bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image perception of surf tourism destination in Brazil
Authors: da Rosa Sabrina , Anjos Francisco Antonio dos , Pereira Melise de Lima , Arnhold Junior Marcos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the image of surf tourism destination, Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to examine the complex relationship between destination image components and surfers’ behavior in relation to surfing itself and to the trips made to take part in surfing activities, in a surf spot.

Design/methodology/approach

From the tourist population in Praia do Rosa surf spot, in Brazil, a sample of 200 surfers was taken. Data analysis included the following multivariate techniques: exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling as a procedure for the development and reliability of the measurement models of destination image of surf tourism in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using PASW-SPSS 24 and Mplus 7.

Findings

Through EFA and CFA, it was possible to identify the attributes that make up the image of a surf destination and their relationship with the behavior profile of surfers. The results highlight the role of the different factors that make up the overall image of the destination, through the analysis of cognitive, affective and conative components.

Research limitations/implications

The results confirm and provide theoretical and empirical support for the research, showing that the set of observable variables and the specified latent dimensions are reliable. However, it is necessary to expand the sample studied so that the measurement model has better fit indices and show convergent and discriminant validity.

Practical implications

This study is relevant as it provides information that can be used by destination managers, especially regarding surf tourism. In the face of strong growth, the sector could benefit from the identification of destination image attributes which can be used in marketing campaigns put forward by both the public and private sector.

Social implications

The results of the current study provide both public and private tourism managers with insights into surf tourism demand useful in developing effective marketing and positioning strategies.

Originality/value

This study explored and tested the image perception in a surf destination. The results contribute theoretically and empirically to discussions about the components of destination image. Also, the findings add to the understanding of surfing behavior, one of the most popular sports in the world, with surfers willing to travel long distances in search of ideal surf conditions.
Teaching the information literacy Framework
Authors: Korber Irene , Shepherd Jodi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the concept and creation of choose-your-own-adventure flip-books for use in teaching information literacy in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that examines how to use choose-your-own-adventure style flip-books to teach knowledge practices from the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Using constructivist theory and active learning methods, the authors discuss how flip-books offer a hands-on learning strategy to build on students’ knowledge and experiences while promoting learner-centered interactions.

Findings

As academic libraries evolve from teaching bibliographic instruction via lecture to information literacy through student-centered learning, activities such as the one discussed in this paper provide a way for librarians to better engage with students. Creating curriculum based on educational theory and learner-centered approaches is necessary for librarians to use to optimize classroom time.

Practical implications

This paper provides a practical and pragmatic evaluation of how to incorporate narrative flip-books into information literacy instruction, providing an additional instructional tool for information literacy practitioners.

Originality/value

The choose-your-own-adventure story narrative has been used as a learning tool through all levels of education, including in university settings, but there is a lack of research on their use in information literacy instruction. This paper provides insight on how this teaching method and teaching tool can be used by librarians in the information literacy classroom.
Attack of the PCR clones: Rates of clonality have little effect on RAD‐seq genotype calls
Authors: Euclide Peter T. , McKinney Garrett J. , Bootsma Matthew , Tarsa Charlene , Meek Mariah H. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: September 2019

Interpretation of high‐throughput sequence data requires an understanding of how decisions made during bioinformatic data processing can influence results. One source of bias that is often cited is PCR clones (or PCR duplicates). PCR clones are common in restriction site‐associated sequencing (RAD‐seq) data sets, which are increasingly being used for molecular ecology. To determine the influence PCR clones and the bioinformatic handling of clones have on genotyping, we evaluate four RAD‐seq data sets. Data sets were compared before and after clones were removed to estimate the number of clones present in RAD‐seq data, quantify how often the presence of clones in a data set causes genotype calls to change compared to when clones were removed, investigate the mechanisms that lead to genotype call changes and test whether clones bias heterozygosity estimates. Our RAD‐seq data sets contained 30%–60% PCR clones, but 95% of RAD‐tags had five or fewer clones. Relatively few genotypes changed once clones were removed (5%–10%), and the vast majority of these changes (98%) were associated with genotypes switching from a called to no‐call state or vice versa. PCR clones had a larger influence on genotype calls in individuals with low read depth but appeared to influence genotype calls at all loci similarly. Removal of PCR clones reduced the number of called genotypes by 2% but had almost no influence on estimates of heterozygosity. As such, while steps should be taken to limit PCR clones during library preparation, PCR clones are likely not a substantial source of bias for most RAD‐seq studies.
Genome‐wide microsatellite characterisation and marker development in Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Wang Meng‐Xing , Wu Xiao‐Tong , Zou Jin‐Wei , Zhang Ji , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Chang Xi , Song Wei‐Ning , Nie Xiao‐Jun
Published: September 2019

