bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How grazing and other disturbance factors influence biodiversity in Cyprus, with a focus on breeding bird communities
Authors: Hellicar M. A. , Kirschel A. N. G.
Published: December 2019

Grazing and browsing by sheep and goats has been an important anthropogenic influence on ecosystems in the Mediterranean region for centuries. This influence has changed significantly in recent decades, with a general shift from free-range grazing to the penning of animals. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) proposes that perturbation - including anthropogenic disturbance - is the “norm” for ecosystems, and Mediterranean systems in particular, and that higher species diversity is found under conditions of continuous, low-level perturbation. We used Cyprus as a case study with the aim of assessing the impact of changes in grazing practice on biodiversity, while also taking account of other anthropogenic factors, such as fire. We aimed to test the IDH as it relates to grazing of scrub and open forest habitats in Cyprus, in the context of the general shift away from free-range grazing. Our hypothesis was that a greater diversity of breeding birds and plants would be found at sites subject to continuous low-level grazing perturbation over a long period of time, compared to sites where grazing has recently ceased, overgrazed sites and sites that have never been grazed.

We carried out surveys of breeding birds and vegetation at 48 study sites in scrub and open woodland across Cyprus. We estimated relative grazing pressure (past and present) and fire history at these sites, and looked for associations between these factors and birds, and perennial vegetation.

Our findings showed the importance of anthropogenic disturbance for biodiversity in scrub and open forest habitats in Cyprus. However, our results relating to the influence of fire and grazing on birds and vegetation suggest that it is not a regime of continuous low-level disturbance, but rather the absence of perturbation – or at least only very low-level perturbation – that benefits biodiversity in these habitats in Cyprus. This suggests the best approach for biodiversity management in scrub and open woodland habitats in Cyprus is to keep grazing to a minimum and avoid fires, though a ‘no grazing’ approach should also be avoided, because absence of grazers would likely increase fire risk.
Cognitive modelling reveals distinct electrophysiological markers of decision confidence and error monitoring
Authors: Rausch Manuel , Zehetleitner Michael , Steinhauser Marco , Maier Martin E.
Published: December 2019

Is confidence in perceptual decisions generated by the same brain processes as decision itself, or does confidence require metacognitive processes following up on the decision? In a masked orientation task with varying stimulus-onset-asynchrony, we used EEG and cognitive modelling to trace the timing of the neural correlates of confidence. Confidence as reported by observers increased with stimulus-onset-asynchrony in correct and to a lesser degree in incorrect trials, a pattern incompatible with established models of confidence. Electrophysiological activity in two different time periods was associated with confidence, namely, 350 – 500 ms after stimulus onset and 250 – 350 ms after the response. Cognitive modelling revealed that only the activity following on the stimulus exhibited the same statistical regularities as confidence, while the statistical pattern of the activity following the response was not compatible with confidence. It is argued that electrophysiological markers of decision confidence and error awareness are at least in parts distinct.
Differential Gene Set Enrichment Analysis: A statistical approach to quantify the relative enrichment of two gene sets
Authors: Joly James H. , Lowry William E. , Graham Nicholas A.
Published: December 2019

Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) is an algorithm widely used to identify statistically enriched gene sets in transcriptomic data. However, to our knowledge, there exists no method for examining the enrichment of two gene sets relative to one another. Here, we present Differential Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (DGSEA), an adaptation of GSEA that assesses the relative enrichment of two gene sets. Using the metabolic pathways glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation as an example, we demonstrate that DGSEA accurately captures the hypoxia-induced shift towards glycolysis. We also show that DGSEA is more predictive than GSEA of the metabolic state of cancer cell lines, including lactate secretion and intracellular concentrations of lactate and AMP. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DGSEA identifies novel metabolic dependencies not found by GSEA in cancer cell lines. Together, these data demonstrate that DGSEA is a novel tool to examine the relative enrichment of two gene sets.
The potential for a released autosomal X-shredder becoming a driving-Y chromosome and invasively suppressing wild populations of malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Alcalay Yehonatan , Fuchs Silke , Galizi Roberto , Bernardini Federica , Haghighat-Khah Roya Elaine , Rusch Douglas B. , Adrion Jeffrey R. , Hahn Matthew W. , Tortosa Pablo , Papathanos Philippos Aris
Published: December 2019

