bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure, hydrogen bonding and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methylpyrimidinium 4-chlorobenzoate
Authors: Jeevaraj Muthaiah , Sivajeyanthi Palaniyappan , Edison Bellarmin , Thanigaimani Kaliyaperumal , Balasubramani Kasthuri
Published: April 2018

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C6H10N3O+·C7H4ClO2
−, the dihedral angle between the pyrimidine ring of the 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methylpyrimidine cation and the the benzene ring of the 2-chlorobenzoate anion is 2.2 (1)°. In the anion, the benzene ring forms a dihedral angle of 8.5 (2)° with the carboxyl group. The pyrimidine N atom of the cation is protonated and the methoxy substituent is essentially coplanar with the parent ring. The protonated N atom and the N atom of the 2-amino group are hydrogen bonded to the 4-chlorobenzoate anion through a pair of N—H...Ocarboxyl hydrogen bonds, forming an R
2
2(8) ring motif linked through a centrosymmetric R
2
4(8) ring motif, resulting in a pseudotetrameric DDAA array. These units are linked through intermolecular methoxy C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds into ribbon-like chains extending along the c-axis direction. The crystal structure also features π–π stacking interactions between the rings in the cation and anion [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.7707 (12) Å].
N-(4-Acetylphenyl)-N′-(4-fluorophenyl)urea
Authors: Çelik Ísmail , Atioğlu Zeliha , Ordu Gamze , Gezegen Hayrettin , Akkurt Mehmet
Published: April 2018

In the title compound, C15H13FN2O2, the fluorophenyl and 4-acetylphenyl rings are twisted from each other by a dihedral angle of 11.6 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are packed into layers parallel to (010). Each layer contains the molecules linked by a pair of strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds, with an R
2
2(14) ring motif, while strong C—H...F hydrogen bonds forming R
4
2(26) ring motifs connect molecules into a two-dimensional network. The intermolecular interactions have been investigated using Hirshfeld surface studies and two-dimensional fingerprint plots.
Foreign board members and firm innovativeness: an exploratory analysis for setting a research agenda
Authors: Makkonen Teemu , Williams Allan M. , Habersetzer Antoine
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the often repeated, but empirically unconfirmed, supposition that there is a positive connection between foreign board members (FBMs) and firm innovativeness and to set a research agenda for future studies on the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses are based on a large sample of firms within the European Union, utilizing patent and trademark data together with information on the national diversity of the boards.

Findings

The analyses confirm that there is a positive association between FBMs and firm innovativeness. Contrary to expectations, FBMs from less innovative countries than the countries of their host companies are more associated with innovative firms than are FBMs from more innovative countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides empirical support for propositions, drawn from resource dependency theory and group effectiveness/diversity theories, that diverse boards of directors can lead to greater firm-level creativity and innovativeness. It also outlines a detailed research agenda for future studies to build on the tentative findings presented in this paper.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that greater national diversity in the board of directors can enhance innovation.

Originality/value

Earlier studies on board diversity have not analyzed empirically the issue of national diversity. The originality of this paper lies in its attempt to address this gap in the corporate governance literature.
Effects of microstrip line fabrication and design on high-speed signal integrity transmission of PCB manufacturing process
Authors: Wang Shouxu , Xu Xiaolan , Zhou Guoyun , Chen Yuanming , He Wei , Yang Wenjun , Su Xinhong , Hu Yongshuan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

As a common transmission line, the microstrip line plays an important role in high-speed circuits. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of the circuit design of microstrip lines on the signal integrity (SI). In addition, the influence of the type and thickness of the solder resist ink on SI was analyzed to provide guidance for the related producing process design of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Design/methodology/approach

Microstrip line properties consisting of shape, line-width/line-space ratio, reference layer design and as-covered solder resist ink were designed to measure the insertion loss (S21) in high-speed PCB.

Findings

The study showed that the insertion loss (S21) of straight, meander, snake-shaped and wavy microstrip lines was approximately consistent. A microstrip line with width/space ratio less than 0.96 is necessary, as the differential line closing produces a mutual interference. Reference layer including the discontinuous area should be repaired by adjusting the microstrip line parameters. With regard to the solder resist ink, the insertion loss of novel solder resist ink decreased by 0.163 dB/in at 12.9 GHz and 0.164 dB/in at 14 GHz, compared with traditional solder resist ink. Accordingly, the insertion loss effectively improved at a lower thickness of solder resist.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrated that the common designing factors of line shape, line/space ratio, reference layer and solder resist influence microstrip line SI in the significant reference of designer-making PCB layout.
Public sector motivational practices and their effect on job satisfaction: country differences
Authors: de Juana-Espinosa Susana , Rakowska Anna
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of job satisfaction practices for public sector employees through a cross-national approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-group analysis was carried out using SmartPLS3 among non-teaching employees of public universities in Poland and Spain.

