bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and phylogenomic insights into the familyStreptomycetaceaelead to proposal ofCharcoactinosporaceaefam. nov. and 8 novel genera with emended descriptions ofStreptomyces calvus
Authors: Madhaiyan Munusamy , Saravanan Venkatakrishnan Sivaraj , See-Too Wah-Seng
Published: July 2020

Streptomycetaceaeis one of the oldest families within phylumActinobacteriaand it is large and diverse in terms of number of described taxa. The members of the family are known for their ability to produce medically important secondary metabolites and antibiotics. In this study, strains showing low 16S rRNA gene similarity (<97.3 %) with other members ofStreptomycetaceaewere identified and subjected to phylogenomic analysis using 33 orthologous gene clusters (OGC) for accurate taxonomic reassignment resulted in identification of eight distinct and deeply branching clades, further average amino acid identity (AAI) analysis showed lower AAI values or AAI within the range of 60-80 % which was previously observed in related but different genera of bacteria. The whole genome phylogeny based on concatenated core genes and AAI analyses supported the claim that those phylogenetically distinct members may be assigned to 8 novel genera namelyActinoacidiphila, Actinomesophilus, Charcoactinospora, Curviacidiphilus, Kafeoacidiphilus, Mangroviactinospora, Peterkaempfera,andStreptantibioticus.In addition, based on the core genome phylogeny and 16S rRNA tree topology and distinct chemotaxonomic and physiological properties, the sequence belonged toStreptomyces thermoautotrophicuswas assigned to a novel generaCharcoactinosporawhich is placed under novel familyCharcoactinosporaceae. Lastly, a clade comprising of strains that showed high 16S rRNA gene similarity (100 %) with similar tree topology in phylogenetic trees was subjected to overall genome related indices analyses such as digital DNA – DNA hybridization, and average nucleotide identity that supported the claim thatStreptomyces asterosporusis a later heterotypic synonym ofStreptomyces calvus.
A novel algorithm to detect non-wear time from raw accelerometer data using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Syed Shaheen , Morseth Bente , Hopstock Laila A. , Horsch Alexander
Published: July 2020

Current non-wear detection algorithms frequently employ a 30- to 90-minute interval in which recorded acceleration needs to be below a threshold value. Such intervals need to be long enough to prevent false positives (type I errors), while short enough to prevent false negatives (type II errors), limiting their ability to achieve a high F1 score. In this paper, we propose a novel non-wear detection algorithm that eliminates the need for an interval. Rather than inspecting acceleration within intervals, we explore acceleration patterns right before and right after an episode of non-wear time. By drawing on insights from the field of activity type recognition, we propose an algorithm that uses a convolutional neural network to detect the preceding activity ‘taking off the accelerometer’ and the following activity ‘placing it back on’. We evaluate our algorithm against several baseline and existing non-wear algorithms for raw accelerometer data, and our algorithm achieves a perfect precision, a recall of 0.9962, and an F1 score of 0.9981, outperforming all evaluated baseline and non-wear algorithms. Although our algorithm was developed using patterns learned from a hip-worn accelerometer, we propose algorithmic steps that can easily be applied to a wrist-worn accelerometer and a retrained classification model.
Low-temperature martensite relaxation in Co–Ni–Ga shape memory alloy monocrystal revealed using in situ cooling, transmission electron microscopy and low rate calorimetry
Authors: Żak Andrzej , Dańczak Anna , Dudziński Włodzimierz
Published: July 2020

This work presents the results of research on a Co49Ni21Ga30 magnetic shape memory single crystal. Based on a literature review, it was identified that analyses of phase transformations have been limited to specific heating and cooling rates, which could lead to an incomplete description of the resulting phenomena. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) performed with different heating/cooling rates enabled the precise determination of enthalpy values, which deviate from literature values. Weak and previously unnoticed thermal phenomena at temperatures below 190 K were also observed. Their presence was confirmed by low-temperature in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Through DSC measurements and TEM observations, a model of the discovered phenomenon was proposed, which may have an impact on a better understanding of the physics of magnetic shape memory materials.
A novel method of multiple adaptive notch filtering for flexible missile vibration suppression
Authors: Chen Gong , Liu Shaojie , Tang Zhigong , Xu Jiangtao , Wang Wenzheng
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The modern missile has low uncertain and wide range vibration frequency. The conventional notch filter with the fixed notch frequency is less effective than that of the adaptive notch filter (ANF) in vibration suppression for the time-varying vibration frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

To overcome the drawback, a novel method is based on frequency estimators made by interpolation of three discrete Fourier transform (DFT) spectral lines. The modified frequency estimators based on the interpolation of three DFT spectral lines are presented to identify and track the vibration frequency. Then the notch frequencies of multiple ANFs are real-timely tuned according to estimators.

