bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of drying time of fresh concrete slabs: a comparative study
Authors: Hassan Osama A.B. , Anderstedt Rasmus
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to attempt to compare experimental results for a number of models for the prediction of the drying time of new concrete floors. The investigated methods are the table method, the Swedish Concrete Association (SCA) method and the free computer programme TorkaS 3.2.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparison is based on moisture measurements of four different floor specimens. The specimens have different ratios (w/c = 0.38, 0.6 and 0.7).

Findings

The results show that there is a good agreement between the table method and the measured values on the specimens with high water-cement ratio (w/c = 0.6 and 0.7). However, the deviation becomes greater at lower water-cement ratio (w/c 0.38). TorkaS also resulted in a good agreement with the measurements. However, it is noted that as the drying time increases, the programme exhibits a slow dehydration trend at higher w/c ratios. The SCA method shows various results within the permissible deviation. Moreover, the moisture distribution in concrete with high w/c ratios is found to be mainly influenced by moisture diffusion and little by self-desiccation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to concrete slabs that are drying from one side in an enclosed building with an heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system operating normally. Moreover, this study concerns concrete without special additives (e.g. silica fumes), which can be used in some specific cases to accelerate or retard the hydration (cure) process.

Practical implications

These compared methods are used widely in Sweden; therefore, it will be interesting to understand their applicability range. Another focus in this paper is to investigate how the effect of self-desiccation of concrete is related to the w/c ratios, taking into consideration the result of these prediction models.

Social implications

The paper can suit academic researchers, as well as the commercial industries, in a sense that the comparative study will pave a way to the best method to be used for drying time estimation.

Originality/value

The paper contains new information and could be useful to researchers and commercial industries.
“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” an experience you can feel: haptic technology
Authors: Fernandez Peter
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The previous column on educational trends briefly mentioned haptic technology in the context of the future of educational technologies (Fernandez, 2017). However, haptic technology is important enough to merit further consideration on its own terms. Haptic technology is a term that encompasses a set of rapidly evolving technologies centering on recreating the sense of touch, with a wide range of applications, and is poised to influence a wide range of industries and transform how we interact with technology. This paper aims to provide an overview of what haptic technology is and elucidate some of the crucial ways it is likely to develop in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

At its most basic level, haptic technology provides sensory feedback. This can be in service of making an experience more interactive; for example, when playing a video game, the remote control might vibrate in response to what is happening on the screen. It can also provide a wider range of previously unexplored feedback – as when a cell phone vibrates to notify its owner that they have received a text message.

Findings

As the technology around the sense of touch develops, it will have the capacity to provide richer experiences as well as new opportunities for communication. This column will provide an overview of what haptic technology is and elucidate some of the crucial ways it is likely to develop in the future

Originality/value

A fundamental shift is underway in how we interact with our computers and devices. Sensation-based products are being launched across a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, automobiles and health care.
Conference report: 50th consumer electronics show
Authors: Kesselman Martin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conference report and impressions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study discusses interesting topics for libraries.

Findings

The author presents his take on the Consumer Electronics Show.

Originality/value

The study is an original topic and provides great value on tech trends.
Treatment effectiveness of water in Bouhamdane watershed (Guelma, Northeastern Algeria)
Authors: Benrabah Titi Samia , Hannouche Mani , Attoui Badra
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper represents an analytical study conducted in the laboratory. The purpose of this paper is to monitor changes of some parameters related to water treatment in Hamman Bebagh (Bouhamdane Watershed).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was focused on three sites: river water, dam water and treated water during the first six months of 2014 (January-June). It included 16 physico-chemical parameters (PH, T, conductivity, etc.) and two bacteriological (E. coli, fecal streptococci). These parameters were analyzed to make a comparison between stagnant dam water (before and after treatment) and river water.

Findings

The obtained results over the whole period of analysis indicated that treated dam water was less loaded with organic materials, solids, dissolved salts (Cl−, Ca2+, and Mg2+) that were deposited at the bottom of the dam than dam water before treatment. On the other hand, river water was found to be more charged of suspended matter than the dam water and the treated water since flowing water carried all materials in its course. In terms of bacteriological quality, treated water was found to be free from all traces of bacteria analyzed that were present in the dam and the river before the treatment.

Originality/value

This study was proposed in order to see if it is necessary to establish a second treatment plant in the medium term. On the basis of this analysis, the end results have shown that the treatment plant was effective enough to reach the desired goal (treated water which respects the norms of OMS).
Stroke survivors’ experiences of using the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) in an Australian acute hospital setting: A mixed‐methods pilot study
Authors: Murdolo Yuki , Brown Ted , Fielding Leesa , Elliott Stephen , Castles Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

Background/aim

The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) has been designed to increase the frequency of upper limb therapy sessions occurring without the presence of a therapist. Its use has not been studied when implemented in acute care settings with patients presenting with a stroke within the first week of onset. To investigate patients’ experiences of using the GRASP when provided within the first week in an acute stroke setting.

