bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of homologous recombination by the HROB–MCM8–MCM9 pathway
Authors: Hustedt Nicole , Saito Yuichiro , Zimmermann Michal , Álvarez-Quilón Alejandro , Setiaputra Dheva , Adam Salomé , McEwan Andrea , Yuan Jing Yi , Olivieri Michele , Zhao Yichao , Kanemaki Masato T. , Jurisicova Andrea , Durocher Daniel
Published: August 2019

DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR) is essential for genomic integrity, tumor suppression, and the formation of gametes. HR uses DNA synthesis to repair lesions such as DNA double-strand breaks and stalled DNA replication forks, but despite having a good understanding of the steps leading to homology search and strand invasion, we know much less of the mechanisms that establish recombination-associated DNA polymerization. Here, we report that C17orf53/HROB is an OB-fold-containing factor involved in HR that acts by recruiting the MCM8–MCM9 helicase to sites of DNA damage to promote DNA synthesis. Mice with targeted mutations in Hrob are infertile due to depletion of germ cells and display phenotypes consistent with a prophase I meiotic arrest. The HROB–MCM8–MCM9 pathway acts redundantly with the HELQ helicase, and cells lacking both HROB and HELQ have severely impaired HR, suggesting that they underpin two major routes for the completion of HR downstream from RAD51. The function of HROB in HR is reminiscent of that of gp59, which acts as the replicative helicase loader during bacteriophage T4 recombination-dependent DNA replication. We therefore propose that the loading of MCM8–MCM9 by HROB may similarly be a key step in the establishment of mammalian recombination-associated DNA synthesis.
Shock-wave-induced nucleation leading to crystallization in water
Authors: Sivakumar A. , Dhas S. A. Martin Britto
Published: August 2019

It is well known that super-cooled materials can be crystallized under the application of shock waves. This is the first report describing crystallization from unsaturated liquids. Shock-wave-induced crystallization of salts from environmental ground and sea water samples is explored. A table-top pressure-driven shock tube is utilized so as to produce the required shock waves of Mach numbers 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.2 and 4.7. The demonstration comprises a train of acoustic shock pulses applied to the water samples. As a consequence of the impact of the shock waves, the colourless water becomes turbid, following which tiny crystallites are precipitated at the bottom of the vessel after a few minutes. The obtained precipitate is subjected to powder X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis to confirm the nature of the settled particles and the elements present in them, respectively. From the observed results, it is concluded that shock-wave-induced crystallization in water provides an alternative method for removing dissolved salts from both ground and sea water samples.
3D printed droplet generation devices for serial femtosecond crystallography enabled by surface coating
Authors: Echelmeier Austin , Kim Daihyun , Cruz Villarreal Jorvani , Coe Jesse , Quintana Sebastian , Brehm Gerrit , Egatz-Gomez Ana , Nazari Reza , Sierra Raymond G. , Koglin Jason E. , Batyuk Alexander , Hunter Mark S. , Boutet Sébastien , Zatsepin Nadia , Kirian Richard A. , Grant Thomas D. , Fromme Petra , Ros Alexandra
Published: August 2019

The role of surface wetting properties and their impact on the performance of 3D printed microfluidic droplet generation devices for serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) are reported. SFX is a novel crystallography method enabling structure determination of proteins at room temperature with atomic resolution using X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). In SFX, protein crystals in their mother liquor are delivered and intersected with a pulsed X-ray beam using a liquid jet injector. Owing to the pulsed nature of the X-ray beam, liquid jets tend to waste the vast majority of injected crystals, which this work aims to overcome with the delivery of aqueous protein crystal suspension droplets segmented by an oil phase. For this purpose, 3D printed droplet generators that can be easily customized for a variety of XFEL measurements have been developed. The surface properties, in particular the wetting properties of the resist materials compatible with the employed two-photon printing technology, have so far not been characterized extensively, but are crucial for stable droplet generation. This work investigates experimentally the effectiveness and the long-term stability of three different surface treatments on photoresist films and glass as models for our 3D printed droplet generator and the fused silica capillaries employed in the other fluidic components of an SFX experiment. Finally, the droplet generation performance of an assembly consisting of the 3D printed device and fused silica capillaries is examined. Stable and reproducible droplet generation was achieved with a fluorinated surface coating which also allowed for robust downstream droplet delivery. Experimental XFEL diffraction data of crystals formed from the large membrane protein complex photosystem I demonstrate the full compatibility of the new injection method with very fragile membrane protein crystals and show that successful droplet generation of crystal-laden aqueous droplets intersected by an oil phase correlates with increased crystal hit rates.
Reverse Monte Carlo modeling for low-dimensional systems
Authors: Zhang Yuanpeng , McDonnell Marshall , Liu Wei , Tucker Matthew G.
Published: August 2019

Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) is one of the commonly used approaches for modeling total scattering data. However, to extend the capability of the RMC method for refining the structure of nanomaterials, the dimensionality and finite size need to be considered when calculating the pair distribution function (PDF). To achieve this, the simulation box must be set up to remove the periodic boundary condition in one, two or three of the dimensions. This then requires a correction to be applied for the difference in number density between the real system and the simulation box. In certain circumstances an analytical correction for the uncorrelated pairings of atoms is also applied. The validity and applicability of our methodology is demonstrated by applying the algorithms to simulate the PDF patterns of carbon systems with various dimensions, and also by using them to fit experimental data of CuO nanoparticles. This alternative approach for characterizing the local structure of nano-systems with the total scattering technique will be made available via the RMCProfile package. The theoretical formulation and detailed explanation of the analytical corrections for low-dimensional systems – 2D nanosheets, 1D nanowires and 0D nanoparticles – is also given.
The physical environment and patient satisfaction ratings on social media: an exploratory study
Authors: Alkazemi Mariam F. , Bayramzadeh Sara , Alkhubaizi Nouf B. , Alayoub Ayman
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of the physical environment in patient satisfaction ratings as communicated in narratives on the social media platform such as Facebook.

Design/methodology/approach

Publicly available Facebook reviews (n = 4,502) of a reputable healthcare system in the USA were analyzed. A thematic analysis was conducted to explore architectural elements of the physical environment that play a role in patient satisfaction.

Findings

Facebook reviews were examined for the presence of design-related factors within the physical environment. Of the 627 posts (14 per cent) with relevant content, 56 involved factors related to the physical environment. The factors include: location, parking, cleanliness, privacy, waiting rooms, music and temperature. The results showed that environmental and design-related factors are part of patient satisfaction in hospitals.

Research limitations/implications

Not all Facebook reviews contain narrative information. Nevertheless, the impact of the built environment can manifest in online reviews of healthcare systems. Future patient satisfaction research should examine variables related to the built environment on social media ratings.

Practical implications

Social media feedback about the physical environment can help in understanding factors influencing patient satisfaction, which can have an implication for architectural design.

Social implications

The patient satisfaction is related to the physical environment of healthcare facilities. Some social media narratives reflect it and can be used to improve patient satisfaction.

Originality/value

Although some studies examine social media narratives on patient satisfaction, fewer studies examine these narratives in relation to the built environment. Created by a team of interdisciplinary researchers, this study provides a novel approach to examine social media ratings.
Characteristic stabilized finite element method for non-stationary conduction-convection problems
Authors: Wang Yongshuai , Mahbub Md. Abdullah Al , Zheng Haibiao
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a characteristic stabilized finite element method for non-stationary conduction-convection problems.

Design/methodology/approach

To avoid difficulty caused by the trilinear term, the authors use the characteristic method to deal with the time derivative term and the advection term. The space discretization adopts the low-order triples (i.e. P1-P1-P1and P1-P0-P1triples). As low-order triples do not satisfy inf-sup condition, the authors use the stability technique to overcome this flaw.

Findings

The stability and the convergence analysis shows that the method is stable and has optimal-order error estimates.

Originality/value

Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical analysis and illustrate that the authors’ method is highly effective and reliable, and consumes less CPU time.
Learning adaptation to climate change from past climate extremes:
Authors: Aryal Jeetendra Prakash , Jat M.L. , Sapkota Tek Bahadur , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Rai Munmum , Jat Hanuman S. , Sharma P.C. , Stirling Clare
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Conservation agriculture-based wheat production system (CAW) can serve as anex antemeasure to minimize loss due to climate risks, especially the extreme rainfall during the wheat production season in India. This study aims to examine whether farmers learn from their past experiences of exposure to climate extremes and use the knowledge to better adapt to future climate extremes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data collected from 184 farmers from Haryana over three consecutive wheat seasons from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016 and multivariate logit model to analyse the driver of the adoption of CAW as anex anteclimate risk mitigating strategies based on their learning and censored Tobit model to analyse the intensity of adoption of CAW as anex anteclimate risk mitigation strategy. Farmer’s knowledge and key barriers to the adoption of CAW were determined through focus group discussions.