Findings

Finally, taking the second-order flexible missile as an example, the performance of the proposed method is verified. The verified simulation results show that multiple ANFs are effective in vibration suppression.

Practical implications

Cascading multiple ANFs to achieve multi-order vibration suppression is more efficient and feasible than conventional fixed-parameter notch filtering.

Originality/value

The frequency estimation method based on three DFT spectral lines proposed in this paper can effectively identify and track signals in the noise environment. Compared with conventional methods, the method pretended in this paper has high identification accuracy and a stronger ability to track signals. It can meet the fast frequency identification requirements of the actual flexible missile.
Formation of higher education (HE) learner identity among community college transfer students in Hong Kong
Authors: Dang Beatrice Yan-yan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the opportunities and constraints for learner identity formation among community college transfer students.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from four in-depth interviews with five transfer students across an academic year (i.e. 20 interviews in total). The first interview allowed the current researcher to explore the context of students' community college experiences and their first semester in the university. The second and third interview had two purposes: (1) to provide an opportunity for students to discuss their second semester experiences and (2) to understand the process of learner identity formation. The last interview allowed the students to reflect on their time in the university after studying for one year.

Findings

The findings reveal that higher education (HE) learner identity was nurtured by peer support, orientation activities and mentorship programme. While, striving for self-improvement and developing into an autonomous and active learner are essential in the formation of the HE learner identity in university.

Originality/value

This study represents the local students' voice that enrolling in community colleges with the goal of transferring to University Grant Committee (UGC)-funded universities. Transition is a process of change in the course of life and also a shift from one identity to another (Ecclestone et al., 2010). A smooth transition may contribute to the formation of positive learner identity, which is essential to student retention and persistence.
Guests’ perceptions of robot concierge and their adoption intentions
Authors: Shin Hyejo Hailey , Jeong Miyoung
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The hotel industry has witnessed an increasing number of service automation through service robots such as robot concierges. However, few studies have documented how to identify how hotel guests perceive a robot concierge for their service encounter. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of robot concierges on hotel guests’ attitudes and adoption intentions of robot concierges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigated the effects of robot concierges’ morphology and their level of interactivity with guests at different levels of hotel service on guests’ attitudes and their intentions to adopt robot concierges. To achieve the study’s objectives, this study conducted a 3 × 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial design experiment. Moreover, the survey asked questions about subjects’ preferences of their service encounters (e.g. human employees, robot concierges and/or no preference) and reasons for their selected preference.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the robot’s morphology significantly influenced guests’ attitudes toward robot concierges. In particular, the caricatured robot was the most preferred morphology of robot concierges. The findings showed that even if guests had favorable attitudes toward robot concierges, they preferred human employees to robot concierges because of humans’ sincere and genuine interactions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by investigating the causal impacts of the morphology of robot concierges, level of interactivity and level of hotel service on guests’ attitudes toward robot concierges. The thematic analysis of service encounter preference provides an overview of the factors that guests expect for their service encounters in a hotel setting.
A framework of smart pedagogy based on the facilitating of high order thinking skills
Authors: Meng Qingquan , Jia Jiyou , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of smart pedagogy to facilitate the high order thinking skills of students and to provide the design suggestion of curriculum and intelligent tutoring systems in smart education.

Design/methodology/approach

A smart pedagogy framework was designed. The quasi-experiment was conducted in a junior high school. The experimental class used the smart pedagogy and smart learning environment. The control class adopted conventional teaching strategies. The math test scores of these two classes were compared to verify the effectiveness of smart pedagogy.

Findings

The smart pedagogy framework contains three sections including the situated learning (S), mastery learning (M), adaptive learning (A), reflective learning (R) and thinking tools (T) (SMART) key elements model, the curriculum design method and detailed teaching strategy. The SMART key elements model integrates the situated learning, mastery learning, adaptive learning, reflective learning and thinking tools to facilitate the high order thinking. The curriculum design method of smart pedagogy combines the first five principles of instruction and the SMART key elements model to design the curriculum. The detailed teaching strategies of smart pedagogy contain kinds of innovative learning methods. The results of the quasi-experiment proved that the learning outcome was significantly promoted by using smart pedagogy.

Originality/value

This research investigates a general framework that can be used to cultivate the high order thinking skills in different subjects and grades was one of the first to introduce high order thinking skills into smart education. The framework of smart pedagogy was innovative and effect in practice.
Entrepreneurial dynamics and investor-oriented approaches for regulating the equity-based crowdfunding
Authors: Cicchiello Antonella Francesca , Pietronudo Maria Cristina , Leone Daniele , Caporuscio Andrea
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this research is to contribute to the existing literature about the entrepreneurial conditions in crowd-based contexts by describing how different European countries regulate equity crowdfunding market in order to incentive the investments and protect investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a legal acts' analysis, we conduct a qualitative study comparing the crowdfunding regulation addressed to investors. In particular, we focus our analysis on the European countries with the highest concentration of crowdfunding platforms (i.e. the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain).

