bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepping stones
Authors: Han Qiyao , Keeffe Greg
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Large-scale urbanisation has become a significant barrier to the natural migration of tree species, which is being exacerbated by accelerated climate change. Within this context, improving the permeability of urban landscapes is expected to be an effective strategy to facilitate the process of forest migration through cities. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method to assess the permeability of urban green spaces as stepping stones for forest migration, from the perspective of seed dispersal.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method combines a least-cost path (LCP) model and a graph theory-based approach. The LCP model is applied to map the potential pathways of seed dispersal at multiple spatial and temporal scales, based on which graph theory-based indices are used to quantify the accessibility of urban landscapes for seed dispersers. This method is demonstrated by a case study in the Greater Manchester area, UK. Eurasian jay, Eurasian siskin, coal tit and grey squirrel are selected as the main seed dispersers in the study area.

Findings

The results provide a comparison of the landscape permeability maps generated from different seed dispersers and identify key areas likely to facilitate the process of forest migration. Recommendations regarding landscape management for improving permeability are also discussed.

Originality/value

This method allows designers to re-visualise highly modified and fragmented urban landscapes as stepping stones for seed dispersal, which in turn allows for a more piecemeal form of landscape design to optimise urban landscapes for climate adaptation.
A modified sensor fusion framework for quantifying and removing the effect of harsh environmental condition for reliable mobile robot mapping
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Nagla Kuldeep Singh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

An autonomous mobile robot requires efficient perception of the environment to perform various tasks in a challenging environment. The precise sensory information from the range sensors is required to accomplish prerequisites, such as SLAM, path planning and localization. But the accuracy and precision of the sensors become unreliable in harsh environmental conditions because of the effect of rain, dust, humidity, fog and smoke. The purpose of this paper is to generate robust mapping of the environment in harsh environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a novel technique, averaging data with short range selection (ADWSRS), to reduce the effect of harsh environmental (rain, wind, humidity, etc.) conditions on sensory information (range) to generate reliable grid mapping. The sensory information on laser and sonar sensors in terms of probability values (occupied/unoccupied cell) in generating grid maps are fused after passing through two newly designed pre-processing filters: laser averaging filter and short range selection filter. This proposed approach relies on various aspects such as averaging laser data analogous to current pose of the sensor, selection of short range with respect to threshold value to remove the effect of specular reflection/crosstalk of sonar and a newly designed apparatus in which dirt cover (glass cover) and air blower are coupled to remove the influence of dirt, rain and humidity.

Findings

This proposed approach is tested in different environmental conditions, and to verify the consistency of the proposed approach, qualitative and quantitative analyses are carried out, which shows 42.5 per cent improvement in the probability value of occupied cells in the generated grid map.

Originality/value

The proposed ADWSRS approach reduced the effect of harsh environmental conditions such as fog, rain and smoke to generate efficient mapping of the environment, which may be implemented in diverse applications such as autonomous navigation, localization, path planning and mapping.
Transitions in coral communities over 17 years in the Sekisei Lagoon and adjacent reef areas in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Muko Soyoka , Suzuki Go , Saito Mamoru , Nakamura Takashi , Nadaoka Kazuo
Published: June 2019

Long‐term monitoring reveals coral community responses to multiple disturbances that allow us to track their trajectories. We assessed the status of coral communities between 2000 and 2017 in the Sekisei Lagoon and adjacent areas in Okinawa, Japan, using an analysis of monitoring data collected from 196 research sites. Using categorical clustering, we ranked the coral cover in the sites according to five groups: (a) high, (b) intermediate, (c) low, (d) rapidly increasing and (e) unrecovered coral cover. We also identified the composition of assemblage types that were categorized according to the dominant species, and calculated the mean number of Acropora spp. juveniles for each group. Severe declines in the coral cover ranking were observed in response to bleaching events in 2007 and 2016. Although the coral cover rank of the other groups slowly returned to previous levels after the 2007 event, group 5, which accounted for 31% of all sites, did not. Group 5 sites were mainly located in the middle and southern area of the Sekisei Lagoon and along the Ishigaki Island, and were dominated by the Acropora spp., that are more susceptible to disturbances. The intermediate number of Acropora juveniles may also have hindered the recovery of corals in group 5 sites. Our study demonstrated that the coral community composition, in particular the proportion of Acropora spp. and juvenile recruitment, influenced the trajectory of coral cover and, therefore, should be considered when predicting the response of coral communities to climate change scenarios.
Tackling Voyeurism: Is The Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 A Wasted Opportunity?
Authors: Gillespie Alisdair A.
Published: June 2019

The Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 amended the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to introduce a new offence that would seek to tackle so‐called ‘upskirting’. Whilst it originated as a Private Members Bill, it was quickly taken over by the Government following a backbench blocking manoeuvre. The Act ostensibly seeks to fill a loophole that exists within the law and to protect the sexual autonomy and inherent dignity of women. Instead, I will argue, the legislation deals with a niche area and is a wasted opportunity. Parliament chose to kick the issue into the long grass, from where it will be difficult to recover, with parliamentary time likely to be scarce over the coming years.
Are we closer to understanding why viable cells of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis are still being reported in pasteurised milk?
Authors: Mullan W Michael A
Published: June 2019

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) continues to be associated with Crohn’s disease. Following work in the 1990s that suggested that statutory pasteurisation of milk (72 °C, 15 s) was insufficient to destroy MAP, the UK Dairy Industry increased the holding time to 25 s. Since then, some plants have increased the lethality of pasteurisation further with a number using 78 °C for 27 s. Despite the increase in lethality, a recent survey of pasteurised milk in England found that 10.3% of pasteurised milk samples tested positive for viable MAP. This article discusses the significance of MAP and why viable MAP might be found in pasteurised milk.
Evaluating a computer‐based reading programme with children with Intellectual Disabilities: feasibility and pilot research
Authors: Roberts-Tyler Emily J. , Hughes John Carl , Hastings Richard P.
Published: June 2019

Increasing evidence indicates that individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) might benefit from phonics‐based reading instruction. However, research and instruction in this field has predominantly focused on sight word reading. Models for complex interventions recommend that feasibility research be conducted prior to conducting randomised studies to assess efficacy of interventions (Thabane et al., 2010). The aim of the current paper is therefore to investigate feasibility questions relating to conducting a full‐scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluation of an online, phonics‐based reading programme (Headsprout™ Early Reading; HER) with children with ID. Employing a randomised pre‐test post‐test group design, this study explores and trials important aspects of a RCT evaluation to inform a full‐scale RCT. We also found that HER had a significant effect on reading skills when compared with ‘education as usual’, with large effect sizes on the main outcome measure. This indicates that further, more robust evaluations using HER with children with ID are a worthwhile pursuit.
Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Technological Functions of the Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis in Sourdough: A Review
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Tu Jian , Sadiq Faizan Ahmed , Zhang Weizhen , Wang Wei
Published: June 2019

The use of sourdough as a leavening agent in bread making is a very old method that can be traced back to ancient times. Sourdoughs harbor a complex microbiota that is affected by multiple factors including factors related to cereal plants, grains, and sourdough processing techniques. Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis is the key autochthonous bacterium of the traditional sourdough microbiota and it is said to be “sourdough adapted” species. Despite the great dominance of this bacterium in sourdoughs, the origin of this species still remains unclear. Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis positively influences all aspects of sourdough and fermented foods. However, the positive influence of this species on sourdough is a strain‐dependent characteristic. The first purpose of this review was to discuss factors affecting the microbiota of sourdoughs with particular emphasis on reasons behind the remarkable prevalence of L. sanfranciscensis in this ecological niche. The second objective was to discuss the genotypic and phenotypic classification of L. sanfranciscensis strains and the influence of this species on technological and functional characteristics of sourdough including its influence on rheological properties of dough and bread characteristics, texture, aroma, and shelf‐life through the inhibition of fungal growth.
Pragmatic Pediatric Trial of Balanced Versus Normal Saline Fluid in Sepsis: The PRoMPT BOLUS Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Balamuth Fran , Kittick Marlena , McBride Peter , Woodford Ashley L. , Vestal Nicole , Casper T. Charles , Metheney Melissa , Smith Katherine , Atkin Natalie J. , Baren Jill M. , Dean J. Michael , Kuppermann Nathan , Weiss Scott L.
Published: June 2019

Background

Resuscitation with crystalloid fluid is a cornerstone of pediatric septic shock treatment. However, the optimal type of crystalloid fluid is unknown. We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized trial to compare balanced (lactated Ringer's [LR]) with 0.9% normal saline (NS) fluid resuscitation in children with suspected septic shock.

Methods

Open‐label pragmatic randomized controlled trial at a single academic children's hospital from January to August 2018. Eligible patients were >6 months to <18 years old who were treated in the emergency department for suspected septic shock, operationalized as blood culture, parenteral antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation for abnormal perfusion. Screening, enrollment, and randomization were carried out by the clinical team as part of routine care. Patients were randomized to receive either LR or NS for up to 48 hours following randomization. Other than fluid type, all treatment decisions were at the clinical team's discretion. Feasibility outcomes included proportion of eligible patients enrolled, acceptability of enrollment via the U.S. federal exception from informed consent (EFIC) regulations, and adherence to randomized study fluid administration.