Synthetic sex-ratio distorters based on X-chromosome shredding are predicted to be more efficient than sterile males for population suppression of malaria mosquitoes using genetic control. X-chromosome shredding operates through the targeted elimination of X-chromosome-bearing gametes during male spermatogenesis, resulting in males that have a high fraction of male offspring. Strains harboring autosomal constructs containing a modified endonuclease I-PpoI have now been developed in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, resulting in strong sex-ratio distortion towards males. Data are being gathered for these strains for submission of regulatory dossiers for contained use and subsequent field release in West Africa. Since autosomal X-shredders are transmitted in a Mendelian fashion and can be selected against their frequency in the population is expected to decline once releases are halted. However, any unintended transfer of the X-shredder to the Y-chromosome could theoretically change these dynamics: This could lead to 100% transmission of the newly Y-linked X-shredder to the predominant male-biased offspring and its insulation from negative selection in females, resulting in its potential spread in the population and ultimately to suppression. Here, we analyze plausible mechanisms whereby an autosomal X-shredder could become linked to the Y-chromosome after release and provide data regarding its potential for activity should it become linked to the Y-chromosome. Our results strongly suggest that Y-chromosome linkage through remobilization of the transposon used for the initial genetic transformation is unlikely, and that, in the unexpected event that the X-shredder becomes linked to the Y-chromosome, expression and activity of the X-shredder would likely be inhibited by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. We conclude that a functioning X-shredding-based Y-drive resulting from a naturally induced transposition or translocation of the transgene onto the Y-chromosome is unlikely.
The Topology of Mutated Driver Pathways
Authors: Dridi Raouf , Alghassi Hedayat , Obeidat Maen , Tayur Sridhar
Published: December 2019

Much progress has been made, and continues to be made, towards identifying candidate mutated driver pathways in cancer. However, no systematic approach to understanding how candidate pathways relate to each other for a given cancer (such as Acute myeloid leukemia), and how one type of cancer may be similar or different from another with regard to their respective pathways (Acute myeloid leukemia vs. Glioblastoma multiforme for instance), has emerged thus far. Our work attempts to contribute to the understanding ofspace of pathwaysthrough a novel topological framework. We illustrate our approach, using mutation data (obtained from TCGA) of two types of tumors: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We find that the space of pathways for AML is homotopy equivalent to a sphere, while that of GBM is equivalent to a genus-2 surface. We hope to trigger new types of questions (i.e., allow for novel kinds of hypotheses) towards a more comprehensive grasp of cancer.
Genomic characterisation and context of the blaNDM-1 carbapenemase in Escherichia coli ST101
Authors: Ashcroft Melinda M. , Forde Brian M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Peters Kate M. , Henderson Andrew , Hancock Steven J. , Roberts Leah W. , White Rhys T. , Chan Kok-Gan , Chong Teik Min , Yin Wai-Fong , Paterson David L. , Walsh Timothy R. , Schembri Mark A. , Beatson Scott A.
Published: December 2019

Carbapenems are last-resort antibiotics; however, the spread of plasmid-encoded carbapenemases such as the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) challenges their effectiveness. The rise of NDM-1 has coincided with the emergence of extensively multidrug resistant (MDR) lineages such as Escherichia coli ST101. Here we present a comprehensive genomic analysis of seven E. coli ST101 isolates that carry the blaNDM-1 gene. We determined the complete genomes of two isolates and the draft genomes of five isolates, enabling complete resolution of the plasmid context of blaNDM-1. Comparisons with thirteen previously published ST101 genomes revealed a monophyletic lineage within the B1 phylogroup forming two clades (designated Clade 1 and Clade 2). Most Clade 1 strains are MDR, encoding resistance to at least 9 different antimicrobial classes, including extended spectrum cephalosporins. Additionally, we characterised different pathways for blaNDM-1 carriage and persistence in the ST101 lineage. For IncC plasmids, carriage was associated with recombination and local transposition events within the antibiotic resistance island. In contrast, we revealed recent transfer of a large blaNDM-1 resistance island between F-type plasmids. The complex acquisition pathways characterised here highlight the benefits of long-read Single Molecule Real Time sequencing in revealing evolutionary events that would not be apparent by short-read sequencing alone. These high-quality E. coli ST101 genomes will provide an important reference for further analysis of the role of mobile genetic elements in this emerging multidrug resistant lineage.

Importance

Carbapenem resistant Escherichia coli are urgent priority organisms as they are resistant to our drugs of last resort. E. coli ST101 have been reported as carriers of the New Delhi Metallo-beta-Lactamase 1 gene (blaNDM-1), conferring resistance to carbapenems, however there is limited genomic information available for this lineage. In this study we used long-read genome sequencing to characterise the complete genomes of two E. coli ST101 strains and determine the carriage of blaNDM-1 in a collection of E. coli ST101 strains. We showed that carriage of blaNDM-1 and resistance determinants to eight other antimicrobial classes was confined to a single clade. We also showed two different pathways for the carriage of blaNDM-1, which was dependent on the type of plasmid. Long-read sequencing allowed us to show the full complexities of these resistance regions and highlighted how strains from an emerging E. coli lineage have become resistant to nearly all available antimicrobials.
Cellular proteostasis decline in human senescence
Authors: Sabath Niv , Levy-Adam Flonia , Younis Amal , Rozales Kinneret , Meller Anatoly , Hadar Shani , Soueid-Baumgarten Sharon , Shalgi Reut
Published: December 2019

