohmic behaviors, and this is apparent as the temperature rises above 50℃. It observed the semiconductivity properties of all samples. It has been found that increasing in PANI concentration in PHB/PPC matrix leads to increase in the value of the AC conductivity, dielectric permittivity (ɛ′) and dielectric loss (ɛ″). The AC conductivity of the PHB blends is improved from 10 to 16 S cm−1 (pure PHB) to 1 S cm−1 (composite 4), and this depends on the PANI concentration. These enhance in the electrical conductivity was due to the improved miscibility between all the components as shown in DSC, the single Tg, and Tm, which was supported too by SEM where PANI/CB is good dispersion in the PHB/PPC matrix.
“Is your gig any good?” Analysing job quality in the Australian platform-based food-delivery sector
Authors: Goods Caleb , Veen Alex , Barratt Tom
Published: February 2019

This qualitative industry case study evaluates job quality in the Australian platform-based food-delivery sector, one part of the growing gig economy where workers, as independent contractors, engage in digitally-enabled and controlled work that is remunerated on a piece rate basis. Using a multi-dimensional framework, we draw on worker accounts of economic security, autonomy and enjoyment to assess job quality. This study posits that to achieve a more refined picture of job quality, both objective and workers’ subjective understandings of work need to be understood in the context of their respective ‘fit’ in terms of individual circumstances, labour market alternatives and the broader socio-political context. This multi-level analysis problematises individual accounts that risk overemphasising the positive elements of platform-based work. Moreover, rather than sitting neatly in a Post- or Neo-Fordist extension of job quality, the findings reveal that the gig economy is a new juncture in capitalist production, the consequences of which need to be taken seriously by regulators, scholars, workers and other relevant stakeholders.
“Devil’s Lure Took All I Had”: Moral Panic and the Discursive Construction of Crystal Methamphetamine in Australian News Media
Authors: Fredrickson Anne , Gibson Alexandra Farren , Lancaster Kari , Nathan Sally
Published: February 2019

Crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) has been a fixture in Australian newspapers since the early 2000s. This study explores discourses at work in constructing the ice “problem” in recent Australian media, possible implications for how people who use ice are discursively positioned, and the resulting significance for drug policy. Twenty-seven articles were selected for discourse analysis, sampled from a larger study of Australian ice-related news items. By critically engaging with sociological concepts of “moral panic” and the “risk society,” we demonstrate how three media discourses produce the subject of the “young person” as both victimized by ice and a catastrophic threat in and of themselves: (1) “ice traps and transforms youth,” (2) “ice does not discriminate,” and (3) “ice perverts sanctuary.” These discourses illustrate the tensions between the meanings of ice use and understandings of safety and risk, speaking to current anxieties in Western, neoliberal societies. Ice use is further constructed as a form of abjection, threatening traditional social boundaries and institutions. However, the agency and determinism simultaneously granted to ice the substance troubles the notion we are witnessing yet another “drug scare” that polices social behavior. Instead, we observe how these discourses mirror those in the biomedical literature, which construct ice as a uniform, agentic, and uniquely dangerous drug. With use attributed to entrapment and/or naturalized as addiction, the drug is constituted as engineering its own, always harmful, consumption. This limits conceptions of any “safer,” “rational,” or “pleasurable” forms of ice use and further justifies state intervention on its users. Overall, these discourses rationalize prohibitionist interventions around ice and singularize drug consumption as a behavior requiring institutional management.
Book review: James C. Scott, Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States
Authors: Roy Kumkum
Published: February 2019

James C. Scott, Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States, Yale University Press, New Haven, CT and London, 2017, xiv + 300 pp., $26.00.
Regulatory reform as risk management: Why governments redesign micro company legal obligations
Authors: Kitching John
Published: February 2019

This article contributes to the literature on small business and regulation by presenting and testing a comprehensive framework for explaining government motivations to implement regulatory reform targeting micro companies as beneficiaries. Following Haines, I adopt an alternative approach to the conventional market failure or equity rationales to explain government reform. Reform initiatives are conceptualised in terms of the management of three types of risk – actuarial, sociocultural and political. Combining a critical discourse analysis with an argumentative approach to policy analysis of documentary sources relevant to the Small Companies (Micro-Entities’ Accounts) Regulations 2013, I propose three contributions to the literature. First, reform policies are prompted by diverse risk concerns; they cannot be explained solely in terms of addressing market failure or equity considerations alone. Second, regulatory reform might, in certain circumstances, be better explained as a strategy for managing political and sociocultural risk rather than the actuarial risks that policymakers use explicitly to justify government action. Third, reforms might be motivated more by political and sociocultural risk where the legal change implemented is minimal, where robust research evidence to support the reform is limited or non-existent, or where the issue is of low salience to business owners themselves.
Reconceptualizing synergy to explain the value of business analytics systems
Authors: Someh Ida , Shanks Graeme , Davern Michael
Published: February 2019