Findings

The results show that some countries, such as the UK, Germany and France, present an investor-oriented approach based on non-restrictive regulation, while other countries, such as Spain and Italy, have a restrictive approach that protects investors excessively and discourages them. In particular, the case study of France shows how the introduction of unrestricted regulation can produce positive effects on the volume of crowdfunding transactions.

Practical implications

The paper is addressed to investors, policymakers and intermediaries (platforms) to help the first in orienting themselves between the different crowdfunding regulations and the latter in aligning and orchestrating rules and norms.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyses the role of investor-oriented regulations in the promotion of entrepreneurship through the identification of four key factors to monitor equity crowdfunding regulations.
Family businesses in North Macedonia: evidence on the second generation motivation and entrepreneurial mindset
Authors: Ejupi-Ibrahimi Arta , Ramadani Veland , Ejupi Diellza
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to portray the motivation, willingness and entrepreneurial mindset of second generation in family businesses in North Macedonia.

Design/methodology/approach

For purposes of this study, 25 interviews were conducted, where 14 interviews were conducted by phone, six face to face and five interviews in a written form. The process of data collection lasts 15 days. From the sample, 21 were Albanians and four were Macedonians, with this mix of ethnicities the authors had a chance to see different opinions for the same questions.

Findings

The authors found that most of second-generation members were happy and motivated for being part of their family business, except three participants those were imposed to their family business. Also, most of them possess entrepreneurial mindset, motivation, innovative ideas and risk-taker attributes.

Research limitations/implications

In this research were included only few cities of North Macedonia and the number of the sample is limited, due to the COVID-19 situation. Another limitation is that the study is done only with two nationalities.

Originality/value

There are a very few papers that treat family businesses in North Macedonia, and this is the only one that treats motivation, willingness and entrepreneurial mindset of second-generation members of family businesses in this country and the region.
Persons with intellectual disability in prison
Authors: Spreat Scott
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence with which individuals with intellectual disability are housed in jails and prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a literature review of individuals with intellectual disability who are in prison.

Findings

Persons with intellectual disability are imprisoned approximately seven times more frequently than would be expected by their prevalence in the general population.

Research limitations/implications

Factors likely to contribute to this overrepresentation are reviewed, including need for supports and acquiescence of people with intellectual disability.

Practical implications

People who have intellectual disability do not receive needed supports and services in prison.

Social implications

Supports are needed to end this overreliance on prisons to support people who have intellectual disability.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the magnitude by which imprisonment exceeds the level that would be expected from population prevalence alone. It highlights the problems associated with insufficient funding and supports.
A supporting framework for estimating no fault found cost: development and application in the aircraft MRO industry
Authors: Singh Vipin Prakash , Ganguly Kunal
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This research aims to develop a new generic framework for estimating different maintenance costs (preventive, corrective and conditional based) and its distribution to original equipment manufacturer (OEM), customer and supply chain due to no fault found (NFF) events. The study extend the domain of NFF to military aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) by including broader range of cost drivers than are normally found in maintenance NFF literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies the soft system methodology involving 80 field surveys and five in depth semi-structured interviews with practicing experts having background in military aircraft NFF MRO. For impact analysis, authors have used an agent-based model to represent and prioritize the critical NFF cost drivers during aircraft MRO based on the cost inputs of 21 technology transfer cases.

Findings

The paper provides imperial insights about how NFF cost drivers affect the OEM, customer and supply chain. It suggests that NFF cost need to be part of the commercial MRO contract, depending on its frequency pattern in different types of maintenances.

Research limitations/implications

The context of the current research is military aircrafts industry and may lack generalizability to commercial aircrafts. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The developed framework will provide invaluable help in key financial decision-making during signing of MRO contract in technology transfer cases.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new prediction model for NFF cost estimation across its shareholders and current status of NFF in military aircraft NFF MRO in India.
Smart contracts to enable sustainable business models. A case study
Authors: Dal Mas Francesca , Dicuonzo Grazia , Massaro Maurizio , Dell'Atti Vittorio
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to deepen how blockchain technology through smart contracts can support the development of sustainable business models (SBMs). Particularly, the authors aim to determine the key elements enabling SBMs by applying smart contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The research context focusses on the case study of SmartInsurance, which is a fictitious name for a start-up in the insurance sector and the real name of which is not to be revealed. The start-up was able to collect 18m euros in 80 s in a crowdfunding operation, using smart contracts and a revolutionary business model. Internal as well as external documents of different sources are analysed and coded to gather information about the company, its values and its business and what it pursues with employing blockchain technology.