Methods

A concurrent nested mixed methods design was used. Participants were assessed prior and post the GRASP implementation using the CAHAI‐9, the UL‐MAS, and the SIS 3.0 physical dimensions and interviewed regarding their GRASP experience.

Findings

Participants (n = 8, mean days post stroke =2.75 days, SD = 2.05 at recruitment, mean age = 69.63years, SD = 11.73) used the GRASP regularly while in the acute stroke care setting (mean GRASP use = 28.44minutes/day, SD = 20.40, range = 10–45 minutes, median = 15 minutes). The perceived benefits of the GRASP use reported by patients included ‘it's good for your hand’, ‘they makes other jobs easier’ and ‘I've got to be doing something’. Categories regarding the participants’ motivation to use the GRASP included ‘to get my hand better’, ‘being able to do the things I did before’ and ‘to get out of here [the hospital]’. Participants experienced clinically significant changes in mean change scores of the CAHAI‐9 and UL‐MAS at the group level. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed no statistically significant changes.

Conclusions

A clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the GRASP when provided to patients within the first week is recommended.
Fetish, magic, marketing
Authors: Arnould Eric , Cayla Julien , Dion Delphine
Published: April 2017

This article identifies specific forms of fetishistic enchantments produced by practices culturally specific to modern consumer culture. The authors show that magical practices are constitutive of two fetishistic marketing constructs: the consumer and the human luxury brand. Marketing magic enacts relations between man and the transcendent by bringing consumer personas ‘to life’ and manifesting ideals of the beautiful in luxury. Marketing magic is a practice of power – non‐rationalist strategies for resolving intractable social problems. Consumer ‘personas’ create the manageable consumer interlocutors for companies. Charismatic creative directors seem to evade the iron logic of commodity relationships via the magical conjuring of their own personas and of artful luxury.
Managing Orderly Decline? Nationalism in Northern Ireland Since the Good Friday Agreement (1998)
Authors: McCann David
Published: April 2017

The 2016 Northern Ireland Assembly election highlighted substantive issues within nationalism. Both the main nationalist parties, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and Sinn Féin, recorded the worst combined vote for over 20 years. This article suggests that the downturn in nationalist support was years in the making and examines why nationalist voters might be turning away from the ballot box. It considers the various factors that underlined both parties' approach to consecutive electoral tests from 1998 until 2016, showing how Sinn Féin replaced the SDLP as the leading force within nationalism, and concluding that new leadership may yet halt the process of orderly decline.
Physical after‐effects of colposcopy and related procedures, and their inter‐relationship with psychological distress: a longitudinal survey
Authors: O'Connor M , O'Brien K , Waller J , Gallagher P , D'Arcy T , Flannelly G , Martin CM , McRae J , Prendiville W , Ruttle C , White C , Pilkington L , O'Leary JJ , Sharp L ,   the Irish Cervical Screening Research Consortium (CERVIVA)
Published: April 2017

Objective

To estimate prevalence of post‐colposcopy physical after‐effects and investigate associations between these and subsequent psychological distress.

Design

Longitudinal survey.

Setting

Two hospital‐based colposcopy clinics.

Population

Women with abnormal cytology who underwent colposcopy (±related procedures).

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to women 4, 8 and 12 months post‐colposcopy. Details of physical after‐effects (pain, bleeding and discharge) experienced post‐colposcopy were collected at 4 months. Colposcopy‐specific distress was measured using the Process Outcome‐Specific Measure at all time‐points. Linear mixed‐effects regression was used to identify associations between physical after‐effects and distress over 12 months, adjusting for socio‐demographic and clinical variables.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of post‐colposcopy physical after‐effects. Associations between the presence of any physical after‐effects, awareness of after‐effects, and number of after‐effects and distress.

Results

Five‐hundred and eighty‐four women were recruited (response rate = 73, 59 and 52% at 4, 8 and 12 months, respectively). Eighty‐two percent of women reported one or more physical after‐effect(s). Multiple physical after‐effects were common (two after‐effects = 25%; three after‐effects = 25%). Psychological distress scores declined significantly over time. In adjusted analyses, women who experienced all three physical after‐effects had on average a 4.58 (95% CI: 1.10–8.05) higher distress scored than those who experienced no after‐effects. Women who were unaware of the possibility of experiencing after‐effects scored significantly higher for distress during follow‐up.

Conclusions

The prevalence of physical after‐effects of colposcopy and related procedures is high. The novel findings of inter‐relationships between awareness of the possibility of after‐effects and experiencing multiple after‐effects, and post‐colposcopy distress may be relevant to the development of interventions to alleviate post‐colposcopy distress.