How can we use synergy to explain the value created by business analytics systems? In this article, we conceptualize and operationalize two important aspects of synergy: namely, the synergistic relationship and the synergistic outcome. We explore the enablers and mechanisms that are involved in a synergistic relationship between business analytics systems and customer relationship management systems and define it as the ability of systems to work together, span their boundaries and complement each other. Synergistic outcomes are the new business analytics–enabled customer relationship management systems that emerge from the synergistic relationship between business analytics systems and customer relationship management systems. Taking a whole system perspective, business analytics–enabled customer relationship management systems comprise the components and the emergent properties that arise from their interaction (e.g. the ability to cross-sell and up-sell based on advanced computational methods), in which the emergent properties are new because they do not exist in the individual components. We develop a research model that uses Synergistic Relationship and Synergistic Outcomes to explain the business value created by business analytics systems and customer relationship management systems, and we test this model using a survey of 201 managers in Australia and the United States. We find that the synergistic relationship plays a significant role in the creation of business analytics–enabled customer relationship management systems and subsequently business value. Business analytics–enabled customer relationship management systems—comprising business analytics systems, customer relationship management systems and their emergent properties—contribute to transactional, informational and strategic value. This goes beyond the value created by the business analytics and customer relationship management systems individually, as measured through statistical interaction.
Information technology outsourcing and architecture dynamic capabilities as enablers of organizational agility
Authors: Karimi-Alaghehband Forough , Rivard Suzanne
Published: February 2019

Grounded in the dynamic capabilities perspective, our study addresses the question of how information technology outsourcing capabilities can interact with other IT strategic capabilities to enable organizational agility through the ongoing reconfiguration of IT solutions. To answer our question, we built on the notion of microfoundations that undergird the high-level dynamic capabilities of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring. Adopting a theory elaboration approach, we studied the case of a firm evolving in a turbulent environment, which had outsourced the quasi-totality of its IT services and had a mature IT architecture. From the case data, we specify two types of microfoundations: repeatability-related microfoundations (i.e. processes) and ability-related microfoundations (i.e. IT department structure, skills, simple rules, and communications) that undergird either information technology outsourcing dynamic capabilities or IT architecture dynamic capabilities. We propose a model that outlines how the interaction between repeatability-related microfoundations, supported by ability-related microfoundations, enables the reconfiguration of IT solutions. Our study also elucidates how a firm can follow a logic of opportunity enabled by their IT outsourcing and IT architecture dynamic capabilities.
Acupuncture combined with Buyang Huanwu decoction in treatment of patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Sun Huili , Wu Chengyu
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effect of acupuncture combined with Buyang Huanwu decoction in patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

In total, 115 patients with ischemic stroke were recruited and divided into 3 groups. The control group received normal treatment, the acupuncture group received additional acupuncture treatment, and the combined group received additional acupuncture combined with Buyang Huanwu decoction treatment. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Chinese Stroke Scale (CSS) were used to evaluate the stroke condition, and the Barthel index (BI) was used to measure life quality. Blood lipids and recurrence were also analyzed.

Results

The CSS and NIHSS scores were significantly lower in the acupuncture group and combined group than in the control group; however, the BI score was significantly higher in the acupuncture group and combined group. Similarly, the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were all significantly increased, while the level of high-density lipoprotein showed no significant difference in all groups. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the combined group than in the other two groups.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with Buyang Huanwu decoction could improve the clinical outcomes and reduce the recurrence rates in patients with ischemic stroke.
African oral tradition, cultural retentions and the transmission of knowledge in the West Indies
Authors: Smart Cherry-Ann
Published: February 2019

For three centuries Africans were trafficked to slave for Europeans in the West Indies. Forcibly uprooted from their homes, they carried only recollections of a way of life as they faced an uncertain future while enduring gruelling conditions. Unversed in the enslavers’ language and custom, their past was mentally retained and transmitted through oral expressions and cultural products. Yet, the history of libraries as repositories of knowledge gives credit to all newcomers except these Africans. This paper proposes the modern concept of a library supports African slaves’ cultural retention and transmission of knowledge as important in the development of life in the West Indies.
Testicular metastasis from renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy and on tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy: Case report and review
Authors: De Gobbi Alberto , Mangano Mario Salvatore , Cova Giandavide , Lamon Claudio , Maccatrozzo Luigino
Published: February 2019