Findings

The results show how smart contracts can reduce the costs of transactions, increase social trust and foster social proof behaviours that sustain the development of new SBMs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the transaction cost theory and social proof theory, showing how new technologies such as the blockchain can provide a fresh perspective to support the development of SBMs.
Identification and prioritization of issues to implementation of information-facilitated product recovery system for a circular economy
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish , Agrawal Dindayal , Madaan Jitender
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Information-facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) has captivated industry attention and has developed into a matter of consideration among the researchers because of enhanced climate concerns, jurisdictive logics and societal liabilities. Although IFPRS implementation has become an essential aspect in manufacturing industries functional in the developed nations, still, limited consideration has been given in the literature to analyze the issues to IFPRS implementation for a circular economy (CE) in emerging and developing nations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to recognize issues to implementing IFPRS for a CE in context of select manufacturing industries in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 24 potential issues are established from the literature and from suggestions from the experts. The issues are clubbed under five different perspectives of technical, government, organization, policy and knowledge. Further, fuzzy VIKOR technique is applied on the results obtained to prioritize the identified issues. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to check the robustness of the framework.

Findings

The present study shows that lack of skills and expertise in IFPRS implementation for a CE (I2), deficient capital to implement a CE in IFPRS (I9), inadequate in adopting recent IT technology (I18), feasibility of IFPRS employment for a CE (I6) and no efficient training and program to CE adoption (I21) are the top five potential issues in implementing IFPRS practices for a CE in Indian manufacturing industries.

Research limitations/implications

In literature, limited study has been observed on determining issues to implementation of IFPRS for a CE. A more systematic method and statistical confirmation is necessary to establish further new confronting issues. This study is limited to Indian manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study includes identification of issues and later prioritizing them to reflect their severity. This would help the industry practitioners to formulate strategies for handling the issues conveniently.
Aesthetic outcome of intralesional injection of lauromacrogol as a single‐agent treatment for uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Lin Peng‐Fei , Chen Fa‐Chun , Chen Jia‐Yao , Jiang Cheng‐Hong
Published: July 2020

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are at risk of incomplete regression with remnant permanent sequelae, ranging from passive waiting for spontaneous regression to active systemic administration. The application of traditional therapy involving injection of a sclerosing agent is limited due to the difficulty in achieving cosmetic improvement. This study aimed to explore a new injection method that could not only promote tumor regression but also achieve cosmetic improvement. A total of 122 IH (from 109 children) injected intralesionally with lauromacrogol in the Plastic Surgery Department of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 1 June 2019 were enrolled in this study. The mean follow‐up time was 2.9 years. Of 122 lesions studied, 111 (91.0%) achieved complete regression, 10 (8.2%) achieved significant regression and one (0.8%) achieved moderate regression. In terms of aesthetic appearance, 70 (57.4%) IH had no sequelae and the A score was 5/5. Twenty‐one (17.2%) IH had minimal hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or telangiectasia and the A score was 4/5. Thirty‐one (25.4%) IH had left mild or relatively obvious sequelae and the A score was 1–3/5. None of the 122 IH involved had rebound growth after terminating the treatment. Hyper‐ or hypopigmentation gradually faded over time and part of the IH had already returned to normal appearance by the time of long‐term follow up. The results indicated that this new type of injection therapy significantly promoted the regression of uncomplicated IH and helped achieve the expected cosmetic appearance.
Light supports cell‐integrity and growth rates of taxonomically diverse coastal photoheterotrophs
Authors: Arandia‐Gorostidi Nestor , González José M. , Huete‐Stauffer Tamara M. , Ansari Mohd I. , Morán Xosé Anxelu G. , Alonso‐Sáez Laura
Published: July 2020

