bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using global t-SNE to preserve inter-cluster data structure
Authors: Zhou Yuansheng , Sharpee Tatyana O
Published: May 2018

The t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) method is one of the leading techniques for data visualization and clustering. This method finds lower dimensional embeddings of data points while minimizing distortions in distances between neighboring data points. By construction, t-SNE discards information about large scale structure of the data. We show that adding a global cost function to the t-SNE cost function makes it possible to cluster the data while preserving global inter-cluster data structure. We test the new “global t-SNE” (g-SNE) method on one synthetic and two real data sets on flowers and human brain cells which have significant and meaningful global structures. In all cases, g-SNE outperforms t-SNE in preserving the global structure. The weight parameter λ of the global cost function determines the balance between local and global distances preservations. For the human brain atlas data set, we show the tradeoff of λ in representing global structure of data. Using g-SNE with the optimized λ may therefore yield biological insights into how data is organized on multiple scales. The MATLAB code is available at: https://github.com/gyrheart/gsne
Complex dynamics in an SIS epidemic model induced by nonlinear incidence
Authors: Yuan Ruixia , Teng Zhidong , Li Jinhui
Published: May 2018

We study an epidemic model with nonlinear incidence rate, describing the saturated mass action as well as the psychological effect of certain serious diseases on the community. Firstly, the existence and local stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria are investigated. Then, we prove the occurrence of backward bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and cusp type Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation of codimension 3. Finally, numerical simulations, including one limit cycle, two limit cycles, unstable homoclinic loop and many other phase portraits are presented. These results show that the psychological effect of diseases and the behavior change of the susceptible individuals may affect the final spread level of an epidemic.
Published estimates of group differences in multisensory integration are inflated
Authors: Magnotti John F. , Beauchamp Michael S.
Published: May 2018

A common measure of multisensory integration is the McGurk effect, an illusion in which incongruent auditory and visual speech are integrated to produce an entirely different percept. Published studies report that participants who differ in age, gender, culture, native language, or traits related to neurological or psychiatric disorders also differ in their susceptibility to the McGurk effect. These group-level differences are used as evidence for fundamental alterations in sensory processing between populations. Using empirical data and statistical simulations tested under a range of conditions, we show that published estimates of group differences in the McGurk effect are inflated. With a sample size typical of published studies, a group difference of 10% would be reported as 31%. As a consequence of this inflation, follow-up studies often fail to replicate published reports of large between-group differences. Inaccurate estimates of effect sizes and replication failures are especially problematic in studies of clinical populations involving expensive and time-consuming interventions, such as training paradigms to improve sensory processing. Reducing effect size inflation and increasing replicability requires increasing the number of participants by an order of magnitude compared with current practice.
Dangote’s expansion: driving African capitalism
Authors: White Lyal , Rees Liezl
Published: May 2018

Subject area

Doing business in Africa, strategy, leadership.

Study level/applicability

The case is intended for use in MBA and Executive Education courses in Strategy, Business in Africa and Leadership.

Case overview

This case study examines the growth of the Dangote Group in Nigeria and its ambitious expansion across Africa. Driven by the visionary leadership and energy of founder, President and CEO Aliko Dangote himself, the rise of the Dangote Group also represents the changing geopolitics of the African region. A true conglomerate, the company dominates every niche in which it operates. Best known for its cement, Dangote is also active in sectors as diverse as pasta, real estate and steel. It has expanded into the oil industry and is building a refinery in Nigeria, an oil-producing state that imports most of its fuel requirements because of inadequate refining capacity. The Dangote Group serves as an example of true African capitalism, representing the new and somewhat nuanced style of doing business in Africa, which involves undertaking capital intensive projects; using unique methods, management approaches, technologies and innovations; leveraging state connections for business advantage; and understanding the growing need for local partners or local content in new markets across the continent.

Expected learning outcomes

Students should gain insights into various business strategies in Africa, contextual leadership intelligence and the role of institutions when doing business in Africa.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Park proximity, crime and apartment prices
Authors: Iqbal Asifa , Wilhelmsson Mats
Published: May 2018

Purpose

There is a lack of understanding in the literature on the relation between parks and house price in relation to crime in Scandinavian context. This paper aims to investigate the effect of the amenity value of accessibility to parks on apartment prices with reference to crime rates in parks in Stockholm.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the effects of park proximity and crime in parks on apartment prices by using geographic information systems and hedonic modelling.

