bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language policy in multi-ethnic regions as a part of national education: status and trends
Authors: Susimenko Elena V. , Shevtsova Galina V. , Rozhdestvenskaya Svetlana V. , Narochnaya Elena B. , Popova Anastasia A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The specific character of language policy is considered in multi-ethnic Russian regions in this paper. The relevance of this paper is because of the fact that language is one of the most important indicators of ethnic identity, and it fulfills a crucial role in the self-preservation of the ethnic community. The purpose of this paper is to determine the status and trends of language policy in multi-ethnic regions as a part of national education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the historical aspect of language policy with the help of problem and comparative analysis and study the problem of bilingualism in the modern Russian society.

Findings

The threat of loss or the ban on land national (mother) language, as well as its infringement form an intolerant consciousness and attitudes in the mass consciousness and behavior of people. It is one of the factors of the deterioration of interethnic interaction and increase of ethnocentric attitudes to counter assimilation and acculturation. Language has communicative, integration, political functions in modern society. It is very important for the preservation of ethnic education. The analysis shows the inconsistency in the language policy whose roots lie in the historical past.

Originality/value

It is substantiated that the existence of a variety of peoples, ethnic groups with their own independent languages challenge state government bodies to solve a number of problems associated with ensuring the optimal functioning of Russian and national (mother) languages. It is concerned with the quality of education in the education system and the advisability of using languages in official events and the volume of television and radio programs in national languages, and so on.
Strategies for complex supply networks: findings from the offshore wind power industry
Authors: Johnsen Thomas E. , Mikkelsen Ole Stegmann , Wong Chee Yew
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges facing companies that operate within complex supply networks and the strategies they use to manage such complex supply networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses mixed methods by combining in-depth case studies with an executive forum with those of senior industry stakeholders. The two in-depth supply network case studies were carried out through multiple interviews with focal (or ‘developer’) firms that supply energy through offshore wind power and key suppliers such as wind turbine manufacturers.

Findings

The findings show the challenges the offshore wind power industry faces because of complex supply networks, including attempts by several actors to exert their power and control. Despite the networks facing similar complexities and challenges, two distinctly different strategies for orchestrating and governing supply networks are uncovered: one strategy resembles an interventionist strategy, while the other is based on delegation.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, the authors identify and develop a classification of complex supply network divided into intervention and delegation strategies, thereby adding to existing research on ways to manage complex supply networks.

Practical implications

The authors identify strategies for focal firms for managing in complex supply networks, based on control and intervention or coordination and delegation.

Originality/value

Existing research on supply network strategies has largely focused on non-complex contexts. This paper draws from complex adaptive systems and organisational behaviour perspectives to contribute original insights into supply network strategies in complex supply networks.
Aflac: the importance of communication and innovation when transforming employee operations
Authors: White Teresa
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This purpose of this study is to provide a case study for how the company strives to provide its employees with “new ways of working” through a culture of transformation and advancement.

Design/methodology/approach

To demonstrate how Aflac effectively executes with strong results, Teresa focuses on three specific programs: Aflac’s Career Success Center, Upskilling Employees for the Future and Reverse Mentoring Programs.

Findings

To date, 2,000+ Aflac employees have participated, with 1,300 obtaining promotions or changing their career direction to something more suited to their goals and talents.

Originality/value

The importance of transformation and advancement within a company.
Dietitians’ challenges when consulting to adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Adolfsson Päivi , Ek Pia , Umb Carlsson Õie
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate registered dietitians’ (RDs) experiences in consulting to adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study using a study-specific web-based questionnaire was administered, comprising both multiple-choice questions with a space for comments and open-ended questions. The open-ended answers and comments from 53 respondents were analysed with systematic text condensation.

Findings

Four categories were identified: RDs’ experiences from the first meeting; explanations for late initial contact; the actions taken by RDs; and necessary measures for more sustainable nutrition care. Ten sub-categories described the challenges that RDs experience in more detail.

Practical implications

It is necessary to provide adults with ID and their supporting staff with individually tailored nutritional information. Individuals with ID must be actively involved in lifestyle changes that affect their everyday life. The RD must be included in the interdisciplinary team supporting adults with ID. If a new practice is to be implemented, it should be compatible with the existing values of adults with ID and their staff and must be feasible to implement in the everyday life of the individual.

