bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Role of Different Age Groups and Pertussis Vaccines During the 2012 Outbreak in Wisconsin
Authors: Goldstein Edward , Worby Colin J , Lipsitch Marc
Published: April 2018

Background

There is limited information on the roles of different age groups in propagating pertussis outbreaks, and on the impact of vaccination on pertussis transmission in the community.

Methods

The relative roles of different age groups in propagating the 2012 pertussis outbreak in Wisconsin were evaluated using the relative risk (RR) statistic that measures the change in the group’s proportion among all detected cases before vs after the epidemic peak. The impact of vaccination in different age groups against infection (that is potentially different from the protective effect against detectable disease) was evaluated using the odds ratios (ORs), within each age group, for being vaccinated vs undervaccinated before vs after the outbreak’s peak.

Results

The RR statistic suggests that children aged 13–14 years played the largest relative role during the outbreak’s ascent (with estimates consistent across the 3 regions in Wisconsin that were studied), followed by children aged 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12 years. Young children and older teenagers and adults played more limited relative roles during the outbreak. Results of the vaccination status analysis for the fifth dose of DTaP (for children aged 7–8 years: OR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.86; for children aged 9–10 years: OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27–0.95); and for Tdap for children aged 13–14 years (OR, 0.38, 95% CI, 0.16–0.89) are consistent with protective effect against infection.

Conclusions

While our epidemiological findings for the fifth dose of DTaP and for Tdap are consistent with protective effect against infection, further studies, including those estimating vaccine effectiveness against infection/transmission to others particularly for pertussis vaccines for adolescents, are needed to evaluate the impact of vaccination on the spread of pertussis in the community.
Orbital solution leading to an acceptable interpretation for the enigmatic gamma-ray binary HESS J0632+057
Authors: Yuki Moritani , Kawano Takafumi , Chimasu Sho , Kawachi Akiko , Takahashi Hiromitsu , Takata Jumpei , Carciofi Alex C
Published: April 2018

High-dispersion spectroscopic monitoring of HESS J0632+057 has been carried out over four orbital cycles in order to search for orbital modulation, covering the entire orbital phase. We have measured the radial velocity of the Hα emission line with the method introduced by Shafter, Szkody, and Thorstensen (1986, ApJ, 308, 765), which has been successfully applied to some Be stars. The velocity is seen to increase much earlier than expected for the orbital period of 315 d, and much more steeply than expected at around “apastron.” The period of the Hα modulation is found to be $308^{+26}_{-23}$ d. We have also analyzed Swift/XRT data from 2009 to 2015 to study the orbital modulation, selecting the data with good statistics (≥30 counts). With additional two-year data to the previous works, the orbital period has been updated to $313^{+11}_{-8}$ d, which is consistent with the previous X-ray periods and the spectroscopic one. Previous XMM-Newton and Chandra observations prefer a period of 313 d. With the new period, assuming that Hα velocities accurately trace the motion of the Be star, we have derived a new set of orbital parameters. In the new orbit, which is less eccentric (e ≃ 0.6), two outbursts occur: after apastron and just after periastron. Also, the column density in bright phase ($4.7^{+0.9}_{-08}\times 10^{21} \, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}$) is higher than in faint phase (2.2 ± 0.5 × 1021 cm−2). These facts suggest that outbursts occur when the compact object passes nearby/through the Be disk. The mass function implies that the mass of the compact object is less than 2.5 M⊙, assuming that the mass of the Be star is 13.2–18.2 M⊙ (Aragona et al. 2010, ApJ, 724, 306), unless the inclination is extremely small. The photon index indicates that the spectra become softer when the system is bright. These suggest that the compact object is a pulsar.
Genetic Structure of Zymoseptoria tritici in Northern France at Region, Field, Plant, and Leaf Layer Scales
Authors: Siah Ali , Bomble Myriam , Tisserant Benoit , Cadalen Thierry , Holvoet Maxime , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Halama Patrice , Reignault Philippe
Published: April 2018