Findings

Findings show that the proximity of parks as an environmental amenity has an effect on apartment prices. The results also demonstrate that the impact of parks on apartment prices is different in the different segments of the apartment market in Stockholm. Moreover, various types of parks may differ in their impact, for instance, grass parks and park blocks are more desirable in Stockholm than landscape parks and neighbourhood parks. The effects of crimes in parks influence apartment prices negatively.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new methodology by using the shortest distance to a park as a main variable. The shortest distance to a park variable is considered a better choice than using park as an aggregate measure. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the effect of specific park types, for instance, grass parks, neighbourhood parks, landscape parks and park blocks, in Stockholm housing market.
Physical location of smart key activators – a building security penetration test
Authors: Bullee Jan-Willem , Montoya Lorena , Junger Marianne , Hartel Pieter
Published: May 2018

Purpose

When security managers choose to deploy a smart lock activation system, the number of units needed and their location needs to be established. This study aims to present the results of a penetration test involving smart locks in the context of building security. The authors investigated how the amount of effort an employee has to invest in complying with a security policy (i.e. walk from the office to the smart key activator) influences vulnerability. In particular, the attractiveness of a no-effort alternative (i.e. someone else walking from your office to the key activators to perform a task on your behalf) was evaluated. The contribution of this study relates to showing how experimental psychology can be used to determine the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of physical building security measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-seven different “offenders” visited the offices of 116 employees. Using a script, each offender introduced a problem, provided a solution and asked the employee to hand over their office key.

Findings

A total of 58.6 per cent of the employees handed over their keys to a stranger; no difference was found between female and male employees. The likelihood of handing over the keys for employees close to a key activator was similar to that of those who were further away.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that installing additional key activators is not conducive to reducing the building’s security vulnerability associated with the handing over of keys to strangers.

Originality/value

No research seems to have investigated the distribution of smart key activators in the context of a physical penetration test. This research highlights the need to raise awareness of social engineering and of the vulnerabilities introduced via smart locks (and other smart systems).
Fashion bloggers: communication tools for the fashion industry
Authors: Esteban-Santos Laura , García Medina Irene , Carey Lindsey , Bellido-Pérez Elena
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fashion blogs’ influence on Spanish Millennials’ buying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is quantitative in nature, utilising a mono method consisting of structured self-administered questionnaires. Data were exported to IBM SPSS Statistics, where different types of analyses were combined – such as frequencies, means, hypothesis testing analyses, principal components analysis or K-means cluster.

Findings

Findings show that the most important motivations to follow a fashion blog are entertainment and information seeking. Besides, consumers’ attitudes seem to be influenced by how consumers assess credibility, which is determined by trustworthiness, para-social interaction (PSI), expertise and message credibility. Finally, after showing covert and overt marketing posts, both trustworthiness and PSI were lower than before, identifying PSI as a possible moderator in these cases.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the sample size, which does not make it possible to generalise conclusions.

Practical implications

From this research, it can be said that, due to the importance of establishing a strong relationship with the public, bloggers should try to connect with readers on an emotional level, and brands need to select bloggers very carefully.

Originality/value

This paper reveals Millennials’ attitudes whilst they are visiting a fashion blog and the influence that these attitudes can exercise on their purchase intention.
Tell me if you can: time pressure, prosocial motivation, perspective taking, and knowledge hiding
Authors: Škerlavaj Miha , Connelly Catherine E. , Cerne Matej , Dysvik Anders
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The belief that knowledge actually expands when it is shared has been deeply rooted in the mainstream knowledge management literature. Although many organizations and managers expect employees to share their knowledge with their colleagues, this does not always occur. This study aims to use the conservation of resources theory to explain why employees who experience greater time pressure are more likely to engage in knowledge hiding; it further considers how this behavior may be moderated by these employees’ prosocial motivation and perspective taking.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses quantitative multi-study research design as a combination of two-wave field study among 313 employees at an insurance company and a lab experimental study.

Findings

In the field study (Study 1), the authors find that perceived time pressure is positively related to knowledge hiding. Furthermore, this relationship is moderated by prosocial motivation: employees who perceive greater time pressure hide knowledge only when they are low in prosocial motivation. An experiment (Study 2) replicates these findings, and finds that perspective taking mediates the moderating effect of prosocial motivation on the relationship between time pressure and knowledge hiding.

Research limitations/implications

Despite its many contributions, the present research is also not without limitations. Study 1 was a cross-lagged sectional field study with self-reported data (although the two-wave design does help alleviate common-method-bias concerns). Causality concerns were further alleviated by using additional experimental study.

Practical implications

The paper highlights important reasons why people hide knowledge at work (because of experienced time pressure) as well as identifies two interlinked potential remedies (prosocial motivation and perspective taking) to reduce knowledge hiding.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to expanding nomological network of knowledge hiding construct by extending the set of known antecedents and contingencies.
Evaluating emotion visualizations using AffectVis, an affect-aware dashboard for students
Authors: Derick Leony , Sedrakyan Gayane , Munoz-Merino Pedro J. , Delgado Kloos Carlos , Verbert Katrien
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate four visualizations that represent affective states of students.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical-experimental study approach was used to assess the usability of affective state visualizations in a learning context. The first study was conducted with students who had knowledge of visualization techniques (n=10). The insights from this pilot study were used to improve the interpretability and ease of use of the visualizations. The second study was conducted with the improved visualizations with students who had no or limited knowledge of visualization techniques (n=105).