Findings

The analysis shows that the majority of farmers who had applied CAW in the year 2014-2015 (a year with untimely excess rainfall during the wheat season) have continued to practice CAW and have increased the proportion of land area allocated to it. Many farmers shifted from CTW to CAW in 2015-2016.

Practical implications

While farmers now consider CAW as anex antemeasure to climate risks, a technology knowledge gap exists, which limits its adoption. Therefore, designing appropriate methods to communicate scientific evidence is crucial.

Originality/value

This paper uses three years panel data from 184 farm households in Haryana, India, together with focus groups discussions with farmers and interviews with key informants to assess if farmers learn adaptation to climate change from past climate extremes.
Examining work factors after Malaysia’s minimum wage implementation
Authors: Che Ahmat Nur Hidayah , Arendt Susan Wohlsdorf , Russell Daniel Wayne
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to generate novel insights about minimum wage policy implementation through a joint assessment of the mediating roles of work motivation, work engagement and job satisfaction in predicting outcomes such as turnover intention and work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from hotel employees in Malaysia using an electronic survey. A total of 239 responses were used in analyzing direct and indirect effects.

Findings

Results reveal that work motivation, work engagement and job satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between employee compensation satisfaction and employee turnover intention. Work motivation was found to mediate the relationship between employee compensation satisfaction and employee work engagement. Additionally, work engagement and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between employee work motivation and employee turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

Missing data are inevitable in survey research. Due to data missing for some of the demographic questions, the moderating effect of certain demographic characteristics (e.g. sex) could not be assessed.

Practical implications

Given recent minimum wage policy implementation in Malaysia, it is imperative that Malaysian hotel operators understand to what extent employee compensation satisfaction influences how employees perceived their jobs and to what extent work motivation, work engagement and job satisfaction mediate employee compensation satisfaction and employee turnover intention.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the hospitality compensation research area, specifically regarding the impact of compensation on how employees perceived their jobs after minimum wage implementation.
Investigating technology and organizational performance of private higher learning institutions in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Ie Lyn Josephine , Muthuveloo Rajendran
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of technology on organizational performance of private higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Malaysia and to determine the area of focus for private HLIs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was carried out over two months through an online self-administered questionnaire and yielded 155 samples. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the reflective measurement model and the structural model for validity, reliability and hypotheses, respectively.

Findings

This paper discovered that between the two constructs of technology tested (technology management and technology usage), only technology management influenced organizational performance.

Originality/value

As Industry 4.0 is disrupting the existing business environment, inquiring into the influence of technology is of critical importance for the organizational performance of private HLIs in Malaysia. This paper provides a different perspective of how technology affects the overall organizational performance of private HLIs which differs from past studies which focused more on the effects of technology on individuals such as teachers/instructors and learners.
Mentorship for flourishing in schools: an explicit shift toward appreciative action
Authors: Cherkowski Sabre , Walker Keith
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Building on findings from research designed to bring to description teachers’ own understandings of what it means to flourish in their work, the purpose of this paper is to show how principals and teacher–leaders in schools are agents capable of building developmental relationships and mentoring cultures that can orient and support teachers toward well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is anchored with findings from a multi-year qualitative research project that was designed using perspectives from positive organizational studies and positive psychology scholarship. The research methods encompassed collaborative and generative use of appreciative inquiry and strength-based research activities in school districts in both British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Canada. Data used to build this conceptual paper are from appreciative focus group conversations with teachers and principals over the course of two years. Conversations were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using the research literature framing the study.

Findings

This paper offers four domains of inquiry and a model for flourishing schools that encourages principals and teacher–leaders to develop habits of mind and heart to build developmental relationships in ways that help both mentors and mentees to embody and enact positive, appreciative and generative ways of noticing, nurturing and sustaining the work of teaching and learning; all with aspiration to sustain and enhance the well-being of every member of the school community.

Practical implications

This paper offers conceptual models and storied descriptions that can aid mentors in noticing and nurturing more developmental relationship approaches to mentoring for well-being as opportunities to build mentoring relationships from appreciative and growth-based habits and approaches. As these relationships are built across the school, positive mentoring cultures may foster and grow in ways that promotes a flourishing-for-all approach to teaching and learning.

Originality/value

This paper contributes a different and complimentary perspective to research and practice on mentoring, offering a positive organizational perspective that highlights and promotes the perceived and evidenced benefits of deliberately focusing on what goes well and what provokes vitality in schools. The conceptual models in this paper offer tools for mentors and mentees to develop and foster in others appreciative and positive capacities for positive mentoring.
Wine place research
Authors: Warman Russell D. , Lewis Gemma K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Place is an important aspect of wine quality, contributing both distinct sensory characteristics and symbolic significance to the consumer’s experience, particularly in premium wine markets. The concepts of provenance and terroir, and the processes they describe, communicate meaning and significance along the value chain from wine production to consumption. This paper aims to clarify how these concepts are defined, how they contribute to premium wine value chains and how a greater understanding of these concepts by wine science researchers, and other actors, can enhance consumer value.

