bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centering Black mothers’ stories for critical literacies
Authors: Richardson Elaine
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to mine Black mothers’ stories to highlight the critical literacy work they do for themselves and their daughters, to change stereotypic views of them, and to illuminate how they negotiate intersectional structures such as gender, sexuality, race and class practice, to sustain and uplift them.

Design/methodology/approach

To generate a mother’s narrative, the author asked the following research question: What do you think Black girls need in an afterschool club or in education, or in general?

Findings

The author found that the mother’s narrative could be productively contextualized within a reproductive justice framework which gave insights into the mother’s experiences of multiple and simultaneous oppressions which aligned with her social identities with regard to race, class, gender and sexuality. These experiences in turn informed her critical literacies of Black motherhood and girlhood. The author found the system of white heteropatriarchal capitalism, through the privatization of public goods and the lack of adequate social services penalizes Black working mothers and obstructs their ability to mother their children adequately.

Research limitations/implications

Critical literacies of Black motherhood and girlhood should be harnessed for holistic approaches to the literacy education of Black girls, with a focus on improving their life outcomes, enhancing potential for them to realize their gifts, and ending the many forms of violence against them.

Originality/value

Centering the voices of Black mothers as critical literacy education has the potential to thwart oppressive reproductive politics and practices and promote social justice.
Comparison of multiphase models for computing
shock-induced bubble collapse
Authors: Goncalves Da Silva Eric , Parnaudeau Philippe
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the relative importance of the
multiphase model for the simulation of a gas bubble impacted by a normal
shock wave in water. Both the free-ﬁeld case and the collapse near a
wall are investigated. Simulations are performed on both two- and
three-dimensional conﬁgurations. The main phenomena involved in the
bubble collapse are illustrated. A focus on the maximum pressure reached
during the collapse is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Simulations are performed using an inviscid compressible homogeneous solver
based on different systems of equations. It consists in solving different
mixture or phasic conservation laws and a transport-equation for the gas
volume fraction. Three-dimensional conﬁgurations are considered for
which an eﬃcient massively parallel strategy was developed. The code
is based on a finite volume discretization for which numerical fluxes are
computed with a Harten, Lax, Van Leer, Contact (HLLC) scheme.

Findings

The comparison of three multiphase models is proposed. It is shown that a
simple four-equation model is well-suited to simulate such strong
shock-bubble interaction. The three-dimensional collapse near a wall is
investigated. It is shown that the intensity of pressure peaks on the wall
is drastically increased (more than 200 per cent) in comparison with the
cylindrical case.

Research
limitations/implications

The study of bubble collapse is a key point to understand the physical
mechanism involved in cavitation erosion. The bubble collapse close to the
wall has been addressed as the fundamental mechanism producing damage. Its
general behavior is characterized by the formation of a water jet that
penetrates through the bubble and the generation of a blast wave during the
induced collapse. Both the jet and the blast wave are possible damaging
mechanisms. However, the high-speed dynamics, the small spatio-temporal
scales and the complicated physics involved in these processes make any
theoretical and experimental approach a challenge.

Practical implications

Cavitation erosion is a major problem for hydraulic and marine applications.
It is a limiting point for the conception and design of such components.

Originality/value

Such a comparison of multiphase models in the case of a strong shock-induced
bubble collapse is clearly original. Usually models are tested separately
leading to a large dispersion of results. Moreover, simulations of a
three-dimensional bubble collapse are scarce in the literature using such
ﬁne grids.
The effect of knowledge, entrepreneurship motives and the society’s culture in increasing the women micro business performance in Riau province
Authors: Hendriani Susi , Efni Yulia , Tiyasiningsih Ezky
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study aims to know the effect of knowledge management, entrepreneurship motives and the society’s culture on women micro business performance in Pelalawan Kabupaten.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was done on women micro business in Pelalawan Kabupaten, Riau Province. The research used survey approach which used questionnaire instrument as the research primary data. The population of the research was the entrepreneurs of women micro businesses in Pelalawan Kabupaten who joined training. There are 121 entrepreneurs spread across five districts (Pankalan Kuras, Pangkalan Kerinci, Pangkalan Lesung, Kerumutan and Bandar Seikijang) where entrepreneurs in the five districts actively participate in training.

Findings

The performance of the business cannot be said that it was very well performed, because any growth had not been seen in the business run, which automatically the increase of the profit had not been able to be expected. Product sales were still fluctuating and there was no tremendous increase in sales. In addition, the increase in the number of consumers is also not significant. In relation to the knowledge management, it can be concluded that the knowledge management on the business management of the entrepreneurs was still low. There were many indicators that needed attention so that the business could develop; factors such as knowledge about market, production aspect, distribution, promotion and relationship building, financial management and technology usage were still far from expectation. The entrepreneurship motive was still low. It was proved by the condition that the entrepreneurs could not develop the business and the entrepreneurs’ welfare had not been developed yet. If the business developed, it would be followed by recognition from the people in the society. However, this has not been achieved and entrepreneurs also do not have an achievement orientation so that their business is no better than other businesses in regional Indonesia. There were not many people who supported the businesses run by the entrepreneurs in Pelalawan Kabupaten because the people’s loyalty to the products sold by the entrepreneurs was still low.