Tweetable abstract

Experiencing multiple physical after‐effects of colposcopy is associated with psychological distress.
Effects of a hospital‐wide intervention on emergency department crowding and quality: A prospective study
Authors: Richardson Drew B , Brockman Kate , Abigail Angela , Hollis Gregory J
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a management‐supported, multimodal, hospital‐wide intervention on ED crowding and quality measures.

Methods

This is a prospective descriptive study of the first 20 weeks of the intervention, with 3 years of historical controls. The study was conducted in a 600 bed adult/paediatric tertiary hospital with 80 000 ED presentations annually. ED information system data were collected on all presentations in matched 20 week periods. Multiple interventions included ED Navigator role, ED Medical Staff teaming, corporate focus with key performance indicators and dashboards, appointment of a Director of Operations, Long Length of Stay Committee and reorganisation of the flow (bed management) unit. Process outcomes were 4 h performance as a proportion of all patients and mean daily length of crowding with more than 10 inpatients awaiting beds expressed as a time. Quality outcomes were proportions of patients who did not wait and who re‐presented within 72 h.

Results

There was a 9.1% increase in presentations and a 22.6% decrease in mean ED occupancy over the previous year. The 4 h performance improved from 56.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55.5–56.7) to 68.8% (95% CI 68.3–69.3) and daily crowding with more than 10 inpatients improved from 6:34 (95% CI 5:32–7:37) to 0:29 (95% CI 0:15–0:42). Did not wait improved significantly from 5.1 to 3.0% and rate of representation did not change.

Conclusion

This prospective study shows significant improvement in ED flow without compromise in quality measures from a hospital‐wide intervention requiring minimal additional resources. Further research is required on sustainability and patient outcomes beyond the ED.
De‐labelling self‐reported penicillin allergy within the emergency department through the use of skin tests and oral drug provocation testing
Authors: Marwood Joseph , Aguirrebarrena Gonzalo , Kerr Stephen , Welch Susan A , Rimmer Janet
Published: April 2017

Objective

Self‐reported penicillin allergy is common among patients attending the ED, but is a poor predictor of true immunoglobulin E‐mediated hypersensitivity to penicillin. We hypothesise that with a combination of skin testing and drug provocation testing, selected patients can be safely de‐labelled of their allergy.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled a sample of patients presenting to an urban academic ED between 2011 and 2016 with a self‐reported allergy to penicillin. Standardised skin prick and intradermal testing with amoxicillin and both major and minor determinants of penicillin was performed in the department. If negative, testing was followed by a graded oral challenge of amoxicillin over 9 days. The primary end point was the allergy status of participants at the end of the study.

Results

A total of 100 patients (mean age 42; standard deviation 14 years; 54% women) completed the testing. Of these, 81% (95% confidence interval 71.9–88.2) showed no hypersensitivity to penicillin and were labelled non‐allergic. The majority (16/19) of allergies were confirmed by skin testing, with three suspected allergies detected by the oral challenge. Women were more likely than men to have a true penicillin allergy, with odds ratio of 4.0 (95% confidence interval 1.23–13.2). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Selected patients in the ED who self‐report an allergy to penicillin can be safely tested there for penicillin allergy, using skin tests and oral drug provocation testing. This testing allows a significant de‐labelling of penicillin allergy, with the majority of these patients able to tolerate penicillin without incident.
Root symbionts: Powerful drivers of plant above‐ and belowground indirect defenses
Authors: Rasmann Sergio , Bennett Alison , Biere Arjen , Karley Alison , Guerrieri Emilio
Published: April 2017

Soil microbial mutualists of plants, including mycorrhizal fungi, non‐mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, have been typically characterized for increasing nutrient acquisition and plant growth. More recently, soil microbes have also been shown to increase direct plant defense against above‐ and belowground herbivores. Plants, however, do not only rely on direct defenses when attacked, but they can also recruit pest antagonists such as predators and parasitoids, both above and belowground, mainly via the release of volatile organic compounds (i.e., indirect defenses). In this review, we illustrate the main features and effects of soil microbial mutualists of plants on plant indirect defenses and discuss possible applications within the framework of sustainable crop protection against root‐ and shoot‐feeding arthropod pests. We indicate the main knowledge gaps and the future challenges to be addressed in the study and application of these multifaceted interactions.
Transfer of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins from genetically engineered Bt cotton to herbivores and predators
Authors: Meissle Michael , Romeis Jörg
Published: April 2017