Findings

The results show a positive relationship between motivational factors and job satisfaction; however, there is no evidence that the variable “country” introduced significant differences.

Originality/value

The research findings contribute to a better understanding of job satisfaction for public employees and provide empirical evidence on the relationship between job satisfaction and public culture.
Development of the 3D dome model based on a terrestrial laser scanner
Authors: Abu Hanipah Abdul Fatah Firdaus , Tahar Khairul Nizam
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Laser scanning technique is used to measure and model objects using point cloud data generated laser pulses. Conventional techniques to construct 3D models are time consuming, costly and need more manpower. The purpose of this paper is to assess the 3D model of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque’s main dome using a terrestrial laser scanner.

Design/methodology/approach

A laser scanner works through line of sight, which indicates that multiple scans need to be taken from a different view to ensure a complete data set. Targets must spread in all directions, and targets should be placed on fixed structures and flat surfaces for the normal scan and fine scan. After the scanning operation, point cloud data from the laser scanner were cleaned and registered before a 3D model could be developed.

Findings

As a result, the reconstruction of the 3D model was successfully developed. The samples are based on the triangle dimension, curve line, horizontal dimension and vertical dimension at the dome. The standard deviation and accuracy are calculated based on the comparison of the 21 samples taken between the high-resolution and low-resolution scanning data.

Originality/value

There are many ways to develop the 3D model and based on this study, the less complex ways also produce the best result. The authors implement the different types of dimensions for the 3D model assessment, which have not yet been considered in the past.
Adoption of multiple climate-smart agricultural practices in the Gangetic plains of Bihar, India
Authors: Aryal Jeetendra Prakash , Jat M.L. , Sapkota Tek B. , Khatri-Chhetri Arun , Kassie Menale , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Maharjan Sofina
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) is important for sustaining Indian agriculture in the face of climate change. Despite considerable effort by both national and international agricultural organizations to promote CSAPs in India, adoption of these practices is low. This study aims to examine the elements that affect the likelihood and intensity of adoption of multiple CSAPs in Bihar, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The probability and intensity of adoption of CSAPs are analyzed using multivariate and ordered probit models, respectively.

Findings

The results show significant correlations between multiple CSAPs, indicating that their adoptions are interrelated, providing opportunities to exploit the complementarities. The results confirm that both the probability and intensity of adoption of CSAPs are affected by numerous factors, such as demographic characteristics, farm plot features, access to market, socio-economics, climate risks, access to extension services and training. Farmers who perceive high temperature as the major climate risk factor are more likely to adopt crop diversification and minimum tillage. Farmers are less likely to adopt site-specific nutrient management if faced with short winters; however, they are more likely to adopt minimum tillage in this case. Training on agricultural issues is found to have a positive impact on the likelihood and the intensity of CSAPs adoption.

Practical implications

The major policy recommendations coming from of our results are to strengthen local institutions (public extension services, etc.) and to provide more training on CSAPs.

Originality/value

By applying multivariate and ordered probit models, this paper provides some insights on the long-standing discussions on whether farmers adopt CSAPs in a piecemeal or in a composite way.
Reconceptualising social enterprise in the UK through an appreciation of legal identities
Authors: Bull Mike
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review current conceptualisations of social enterprise and present a new theoretical model for social enterprise in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws on the rise of social enterprise in the UK context. Social enterprise in the UK emerged around the 1980s, in both political consciousness and as an academic discipline. The paper explores organisational antecedents to develop a conceptual model that prioritises different legal forms of social enterprise in the UK regulatory framework.

Findings

In critiquing policy, practitioner and academic publications, as well as the theoretical models that operationalise social enterprise, there are two observations from the literature this paper examines: first, Theories to date have tended to conceptualise social enterprise as a single hybrid form, neglecting a consideration of the various legal identities, ownership and governance types; second, Theoretical models have tended to overlook the cultural, regional and political-economic histories within their conceptualisations.

Originality/value

The value and originality of this paper lies in offering a new paradigm in the conceptualisation of social enterprise in the UK. This is a new contribution to knowledge that strengthens an understanding of the field. This paper creates the space to broaden and appreciate ideologically and operationally different hybrid business types of social enterprises that include charitable, solidarity and entrepreneurial type social enterprises.
Adding value, reducing research waste, the role of the NHS research and development management community
Authors: Minogue Virginia , Wells Bill
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Research suggests that 85 per cent of health research is avoidably wasted. The research and development management community has an important role in the research process and can contribute to improving the quality and value of research. Al-Shahi Salman et al. (2014) identified ways in which the community can contribute towards the reduction of research waste by increasing the efficiency of recruitment and retention of research participants, data management and data sharing in studies, and promoting the integration of research into practice. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A project undertaken between May 2016 and May 2017 explored the perspective, and contribution, towards reducing research waste amongst the research and development management community. The study identified those categories of research waste the community felt were the most important and of the most value to address. It also examined spheres of influence and barriers to addressing research waste.