Originality/value

There had not been a comprehensive research assessing knowledge management, entrepreneurship motives and society’s culture and its effect on the micro business performance, specifically for women entrepreneurs; thus, this study is different from the previous research studies. This point became the originality of this research as well as the usage of the variable of society’s culture which became the local wisdom and was owned by Pelalawan, Riau, Indonesia and which became the characteristic highlighted in this research.
Thermal oxidation behavior of trimethylolpropane trioleate base oil when exposed to iron surfaces
Authors: Jin Yongliang , Li Jian , Cheng Bingxue , Jia Dan , Tu Jiesong , Zhan Shengpeng , Liu Lian , Duan Haitao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal oxidation behavior of trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) base oil when exposed to Fe surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of TMPTO bulk oil were placed in Fe vessels and heated in an oven to accelerate the oxidation at different time intervals, while others were placed in glass vessels and used as experimental controls. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of the oxidized TMPTOs, including the kinematic viscosity and acid value, were measured and a structural analysis was conducted using the Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the TMPTO bulk oil exhibited an exponential increase in the kinematic viscosity along with the increasing acid value over the oxidation time. The Fe surface significantly increased the kinematic viscosity of TMPTO, while only mildly impacting its acid value compared with the experimental controls. The structural analysis results of the TMPTO suggest that the C = C and = C-H bonds were the vulnerable sites. Furthermore, the results suggest that the Fe surface evidently accelerates the chemical reactions of the C = C and the = C-H bonds, and less alcohols and more carbonyl products were identified in the oil samples that were heated in the Fe vessels.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate that the Fe surfaces affected the oxidation behavior of the TMPTO base oil, and an interaction mechanism between the Fe and the TMPTO is developed.
The sound of silence: evidence of the continuing under reporting of abuse in care homes
Authors: Moore Steve
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings from two research projects undertaken between 2015 and 2019 that reveal continued underreporting and sometimes active concealment of abuse in private sector care homes for older people in England.

Design/methodology/approach

An anonymously completed questionnaire was used among newly appointed staff in 11 newly opened care homes to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data relating to the reporting of occurrences of abuse within the care homes in which they had previously worked. In total, 391 questionnaires in total were returned, 285 of which indicated that respondents had witnessed the perpetration of abuse on at least one occasion.

Findings

A significant number of respondents indicated their awareness of acts of abuse that had not been reported within the care home(s) in which they had worked, or externally to the appropriate authorities. Some respondents were aware that where occurrences of abuse had been reported within care homes no subsequent action was taken, or that external authorities were not always involved in responses to abuse. A significant number of respondents described strategies that had been used to deter reports of abuse to external agencies and to conceal its occurrence from the statutory regulator and service commissioners.

Research limitations/implications

Though the research draws upon the experiences of only 285 questionnaire respondents who had witnessed episodes of abuse, data suggest that a significant proportion of abuse in care homes remains unreported.

Originality/value

The research has revealed experiences of continued underreporting and concealment of abuse among staff in private sector care homes. Findings indicate that a strengthening of incentives and protections extended to the staff who should report abuse are essential, and that changes to current methods of external scrutiny to which care homes are subject are required.
More complex images of women at work are needed: a fictive example of Petra Delicado
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to convince the readers that more complex images of working women are needed, and that fiction may provide them.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, text analysis is done using a version of close reading.

Findings

Both media and research tend to simplify the images of working women, either in positive or negative way. Reality and some of its fictive representations offer more nuanced examples.

Research limitations/implications

Fiction can be treated as field material.

Practical implications

Women should dare more at workplaces.

Social implications

Researchers should join fiction writers in convincing society of the crucial role women play in contemporary organizations.

Originality/value

This paper belongs to the growing tradition of transdisciplinary organization studies.
Exploring culture as a paradox: complementary QUEUE analysis of cultural values and practices
Authors: Lowe Sid , Kainzbauer Astrid , Hwang Ki-Soon
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the proposition that culture in international management has been dominated by a “Western dualism to measuring culture” (Capraret al., 2015, p. 1024), which has resulted in severe problems and persistent limitations. The suggestion is that cultural research can be more productively conceived as a paradox involving a duality between two contrasting yet co-determined spheres or domains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an outline of culture as a paradox and an outline of a research approach to address the dualities of culture.