Despite the widespread distribution of proteorhodopsin (PR)‐containing bacteria in the oceans, the use of light‐derived energy to promote bacterial growth has only been shown in a few bacterial isolates, and there is a paucity of data describing the metabolic effects of light on environmental photoheterotrophic taxa. Here, we assessed the effects of light on the taxonomic composition, cell integrity and growth responses of microbial communities in monthly incubations between spring and autumn under different environmental conditions. The photoheterotrophs expressing PR in situ were dominated by Pelagibacterales and SAR116 in July and November, while members of Euryarchaeota, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated the PR expression in spring. Cell‐membrane integrity decreased under dark conditions throughout most of the assessment, with maximal effects in summer, under low‐nutrient conditions. A positive effect of light on growth was observed in one incubation (out of nine), coinciding with a declining phytoplankton bloom. Light‐enhanced growth was found in Gammaproteobacteria (Alteromonadales) and Bacteroidetes (Polaribacter and Tenacibaculum). Unexpectedly, some Pelagibacterales also exhibited higher growth rates under light conditions. We propose that the energy harvested by PRs helps to maintain cell viability in dominant coastal photoheterotrophic oligotrophs while promoting the growth of some widespread taxa benefiting from the decline of phytoplankton blooms.
Hospitality industry economic innovation out of tradition small–medium‐size enterprises in North‐Eastern Thailand
Authors: Suvittawat Adisak
Published: July 2020

This study focuses on the creation of economic innovation out of tradition in small–medium‐size hospitality industry enterprises in the north‐eastern part of Thailand. We looked at the role of the roots of the business on its development and the roots vary from existing old traditional accommodations, to accommodations that developed out of a restaurants or a totally different types of hospitality related or unrelated businesses. We also looked as hospitality institutions that developed out of an existing building that could house accommodations or be expanded to a hotel. With the structure naturally comes the location. In real estate as in tourism location plays a very important role, location, location and location. So a three‐star hotel may have developed out of a homestay or a bed and breakfast or a simple family restaurant. We did not look at the hotels that were the result of planned developments of real estate developer and hotel franchise operator. Innovation is broadly defined as a new idea, method or product. Product, process or service innovations may have their roots in the traditions of the business. Traditions are long established customs, believes that have been transmitted over generations or time in general terms. The study is quantitative in nature and explored a convenience sample 100 small–medium‐size hospitality enterprises in the north‐eastern part of Thailand by administrating a pretested survey to the owner/operators. The sample is a good representation of the hospitality industry in Thailand under the business model of tradition as an engine for innovation and the ongoing academic debate which generates implications for hospitality industry best practices and as strategic resource.
Race Matters: The Materiality of Domopolitics in the Peripheries of Rome
Authors: Ivasiuc Ana
Published: July 2020

This essay explores the political struggles around the making of the peripheral neighbourhood of Nuova Ponte di Nona in Rome, examining the place that housing occupies in securitarian domopolitics as a politics of protecting one's home while at the same time (re)producing the materiality of the neighbourhood along class and race divides. The essay calls for a greater analytical focus on issues of materiality in the recently emerging debates on ‘domopolitics’ or ‘the politics of home’—a politics which constructs various scales of territory as a ‘home’ to be protected against invading outsiders cast as enemies. It conjoins debates around urban materiality with debates around the fear of racialized others outside the home as constitutive of the development of the ‘domestic fortress’. In this regard, the essay takes up the argument on the centrality of race in securitization moves, providing empirical support for the increased analytical emphasis on the workings of race alongside those of class, and on the embeddedness of racializing practices in corporeality and urban material culture.
Does internal information quality impact corporate cash holdings? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiong Feng , Zheng Yaping , An Zhe , Xu Si
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the impact of internal information quality (IIQ) on corporate cash holdings in China. Employing two widely used IIQ measures (i.e., the earnings announcement speed and the absence of financial restatements), we show a significant and negative association between IIQ and corporate cash holdings. This negative relation is concentrated among complex firms (i.e., firms with more business segments), non‐state‐owned firms, and firms with poor corporate governance. Our findings are valid after we consider endogeneity issues. This paper suggests that the quality of the internal information environment plays an important role in influencing firms’ cash holding decisions.
Media attention to locations and the cross‐section of stock returns
Authors: Tang Guomei , Zhang Xueyong
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the relationship between media attention to a location and the price behaviour of stocks headquartered there. Using monthly media coverage of 236 prefecture‐level cities in mainland China, we find that stocks in cities with higher abnormal media attention outperform stocks in cities with lower abnormal media attention by 3.72 percent per year, and the positive relationship between attention and returns holds after controlling for firm characteristics, firm‐level attention proxies and local economic conditions. Moreover, the initial positive price pressure is completely reversed within three months. Our results remain robust when we take endogeneity and other concerns into account.
Gender, ethnicity and stock liquidity: evidence from South Africa
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thanh , Muniandy Balachandran
Published: July 2020

This paper examines the impact of the gender and ethnic composition of corporate boards (board of directors and audit committee) on stock liquidity in the context of South Africa. More specifically, we focus on the interaction effects of gender diversity and ethnic diversity on stock liquidity. Using a sample of listed South African firms for the period 2009–2013, we find that firms with more female or black directors on corporate boards are associated with a higher level of stock liquidity. However, the interaction effect indicates that the positive impact of ethnic diversity on stock liquidity is attenuated with the greater presence of gender diversity. These findings are explained through board effectiveness and corporate information flows.
Democratization and Representative Bureaucracy: An Analysis of Promotion Patterns in Indonesia's Civil Service, 1980–2015
Authors: Pierskalla Jan H. , Lauretig Adam , Rosenberg Andrew S. , Sacks Audrey
Published: July 2020