Design/methodology/approach

To address these aims, a conceptual framework is developed, which outlines the conditions needed to fulfil the wine/place experience through the value chain. This framework resulted from discussions within a team of researchers currently undertaking a large project into place distinctiveness in Pinot Noir wines in Australia. The refinement and exploration of the concept is grounded in a multidisciplinary literature review.

Findings

Through application of the framework, wine science researchers are advised to develop a knowledge co-production approach with other actors in the value chain. Doing so enables all actors to use evidence-based storytelling to enhance the role that place has in premium wine value and consumer experience.

Originality/value

Overall, this paper contributes to the conversation surrounding the value of terroir and provenance, particularly as they relate to premium wine in New World wine regions. The innovative framework is applicable for both business and wine science researchers, especially those with decision-making responsibility and associated with wine science research institutions, funding bodies, industry partnerships and consortia.
Implementation of sit-stand desks as a workplace health initiative: stakeholder views
Authors: Hall Jennifer , Kay Tess , McConnell Alison K. , Mansfield Louise
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Prolonged workplace sitting can harm employee health. Sit-stand desks are a potential workplace health initiative that might reduce and break up the time office-based employees spend sitting in the workplace. However, little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of providing sit-stand desks. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study sought stakeholder employee views surrounding sit-stand desk implementation within two UK-based non-profit organisations with open-plan offices. This paper draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 26 stakeholder employees and 65 days of participant observations. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and organisational cultural theory framed the study.

Findings

Stakeholders employees’ positioning of sit-stand desks as a workplace health initiative reflected their perceptions of the relationship between sit-stand desk provision, employee health and organisational effectiveness. Perceptions were shaped by the nature and context of the organisation and by occupation-specific processes. Relatively fixed (e.g. organisational structure) and modifiable (e.g. selecting products compatible with the environment) factors were found to restrict and facilitate the perceived feasibility of implementing sit-stand desks.

Practical implications

The findings offer several recommendations for workplaces to improve stakeholder employee attitudes towards sit-stand desk provision and to increase the ease and efficiency of implementation.

Originality/value

Whilst extant literature has tended to examine hypothetical views related to sit-stand desk provision, this study consulted relevant stakeholders following, and regarding, the sit-stand desk implementation process.
Traction behaviours of aviation lubricating oil and the effects on the dynamic and thermal characteristics of high-speed ball bearings
Authors: Li Zhen , Lu Yufan , Zhang Chi , Dong Jinlong , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Liqin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The traction behaviours of lubricating oil significantly affect the stability and lubrication regime of aviation high-speed ball bearings. Rolling elements will slide at a low traction force (TF). Therefore, traction behaviours need to be studied, and a fitting expression for traction curves to rapidly calculate the traction coefficient (TC) should be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The traction behaviours of an aviation lubricating oil were studied in severe operating conditions with a self-designed two-disc testing rig. Based on the least squares method and the Levenberg–Marquardt theory, a rapid calculation expression was developed by fitting the obtained traction curves. The correction of this expression was experimentally verified by comparing the TCs under different operating conditions. This expression was also used to modify the commonly accepted quasi-dynamic model of rolling bearings.

Findings

An increase of the load led to an increase in the TC. In comparison, the temperature and entrainment speed showed inverse effects. The proposed expression exactly predicted the trend of the experimentally acquired traction curve. The calculation with the modified dynamic model showed that the action of the TF on a single rolling element varied and that the temperature increase of the outer raceway is higher than the inner raceway, which is caused by the TF and relative sliding speed between the elements and raceways.

Originality/value

The proposed fitting expression is able to simplify the TC calculation of synthetic aviation lubricating oil in practical engineering applications. This paper can provide an important reference for the traction behaviour of synthetic aviation lubricating oil under severe conditions and assist with its rapid calculation and practical application in engineering.
Mental health care provided through community school models
Authors: Olubiyi Oluwatoyin , Futterer Anne , Kang-Yi Christina D.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively identify and synthesize the mental health care provided through diverse community schools implemented in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PubMed, community school model websites and Google Search, we identified 21 community school models that publicly reported outcomes and conducted full review of these models. The authors also conducted e-mail and telephone communication with ten program directors and evaluators to gain insights into successes and lessons learned through implementing community school models based on community partnership.