Findings

A cultural duality is described, which involves a paradoxical “yin-yang” relationship between two contrasting yet mutually constituted aspects of the collective mind. One domain, which involves conscious cognitive elements has dominated research characterized by positivism and empirical cross-cultural explorations of phenomenological cultural values. The second, more recondite domain, involves unconscious and embodied cultural phenomena, which are more tacit and hidden in indirect expression through communicative interaction, exchanges of symbolic representations and embodied behaviour in context.

Research limitations/implications

A methodological duality of qualitative and quantitative mixing in order to provide a bi-focal understanding of both tacit and explicit aspects of culture is proposed as a research agenda.

Originality/value

The suggestion is that these cultural shadows have been relatively neglected thus far in cross-cultural management research. This means that in order to better comprehend culture as paradox, an equalization of approaches sensitive to both sides of the duality is prescient. In pursuit of this idea, a complementary qualitative analysis directed at more nebulous cultural phenomena is proposed in order to provide a balanced analysis of culture as paradox.
The pattern of serum zinc and its contributing factors among third trimester pregnant women in Urmia, Iran, 2018
Authors: Gholizadeh Masoomeh , Ghavamzadeh Saeid , Khalkhali Hamid Reza , Sadaghianifar Ali
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The deficiency or excess of serum zinc in pregnancy may threaten the health of the mother and the fetus. The purpose of this study is to determine the pattern of serum zinc in pregnant women covered by Urmia urban health centers and its association with some nutritional and clinical determinants in the third trimester, from July to December 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

In this analytic cross-sectional study, of six selected health centers in Urmia, 400 pregnant women subjects who were in their third trimester were recruited in a simple random manner. The nutritional, demographic, clinical data as well as fasting blood samples were taken from each of the subjects. The data were analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test and logistic regression tests.

Findings

The study revealed that about 3 per cent of pregnant women had zinc deficiency, 70.2 per cent were normal and 26.8 per cent had high serum zinc levels. In 388 pregnant women (72.4 per cent with normal serum zinc and 27.6 per cent with high serum zinc), binary logistic regression model showed that high concentration of serum zinc was directly associated with dietary intake zinc (OR: 2.252; 95 per cent CI: 1.85-2.74), supplement zinc (OR: 7.823; 95 per cent CI: 3.676-16.649) and total intake magnesium (OR: 1.005; 95 per cent CI: 1.000-1.01) and inversely associated with frequent reproductive cycling (OR: 0.739; 95 per cent CI: 0.569-0.959).

Originality/value

Pregnant women in Urmia probably have high concentrations of serum zinc, and it is likely related to consumption of the zinc supplementation. Supplementation programs need to be scaled up for pregnant women that take inadequate dietary zinc.
Disruptive technologies, “Black Swans” and corporate innovation strategy
Authors: Calandro Joseph , Paharia Vivek
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The books, The Innovator’s Dilemma and Fooled by Randomness were best-sellers, and both books’ authors rightly have legions of followers. Nevertheless, the dynamics each author analyzed so well continue to plague many executives. Why? Is there some way to close the analytical loop between these two extremes? Put another way, is there a practical method of being productive and profitable in “normal” environments while at the same time working to capitalize on the impact of volatile disruption? This paper presents a practical approach for doing so that builds on prior research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper differentiates between the normal, linear environment of “business as usual” (BaU) and the volatile, nonlinear environments of disruption to both upside and the downside. It then profiles how to navigate each environment, illustrated by way of examples.

Findings

Our findings, which are supported by historical and contemporary examples, are that leading executives consistently navigate the environments of BaU and disruption due to explicit strategic decisions based on an “information advantage,” which is knowledge that their competitors either do not have or choose to ignore. Such advantages are monetized by efficient operations in BaU and by economically, which is to say strategically, benefiting from disruptive volatility to the upside and/or avoiding it on the downside, over time.

Practical implications

Managerial focus should be directed to potentially disruptive innovations and other kinds of ambiguous threats, which could develop to be strategically significant over time, and these need to be tracked in a meaningful way. To benefit from an information advantage, executives must selectively – that is, strategically – make small investments that could either payoff dynamically or economically mitigate the risk of extreme losses over time.