Results

Of 59 eligible patients, 50 (85%) were enrolled and randomized. Twenty‐four were randomized to LR and 26 to NS. Only one (2%) of 44 patients enrolled using EFIC withdrew before study completion. Total median (interquartile range [IQR]) crystalloid fluid volume received during the intervention window was 107 (60 to 155) mL/kg and 98 (63 to 128) mL/kg in the LR and NS arms, respectively (p = 0.50). Patients randomized to LR received a median (IQR) of only 20% (13 to 32) of all study fluid as NS compared to 99% (64% to 100%) of study fluid as NS in the NS arm (absolute difference = 79%, 95% CI = 48% to 85%).

Conclusions

A pragmatic study design proved feasible to study comparative effectiveness of LR versus NS fluid resuscitation for pediatric septic shock.
Prenatal Alcohol Screening During Pregnancy by Midwives and Nurses
Authors: Chiodo Lisa M. , Cosmian Caitlin , Pereira Kristy , Kent Nicole , Sokol Robert J. , Hannigan John H.
Published: June 2019

Background

Alcohol use during pregnancy can have a variety of harmful consequences on the fetus. Lifelong effects include growth restriction, characteristic facial anomalies, and neurobehavioral dysfunction. This range of effects is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). There is no amount, pattern, or timing of alcohol use during pregnancy proven safe for a developing embryo or fetus. Therefore, it is important to screen patients for alcohol use, inform them about alcohol's potential effects during pregnancy, encourage abstinence, and refer for intervention if necessary. However, how and how often nurses and midwives inquire about alcohol drinking during pregnancy or use recommended screening tools and barriers they perceive to alcohol screening has not been well established.

Methods

This survey was sent to about 6,000 American midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurses who provide prenatal care about their knowledge of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, the prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy, and practices for screening patients’ alcohol use. Participants were recruited by e‐mail from the entire membership roster of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives.

Results

There were 578 valid surveys returned (about 9.6%). Analyses showed that 37.7% of the respondents believe drinking alcohol is safe during at least one trimester of pregnancy. Only 35.2% of respondents reported screening to assess patient alcohol use. Only 23.3% reported using a specific screening tool, and few of those were validated screens recommended for use in pregnant women. Respondents who believe alcohol is safe at some point in pregnancy were significantly less likely to screen their patients.

Conclusions

Respondents who reported that pregnancy alcohol use is unsafe felt more prepared to educate and intervene with patients regarding alcohol use during pregnancy and FASD than respondents who reported drinking in pregnancy was safe. Perceived alcohol safety and perceived barriers to screening appeared to influence screening practices. Improving prenatal care provider knowledge about the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and the availability of valid alcohol screening tools will improve detection of drinking during pregnancy, provide more opportunities for meaningful intervention, and ultimately reduce the incidence of FASD.
Bidirectional associations between young adults’ reported exposure to e‐cigarette marketing and e‐cigarette use
Authors: Kreitzberg Daniel S. , Pasch Keryn E. , Marti C. Nathan , Loukas Alexandra , Perry Cheryl L.
Published: June 2019

Aims

To examine bidirectional associations between self‐reported exposure to electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketing and ENDS use, over four 6‐month follow‐up surveys, among young adults.

Design

The Marketing and Promotions Across Colleges in Texas project (M‐PACT) is a cohort study that examined exposure to tobacco marketing and tobacco use behaviors among college students in Texas, United States.

Setting and participants

Participants were 5478 students from 24 2‐year and 4‐year Texas colleges. Approximately 64% (n = 3506) of the cohort were non‐white, 64% were female and the average age was 20 years.

Measurements

Students completed a baseline survey in Fall 2014/Spring 2015 and three subsequent surveys 6 months apart. Items assessed current ENDS use and self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing through the point‐of‐sale, on television, on the radio, on the internet and on billboards. A multi‐level cross‐lagged path model was used to examine the bidirectional associations between self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing and current ENDS use across the four waves, controlling for socio‐demographics.

Findings

Self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing at each previous wave predicted ENDS use at each subsequent wave (β = 0.07–0.10, P < 0.001). ENDS use at waves 2 and 3 predicted self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing at wave 3 and 4, respectively (β = 0.07–0.09, P < 0.001). Although ENDS users were more likely than non‐users to report exposure to ENDS marketing, self‐reported exposure to ENDS marketing predicted subsequent ENDS use controlling for prior ENDS use.