Findings

Provision of mental health care though community schools leads to reducing school suspensions, disciplinary referrals, problem presentation, and risk behaviors, and improving school grades, personal responsibility, future aspiration, and family engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Developing standardized outcome measure for the evaluation of mental health care provided through community school models is important to establish evidence that leads policymakers and practitioners into action. Information toolbox to guide mental health administrators and practitioners about future funding and partnership mechanisms for successful implementation and sustained mental health care through community school models can be useful.

Originality/value

This systematic literature review provides insights into the current practice and future direction in the provision and evaluation of mental health care through community school models and addresses concrete research and practical implications to guide mental health professionals.
The 2015 Cricket World Cup in Christchurch
Authors: Hall C. Michael , Amore Alberto
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the development and upgrading of the Hagley Park cricket oval in Christchurch for the 2015 Cricket World Cup and how this hallmark event was used a catalyst to rebrand the city following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the findings from research conducted between 2012 and 2016. Data for the analysis were collected from mainstream media, sport organisations websites and government archives. In addition, a two-round series of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders was undertaken in the aftermath of the Cricket World Cup.

Findings

In the case of Christchurch, the earthquakes and the destruction of much of the downtown provided a recovery opportunity, with the 2015 Cricket World Cup used to expedite the development of a new sporting venue in the city centre and rebrand the city to international tourists and sport enthusiasts.

Research limitations/implications

The Hagley Park cricket oval case study provides evidence on the rhetoric of urban competitiveness and the use of hallmark sporting events to reframe urban development in post-disaster contexts.

Originality/value

This research provides further evidence on the logics of disaster capitalism and how cities embark on costly redevelopment projects for sports and events whilst overlooking exacerbating vulnerabilities among the local community.
A fuzzy hybrid approach for ranking and allocation of flare gas recovery methods
Authors: Shaaban Negar , Nojavan Majid , Mohammaditabar Davood
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a fuzzy hybrid approach for ranking the flare gas recovery methods and allocating to refineries.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is containing four stages: in the first stage, experts' assessment is applied to identify relevant criteria and sub-criteria in the evaluation of flare gas recovery methods. In the second stage, the corresponding weights of criteria and sub-criteria are determined via fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation (DEMATEL)-analytical network process (ANP) (DANP) method. In the third stage, the flare gas recovery methods are ranked using fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment method (WASPAS) multi-criteria decision-making (MADM) technique. In the fourth stage, an optimization model is developed to allocate gas recovery methods to refineries while maximizing the total utility of allocations based on model constraints.

Findings

According to the results of fuzzy DANP method, technical and operational criterion was the most important followed by economic, political, managerial and environmental criteria. With respect to sub-criteria, international sanctions and political stability were the most important. The results of fuzzy WASPAS method indicated that gas injection was the first ranked alternative. Finally, the mathematical modeling allocated the recovery methods to five refineries of South Pars gas field in Iran based on budget and time constraints.

Originality/value

The proposed approach provides a systematic tool in the selection of flare recovery methods and allocation to refineries. This approach uses a new combination of fuzzy DEMATEL-ANP (DANP) method, fuzzy WASPAS method and mathematical programming. The approach is effectively implemented in a case study for ranking the flare gas recovery methods and allocating to refineries of South Pars gas field in Iran.
All the lonely people, where do they all belong? An interpretive synthesis of loneliness and social support in older lesbian, gay and bisexual communities
Authors: Fish Julie , Weis Christina
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Loneliness is a phenomenon which affects people globally and constitutes a key social issue of our time. Yet few studies have considered the nature of loneliness and social support for older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people; this is of particular concern as they are among the social groups said to be at greater risk. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Peer-reviewed literature was identified through a search of Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed. A total of 2,277 papers were retrieved including qualitative and quantitative studies which were quality assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.

Findings

In total, 11 papers were included in the review and findings were synthesised using thematic analysis. The studies were conducted in five countries worldwide with a combined sample size of 53,332 participants, of whom 4,288 were drawn from among LGB communities. The characteristics and circumstances associated with loneliness including living arrangements, housing tenure, minority stress and geographical proximity.

Research limitations/implications

The review suggests that among older LGB people, living alone, not being partnered and being childfree may increase the risk of loneliness. This cohort of older people may experience greater difficulties in building relationships of trust and openness. They may also have relied on sources of identity-based social support that are in steep decline. Future research should include implementation studies to evaluate effective strategies in reducing loneliness among older LGB people.