Proteostasis collapse, the diminished ability to maintain protein homeostasis, has been established as a hallmark of nematode aging. However, whether proteostasis collapse occurs in humans has remained unclear. Here we demonstrate that proteostasis decline is intrinsic to human senescence. Using transcriptome-wide characterization of gene expression, splicing and translation, we found a significant deterioration in the transcriptional activation of the heat shock response in stressed senescent cells. Furthermore, phosphorylated HSF1 nuclear localization and distribution were impaired in senescence. Interestingly, alternative splicing regulation was also dampened. Surprisingly, we found a decoupling between different Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) branches in stressed senescent cells. While young cells initiated UPR-related translational and transcriptional regulatory responses, senescent cells showed enhanced translational regulation and ER stress sensing, however they were unable to trigger UPR-related transcriptional responses. This was accompanied by diminished ATF6 nuclear localization in stressed senescent cells. Finally, we revealed a deterioration of proteasome function in senescence following heat stress, which did not recover upon return to normal temperature. Together, our data unraveled a deterioration in the ability to mount dynamic stress transcriptional programs upon human senescence with broad implications on proteostasis control, and connected proteostasis decline to human aging.

Significance

Protein homeostasis (proteostasis), the balance between protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, is thought to deteriorate with age, and the prevalence of protein misfolding diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc., with human aging is increased. However, while in worms this phenomenon has been well established, in humans it remained unclear. Here we show that proteostasis is declined in human senescence, i.e. cellular aging. We found that while stress sensing is enhanced in senescent cells, and their response at the level of protein synthesis is intact, they fail to properly activate multiple programs required for stress adaptation at the level of gene transcription. Our findings support the notion that proteostasis decline may have major implications on human aging.
Fluorescent polysome profiling reveals stress-mediated regulation of HSPA14-ribosome interactions
Authors: Meller Anatoly , Coombs David , Shalgi Reut
Published: December 2019

Ribosome-associated factors play important roles in regulation of translation in response to various physiological and environmental signals. Here we present fluorescent polysome profiling, a new method that provides simultaneous detection of UV and fluorescence directly from polysome gradients. We demonstrate the capabilities of the method by following the polysome incorporation of different fluorescently tagged ribosomal proteins in human cells. Furthermore, we used fluorescent polysome profiling to examine chaperone-ribosome interactions, and characterized their changes in response to proteotoxic stress conditions. We revealed dynamic regulation of HSPA14-polysome association in response to heat shock, with a marked heat shock-mediated increase in the polysome-association of HSPA14. Our data suggest a model whereby HSPA14 dimerization is increased upon heat shock. We therefore established fluorescent polysome profiling as a streamlined method, that can enhance and facilitate the broad exploration of ribosome-associated factors and their regulation.
Versatile simulations of admixture and accurate local ancestry inference withmixnmatchandancestryinfer
Authors: Schumer Molly , Powell Daniel L. , Corbett-Detig Russ
Published: December 2019

It is now clear that hybridization between species is much more common than previously recognized. As a result, we now know that the genomes of many modern species, including our own, are a patchwork of regions derived from past hybridization events. Increasingly researchers are interested in disentangling which regions of the genome originated from each parental species using local ancestry inference methods. Due to the diverse effects of admixture, this interest is shared across disparate fields, from human genetics to research in ecology and evolutionary biology. However, local ancestry inference methods are sensitive to a range of biological and technical parameters which can impact accuracy. Here we present paired simulation and ancestry inference pipelines,mixnmatchandancestryinfer, to help researchers plan and execute local ancestry inference studies.mixnmatchcan simulate arbitrarily complex demographic histories in the parental and hybrid populations, selection on hybrids, and technical variables such as coverage and contamination.ancestryinfertakes as input sequencing reads from simulated or real individuals, and implements an efficient local ancestry inference pipeline. We perform a series of simulations withmixnmatchto pinpoint factors that influence accuracy in local ancestry inference and highlight useful features of the two pipelines. Together,mixnmatchandancestryinferare powerful tools for predicting the performance of local ancestry inference methods on real data.
Mixed ubiquitin chains regulate DNA repair
Authors: Rona Gergely , Pagano Michele
Published: December 2019