Originality/value

This paper identified several barriers that should be overcome in relation to the preparation of RDs for consultation with adults with ID about nutritional health issues. A systematic structure, knowledge about nutrition and knowledge about adults with ID and their living situations are needed. An assessment instrument may meet health promotion needs and facilitate longitudinal follow-ups of nutritional problems.
Embracing Indeterminacy: On Being a Liminal Professional
Authors: Reed Cara , Thomas Robyn
Published: October 2019

The rise of the corporate profession has contributed to a more varied and ambiguous professional terrain that is increasingly seen to be indeterminate and fluid. This paper advances the current debate around the development of corporate professions, exploring how practitioners respond to this environment. Drawing on research with public relations practitioners, the paper shows how the idea of being a liminar facilitates the formation of a professional identity in conditions of high indeterminacy. In taking an individual level of analysis of professions, the paper suggests that indeterminacy is a more resonant feature for corporate professionals than previously suggested in the research, but that this indeterminacy is navigated in professional identity construction through ‘being a liminar’, and thus greater nuance may need to be recognized in the conceptualization of both corporate professions and corporate professionalization. It also demonstrates the use of liminality as a discursive resource in identity construction and with it, challenges the common association of liminality with self‐doubt and existential anxiety. In turn, the paper considers the implications of the liminal professional identity for the future of contemporary professions, and for understanding the liminal experience.
Variations in employees' perceptions of organizational disaster preparedness
Authors: Tyler Jenna , Sadiq Abdul‐Akeem , Chikoto‐Schultz Grace L.
Published: October 2019

Few studies have sought to understand the different kinds of preparedness measures public, private and nonprofit organizations adopt and the factors motivating these organizations to adopt different kinds of preparedness measures. The present study addresses these gaps in research using perceptions from 1,960 public, private and nonprofit employees. Results indicate significant variations in public, private and nonprofit employees' perceptions of the kinds of preparedness measures their organizations adopt. Findings also suggest there are variations in the factors motivating public, private and nonprofit organizations to adopt different kinds of preparedness measures. The results provide important insights to emergency managers aiming to increase the levels of disaster preparedness among organizations within their communities.
Optimization of Bacterial Concentration by Filtration for Rapid Detection of Foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using Real‐Time PCR Without Microbial Culture Enrichment
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hee , Oh Se‐Wook
Published: October 2019

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an important foodborne pathogen and has been implicated in numerous food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. Although several microbiological and molecular methods have been developed to detect E. coli O157:H7, the difficulty to rapidly detect low levels of the foodborne bacteria persists. Here, the optimization of a filtration technique to concentrate and rapidly detect E. coli O157:H7 was conducted. Using homogenates prepared from freshly cut lettuce and cabbage samples, the E. coli O157:H7 concentration efficiencies of seven membrane filters were compared. Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) filters demonstrated the highest bacterial recoveries. In addition, the optimal E. coli O157:H7 detachment method from MCE filters after filtration was investigated. Tapping for 80 s was demonstrated to be the most effective method for detaching bacteria from the filters. Further, the possibility of the rapid detection of low levels of E. coli O157:H7 in lettuce and cabbage was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction after bacterial concentration using MCE and PVDF filters. The use of MCE filters enabled the detection of 10° CFU/g (5 CFU/g) of E. coli O157:H7 within 2 hr without microbial enrichment culture. Therefore, concentration by filtration can be used for the rapid detection of low levels of foodborne pathogens.

Practical Application

The modified method, which has been verified in this study, has been optimized to reduce the analysis time and to detect very low concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 within 2 hr. All these detection systems have a direct economic impact on the food analysis of producers, health authorities, or third‐party laboratories.
Promotion signaling, discrimination, and positive discrimination policies
Authors: Gürtler Marc , Gürtler Oliver
Published: October 2019

This article studies discrimination in a model in which promotions are used as signals of worker ability. The model can account for statistical and taste‐based discrimination. In the short run, a positive discrimination policy is beneficial for workers in the middle of the ability distribution, because these workers are promoted if and only if the policy is in place. Instead, workers of either high or low ability suffer from the policy. In the long run, the policy benefits all targeted workers. The model can explain empirical findings about the effects of a gender quota on the boards of Norwegian companies.
Prognostic role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Koh Hyun Min , Kim Dong Chul , Kim Yu‐min , Song Dae Hyun
Published: October 2019

Background

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been shown to play an important role in the inflammatory and immune response in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent studies have reported that MIF is involved in the tumorigenesis and overexpressed in various cancers. In this study, we assessed the prognostic role of MIF expression in SCC of the lung, and demonstrated the effect of knockdown of MIF on the migration in lung SCC cell lines.

Methods

The relationship between MIF expression and clinicopathological parameters and the prognostic role of MIF expression were evaluated with immunohistochemical staining in 96 patients with SCC of the lung. The expression of MIF mRNA and protein was analyzed by semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in lung SCC cell. The effect of knockdown of MIF was assessed by wound healing assay.