Civil service organizations in the developing world often lack women and minorities in leadership positions. This has important consequences for the quality of public goods provision and the perceived trustworthiness of bureaucrats. We explore the effect of democratization on the discrimination of women and minorities in the civil service. We argue democratization leads to increased discrimination due to the politicization of identity cleavages. We test our argument using administrative data from Indonesia that cover the career histories of more than four million active civil servants. We exploit the exogenous timing of Indonesia's democratization and the staggered introduction of local direct elections for identification purposes. We find strong evidence that democratization worsened the career prospects of female and some religious minority bureaucrats. Penalties are higher for employees of departments led by conservative Muslim parties, in districts with larger Muslim party vote shares or larger Muslim populations, and in the religiously conservative province of Aceh.
Establishment of a novel miniature veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation model in the rat
Authors: Fujii Yutaka , Sumikura Hirohito , Nagahama Daisuke
Published: July 2020

Recently, veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) has been commonly used in the world to support patients with severe respiratory failure. However, V‐V ECMO is a new technology compared to veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass, and there are few reports of basic research. Although continuing research is desired, clinical research that standardizes conditions such as patients’ background characteristics is difficult. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple and stably maintainable miniature V‐V ECMO model to study the mechanisms of the biological reactions in circulation during V‐V ECMO. The V‐V ECMO system consisted of an original miniature membrane oxygenator, polyvinyl chloride tubing line, and roller pump. The priming volume of this system was only 8 mL. Polyethylene tubing was used to cannulate the right femoral vein as the venous return cannula for the V‐V ECMO system. A 16‐G cannula was passed through the right internal jugular vein and advanced into the right atrium as the conduit for venous uptake. The animals were divided into 2 groups: SHAM group and V‐V ECMO group. V‐V ECMO was initiated and maintained at 50‐60 mL/kg/min, and oxygen was added into the oxygenator during V‐V ECMO at a concentration of 100% (pump flow:oxygen = 1:10). Blood pressure was measured continuously, and blood cells were measured by blood collection. During V‐V ECMO, the blood pressure and hemodilution rate were maintained around 80 mm Hg and 20%, respectively. Hb was kept at >10 g/dL, and V‐V ECMO could be maintained without blood transfusion. It was possible to confirm oxygenation of and carbon dioxide removal from the blood. Likewise, the pH was adequately maintained. There were no problems with this miniature V‐V ECMO system, and extracorporeal circulation progressed safely. In this study, a novel miniature V‐V ECMO model was established in the rat. A miniature V‐V ECMO model appears to be very useful for studying the mechanisms of the biological reactions during V‐V ECMO and to perform basic studies of circulation assist devices.
Chronic stable heart failure model in ovine species
Authors: Torregroza Carolin , Sadat Najla , Gomez Hamacher Claudio J. R. , Scheiber Daniel , von der Beek Jil‐Cathrin , Westenfeld Ralf , Knorr Ivonne Jeanette , Akhyari Payam , Sager Martin , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar
Published: July 2020

Establishing a chronic heart failure (HF) model is challenging, particularly in the ovine model. The aim of this study was to establish a reproducible model of HF in an ovine model. Seventeen sheep were operated using the left thoracotomy approach. Chronic HF was induced through ligation of the diagonal and marginal branches only. Perioperative hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were compared. A total of (3 ± 1) coronary ligations were used. Thirteen animals survived the procedure and were followed up for (15 ± 5) days. The mean arterial pressure, heart rate (HR), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), central venous pressure, and cardiac output at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (75 ± 14 mmHg) and (68 ± 16 mmHg)P = .261; (72 ± 9 bpm), (100 ± 28 bpm)P = .01; (15 ± 4 mmHg) and (18 ± 5 mmHg)P = .034; (10 ± 6 mmHg) and (8 ± 4 mmHg)P = .326; (3.4 ± 1 L/min) and (3.9 ± 1 L/min)P = .286, respectively. The LVEF at baseline and prior to animal sacrifice was (63 ± 13%) and (43 ± 6%)P = .012. Twelve surviving animals were supported with LVAD in a follow‐up procedure. Chronic stable HF in sheep was successively established. Clinical symptoms and drastic increase in the mPAP and HR as well as echo findings were the most sensitive parameters of HF. This reproducible ovine model has proven to be highly promising for research regarding HF.
Deliberately infecting healthy volunteers with malaria parasites: Perceptions and experiences of participants and other stakeholders in a Kenyan‐based malaria infection study
Authors: Jao Irene , Marsh Vicki , Che Chi Primus , Kapulu Melissa , Hamaluba Mainga , Molyneux Sassy , Bejon Philip , Kamuya Dorcas
Published: July 2020

Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies involve the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers with malaria parasites under controlled conditions to study immune responses and/or test drug or vaccine efficacy. An empirical ethics study was embedded in a CHMI study at a Kenyan research programme to explore stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of deliberate infection and moral implications of these. Data for this qualitative study were collected through focus group discussions, in‐depth interviews and non‐participant observation. Sixty‐nine participants were involved, including CHMI study volunteers, community representatives and research staff. Data were managed using QSR Nvivo 10 and analysed using an inductive‐deductive approach, guided by ethics literature. CHMI volunteers had reasonable understanding of the study procedures. Decisions to join were influenced by study incentives, trust in the research institution, their assessment of associated burdens and motivation to support malaria vaccine development. However, deliberate malaria infection was a highly unusual research strategy for volunteers, community representatives and some study staff. Volunteers’ experiences of physical, emotional and social burdens or harms were often greater than anticipated initially, and fluctuated over time, related to specific procedures and events. Although unlikely to deter volunteers' participation in similar studies in furture, we argue that the dissonance between level of understanding of the burdens involved and actual experiences are morally relevant in relation to community engagement, informed consent processes, and ongoing support for volunteers and research staff. We further argue that ethics oversight of CHMI studies should take account of these issues in deciding whether consent, engagement and the balance of benefits and harms are reasonable in a given context.
‘Our Culture's Not for Sale!’: Music and the Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca in Mexico
Authors: Marsh Hazel
Published: July 2020

The Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca (APPO), a social movement that emerged in June 2006, was a response to severe government repression of a teachers' strike in Oaxaca, Mexico. This article focuses on the movement participants' involvement with music, and the innovative ways in which songs associated with APPO were shared and circulated during the conflict. APPO's engagement with musical activities created spaces in which the political significance of regional culture was reinterpreted and re‐signified. APPO, despite failing in its primary political objectives, thus generated new ways of relating to the performance, representation, politics and consumption of musical traditions.
Peroxiredoxins are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Uzawa A , Mori M , Masuda H , Ohtani R , Uchida T , Aoki R , Kuwabara S
Published: July 2020

Peroxiredoxins (PRXs) are intracellular anti-oxidative enzymes but work as inflammatory amplifiers under the extracellular condition. To date, the function of PRXs in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PRXs play a role in the pathogenesis of MS and NMOSD. We analyzed levels of PRXs (PRX1, PRX5 and PRX6) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 16 patients with MS, 16 patients with NMOSD and 15 patients with other neurological disorders (ONDs). We identified potential correlations between significantly elevated PRXs levels and the clinical variables in patients with MS and NMOSD. Additionally, pathological analyses of PRXs (PRX1-6) in the central nervous system (CNS) were performed using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), animal model of MS. We found that serum levels of PRX5 and PRX6 in patients with MS and NMOSD were higher compared with those in patients with ONDs (P < 0·05). Furthermore, high levels of PRX5 and PRX6 were partly associated with blood–brain barrier dysfunction and disease duration in NMOSD patients. No significant elevation was found in CSF PRXs levels of MS and NMOSD. Spinal cords from EAE mice showed remarkable PRX5 staining, especially in CD45+ infiltrating cells. In conclusion, PRX5 and PRX6 may play a role in the pathogeneses of MS and NMOSD.
Natural history and outcomes of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity persisting beyond 40 weeks of post‐menstrual age: Dilemma for treatment and follow up
Authors: Koucheki Robert , Isaac Maram , N Tehrani Nasrin , Mireskandari Kamiar
Published: July 2020

Importance

To evaluate the natural history and outcomes of infants with stage‐3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) persisting beyond 40‐weeks of post‐menstrual age (PMA).

Background

There are no specific screening guidelines for stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40 weeks of PMA. Persistent stage‐3 disease in zone II without plus disease or in zone III with or without plus disease poses a dilemma for treatment.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Participant

Neonates with stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40‐weeks of PMA.

Methods

Demographic data and ROP parameters were collected. Univariate/multivariate analyses were utilized to assess risk factors associated with requiring treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Evaluating the structural outcomes for infants with stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40 weeks of PMA.