Diverse linkage in polyubiquitin chain structure gives cells an unparalleled complexity to virtually modulate all aspects of cell biology. Substrates can be covalently modified by ubiquitin chains of different topology. Proper DNA damage response takes advantage of this regulatory system and heavily relies on ubiquitin-based signaling. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that chain specificity dictates DNA repair outcome. In this issue of Genes & Development, Wu and colleagues (pp. 1702–1717) show that Cezanne and Cezanne2, two paralogous deubiquitinating enzymes that are recruited to sites of DNA damage, ensure proper local polyubiquitin chain composition for downstream DNA repair protein assembly. Their study offers a key insight into the mechanism of crosstalk between linkage-specific ubiquitylation at DNA damage sites, while simultaneously raising important questions for future research.
Detection Assay for Replication-Competent Adenovirus by Concentration Passage and Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)
Authors: Lock Martin , Alvira Mauricio , Wilson James , Sena-Esteves Miguel , Gao Guangping
Published: December 2019

The sensitivity of an assay for replication-competent adenoviruses (RCAs) can often be enhanced by biological amplification of the RCAs with serial passage. Here, we describe an extension of this technique, termed “concentration passage,” in which RCA replicated during the first plating of the vector is collected and concentrated onto one-tenth of the original number of cells. This significantly increases the chances of detecting the RCAs. Combining this approach with the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for sensitive detection of the RCA E1 gene, we are able to reach levels of sensitivity of 1 IU of RCAs in 1011 vector particles. The protocol described here is tailored for HuAd5 vectors using wild-type HuAd5 as the RCA surrogate. However, we have also adapted this technique with similar sensitivity to vectors based on other adenovirus serotypes. If other adenovirus serotypes are assayed, careful consideration should be given to the appropriate RCA surrogate. Strictly speaking, if the vector is propagated in HEK-293 or similar cell lines, the RCA surrogate should be a hybrid virus containing the HuAd5 E1 gene.
Screening Bacterial Colonies Using X-Gal and IPTG: α-Complementation
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: December 2019

Many plasmid vectors (e.g., the pUC series, Bluescript, pGem, and their derivatives) carry a short segment of Escherichia coli DNA containing the regulatory sequences and the coding information for the first 146 amino acids of β-galactosidase. Vectors of this type are used in host cells that express the carboxy-terminal portion of β-galactosidase. Although neither the host-encoded fragments nor the plasmid-encoded fragments of β-galactosidase are themselves active, they can associate to form an enzymatically active protein. This type of complementation, in which deletion mutants of the operator-proximal segment of the lacZ gene are complemented by β-galactosidase-negative mutants that have the operator-proximal region intact, is called α-complementation. The lac+ bacteria that result from α-complementation are easily recognized because they form blue colonies in the presence of the chromogenic substrate X-Gal. However, insertion of a fragment of foreign DNA into the polycloning site of the plasmid almost invariably results in production of an amino-terminal fragment that is no longer capable of α-complementation. Bacteria carrying recombinant plasmids therefore form white colonies. To screen bacterial colonies, the chromogenic substrate X-Gal and the gratuitous inducer IPTG are mixed with suitable dilution of a culture, combined with molten top agar, and then spread on agar plates containing the appropriate antibiotic. The efficiency of transformation is slightly higher when the bacteria are plated in top agar rather than on the surface of agar plates. Perhaps the transformed bacteria prefer the slightly anaerobic state within the soft agar or the isosmolarity provided by the agar medium.
On the challenges ahead of spatial scientometrics focusing on the city level
Authors: Csomós György
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Spatial bibliometrics and scientometrics have traditionally focused on examining both country and regional levels; however, in recent years, numerous spatial analyses on the city level have been carried out. While city-level scientometric analyses have gained popularity among policymakers and statistical/economic research organizations, researchers in the field of bibliometrics are divided regarding whether it is possible to observe the spatial unit “city” through bibliometric and scientometric tools. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the most significant challenges ahead of spatial scientometrics focusing on the city level by examining relevant scientometric studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis involves the most significant spatial scientometric studies focusing on the city level and carefully examines how they collect bibliometric and/or scientometric data, what methodologies they employ to process bibliometric data and most importantly, how they approach the spatial unit “city”.

Findings

After systematically scrutinizing relevant studies in the field, three major problems have been identified: there is no standardized method of how cities should be defined and how metropolitan areas should be delineated; there is no standardized method of how bibliometric and scientometric data on the city level should be collected and processed; and it is not clearly defined how cities can profit from the results of bibliometric and scientometric analysis focusing on them.