Renal cell carcinoma has extremely heterogeneous presentation at the diagnosis: it may present as a confined organ disease, locally advanced, metastatic to locoregional lymph nodes or with single or multiple systemic metastases. Since chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not demonstrated efficacy either in primary therapy or in neo-adjuvant or adjuvant therapy for renal clear cell carcinoma, targeted agents like tirosine kinase inhibitors were developed and are largely used in locally advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Here, we present a rare case of ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma testicle metastasis, after radical nephrectomy and during tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy. In addition, a retrospective search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science database on testicular metasteses from renal cell carcinoma under tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy was performed.
Impact of Logistics Performance on Trade with Specific Reference to Garment Sector in Cambodia, Bangladesh and India
Authors: Siddiqui Areej Aftab , Vita San
Published: February 2019

The article focuses on the comparative analysis of impact of logistics performance on trade with respect to garment sector in Cambodia, Bangladesh and India. Although logistics performance is at the grass-roots level, it is seen that it has a significant impact on trade through various studies as well as empirical analyses. The article employs panel data analysis to assess the impact of logistics performance on trade across the three countries Cambodia, Bangladesh and India over the time period ranging from 2001 to 2016 for garment sector. The results obtained through empirical analysis indicate causes and impacts of logistics performance on trade in case of garment sector. Logistics performance has been denoted by the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) and the adoption of e-clearance mechanisms. The study suggests that government should promote private and foreign investment in infrastructure development projects. There is a need to implement Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems to reduce the informal payment options and to reduce transport costs. Specifically, in case of Cambodia, it can be suggested to shift to a multimodal urbanized transport system to lower transport costs and attract competition. India and Bangladesh have been major traders in the garment sector and the countries’ logistics environment has evolved due to high trade performance.
Arteriovenous fistula creation in a patient without a pulse: Vascular access in patients with left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Khawaja Aurangzaib , Lim Hoong Sern , Howell Neil J , Inston Nicholas
Published: February 2019

Left ventricular assist devices are used in heart failure patients as bridge to transplantation or increasingly as a destination therapy. These patients frequently have renal dysfunction and many reach end-stage renal failure. If haemodialysis is required, minimization of infection risk is essential. Arteriovenous grafts have been recommended for these patients due to hypothetical concerns regarding fistula maturation due to continuous flow. A case is described where a brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula was successfully formed and used for dialysis without issue. This is one case of a small number in the literature where arteriovenous fistulas have been used in left ventricular assist device patients and it appears that concerns are unfounded and good outcomes have been reported. It would appear from this experience that approaches to vascular access for dialysis in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices are in accordance with vascular access guidelines and standard practice.
The logics of digital advocacy: Between acts of political influence and presence
Authors: Johansson Håkan , Scaramuzzino Gabriella
Published: February 2019

A growing body of research highlights how the Internet and social media offer new platforms for advocacy. This article contributes to the debates on digital advocacy by combining interest group and social media studies and present the notions of digital access politics, digital information politics, and digital protest politics for a comprehensive analysis of digital advocacy. Based on a netnographic study of two highly different advocacy groups working with workers’ rights in a Swedish context, we find that online and offline activities are highly interconnected. While previous studies have largely focused on how groups gain political influence, present digital advocacy is much more oriented towards gaining political presence through social media. The article proposes that future studies into advocacy in the digital era needs to study acts for political influence and acts for political presence as intertwined or even as two sides of the same coin.
Considerations in Placement Decisions for Students With Extensive Support Needs: An Analysis of LRE Statements
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Ruppar Andrea L. , Toews Samantha Gross , McCabe Katie M. , McQueston Jessica A. , Johnston Russell
Published: February 2019

Special education consists of specially designed services available for students with disabilities, and should be available across placements. Students with the most significant disabilities continue to be taught in restrictive settings, despite accumulating evidence suggesting their special education services can be delivered effectively in general education settings. Every individualized education program (IEP) must contain a statement describing how the student will be provided a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. The present study used content analysis to examine least restrictive environment statements of 88 students’ IEPs to determine what factors, including supplementary aids and services, were considered in making placement decisions. We further analyzed the classes and activities in which students participated in general education settings. Findings reveal supplementary aids and services were not considered in placement decisions, although a number of factors centering on curricular considerations, environmental demands, student deficit, and personnel requirements were noted in making placement decisions. We further found students primarily participated in non-academic instruction while in general education settings. Implications for policy, practice, and research are included.
Operation assessment: Lessons learned across echelons
Authors: Jablonski James A , Wade Brian M , Alt Jonathan K
Published: February 2019