With the cultivation of Bt cotton, the produced insecticidal Cry proteins are ingested by herbivores and potentially transferred along the food chain to natural enemies, such as predators. In laboratory experiments with Bollgard II cotton, concentrations of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab were measured in Lepidoptera larvae (Spodoptera littoralis, Heliothis virescens), plant bugs (Euschistus heros), aphids (Aphis gossypii), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), thrips (Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis), and spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). Tritrophic experiments were conducted with caterpillars of S. littoralis as prey and larvae of ladybird beetles (Harmonia axyridis, Adalia bipunctata) and lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea) as predators. Immunological measurements (ELISA) indicated that herbivores feeding on Bt cotton contained 5%–50% of the Bt protein concentrations in leaves except whiteflies and aphids, which contained no or only traces of Bt protein, and spider mites, which contained 7 times more Cry1Ac than leaves. Similarly, predators contained 1%–30% of the Cry protein concentration in prey. For the nontarget risk assessment, this indicates that Bt protein concentrations decrease considerably from one trophic level to the next in the food web, except for spider mites that contain Bt protein concentrations higher than those measured in the leaves. Exposure of phloem sucking hemipterans is negligible.
Constraining SWAT Calibration with Remotely Sensed Evapotranspiration Data
Authors: Tobin Kenneth J. , Bennett Marvin E.
Published: April 2017

Historically, many watershed studies have been based on using the streamflow flux, typically from a single gauge at the basin's outlet, to support calibration. In this setting, there is great potential for equifinality of parameters during the optimization process, especially for parameters that are not directly related to streamflow. Therefore, some of the optimal parameter values achieved during the autocalibration process may be physically unrealistic. In recent decades a vast array of data from land surface models and remote sensing platforms can help to constrain hydrologic fluxes such as evapotranspiration (ET). While the spatial resolution of these ancillary datasets varies, the continuous spatial coverage of these gridded datasets provides flux measurements across the entire basin, in stark contrast to point‐based streamflow data. This study uses Global Land Evaporation: the Amsterdam Model data to constrain Soil and Water Assessment Tool parameter values associated with ET to a more physically realistic range. The study area is the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed, in southern Oklahoma. Traditional objective metrics such as the Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficients record no performance improvement after application of this method. However, there is a dramatic increase in the number of days with receding flow where simulations match observed streamflow.
vortexR: an R package for post Vortex simulation analysis
Authors: Pacioni Carlo , Mayer Florian
Published: April 2017

Population viability analysis is an important tool for wildlife ecologists, geneticists and managers, which is used for the assessment of extinction risks, the evaluation of threatening processes and the establishment of conservation targets.

Vortex is among the leading population modelling software and the latest release includes an automated sensitivity test module. However, an equivalent automation of the post‐simulation data inspection and analysis is currently missing.

vortexR is an R package to automate the analysis and visualisation of outputs from the population viability modelling software Vortex. vortexR facilitates collating Vortex output files, data visualisation and basic analyses (e.g. pairwise comparisons of scenarios), as well as providing more advanced statistics, such as searching for the best regression model(s) from a list of predictors to investigate the main effect and the interaction effects of the variables of interest.

This package speeds up and greatly facilitates the reproducibility and portability of post‐simulation analysis results.
A prospective outcome study observing patients with severe traumatic brain injury over 10–15 years
Authors: Andersson E. , Rackauskaite D. , Svanborg E. , Csajbók L. , Öst M. , Nellgård B.
Published: April 2017

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) can be divided into primary and secondary injuries. Intensive care protocols focus on preventing secondary injuries. This prospective cohort study was initiated to investigate outcome, including mortality, in patients treated according to the Lund Concept after a sTBI covering 10–15 years post‐trauma.

Methods

Patients were included during 2000–2004 when admitted to the neurointensive care unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were: Glasgow coma scale score of ≤8, need for artificial ventilation and intracranial monitoring. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate outcome both at 1‐year and 10–15 years post‐trauma.

Results

Ninety‐five patients, (27 female and 68 male), were initially included. Both improvement and deterioration were noted between 1‐ and 10–15 years post‐injury. Mortality rate (34/95) was higher in the studied population vs. a matched Swedish population, (Standard mortality rate (SMR) 9.5; P < 0.0001). When dividing the cohort into Good (GOS 4–5) and Poor (GOS 2–3) outcome at 1‐year, only patients with Poor outcome had a higher mortality rate than the matched population (SMR 7.3; P < 0.0001). Further, good outcome (high GOS) at 1‐year was associated with high GOS 10–15 years post‐trauma (P < 0.0001). Finally, a majority of patients demonstrated symptoms of mental fatigue.

Conclusion

This indicates that patients with severe traumatic brain injury with Good outcome at 1‐year have similar survival probability as a matched Swedish population and that high Glasgow outcome scale at 1‐year is related to good long‐term outcome. Our results further emphasise the advantage of the Lund concept.
A high proportion of prehospital emergency patients are not transported by ambulance: a retrospective cohort study in Northern Finland
Authors: Hoikka M. , Silfvast T. , Ala‐Kokko T. I.
Published: April 2017

Background

The number of missions in the emergency medical services (EMS) has increased considerably in recent years. People are requesting ambulance for even minor illnesses and non‐medical problems, which is placing financial and resource burdens on the EMS. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of non‐transportation missions in Northern Finland and the reasons for these missions.