Originality/value

This is the first study that compiles a “database” of scientometric studies focusing on the city level. The paper not only reveals major challenges ahead of city level spatial analysis but recommends some possible solution as well.
Resilience development: learnings for organisations from technical diving
Authors: Meissner Jens O.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to follow the general question, how technical rebreather divers ensure their survival during performing of highly demanding dives – and what organisations could learn from these practices. As one form of complex adaptive system, technical divers perform different routines before and during the dive. These practices are formally trained and also informally mediated and developed. After investigating theoretical concepts like high reliability organising, Safety-I and -II as well as organisational resilience management, the authors scope on the existing risk and resilience practices in technical rebreather diving. Finally, the insights of the empirical research are used to make the transfer to the field of management studies – and ask relevant questions regarding their applied resilience intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research is analysed by applying Hollnagel’s Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) which leads to the reconstruction of an extended resilience management model for technical rebreather diving. The model development bases on a field study which comprised 300 hours of observations.

Findings

The findings are depicted in an FRAM model that exactly shows how technical divers perform high reliability operations and thus manages and increase the resilience of their socio-technical system.

Research limitations/implications

Research results show the depicted model and the potential learnings for organisations and organisational resilience. However, the research remains inductive and is qualitative. Deductive and quantitative research would enrich and complete the picture.

Practical implications

The research is informative and offers an interdisciplinary but comprehensive bridge between the specific high reliability organisations/resilience practice of technical divers and the potential learnings for organisations. Companies can take the identified categories and mechanisms to match them to their own resilience activities.

Social implications

Increasing organisational resilience means to increase societal resilience and thus sustainability. The research aims to support this interdisciplinary learning process.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the research object itself (technical diving practices), that never has been researched with an FRAM before. It is an interesting, comprehensive and interdisciplinary show case that is used to derive practical considerations for companies to strengthen their organisational resilience.
Measuring social influence from online traveler reviews
Authors: Book Laura A. , Tanford Sarah
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale to measure normative and informational influence in online traveler reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Through proper scale development techniques and a two-sample validation process, the resulting 2-factor, 11-item scale yields a valid and reliable measure of social influence.

Findings

The resultant scale provides a tool for researchers to investigate the process whereby different characteristics of online reviews influence travel decisions.

Originality/value

Customer reviews are prevalent and powerful sources of influence on travel decisions. However, it is unclear how social influence manifests in today’s online purchasing environment. For several decades, the domain of social influence has played an important role in the advancements of consumer behavior and hospitality/tourism research. In particular, normative and informational influences are applicable, since online reviews contain numerous informational and normative cues. These principles were formulated under much different conditions than today’s purchasing environment. This research provides a way to measure normative and informational influence in the online review environment, thus enhancing the understanding of how reviews influence purchase decisions.
Reliability based design method for buckling of steel columns in fire
Authors: Kervalishvili Andrei , Talvik Ivar
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to reliability analysis of axially loaded steel columns at elevated temperatures considering the probabilistic features of fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The response function used in the reliability analysis is based on the non-linear FEM calculations. The stochastic variability of temperature is integrated with the procedure similar to the parameters of loading and material properties. Direct Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) are implemented for probabilistic analysis. Computational costs are reduced by polynomial approximation of the response function of the column.

Findings

A design method for practical applications in the common Eurocode format is proposed. The proposed method can be used to estimate the failure probability of a steel column in fire conditions. If standard reliability criteria are applied, the results of the steel column buckling capacity in the fire according to the proposed procedure deviate from the Eurocode results in certain parameter ranges.

Originality/value

The proposed method for design calculations makes use of the advantages of MCS results, while the need for the tedious amount of calculations for the end user are avoided as the predefined factors are implemented in the procedure of Eurocode format. The proposed method allows better differentiation of the fire probability in the capacity assessment compared to the existing design methods.
The effects of brokered network governance on relational embeddedness in the triadic supply chains: is there a room for the “Coleman rent”?
Authors: Swierczek Artur
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether brokered network governance, run by the manufacturer, affects relational embeddedness and thus contributes to yielding the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon the theoretical tenets of transaction cost analysis, complemented by the underpinnings of social capital theory, this study involves an empirical investigation that uses survey data collected from the triadic supply chains in Europe. The research covers a two-step analysis. In the first step, the Coleman rent was estimated through the regression analysis with the interaction effects. Then, partial least squares–structural equation modeling was used to estimate the reflective-formative nature of higher component model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that the distribution of three mechanisms in network governance is relatively even; however, market and hierarchy still emerge as the most impactful dimensions. Interestingly, though, this study shows that social capital can actually coexist with market and hierarchy in the triadic supply chains with the structural hole. Likewise, the research indicates that the impact of brokered network governance on the strength of network relational embeddedness is significant, but relatively weak, whereas network relational embeddedness has a strong and positive effect on the Coleman rent.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes three major contributions. First, this study is one of very few that explicitly considers brokered network governance, run by the manufacturer positioned on the structural hole in its triadic supply chain. Second, as the triadic perspective is still uncommon in the supply chain studies, this research investigates a triad with the structural hole within the manufacturing setting. Third, the paper seeks to investigate the ability to yield the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chains with the structural hole, although this type of rent is typically linked to another arrangement called closure.