Conclusion

Self‐reported exposure to electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) marketing was bidirectionally associated with past 30‐day use of ENDS among young adult college students in Texas, USA from 2014/15 to 2016.
New electrocardiographic score for the prediction of atrial fibrillation: The MVP ECG risk score (morphology‐voltage‐P‐wave duration)
Authors: Alexander Bryce , Milden Julia , Hazim Bachar , Haseeb Sohaib , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Elosua Roberto , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Yeung Cynthia , Hopman Wilma , Bayes de Luna Antoni , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: June 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and has significant morbidity. A score composed of easily measured electrocardiographic variables to identify patients at risk of AF would be of great value in order to stratify patients for increased monitoring and surveillance. The purpose of this study was to develop an electrocardiographic risk score for new‐onset AF.

Methods

A total of 676 patients without previous AF undergoing coronary angiography were retrospectively studied. Points were allocated based on P‐wave morphology in inferior leads, voltage in lead 1, and P‐wave duration (MVP). Patients were divided into three risk groups and followed until development of AF or last available clinical appointment.

Results

Mean age was 65 years, and 68% were male. The high‐ and intermediate‐risk groups were more likely to develop AF than the low‐risk group (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–4.4; p = 0.006 and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.27; p = 0.009, respectively). The high‐risk group had a significantly shorter mean time to development of AF (258 weeks; 95% CI 205–310 weeks) compared to the intermediate‐ (278 weeks; 95% CI 252–303 weeks) and low‐risk groups (322 weeks 95% CI 307–338 weeks), p = 0.005.

Conclusions

A simple risk score composed of easy‐to‐measure electrocardiographic variables can help to predict new‐onset AF. Further validation studies will be needed to assess the ability of this risk score to predict AF in other populations.
Meibomian gland inversion: under‐recognized entity
Authors: Siah We Fong , Boboridis Kostas , Tan Petrina , Litwin Andre S. , Daya Sheraz M. , Malhotra Raman
Published: June 2019

Objective

To describe a clinical entity of upper eyelid margin and meibomian gland inversion (MGI) sequential to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), in the absence of eyelash ptosis, trichiasis or manifest marginal entropion. We highlight its clinical features, surgical management and outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of symptomatic MGI cases refractory to conservative management who underwent surgery in our centre over a 4‐year period. Anatomical correction, resolution of symptoms and possible complications are reported.

Results

A total of 21 eyelids of 13 patients (mean age: 68.5 ± 15.4, range: 32–88 years) were analysed. Symptomatic MGI patients were operated only if they have noted immediate comfort when we corrected the lid margin position with a cotton tip. Those with refractory superior punctate corneal staining (n = 14 eyes), blink‐related discomfort (n = 8) and pseudo‐blepharospasm (n = 3) reported complete postoperative resolution. Milder symptoms showed partial improvement: gritty feeling (79%), sore eye (80%) and watery eye (86%). However, symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) persisted in 88% of patients. One case recurred in 6 weeks and was offered revision surgery. Median follow‐up was 5 (range: 3–12) months.

Conclusion

Meibomian gland inversion (MGI) is a subtle clinical entity that can be easily overlooked. Symptoms are often attributed to DED or MGD alone. It is likely that MGI represents early upper lid margin anatomical changes secondary to MGD before cicatricial marginal entropion becomes clinically apparent. Recommended treatment is conservative with intensive lid hygiene and topical MGD management. However, refractory symptomatic cases who respond positively to a ‘cotton‐tip test’ (reversal of lid margin malposition with a rolling cotton‐tip) may benefit from surgical intervention with favourable anatomical and functional outcome.
Editorial: suicide and IBD—a call to action
Authors: Banerjee Tyara , Gearry Richard
Published: June 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Malham et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15258 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15318.
Integration and segregation for social enterprise employees: A relational micro‐geography
Authors: Farmer Jane , De Cotta Tracy , Kamstra Peter , Brennan‐Horley Chris , Munoz Sarah‐Anne
Published: June 2019

Geographers have highlighted the role of spaces and places in realising or discouraging social integration for marginalised or “dis/abled” citizens. Social enterprises, widely promoted by governments, aim to act as unique socio‐commercial spaces that can up‐skill citizens for work through technical and social experiences. Social enterprises have also been proposed to add value by fostering wellbeing realisation, but this has been difficult to measure. Here, we extend extant knowledge linking social enterprises and social integration (an aspect of wellbeing) by providing a “micro‐geography” of how one social enterprise contributes to social integration in an Australian regional city. Visual summaries of integration are built by mixing methods of observation, interviews and go‐along interviews, in a GIS. Our analysis shows that relational features of different workspaces within Work Integration Social Enterprises support integration to realise, but that with other relational features, segregation can occur. Confirming previous qualitative studies, we map and explore how social enterprises help to realise encounters in work and social domains outside the social enterprise and in the community. Micro‐geographies of workspaces and communities show great potential for revealing where social phenomena occur (and do not occur). Most valuably, via layers of mixed data, they help to expose causal factors – an element that has long been elusive in studies of social enterprise. Our study supports work of other geographers showing how places and spaces help social integration of disadvantaged citizens. More broadly, the micro‐geographical analysis affords potential for organisations and communities to understand where and how to generate greater social integration.
Euler Equations, Subjective Expectations and Income Shocks
Authors: Attanasio Orazio , Kovacs Agnes , Molnar Krisztina
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we make three substantive contributions. First, we use elicited subjective income expectations to identify the levels of permanent and transitory income shocks in a lifecycle framework. Second, we use these shocks to assess whether households’ consumption is insulated from them. Third, we use the shock data to estimate an Euler equation for consumption. We find that households are able to smooth transitory shocks, but adjust their consumption in response to permanent shocks, albeit not fully. The estimates of the Euler equation parameters with and without expectational errors are similar, which is consistent with rational expectations. We break new ground by combining data on subjective expectations about future income from the Michigan Survey with microdata on actual income from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
Right ventricular myocardial performance index in pediatric patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia‐related pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ligon R. Allen , Vaiyani Danish , Deshpande Shriprasad
Published: June 2019