Microsatellites, as the tracts of repetitive DNA, are an essential constituent of the plant genome that holds important evolutionary significance, and have been extensively used to develop molecular makers for genetic analysis. To understand the microsatellite dynamics of quinoa genome and its relatives, in this study we performed a genome‐wide analysis of microsatellites in five Amaranthaceae species using available genome sequences. The results demonstrated that the microsatellites of the five Amaranthaceae species were characterised by relatively high proportions of mono‐, di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with A/T rich motifs, implying conservative organisation and composition of microsatellites in this family. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between microsatellite frequencies and GC contents (r = −.87) were observed. In total, 533,961 (89.57%) and 542,601 (89.86%) microsatellite loci could be used to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers, of which 7,178 were found to be polymorphic between the two sequenced quinoa cultivars, QQ74 and Real Blanca, through in silico PCR analysis. Finally, 15 SSR markers were randomly selected to validate their polymorphism across 12 quinoa accessions by wet‐lab PCR amplification. The newly developed genome‐wide SSR markers provide a useful resource for population genetics, gene mapping and molecular breeding studies in quinoa and beyond.
Maternal and paternal genetic variation in Estonian local horse breeds in the context of geographically adjacent and distant Eurasian breeds
Authors: Sild E. , Värv S. , Kaart T. , Kantanen J. , Popov R. , Viinalass H.
Published: September 2019

The maternal and paternal genetic variation of horse breeds from the Baltic Sea region, including three local Estonian breeds, was assessed and compared with that of Altai and Yakutian horses. In the mtDNA D‐loop region, 72 haplotypes assigned to 20 haplogroups in the nine breeds were detected. In Estonian local breeds, 38 mtDNA haplotypes were found, and five of them were shared by the three breeds. More than 60% of all identified haplotypes were rare. Compared with the Estonian Native and Estonian Heavy Draught breeds, a higher haplotypic diversity was found in the Tori breed (h = 0.969). Moreover, four haplotypes shared among Finnish and Estonian local horse breeds indicated ancient ancestry, and of these, H30 (haplogroup D3) showed global sharing and genetic links between modern Baltic Sea region and Siberian horses, specifically. The studied breed set showed high variability in maternal inheritance and mixed patterns of the international and native breeds of the Siberian and Baltic regions. No variation was found in paternally inherited markers among horse breeds in the Baltic Sea region.
Outcomes and learning curve for robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy: an Australian experience
Authors: Honore Matthew , Roberts Matthew J. , Morton Andrew , Teloken Patrick E. , Navaratnam Anojan , Coughlin Geoffrey D.
Published: September 2019

Background

This study aimed to describe perioperative, oncological and learning curve outcomes for robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) across the first 100 cases performed by an Australian high‐volume, fellowship‐trained robotic surgeon.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on a consecutive group of 100 patients who underwent RARC between 2010 and 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. Perioperative, oncological and survival data were collected. Demographic, survival and learning curve analyses were performed in MedCalc.

Results

A total of 100 patients underwent RARC over the study period. Median operative time was 389 min, with a reduction in median times from 420 to 330 min when comparing the first 50 versus the second 50 patients (P < 0.001). Median estimated blood loss was 500 mL, while urinary diversion was performed extracorporeally in 20 patients, intracorporeally in 69 patients and using a hybrid technique in 11 patients. Median length of hospital stay was 11 days. Post‐operative complications occurred in 56% of patients (Clavien–Dindo classification I–II 32%, III–V 24%). Positive operative margins were 2% and median lymph node yield was 21 nodes. Overall recurrence‐free survival was 50.3 months.