Originality/value

Given the increasing attention paid to the role of social capital within supply chains, this study investigates how relational embeddedness can be used by the manufacturer, sitting on the structural hole and running the network governance mechanism, to yield the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chain.
Market dynamics, cyclical patterns and market states
Authors: Bejaoui Azza , Ben Sassi Salim , Majdoub Jihed
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In this paper, the authors seek to investigate the dynamics of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Ripple daily returns and volatilities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors apply the MS-ARMA model on daily returns of Bitcoin (19/04/2013-13/02/2018), Ripple (05/08/2013-14/02/2018), Litcoin (29/04/2013-14/02/2018) and Ethereum (08/02/2015-14/02/2018). This model allows capture of the nonlinear structure in both the conditional mean and the conditional variance of cryptocurrency returns.

Findings

All the cryptocurrency markets show regime switching in the return-generating process. Market dynamics seem to be governed by two different states which differ from one cryptocurrency market to another in terms of mean return, volatility and interstate dynamics. These findings can be explained by investors’ behavior, i.e. speculative trading and herding behavior. By choosing to participate (or imitating some investors) in some cryptocurrency markets (in particular Bitcoin market), they affect the price movements and therefore the market dynamics in the short run.

Practical implications

Identifying the different market states provides information for investors to make more accurate portfolio decisions in the virtual market and follow the market timing strategy.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to analyze potential nonlinear structure in cryptocurrencies returns and analyze if there is a difference between the cryptocurrencies market cycles. So, the search for congruent and adequate specification to reproduce the stock returns dynamics in the virtual market still remains the concern of several empirical studies. This research not only examines the behavior of stock returns in the cryptocurrencies’ market but also highlights the existence of nonlinearity propriety as a stylized fact.
Multiple paternity in a lek mating system: Females mate multiply when they choose inexperienced sires
Authors: Rivers Pearl R. , DuVal Emily H.
Published: December 2019

Multiple mating by females is common and often driven by social constraints on female mate choice. However, females mate with multiple males even in systems without these social constraints and rates of multiple mating tend to be highly variable within and between populations. In lek mating systems, females are able to assess multiple males and their choice is unrestricted by pair bonds or the need for biparental care, yet some females mate with multiple males.

To better understand the factors affecting variation in multiple mating, we investigated the occurrence of multiple paternity within clutches in a highly polygynous lek mating system.

Using long‐term data on genetic paternity, survival, social status and individual age from a population of lance‐tailed manakins Chiroxiphia lanceolata, a species where males lek in cooperative alpha‐beta pairs, we tested five non‐exclusive hypotheses about the causes of variation in multiple mating and its benefits in females.

We found that inexperienced males, including new alphas and rare beta sires, were disproportionately likely to share paternity when they sired any chicks. In contrast, female age (experience) was unrelated to multiple paternity. Multiple mating did not result in higher reproductive success or reduced variance in success for females, and there were neither consistently promiscuous females nor males that consistently shared paternity.

The occurrence of multiple paternity in this lek mating system was best explained by female choice related to male characteristics that change with male experience. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a developmental component to the occurrence of multiple mating, and suggest females choose to mate multiply when their choices are not optimal.
Chronic exposure to the pesticide flupyradifurone can lead to premature onset of foraging in honeybees Apis mellifera
Authors: Hesselbach Hannah , Seeger Johannes , Schilcher Felix , Ankenbrand Markus , Scheiner Ricarda
Published: December 2019

Honeybees Apis mellifera and other pollinating insects suffer from pesticides in agricultural landscapes. Flupyradifurone is the active ingredient of a novel pesticide by the name of ‘Sivanto’, introduced by Bayer AG (Crop Science Division, Monheim am Rhein, Germany). It is recommended against sucking insects and marketed as ‘harmless’ to honeybees. Flupyradifurone binds to nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors like neonicotinoids, but it has a different mode of action. So far, little is known on how sublethal flupyradifurone doses affect honeybees.

We chronically applied a sublethal and field‐realistic concentration of flupyradifurone to test for long‐term effects on flight behaviour using radio‐frequency identification. We examined haematoxylin/eosin‐stained brains of flupyradifurone‐treated bees to investigate possible changes in brain morphology and brain damage.

A field‐realistic flupyradifurone dose of approximately 1.0 μg/bee/day significantly increased mortality. Pesticide‐treated bees initiated foraging earlier than control bees. No morphological damage in the brain was observed.