Originality/value

This paper offers executives a practical explanation why the environments of BaU and disruption must be analyzed and planned for separately by different functions. Doing so facilitates the efficient realization of corporate goals and objectives over time in both normal (linear) and highly volatile (nonlinear) environments.
Measurement of circulating miRNA‐125a exhibits good value in the management of etanercept‐treated psoriatic patients
Authors: Pei Dan , Cao Jingjing , Qin Guifang , Wang Xue
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to explore the correlation of miR‐125a with risk and severity of psoriasis, and further investigate the potential of miR‐125a for predicting response to etanercept (ETN) treatment in psoriatic patients. Moderate to severe plaque psoriatic patients (n = 126) about to undergo ETN treatment for 6 months were recruited. Their plasma samples were obtained, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and PASI‐75 response rate were assessed at baseline (M0), and at 1 (M1), 3 (M3) and 6 months (M6) of treatment. Referring to PASI‐75 response status at M6, patients were categorized as PASI‐75 responders and PASI‐75 non‐responders. Healthy controls (HC, n =120) were also enrolled and their plasma samples were collected. In addition, plasma miR‐125a was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. miR‐125a was decreased in psoriatic patients compared with HC; further, the receiver–operator curve (ROC) exhibited that miR‐125a was of good value in differentiating psoriatic patients from HC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.802. In psoriatic patients, miR‐125a was negatively associated with PASI score to some extent. Interestingly, baseline miR‐125a was lower in PASI‐75 responders than PASI‐75 non‐responders; further, ROC showed it predicted PASI‐75 response at M6 to some extent with AUC of 0.672. Multivariate logistic regression also revealed that miR‐125a was an independent predictive factor for worse PASI‐75 response at M6. Furthermore, miR‐125a expression was gradually increased during the treatment in PASI‐75 responders, but unchanged in PASI‐75 non‐responders. Measurement of circulating miR‐125a exhibits good value in the management of ETN‐treated psoriatic patients.
A Consumption v. Savings Analysis of Increasing the Superannuation Guarantee Levy
Authors: Evans John R. , Razeed Abdul
Published: December 2019

The Superannuation Guarantee Levy (SGL) is scheduled to be increased from 2025, and there is evidence that an increase could be offset against wages. This paper uses a dynamic model to estimate the distribution of the impact of the SGL increase on both pre‐ and post‐retirement standards of living. The paper shows the increase in the SGL rate has the potential to reduce current consumption for the mean household below the “first level of financial stress” (derived from ABS (6530) Table 11.4) whilst only marginally increasing post‐retirement consumption. The SGL increase may not be an acceptable trade‐off between current consumption and retirement savings.
Plant architecture, growth and biomass allocation effects of the invasive pathogen myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on Australian Myrtaceae species after fire
Authors: Fernandez Winzer Laura , Cuddy Will , Pegg Geoff S. , Carnegie Angus J. , Manea Anthony , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: December 2019

In 2010, the parasitic fungus Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) was detected in Australia. Austropuccinia psidii infects immature growth of myrtaceous species. Many of Australia’s myrtaceous species occur within fire‐prone vegetation communities and have the capacity to resprout after fire. Therefore, it is likely that new post‐fire growth may be vulnerable to A. psidii infection, causing subsequent flow‐on effects to species’ persistence and community dynamics. The aim of this study was to test the impacts of A. psidii on native Australian Myrtaceae species after fire. We grew eight native susceptible species in a glasshouse experiment before burning them and inoculating the resprouting new growth of half the plants with A. psidii. We assessed the effect of A. psidii on the architecture, growth and biomass allocation of our study species. Although general patterns were observed across species, results were found to be species‐specific. Austropuccinia psidii significantly reduced the height of two of the eight species (Callistemon citrinus and Eucalyptus moluccana), but none of the species had increased branching. As expected, specific leaf area was lower (9%) in inoculated plants – although only significant for C. citrinus and E. dalrympleana – and leaf biomass was greater (15%), but significant for Angophora costata only. Finally, biomass allocation did not significantly differ between infection treatments. We can conclude that the effect of A. psidii infection on fire‐damaged plants has significant impacts on plants at the species level, which may have flow‐on effects at the community level, especially after repeated infections. Furthermore, these impacts may be exacerbated in the future under climate change, as the predicted increase in frequency and intensity of fires across Australia will result in more frequent new growth availability, providing more opportunities for A. psidii infection.
Mental health and experience of being bullied in 12‐year‐old children with overweight and obesity
Authors: Hammar Ewa , Bladh Marie , Agnafors Sara
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim was to study the association between weight, mental health and experience of being bullied in 12‐year‐old children. Additional aim was to investigate the impact of childhood psychosocial risk factors for overweight and obesity at age 12.

Methods

Study participants were members of a Swedish prospective cohort study. A total of 573 children were followed from pregnancy to age 12. IOTF‐BMI at 12 years of age was used to categorise normal weight, overweight and obesity. Mothers, children and teachers filled out questionnaires on child mental health and experience of being bullied at age 12.

Results

In bivariate analysis, girls with obesity reported significantly more behavioural problems than normal weight and overweight peers; however, no significant differences in mental health was noted between different weight categories when controlling for gender, experience of life events and socio‐economic factors. Overweight and obesity were associated with experience of being bullied after controlling for gender, experience of life events and socio‐economic factors (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.08‐3.91).