Results

The high percentage of MIF‐positive cells was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004), and was a poor prognostic factor of disease‐free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.628–5.998; P = 0.001) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) (HR: 2.303; 95% CI, 1.172–4.525; P = 0.016). Moreover, Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that SCC patients with a high percentage of MIF‐positive cells had a significantly lower DFS (P = 0.001) and DSS (P = 0.014) than those with a low percentage. Furthermore, wound healing assay revealed that knockdown of MIF resulted in decreased cellular migration.

Conclusion

MIF is closely associated with tumor progression and could be a prognostic factor in SCC of the lung.
A first note on the excavations at UAQ38, a new Neolithic site in the Emirate of Umm al‐Quwain
Authors: Degli Esposti Michele , Borgi Federico , Gallou Claire , Martin Chloë , Lidour Kevin , Méry Sophie
Published: October 2019

At the end of 2018, the first season of excavation was carried out at the shell midden site of UAQ38. The site occupies the top of a sand dune not far from UAQ36 and UAQ2, two other recently investigated Neolithic shell middens. Several well‐stratified anthropogenic levels were excavated at UAQ38, which can be dated mainly to the 5th millennium BC, although the recorded artefacts suggest a possible older date for the lowest levels. Food waste, post‐holes, fireplaces, and burnt shell dumpings attest to human activities that took place at the site over a rather long period of time. Here the stratigraphic sequence will be presented, together with a first overview of the artefactual assemblage. The collected data will be concisely discussed in order to fit the site within the typology of Neolithic settlements that can be proposed for the area. UAQ38 is so far the only Neolithic site along the northeastern coast of the UAE for which stratified charcoal is available for dating.
Strategic Candidate Entry and Congressional Elections in the Era of Fox News
Authors: Arceneaux Kevin , Dunaway Johanna , Johnson Martin , Vander Wielen Ryan J.
Published: October 2019

Elections are designed to give voters the ability to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. For this to work, voters must be presented with credible alternatives from which to choose. In the United States, as in other weak‐party systems, the decision to challenge an incumbent representative rests with individual, strategic‐minded politicians who carefully weigh the available information. We investigate the role that one source of information—partisan media—plays in shaping electoral competition. We hypothesize that the haphazard expansion of the conservative Fox News Channel in the decade after its 1996 launch influenced congressional elections by affecting the decision calculus of high‐quality potential candidates. Using congressional district‐level data on the local availability of Fox News, we find that Fox News altered Republican potential candidates' perceptions about the vulnerability of Democratic incumbents, thereby changing their entry patterns.
Electrocardiographic characteristics in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nikolaidou Theodora , Samuel Nathan A. , Marincowitz Carl , Fox David J. , Cleland John G. F. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Little is known about ECG abnormalities in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction (HeFNEF) and how they relate to different etiologies or outcomes.

Methods and Results

We searched the literature for peer‐reviewed studies describing ECG abnormalities in HeFNEF other than heart rhythm alone. Thirty five studies were identified and 32,006 participants. ECG abnormalities reported in patients with HeFNEF include atrial fibrillation (prevalence 12%–46%), long PR interval (11%–20%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, 10%–30%), pathological Q waves (11%–18%), RBBB (6%–16%), LBBB (0%–8%), and long JTc (3%–4%). Atrial fibrillation is more common in patients with HeFNEF compared to those with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HeFREF). In contrast, long PR interval, LVH, Q waves, LBBB, and long JTc are more common in patients with HeFREF. A pooled effect estimate analysis showed that QRS duration ≥120 ms, although uncommon (13%–19%), is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HeFNEF.

Conclusions

There is high variability in the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in patients with HeFNEF. Atrial fibrillation is more common in patients with HeFNEF compared to those with HeFREF. QRS duration ≥120 ms is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HeFNEF. Further studies are needed to address whether ECG abnormalities correlate with different phenotypes in HeFNEF.
Aflibercept and navigated versus conventional laser in diabetic macular oedema: a 12‐month randomized clinical trial
Authors: Blindbæk Søren L. , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To examine the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept and navigated laser as compared to intravitreal aflibercept and conventional laser in diabetic macular oedema (DME) treatment.

Methods

In 12‐month randomized clinical trial, 48 eyes of 37 patients with centre‐involved DME at Odense University Hospital were randomized 1:1 to receive three monthly injections of aflibercept followed by navigated (group A) or conventional (group B) focal/grid laser. From month four through twelve, patients were examined monthly, and additional injections were given pro re nata (PRN) (central retinal thickness [CRT]>20% from lowest measurement or loss in visual acuity [VA]>5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters compared with baseline).

Outcome measures; (1) percentage of eyes that needed additional injections after laser in group A and B, (2) mean number of injections in group A and B, and (3) mean change in VA and CRT in group A and B.