Synthesis and applications. The early onset of foraging induced by a chronical application of flupyradifurone could be disadvantageous for honeybee colonies, reducing the period of in‐hive tasks and life expectancy of individuals. Radio‐frequency identification technology is a valuable tool for studying pesticide effects on lifetime foraging behaviour of insects.
Is promoting war trauma such a good idea?
Authors: TORRE COSTANZA , MYLAN SOPHIE , PARKER MELISSA , ALLEN TIM
Published: December 2019

A well‐known medical journal, The Lancet, recently published an important systematic review and meta‐analysis of mental disorder estimates in conflict settings, advocating for the scaling up of mental health interventions in such contexts. However, there is an assumption that the introduction of such treatments has no significant impact, except from a therapeutic one, in the settings they have been imported to. The authors' research in post‐conflict northern Uganda analyzed the social impact of mental health interventions addressing post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and showed that promoting trauma has had considerable socio‐economic ramifications on the wider society. The introduction of trauma narratives has created a market where some are able to thrive, but many deeply troubled individuals remain invisible. The authors found no social benefits from promoting trauma, and few positive effects for individuals. Arguments for urgently upscaling mental health interventions of the kinds highlighted by the review in The Lancet, and which the authors have observed on the ground, should be treated with caution.
Trade Policy and Global Uncertainties: How to Promote an Open Trade Agenda
Authors: Cernat Lucian
Published: December 2019

EU trade policy initiatives since 1995 offer better products at lower prices with estimated annual savings of up to €60 billion annually, which is especially beneficial for low‐income households who spend a larger share of income on basic commodities. If trade is so beneficial, why is there so much discontent? The paper argues that a convincing communication strategy in support of trade policy is key for trade policy legitimacy and gives the example of the European Commission's #FTAcomes2town platform based on firm‐level data. Politicians can zoom in across all EU members to find examples of small companies in their constituency exporting and creating jobs due to a trade measure.
The abiding voter: The lengthy horizon of retrospective evaluations
Authors: STIERS DIETER , DASSONNEVILLE RUTH , LEWIS‐BECK MICHAEL S.
Published: December 2019

Although the theory of retrospective voting receives wide support in the literature on voting behaviour, less agreement exists on voters’ time horizon when assessing the government's performance – that is, whether voters are myopic. Previous studies on voter myopia tend to focus on aggregate‐level measures of the economy, or use an experimental approach. Using panel data, this article offers the first investigation into voter myopia that uses individual‐level evaluations of government performance in a representative survey at several points during the electoral cycle. The study focuses on The Netherlands, but it also provide tests of the generalisability and robustness of the findings, and a replication in the American context. The results indicate that voter satisfaction early in the government's term adds to explaining incumbent voting. Thus, rather than the myopic voter, evidence is found of the abiding voter – steady at her or his post, evaluating government performance over a long length of time.
A retrospective audit of treatment pathway for women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Auckland region 2012–2016
Authors: Parinpanayagam Shalini , Brooks Susan
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment pathway and timelines of patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IB1‐IVA cervical cancer receiving definitive radiotherapy +/− chemotherapy and the potential improvements made since the previous audit and impact on overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and local control (LC).

Methods

This is a retrospective audit on patients diagnosed with FIGO Stage 1B1‐IVA cervical cancer in the Northland/Auckland region of New Zealand between 2012 and 2016.

Results

There were 95 patients identified. Median time from referral to start of treatment was 69 days, from referral to first specialist assessment (FSA) 11 days, from FSA to decision to treat (DTT) 41 days and from DTT to start treatment 21 days. There was no statistical difference in time from referral to start of treatment between patients treated with radiotherapy alone or with combined chemoradiotherapy (P < 0.1695). Private FSA (P < 0.0115) and shorter time from MDM to completion of radiological investigations (P < 0.0001) were associated with shorter median times from referral to start of treatment. Median overall treatment time (OTT) was 43 days. The 3‐year OS, LC and DFS were all 100% for Stage IB, 78%, 95% and 78% for Stage II, 79%, 88% and 77% for Stage III and 58%, 57% and 43% for Stage IV.