Findings

The results indicate that usability, measured by perceived usefulness and insight, is overall acceptable. However, the findings also suggest that interpretability of some visualizations, in terms of the capability to support emotional awareness, still needs to be improved. The level of students’ awareness of their emotions during learning activities based on the visualization interpretation varied depending on previous knowledge of information visualization techniques. Awareness was found to be high for the most frequently experienced emotions and activities that were the most frustrating, but lower for more complex insights such as interpreting differences with peers. Furthermore, simpler visualizations resulted in better outcomes than more complex techniques.

Originality/value

Detection of affective states of students and visualizations of these states in computer-based learning environments have been proposed to support student awareness and improve learning. However, the evaluation of visualizations of these affective states with students to support awareness in real life settings is an open issue.
Determinants of high-growth university spin-offs in Spain
Authors: Fernández-López Sara , Rodeiro-Pazos David , García González Fernando , Rodríguez-Gulías María Jesús
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This study aims to determine that the factors that lead to university spin-offs (USOs) high-growth firms (HGFs). In recent years, HGFs have been a topic of growing interest in the field of economic research because of these companies’ capacity for job creation and the dynamism they bring to the growth of the economy. In parallel, companies that are born of knowledge or technology developed at universities, known as university spin-offs, have also received attention from the literature in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, to analyse the extent to which USOs have become HGFs, a sample of 237 Spanish companies with university origins for a period of study from 2007 to 2014 were used. To contrast the present study’s hypotheses, eight different models were estimated using probit models.

Findings

The results show that factors such as number of employees, internationalization, profitability and indebtedness positively affect the probability that a USO will become an HGF. However, for age, industry, innovation, the presence of venture capital and productivity, no statistically significant relationship could be found.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in HGFs and university entrepreneurship in different ways. First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have analysed the determinants of becoming an HGF from a USO. Second, hypotheses that, until now, had not been analysed in previous studies, in particular the fact of being a knowledge-intensive company, are tested. Third, the results obtained allow the establishment of recommendations to improve policies to support HGF-USO.
Perceived threats of infanticide reduce maternal allocation during lactation and lead to elevated oxidative damage in offspring
Authors: Gale Teagan , Garratt Michael , Brooks Robert C.
Published: May 2018

Maternal investment is costly to the mother but essential to offspring survival in altrical species. Infanticide by novel males results in loss of maternal investment, and maternal strategies have evolved to mitigate these losses. One such maternal strategy, the Bruce effect, involves spontaneous abortion by females of some mammal species when exposed to a novel male during pregnancy.

In mice, the Bruce effect only occurs during early pregnancy, but we have previously found that female mice exposed to a novel male's scent in late pregnancy weaned smaller offspring. Here, we replicate that manipulation to resolve the cause of the reduced weaning weight and subsequent effects on offspring fitness.

Females exposed to an unfamiliar male's scent in late pregnancy spent significantly less time nursing their pups during lactation, suggesting that reduced maternal allocation contributes to slower offspring growth. The offspring with a reduced weaning weight exhibited catch‐up growth and reached a normal weight at adulthood. These offspring, however, were found to bear oxidative damage in adulthood, revealing long‐term effects on offspring condition.

We conclude that female mice strategically alter their investment in lactation in relation to the likelihood of infanticide, but that this results in long‐term fitness costs to their offspring.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Elemental sulfur reduction in the deep‐sea vent thermophile, Thermovibrio ammonificans
Authors: Jelen Benjamin , Giovannelli Donato , Falkowski Paul G. , Vetriani Costantino
Published: May 2018

The reduction of elemental sulfur is an important energy‐conserving pathway in prokaryotes inhabiting geothermal environments, where sulfur respiration contributes to sulfur biogeochemical cycling. Despite this, the pathways through which elemental sulfur is reduced to hydrogen sulfide remain unclear in most microorganisms. We integrated growth experiments using Thermovibrio ammonificans, a deep‐sea vent thermophile that conserves energy from the oxidation of hydrogen and reduction of both nitrate and elemental sulfur, with comparative transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, coupled with scanning electron microscopy. Our results revealed that two members of the FAD‐dependent pyridine nucleotide disulfide reductase family, similar to sulfide‐quinone reductase and to NADH‐dependent sulfur reductase (NSR), respectively, are over‐expressed during sulfur respiration. Scanning electron micrographs and sulfur sequestration experiments indicated that direct access of T. ammonificans to sulfur particles strongly promoted growth. The sulfur metabolism of T. ammonificans appears to require abiotic transition from bulk elemental sulfur to polysulfide to nanoparticulate sulfur at an acidic pH, coupled to biological hydrogen oxidation. A coupled biotic‐abiotic mechanism for sulfur respiration is put forward, mediated by an NSR‐like protein as the terminal reductase.
Re‐Thinking Territorial Cohesion in the European Planning Context
Authors: Marques Teresa Sá , Saraiva Miguel , Santinha Gonçalo , Guerra Paula
Published: May 2018