Results

In the PRN phase, 60.5% of patients needed additional injections without differences between groups A and B (58.3 versus 63.2%, p > 0.99). The mean number of injections between baseline and month 12 was 4.4 (4.2 versus 4.6, p = 0.41). From baseline to month 12, VA improved by 8.4 ETDRS letters, and CRT was reduced by 97.4 μm (+9.4 versus +7.1 letters, p = 0.17, and −83.2 versus −115.4 μm, p = 0.21).

Conclusion

No difference in need for retreatment was detected between treatment arms of aflibercept and navigated versus conventional laser.
Creating community‐based indicators of gender equity: A methodology
Authors: Carnegie Michelle , McKinnon Katharine , Gibson Katherine
Published: October 2019

It appears that an almost unquestioned development pathway for achieving gender equity and women's empowerment has taken centre stage in mainstream development. This pathway focuses on economic outcomes that are assumed to be achieved by increasing women's access to material things, including cash income, loans, physical assets, and to markets. Gender equity indicators, which measure progress towards these outcomes, cannot escape reinforcing them. We argue that far from being neutral, indicators are embedded in political and ideological agendas that serve as guides to the appropriate conduct of those whose performance or behaviour is being measured. Drawing on participatory feminist, diverse economies and strengths based approaches, we outline a research methodology for developing community‐based indicators that recognises women's and men's participation and relationships in all spheres of life, including the ‘non‐economic’. If indicators are grounded in local meanings and realities, we propose that community members can use them to identify aspirational goals for gender equity, and measure progress towards these goals.
Slow, small and shared voluntary relocations: Learning from the experience of migrants living on the urban fringes of Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Ashraful , Miller Fiona
Published: October 2019

The paper conceptualises the process of voluntary relocation undertaken by rural farmers to informal settlements in coastal cities. These are journeys that occur without formal institutional support, utilising migrants' own agency. Learning from these community‐driven relocations has merit in rethinking climate change adaptation at the regional level. In this paper we present stories of 17 families who have progressively relocated to the fringes of Khulna city in southwestern Bangladesh. We observe three key attributes: first, relocations are slow, neither singular nor immediately completed, but rather take months of careful back and forth journeys of family members between their places of origin and destination. Second, relocations rely on small networks of relatives and acquaintances at the destination. Third, relocations are built on shared responsibilities distributed among a range of actors in places of origin and destination. We conclude that these slow, small and shared relocations are likely to be realised as forms of ongoing adaptation by rural farmers if their aspirational mobilities, social relations and supports are maintained at a regional scale. This kind of migration as adaptation may bring about just outcomes for those displaced without necessarily promoting rigid planning interventions that tend to fix resettlement solutions in place and time.
Deficits of white matter axial diffusivity in bipolar disorder relative to major depressive disorder: No relationship to cerebral perfusion or body mass index
Authors: Lan Martin J. , Rubin‐Falcone Harry , Sublette M. Elizabeth , Oquendo Maria A. , Stewart Jonathan W. , Hellerstein David J. , McGrath Patrick J. , Zanderigo Francesca , Mann J. John
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare white matter integrity (WMI) in bipolar disorder (BD) relative to healthy volunteers (HVs) and major depressive disorder (MDD). To determine the relationship of bipolar‐specific differences in WMI to cerebral perfusion, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure as indices of cardiovascular function.

Methods

Thirty‐two participants with BD, 44 with MDD, and 41 HV were recruited. All BD and MDD participants were in a major depressive episode, and all but 12 BD participants were medication‐free. 64‐direction diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequences were obtained. Tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) on four DTI indices were employed to distinguish patterns of DTI in BD relative to HV and MDD groups. BMI, blood pressure, and medical histories were also obtained for the BD participants.

Results

A cluster of lower axial diffusivity (AD) was found in BD participants in comparison to the HVs in the left posterior thalamic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, fronto‐occipital fasciculus, and internal capsule. Mean AD in the significant cluster was not associated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the region as measured by ASL, and was not associated with BMI or blood pressure. A cluster of lower AD was also found in the BD group when compared to MDD that had spatial overlap with the HV comparison.