Methods

All ambulance missions in two hospital districts in Northern Finland during the 6‐month period of January 1 through June 30, 2014, were retrospectively evaluated from the EMS charts to identify missions in which the patients were not transported by the EMS. The non‐transportation rates and reasons were calculated and expressed as percentages.

Results

In 41.7% of the 13,354 missions, the patient was not transported from the scene by an ambulance. After a medical assessment and care was provided by the EMS, 48.2% of these non‐transport patients were evaluated as not needing further treatment in the emergency department and were directed to contact the municipal health care center during office hours. There was no need for any medical care in 39.9% of non‐transportation missions.

Conclusion

This study showed a high rate of EMS missions resulting in non‐transportation in two hospital districts in Northern Finland. In the majority of these missions there was no need for emergency admission to an emergency department or for any medical care at all. These findings indicate that an improvement in the dispatch process and primary care resources might be of benefit.
Recent invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on to Fraser Island (K'gari) and South Stradbroke Island
Authors: Allen Benjamin L. , Behrendorff Linda , Willsher Lyn , Kaluza Janina , Oakey Jane
Published: April 2017

Invasive predators are globally significant drivers of threatened fauna population decline and extinction, and the early detection of new incursions is critical to the chances of successful predator eradication and fauna conservation. Here, we provide evidence of the recent invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on to two large and internationally significant islands off the southeast coast of Queensland, Australia – Fraser Island (K'gari) and South Stradbroke Island. From camera trap footage collected on Fraser Island since 2009, foxes have now been observed on seven different occasions between 2012 and 2016. Two scats collected on South Stradbroke Island in 2013 and 2014 tested positive for fox DNA (and negative for Canis spp. DNA), with fox presence confirmed by subsequent camera trap footage in 2016. These data confirm the recent incursion of foxes on to these islands and suggest that small populations now exist there. Fraser Island and South Stradbroke Island represent key RAMSAR wetland areas of refuge for populations of multiple threatened fauna that have never been previously been exposed to foxes. Fox impacts on these fauna can only be expected to increase without management intervention to eradicate them before they become widespread.
Learning from Latino voices: Focus Groups’ Insights on Participation in Genetic Research
Authors: Martinez Priscilla , Cummings Cory , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Chartier Karen G.
Published: April 2017

Background and Objectives

There is a paucity of genetics research examining alcohol use among Latinos. The purpose of this study is to examine Latino perceptions of participation in alcohol studies that collect biological samples, an important precursor to increasing their participation in genetics research.

Methods

A synthesis of the literature addressing participation of racial/ethnic minorities in alcohol genetics research was undertaken. We developed a framework of themes related to barriers and facilitators for participation, which we then used to analyze two focus groups held with 18 Latino participants.

Results

From the literature review, we identified nine themes related to facilitators of and barriers to participation. They are, on continua: curiosity to disinterest; trust to mistrust; understanding to confusion; safety to danger; inclusion to exclusion; sense of connection to disconnection; hope to despair; ease to hassle; and benefit to cost. Another theme emerged from the focus groups: previous experience to no previous experience with health research.

Conclusions

Applying the themes from the literature review to Latino perspectives on providing biological samples for alcohol research helps expand their definition and applicability. Consideration of these themes when designing recruitment/retention materials and strategies may encourage Latino participation in alcohol genetics research.

Scientific Significance

An understanding of these themes and their significance for Latinos is offered in the form of “guiding questions” for researchers to consider as we strive for more inclusive research. Focus group participants were Mexican American; future research should further explore perspectives of this heterogeneous demographic group by studying other Latino subgroups. (Am J Addict 2017;26:477–485)
Improving the sexual lives of older Australians: Perspectives from a qualitative study
Authors: Fileborn Bianca , Lyons Anthony , Hinchliff Sharron , Brown Graham , Heywood Wendy , Dow Briony , Malta Sue , Minichiello Victor
Published: April 2017

Objective

To examine older Australian's perspectives on how their sexual lives can best be supported and/or improved.

Methods

Fifty‐three, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Australian men (n = 30) and women (n = 23) aged 60 and over.

Results

Participants identified a range of key issues and areas where their sexual lives could be further supported or improved upon, including normalising the occurrence of sex and sexual desire in later life; increasing and improving on the quality of, cultural representations of older adults; introducing policy, educational and practice‐based changes in age care facilities to support the consensual sexual expression of residents; and ensuring that sexual health campaigns and education are inclusive of older people.