Conclusion

Children with overweight and obesity are at increased risk of being bullied compared with normal weight peers. No significant differences in mental health were noted between children with obesity, overweight and normal weight in multivariate analysis.
A retrospective comparison of waterbirth outcomes in two United States hospital settings
Authors: Bailey Joanne M. , Zielinski Ruth E. , Emeis Cathy L. , Kane Low Lisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Water immersion during labor is an effective comfort measure; however, outcomes for waterbirth in the hospital setting have not been well documented. Our objective was to report the outcomes from two nurse‐midwifery services that provide waterbirth within a tertiary care hospital setting in the United States.

Methods

This study is a retrospective, observational, matched comparison design. Data were collected from two large midwifery practices in tertiary care centers using information recorded at the time of birth for quality assurance purposes. Land birth cases were excluded if events would have precluded them from waterbirth (epidural, meconium stained fluid, chorioamnionitis, estimated gestational age < 37 weeks, or body mass index > 40). Neonatal outcomes included Apgar score and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Maternal outcomes included perineal lacerations and postpartum hemorrhage.

Results

A total of 397 waterbirths and 2025 land births were included in the analysis. There were no differences in outcomes between waterbirth and land birth for Apgar scores or neonatal intensive care admissions (1.8% vs 2.5%). Women in the waterbirth group were less likely to sustain a first‐ or second‐degree laceration. Postpartum hemorrhage rates were similar for both groups. Similar results were obtained using a land birth subset matched on insurance, hospital location, and parity using propensity scores.

Discussion

In this study, waterbirth was not associated with increased risk to neonates, extensive perineal lacerations, or postpartum hemorrhage. Fewer women in the waterbirth group sustained first‐ or second‐degree lacerations requiring sutures.
Validation of a simplified international prognostic score (IPS‐3) in patients with advanced‐stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Hayden Anna R. , Lee Derrick G. , Villa Diego , Gerrie Alina S. , Scott David W. , Slack Graham W. , Sehn Laurie H. , Connors Joseph M. , Savage Kerry J.
Published: December 2019

A novel prognostic score (IPS‐3), comprised of only three of the seven IPS‐7 indicators (age ≥45, stage IV, haemoglobin <105 g/l), was recently proposed as a simplified model for advanced‐stage classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We aimed to validate this model in advanced‐stage cHL patients treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) in British Columbia. The estimated five‐year freedom from progression (FFP) for scores of 0, 1, 2 and 3 were very similar to the original report at 84%, 76%, 72% and 68% respectively. The IPS‐3 score is highly reproducible in this independent dataset and its simplicity makes it appealing for everyday clinical practice.
Ant seed removal in a non‐myrmecochorous Neotropical shrub: Implications for seed dispersal
Authors: Clemente Seanne R. , Whitehead Susan R.
Published: December 2019

This study investigated ant seed removal of Piper sancti‐felicis, an early successional Neotropical shrub. Neotropical Piper are a classic example of bat‐dispersed plants, but we suggest that ants are underappreciated dispersal agents. We identified eleven ant species from the genera Aphaenogaster, Ectatomma, Paratrechina, Pheidole, Trachymyrmex, and Wasmannia recruiting to and harvesting P. sancti‐felicis seeds in forest edge and secondary forest sites at La Selva, Costa Rica. We also tested for differences in ant recruitment to five states in which ants can commonly encounter seeds: unripe fruit, ripe fruit, overripe fruit, bat feces, and cleaned seeds. Overall, ants harvested more seeds from ripe and overripe fruits than other states, but this varied among species. To better understand the mechanisms behind ant preferences for ripe/overripe fruit, we also studied how alkenylphenols, secondary metabolites found in high concentrations in P. sancti‐felicis fruits, affected foraging behavior in one genus of potential ant dispersers, Ectatomma. We found no effects of alkenylphenols on recruitment of Ectatomma to fruits, and thus, these compounds are unlikely to explain differences in ant recruitment among fruits of different maturity. Considering that P. sancti‐felicis seeds have no apparent adaptations for ant dispersal, and few ants removed seeds that were cleaned of pulp, we hypothesize that most ants are harvesting its seeds for the nutritional rewards in the attached pulp. This study emphasizes the importance of ants as important additional dispersers of P. sancti‐felicis and suggests that other non‐myrmecochorous, vertebrate‐dispersed plants may similarly benefit from the recruitment to fruit by ants.
Determinants of intra‐annual population dynamics in a tropical soil arthropod
Authors: Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima , Franklin Elizabeth , Norton Roy A.
Published: December 2019