Population genetic structure of the worldwide-distributed wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici has been extensively studied at large geographical scales, but to a much less extent at small or local spatial scales. A total of 627 single-conidial fungal isolates were sampled from several locations in northern France (Hauts-de-France Region) to assess fungal genetic structure at region, field, plant, and leaf layer scales, using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers and mating type idiomorphs. Important and overall similar levels of both gene and genotype diversities (gene diversity values of ≥0.44 and haplotype frequencies of ≥94%) were found at all the examined scales. Such rates of diversity are likely due to an active sexual recombination in the investigated areas, as revealed by equal proportions of the two mating types scored in all sampled populations. Interestingly, a rare occurrence of clones among lesions from a same leaf, as well as among leaves from different plant leaf layers (e.g., upper versus lower leaves), was highlighted, indicating that ascospores contribute much more than expected to Z. tritici epidemics, compared with pycnidiospores. Population structure and analyses of molecular variance revealed significant genetic differentiation at the regional scale (GST = 0.23) and, as expected, not at the other more local scales (GST ≤ 0.01). Further analyses using Bayesian and unweighted neighbor-joining statistical methods detected six genetic clusters within the regional population, overall distributed according to the locations from which the isolates were sampled. Neither clear directional relative migration linked to the geographical distribution of the locations, nor isolation by distance, were observed. Separate evolutionary trajectories caused by selection and adaptations to habitat heterogeneity could be the main forces shaping such structuration. This study provides new insights into the epidemiology and the genetic structure of Z. tritici at small local and, for the first time, at single plant and leaf layer scales. Such findings would be helpful in implementing effective control strategies.
Perceptions of Midwestern Crop Advisors and Growers on Foliar Fungicide Adoption and Use in Maize
Authors: Esker P. D. , Shah D. A. , Bradley C. A. , Conley S. P. , Paul P. A. , Robertson A. E.
Published: April 2018

Foliar fungicide use in hybrid maize in the United States was rare before 2000. The decade from 2000 to 2010 saw foliar fungicides increasingly applied to maize in the absence of appreciable disease pressure, a practice seemingly at odds with integrated pest management philosophy. Yet, it is commonly believed that growers do not employ management strategies unless there are perceived benefits. Maize (corn) growers (CGs) and certified crop advisors (CCAs) across four Midwestern states (Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin) were surveyed to better understand their practices, values and perceptions concerning the use of foliar fungicides during 2005 to 2009. The survey results demonstrated the rapid rise in maize foliar fungicide applications from 2000 through 2008, with 84% of CGs who sprayed having used a foliar fungicide in maize production for the very first time during 2005 to 2009. During 2005 to 2009, 73% of CCAs had recommended using a foliar fungicide, but only 35% of CGs sprayed. Perceived yield gains, conditional on having sprayed, were above the break-even point on average. However, negative yield responses were also observed by almost half of CCAs and a quarter of CGs. Hybrid disease resistance was a more important factor to economically successful maize production than foliar fungicides. Diseases as a yield-limiting factor were more important to CGs than CCAs. As a group, CGs were not as embracing of foliar fungicide as were CCAs, and remained more conservative about the perceived benefits to yield.
High-energy astrophysics and the search for sources of gravitational waves
Authors: O'Brien P. T. , Evans P.
Published: April 2018

The dawn of the gravitational-wave (GW) era has sparked a greatly renewed interest into possible links between sources of high-energy radiation and GWs. The most luminous high-energy sources—gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)—have long been considered as very likely sources of GWs, particularly from short-duration GRBs, which are thought to originate from the merger of two compact objects such as binary neutron stars and a neutron star–black hole binary. In this paper, we discuss: (i) the high-energy emission from short-duration GRBs; (ii) what other sources of high-energy radiation may be observed from binary mergers; and (iii) how searches for high-energy electromagnetic counterparts to GW events are performed with current space facilities. While current high-energy facilities, such as Swift and Fermi, play a crucial role in the search for electromagnetic counterparts, new space missions will greatly enhance our capabilities for joint observations. We discuss why such facilities, which incorporate new technology that enables very wide-field X-ray imaging, are required if we are to truly exploit the multi-messenger era.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘The promises of gravitational-wave astronomy’.
H3.3K4M destabilizes enhancer epigenomic writers MLL3/4 and impairs adipose tissue development
Authors: Jang Younghoon , Wang Chaochen , Broun Aaron , Park Young-Kwon , Zhuang Lenan , Lee Ji-Eun , Froimchuk Eugene , Liu Chengyu , Ge Kai
Published: April 2018

Histone H3K4 mono-methyltransferases MLL3 and MLL4 (MLL3/4) are required for enhancer activation during cell differentiation, though the mechanism is incompletely understood. To address MLL3/4 enzymatic activity in enhancer regulation, we have generated two mouse lines: one expressing H3.3K4M, a lysine-4-to-methionine (K4M) mutation of histone H3.3 that inhibits H3K4 methylation, and the other carrying conditional double knockout of MLL3/4 enzymatic SET domains. Expression of H3.3K4M in lineage-specific precursor cells depletes H3K4 methylation and prevents adipogenesis and adipose tissue development. Mechanistically, H3.3K4M prevents enhancer activation in adipogenesis by destabilizing MLL3/4 proteins but not other Set1-like H3K4 methyltransferases. Notably, deletion of the enzymatic SET domain of MLL3/4 in lineage-specific precursor cells mimics H3.3K4M expression and prevents adipose tissue development. Interestingly, destabilization of MLL3/4 by H3.3K4M in adipocytes does not affect adipose tissue maintenance and function. Together, our findings indicate that H3.3K4M destabilizes enhancer epigenomic writers MLL3/4 and impairs adipose tissue development.
Structures of filaments from Pick’s disease reveal a novel tau protein fold
Authors: Falcon Benjamin , Zhang Wenjuan , Murzin Alexey G. , Murshudov Garib , Garringer Holly J. , Vidal Ruben , Crowther R. Anthony , Ghetti Bernardino , Scheres Sjors H.W. , Goedert Michel
Published: April 2018