Conclusion

There has been some overall improvement in the treatment pathways, and OTT was less than the recommended 8 weeks. Our 3‐year OS, LC and DFS were comparable with international standards.
Are margin traders informed?
Authors: Lv Dayong , Wu Wenfeng
Published: December 2019

The literature offers contradictory views on the informativeness of margin trading using various measures of information content. Utilising data from a Chinese margin‐trading pilot programme initiated in 2010, this paper investigates whether margin traders are informed by directly examining the return predictability of margin‐trading activity. We find that margin‐trading activities cannot positively predict future stock returns. Moreover, we explore some non‐informational trading strategies used by margin traders, e.g., positive‐feedback strategies and moving‐average trading rules. These results suggest that margin traders are noise traders rather than informed traders, and margin trading conveys no new firm‐specific information.
Alcohol consumption is associated with widespread changes in blood DNA methylation: Analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal data
Authors: Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Wilson Rory , Lehne Benjamin , Jayasekara Harindra , Wang Xiaochuan , Jung Chol‐Hee , Joo JiHoon E. , Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F. , Baglietto Laura , Severi Gianluca , Gieger Christian , Ladwig Karl‐Heinz , Peters Annette , Kooner Jaspal S. , Southey Melissa C. , English Dallas R. , Waldenberger Melanie , Chambers John C. , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L.
Published: December 2019

DNA methylation may be one of the mechanisms by which alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of disease. We conducted a large‐scale, cross‐sectional, genome‐wide DNA methylation association study of alcohol consumption and a longitudinal analysis of repeated measurements taken several years apart. Using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, DNA methylation was measured in blood samples from 5606 Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) participants. For 1088 of them, these measures were repeated using blood samples collected a median of 11 years later. Associations between alcohol intake and blood DNA methylation were assessed using linear mixed‐effects regression models. Independent data from the London Life Sciences Prospective Population (LOLIPOP) (N = 4042) and Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region (KORA) (N = 1662) cohorts were used to replicate associations discovered in the MCCS. Cross‐sectional analyses identified 1414 CpGs associated with alcohol intake at P < 10−7, 1243 of which had not been reported previously. Of these novel associations, 1078 were replicated (P < .05) using LOLIPOP and KORA data. Using the MCCS data, we also replicated 403 of 518 previously reported associations. Interaction analyses suggested that associations were stronger for women, non‐smokers, and participants genetically predisposed to consume less alcohol. Of the 1414 CpGs, 530 were differentially methylated (P < .05) in former compared with current drinkers. Longitudinal associations between the change in alcohol intake and the change in methylation were observed for 513 of the 1414 cross‐sectional associations. Our study indicates that alcohol intake is associated with widespread changes in DNA methylation across the genome. Longitudinal analyses showed that the methylation status of alcohol‐associated CpGs may change with alcohol consumption changes in adulthood.
Components evaluation of a web‐based personalized normative feedback intervention for alcohol use among college students: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with a dismantling design
Authors: Bedendo Andre , McCambridge Jim , Gaume Jacques , Souza Altay A. L. , Formigoni Maria Lucia O. S. , Noto Ana R.
Published: December 2019

Aims

To evaluate the effects of the two main components of a personalized normative feedback (PNF) [normative feedback only (NFO); and consequences feedback only (CFO)] compared with the full intervention (PNF) in reducing alcohol use and consequences.

Design

Three‐arm pragmatic randomized controlled trial with dismantling design and 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Setting

Web‐based among Brazilian college students.

Participants

College students (aged 18–30 years) who reported alcohol use in the last 3 months (n = 5476).

Interventions

(1) Full PNF (a) drinking profile; (b) normative comparisons; (c) practical costs; (d) alcohol consequences; (e) strategies to decrease risks; (2) NFO components (a), (b) and (e); or (3) CFO components (c), (d) and (e).

Measurements

The primary outcome was change in Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score; secondary outcomes were the number of alcohol consequences, drinking frequency and typical/maximum number of drinks. We used mixed models with multiple imputation and a pattern‐mixture model to account for attrition. Subgroup analyses considered participant motivation to know more about their drinking (less motivated versus motivated).

Findings

Dismantled components reduced rather than increased AUDIT score compared to full PNF, with significant effects for NFO at 1 month [b = –0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.46; –0.002] and for CFO at 3 months (b = –0.33, 95% CI = –0.62; –0.03). Compared with PNF, NFO reduced the number of alcohol consequences at 1 month (b = –0.16, 95% CI = –0.25; –0.06) and drinking frequency at 3 months (b = –0.42, 95% CI = –0.79; –0.05), but increased the number of typical drinks at 6 months (b = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.04; 0.72). CFO reduced drinking frequency at 3 months (b = –0.37, 95% CI = –0.73; –0.01). Attrition models confirmed all results, except for the NFO effect on typical drinks and drinking frequency. Subgroup analyses indicated superiority of dismantled components among the students less motivated in knowing more about their drinking.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that either the normative or the consequences components of a web‐based personalized normative feedback intervention to reduce alcohol use and its consequences contributed to intervention effects. There was some evidence of adverse effects of personalized normative feedback, and these results were driven by 20% of participants who were less motivated in knowing more about their drinking.