Studies on inter‐annual dynamics of populations from temperate regions have shown that density dependence and climate effects are relatively common, albeit weak. Yet, for short‐lived organisms, intra‐annual variation may be at least as important. Furthermore, tropical species commonly experience temperatures close to their upper thermal limit and thus may be more likely to experience heat stress. Here, we used the soil mite Rostrozetes ovulum to investigate the drivers of intra‐annual population dynamics in an Amazonian rain forest. We sampled 3,600 soil cores from 20 transects during 13 months, obtaining 180 mite counts. Next, we built a dynamic N‐mixture model accounting for different detection probabilities between soil types. In a Bayesian framework, we used this model to estimate (a) the strength of density dependence and (b) per capita growth rates, which were then tested against environmental variables. We found that the intra‐annual population dynamics of R. ovulum were weakly density dependent. Further, per capita growth rates increased with resource supply (litterfall) and decreased with maximum temperature over much of the observed thermal range, although these effects explained relatively little variance. Yet, the seasonal correlation between these factors created a trade‐off, so that realized population growth was highest when neither resource supply nor thermal suitability was optimal. Overall, our results suggest that the mechanisms shaping soil animal population dynamics may be surprisingly similar across latitudes. Our model offers a starting point for analyses of soil animal counts when extraction from soil samples is imperfect.
Cisplatin-mediated down-regulation of miR-145 contributes to up-regulation of PD-L1 via the c-Myc transcription factor in cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells
Authors: Sheng Q , Zhang Y , Wang Z , Ding J , Song Y , Zhao W
Published: December 2019

Immune tolerance is one of the leading causes of chemotherapy resistance in carcinoma cases. Studies have shown that programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an inhibitory molecule expressed by cancer cells, plays a significant role in immune tolerance through the induction of T cell dysfunction. The results of our RNA sequencing in previous studies revealed that microRNA-145 (miR-145), which is known to be down-regulated by cisplatin in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells, also represses gene PD-L1 expression. However, the mechanism by which miR-145 contributes to regulate PD-L1 expression in cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer is yet to be fully understood. Here, we show that cisplatin-mediated miR-145 down-regulation increased PD-L1 expression via targeting the c-Myc transcription factor, thereby inducing T cell apoptosis in vitro. We also report that expression of miR-145 is negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression in human ovarian cancer tissues, malignant grades and the recurrent risks of ovarian cancer after chemotherapy. In summary, our findings suggest that the miR-145/c-Myc/PD-L1 axis contributes to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer and support that miR-145 might act as an adjuvant therapeutic target in chemotherapy of ovarian cancer.
Educating the enemy: Harnessing learned avoidance behavior in wild predators to increase survival of reintroduced southern corroboree frogs
Authors: Umbers Kate D. L. , Riley Julia L. , Kelly Michael B. J. , Taylor‐Dalton Griffin , Lawrence Justin P. , Byrne Phillip G.
Published: December 2019

After decades of near‐complete extirpation, the yellow‐and‐black‐striped Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) is being reintroduced into field enclosures that exclude all but avian predators. The frog's long absence means avian attack risk to reintroduced individuals is unknown, so we asked: does corroboree frog coloration make them vulnerable to predators? First, using painted clay frog models and humans as proxy predators, we found that, surprisingly, striped models were as difficult to detect as control black models, and were far less detectable than yellow models. Second, to quantify attack probabilities, we deployed 2,304 models twice in the species' former range. Of our recovered models, 18% of the striped models were attacked by birds, suggesting they are a significant threat. In our second deployment, we saw a significant reduction in attacks on all model colors with only 10% of striped models attacked. If predators generalize their avoidance learning to real corroboree frogs, strategically timed model deployment near release sites may enhance the probability of survival of reintroduced frogs. Our study suggests that model deployment could be an effective low‐cost technique to increase the survival of reintroduced prey species, including, but not limited to, those potentially conspicuous to their natural enemies.
Migratory passerine birds in Britain carry Phytophthora ramorum inoculum on their feathers and “feet” at low frequency
Authors: Dadam Daria , Siasou Eleni , Woodward Stephen , Clark Jacquie A.
Published: December 2019

In this study, we investigated whether birds could be vectors facilitating long‐distance spread of Phytophthora ramorum in Britain. Migratory bird species associated with the main sporangium‐producing host plants and most likely to pick up P. ramorum spores were considered. Swabs were taken from the flank and “feet” of 1,014 birds over a 12‐month period (April 2011–March 2012) in the west of Britain and subsequently analyzed for the presence of P. ramorum using nested PCR. Ten positive samples from 10 birds were identified: three in Cornwall, one in Devon, three in Gloucestershire, two in north Wales and one in Merseyside. Phytophthora ramorum was detected on samples from four species of thrushes (Redwing Turdus iliacus, Fieldfare T. pilaris, Blackbird T. merula and Song Thrush T. philomelos) and one species of warbler (Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita). All birds that tested positive were sampled in late autumn and winter (October–February), when long‐distance movements (over 100 km) would have stopped. The low incidence of P. ramorum found using PCR suggests that the incidence of inoculum, whether viable or not, on birds was low. The apparently low incidence of inoculum on birds suggests migratory passerine birds can carry P. ramorum inoculum on their feathers and “feet,” albeit at low frequency. The dates of positive samples indicate that birds would not have been moving long distances at the time but further work is needed to estimate the extent of their contribution to the spread of P. ramorum in Britain.
Intertwined effects of climate and land use change on environmental dynamics and carbon accumulation in a mangrove‐fringed coastal lagoon in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Hapsari K. Anggi , Jennerjahn Tim C. , Lukas Martin C. , Karius Volker , Behling Hermann
Published: December 2019