The ordered assembly of tau protein into abnormal filamentous inclusions underlies many human neurodegenerative diseases1. Tau assemblies appear to spread through specific neural networks in each disease2, with short filaments having the greatest seeding activity3. The abundance of tau inclusions strongly correlates with disease symptoms4. Six tau isoforms are expressed in normal adult human brain - three isoforms with four microtubule-binding repeats each (4R tau) and three isoforms lacking the second repeat (3R tau)1. In various diseases, tau filaments can be composed of either 3R tau or 4R tau, or of both 3R and 4R tau. They have distinct cellular and neuroanatomical distributions5, with morphological and biochemical differences suggesting that they may be able to adopt disease-specific molecular conformations6,7. Such conformers may give rise to different neuropathological phenotypes8,9, reminiscent of prion strains10. However, the underlying structures are not known. Using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), we recently reported the structures of tau filaments from Alzheimer’s disease, which contain both 3R and 4R tau11. Here we have determined the structures of tau filaments from Pick’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by frontotemporal dementia. They consist of residues K254-F378of 3R tau, which are folded differently when compared to tau in Alzheimer’s disease filaments, establishing the existence of conformers of assembled tau. The Pick fold explains the selective incorporation of 3R tau in Pick bodies and the differences in phosphorylation relative to the tau filaments of Alzheimer’s disease. Our findings show how tau can adopt distinct folds in human brain in different diseases, an essential step for understanding the formation and propagation of molecular conformers.
NDUFAB1 Protects Heart by Coordinating Mitochondrial Respiratory Complex and Supercomplex Assembly
Authors: Hou Tingting , Zhang Rufeng , Jian Chongshu , Ding Wanqiu , Wang Yanru , Ma Qi , Hu Xinli , Cheng Heping , Wang Xianhua
Published: April 2018

The impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics, often coupled with exaggerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, is emerging as a common mechanism in diseases of organs with a high demand for energy, such as the heart. Building a more robust cellular powerhouse holds promise for protecting these organs in stressful conditions. Here, we demonstrate that NDUFAB1 (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit AB1), acts as a powerful cardio-protector by enhancing mitochondrial energy biogenesis. In particular, NDUFAB1 coordinates the assembly of respiratory complexes I, II, and III and supercomplexes, conferring greater capacity and efficiency of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Cardiac-specific deletion of Ndufab1 in mice caused progressive dilated cardiomyopathy associated with defective bioenergetics and elevated ROS levels, leading to heart failure and sudden death. In contrast, transgenic overexpression of Ndufab1 effectively enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics and protected the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Our findings identify NDUFAB1 as a central endogenous regulator of mitochondrial energy and ROS metabolism and thus provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure and other mitochondrial bioenergetics-centered diseases.
Kinase activity in the olfactory bulb is required for odor memory consolidation
Authors: Tong Michelle T. , Kim Tae-Young P. , Cleland Thomas A.
Published: April 2018

Long-term fear memory formation in the hippocampus and neocortex depends upon brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling after acquisition. Incremental, appetitive odor discrimination learning is thought to depend substantially on the differentiation of adult-born neurons within the olfactory bulb (OB)—a process that is closely associated with BDNF signaling. We sought to elucidate the role of neurotrophin signaling within the OB on odor memory consolidation. Male mice were trained on odor–reward associative discriminations after bilateral infusion of the kinase inhibitor K252a, or vehicle control, into the OB. K252a is a partially selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors, including the TrkB receptor for BDNF, though it also inhibits other plasticity-related kinases such as PKC and CaMKII/IV. K252a infusion into the OB did not impair odor acquisition or short-term (2 h) memory for the learned discriminations, but significantly impaired long-term (48 h) odor memory (LTM). This LTM deficit also was associated with reduced selectivity for the conditioned odorant in a reward-seeking digging task. Infusions of K252a immediately prior to testing did not impair LTM recall. These results indicate that kinase activation in the OB is required for the consolidation of odor memory of incrementally acquired information.
Scheduling multiple servers to facilitate just-in-time part-supply in automobile assembly lines
Authors: Peng Tao , Zhou Binghai
Published: April 2018

Purpose

With regard to product variety and cost competition, just-in-time (JIT) part-supply has become a critical issue in automobile assembly lines (AALs). This paper aims to investigate a multiple server scheduling problem (MSSP) encountered in the JIT part-supply process of AALs. Parts are stored in boxes and allotted from the JIT-supermarket to consumptive stations with a multiple server system. The schedule is to dispatch and sequence material boxes on each server for minimizing line-side inventory levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is established to formulate the proposed MSSP to pave the way for CPLEX procedure. Considering the high complexity of MSSP, a hybrid ant colony optimization (HACO) approach is developed by integrating basic ant colony optimization (ACO) with local optimizers that comprise of a fast local search and a tailored breadth-first tree search method.