The socio‐economic dimensions of cohesion have long been considered an integral part of Europeanization. However, recently a third dimension has been added to the Europe 2020 cohesion policy debate: territorial cohesion. Consequently this term is as yet undeveloped, resulting in a lack of consensus on how to define and interpret it. Such ambiguity represents a theoretical and empirical challenge to regional actors needing to respond to European Union (EU) directives while operationalizing the concept within their national and/or regional agendas. This article uses Portugal as a case study to examine how the concept of territorial cohesion is being interpreted and transposed from EU‐based to territorial‐based instruments and policy documents. First, we conducted a qualitative content analysis (QCA) of a selection of European and regional publications to compare their intrinsic discourses. This was followed by around 60 structured qualitative interviews, conducted with leading actors who had been instrumental in writing or implementing regional policy documents. On the basis of this dual analysis we conclude that, as a whole, the writers of the Portuguese strategic documents successfully transposed this concept, although perceptible differences exist between regions, as local actors have selectively redefined it to better suit their strategic priorities. These differences are debated with the aim of contributing to the design of effective public policies that facilitate inclusion, cohesion and Europeanization.
Do values explain the low employment levels of Muslim women around the world? A within‐ and between‐country analysis
Authors: Abdelhadi Eman , England Paula
Published: May 2018

Using worldwide data from the World Values Survey (WVS) gathered in 2010–2014, we examine two distinct ways in which Islam may be associated with women's employment. We show that, within their countries, Muslim women are less likely to be employed than women of other religions. We also examine between‐country differences and find that, net of education and family statuses, the employment levels of women living in countries that are 90–100 per cent Muslim are not significantly different than those living in countries that are only 0–20 per cent Muslim. Then we test a prevailing view: that Islam discourages gender egalitarian values, and that these values – held by women themselves or people around them – explain why Muslim women are less likely to be employed than women of other religions within their own countries. Despite the rich measures of values in the WVS and a large sample, we find no evidence that values explain any of the lower employment of Muslim women, mainly because values have little or no effect on women's employment. Thus, we conclude that most of the world's gap in employment between Muslim women and other women is within‐country and is not explained by gender ideology. Future research should examine alternative hypotheses, including ethno‐religious discrimination.
Age diversity, group organisational citizenship behaviour, and group performance: Exploring the moderating role of charismatic leadership and participation in decision‐making
Authors: Seong Jee Young , Hong Doo‐Seung
Published: May 2018

This study examines the effect of age diversity on group organisational citizenship behaviour (GOCB) and group performance in 99 work‐based teams of a Korean bank. Previous research on the relationship between work group diversity and group outcomes has produced inconsistent results. Based on the categorisation‐elaboration model, the study finds that both high and low levels of group diversity limit GOCB and group performance, whereas intermediate group diversity enhances it, producing relationships that can be represented by an inverted U‐shaped curve. The curvilinear relationships between age diversity and GOCB and between age diversity and group performance are moderated by participation in decision‐making. Charismatic leadership also moderates the relationship between age diversity and group performance, but no moderation effect was found for charismatic leadership in the relationship between age diversity and GOCB. The authors discuss the implications of these results for future research and practice.
The generational “exchange” rate: How generations convert career development satisfaction into organisational commitment or neglect of work
Authors: Benson John , Brown Michelle , Glennie Miriam , O'Donnell Michael , O'Keefe Peter
Published: May 2018

Utilising social exchange theory, we investigate the exchange of career development satisfaction for organisational commitment and neglect of work. Employees can, however, show more or less reciprocity towards their organisation. We assess the role of generational membership (Baby Boomers vs. Generation X) as a determinant of reciprocity. Boomers began work when jobs were “for life”; they value job security and tend to rely on the organisation for their career direction. In contrast, Generation X generally commenced work during the recession of the early 1990s, so they feel they cannot rely on one employer for a lifetime of employment. We investigate the extent to which generational differences in work and career values moderate the relationship between career development satisfaction and organisational commitment or neglect of work. We find, using data from 1,530 employees in one organisation, that Generation X are more likely to exchange high career development satisfaction for higher levels of organisational commitment and lower neglect of work than are Boomers.
Current and Future Technologies for Microbiological Decontamination of Cereal Grains
Authors: Los Agata , Ziuzina Dana , Bourke Paula
Published: May 2018