Introduction

This study aims to assess the utility of right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) as a potential echocardiographic tool to evaluate and serially follow patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of all hemodynamic cardiac catheterizations performed January 2011 to December 2016 in patients born premature and with diagnosed BPD up to 4 years of age—excluding patients with significant congenital heart defects. Echocardiograms performed within 24 hours of the cardiac catheterization were reviewed, and a blinded RVMPI was calculated. The primary endpoint was correlation of invasive catheterization hemodynamics to noninvasive echocardiographic RVMPI measurement.

Results

A total of 49 individual patients met complete study criteria, and 10 of those patients underwent repeat cardiac catheterization. Median age at the time of assessment was 8 months (25%–75%, 4–18 months), and the cohort had a calculated RVMPI mean of 0.39 (±0.19), with 73% (43/59) having a RVMPI >0.28. A statistically significant correlation was found between the RVMPI and the baseline hemodynamics during catheterization with regard to the initial mean pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.58; P < 0.01) as well as the calculated pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.34; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of RVMPI for evaluation of PH in patients with prematurity and BPD. An increased RVMPI by noninvasive echocardiography was found to correlate with increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance measured during invasive cardiac catheterization. Large‐scale validation of this study is being planned.
Maternal investment in a bee species with facultative nest guarding and males heavier than females
Authors: Mikát Michael , Benda Daniel , Straka Jakub
Published: June 2019

1. Maternal investment can be influenced by several factors, especially maternal quality and possibilities for future reproduction. Mass provisioning Hymenoptera are an excellent group for measuring maternal investment because mothers distribute food sources to each brood cell for each offspring separately. Generally in aculeate Hymenoptera, larger females produce larger offspring and invest more in female offspring than in male offspring.

2. This study investigated patterns of maternal investment in Ceratina chalcites, which has an uncommon type of sexual size dimorphism in Hymenoptera: on average, males are heavier than females. It was found that larger females produce a significantly higher proportion of male offspring, as males are the costlier sex in this species.

3. Facultative nest guarding by females was observed. Females can guard offspring until adulthood, as is typical for bees of genus Ceratina (34.43% of nests); however, in the majority of cases (65.56% of nests), females plug and abandon the nest. Significant differences were found in the amount of investment between guarded and unguarded nests. Guarded nests had a greater number of provisioned brood cells and a higher proportion of male offspring. It is suggested that mothers have two facultative strategies – either she makes a large investment in the offspring of one nest or she abandons the first nest and carries out a second nesting elsewhere.
Comparative evaluation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts stored in different types of milk: effects on viability and biosynthesis of collagen
Authors: Sinpreechanon Phuttikarn , Boonzong Utamaphorn , Sricholpech Marnisa
Published: June 2019

Milk remains one of the most frequently recommended solutions for storage of avulsed teeth because it can maintain cell viability and is easily accessible. However, some negative effects of milk on avulsed teeth have been reported, just as the effects of milk on the long‐term functions of cells are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of milk on the viability, proliferation, and functions of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF)s in vitro. Human PDLFs were culture‐medium depleted for 5 min and stored in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS), whole cow's milk, low‐fat cow's milk, or almond milk for 1 h at 25°C. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assays. Expression of the genes encoding type I collagen and its modifying enzymes were analyzed using real‐time PCR. Collagen matrix production was evaluated using Picrosirius red polarization. Our results showed the overall efficiency of low‐fat cow's milk in maintaining the viability and proliferation of PDLFs, and in enhancing the process of collagen production. Almond milk storage resulted in the highest rate of PDLF proliferation, and comparable collagen biosynthesis ability to the control. Therefore, besides low‐fat cow's milk, almond milk may potentially be an alternative tooth‐storage medium for PDLF preservation and PDL tissue regeneration.
Fatigue crack propagation along interfaces of selective laser melting steel hybrid parts
Authors: Santos Luis M.S. , Ferreira José A.M. , Borrego Luis P. , Costa Jose D. , Capela Carlos , de Jesus Joel
Published: June 2019