Conclusion

Initial short‐term experience with RARC shows favourable outcomes with regard to operative, perioperative and pathological indicators compared to open radical cystectomy and other RARC series.
Keys to al‐Ghaib: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: el‐Aswad el‐Sayed
Published: September 2019

The significance of religion and concepts ofal‐ghaib(the invisible and unknowable) and sanctity in a materialistically oriented and globally dominant and changing world has been a nexus of current debates in Orthodox Islam. The concept ofal‐ghaibis a fundamental principle in Islamic theology; however, it has a profound impact on Muslim’s daily lives. Thenceforth, this study focuses on the concepts ofal‐ghaib,or invisibility, sanctity, and imagination, as reflected in ordinary Muslims’ views and key practices aimed at disclosing the unknown and unseen. This article presents an anthropological holistic insight incorporating objective description and subjective interpretation and as such comprises a phenomenological hermeneutic inquiry. Drawing on ethnographic studies conducted in communities belonging to Bahrain (predominantly Shi‘a) and Egypt (predominantly Sunni), this inquiry aims at exploring the relationships between the Islamic sacred conviction ofal‐ghaiband everyday practices of Muslim communities. These ethnographic accounts are examined and compared with scholarly literature and cross‐cultural materials.
TRADE‐INDUCED SKILL POLARIZATION
Authors: Gu Grace W. , Malik Samreen , Pozzoli Dario , Rocha Vera
Published: September 2019

We study how wage gaps across skills and the skill distribution in an economy respond to trade integration. Using administrative data of Denmark (1995–2011), we find that trade has a negative effect on the wage gap between secondary and primary education and a positive effect on the wage gap between tertiary and secondary education. We also show that trade affects skill distribution and induces skill polarization: trade has a positive effect on both the mean and standard deviation of skills. Wage‐gap changes induced by trade shocks explain about 21%–30% of the effect of trade on skills.
Capitularies in the Carolingian Period
Authors: Kaschke Sören , Mischke Britta
Published: September 2019

The capitularies of Carolingian kings and emperors are amongst the most important sources for the governance of the Frankish empire in the eighth and ninth century. They are usually rated as normative texts that convey decisions taken at court, in particular, on legislative, judicial, and administrative matters, across the realm. However, the actual range of these texts is even larger. Topics covered may include the reforming of the church, provisions for the imperial succession, agendas of an upcoming assembly, and private notes or summaries of deliberations at court. All extant capitularies are exclusively transmitted in the context of collections produced locally, most likely by royal agents or office holders. Recent research is increasingly looking beyond the relevance of capitularies for Frankish legal history. Instead, new approaches investigate the role of capitularies as flexible tools of governance and as important sources for the communication between the ruler and his elites on practical as well as moral issues.
The optimal long‐run earned income tax credit
Authors: Regev Eitan , Strawczynski Michel
Published: September 2019

Governments implementing an earned income tax credit (EITC) aim to increase the propensity to work of the working poor in order to alleviate poverty. If this goal is attained in the long run, will the optimal EITC increase or decrease? We deal with this question using simulations with endogenous participation and intensive‐margin elasticities. When the participation elasticity is endogenous, the optimal long‐run EITC decreases. However, if we add endogenous intensive‐margin elasticity, the optimal EITC increases because the working poor work harder, making the EITC cheaper at the margin. The optimal increasing long‐run EITC pattern holds also with a constant elasticity of labor.
The generalizability of reactions to assessment: An application of the Selection Procedural Justice Scale (SPJS) in academic settings
Authors: Butucescu Andreea , Iliescu Dragoș , Opariuc Cristian‐Dan
Published: September 2019

This study tested the Selection Procedural Justice Scale (SPJS) in an educational setting. The sample consisted of 617 students. Four different confirmatory models were tested, followed by an IRT analysis to test the scale structure at the item level in the two different contexts (selection vs. academic exams). Results indicated that the 11‐factor structure is the best factorial solution, and SPJS items were found to be free of DIF.
Moving beyond the direct impact of using CRM systems on frontline employees' service performance: The mediating role of adaptive behaviour
Authors: Chen Renee Rui , Ou Carol Xiaojuan , Wang Wei , Peng Zhuo , Davison Robert M.
Published: September 2019