Findings

The most important and highest value categories of research waste to address were: implementation of research in practice, prioritisation of research, and design, conduct and analysis of research. The research and development management community’s level of influence in those areas was low. The categories where the community felt they had most influence, with the exception of design, conduct and analysis of research, were generally those they thought were less important and valuable, i.e. research taking place to time and target, public and patient involvement, and administration.

Originality/value

Waste in research is a significant area of waste in health care expenditure. This study has provided a better understanding of research waste for the research management community. The research and development management community can take a leadership role in formulating an action plan and identifying measures of success in reducing waste in research.
Innovation procurement as projects
Authors: Yeow Jillian , Edler Jakob
Published: April 2018

Public procurement is a complex process. This complexity increases considerably when the procured product or service is an innovation, which often addresses new needs, requires different skills, takes on higher risks and thus demands organizational change. In this paper we argue that because of those demands procuring innovation necessitates the use of advanced project management techniques and an intelligent multistep project design. We underpin this argument by presenting a case study of the procurement of an innovation within the UK National Health Service which had stalled for many years but then was successfully completed by using those project management techniques. We highlight the different processes needed for the procurement of innovation compared to standard, business-as-usual procurement, and we suggest the management of procurement as multi-step, multi arena projects as a strategy for innovation procurement.
Improving managers’ intelligence through Systems Thinking
Authors: Mella Piero , Gazzola Patrizia
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Accepting the assumption that our intelligence depends on the ability to construct models which may allow us to acquire, update and transmit our knowledge, this paper aims to highlight the role of Systems Thinking in developing the “intelligence” of managers for all types and sizes of organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Four relevant contributions for improving the “intelligence” of managers will be examined: the ability to understand and model dynamic systems, the structure of Control Systems, the rules of the decision-making process and the identification of systems archetypes.

Findings

The paper will show that Systems Thinking, through the logic of Control Systems, offers managers a comprehensive representation of the problem-solving and decision-making processes, teaching them how to distinguish problems from symptoms and to acquire a leverage effect. Additionally, Senge’s system archetypes will be presented and new archetypes will be added to Senge’s list.

Practical implications

The viability of every organization and its effective resilience and survival make it more than ever necessary for managers to adopt Systems Thinking, not only as a technique but also primarily as a discipline for efficient and effective thinking, learning, communication and explanation with regard to the dynamics of the world.

Originality/value

The message of the paper is that by continually applying the rules and language of Systems Thinking, managers develop the capability to continually adapt their models to the dynamics of the world, increase their learning capacity and better gauge their consequent judgments, decisions and behavior, thereby removing the mental impediments to intelligence (inappropriate mental models, defensive routines, judgmental biases, rules, etc.).
Quantity and monetary value of agrochemical pollution from intensive farming in Indonesia
Authors: Mariyono Joko , Kuntariningsih Apri , Suswati Enny , Kompas Tom
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the environmental performance of intensive farming and estimate agrochemical waste in physical and monetary terms. The intensive farming provides adverse impacts including health and environmental quality associated with the use of agrochemicals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a theory of environmental efficiency that measures how efficient the farm uses agrochemical inputs. The efficiency was estimated using a set of farm-level data of intensive farming that use agrochemicals. Data were compiled from a survey of randomly selected 240 farmers who operated intensive farming in three regions of Java in 2014.

Findings

The results show that the performance of intensive farming was low. This condition caused agrochemical waste leading to the externality. Taking the external costs into account resulted in the improvement in efficiency of agrochemicals. The actual level of agrochemicals was about a hundred times higher than the most efficient level.

Research limitations/implications

This study is beyond the exogenous external costs. There is a need for a further comprehensive study to include more exogenous external costs associated with agrochemicals to have the potential value of such costs and the most socially efficient use of agrochemicals. The long-term effects of external cost to the environment and socio-economic livelihood of the farmers and other communities are considerable. Advocating for alternatives to decrease the use of detrimental agro-inputs, in the long run, will provide sound quality of the environment. Socially, both producers and consumers get the environmental and health benefits.