Conclusion

Our findings present clear implications for further developing sexuality education and public health campaigns, training and education of health‐care professionals, and generating social and cultural change pertaining to the acceptability of the diversity of sexual expression in later life.
Editorial: maybe our ‘Barrett's recommendation speech’ should change?
Authors: Richter J. E.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Erichsen et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13962.
Editorial: rethinking predictors of response to the low FODMAP diet – should we retire fructose and lactose breath‐hydrogen testing and concentrate on visceral hypersensitivity? Authors’ reply
Authors: Wilder‐Smith C. H. , Olesen S. S. , Materna A. , Drewes A. M.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Tuck et al and Wilder‐Smith et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14024 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13978.
Ethical Considerations of Triage Following Natural Disasters: The IDF Experience in Haiti as a Case Study
Authors: Ram‐Tiktin Efrat
Published: April 2017

Natural disasters in populated areas may result in massive casualties and extensive destruction of infrastructure. Humanitarian aid delegations may have to cope with the complicated issue of patient prioritization under conditions of severe resource scarcity. A triage model, consisting of five principles, is proposed for the prioritization of patients, and it is argued that rational and reasonable agents would agree upon them. The Israel Defense Force's humanitarian mission to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake serves as a case study for the various considerations taken into account when designing the ethical‐clinical policy of field hospitals. The discussion focuses on three applications: the decision to include an intensive care unit, the decision to include obstetrics and neonatal units, and the treatment policy for compound fractures.
Construct validity of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth UK Edition with a referred Irish sample: Wechsler and Cattell–Horn–Carroll model comparisons with 15 subtests
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Watkins Marley W. , Good Rebecca , James Kate , James Trevor
Published: April 2017

Background

Irish educational psychologists frequently use the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth UK Edition (WISC–IVUK; Wechsler, 2004, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Fourth UK Edition, London, UK, Harcourt Assessment) in clinical assessments of children with learning difficulties. Unfortunately, reliability and validity studies of the WISC–IVUK standardization sample have not yet been reported. Watkins et al. (2013, International Journal of School and Educational Psychology, 1, 102) found support for a bifactor structure with a large sample (N = 794) of Irish children who were administered the 10 WISC–IVUK core subtests in clinical assessments of learning difficulties and dominance of general intelligence. Because only 10 subtests were available, Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC; McGrew, 1997, 2005, Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues, New York, NY: Guilford; Schneider & McGrew, 2012, Contemporary intellectual assessment: Theories, tests, and issues, New York, NY, Guilford Press) models could not be tested and compared.

Aim, Sample and Method

The present study utilized confirmatory factor analyses to test the latent factor structure of the WISC–IVUK with a sample of 245 Irish children administered all 15 WISC–IVUK subtests in evaluations assessing learning difficulties in order to examine CHC‐ and Wechsler‐based models. One through five, oblique first‐order factor models and higher order versus bifactor models were examined and compared using CFA.

Results

Meaningful differences in fit statistics were not observed between the Wechsler and CHC representations of higher‐order or bifactor models. In all four structures, general intelligence accounted for the largest portions of explained common variance, whereas group factors accounted for small to miniscule portions of explained common variance. Omega‐hierarchical subscale coefficients indicated that unit‐weighted composites that would be generated by WISC–IVUK group factors (Wechsler or CHC) would contain little unique variance and thus be of little value.

Conclusion

These results were similar to those from other investigations, further demonstrating the replication of the WISC–IV factor structure across cultures and the importance of focusing primary interpretation on the FSIQ.
The role of habit in different phases of exercise
Authors: Kaushal Navin , Rhodes Ryan E. , Meldrum John T. , Spence John C.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate how habit strength in a preparatory and performance phase predicts exercise while accounting for intention. The secondary purpose was to determine the strength of potential habit antecedents (affective judgement, perceived behavioural control, consistency, and cues) in both exercise phases.

Design

This was a prospective study with measures collected at baseline and week 6.

Methods

Participants (n = 181) were a sample of adults (18–65) recruited across nine gyms and recreation centres who completed baseline and follow‐up questionnaires after 6 weeks.

Results

Intention (β = .28, p = .00) and habit preparation (β = .20, p = .03), predicted exercise, and change of exercise with coefficients of β = .25, (p = .00) and β = .18, (p = .04), respectively, across 6 weeks but not habit performance (p>.05).

Conclusions

This study highlighted the distinction between the two phases of exercise and the importance of preparatory habit in predicting behaviour. Focusing on a consistent preparatory routine could be helpful in establishing an exercise habit.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

A recent meta‐analysis found habit to correlate r = .43 with behaviour (Gardner, de Bruijn, & Lally, ).

Verplanken and Melkevik () propose that habit in exercise should be measured in separate components.

Phillips and Gardner () interpreted this as habitual instigation (thought) to exercise and execution.

What does this study add?

Extended pervious work and identified two distinct behavioural phases (preparation and performance) for exercise.

Habit model revealed that temporal consistency was the strongest predictor in both phases of exercise.