Despite substantial investments in customer‐relationship‐management (CRM) systems, companies continue to experience pain rather than profit. Meanwhile, the concept of “adaptive behaviour” of frontline employees has received little attention in the literature related to CRM systems in which the frontline employees are the primary users. In this study, we propose that with the aid of CRM systems, individual employees are able to immediately access information about customers and service offerings, thus enabling their adaptive behaviours to provide personalized service to individual customers. Based on coping theory, we develop a CRM system‐driven adaptive behaviour model that explains how CRM systems facilitate individual employees' service performance by enabling adaptive behaviour during their service encounters. Multisourced data from a financial company in China largely support our proposed model, showing that employees' postadoption of CRM systems (routinization and infusion of use) enables interpersonal and offering adaptive behaviours, which in turn enhance employees' service performance. In addition, forming a postadoption behaviour of CRM systems relies on the frequent use. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of adaptive behaviour in service encounters with the aid of CRM systems.
The Beargrass Story: Utilizing Social Science to Evaluate and Learn from the “Watershed Approach”
Authors: Church Sarah P. , Babin Nicholas , Bentlage Belyna , Dunn Michael , Ulrich‐Schad Jessica D. , Ranjan Pranay , Magner Joe , McLellan Eileen , Stephan Susi , Tomer Mark D. , Prokopy Linda S.
Published: September 2019

This paper presents the case of a voluntary watershed project that addressed the need for improving water quality by reducing agricultural nutrient loss. The Beargrass Creek Watershed Approach Project in Wabash County, Indiana aimed to demonstrate that it is possible to achieve ambitious water quality goals and maximize the effectiveness of conservation funding through locally‐led efforts that bring together multiple stakeholders throughout the process. The project focused on implementing the “right practices” in the “right places” through a goal‐oriented, science‐based, and locally‐adapted approach to voluntary conservation. We examine and evaluate all three phases of the project and discuss successes and lessons learned from the point of view of both agricultural producers and agency staff from the local Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Analysis of the fall‐related risk of pharmacotherapy in Czech hospitals: A case control study
Authors: Maly Josef , Dosedel Martin , Kubena Ales Antonin , Mala‐Ladova Katerina , Vosatka Jan , Brabcova Iva , Hajduchova Hana , Bartlova Sylva , Tothova Valerie , Vlcek Jiri
Published: September 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Falls are among the major problems occurring in hospital setting, when drugs are viewed as important modifiable risk factor of falling. The aim was to analyse the effect of pharmacotherapy on the risk of falls in hospitalized patients.

Methods

A multicentre prospective case‐control study was conducted in 2017 retrieving data from four hospitals in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. An online database was constructed to collect patient and fall‐related data. Each fall that occurred during hospitalization was assigned to appropriate controls (no fall during hospitalization) based on gender, age, length of hospitalization, and the number of drugs. Univariate and multivariate correlations were performed with a significance level of P < .05.

Results

A total of 222 fall cases (107 males; median age, 81 y) and 1076 controls (516 males; median age, 80 y) were included. According to the first ATC level classification, drugs from groups S, N, and P were significantly associated with fall‐related risk compared with controls (P < .05); further analysis of ATC levels showed that only psycholeptics (N05), antipsychotics (N05A), and tiapride were significantly associated with falls. Regression analysis revealed use of psycholeptics N05 (OR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.56‐2.76), or ophthalmologicals S01 (OR = 2.72; 95% CI, 1.37‐5.41), as factors with the highest fall‐related risk.

Conclusions

Apart from the commonly considered fall‐risk increasing drugs, other groups, such as ophthalmologicals, should also be considered; however, regarding clinical practice, it is difficult to evaluate the effects of individual drugs in the context of other risk factors of falls, due to the multifactorial nature of falls.
Perceived enabling factors and barriers for the implementation of improvements in health care in order to achieve patient‐centred care: A case report from Sweden
Authors: Wijk Katarina , Åberg Jönsson Fredrik , Lindberg Maria
Published: September 2019

Rationale, aim, and objectives

More knowledge is needed regarding the complex factors and perceptions that enable the implementation of change in health care. The study aimed to examine the enabling factors and barriers encountered in the implementation of improvements in health care in order to achieve patient‐centred care (PCC) and to study if there was a correlation in the extent the improvements were perceived to be implemented and the preconditions that were considered to affect them.

Methods

Using a mixed method design, data were gathered via a questionnaire and individual interviews with health care personnel, clinic managers, and first‐line managers. The data collection and analyses were based on the framework for Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS). Correlations between PCC improvements and preconditions for improvements were performed.

Results

A high level of involvement, knowledge, and adequate resources were considered important to achieve an implementation of PCC with joint responsibility. Leadership and management need to be explicit and promote continuous follow‐up and feedback. Preconditions for improvement had a linear correlation with the perceived level of implementation. Knowledge‐related preconditions had greatest impact on implementation.