Findings

Both CPLEX and HACO approach are capable of solving small-scale instances to optimality within reasonable computation time. The proposed HACO has been well enhanced with the embedded fast local search and tailored breadth-first tree search, and it performs robustly in a statistically significant manner when applied to real-world scale instances.

Originality/value

No stock-outs constraints and weighted line-side inventory level are considered in this paper, and the MSSP is solved satisfactorily to facilitate an efficient JIT part-supply of the AAL. In terms of the algorithm design, a tree search-based local optimizer is embedded into ACO to combine the mechanisms of ACO and problem-specific optimization.
Melting heat transfer analysis of non-Newtonian Casson fluid due to moving plate
Authors: Nandeppanavar Mahantesh M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate laminar boundary layer flow and heat transfer from a warm laminar Casson liquid to a melting sheet moving parallel to a melting stream. The governing equations, i.e. continuity, momentum and heat transfer, are coupled non-linear partial differential equations. These equations are reduced to non-linear ordinary differential equations by means of similarity transformations, converted into first-order differential equations, and are solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta–Felhberg method with an efficient shooting technique. The velocity and temperature profiles are plotted for various values of the governing parameters, such as the moving parameter, Prandlt number, melting parameter and Casson parameter. It is found that the problem admits multiple solutions. The results of this study are validated by comparing them with the earlier published studies’ results. Thus, a good agreement is obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

This study carries out numerical solution of melting heat transfer analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study show the analysis of flow and melting heat transfer characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, analysis of dual solution is carried out.

Originality/value

In this paper, the melting heat transfer analysis on Blasius flow of a Casson fluid is taken into consideration. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no investigations have been reported on this topic.
Experimental and numerical studies on flow behavior of surface defects in the heavy rail rolling
Authors: Pan Chenggang , Ding Zizheng , Chang Qingming , Zhou Jialin
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Surface defects are often present on the surface of continuous casting slabs and rolled products. A lot of surface defects of hot rolled products are inherited from initial defects on continuous casting slabs. This work aims to trace the original surface defect during the whole heavy rail rolling and avoid black line surface defect that appears on the surface of heavy rail finial product.

Design/methodology/approach

Artificial round hole-shaped surface defects on the surface of continuous casting slab during the hot rolling of 60 kg/m heavy rail are analyzed experimentally and by means of explicit dynamic finite element method (FEM) and modified model rebuilding method.

Findings

The calculated results of surface defect locations of heavy rail finial product are in good agreement with the experimental ones. It is shown that the explicit dynamic FEM and modified model rebuilding method can be used effectively to predict the flow behavior of surface defects in the hot rolling of 60 kg/m heavy rail.

Originality/value

The three-dimensional finite element model for whole heavy rail rolling is built using explicit dynamic code and modified model rebuilding method. Flow behavior of black lines is studied in the 60-kg/m heavy rail rolling. The simulation results of six typical points are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Analysis of consolidation behavior of PVD-improved ground considering a varied discharge capacity
Authors: Kim Yun Tae , Nguyen Ba-Phu , Yun Dae-Ho
Published: April 2018

Purpose

It is well-known that consolidation rate of prefabricated vertical drain (PVD)-installed ground is closely related to the discharge capacity of PVD, which decreases with an increase in effective stress. This paper aims to present consolidation behaviors of PVD-improved ground considering a varied discharge capacity of PVD.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple equivalent vertical hydraulic conductivity (k′vemethod) was proposed in plane strain numerical analysis, in which the effect of decreased discharge capacity with depth was considered. Numerical analysis was applied to analyze field behaviors of test embankment of soft mucky deposit.

Findings

Finite element method results indicated that consolidation behaviors of PVD-improved soil with a nonlinear distribution of discharge capacity with depth were in a good agreement with the observed field behaviors, compared with those with a constant discharge capacity and a linear distribution of discharge capacity. At a given time and depth, the consolidation rate in the case of discharge capacity with a nonlinear distribution is lower than that of a linear or constant distribution.

Practical implications

A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed method to predict consolidation behaviors of drainage-installed ground.

Originality/value

Consolidation behaviors of PVD-installed ground could be reasonably predicted by using the proposed method with considering effect of discharge capacity reduction.
Modeling soil-plant-water interaction
Authors: Gadi Vinay , Singh Shivam , Singhariya Manish , Garg Ankit , S. Sreedeep , K. Ravi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to numerically investigate the combined effects of canopy (leaf area index [LAI]) and root properties (root distribution function [Rdf] and root area index [RAI]) on a suction induced in soil-root composite under three different scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Richards equation coupled with sink term was solved using a commercial finite element package “HYDRUS” to investigate suction induced in soil-root composite.