Practical implications

Reaching older LGB people who are vulnerable due to physical mobility or rural isolation and loneliness because of bereavement or being a carer is a concern. A range of interventions including individual (befriending), group-based (for social contact) in addition to potential benefits from the Internet of Things should be evaluated. Discussions with the VCS suggest that take up of existing provision is 85:15 GB men vs LB women.

Social implications

Formal social support structures which were provided by voluntary sector agencies have been disproportionately affected by recent austerity measures.

Originality/value

The authors sought to interrogate the tension between findings of lower levels of social support and discourses of resilient care offered by families of choice.
Ageing carers and intellectual disability: a scoping review
Authors: Mahon Aoife , Tilley Elizabeth , Randhawa Gurch , Pappas Yannis , Vseteckova Jitka
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Individuals with intellectual disability(ies) are living longer contributing to an overall increase in the average age of caregivers. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the physical, social and psychological needs of ageing carers of individuals with intellectual disability(ies) in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review framework was used to identify literature from eleven databases, the grey literature and the references lists of relevant studies. Only primary research studies that discussed the needs of non-professional carers, aged 65+ years old, of individuals with intellectual disability(ies) in the UK were included. No date restrictions were applied. Thematic analysis was used to narratively synthesise findings.

Findings

Six studies were included. Five key themes were identified: Living with fear, lack of information, rebuilding trust, proactive professional involvement and being ignored. Housing and support information is not communicated well to carers. Professionals require more training on carer needs and trust must be rebuilt between carers and professionals. Proactive approaches would help identify carer needs, reduce marginalisation, help carers feel heard and reduce the risk of care crisis. Greater recognition of mutual caring relationships is needed.

Originality/value

This review highlighted the needs of older caregivers for individuals with intellectual disability(ies) as well as the need for more high-quality research in this field. The information presented in this review may be considered by primary care providers and funding bodies when planning future support for this growing population of carers.
Effect of clay functionally graded materials on dual gradient direct ink writing behavior and microstructure of geological model
Authors: Tang Danna , Hao Liang , Li Yan , Li Zheng
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The study aims to explore the composition and microstructure of clay functionally graded materials under the process of double-gradient direct ink writing (DIW).

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation focused specifically on the pore characteristics of barite-kaolin clay composite after three-dimensional (3D) printing and sintering as well as its bionic application in geophysical model.

Findings

The model with pore and material variations brought about spatial and nonlinear mechanical properties. Moreover, the vertical gradient and connected pores in the upper kaolin part simulated the natural phenomenon of the landslide model (take Chinese Majiagou landslides as an example). Both the thermal debinding behavior and the kaolin powder particles characteristics [large pore volume (0.019 cm3g–1) and pore size (29.20 nm)] were attributed to the interconnection channels.

Originality/value

Hence, the macroscopic and microscopic pores achieved by dual-gradient DIW process make it possible to control the permeability and details of properties, precisely in the geological model.
Relations between children's reading motivation, activity and performance at the end of primary school
Authors: Kavanagh Lauren
Published: August 2019

Background

There is increasing recognition of the contribution of affective factors such as motivation to the development of reading competence. Reading activity is theorised to mediate associations between motivation and achievement, but this has been tested empirically only rarely.

Method

This study employed structural equation modelling to test a hypothesised model of relations between the reading self‐concept, intrinsic motivation, activity and achievement of a sample of 4,067 grade 6 students in Ireland and to explore whether the relations were moderated by gender or socioeconomic status (SES).

Results

Intrinsic motivation and self‐concept were significantly associated with reading activity, which, in turn, significantly predicted reading achievement. Girls had higher intrinsic motivation and reading activity than boys, but there was no gender difference in reading self‐concept. High‐SES students had higher reading self‐concept, intrinsic motivation and activity than low‐SES and medium‐SES students. The strength of the associations among the constructs under study did not vary by gender or SES.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that efforts aimed at increasing students' intrinsic reading motivation may lead to increased reading activity and reading competence, irrespective of gender or SES.
The unseen hands: Collaborative instrumental leadership in the British renegotiation case
Authors: BEACH DEREK , SMEETS SANDRINO
Published: August 2019