Practical implications

To reduce the agrochemical waste that caused environmental problems, a policy should be formulated to make farming more efficient, particularly for agrochemical use. It can be done by introducing agronomic technologies and enhancing farmers’ knowledge on environmentally friendly agriculture.

Originality/value

Environmental efficiency is able to estimate the quantity of agrochemical waste. The waste is a kind of non-point source pollution whose source and quantity are very difficult to identify and measure. As there are many definitions and measurement of environmental performance, this concept of environmental efficiency can be one of the alternatives.
What group of humic substances determines colour of unpolluted river water? Case study from two different rivers of North-Western Russia
Authors: Rizhinashvili Alexandra
Published: April 2018

Purpose

There is no clear answer to the question as to what kind of humic substances (HSs) (fulvic acids (FAs) or humic acids (HAs)) is primarily responsible for colour of water in water bodies. To resolve this problem, the purpose of this paper is to compare optical properties of the samples of river water with solutions (considered as standard) containing HAs and FAs in different concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author sampled two typical unpolluted rivers of Karelian Isthmus (Leningrad Region, North-Western Russia) with different water colours – Vyun with light-brown water and Kivioja with dark-brown water.

Findings

It is revealed that the shape of the light absorption curve for both rivers is similar to that of FAs. Among the coefficients,a364*is unsuitable for differentiation between HAs and FAs due to its wide transgression. In contrast, the E540coefficient allows one to separate these groups of HSs very well. The E540values of the river water samples categorise them as FAs. The values ofa440*indicate that river waters, especially from Kivioja, contain FAs with a large molecular weight in comparison with soil FAs (up to 1.75-fold higher). It shows a distinct character of river water HSs, which is consistent with the published data.

Practical implications

The results outline a more direct approach to decision support in the sphere of ecological monitoring of river water.

Originality/value

The author has concluded that river waters are coloured by FAs.
Waste management system in the clothing industry in Santa Catarina State Brazil
Authors: Correia Jeferson , Forno Ana Júlia Dal , Marangoni Cintia , Valle José Alexandre Borges
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and diagnosis waste management practices used by clothing manufacturing companies in Santa Catarina state Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this multiple case study were obtained from interviews and by using a questionnaire to collect company data. After the analysis of the responses to questionnaires issued to 22 companies, a scoring system was developed to systematically classify these companies at either a basic, intermediate or advanced levels.

Findings

According to the classification used, eight companies were characterized at the basic level, eight at the intermediate level and six as advanced. Most of the companies have already implemented measures for reuse or recycling of textile scraps, probably because of the economic value added.

Research limitations/implications

The classification system proposed proved to be an effective tool for identifying: if each company had a plan of action involving requirements of Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy; if the company had a management system in accordance with Law 12,305; the quality of solid waste treatment at the entire company and in its clothing sector; if the company adopted shared responsibility actions; and if it had knowledge of the negative environmental impacts.

Originality/value

This paper presents a classification system for companies based on a questionnaire. The system allows determining the degree of compliance with Brazilian waste management legislation.
Supplying water to the urban poor
Authors: Rana Md Masud Parves , Piracha Awais
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the processes and complexities of community participation in a water supply project for the urban informal poor in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the performance of a community-based water governance entitled Dushtha Shasthya Kendra Model. The Model includes the local urban poor community with the formal urban service providers in the process of water supply. Using a case study of Karail slum in Dhaka, the paper affirms the potential of community engagement for successful implementation of water supply project by the formal organizations.

Findings

The opportunity of community participation by the urban poor helps them to be engaged with the formal organizations. Community engagement not only offers them access to water supply but also ensure formal/legal existence in the city. Despite the fact, the community initiative in the slum faces huge locally situated political and socioeconomic challenges. Addressing these complexities with a proper management may still provide a successful community-based effort for water supply to the urban poor in the slums.

Originality/value

The paper presents a case study of water supply system for the informal poor. Water scarcity in the slum is a serious problem in Dhaka city, though the formal authorities often forget the issue during policy making and planning. This study certainly offers a better understanding of complexity and potentiality of community-based water governance, which may further ensure community participation as well as equal access to water by the urban poor.
Developing and analyzing framework for understanding the effects of GSCM on green and economic performance
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Ahmed Waqar , Najmi Arsalan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The concept of green supply chain management (GSCM) is gaining popularity in developing countries due to the environmental and economic impact along with increasing awareness of environmental safety. Enterprises are trying to express their sincere commitment toward green practices. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of GSCM on green and economic performance of the firm under the influence of leadership and institutional pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual model was developed from previous research works to understand the driving forces of green and economic performance which had inconsistent findings in the literature. Data were collected from 174 leading ISO 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Pakistan by using a structured questionnaire. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling is used for testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The statistical results indicate that the leadership and institutional pressures influence the firm for adoption of internal green practices and external green collaboration. The statistical results also suggest that green practices significantly improve firm’s green and economic performance. However, firm’s external green collaboration does not significantly affect green performance, but it improves green performance significantly.