Findings

Scenario 1 unveiled that soil-root composite induces 1 to 20 per cent higher suction than bare soil under the absence of transpiration. From Scenario 2, value of suction at depth of maximum RAI in case of linearly decreasing Rdf was found to be higher than that of other Rdfs. However, depth of suction influence zone (SIZ) for uniform Rdf and non-linear Rdf was found to be 10 and 11 per cent higher than that of linearly decreasing Rdf. Depth of evaporation dominant zone (EDZ) for uniformly decreasing Rdf and non-linear Rdf was found to be 1.08 to 3 times higher than that of linearly decreasing Rdf. From Scenario 3, influence of LAI on depth of SIZ is minimal. Depth of EDZ was found to decrease with the increase in LAI. Based on simple calculation on infinite slope stability, influence of variation in root and shoot properties was found to be significant on its factor of safety.

Research limitations/implications

Numerical constitutive model has limitations that it does not consider aging of plant. This model is only applicable for a particular set of soil conditions. A long-term study is required in this field to further quantify parameters for improving calibration and modeling performance.

Practical implications

Following are the practical implication: consideration of vegetation properties into engineered design of green infrastructure (slopes in this case) and selection of vegetation with appropriate characteristics in design for enhancement of stability of green infrastructure.

Originality/value

Contents of this paper are original, and they have not been submitted to any other journal.
Effect of corrugated skins on the aerodynamic performance of the cambered airfoils
Authors: Kharati-koopaee Masoud , Fallahzadeh-abarghooee Mahmood
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of corrugated skins on the aerodynamic performance of the cambered NACA 0012 airfoils at different corrugations parameters, maximum cambers, Reynolds numbers and maximum camber locations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, numerical approach is concerned, and results are obtained based on the finite volume approach. To characterize the effect of corrugated skins, the NACA 0012-corrugated airfoil section is chosen as the base airfoil, and different cambered corrugated airfoil sections are obtained by inclusion the camber to the base airfoil. In this research, the corrugation shape is a sinusoidal wave and corrugated skins are in the aft 30 per cent of airfoil chord. To investigate the effect of corrugations on the cambered sections, the drag coefficient and averaged lift curve slope for the corrugated airfoils are compared to those of the corresponding smooth sections.

Findings

Results indicate that the effect of increase in the maximum camber and also Reynolds number on the relative zero-incidence drag coefficient is of little importance at low corrugation amplitudes, whereas at high corrugation, amplitude results in different behaviors. It is found that as the maximum camber increases, the deterioration in the relative curve slope introduced by corrugated skins is reduced, and reduction in this deterioration is significant for high corrugation amplitudes airfoils. It is shown that an increase in the maximum camber location has nearly no effect on the relative zero-incidence drag coefficient and also relative lift curve slope.

Originality/value

The outcome of the present research provides the clues for better understanding of the effect of different corrugations parameters on the aerodynamic performance of the unmanned air vehicles to have as high aerodynamic performance as possible in different mission profiles of such vehicles.
Healthcare systems: typologies, framework models, and South Africa’s health sector
Authors: Katuu Shadrack
Published: April 2018

Purpose

A healthcare system in any country is rarely the product of one logical policy-making experience, but rather a manifestation of many years of historical development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics, components, and variables of South Africa’s healthcare system in the context of global patterns. It leverages a dynamic period in South Africa since 1994, and applies a comparative health systems analysis to explain where the country’s healthcare system is, and where it is potentially going.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews literature related to South Africa’s healthcare system, outlines its historical development, and discusses three fundamental challenges experienced in the country. This paper also reviews the literature on healthcare system typologies and identifies three framework models that have been used to categorise national healthcare systems since the 1970s. This paper then discusses the categorisation of South Africa’s healthcare system in these models, in comparison to Canada and the USA.

Findings

This paper finds that the framework models are useful tools for comparative analysis of healthcare systems. However, any use of such typologies should be done with the awareness that national healthcare systems are not isolated entities because they function within a larger context. They are not static, since they are constantly evolving with many nuances, even with very similar healthcare system categorisations.

Originality/value

This paper charts the trajectory of change in the South African healthcare system, and demonstrates that the change process must keep internal conditions in mind if the outcome is to be successful. Imitating policies of countries with well-functioning systems, without regard to local realities, may not work, as the government attempts to usher in changes within a short span of time.
Developing generic competencies for infrastructure managers in India
Authors: Shah Mona N. , Prakash Anand
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for generic competencies based on lifecycle orientation of projects to support infrastructure managers (IMs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has reviewed literature on competency theories and their advancement of knowledge in management, construction and engineering projects. This study has applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to structure generic competencies founded on infrastructure practices in India. Further this study has applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test for confirmation on emerged dimensionality of the competence construct for IMs in India.