Intention and habit of preparatory behaviour predicted exercise fluctuations in gym members.
FLK West (Lower Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania): a new early Acheulean site with evidence for human exploitation of fauna
Authors: Yravedra José , Diez‐Martín Fernando , Egeland Charles P. , Maté‐González Miguel Ángel , Palomeque‐González Juan Francisco , Arriaza Mari Carmen , Aramendi Julia , García Vargas Elena , Estaca‐Gómez Verónica , Sánchez Policarpo , Fraile Cristina , Duque Javier , de Francisco Rodríguez Sara , González‐Aguilera Diego , Uribelarrea David , Mabulla Aundax , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez‐Rodrigo Manuel
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a detailed taphonomic study of the faunal assemblage from FLK West (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania), a site with an Acheulean component that dates to 1.7 Ma. The faunal sample analysed here is distributed in different archaeological levels and is associated with a significant lithic accumulation including several large format tools and handaxes. The fauna indicates the proliferation of open environments similar to those found in other Bed II and late Bed I sites. Evidence of anthropogenic activity (e.g. defleshing activities and marrow consumption) has been identified in the form of cut and percussion marks. A photogrammetric and morphometric analysis suggests that these marks were produced with quartzite flakes and not with handaxes. Evidence of interaction with carnivores was also noted; tooth marks were observed on some bones. Such interaction indicates the existence of competition between humans and carnivores for the same ecological niche, and might lead us to reflect on the survival strategies of Lower Pleistocene hominins.
Weathering regime in the Eastern Himalaya since the mid‐Miocene: indications from detrital geochemistry and clay mineralogy of the Kameng River Section, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Vögeli Natalie , Huyghe Pascale , van der Beek Peter , Najman Yani , Garzanti Eduardo , Chauvel Catherine
Published: April 2017

It is crucial to understand lateral differences in paleoclimate and weathering in order to fully understand the evolution of the Himalayan mountain belt. While many studies have focused on the western and central Himalaya, the eastern Himalaya remains poorly studied with regard to paleoclimate and past weathering history. Here, we present a multi‐proxy study on the Mio‐Pliocene sedimentary foreland‐basin section along the Kameng River in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, in order to obtain better insight in the weathering history of the eastern Himalaya. We analysed a continuous sedimentary record over the last 13 Ma. Heavy‐mineral and petrography data give insight into diagenesis and provenance, showing that the older part of the section is influenced by diagenesis and that sediments were not only deposited by a large Trans‐Himalayan river and the palaeo‐Kameng river, but also by smaller local tributaries. By taking into account changes in diagenesis and provenance, results of clay mineralogy and major element analysis show an overall increase in weathering intensity over time, with a remarkable change between ca. 10 and ca. 8 Ma.
Diversity of fungus‐growing termites (Macrotermes) and their fungal symbionts (Termitomyces) in the semiarid Tsavo Ecosystem, Kenya
Authors: Vesala Risto , Niskanen Tuula , Liimatainen Kare , Boga Hamadi , Pellikka Petri , Rikkinen Jouko
Published: April 2017

Fungus‐growing termites of the subfamily Macrotermitinae together with their highly specialized fungal symbionts (Termitomyces) are primary decomposers of dead plant matter in many African savanna ecosystems. The termites provide crucial ecosystem services also by modifying soil properties, translocating nutrients, and as important drivers of plant succession. Despite their obvious ecological importance, many basic features in the biology of fungus‐growing termites and especially their fungal symbionts remain poorly known, and no studies have so far focused on possible habitat‐level differences in symbiont diversity across heterogeneous landscapes. We studied the species identities of Macrotermes termites and their Termitomyces symbionts by excavating 143 termite mounds at eight study sites in the semiarid Tsavo Ecosystem of southern Kenya. Reference specimens were identified by sequencing the COI region from termites and the ITS region from symbiotic fungi. The results demonstrate that the regional Macrotermes community in Tsavo includes two sympatric species (M. subhyalinus and M. michaelseni) which cultivate and largely share three species of Termitomyces symbionts. A single species of fungus is always found in each termite mound, but even closely adjacent colonies of the same termite species often house evolutionarily divergent fungi. The species identities of both partners vary markedly between sites, suggesting hitherto unknown differences in their ecological requirements. It is apparent that both habitat heterogeneity and disturbance history can influence the regional distribution patterns of both partners in symbiosis.
Seed dispersal kernel of the largest surviving megaherbivore—the African savanna elephant
Authors: Bunney Katherine , Bond William J. , Henley Michelle
Published: April 2017