Conclusions

The results indicate a deficit of AD in BD when compared to MDD and HV groups. No association between AD values and either cerebral perfusion, BMI, or blood pressure was found in BD.
Time varying structural VARs with sign restrictions: The case of Taiwan
Authors: Chin Kuo‐Hsuan
Published: October 2019

I apply a Bayesian approach to a time‐varying structural vector autoregression model with stochastic volatility (TVP‐SVAR‐SV) to study the time‐varying nature of the Taiwanese economy. In particular, the structural parameters are identified via the sign information in a three‐variable VAR system. The estimated results show that TVP‐SVAR‐SV model has the best fit to the data, compared to the time‐varying parameters VAR model with constant volatility and a classical VAR model with constant parameters and volatilities. Moreover, I find the time‐varying contemporaneous relationship between the output growth and inflation rates, particularly significant before the year 2000. Lastly, the impulse responses and the volatilities of all the variables are found to be time‐varying.
Immune cell infiltration as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of digestive system cancer
Authors: Yang Sheng , Liu Tong , Cheng Yanping , Bai Yunfei , Liang Geyu
Published: October 2019

The digestive system cancers are aggressive cancers with the highest mortality worldwide. In this study, we undertook a systematic investigation of the tumor immune microenvironment to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The fraction of 22 immune cell types of patients were estimated using CIBERSORT. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis was carried out to identify important immune predictors. By comparing immune cell compositions in 801 tumor samples and 46 normal samples, we constructed the diagnostic immune score (DIS), showing high specificity and sensitivity in the training (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.929), validation (AUC = 0.935), and different cancer type cohorts (AUC > 0.70 for all). We also established the prognostic immune score (PIS), which was an effective prognostic factor for relapse‐free survival in training, validation, and entire cohorts (P < .05). In addition, PIS provided a higher net benefit than TNM stage. A composite nomogram was built based on PIS and patients' clinical information with well‐fitted calibration curves (c‐index = 0.84). We further used other cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus databases and obtained similar results, confirming the reliability and validity of the DIS and PIS. In addition, the unsupervised clustering analysis using immune cell proportions revealed 6 immune subtypes, suggesting that the immune types defined as having relatively high levels of M0 or/and M1 macrophages were the high‐risk subtypes of relapse. In conclusion, this study comprehensively analyzed the tumor immune microenvironment and identified DIS and PIS for digestive system cancers.
The efficacy of statins as otoprotective agents: A systematic review
Authors: Prayuenyong Pattarawadee , Kasbekar Anand V. , Baguley David M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

This systematic review examined current literature, summarised research findings and identified research gaps regarding the efficacy of statins on audiological outcomes.

Methods

Systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature was performed. Eligibility criteria were the study of a statin drug with report of audiological outcomes such as hearing, tinnitus or balance in either human or animal studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independently researchers. The characteristics of the study and research findings were collated and summarised. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Meta‐analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of the included studies.

Results

Analysis of searches yielded 17 studies meeting the criteria. Included studies had variable drug type and dosage, outcome measures and associated inner ear conditions. Most animal experiments showed promising audiological outcomes after statin treatment, demonstrated by the results of auditory brainstem response, distortion product otoacoustic emissions and inner ear histology. However, no clear effect can be discerned in human trials due to the mixed results, and heterogeneity in research methodology and quality. Audiological outcomes were not always correlated with cholesterol levels.

Conclusions

Statins remain a potential candidate as otoprotective agents which warrant further investigation.
Circumferential esophageal carcinoma with a localized muscle layer defect that caused perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Hikichi Takuto , Nakamura Jun , Hashimoto Minami
Published: October 2019

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Nonlinear responses of soil nematode community composition to increasing aridity
Authors: Xiong Dan , Wei CunZheng , Wubs E. R. Jasper , Veen G. F. , Liang Wenju , Wang Xiaobo , Li Qi , Van der Putten Wim H. , Han Xingguo
Published: October 2019

Aim

Increasing aridity under global change is predicted to have a profound impact on the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, yet we have a poor understanding of how belowground communities respond. In order to understand the longer term responses of different trophic levels in the soil food web to increasing aridity, we investigated the abundance, richness and community similarity of the soil nematode community along a 3,200 km aridity gradient.

Location

A transect across semi‐arid and arid grasslands in Northern China, where the aridity ranges from .43 to .97.

Time period

July and August 2012.

Major taxa studied

Soil‐borne Nematoda.

Methods

We used generalized additive (mixed) models to analyse the abundance, richness and community similarity patterns of soil nematodes. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to disentangle the direct and indirect environmental drivers (aridity, soil and plant variables) of the nematode community.

Results

The abundance, richness and similarity of nematode communities declined nonlinearly with increasing aridity. The most pronounced decline in nematode richness and community similarity occurred in arid conditions (aridity > .80). However, the shape of the response to aridity differed among nematode feeding groups. In arid conditions, the abundance and richness of bacterial feeders were less sensitive to changes in aridity than for fungal feeders. The SEM analysis revealed that nematode community responses to aridity were not mediated via changes in plant and soil variables, but instead were affected directly by aridity.