Findings

Using data collected from 175 usable questionnaires of managers serving in infrastructure firms in India for EFA followed by CFA, six generic competencies have been established in the domains of strategic, analytical, personal, managerial, professional and leadership dimensions significantly impacting competent performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study has applied plausibility sampling and it presents only generic competencies for executives working in the infrastructure sector alone.

Practical implications

Due to the growth in number of executives to be employed in infrastructure firms in India, academic institutions in this subcontinent have gained momentum in offering programmes covering the field of infrastructure management. These institutions are believed to be covering domains of strategic, analytical, personal, managerial, professional and leadership dimensions for assuring competent performance of IMs in India.

Social implications

Attention to these generic competencies can help IMs to contribute towards better performance, academic institutions to design curriculum, recruiters to acquire talent and executives to advance professionally.

Originality/value

Extant academic studies relating to generic competencies are available mostly in project and construction domains. There is a paucity of such academic studies in the domain of infrastructure.
Making sense of interactions between mental health and criminal justice services: the utility of cultural historical activity systems theory
Authors: Hean Sarah , Willumsen Elisabeth , Ødegård Atle
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Effective collaboration between mental health services (MHS) and criminal justice services (CJS) impacts on mental illness and reduces reoffending rates. This paper proposes the change laboratory model (CLM) of workplace transformation as a potential tool to support interagency collaborative practice that has potential to complement current integration tools used in this context. The purpose of this paper is to focus specifically on the theoretical dimension of the model: the cultural historical activity systems theory (CHAT) as a theoretical perspective that offers a framework with which interactions between the MHS and CJS can be better understood.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure and rationale behind future piloting of the change laboratory in this context is made. Then CHAT theory is briefly introduced and then its utility illustrated in the presentation of the findings of a qualitative study of leaders from MHS and CJS that explored their perspectives of the characteristics of collaborative working between MHS and prison/probation services in a Norwegian context and using CHAT as an analytical framework.

Findings

Leaders suggested that interactions between the two services, within the Norwegian system at least, are most salient when professionals engage in the reintegration and rehabilitation of the offender. Achieving effective communication within the boundary space between the two systems is a focus for professionals engaging in interagency working and this is mediated by a range of integration tools such as coordination plans and interagency meetings. Formalised interagency agreements and informal, unspoken norms of interaction governed this activity. Key challenges limiting the collaboration between the two systems included resource limitations, logistical issues and differences in professional judgments on referral and confidentiality.

Originality/value

Current tools with which MHS/CJS interactions are understood and managed, fail to make explicit the dimensions and nature of these complex interactions. The CLM, and CHAT as its theoretical underpinning, has been highly successful internationally and in other clinical contexts, as a means of exploring and developing interagency working. It is a new idea in prison development, none as yet being applied to the challenges facing the MHS and CJS. This paper addresses this by illustrating the use of CHAT as an analytical framework with which to articulate MHS/CJS collaborations and the potential of the CLM more widely to address current challenges in a context specific, bottom-up and fluid approach to interagency working in this environment.
Creating, reinforcing, and resisting the gender binary: a qualitative study of transgender women’s healthcare experiences in sex-segregated jails and prisons
Authors: White Hughto Jaclyn M. , Clark Kirsty A. , Altice Frederick L. , Reisner Sari L. , Kershaw Trace S. , Pachankis John E.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Incarcerated transgender women often require healthcare to meet their physical-, mental-, and gender transition-related health needs; however, their healthcare experiences in prisons and jails and interactions with correctional healthcare providers are understudied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2015, 20 transgender women who had been incarcerated in the USA within the past five years participated in semi-structured interviews about their healthcare experiences while incarcerated.

Findings

Participants described an institutional culture in which their feminine identity was not recognized and the ways in which institutional policies acted as a form of structural stigma that created and reinforced the gender binary and restricted access to healthcare. While some participants attributed healthcare barriers to providers’ transgender bias, others attributed barriers to providers’ limited knowledge or inexperience caring for transgender patients. Whether due to institutional (e.g. sex-segregated prisons, biased culture) or interpersonal factors (e.g. biased or inexperienced providers), insufficient access to physical-, mental-, and gender transition-related healthcare negatively impacted participants’ health while incarcerated.

Research limitations/implications

Findings highlight the need for interventions that target multi-level barriers to care in order to improve incarcerated transgender women’s access to quality, gender-affirmative healthcare.