Research limitations/implications

This research is conducted on Pakistan as a case of highly populated developing country.

Originality/value

This research presents the empirical evaluation of the influence of leadership and institutional pressure on green practices and improved green and economic performance. The results offer useful understanding for SCM practitioners seeking to adopt GSCM practices. The results also provide policy insights for regulators, organizations and legislators to further promote GSCM.
Synthesis process, magnetic and electronic properties of ferrite nanoparticle MnFe2O4
Authors: Masrour R. , Ben Ali M. , El Moussaoui H. , Hamedoun Mohamed , Benyoussef A. , Hlil E.K.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the manganese ferrite nanoparticle MnFe2O4 and to investigate the structure, size and to study the electronic and the magnetic properties of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The co-precipitation method is used to synthesize the MnFe2O4. The structure and size were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The superconducting quantum interference device is used to determine the some magnetic ground. From theoretical investigation point of view self-consistent ab initio calculations, based on density functional theory approach using full potential linear augmented plane wave method, were performed to investigate both electronic and magnetic properties of the MnFe2O4. The high temperatures series expansion (HTSE) is used to study the magnetic properties of MnFe2O4.

Findings

The saturation magnetization, the coercivity and the transition temperature varied between 21-43 emu/g, 20-50 Oe and 571-630 K, respectively, have been studied. The gap energy of MnFe2O4 has been deduced. The critical temperature and the critical exponent have been obtained using HTSEs.

Originality/value

In the present work, the authors study the electronic and magnetic properties of MnFe2O4. The results obtained by the experiment and by ab initio calculations were used in HTSE as input to deduce other physical parameters.
Experimental evaluation of the robustness of the growth–stress tolerance trade‐off within the perennial grass Dactylis glomerata
Authors: Bristiel Pauline , Gillespie Lauren , Østrem Liv , Balachowski Jennifer , Violle Cyrille , Volaire Florence
Published: April 2018

A core tenet of functional ecology is that the vast phenotypic diversity observed in the plant kingdom could be partly generated by a trade‐off between the ability of plants to grow quickly and acquire resources in rich environments vs. the ability to conserve resources and avoid mortality under stress. However, experimental demonstrations remain scarce and potentially blurred by phylogenetic constraints in cross‐species analyses. Here, we experimentally decoupled growth potential and stress survival by applying an off‐season stress on contrasting populations of the perennial grass Dactylis glomerata exhibiting a range of seasonal dormancy.

Seventeen populations of D. glomerata, originating from a latitudinal gradient from Norway to Morocco, were subjected to three types of dehydration stress: winter frost in Norway, and summer drought and early spring (off‐season) drought stress in the south of France. Growth rate and two leaf traits (leaf width and leaf dry matter content) suspected to be involved in the adaptation to dehydration stress were monitored under optimal conditions. We quantified plant dehydration survival as the amount of plant recovery after a severe stress.

Nordic populations were found to be winter‐dormant. Winter‐ and summer‐dormant populations better survived frost and summer drought, respectively. However, no trade‐off between growth potential and dehydration survival was detected in non‐dormant plants in early spring when dehydration occurred unseasonably for all populations. Furthermore, Mediterranean populations better survived an early spring drought.

Our results highlight the importance of assessing plant growth potential as a response to seasonal environmental cues. They suggest that growth potential and stress survival trade off when plants exhibit seasonal dormancy but can be functionally independent at other seasons. Consequently, the growth–stress survival relationship could be better described as a dynamic linkage rather than a constant and general trade‐off. Moreover, leaf trait values, such as thinner and more lignified leaves reflecting drought adaptation, may have contributed to the improved drought‐stress survival without resulting in a cost to growth.

Further exploration of the growth–stress survival relationship should permit deciphering the suite of plant traits and trait covariations involved in plants’ responses to increasing stress.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Root responses to elevated CO2, warming and irrigation in a semi‐arid grassland: Integrating biomass, length and life span in a 5‐year field experiment
Authors: Mueller Kevin E. , LeCain Daniel R. , McCormack M. Luke , Pendall Elise , Carlson Mary , Blumenthal Dana M.
Published: April 2018

Plant roots mediate the impacts of environmental change on ecosystems, yet knowledge of root responses to environmental change is limited because few experiments evaluate multiple environmental factors and their interactions. Inferences about root functions are also limited because root length dynamics are rarely measured.