The identification and quantification of natural carbon (C) sinks is critical to global climate change mitigation efforts. Tropical coastal wetlands are considered important in this context, yet knowledge of their dynamics and quantitative data are still scarce. In order to quantify the C accumulation rate and understand how it is influenced by land use and climate change, a palaeoecological study was conducted in the mangrove‐fringed Segara Anakan Lagoon (SAL) in Java, Indonesia. A sediment core was age‐dated and analyzed for its pollen and spore, elemental and biogeochemical compositions. The results indicate that environmental dynamics in the SAL and its C accumulation over the past 400 years were controlled mainly by climate oscillations and anthropogenic activities. The interaction of these two factors changed the lagoon's sediment supply and salinity, which consequently altered the organic matter composition and deposition in the lagoon. Four phases with varying climates were identified. While autochthonous mangrove C was a significant contributor to carbon accumulation in SAL sediments throughout all four phases, varying admixtures of terrestrial C from the hinterland also contributed, with natural mixed forest C predominating in the early phases and agriculture soil C predominating in the later phases. In this context, climate‐related precipitation changes are an overarching control, as surface water transport through rivers serves as the “delivery agent” for the outcomes of the anthropogenic impact in the catchment area into the lagoon. Amongst mangrove‐dominated ecosystems globally, the SAL is one of the most effective C sinks due to high mangrove carbon input in combination with a high allochthonous carbon input from anthropogenically enhanced sediment from the hinterland and increased preservation. Given the substantial C sequestration capacity of the SAL and other mangrove‐fringed coastal lagoons, conservation and restoration of these ecosystems is vitally important for climate change mitigation.
Physical activity and mortality in older patients with a pacemaker
Authors: Goto Toshihiko , Mori Kento , Nakasuka Kosuke , Kato Marina , Nakayama Takafumi , Banno Tomoyuki , Ichihashi Taku , Wakami Kazuaki , Fukuta Hidekatsu , Seo Yoshihiro , Ohte Nobuyuki
Published: December 2019

Aim

With increasing lifespans, patients requiring a pacemaker are older than they were in the past. Data regarding all‐cause mortality in older patients implanted with a pacemaker are scarce. As physical activity is associated with a decrease in all‐cause mortality, we investigated whether daily physical activity time, expressed as the activity rate determined by pacemakers, can predict all‐cause mortality in older patients (aged ≥75 years) with a pacemaker.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the baseline characteristics, echocardiographic indices, laboratory data and pacemaker parameters of 107 consecutive older patients with a newly implanted pacemaker at our hospital (age 83.8 ± 5.0 years; 54.2% men). The study end‐point was all‐cause mortality.

Results

During the follow‐up period (mean 3.0 years), 21 cases of all‐cause death were reported. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for activity rate to predict all‐cause mortality was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.92, P < 0.001). An activity rate of 3.4% (50 min/day) had a sensitivity of 86.0% and a specificity of 66.7% for predicting all‐cause mortality. The survival rate was significantly higher among patients with an activity rate ≥3.4% than among those with an activity rate <3.4% (log–rank, P < 0.001). A multivariate Cox regression analysis identified low activity rates as a predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 15.0, 95% confidence interval 4.29–52.6; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Low activity rates appear to be a strong predictor of all‐cause mortality in older patients with a pacemaker. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 106–111.
A citizens' jury on euthanasia/assisted dying: Does informed deliberation change people's views?
Authors: Walker Simon , Egan Richard , Young Jessica , Jaye Chrystal , Jackson Christopher
Published: December 2019

Euthanasia or assisted dying (EAD) remains a highly contentious issue internationally. Although polls report that a majority New Zealanders support EAD, there are concerns about the framing of the polling questions, and that those responding to the questions do not know enough about the situations described, the options available and the potential implications of EAD policy. One way to address these concerns is through a citizens' jury, which is a method of learning how a group of people view an issue following informed deliberation. This citizens' jury was conducted to learn whether a group of 15 New Zealanders thought the law should be changed to allow some form of EAD and the reasons for their view, having been informed about the issue, heard arguments for and against, and having deliberated together. The jury met for two and a half days. They did not reach a consensus, but become polarized in their positions, with several changing their positions to either strong opposition or strong support. The reasons why people support or oppose EAD were not reducible to particular principles or arguments, but reflected an integrated assessment of a range of considerations, informed by personal priorities and experiences. These results suggest that views on EAD may change in response to informed deliberation that the EAD debate involves a range of value judgments and is not likely to be resolved through deliberation alone. These results may inform international debate on EAD policy.
The feasibility of CO₂‐laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for fast lead determination in glass cullet
Authors: Lehmann Sebastian , Fischer Maike , Rosin Andreas , Gerdes Thorsten , Krenkel Walter
Published: December 2019