Owing to the late Pleistocene extinctions, the megafauna of Europe, Australia and the Americas disappeared, and with them the dispersal service they offered megafaunal fruit. The African savanna elephant, the largest remaining megaherbivore, offers valuable insights into the seed dispersal services provided by extinct megafauna in prehistoric times. Elephant seed dispersal studies have for the most part concentrated on African and Asian forest elephants. African savanna elephants are morphologically distinct from their forest counterparts. Like the forest elephants they consume large quantities of fruit from a large number of tree species. Despite this little is known of the savanna trees that rely on elephants for their dispersal or the spatial scale at which these seeds are dispersed. We combined information from feeding trials conducted on four park elephants with field telemetry data from 38 collared elephants collected over an 8‐year period in APNR/Kruger National Park to assess the seed dispersal service provided by savanna elephants. This study provides the first detailed account of the spatial scale at which African savanna elephants disperse seeds. Our mechanistic model predicts that 50 percent of seeds are carried over 2.5 km, and distances up to 65 km are achievable in maximum gut passage time. These findings suggest the savanna elephant as the longest distance terrestrial vertebrate disperser yet investigated. Maintaining their ecological role as a seed disperser may prove a significant factor in the conservation of large‐fruited tree diversity within the savannas. These results suggest that extinct megafauna offered a functionally unique dispersal service to megafaunal fruit.
Association of ESAT-6/CFP-10-induced IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 with clinical tuberculosis: evidence from cohorts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, household contacts and community controls in an endemic setting
Authors: Abebe F , Belay M , Legesse M , Mihret A , Franken K S
Published: April 2017

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) early secreted protein antigen 6 (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) are among candidate vaccines against tuberculosis (TB). Results of experimental animal models show that these antigens are associated with induction of strong T cell immunity [interferon (IFN)-γ production], while others report that these proteins as virulent factors involved in pathogenicity of Mtb infection. However, the role of ESAT-6/CFP-10 during natural Mtb infections in humans has not been established. In this paper we present results of a longitudinal study from an Mtb-infected human population from an endemic setting. Whole blood assay was used to determine levels of IFN-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 in TB patients, household contacts and community controls. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 at baseline were significantly higher in patients and community controls than in household contacts. In patients, no significant difference was observed in the level of these cytokines before and after chemotherapy whereas, in contacts, the level of these cytokines increased significantly and progressively over time. The study shows that the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 are depressed during Mtb infection or exposure but are elevated during clinical TB. Our findings from a study of naturally infected human population suggest that IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 against rESAT-6/CFP-10 are markers for clinical TB but not for protective immunity.
Detail‐Preserving Explicit Mesh Projection and Topology Matching for Particle‐Based Fluids
Authors: Dagenais F. , Gagnon J. , Paquette E.
Published: April 2017

We propose a new explicit surface tracking approach for particle‐based fluid simulations. Our goal is to advect and update a highly detailed surface, while only computing a coarse simulation. Current explicit surface methods lose surface details when projecting on the isosurface of an implicit function built from particles. Our approach uses a detail‐preserving projection, based on a signed distance field, to prevent the divergence of the explicit surface without losing its initial details. Furthermore, we introduce a novel topology matching stage that corrects the topology of the explicit surface based on the topology of an implicit function. To that end, we introduce an optimization approach to update our explicit mesh signed distance field before remeshing. Our approach is successfully used to preserve the surface details of melting and highly viscous objects, and shown to be stable by handling complex cases involving multiple topological changes. Compared to the computation of a high‐resolution simulation, using our approach with a coarse fluid simulation significantly reduces the computation time and improves the quality of the resulting surface.
Acquired elastotic hemangioma‐like changes and eccrine sweat duct squamous metaplasia in lichen simplex chronicus/prurigo nodularis‐like lesions of the knee and elbow
Authors: Kacerovska Denisa , Portelli Francesca , Michal Michal , Kazakov Dmitry V.
Published: April 2017

Background

The so‐called acquired elastotic hemangioma (AEH) represents a peculiar vascular lesion affecting the sun‐damaged skin of the extensor surface of the forearms or the lateral aspect of the neck of middle‐aged or elderly women.

Methods

This is a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of a series of 6 lesions located on the knee or elbow showing epithelial features of lichen simplex chronicus (LSC)/prurigo nodularis (PN) with a marked subepidermal vascular proliferation closely resembling AEH.

Results

Microscopically, all cases of cutaneous lesions showed epithelial features of LSC/PN, that is compact hyperkeratosis with focal parakeratosis, irregular acanthosis, prominent hypergranulosis. Moreover, a marked subepidermal vascular proliferation arranged in a horizontal band closely resembling AEH was detected in these lesions. Another common histopathological finding was eccrine duct squamous metaplasia and/or hyperplasia.

Conclusions

While AEH represents a distinctive clinicopathological variant of hemangioma characteristically appearing on sun‐exposed areas of middle‐aged or elderly patients, the herein described lesions seem to be non‐neoplastic epithelial, vascular and eccrine sweat duct reactive changes which are likely to be associated with chronic pressure or repeated mechanical stimulation with a marked predilection for the knee and elbow.