Main conclusions

Our results showed that in mesic grasslands, increasing aridity primarily caused a decline in nematode abundance, whereas increasing aridity in xeric grasslands led to a loss of nematode diversity. The nonlinear responses of nematodes to aridity could also result in nonlinear shifts in ecosystem functioning, because soil nematodes operate at various trophic levels in the soil food web, thereby influencing the performance of plants, soil biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling.
Geographical associations with anthropogenic noise pollution for North American breeding birds
Authors: Klingbeil Brian T. , La Sorte Frank A. , Lepczyk Christopher A. , Fink Daniel , Flather Curtis H.
Published: October 2019

Aim

Anthropogenic noise pollution (ANP) is a globally invasive phenomenon impacting natural systems, but most research has occurred at local scales with few species. We investigated continental‐scale breeding season associations with ANP for 322 bird species to test whether small‐scale predictions related to breeding habitat, migratory behaviour, body mass and vocal traits are consistent at broad spatial extents for an extensive group of species.

Location

Conterminous USA.

Time period

2004–2011.

Major taxa studied

North American breeding birds.

Methods

We calculated, for each species, the association between the breeding season and ANP, using spatially explicit estimates of ANP from the National Park Service and weekly estimates of probabilities of occurrence based on observations from the eBird citizen‐science database. We evaluated how the association of the breeding season for each species with ANP was related to expectations based on size, migratory behaviour and breeding habitat. For a subset of species, we used vocal trait data for song duration, pitch and complexity to evaluate hypotheses from the birdsong literature related to habitat complexity and sensitivity to ANP.

Results

Species that breed predominantly in anthropogenic environments were associated with twice the level of ANP (~7.4 dB) as species breeding in forested habitats (~3.2 dB). However, we did not find evidence to suggest that birds with higher‐pitched songs are more likely to be found in areas with higher levels of ANP. Residents and migratory species did not differ in associations with ANP, but songs were less complex among forest‐breeding species than non‐forest‐breeding species and increased in complexity with increasing ANP.

Main conclusions

Anthropogenic noise pollution is an important factor associated with breeding distributions of bird species in North America. Vocal traits could be useful to understand factors that affect sensitivity to ANP and to predict the potential impact of ANP, although future studies should aim to understand how and why patterns differ across spatial scales.
Reclassified cognitive leisure activity and risk of cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults aged ≥80 years: A 16‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiu Jiayan , Sun Hongpeng , Zhong Chongke , Ma Qinghua , Wang Congju , Zhou Xufeng , Ma Yana
Published: October 2019

Aim

There is accumulating evidence that participation in cognitive leisure activities might be related to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. However, there is no consensus regarding the classification of cognitive leisure activities, and it cannot clearly define each activity and quantitatively evaluate the effect of it. In the present study, we propose a new classification method, and examine the relationship between reclassified cognitive leisure activities and cognitive function.

Methods

The analysis included 4830 participants of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, who were aged >80 years and free of cognitive impairment at 1998. They were followed up six times. Six cognitive leisure activities were mainly grouped into intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activity by categorical principal component analysis. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between reclassified cognitive leisure activities and the risk of cognitive impairment.

Results

After a median follow‐up period of 16 years, 1763 participants suffered from cognitive impairment (Mini‐Mental State Examination score <24). Reading newspapers or books, taking part in some social activities and sometimes playing cards or mahjong were associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment (P < 0.05 for all). In multivariable adjusted models, compared with those with lower intensities, the hazard ratios (95% confident intervals) of cognitive impairment were 0.86 (0.74–0.99) and 0.71 (0.60–0.83) for participants with high intensities of intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activity, respectively.

Conclusion

A high frequency of participation in intrapersonal and interpersonal cognitive leisure activities showed a lower risk of cognitive impairment among the oldest‐old in China. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1041–1047.
Immune tolerance induction with moroctocog‐alpha (Refacto/Refacto AF) in a population of Italian haemophilia A patients with high‐titre inhibitors: Data from REF.IT Registry
Authors: Zanon Ezio , Pasca Samantha , Pollio Berardino , Santagostino Elena , Linari Silvia , Tagliaferri Annarita , Santoro Cristina , Rocino Angiola , Marino Renato , Aru Brigida , Borchiellini Alessandra , Siragusa Sergio , Coppola Antonio
Published: October 2019

Background

The appearance of inhibitors is the most serious complication in haemophilia A (HA) patients. The primary objective is their eradication. Up to date, immune tolerance induction (ITI) was the only therapeutic option to achieve this.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of moroctocog‐alpha as an ITI regimen in a population of HA patients with high‐titre inhibitors.

Methods

The REF.IT Registry is a retrospective‐prospective study that collected data on all patients with HA and high‐titre inhibitors treated with moroctocog‐alpha as an ITI regimen at twelve Italian Haemophilia Centres.