Results

Out of 2356 screened infants, 115 infants (4.9%, 172 eyes) met inclusion criteria. In 95 infants (139 eyes, 80.8%), ROP resolved spontaneously. Twenty‐one infants (33 eyes, 19.2%) were treated with laser‐photocoagulation; 16 eyes had reached type 1 ROP and 17 eyes had non‐type 1 ROP. No eye had unfavourable structural outcome. On multiple regression, non‐type 1 ROP with ≥2 continuous clock hours of persistent stage‐3 temporally crossing the horizontal midline was a significant risk factor associated with receiving treatment (OR = 27.29, 95% CI = [1.61, 462.92], P = .0221).

Conclusion and Relevance

The majority of stage‐3 ROP persisting beyond 40‐weeks of PMA resolve spontaneously. In eyes that do not reach type 1 ROP, ≥2 continuous clock hours of persistent stage‐3 crossing the temporal horizontal midline and history of pre‐plus were considered important risk factors for macular drag and treatment can be considered.
Short‐term outcomes of lateral extraction socket augmentation using autogenous tooth roots: A prospective observational study
Authors: Parvini Puria , Sahin Didem , Becker Kathrin , Sader Robert , Becker Juergen , Schwarz Frank
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the short‐term clinical outcomes of lateral augmentation of deficient extraction sockets and two‐stage implant placement using autogenous tooth roots (TR).

Material and methods

A total of n = 13 patients (13 implants) were available for the analysis. At the time of tooth extraction, each subject had received lateral augmentation using the respective non‐retainable but non‐infected tooth root where the thickness of the buccal bone was <0.5 mm or where a buccal dehiscence‐type defect was present. Titanium implants were placed after a submerged healing period of 6 months and loaded after 20 ± 2 weeks (V8). Clinical parameters (e.g., bleeding on probing—BOP, probing pocket depth—PD, mucosal recession—MR, clinical attachment level—CAL) were recorded at V8 and after 26 ± 4 weeks (V9) of implant loading.

Results

At V9, all patients investigated revealed non‐significant changes in mean BOP (−19.23 ± 35.32%), PD (0.24 ± 0.49 mm), MR (0.0 ± 0.0 mm) and CAL (0.24 ± 0.49 mm) values, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the initial gain in ridge width and changes in BOP and PD values.

Conclusions

The surgical procedure was associated with stable peri‐implant tissues on the short‐term.
Habitat disturbance modifies dominance, coexistence, and competitive interactions in tropical ant communities
Authors: Achury Rafael , Chacón de Ulloa Patricia , Arcila Ángela , Suarez Andrew V.
Published: July 2020

1. Interspecific competition is a major structuring principle in ecological communities. Despite their prevalence, the outcome of competitive interactions is hard to predict, highly context‐dependent, and multiple factors can modulate such interactions.

2. We tested predictions concerning how competitive interactions are modified by anthropogenic habitat disturbance in ground‐foraging ant assemblages inhabiting fragmented Inter‐Andean tropical dry forests in southwestern Colombia, and investigated ant assemblages recruiting to baits in 10 forest fragments exposed to varying level of human disturbance.

3. Specifically, we evaluated how different components of competitive interactions (patterns of species co‐occurrence, resource partitioning, numerical dominance, and interspecific trade‐offs between discovery and dominance competition) varied with level of habitat disturbance in a human‐dominated ecosystem.

4. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the role of competitive interactions in structuring ground‐foraging ant communities at baits varied with respect to habitat disturbance. As disturbance increased, community structure was more likely to exhibit random co‐occurrence patterns, higher levels of monopolization of food resources by dominant ants, and disproportionate dominance of a single species, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata). At a regional scale, we found evidence for a trade‐off between dominance and discovery abilities of the 15 most common species at baits.

5. Together, these results suggest that human disturbance modifies the outcome of competitive interactions in ground‐foraging ant assemblages and may promote dominant species that reduce diversity and coexistence in tropical ecosystems.
Meta‐population structure and the evolutionary transition to multicellularity
Authors: Rose Caroline J. , Hammerschmidt Katrin , Pichugin Yuriy , Rainey Paul B.
Published: July 2020

The evolutionary transition to multicellularity has occurred on numerous occasions, but transitions to complex life forms are rare. Here, using experimental bacterial populations as proxies for nascent multicellular organisms, we manipulate ecological factors shaping the evolution of groups. Groups were propagated under regimes requiring reproduction via a life cycle replete with developmental and dispersal (propagule) phases, but in one treatment lineages never mixed, whereas in a second treatment, cells from different lineages experienced intense competition during the dispersal phase. The latter treatment favoured traits promoting cell growth at the expense of traits underlying group fitness – a finding that is supported by results from a mathematical model. Our results show that the transition to multicellularity benefits from ecological conditions that maintain discreteness not just of the group (soma) phase, but also of the dispersal (germline) phase.