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an emerging additive manufacturing technology, capable of producing complex geometry components. The current work studied both the effect of substrate material and mean stress on the fatigue crack growth behaviour along interfaces of bi‐material specimens, substrate, and part by SLM. Fatigue tests were carried out in agreement with ASTM E647 standard, using 6‐mm‐thick compact specimens. The substrate steel has only a negligible effect both on the fatigue crack propagation rate and on the crack path. The failure occurs in the material additively manufactured by SLM, near the interface. The mean stress produced only a reduced influence on the fatigue crack propagation rate in the Paris regime. For larger values of ΔK, where Kmax approaches KIc, a significant influence of the mean stress was observed. In spite of nondetection of crack closure, the application of overloads promoted significant fatigue crack retardation, quite similar for both substrate materials, probably due to the crack bifurcation during the overload.
Individual differences in L2 achievement mirror individual differences in L1 skills and L2 aptitude: Crosslinguistic transfer of L1 to L2 skills
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Patton Jon , Luebbers Julie
Published: June 2019

Studies with U.S. secondary second language (L2) learners have revealed individual differences (IDs) in first language (L1) skills and L2 aptitude and shown that these IDs are related to L2 achievement and proficiency. In this study, U.S. students were administered measures of L1 achievement, L1 cognitive processing, and L2 aptitude; followed through 2 to 3 years of Spanish courses; and administered standardized measures of Spanish achievement at the end of each year. Students were divided into high‐, average‐, and low‐achieving groups according to their scores on the Spanish measures and compared on the L1 measures and L2 aptitude test. Findings showed significant overall group differences on most L1 measures and significant between‐group differences on most L1 measures and the L2 aptitude test. IDs in L1 literacy, L1 working memory, and L2 aptitude best discriminated among students who completed 2 versus 3 years of Spanish. Results support claims that IDs in L2 achievement mirror IDs in L1 skills and provide evidence for the crosslinguistic transfer of L1 to L2 skills.
Student and faculty perceptions of writing in a foreign language studies major
Authors: Menke Mandy R. , Anderson Ana M.
Published: June 2019

Writing occupies a central position in university foreign language studies programs, yet little is known about the nature of writing instruction in upper‐division content courses. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, this study, which was part of an internal program assessment, explores faculty and student perceptions of students’ writing abilities as well as students’ perceptions of the quality, focus, and components of writing instruction. Findings point to a lack of clarity in expectations and students’ uncertainty about the relationship between content and language in writing. In addition, contradicting reports of students’ writing abilities suggest that process‐oriented instruction that incorporates faculty feedback supports and improves university students’ writing within the discipline. Suggestions for improving writing instruction and students’ outcomes are discussed in the context of previous scholarship on university curricula and faculty professional development.
The Blackened body and White governmentality: Managing the UK academy and the production of shame
Authors: Dar Sadhvi , Ibrahim Yasmin
Published: June 2019

In this article, we conceptualize the production of shame in the Blackened body as a mechanism of White governmentality in UK academia. By identifying shame as a racist anti‐woman form of governmentality that is utilized by universities to silence, alienate and degrade women of colour, we conceive how shame is imposed on her body as a form of disciplining by the White academy. We term this governmentality of recoding her corporeal body and affectivity as pornographic in its capacity and quest to possess her body and manipulate her senses. This recoding occurs within a libidinal economy that structures psychic and emotional life. For management, disciplining the racialized woman derives both pleasure and shame. For the racialized subject, the shame is carried in her body and transformed from a pornography to a psychology of power in which she re‐narrates herself as a body in deficit; lacking networks, motivation, likeability and so on. We posit that understanding the production of shame as a mode of disciplining of the Blackened body in the White academy provides a means for recovery, agency and solidarity for the Blackened body.
Conventional Oil—The Forgotten Part of the Water‐Energy Nexus
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer C. , Ferguson Grant
Published: June 2019