Using a 5‐year experiment in a mixed‐grass prairie, we report the responses of root biomass, length and life span to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), warming, elevated CO2 and warming combined, and irrigation. Root biomass was quantified using soil cores and root length dynamics were assessed using minirhizotrons. By comparing root dynamics with published results for soil resources and above‐ground productivity, we provide mechanistic insights into how climate change might impact grassland ecosystems.

In the upper soil layer, 0–15 cm depth, both irrigation and elevated CO2 alone increased total root length by twofold, but irrigation decreased root biomass and elevated CO2 had only small positive effects on root biomass. The large positive effects of irrigation and elevated CO2 alone on total root length were due to increases in both root length production and root life span. The increased total root length and life span under irrigation and elevated CO2 coincided with apparent shifts from water limitation of plant growth to nitrogen limitation. Warming alone had minimal effects on root biomass, length and life span in this shallow soil layer. Warming and elevated CO2 combined increased root biomass and total root length by c. 25%, but total root length in this treatment was lower than expected if the effects of CO2 and warming alone were additive. Treatment effects on total root length and root life span varied with soil depth and root diameter.

Synthesis. Sub‐additive effects of CO2 and warming suggest studies of elevated CO2 alone might overestimate the future capacity of grassland root systems to acquire resources. In this mixed‐grass prairie, elevated CO2 with warming stimulated total root length and root life span in deeper soils, likely enhancing plant access to more stable pools of growth‐limiting resources, including water and phosphorus. Thus, these root responses help explain previous observations of higher, and more stable, above‐ground productivity in these projected climate conditions.
Differential Scavenging Among Pig, Rabbit, and Human Subjects,
Authors: Steadman Dawnie Wolfe , Dautartas Angela , Kenyhercz Michael W. , Jantz Lee M. , Mundorff Amy , Vidoli Giovanna M.
Published: April 2018

Different animal species have been used as proxies for human remains in decomposition studies for decades, although few studies have sought to validate their use in research aimed at estimating the postmortem interval. This study examines 45 pig, rabbit, and human subjects placed in three seasonal trials at the Anthropology Research Facility. In an earlier paper, we found that overall decomposition trends did vary between species that could be due to differential insect and scavenger behavior. This study specifically examines if scavenger behavior differs by carrion species. Daily photographs, game camera photographs, written observations, and Total Body Score (TBS) documented scavenging and decomposition changes. Results show that raccoons were the most commonly observed vertebrate scavenger, that scavenging was most extensive in winter, and that certain human subjects were preferred over other humans and all non‐human subjects. Finally, scavenging activity greatly reduces the accuracy of postmortem interval estimates based on TBS.
Discovering genes responsible for silk synthesis in Bombyx mori by piggyBac‐based random insertional mutagenesis
Authors: Feng Xing‐Bao , Zheng Zi‐Wen , Zhang Xian , Gu Jun , Feng Qi‐Li , Huang Li‐Hua
Published: April 2018

Silkworm mutants are valuable resources for both transgenic breeding and gene discovery. PiggyBac‐based random insertional mutagenesis has been widely used in gene functional studies. In order to discover genes involved in silk synthesis, a piggyBac‐based random insertional library was constructed using Bombyx mori, and the mutants with abnormal cocoon were particularly screened. By this means, a “thin cocoon” mutant was identified. This mutant revealed thinner cocoon shell and shorter posterior silk gland (PSG) compared with the wild type. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of all the three fibroin genes, including Fib‐H, Fib‐L and P25, were significantly down‐regulated in the PSG of mutants. Four piggyBac insertion sites were identified in Aquaporin (AQP), Longitudinals lacking protein‐like (Lola), Glutamyl aminopeptidase‐like (GluAP) and Loc101744460. The mRNA levels of all the four genes were significantly altered in the silk gland of mutants. In particular, the mRNA amount of AQP, a gene responsible for the regulation of osmotic pressure, decreased dramatically immediately prior to the spinning stage in the anterior silk gland of mutants. The identification of the genes disrupted in the “thin cocoon” mutant in this study provided useful information for understanding silk production and transgenic breeding of silkworms in the future.
Tracing the Pathways from Research to Innovation: Evidence from Case Studies
Authors: Barjolle Dominique , Midmore Peter , Schmid Otto
Published: April 2018