Assessors often become invaluable assets to commands, especially during the execution of critical or non-standard missions. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these missions and staff turn-over, assessors often start from ‘scratch’ as young officers in nascent assessment programs. Years of lessons learned are often overlooked. This paper brings together a team of analysts with separate experiences as assessors in Army and Joint assignments from the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) level to the Brigade level to share insights gained through experience that apply in nearly all assessment contexts. The authors focus on three primary areas. First, they show how assessors must understand context and should often use reason and qualitative data more than rely on numerical metrics. They then explore how assessors can help staffs and leaders accurately identify trends amidst noisy and chaotic operational environments. Finally, they demonstrate how the assessment team can leverage and assist the staff to enable better assessments.
Arthroscopic treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in paediatric and adolescent patients
Authors: Trehan Samir K. , Schimizzi Gregory , Shen Tony S. , Wall Lindley B. , Goldfarb Charles A.
Published: February 2019

We assessed outcomes of 43 paediatric and adolescent patients (44 wrists) undergoing arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex surgery by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed for clinical, imaging, and operative data. Preoperatively, 49% of patients had additional diagnoses and mean QuickDASH was 47. Patients were telephoned to assess current wrist pain, subsequent treatment(s), satisfaction, and to complete QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaires. Twenty-five patients responded with mean follow-up of 70 months (minimum 13 months). In those patients not reached by telephone, mean clinical follow-up was 21 months. Seven patients had subsequent surgery (most commonly ulnar shortening osteotomy); this was associated with lower satisfaction scores. At final follow-up, mean QuickDASH was 4, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation 8 and patient and parent satisfaction scores were 9 and 9 out of 10, respectively. In conclusion, arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex treatment in paediatric patients yielded favourable outcomes and patient/parent satisfaction.

Level of evidence: IV
EU Economic Governance and the Right to Collective Bargaining: Part 2. From imposed restrictions of the right by EU Member States towards a social economic governance
Authors: Pecinovsky Pieter
Published: February 2019

This article is the second part of a research to the structure and legal nature of EU economic governance and its damaging impact on the right to collective bargaining during the crisis. The first part was published in the former edition of the ELLJ 2018, no. 4. The objective of this article is to demonstrate the actual tension between, on one side, EU economic governance and social policy measures of the Member States and, on the other side, the respect for the right to collective bargaining. The article assesses the restrictions to the right in several Member States during the last decade. Further it comments on the positive changes made by the Commission Juncker and it evaluates the most recent Country-specific Recommendations of 2018.
Effects of intravenous oxycodone alone or in combination with naltrexone on measures of respiratory depression: a randomized placebo-controlled study
Authors: Bass Almasa , Webster Lynn R. , Matschke Kyle T. , Malhotra Bimal K. , Wolfram Gernot
Published: February 2019

Background:

Abuse of prescription opioids, particularly by intravenous (IV) administration, can cause respiratory depression and death. ALO-02, an abuse-deterrent opioid formulation, is designed to release sequestered naltrexone upon manipulation by crushing, thereby antagonizing the pharmacologic effects of oxycodone. This exploratory post-hoc analysis examined the effects of IV administration of simulated crushed ALO-02 on end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), a surrogate marker of respiratory depression.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way crossover study in nondependent recreational opioid users that evaluated the abuse potential of IV administered oxycodone 20 mg + naltrexone 2.4 mg (simulating crushed ALO-02) versus oxycodone 20 mg or placebo. EtCO2 was measured as a secondary endpoint using noninvasive capnography at baseline and postdose intervals, up to 24 h.

Results:

Baseline EtCO2 (mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)) values ( n = 33) were similar across treatments: 33.5 ± 0.9, 33.5 ± 0.8, and 34.0 ± 0.7 mmHg for oxycodone 20 mg + naltrexone 2.4 mg, oxycodone 20 mg, and placebo, respectively. After dosing, mean ± SEM of the maximum effect (Emax) on EtCO2 was 37.5 ± 0.6, 40.5 ± 0.8, and 36.9 ± 0.6 mmHg for oxycodone 20 mg + naltrexone 2.4 mg, oxycodone 20 mg, and placebo, respectively. Emax values were significantly lower for oxycodone 20 mg + naltrexone 2.4 mg versus oxycodone 20 mg ( p = 0.0005), and not different from placebo ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

This abuse-potential study suggests that naltrexone released from ALO-02 tampering by crushing attenuates oxycodone-induced increase of EtCO2 in nondependent recreational opioid users.
Applying an affordances approach and a developmental lens to approach adolescent social media use
Authors: Moreno Megan A , Uhls Yalda T
Published: February 2019

Social media use among adolescents is nearly ubiquitous. Researchers, educators and parents may find the ever-shifting landscape of social media challenging to understand. In this Educational Piece, we describe an affordances approach. Applying an affordances approach to social media can advance our understanding of social media as a set of functions rather than brand name platforms. We present an affordances approach alongside the critical developmental tasks of adolescence. Our goal is to advance our thinking and standards in communicating about social media and adolescents to inform better research and program design.