The article contends that an important but overlooked explanation for the European Union's resilience in the past decade in the face of several existential crises has been the informal instrumental leadership roles played by EU institutional actors collaborating with each other. In this article, a theoretical framework is developed that can explain why EU governments, facing a crisis, would choose to informally delegate leadership tasks to a set of EU institutional actors. A three‐part mechanism of collaborative instrumental leadership provided by institutions is devised that explains why governments informally delegate leadership tasks to EU institutions, and the effects of this informal delegation. The core of the article is a process‐tracing case study that explores how collaborative instrumental leadership actually works. The case selected is the British renegotiation of their terms of membership in 2015–2016. While the case has become more‐or‐less forgotten because the shock ‘no’ vote in the June 2016 Brexit referendum made its terms moot, the deal included quite exceptional reform proposals in which the EU bent over backwards to accommodate the United Kingdom, perhaps even going beyond the bounds of the EU Treaties themselves in the issue of immigration. Given this, analysing how collaborative instrumental leadership supplied by institutions contributed to producing the ambitious deal can shed light on the processes whereby intractable problems in the EU have been solved in the past decade.
Recent trends in heroin and pharmaceutical opioid‐related harms in Victoria, Australia up to 2018
Authors: Lam Tina , Kuhn Lisa , Hayman Jane , Middleton Melissa , Wilson James , Scott Debbie , Lubman Dan I. , Smith Karen , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: August 2019

Aims

To characterize the trajectory in the years leading up to 2018 in pharmaceutical opioid and heroin morbidity in Victoria, Australia, and to assess the effect on that trajectory of reformulation of oxycodone to a form that could not be easily snorted or injected.

Design

Interrupted time–series analyses of population‐level data before versus after reformulation of oxycodone, stratified by sex.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Participants

The population of Victoria aged 12+ years.

Measurements

Ambulance patient care and emergency department (ED) records were examined using both fixed‐code and free‐text fields, with each record manually cleaned and checked by trained coders. These were used to derive the output variables providing an index of harm: rates of opioid‐related ambulance attendances and ED attendances for pharmaceutical opioids and heroin. The input variable was pre‐ versus post‐oxycodone reformulation.

Findings

There were 30 045 opioid‐related ambulance attendances from January 2012 to October 2018 (54% heroin‐related), and 10 113 ED attendances from July 2008 to June 2018 (39% heroin‐related). There was an increase in the rate (events per 100 000 people per year) of all opioid ED attendances from 2008 to 2018 [increase = 0.063; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.049, 0.078]. Pharmaceutical opioid ED attendances decreased from 2014 onwards (slope change = –0.083; 95% CI = –0.108, –0.059). Heroin‐related ED attendances increased from 2014 to 2018; 11 324 heroin‐related ambulance attendances and 1980 ED attendances were observed from April 2014 to June 2018, compared with the respective estimates of 8176, and 1661 had the pre‐April 2014 trend continued (ambulance slope change = 0.296, 95% CI = 0.104, 0.489; ED slope change = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.046). The inflection point of 2014 coincided with the re‐formulation of oxycodone.

Conclusion

In Victoria, Australia, there appears to have been a trend starting around mid‐2014 of increasing heroin‐related harm, and a flattening of the increase or a decrease of harms relating to pharmaceutical opioids. These changes may, in part, reflect reformulation of oxycodone to reduce the extent to which it can be injected or snorted.
A novel KIT deletion variant in a German Riding Pony with white‐spotting coat colour phenotype
Authors: Hug P. , Jude R. , Henkel J. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T.
Published: August 2019

White spotting phenotypes in horses may be caused by developmental alterations impairing melanoblast differentiation, survival, migration and/or proliferation. Candidate genes for white‐spotting phenotypes in horses include EDNRB, KIT, MITF, PAX3 and TRPM1. We investigated a German Riding Pony with a sabino‐like phenotype involving extensive white spots on the body together with large white markings on the head and almost completely white legs. We obtained whole genome sequence data from this horse. The analysis revealed a heterozygous 1273‐bp deletion spanning parts of intron 2 and exon 3 of the equine KIT gene (Chr3: 79 579 925–79 581 197). We confirmed the breakpoints of the deletion by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Knowledge of the functional impact of similar KIT variants in horses and other species suggests that this deletion represents a plausible candidate causative variant for the white‐spotting phenotype. We propose the designation W28 for the mutant allele.
Tokishakuyakusan, a Kampo medicine, attenuates endometriosis‐like lesions and hyperalgesia in murine with endometriosis‐like symptoms
Authors: Nagira Kei , Taniguchi Fuminori , Nakamura Kazuomi , Tokita Yohei , Tsuchiya Naoko , Khine Yin Mon , Harada Tasuku
Published: August 2019

Problem

How are the effects of Tokishakuyakusan (TSS), a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo) on murine endometriosis model?