With an overall collection and recycling rate of 74%, the material cycle for glass packaging is well established in the European Union. However, knowledge of the composition of the recycled glass cullet is necessary to avoid creeping accumulation of undesirable contaminants into the material cycle. Due to their toxic properties, this applies in particular for heavy metals, for example, lead. The state‐of‐the‐art technology for detection of lead in recycling glass sorting is X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). Due to lower regulatory demands, as well as increasingly economical hardware, laser‐based detection techniques, like Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) may provide an alternate approach in industrial glass sorting to reach comparable detection limits and rates. In our work, CO2‐LIBS was investigated as an alternative tool for the determination of lead in glass cullet. Instead of usually utilized spectrometers, a combination of spectral filters and photodiode was employed to facilitate a fast detection rate. Glass samples with different lead content were investigated in two spectral ranges with respect to detection limits, detection speed, and accuracy. The results are compared to a commercial XRF‐sorting machine for glass cullet. It was found that comparable speeds and accuracies for lead detection in glasses can be reached.
Landscape Transformations in the Historical Capitals of Lithuania during the 13th-14th Centuries
Authors: Kuncevičius Albinas , Merkytė Inga , Poškienė Justina , Prapiestienė Regina , Vengalis Rokas , Vėlius Gintautas , Volungevičius Jonas
Published: December 2019

The castles of Kernavė, Trakai and Vilnius define the core territory of the nascent Lithuanian state. The transformation of the landscape in order to create power centres within the territory of Lithuania at the end of the 13th century into the 14th century is a testimony to the ambitions of the ruling Gediminid dynasty. The article presents the results of research carried out in 2018-2019 based on LiDAR data analysis, geophysical surveys, and archaeological investigations with minimal destructive impact. To reconstruct the paleorelief of the landscape, pedological methods were applied. In Kernavė, the most extensive landscape transforming works relate to the construction of hillforts: the steep ridges of the Neris river valley were artificially separated from the upper terrace and thereby transformed into two hillforts, separated by a defensive moat. For the construction of a brick castle in Old Trakai, a site exploiting the advantages of the natural terrain was chosen. Here a suitable location was found that could with few efforts be transformed into a hillock encircled with a moat. The brick castle at New Trakai was built on a peninsula going into a lake and further separated by deep moats. In scholarly writings, it has been assumed that this hillfort was of artificial origin. But the research has challenged this by demonstrating that the hillfort of the Peninsula Castle in New Trakai was merely a transformed glacial hill.
Hidden species diversity in Marcusenius moorii (Teleostei: Mormyridae) from the Congo Basin
Authors: Mambo Baba Taylor , Kisekelwa Tchalondawa , Danadu Mizani Célestin , Decru Eva , Vreven Emmanuel
Published: December 2019

New collections from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (YBR) and Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) revealed the presence of two groups of specimens similar to, but different from Marcusenius moorii. To study both these groups, an integrated morphological and genetic (mtDNA, cytb) approach was used. This study revealed that one of the two groups is conspecific with Marcusenius lambouri, a junior synonym of M. moorii, which is herein revalidated, with M. moorii longulus as its junior synonym. Marcusenius lambouri differs from M. moorii by a higher number of lateral line scales (44–46 vs. 40–43), a shorter pectoral‐fin length (14.6–19.9 vs. 20.3–25.2% standard length; LS) and a more elongated body due to a usually shallower middle body depth (19.8–26.5 vs. 26.3–35.9% LS). The other group revealed to be a new species for science, Marcusenius verheyenorum, which can be distinguished from its congeners with eight circumpeduncular scales by the following unique combination of characters: a rounded head with a terminal mouth; a short and deep caudal peduncle (middle caudal‐peduncle depth, 44.9–54.6% caudal‐peduncle length; LCP), a deep body (middle body depth, 27.7–34.2% LS), 38–43 scales on the lateral line, 40–41 vertebrae, 20–21 dorsal‐fin rays and 26 anal‐fin rays. Some specimens previously attributed to M. moorii were examined and reassigned to M. lambouri or M. verheyenorum. As a result, M. moorii and M. lambouri occur in sympatry in the middle Congo Basin, with the distribution area of M. moorii still further extending into the lower Congo Basin. Instead, the distribution of M. verheyenorum is limited to some right bank tributaries of the upstream part of the middle Congo Basin. Two museum records from the Lilanda River (YBR), collected in the 1950s and previously identified as M. moorii, were re‐identified as belonging to the new species, M. verheyenorum. However, the species now seems locally extinct in that region, which reflects the significant anthropogenic effects even within this reserve.