The impacts of unconventional oil and gas production via high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) on water resources, such as water use, groundwater and surface water contamination, and disposal of produced waters, have received a great deal of attention over the past decade. Conventional oil and gas production (e.g., enhanced oil recovery [EOR]), which has been occurring for more than a century in some areas of North America, shares the same environmental concerns, but has received comparatively little attention. Here, we compare the amount of produced water versus saltwater disposal (SWD) and injection for EOR in several prolific hydrocarbon producing regions in the United States and Canada. The total volume of saline and fresh to brackish water injected into depleted oil fields and nonproductive formations is greater than the total volume of produced waters in most regions. The addition of fresh to brackish “makeup” water for EOR may account for the net gain of subsurface water. The total amount of water injected and produced for conventional oil and gas production is greater than that associated with HVHF and unconventional oil and gas production by well over a factor of 10. Reservoir pressure increases from EOR and SWD wells are low compared to injection of fluids for HVHF, however, the longer duration of injections could allow for greater solute transport distances and potential for contamination. Attention should be refocused from the subsurface environmental impacts of HVHF to the oil and gas industry as a whole.
Recent advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Ito Keiichi
Published: June 2019

There is still no standard treatment for non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Sunitinib is the most examined drug because of its effectiveness in retrospective studies and clinical trials, and is the preferred first‐line drug in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline. Temsirolimus is an option as a first‐line drug, especially for poor‐risk non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients. Everolimus, pazopanib, axitinib and nivolmab might also be viable options. Clinical trials are still required to gather evidence regarding non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma treatment. Because each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma has a different genetic background and molecular features, specific treatment for each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma should be established. From the results of a Japanese multicenter study, tyrosine kinase inhibitors might be better used for metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma in both first‐ and second‐line settings. Both tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamicin inhibitors are effective for metastatic chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, but the preferred first‐line drug has not been determined. Platinum‐based chemotherapies are currently recommended for metastatic collecting duct carcinoma, and anti‐angiogenic drugs are effective in some cases. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially sunitinib, appear to be effective for X11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma among the microphthalmia‐associated transcription family of translocation renal cell carcinomas. Evidence is still lacking regarding the treatment for other rare non‐clear cell renal cell carcinomas. Appropriate sequential therapies using antivascular endothelial growth factor therapies, mammalian target of rapamicin inhibitors and immuno‐oncology drugs should be established for each non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Cost savings with a novel algorithm for early detection of systemic sclerosis‐related pulmonary arterial hypertension: alternative scenario analyses
Authors: Quinlivan Alannah , Proudman Susanna , Sahhar Joanne , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana ,   on behalf of the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG)
Published: June 2019

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is an important cause of death and disability in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Yearly screening of all SSc patients with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is recommended in international guidelines and currently utilised by the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIGSTANDARD). Owing to the limitations of TTE, the ASIG developed a new screening algorithm (ASIGPROPOSED) utilising a serum biomarker, NT‐proBNP, in place of TTE, which has been shown to be equally accurate as the current algorithm. The aim of this study was to compare the cost of these two algorithms using different scenarios. The new algorithm resulted in significant yearly cost savings of between AU$42 913.35 and AU$84 570 in screening and diagnosis of an Australian cohort which, if extrapolated to the Australian population, would result in a yearly cost saving of between AU$367 066 and AU$725 564. There was no scenario in which the proposed algorithm did not result in a cost saving.
The effectiveness of a brief motivational nursing intervention to reduce psychoactive substance consumption in entertainment‐sector workers: A transversal, observation, and semi‐experimental study
Authors: Almodóvar‐Fernandez Isabel , Sánchez‐Thevenet Paula , Benito Ana , Baquero Abel , Marí‐Sanmillan María Isabel , Haro Gonzalo
Published: June 2019

Checking whether changes in the perception of the quality of life related to health, after the nursing intervention, influence these patients’ motivation to change. This was a two‐staged study undertaken in entertainment‐sector workers in Spain: the first part was transversal and observational, and the second was semi‐experimental. First part undertook in 284 entertainment‐sector workers, selected by non‐probabilistic sampling, while second part undertook in 50 entertainment‐business workers, selected by consecutive sampling from those who consumed substances. A short group‐based motivational intervention session was implemented by nursing staff, and a before and after evaluation was completed. The EuroQol‐5D and Test for the Evaluation of the Quality of Life in Addicts to Psychoactive Substances (TECVASP) were used. The patients’ motivation to change was evaluated through the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. The results analysis showed that the nursing intervention reduced the participants’ perceptions of their health‐related quality of life (t = 4.23; P = 0.00009) and of their quality of life in addicts to psychoactive substances (t = 3.38; P = 0.00140). There was an increase in the motivation of 6 workers (12%) to seek treatment of their addiction (χ2 = 13.02; P = 0.0091). The post‐test contemplation stage score was predicted (F = 6.56; P = 0.003; R = 0.46) with post‐test TECVASP score and pre–post difference in TECVASP score. By reducing the patients’ perception of their quality of life, this brief nursing intervention facilitated a favourable increase in the motivation for change among these workers and was effective in 12% of cases.
Self‐efficacy and organizational commitment among Spanish nurses: the role of work engagement
Authors: Orgambídez A. , Borrego Y. , Vázquez‐Aguado O.
Published: June 2019

Aim

The objective of this study was to verify the mediating role of work engagement between self‐efficacy and affective organizational commitment on the basis of the Job Demands‐Resources Model in a sample of Spanish nursing staff.