Conclusions

The PARiHS framework was appropriate to use since the three components of evidence, context, and facilitation present different important preconditions in the implementation process. Evidence was the highest rated contributor since evidence‐based practices in health care are necessary. It is vital that the important role of the context and facilitators is acknowledged in the implementation process to enable a successful implementation of change. There is a need to incorporate a clear strategy involving all levels in the organization. Furthermore, leaders play an important role in the implementation by facilitating communication and support and by having trust in facilitators and health care personnel. The results are applicable to other interventions implementing change in health care.
Developmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to methamphetamine: A Western Australian perspective
Authors: O'Connor Angela , Seeber Carly , Harris Emma , Hamilton Dale , Sachmann Mark , Fisher Colleen
Published: September 2019

Aim

To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes among a cohort of Western Australian infants exposed to maternal methamphetamine use during pregnancy and to determine whether the Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a reliable screening tool for this population.

Methods

Methamphetamine‐using women were approached for participation when referred to the state‐wide perinatal specialist drug and alcohol service for pregnancy care. Drug use during pregnancy was self‐reported in each trimester using a standardised questionnaire. Ages and Stages Questionnaires were completed by infant care givers at 4 and 12 months, and development was formally assessed at 12 months using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales. Griffiths results for term‐born infants in our cohort were compared to a Western Australian historical cohort of 443 healthy 1–2‐year‐olds.

Results

A total of 112 methamphetamine‐using pregnant women participated in the study, who gave birth to 110 live‐born infants. Ages and Stages Questionnaires were completed for 89 (81%) and 78 (71%) of the infants at 4 and 12 months, respectively. The Ages and Stages assessment identified 30 infants (33.7%) as having a potential developmental delay at 4 months and 29 infants (38.7%) as having a potential developmental delay at 12 months. Griffiths assessments were performed on 64 (58%) of the infants, with a mean general quotient of 92.7. This was significantly lower in term‐born babies compared to the historical cohort (who had a median general quotient of 113.0). There was a weak correlation between 12‐month Ages and Stages scores and Griffiths general quotients (r = 0.322) and no correlation between 4‐month Ages and Stages Questionnaire scores and later Griffiths results.

Conclusions

Infants born to women reporting methamphetamine use during pregnancy are at increased risk of developmental delay and may warrant enhanced developmental follow‐up. However, they are a challenging group to follow due to complex psychosocial factors. Ages and Stages Questionnaires at 4 and 12 months were not helpful in screening for infants who had a developmental delay at 12 months.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for inborn errors of immunity: 25‐year experience from University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia
Authors: Ariffin Hany , Ab Rahman Syaza , Jawin Vida , Foo Jen Chun , Amram Nur Faizana , Mahmood Nur Mahirah , Yap Tsiao Yi , Rajagopal Revathi , Lum Su Han , Chan Lee Lee , Lin Hai Peng
Published: September 2019

Aim

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders of the immune system, most of which are curable by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We present a 25‐year audit of HSCT for IEI at a tertiary‐level academic hospital in Malaysia.

Methods

Review of medical records of all cases of IEI who underwent HSCT between January 1993 and December 2018 at our centre. Diagnoses, complications, HSCT protocols and outcome data were studied.

Results

There were 20 patients (19 boys) with a median age at diagnosis of 11 months (range: 2 months to 12 years). Eleven of 19 (58%) had malnutrition at presentation. Donor sources were variable: 13 (65%) matched sibling donor (MSD), 4 (20%) human leukocyte antigen‐haploidentical donor (HD) and 3 (15%) matched unrelated donor (MUD). Conditioning regimens were physician‐dependent and adapted to each patient's clinical status. Grades III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease occurred in two of three cases who received MUD grafts, 50% in those who received HD, and 8% in the MSD group. Transplant‐related mortality at day +100 was 5%. With a median follow‐up of 7.5 years, 18 (90%) patients are alive and free of infections.