The complex process through which agricultural research stimulates innovation and achieves policy goals has commonly been treated as a ‘black box’ in the scientific literature. Statistical correlations between measured expenditure and impacts, where satisfactorily established, have mostly led to details of the research and innovation system being ignored. However, identifying and exploring causal chains of impact propagation can strengthen agricultural innovation. IMPRESA investigated impact mechanisms for research‐based innovations in six case studies using a Participatory Impact Pathway Assessment approach. Several suggestions result for improving performance and public support for agricultural research. Planning for impact is needed at the design phase of research so that expected advances in technology and their consequences can be explored. At that stage and throughout the research process, soft social skills are required to promote uptake. Greater impact can be achieved through the close involvement of key public and private sector stakeholders, using stakeholder mapping as a supporting tool. There is a strong argument for the close involvement of relevant social scientists and professional facilitators from the design phase of research through to its ultimate impacts. Funding frameworks and the specification of calls for tenders would function more effectively by giving more flexibility for stakeholder engagement.
The Current State of the Russian Agricultural Sector
Authors: Kuzminov Ilya , Gokhberg Leonid , Thurner Thomas , Khabirova Elena
Published: April 2018

Russia's agriculture produces around 3.7 per cent of the country's GDP, employs 9.2 per cent of the national workforce and contributes around 6 per cent of the country's exports. The sector has shown remarkable resilience in the face of wider economic turbulence. Self‐sufficiency rates for the main agricultural commodities are relatively high. Agricultural exports have grown very significantly since 2000 especially for wheat and meslin (wheat and rye mixture). Meat production has been growing steadily, particularly in the poultry and pork sectors. Whilst the agri‐food sector has great potential to play an even more prominent role in Russia's economy, it suffers from relatively low productivity and an outdated technological base. The main drive for efficiency has come mainly from the relatively large‐scale agricultural firms, who generated more than half of the total value of agricultural output in 2016. Foreign policy instability, including economic sanctions, the devaluation of the national currency and declining economic growth have weakened the sector and caused an increase in the prices of imported goods and equipment. At the same time Russian products have replaced high value‐added imports and Russia's agricultural producers are expanding into new markets.
Letter: infliximab concentrations during induction therapy—one size does not fit all
Authors: Papamichael K. , Cheifetz A. S.
Published: April 2018

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This article is linked to Bar‐Yoseph et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14410.
Editorial: the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection worldwide—knowns and unknowns. Authors' reply
Authors: Zamani M. , Derakhshan M. H. , Zamani V. , Shokri‐Shirvani J.
Published: April 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Zaman et al and Tsipotis and Leontiadis papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14561 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14609.
Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy using the Revo‐i robotic surgical system: surgical technique and results of the first human trial
Authors: Chang Ki Don , Abdel Raheem Ali , Choi Young Deuk , Chung Byung Ha , Rha Koon Ho
Published: April 2018

Objective

To evaluate the safety and proficiency of the Revo‐i® robotic platform (Meere Company Inc.) in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa).

Patients and Methods

A prospective study was carried out on 17 patients with clinically localized PCa treated between 17 August 2016 and 23 February 2017 at our urology department using the Revo‐i. Patients underwent Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RS‐RARP). The primary objective was to describe the RS‐RARP step‐by‐step surgical technique using the Revo‐i. In addition, the safety of the Revo‐i was assessed according to intra‐operative and the postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. Early oncological outcomes were also assessed according to surgical margin status and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Continence was defined as use of no or only one pad. Surgeons’ satisfaction with the Revo‐i was assessed using the Likert scale.

Results

All surgeries were completed successfully, with no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. The median patient age was 72 years. The median docking time, console time, urethrovesical anastomosis time and estimated blood loss were 8 min, 92 min, 26 min and 200 mL, respectively. One patient was transfused intra‐operatively as a result of blood loss of 1 500 mL. Postoperatively, two patients received blood transfusion, and there were no other serious/major complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. At 3 months, four patients had positive surgical margins, one patient had BCR, and 15 patients were continent. Most of surgeons were satisfied with the Revo‐i performance.

Conclusions

The first human study for the treatment of patients with localized PCa using the Revo‐i robotic surgical system was carried out successfully. The peri‐operative, early oncological and continence outcomes are encouraging. Further prospective studies are warranted to support our preliminary results.
Mnemonic Institutions and Residential Clustering: Jewish Residential Patterns in Toronto
Authors: Harold Joshua , Fong Eric
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we envisage how the sociohistorical experiences of groups are related to their residential patterns. We posit that the residential clustering of a group can be strongly related to the group's mnemonic institutions, which are organizational symbols of collective identity that link the present to the past. We present the case of Jewish residential clustering patterns in Toronto to demonstrate our arguments. We employ 2001 Canadian Census tract‐level data to show Jewish residential clustering patterns in relation to the presence of a synagogue or Jewish community center, the mnemonic institutions of Jews.
Soluble ST2 regulation by rhinovirus and 25(OH)-vitamin D3 in the blood of asthmatic children
Authors: Haag P , Sharma H , Rauh M , Zimmermann T , Vuorinen T , Papadopoulos N G , Weiss S T , Finotto S
Published: April 2018