Background

Affective organizational commitment is a key element, both for the permanence of nursing staff and for the provision of an excellent quality of care of health organizations. However, the relationships between self‐efficacy, work engagement and affective commitment to the organization have been little explored within the nursing context.

Methods

A total of 527 nursing professionals from Spanish public hospitals in Andalusia were surveyed, obtaining a convenience sample of 324 participants (52.96% nurses, 47.04% nursing assistants). The mediating role of work engagement was examined using structural equation modelling and the bootstrapping method.

Results

The results showed that affective organizational commitment was positively predicted by self‐efficacy and work engagement. Work engagement had a direct effect on affective organizational commitment, while the effect of self‐efficacy on affective commitment was totally mediated by work engagement.

Conclusions

The results give empirical support to the Job Demands‐Resources Model, which raises the mediating role of work engagement between self‐efficacy (personal resource) and affective organizational commitment (organizational result).

Implications for nursing practice

Health organizations should be aware that a greater perception of efficacy beliefs and work engagement strengthens the affective bond with the organization, thus improving the corporate image of the health institution.

Implications for nursing policy

Policy changes are necessary to create work environments that enhance the self‐efficacy of nursing staff and generate high levels of work engagement, such as flexible training plans and informal support groups.
Comparison of germination–parboiling, freeze–thaw cycle, and high pressure processing on the cooking quality of brown rice
Authors: Du Yang , Zhu Songming , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Wang Hao , Wu Jian , Yu Yong
Published: June 2019

Three treatments, namely, germination–parboiling (GP), freeze–thaw cycle (FTC), and high pressure processing (HPP) were compared for different qualities of brown rice (BR): appearance characteristics, cooking time and texture, and compared with those of untreated BR and white rice. All these three methods significantly (p < .05) reduced cooking time by 12–23% and hardness of cooked BR by 17–23% (except GP), but reduced chewiness and generated some cracks in rice kernel. Moreover, GP process resulted in the best springiness and chewiness, FTC held the original lightness of BR well and had loose structure after cooking, while HPP (500 MPa) showed the lowest cooking time and cooking loss. The results of this study show that these three treatments could improve majority of the cooking qualities of BR and provide better commercial processing opportunities.

Practical applications

This study successfully tackles the rough cooking properties of BR via three treatments: germination‐parboiling (GP), freeze–thaw cycle (FTC), and high pressure processing (HPP). Among them, GP and HPP have been adopted for commercial applications and the products are getting increasingly accepted by Chinese consumers. FTC is a simple and effective processing method, which is rarely reported, and the expected cost of its equipment is less than 1/10 of that for HPP and 1/3 of GP. This research provides incentives for farmers and food processors to increase their incomes and it can also promote the development of whole grain foods focused to improve the health of consumers.
Stainless steel surface functionalized with silver by cathodic sputtering
Authors: Toloi Torqueti Fernanda , Lino Freitas Gabriela , Carneiro Ferreira Deusmaque , Valetim Gelamo Rogério , Dias dos Anjos Gonçalves Letícia , Anadrade Araújo Naves Emiliane
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to functionalize the stainless steel surface with silver and to evaluate its antimicrobial capacity. For this purpose, stainless steel coupons coated or not with silver films were exposed to the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of bacterial adhesion on the silver functionalized coupons showed lower counts of adhered S. aureus cells when compared to E. coli. The atomic force microscopy allowed to measure the thickness of the silver film deposited (31 nm). Although all surfaces were considered hydrophobic, the silver‐functionalized stainless steel coupons presented an increase in surface hydrophobicity. Changes in the surface of the stainless steel coupons were observed by cyclic voltammetry after the silver sputtering procedure, thus evidencing the silver deposition on the surface of the stainless steel coupons. Therefore, the cathodic sputtering has proven to be effective to reduce the microbial load adhered.

Practical Applications

Cathodic sputtering proved to be efficient to functionalize stainless steel with silver surface. The modification of the surface of the stainless steel coupon with sputtering of the silver proved to deposition of the silver on the surface by cathodic deposition. Silver ions reduced bacterial load, both gram‐positive and gram‐negative, on the surfaces analyzed. Therefore, the food industry can prevent the risk of microbial adhesion and the biofilm formation using surface functionalized with a silver‐based antimicrobial agent and thus reduces the use of chemical sanitizers in the second stage of the hygiene process. This process is interesting because it dont cause deleterious effects on human health and the environment.