Cereal grains are the most important staple foods for mankind worldwide. The constantly increasing annual production and yield is matched by demand for cereals, which is expected to increase drastically along with the global population growth. A critical food safety and quality issue is to minimize the microbiological contamination of grains as it affects cereals both quantitatively and qualitatively. Microorganisms present in cereals can affect the safety, quality, and functional properties of grains. Some molds have the potential to produce harmful mycotoxins and pose a serious health risk for consumers. Therefore, it is essential to reduce cereal grain contamination to the minimum to ensure safety both for human and animal consumption. Current production of cereals relies heavily on pesticides input, however, numerous harmful effects on human health and on the environment highlight the need for more sustainable pest management and agricultural methods. This review evaluates microbiological risks, as well as currently used and potential technologies for microbiological decontamination of cereal grains.
Systematic overview and critical appraisal of meta‐analyses of interventions in intensive care medicine
Authors: Koster T. M. , Wetterslev J. , Gluud C. , Keus F. , van der Horst I. C. C.
Published: May 2018

Rationale

Meta‐analysed intervention effect estimates are perceived to represent the highest level of evidence. However, such effects and the randomized clinical trials which are included in them need critical appraisal before the effects can be trusted.

Objective

Critical appraisal of a predefined set of all meta‐analyses on interventions in intensive care medicine to assess their quality and assessed the risks of bias in those meta‐analyses having the best quality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search to select all meta‐analyses of randomized clinical trials on interventions used in intensive care medicine. Selected meta‐analyses were critically appraised for basic scientific criteria, (1) presence of an available protocol, (2) report of a full search strategy, and (3) use of any bias risk assessment of included trials. All meta‐analyses which qualified these criteria were scrutinized by full “Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews” ROBIS evaluation of 4 domains of risks of bias, and a “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses” PRISMA evaluation.

Results

We identified 467 meta‐analyses. A total of 56 meta‐analyses complied with these basic scientific criteria. We scrutinized the risks of bias in the 56 meta‐analyses by full ROBIS evaluation and a PRISMA evaluation. Only 4 meta‐analyses scored low risk of bias in all the 4 ROBIS domains and 41 meta‐analyses reported all 27 items of the PRISMA checklist.

Conclusion

In contrast with what might be perceived as the highest level of evidence only 0.9% of all meta‐analyses were judged to have overall low risk of bias.
The association between pre‐operative sepsis and 30‐day mortality in hip fracture patients—A cohort study
Authors: Mørch S. S. , Tantholdt‐Hansen S. , Pedersen N. E. , Duus C. L. , Petersen J. A. , Andersen C. Ø. , Jarløv J. O. , Meyhoff C. S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Post‐operative sepsis considerably increases mortality, but the extent of pre‐operative sepsis in hip fracture patients and its consequences are sparsely elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the association between pre‐operative sepsis and 30‐day mortality after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data collected among 1894 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in the Capital Region of Denmark in 2014 (NCT03201679). Data on vital signs, cultures and laboratory data were obtained. Sepsis was defined as a positive culture of any kind and presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome within 24 hours and was assessed within 72 hours before surgery and 30 days post‐operatively. Primary outcome was 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and admission to intensive care unit.

Results

A total of 144 (7.6%) of the hip fracture patients met the criteria for pre‐operative sepsis. The 30‐day mortality was 13.9% in patients with pre‐operative sepsis as compared to 9.0% in those without (OR 1.69, 95% CI [1.00; 2.85], P = .08). Patients with pre‐operative sepsis had longer hospital stays (median 10 days vs 9 days, mean difference 2.1 [SD 9.4] days, P = .03), and higher frequency of ICU admission (11.1% vs 2.7%, OR 4.15, 95% CI [2.19; 7.87], P < .0001).

Conclusion

Pre‐operative sepsis in hip fracture patients was associated with an increased length of hospital stay and tended to increase mortality. Pre‐operative sepsis in hip fracture patients merits more intensive surveillance and increased attention to timely treatment.
Fetal heart rate short term variation during labor in relation to scalp blood lactate concentration
Authors: Lu Ke , Holzmann Malin , Abtahi Fahrad , Lindecrantz Kaj , Lindqvist Pelle G , Nordstrom Lennart
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Fetal heart rate short term variation (STV) decreases with severe chronic hypoxia in the antenatal period. However, only limited research has been done on STV during labor. We have tested a novel algorithm for a valid baseline estimation and calculated STV. To explore the value of STV during labor, we compared STV with fetal scalp blood (FBS) lactate concentration, an early marker in the hypoxic process.