Paediatric asthma exacerbations are often caused by rhinovirus (RV). Moreover, 25(OH)-vitamin D3 (VitD3) deficiency during infancy was found associated with asthma. Here, we investigated the innate immune responses to RV and their possible modulation by 25(OH)-VitD3 serum levels in a preschool cohort of children with and without asthma. The innate lymphoid cell type 2 (ILC2)-associated marker, ST2, was found up-regulated in the blood cells of asthmatic children with low serum levels of 25(OH)-VitD3 in the absence of RV in their airways. Furthermore, in blood cells from control and asthmatic children with RV in their airways, soluble (s) ST2 (sST2) protein was found reduced. Asthmatic children with low 25(OH)-VitD3 in serum and with RV in vivo in their airways at the time of the analysis had the lowest sST2 protein levels in the peripheral blood compared to control children without RV and high levels of 25(OH)-VitD3. Amphiregulin (AREG), another ILC2-associated marker, was found induced in the control children with RV in their airways and low serum levels of 25(OH)-VitD3. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory soluble form of ST2, also known as sST2, in serum correlated directly with interleukin (IL)-33 in the airways of asthmatic children. Furthermore, RV colonization in the airways and low serum levels of 25(OH)-VitD3 were found to be associated with down-regulation of sST2 in serum in paediatric asthma. These data indicate a counter-regulatory role of 25(OH)-VitD3 on RV-induced down-regulation of serum sST2 in paediatric asthma, which is relevant for the therapy of this disease.
Anti-nuclear antibodies in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Nisihara R , Machoski M C C , Neppel A , Maestri C A , Messias-Reason I , Skare T L
Published: April 2018

To study the prevalence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) in breast cancer patients and its association with tumour characteristics. Ninety-one patients with breast mass detected by image studies and assigned to conduct diagnostic biopsy and eventual surgical treatment were studied for demographical, tumour data and presence of ANA. Serum of positive ANA patients was screened for the extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) profile. As comparison, 91 healthy individuals matched for age and from the same geographical area were included. In this sample 72 of 91 (79·1%) had malignant lesions (83% ductal infiltrative carcinoma). ANA was positive in 44·4% of patients with malignant tumour and in 15·7% of those with benign lesions (malignant versus benign with P = 0·03). Controls had ANA positivity in 5·4%, and when compared with tumour samples showed P < 0·0001. The most common immunofluorescence pattern was a fine dense speckled pattern. In the ANA-positive patients with malignant lesions, seven had positivity for ENA profile (three for anti-RNP and anti-Sm, one for just anti-RNP, two for anti-Ro and anti-La e two for just anti-La). It was not possible to associate ANA positivity with tumour histological characteristics or staging or with patient's age. A negative association of ANA with hormonal (oestrogen or oestrogen plus progesterone) receptor status was found (P = 0·01). In this sample, there was a high prevalence of ANA positivity in breast cancer patients with a negative association with the presence of hormonal receptors. More studies are needed to understand the real value of this finding.
Youth‐led activities associated with positive competence changes in a community‐based program for adolescents
Authors: García‐Poole Chloe , Byrne Sonia , Rodrigo María José
Published: April 2018

This study examined the types of youth‐led activities performed during the community‐based program “Building My Future” and their impact on personal, problem‐solving, and community competences. At‐risk and non‐at‐risk adolescents (N = 410) participated in 49 groups in the local social services. Different types of pre‐intervention and intervention activities and the meetings held with external resources were associated with pre‐post changes in self‐concept, productive task orientation, connectedness, coping skills, participation, and integration with the community, using cluster analyses. Results showed that adolescents who performed the pre‐intervention activity carried out more modules and performed more intervention activities. Performing group dynamics as a pre‐intervention activity, carrying out creative activities, volunteering, excursions, and games, but no sports, and meeting up with associations were related to the most positive changes in at‐risk groups. Non‐at‐risk groups that mainly participated in amusing activities experienced a decrease in their competence scores. This shows the relevance of the types of self‐selected activities carried out when promoting positive development and can serve as guidance for future community work.
Using machine learning to advance synthesis and use of conservation and environmental evidence
Authors: Cheng S.H. , Augustin C. , Bethel A. , Gill D. , Anzaroot S. , Brun J. , DeWilde B. , Minnich R.C. , Garside R. , Masuda Y.J. , Miller D.C. , Wilkie D. , Wongbusarakum S. , McKinnon M.C.
Published: April 2018

Article impact statement: Machine learning optimizes processes of systematic evidence synthesis and improves its utility for evidence‐based conservation.