Originality/value

This study provides first-hand accounts of how multi-level forces serve to reinforce the gender binary and negatively impact the health of incarcerated transgender women. Findings also describe incarcerated transgender women’s acts of resistance against institutional and interpersonal efforts to maintain the gender binary and present participant-derived recommendations to improve access to gender affirmative healthcare for incarcerated transgender women.
Firm value and social contribution with the interaction of corporate governance
Authors: Noronha Carlos , Guan Jieqi , Fan Jing
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate social contribution measures and investors’ reaction under the effect of corporate governance for firms listed in China, the largest emerging economy in the world. Corporate social contribution is examined from an informative perspective by using a financial indicator – social contribution value per share (SCVPS) brought up by the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are obtained from two channels: financial information during 2007-2015 generated from database and social accounting information manually collected from the 2007-2015 annual reports and social reports.

Findings

It is predicted that investors’ reaction toward corporate social contribution becomes stronger for companies with higher corporate governance quality.

Practical implications

This paper is one of the first to use Chinese SCVPS data to indicate the informativeness of social contribution toward firm value. It can serve as a valuable reference to both investors and companies in terms of the issue of social contribution.

Social implications

The study highlights the importance of social contribution on firm value by using an empirical approach in the Chinese market. The study can be used as a reference for many other developing countries in the world.

Originality/value

The findings of this study can provide guidance to investors on how to evaluate a firm’s social performance and encourage companies to improve the transparency of their social reporting, as well as the quality of corporate governance.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and its Potential to Preserve the Quality and Safety of Foods
Authors: Nikoo Mehdi , Regenstein Joe M. , Ahmadi Gavlighi Hassan
Published: April 2018

Quality deterioration of fresh or processed foods is a major challenge for the food industry not only due to economic losses but also due to the risks associated with spoiled foods resulting, for example, from toxic compounds. On the other hand, there are increasing limitations on the application of synthetic preservatives such as antioxidants in foods because of their potential links to human health risks. With the new concept of functional ingredients and the development of the functional foods market, and the desire for a “clean” label, recent research has focused on finding safe additives with multifunctional effects to ensure food safety and quality. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a biologically active compound in green tea, has received considerable attention in recent years and is considered a potential alternative to synthetic food additives. EGCG has been shown to prevent the growth of different Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria responsible for food spoilage while showing antioxidant activity in food systems. This review focuses on recent findings related to EGCG separation techniques, modification of its structure, mechanisms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and applications in preserving the quality and safety of foods.
Impact of Preharvest Sprouting on Endogenous Hydrolases and Technological Quality of Wheat and Bread: A Review
Authors: Olaerts Heleen , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: April 2018

The cereal‐based food industry faces the challenge to produce food of high and uniform quality to meet consumer demands. However, adverse weather conditions, including prolonged and repeated rainfall, before harvest time evoke germination of the kernels in the ear of the parent plant, which is known as preharvest sprouting (PHS). PHS results in the production of several hydrolytic enzymes in the kernel, which decreases the technological quality of wheat and causes problems during processing of the flour into cereal‐based products. Therefore, wheat that is severely sprouted in the field is less suitable for products for human consumption, and is often discounted to animal feed. Up till now, most knowledge on PHS is obtained by research on laboratory‐sprouted wheat as a proxy for field‐sprouted wheat. Knowledge on PHS in the field itself is more scarce. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the recent findings on PHS of wheat in the field, compared to knowledge on controlled sprouting. The physiological and functional changes occurring in wheat during PHS and their impact on wheat and bread quality are discussed. This review provides a useful background for further research concerning the potential of field‐sprouted wheat to be used as raw material in the food industry.
Physicochemical Quality, Fatty Acid Composition, and Sensory Analysis of Nellore Steers Meat Fed with Inclusion of Condensed Tannin in the Diet
Authors: Gesteira Susana M. , Oliveira Ronaldo L. , Silva Thadeu M. , Ribeiro Rebeca D. X. , Ribeiro Cláudio V. D. M. , Pereira Elzania S. , Lanna Dante P. D. , Pinto Luis F. B. , Rocha Tiago C. , Vieira Jusaline F. , Bezerra Leilson R.
Published: April 2018

This study was conducted to test the effect of dietary tannin on the fatty acid profile and sensory attributes of meat from Nellore steers. Thirty‐two Nellore bull male were distributed in a completely randomized design and fed diets with condensed tannin extract as follows: 0, 10, 30, and 50 g/kg total DM basis. The physicochemical composition of the meat, lipid oxidation, fatty acid profile, flavor, tenderness, and overall acceptance were evaluated. There was a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.05) on lipid content, tenderness, cooking weight loss, myristic, palmitic, and oleic acids in meat as tannin increased in the diets. The total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, the atherogenicity index decreased. However, a linear increase (P ≤ 0.05) was observed for linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids. The physicochemical characteristic of the meat, such as moisture, ash, and protein contents, water retention capacity, final pH, Warner‐Bratzler shear force, collagen, and color indexes (lightness, redness, yellowness, and chrome) did not change with dietary tannin. Also, CLA, n‐6:n‐3 ratio, Δ9‐desaturase, and elongase activity were not different among diets. In conclusion, condensed tannin linearly increases unsaturated fatty acids and decreases the atherogenicity index of meat; thus, it can be recommended at the highest level (50 g/kg DM) in the diet of Nellore steers.