Material and methods

Software was developed which estimates baseline frequency using a novel algorithm and thereby calculates STV according to Dawes and Redman in up to four 30‐minute blocks prior to each FBS. Cardiotocography traces from 1070 women in labor who had had FBS performed on 2134 occasions were analyzed.

Results

In acidemic cases (lactate >4.8 mmol/L; Lactate Pro™), median STV 30 minutes prior to FBS was 7.10 milliseconds compared with 6.09 milliseconds in the preacidemic (4.2‐4.8 mmol/L) and 5.23 milliseconds in the normal (<4.2 mmol/L) groups (P < .05). There was a positive correlation between lactate and STV (rho = 0.16‐0.24; P < .05). Median lactate concentration in cases with STV <3.0 milliseconds (n = 160) was 2.3 mmol/L. When 2 FBS were performed within 60 minutes the change rate of lactate correlated to STV (rho = 0.33; P < .001). Cases with increasing lactate concentration had a median STV of 5.29 milliseconds vs 4.41 milliseconds in those with decreasing lactate (P < .001).

Conclusions

In the early stages of intrapartum hypoxia, STV increases, contrary to findings regarding chronic hypoxia in the antenatal period. The increase in the adrenergic surge is a likely explanation.
Toxic Pigment in aCapacochaBurial: Instrumental Identification of Cinnabar in Inca Human Remains from Iquique, Chile
Authors: Arriaza B. , Ogalde J. P. , Campos M. , Paipa C. , Leyton P. , Lara N.
Published: May 2018

We report on the analysis of a red pigment found in a lavish Inca burial from Cerro Esmeralda, Chile, associated with the human sacrifice of two young girls. The outcome shows that the red pigment is mainly cinnabar, with 95% of HgS content. Cinnabar is rarely found in the archaeological record of Chile. Thus, we propose that our results are another line of evidence supporting Iquique's Cerro Esmeralda inhumation as a unique Inca ritual. It was a special lower‐elevationcapacochaburial, most probably undertaken to politically and symbolically incorporate the coastal people into theTawantinsuyoEmpire.
Improving Causal Inferences in Meta‐analyses of Longitudinal Studies: Spanking as an Illustration
Authors: Larzelere Robert E. , Gunnoe Marjorie Lindner , Ferguson Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

To evaluate and improve the validity of causal inferences from meta‐analyses of longitudinal studies, two adjustments for Time‐1 outcome scores and a temporally backwards test are demonstrated. Causal inferences would be supported by robust results across both adjustment methods, distinct from results run backwards. A systematic strategy for evaluating potential confounds is also introduced. The methods are illustrated by assessing the impact of spanking on subsequent externalizing problems (child age: 18 months to 11 years). Significant results indicated a small risk or a small benefit of spanking, depending on the adjustment method. These meta‐analytic methods are applicable for research on alternatives to spanking and other developmental science topics. The underlying principles can also improve causal inferences in individual studies.
Where are Europe’s last primary forests?
Authors: Sabatini Francesco Maria , Burrascano Sabina , Keeton William S. , Levers Christian , Lindner Marcus , Pötzschner Florian , Verkerk Pieter Johannes , Bauhus Jürgen , Buchwald Erik , Chaskovsky Oleh , Debaive Nicolas , Horváth Ferenc , Garbarino Matteo , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Lombardi Fabio , Marques Duarte Inês , Meyer Peter , Midteng Rein , Mikac Stjepan , Mikoláš Martin , Motta Renzo , Mozgeris Gintautas , Nunes Leónia , Panayotov Momchil , Ódor Peter , Ruete Alejandro , Simovski Bojan , Stillhard Jonas , Svoboda Miroslav , Szwagrzyk Jerzy , Tikkanen Olli‐Pekka , Volosyanchuk Roman , Vrska Tomas , Zlatanov Tzvetan , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: May 2018

Aim

Primary forests have high conservation value but are rare in Europe due to historic land use. Yet many primary forest patches remain unmapped, and it is unclear to what extent they are effectively protected. Our aim was to (1) compile the most comprehensive European‐scale map of currently known primary forests, (2) analyse the spatial determinants characterizing their location and (3) locate areas where so far unmapped primary forests likely occur.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We aggregated data from a literature review, online questionnaires and 32 datasets of primary forests. We used boosted regression trees to explore which biophysical, socio‐economic and forest‐related variables explain the current distribution of primary forests. Finally, we predicted and mapped the relative likelihood of primary forest occurrence at a 1‐km resolution across Europe.