Methods

BALB/c mice were used for making the murine endometriosis model. Homogeneous uterus was surgically implanted with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in peritoneal cavity. We administered 2 weeks of TSS (1.0 g/kg) orally. Upon treatment completion, we performed the hot plate test for all mice and collected blood samples before sacrifice. Then, the endometriosis‐like lesions and uteri in the abdominal cavity were harvested. Concentrations of several cytokines in sera and cyst fluids were measured using Bio‐Plex Suspension Array System. IL‐33 localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in the endometriosis‐like lesions or the eutopic endometrium was evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results

After 14 days of TSS treatment, the numbers of endometriosis‐like cysts and cyst weight were significantly decreased. In TSS‐treated mice, the latency against heat stimuli was extended. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations in sera were not changed by TSS treatment. TSS intake decreased IL‐33 mRNA expression in endometriosis‐like lesions and led to the tendency of attenuation of the elevated IL‐33 synthesis in the cyst fluids of lesions.

Conclusion

These results suggest the TSS ameliorated the hyperalgesia and lesion formation on the LPS‐accelerated endometriosis‐like model. TSS represents a possible ideal target of novel therapeutics for endometriosis patients with dysmenorrhea.
Book Review
Authors: Welsh A.H.
Published: August 2019

In depth review of recent book on GAMLSS methodology and software
Vitamin D levels were significantly higher during and after lifestyle intervention in pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tanvig Mette H. , Jensen Dorte M. , Andersen Marianne S. , Ovesen Per G. , Jørgensen Jan S. , Vinter Christina A.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnancy, especially in obese women. Lifestyle intervention could potentially result in higher levels of vitamin D. We therefore aimed to study the effect of lifestyle intervention during pregnancy on serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).

Material and methods

A total of 360 obese women were randomized before gestational age 14 weeks to lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) or routine clinical follow up (controls). Clinical outcomes and levels of 25(OH)D were determined three times: At gestational age 12‐15 weeks (baseline), gestational age 28‐30 weeks and 6 months postpartum.

Results

A total of 304 (84%) women completed the intervention study and 238 (66%) attended postpartum follow up. Vitamin D levels were similar in the two groups at baseline. At gestational age 28‐30 weeks and 6 months postpartum, 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in the intervention group than in controls (75.6 vs 66.8 nmol/L, P = 0.009) and (54.8 vs 43.1 nmol/L, P = 0.013), respectively. Concurrently, vitamin D deficiency (25‐hydroxyvitamin D <50 nmol/L) was less frequent in the intervention group than in controls: 15 vs 25% (P = 0.038) at gestational age 28‐30 and 45 vs 63% (P = 0.011) 6 months postpartum, respectively.

Conclusions

Lifestyle intervention during pregnancy was associated with significantly increased vitamin D levels in late pregnancy and postpartum compared with controls.
Impact of restricting feed and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, mortality and carcass traits of meat‐type quails
Authors: Soomro Rab N. , Abd El‐Hack Mohamed E. , Shah Syed S. , Taha Ayman E. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Swelum Ayman A. , Hussein Elsayed O.S. , Ba‐Aawdh Hani A. , Saadeldin Islam , El‐Edel Mohamed A. , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of quantitative feed restriction, along with dietary supplementation with a probiotic blend (Protexin) as a natural growth promoter, on the performance, water consumption, mortality rate and carcass traits of meat‐type quails. A total of 250 1‐day unsexed quails were randomly allocated to five equal groups in a completely randomized design. The first group (A) fed a basal diet without any restriction (24 hr/day); the second group (B1) fed the basal diet for 20 hr/day; the third group (B2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 20 hr/day; the fourth group (C1) fed the basal diet for 16 hr/day; and the fifth group (C2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 16 hr/day. Birds were fed ad‐libitum from 0–14 days of age, and then the feed restriction regimes started from 14 till 28 days of age. Results showed that quails in the control‐group consumed more feed and water than the other treatment groups (p < .01), however their body weights did not differ (p > .05) compared with the other treated groups. The best feed conversion values were achieved in quails supplemented with probiotic blend (B2 and C2) in comparison with the other groups (p < .01). Feeding probiotic had a positive effect on bird health which reduced the mortality rate. Further, mortality rate was significantly reduced (p < .05) by feed restriction, with or without probiotic supplementation. No carcass parameters were significantly affected (p > .05) by treatments. Our results show that quail could be reared under a feed restriction system, for 4–8 hr daily, along with dietary supplementation of probiotic as growth promoter for better growth performance.