Results

We enrolled 27 patients, 85.2% were children. All patients were high responders, 88.9% had severe HA. We found 69.3% of them had one or more risk factors for poor ITI prognosis, 14.8% were ITI rescue. Overall 59.3% achieved a complete/partial success (complete in 51.9%). ITI failed in 11 patients, 63.6% of them with poor‐prognosis risk factors. Inhibitors appeared after a mean of 27 exposure days. Mean historical peak was 78.8 BU/mL. The primary ITIs started on average 20.2 months after the diagnosis. A partial or complete success after a mean of 15 months of treatment was achieved in 56.6% of the children while the same result was obtained by 75.0% adults after 22 months from ITI onset. Patients who were treated with high‐dose moroctocog‐alpha (200 UI/kg/day) were 63.0%.

Conclusion

Our Registry showed that the use of moroctocog‐alpha in the setting of ITI was effective and safe also in a population of patients with high‐titre inhibitors, presenting one or more risk factors for poor ITI prognosis.
What is Needed for Evidence‐Based Dietary Recommendations for Migraine: A Call to Action for Nutrition and Microbiome Research
Authors: Slavin Margaret , Li Huilun (Amber) , Frankenfeld Cara , Cheskin Lawrence J.
Published: October 2019

Background

The gastrointestinal symptoms of migraine attacks have invited numerous dietary hypotheses for migraine etiology through the centuries. Substantial efforts have been dedicated to identifying dietary interventions for migraine attack prevention, with limited success. Meanwhile, mounting evidence suggests that the reverse relationship may also exist – that the biological mechanisms of migraine may influence dietary intake. More likely, the truth involves some combination of both, where the disease influences food intake, and the foods eaten impact the manifestations of the disease. In addition, the gut's microbiota is increasingly suspected to influence the migraine brain via the gut‐brain axis, though these hypotheses remain largely unsubstantiated.

Objective

This paper presents an overview of the strength of existing evidence for food‐based dietary interventions for migraine, noting that there is frequently evidence to suggest that a dietary risk factor for migraine exists but no evidence for how to best intervene; in fact, our intuitive assumptions on interventions are being challenged with new evidence. We then look to the future for promising avenues of research, notably the gut microbiome.

Conclusion

The evidence supports a call to action for high‐quality dietary and microbiome research in migraine, both to substantiate hypothesized relationships and build the evidence base regarding nutrition's potential impact on migraine attack prevention and treatment.
‘Sick and tired’: Patients reported reasons for not participating in clinical psychiatric research
Authors: Bixo Liv , Cunningham Janet L. , Ekselius Lisa , Öster Caisa , Ramklint Mia
Published: October 2019

Background

Meaningful and generalizable research depends on patients' willingness to participate. Studies often fail to reach satisfactory representativeness.

Objective

This paper aims to investigate reasons for not participating in research among young adult patients with psychiatric illness.

Method

A quantitative cross‐sectional study was performed based on questionnaires reported on by 51 psychiatric patients (14 males, 35 females and two unspecified) who had previously declined participation in an ongoing research project. Thereafter, a qualitative interview with subsequent content analysis was conducted with ten additional patients (five males, five females).

Results

The questionnaires indicate being ‘too tired/too sick to participate’ as the most common barrier. Lack of time and fear of needles were other common barriers. Lack of trust or belief in the value of research was less inhibitive. In the interviews, disabling psychiatric symptoms were confirmed as the main reason for not participating. Several potential ways to increase participation were identified, such as simplification of procedures and information as well as providing rewards and feedback, and building relationships before asking.

Conclusion

This study is unusual as it focuses on the group of young people attending psychiatry outpatient clinics we know very little about – those who do not partake in research. Our results indicate that fatigue and sickness reduce research participation and identify factors that may facilitate enrolment of this important group.
The association of memory disorders and chronic HIV disease in the antiretroviral therapy era: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ripamonti E , Clerici M
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Despite recent pharmacological progress, memory impairment is still frequently reported in people living with HIV. We aimed to conduct a systematic literature review investigating the presence of impairment of (sub)components of memory function in patients prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

We adopted a cognitive neuropsychological model of memory function as the theoretical framework, distinguishing between a short‐term working memory component and a long‐term component of memory, along with their specific (sub)components. We systematically searched for the presence of impairment of each (sub)component in the selected papers. Careful consideration was given to study design and methods and control of covariates.