Results

Data on primary forests were frequently incomplete or inconsistent among countries. Known primary forests covered 1.4 Mha in 32 countries (0.7% of Europe’s forest area). Most of these forests were protected (89%), but only 46% of them strictly. Primary forests mostly occurred in mountain and boreal areas and were unevenly distributed across countries, biogeographical regions and forest types. Unmapped primary forests likely occur in the least accessible and populated areas, where forests cover a greater share of land, but wood demand historically has been low.

Main conclusions

Despite their outstanding conservation value, primary forests are rare and their current distribution is the result of centuries of land use and forest management. The conservation outlook for primary forests is uncertain as many are not strictly protected and most are small and fragmented, making them prone to extinction debt and human disturbance. Predicting where unmapped primary forests likely occur could guide conservation efforts, especially in Eastern Europe where large areas of primary forest still exist but are being lost at an alarming pace.
Social complexity and kinship in animal societies
Authors: Lukas Dieter , Clutton‐Brock Tim
Published: May 2018

Studies of eusocial invertebrates regard complex societies as those where there is a clear division of labour and extensive cooperation between breeders and helpers. In contrast, studies of social mammals identify complex societies as those where differentiated social relationships influence access to resources and reproductive opportunities. We show here that, while traits associated with social complexity of the first kind occur in social mammals that live in groups composed of close relatives, traits associated with the complexity of social relationships occur where average kinship between female group members is low. These differences in the form of social complexity appear to be associated with variation in brain size and probably reflect contrasts in the extent of conflicts of interest between group members. Our results emphasise the limitations of any unitary concept of social complexity and show that variation in average kinship between group members has far‐reaching consequences for animal societies.
Expatriates of Host‐Country Origin in South Eastern Europe: Management Rationales in the Finance Sector
Authors: Bešić Almina , Ortlieb Renate
Published: May 2018

Multinational companies coming to grips with the major challenges of international staffing have developed a new practice. In recent years management scholars observed the assignment of so‐called ‘expatriates of host‐country origin’ (EHCOs), that is, employees of migrant backgrounds in the companies’ parent country sent to work in their country of origin. This paper explores management rationales behind this practice focusing on the posting of employees to transition economies in south eastern Europe. Data from Austrian banks and insurance firms operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Croatia provide the empirical basis. The analysis reveals that headquarters’ management believe that due to their specific competencies EHCOs facilitate the relationship between the headquarters and the subsidiary, enhance resource accrual and offer competitive advantage. As institutional complexity in the host country and the cultural distance between parent and host countries increase, so do the relative advantages of EHCOs for management.
Consequences of the taxonomic revision of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae and of the analysis of its associated pathogenicity for the recommendation of regulation (EPPO A2 List)
Authors: Cottyn B. , Constantin E. C. , Maes M.
Published: May 2018

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae, the causal agent of bacterial blight of Araceae (aroids), is a regulated pest in several countries and is included in the EPPO A2 List. Reference strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae have recently been reclassified into the species Xanthomonas phaseoli, Xanthomonas citri and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria on the basis of different features, including multilocus sequence analysis, average nucleotide identity and homology in DNA–DNA hybridization analyses. Based on pathogenicity tests, Constantin et al. (2017) proposed naming the pathogens on aroids as X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae, X. phaseoli pv. syngonii and X. citri pv. aracearum. Recommendations are made on how to deal with these changes for the group of pathogenic bacteria for Araceae. The name Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae on the EPPO List should be adjusted to the names proposed in the taxonomic study by Constantin et al. (2016). The current EPPO Diagnostic Standard is directed at strains pathogenic on Anthurium. They mainly belong to X. phaseoli pv. dieffenbachiae, but some also to X. citri pv. aracearum that are not detected by the EPPO Diagnostic Standard. Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. syngonii strains are also aggressive, but with a host range restricted to Syngonium. The pathogenicity specific to aroids of the bacterial isolates reclassified as Xanthomonas euvesicatoria was not confirmed and no pathovar epithet has been retained for these strains.
Soft songs in male ortolan buntings are used in an aggressive context but are not an aggressive signal
Authors: Jakubowska Aleksandra , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: May 2018

Many bird species produce low‐amplitude acoustic signals that have been poorly studied in comparison with loud, broadcast songs used for mate attraction and repelling rivals. In some birds, these soft signals were found to be emitted in an antagonistic context and were the most reliable predictor of a subsequent physical attack. The function of this signal is poorly understood, and several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms and possible functions of such low‐amplitude signals. The subject of this study is the ortolan bunting, a small passerine species that produces soft songs during territorial defence. In this study, we aim to study whether the soft songs of the ortolan bunting are a signal of increased aggressiveness by testing if they meet the context, prediction and response criteria of aggressive signals. We simulated stranger male intrusion into a focal male territory with three different playback experiments. We found no significant differences in the male responses to the taxidermic model regardless of whether they were or were not producing soft songs in response. The males responded more strongly to loud songs than to soft songs during the simulated intrusions, and the males did not treat soft songs as a predictor of conflict escalation. Although soft songs clearly appeared during territorial encounters and were not present during spontaneous singing before the intrusions, our results did not support the hypothesis that soft songs indicate aggressive character. We suggest that soft songs in the ortolan bunting are intentionally used by birds to modify their intentions or target‐specific individuals within a close range.
What is the role of the isolated small water pool near FeMo‐co, the active site of nitrogenase?
Authors: Dance Ian
Published: May 2018