Practical Application

Agriculture byproducts plays an important part in the diet of ruminant animals and consequently on food chain and has implications for the composition and quality of the livestock products (milk, meat, and eggs) that people consume. Feeding tannin to steers increases the amount of unsaturated fatty acids and meat tenderness, with a concomitant reduction on saturated fatty acids and the atherogenicity index in meat. Thus, we recommend adding tannin to steer diets to reduce the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in red meat for human consumption.
Management Implications of Snowpack Sensitivity to Temperature and Atmospheric Moisture Changes in Yosemite National Park, CA
Authors: Roche James W. , Bales Roger C. , Rice Robert , Marks Danny G.
Published: April 2018

In order to investigate snowpack sensitivity to temperature increases and end‐member atmospheric moisture conditions, we applied a well‐constrained energy‐ and mass‐balance snow model across the full elevation range of seasonal snowpack using forcing data from recent wet and dry years. Humidity scenarios examined were constant relative humidity (high) and constant vapor pressure between storms (low). With minimum calibration, model results captured the observed magnitude and timing of snowmelt. April 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) losses of 38%, 73%, and 90% with temperature increases of 2, 4, and 6°C in a dry year centered on areas of greatest SWE accumulation. Each 2°C increment of warming also resulted in seasonal snowline moving upslope by 300 m. The zone of maximum melt was compressed upward 100–500 m with 6°C warming, with the range reflecting differences in basin hypsometry. Melt contribution by elevations below 2,000 m disappeared with 4°C warming. The constant‐relative‐humidity scenario resulted in 0–100 mm less snowpack in late spring vs. the constant‐vapor‐pressure scenario in a wet year, a difference driven by increased thermal radiation (+1.2 W/m2) and turbulent energy fluxes (+1.2 W/m2) to the snowpack for the constant‐relative‐humidity case. Loss of snowpack storage and potential increases in forest evapotranspiration due to warming will result in a substantial shift in forest water balance and present major challenges to land management in this mountainous region.
Nursing Outcomes for Patients with Risk of Perioperative Positioning Injury
Authors: de Lima Luciana Bjorklund , e Cardozo Michelle Cardoso , Bernardes Daniela de Souza , Rabelo‐Silva Eneida Rejane
Published: April 2018

PURPOSE

To select and refine the outcomes and indicators of Nursing Outcomes Classification for the diagnosis of risk for perioperative positioning injury.

METHOD

Validation study on expert consensus and refinement through pilot study.

FINDINGS

Eight outcomes and 35 indicators were selected in consensus. After clinical testing was performed, in which 10 patients were assessed at five different times. Eight outcomes and 33 indicators remained in the protocol.

CONCLUSION

This study made it possible to select the most relevant outcomes and indicators to be measured for this diagnosis in clinical practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Validation studies by consensus and clinical testing are important to promote the accuracy, creating opportunities to legitimize, and improve the concepts of taxonomies.
Activation of DNA demethylases attenuates aging‐associated arterial stiffening and hypertension
Authors: Chen Kai , Sun Zhongjie
Published: April 2018

DNA methylation increases with age. The objective of this study was to investigate whether compound H, a potential activator of DNA demethylases, attenuates aging‐related arterial stiffness and hypertension. Aged mice (24–27 months) and adult mice (12 months) were used. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a direct measure of arterial stiffness, and blood pressure (BP) were increased significantly in aged mice. Notably, daily treatments with compound H (15 mg/kg, IP) for 2 weeks significantly attenuated the aging‐related increases in PWV and BP. Compound H abolished aging‐associated downregulation of secreted Klotho (SKL) levels in both kidneys and serum likely by enhancing DNA demethylase activity and decreasing DNA methylation. Aging‐related arterial stiffness was associated with accumulation of stiffer collagen and degradation of compliant elastin which are accompanied by increased expression of MMP2, MMP9, TGF‐β1, and TGF‐β3. These changes were effectively attenuated by compound H, suggesting rejuvenation of aged arteries. Compound H also rescued downregulation of Sirt1 deacetylase, AMPKα, and eNOS activities in aortas of aged mice. In cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCc) Klotho‐deficient serum upregulated expression of MMPs and TGFβ which, however, was not affected by compound H. In conclusion, compound H attenuates aging‐associated arterial stiffness and hypertension by activation of DNA demethylase which increases renal SKL expression and consequently circulating SKL levels leading to activation of the Sirt1‐AMPK‐eNOS pathway in aortas of aged mice.