Results

Only the central executive component of working memory has been consistently reported to be impaired in HIV infection. The other two (sub)components, namely the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad, were unimpaired. Discordant results have been obtained as to verbal and visual episodic memory, as some authors reported an association with HIV infection, whereas others did not. There is little evidence for semantic memory deficit in HIV infection, while there are suggestions that the neural substrate of implicit memory may be damaged by the effects of HIV infection and inflammation. Most studies in this area have been conducted in small samples and with poor control for covariates. Thus, conclusions regarding the association of memory dysfunction with HIV infection are hampered by methodological issues such as selection bias and unmeasured confounding.

Conclusions

The task remains for future research to ascertain the impact of HIV infection on memory function.
Brazilian and French sensory perception of complex cosmetic formulations: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Calixto Lívia Salomão , Maia Campos Patrícia M.B.G. , Picard Céline , Savary Géraldine
Published: October 2019

Objective

Brazil and France are two major beauty markets worldwide. Despite this, there is not much cross‐information on sensory analysis of cosmetic products between both population of these countries. The objective of this study was to compare the sensory perception of cosmetic formulations between Brazilian and French assessors and establish cross‐culturally preferences.

Methods

For this, a total panel of 100 consumers of cosmetics evaluated four different products. The same protocol for the sensory analysis was followed in both countries.

Results

The panellists were able to perceive differences in the products and the method proved to be repeatable in both countries. The presence of UV filters in the formulation was noticed and displeased both populations. Brazilians, although dissatisfied with the sensory aspect of the sunscreen, are willing to use it for its UV protection.

Conclusion

This work delivers important information on the sensory perception of cosmetics by people from different countries and brings important knowledge to develop products with textural properties that will be appreciated worldwide.
SELLING IN ADVANCE TO LOSS AVERSE CONSUMERS
Authors: Karle Heiko , Möller Marc
Published: October 2019

This article examines the influence of information on market performance in an advance purchase setting. Information reduces the risk that an advance purchase results in a mismatch between consumer preferences and product characteristics. However, information may also raise the number of advance purchases by increasing firms' incentive to offer advance purchase discounts. Accounting for consumers' aversion toward losses/risks turns out to be crucial as it changes our assessment of policies aiming to improve consumers' information: Under monopoly, information can be detrimental both for efficiency and consumer surplus, whereas under competition, information is doubly beneficial because it mitigates intertemporal business stealing.
Fabrication of fused silica‐based cores by the gel‐casting method: Modeling by response surface methodology
Authors: Poorvahab Tayyebeh , Kazemi Arqavan , Haghshenas Davoud
Published: October 2019

In this study, fused silica‐based cores fabrication via gel‐casting procedure was modeled via the response surface methodology (RSM). Zircon content, alumina content, and sintering time were selected as variables and the influences of these parameters on the characteristic of the prepared samples were investigated. Two series of experiments were organized; (i) evaluation and modeling of the sintered samples and (ii) evaluation and modeling of the samples which passed pouring‐simulation treatment. Mechanical strength, porosity content, and leachability were selected as the response parameters and the obtained numerical data were analyzed using the Minitab software. Based on the RSM principles, the main effects plots and contour plots were recorded and the system was studied by means of a statistical model. However, both series of samples were evaluated and mathematical regression equations were gained from the RSM technique for modeling the response parameters; MOR, porosity, and leachability. Results showed that in the sintered samples, the most effective parameters on the MOR, porosity, and leachability values were Al2O3 content, zircon content & sintering time, and zircon content, respectively. It is interesting that in the pouring‐simulated samples, the most effective variable on the response parameters was Al2O3 content.
The role of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in anti‐aging medicine: a review of the literature
Authors: Rosenthal Amanda , Jacoby Ted , Israilevich Rachel , Moy Ronald
Published: October 2019

The changes in skin and overall appearance that occur with increasing age can be partly attributed to declining hormone levels. While hormonal deficiencies are most commonly associated with postmenopausal females, males are also subject to age‐related testosterone decline and may benefit from replacement of deficient hormones. However, great disparities exist between the recommendations of scientific societies and actual use of hormone supplements in aging patients. The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the role of hormones in the aging process of the skin, explain the safety profile of hormone replacement therapy, specifically discussing the superiority of bioidentical hormones, and highlight the benefits of hormone replacement in anti‐aging of the skin. In summary, this literature review suggests that hormone replacement with bioidentical hormones is a safe and effective way to prevent skin aging.
Sustainability with endogenous discounting
Authors: Hartwick John M. , Van Long Ngo
Published: October 2019

We construct a dynamic competitive model with a stock of human‐made capital and several stocks of natural resources and ask under what conditions consumption will be constant if infinitesimal households with heterogeneous preferences and endowments discount their utility at an endogenous rate that depends on some macroeconomic variables. We show that for consumption to be constant, this function must be the marginal product of capital function. We demonstrate that Hartwick's rule holds in a modified form that takes account of natural growth of resource stocks.