The enzyme nitrogenase converts N2 to NH3, and hydrogenates many other small unsaturated molecules, using multiple electrons and multiple protons. The protein contains a number of water structures in the vicinity of the active site, FeMo‐co, and functional roles have been assigned to two of these with detailed mechanisms proposed for the serial ingress of protons and the egress of product NH3. A separate small water pool (SWP), in a different part of the protein surrounding FeMo‐co, has unknown function. A recent investigation of protein crystals soaked in low‐pH buffer revealed changes in residues near this SWP, and suggested that it could be involved in proton transfer steps. This paper examines the SWP in three protein crystal structures, Azotobacter vinelandii (Av1) and Clostridium pasterianum (Cp1) in their neutral resting states, and Cp1 at low pH. The H atoms, not observed crystallographically, were patched in through density functional calculations using large protein models. Optimisation of the various possibilities, with assessment against crystal dimensions, yielded the most probable distributions of hydrogen atoms in the hydrogen bonds, and the location of H3O+ in the low‐pH state. These detailed structures vary in water content and water involvement with surrounding residues, and vary also in their hydrogen bonding to S atoms of FeMo‐co. A conserved mechanism for proton transfer to FeMo‐co is not evident, and it is concluded that the SWP has no role in the mechanism of nitrogenase.
Cyclic viscoplastic analysis for steam generator material of Indian fast breeder reactor
Authors: Veerababu J. , Goyal S. , Sandhya R.
Published: May 2018

Creep‐fatigue interaction behavior of grade 91 steel at 823 K has been studied. Creep component has been introduced with hold times 1, 10, and 30 minutes in tension and compression in continuous strain cycling. Fatigue life reduced due to application of hold and reduction was found to be more in compressive hold. The effect of various factors such as mean stress, stress relaxation, oxidation, microstructure, and inelastic strain accumulation on significant reduction in fatigue life in compression hold has been investigated. The oxidation has been observed as the key parameter that caused significant fatigue life reduction in compressive hold as compared with tensile hold. Chaboche unified viscoplasticity model has been used to understand the material's cyclic elasto‐viscoplastic behavior. The simulation results were in agreement with the experimental results. Fatigue lives under creep‐fatigue condition were estimated using frequency‐modified strain energy damage function method and linear damage summation method. Frequency‐modified strain energy damage function method under estimated the fatigue lives whereas linear damage summation method overestimated the lives.
Comparison of perennial ryegrass,Lolium perenneL., ploidy and white clover,Trifolium repensL., inclusion for herbage production, utilization and nutritive value
Authors: Guy Clare , Hennessy Deirdre , Gilliland Trevor J. , Coughlan Fergal , McClearn Bríd , Dineen Michael , McCarthy Brian
Published: May 2018

Increasing herbage dry‐matter (DM) production and utilization on‐farm improves efficiency and sustainability. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of perennial ryegrass,Lolium perenneL., ploidy and white clover,Trifolium repensL., inclusion on herbageDMproduction and utilization in an intensive animal grazing system, with high nitrogen (N) inputs (250 kg N ha−1) and a high stocking rate (2.75 livestock units ha−1). The study was a 2 × 2 factorial design, consisting of diploid and tetraploid cultivars sown as grass‐only and grass‐white clover to give four sward treatments (diploid‐only, tetraploid‐only, diploid‐white clover, tetraploid‐white clover). These were evaluated at each grazing occasion (8–10 per year) for 3 years (2014–2016). Tetraploid‐white and grass‐white clover swards had a lower sward density (−9 and −8 kg DM cm−1, respectively) and perennial ryegrass tiller density (−820 and −1,436 tillers m−2, respectively) leading to lower postgrazing sward heights (−0.15 and −0.41 cm, respectively), and maintained a superior nutritive value when compared with diploid‐only and grass‐only swards respectively. White clover inclusion resulted in higher productivity characterized by increased herbageDMproduction (+1,468 kg DM ha−1), improved nutritive value and increased utilization across the three grazing seasons. Varying sward composition with perennial ryegrass ploidy led to improved nutritive value and favourable grazing characteristics in tetraploid swards.