Conclusion

Outcome of HSCT for IEI in our centre is comparable with international reports. HSCT results using HD and MUD grafts are also good despite challenges from acute graft‐versus‐host disease, providing a feasible alternative for patients without matched donors.
The Returns to Personality Traits Across the Wage Distribution
Authors: Collischon Matthias
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates variation in the wage effects of personality traits across the wage distribution. I expect increasing magnitudes of the effects of personality traits on wages for high‐ compared to low‐wage employees and test this hypothesis using unconditional quantile regressions with data from Germany, the UK, and Australia. The findings show increasing magnitudes of the effects of especially agreeableness, neuroticism and risk taking across the wage distribution and provide further evidence for the importance of non‐cognitive skills for wages.
Exploring researchers’ perspectives on authorship decision making
Authors: Maggio Lauren A , Artino Anthony R , Watling Christopher J , Driessen Erik W , O'Brien Bridget C
Published: September 2019

Context

Authorship has major implications for researchers’ careers. Hence, journals require researchers to meet formal authorship criteria. However, researchers frequently admit to violating these criteria, which suggests that authorship is a complex issue. This study aims to unpack the complexities inherent in researchers’ conceptualisations of questionable authorship practices and to identify factors that make researchers vulnerable to engaging in such practices.

Methods

A total of 26 North American medical education researchers at a range of career stages were interviewed. Participants were asked to respond to two vignettes, of which one portrayed honorary authorship and the other described an author order scenario, and then to describe related authorship experiences. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants conceptualised questionable authorship practices in various ways and articulated several ethically grey areas. Personal and situational factors were identified, including hierarchy, resource dependence, institutional culture and gender; these contributed to participants’ vulnerability to and involvement in questionable authorship practices. Participants described negative instances of questionable authorship practices as well as situations in which these practices were used for virtuous purposes. Participants rationalised engagement in questionable authorship practices by suggesting that, although technically violating authorship criteria, such practices could be reasonable when they seemed to benefit science.

Conclusions

Authorship guidelines portray authorship decisions as being black and white, effectively sidestepping key dimensions that create ethical shades of grey. These findings show that researchers generally recognise these shades of grey and in some cases acknowledge having bent the rules themselves. Sometimes their flexibility is driven by benevolent aims aligned with their own values or prevailing norms such as inclusivity. At other times participation in these practices is framed not as a choice, but rather as a consequence of researchers’ vulnerability to individual or system factors beyond their control. Taken together, these findings provide insights to help researchers and institutions move beyond recognition of the challenges of authorship and contribute to the development of informed, evidence‐based solutions.
Phenotypic and seed structural comparison in hybrids of different Brassica rapa and B. oleracea
Authors: Rong Hao , Zhu Shuang , Xie Tao , Jiang Jinjin , Wang Youping
Published: September 2019

Brassica napus is an important oil species with short history and narrow genetic background. Interspecific hybrids from crosses between B. oleracea and different B. rapa were obtained. We found the hybrids with white petal resembling B. oleracea, the flavonoid and phenolic content decreased in hybrids, agreeing with the expressional changes of flavonoid biosynthesis genes. Seed coat of hybrids resembled diploid parents, or partly resembled to each parent with a clear outline. The palisade layer in hybrids was thicker than parents, with similar pigment accumulation as B. oleracea but more than B. rapa. Differentially sized protein bodies (PBs) were found in hybrids. The radical and inner cotyledon of all hybrids were identified with larger but less PBs than parents. The average size of PBs in outer cotyledon of resynthesized B. napus was also larger than parents, but the number of PBs was not significantly reduced. The phenotypic and seed structural variations after polyploidization of B. napus would be interesting for genetic broadening and breeding of rapeseed.
Vice epistemology has a responsibility problem
Authors: Battaly Heather
Published: September 2019

Vice epistemology is in the business of defining epistemic vice. One of the proposed requirements of epistemic vices is that they are reprehensible—blameworthy in a non‐voluntarist way. Our problem, as vice epistemologists, is giving an analysis of non‐voluntarist responsibility that will count just the right qualities, no more and no less, as epistemic vices. If our analysis of non‐voluntarist responsibility ends up being too narrow, then it risks excluding some qualities that we want to count as epistemic vices, such as implicit biases. Whereas, if it ends up being too broad, it risks including qualities that we do not want to count as epistemic vices, such as impaired vision. I recommend a three‐step program for vice epistemologists: 1. admit that we have a responsibility problem; 2. strive to define the responsibility problem; 3. work together with specialists in non‐voluntarist responsibility to solve the responsibility problem.
Skepticism: Impractical, therefore implausible
Authors: Hannon Michael
Published: September 2019

The truth of skepticism would be depressing and impractical. Our beliefs would be groundless, we would know nothing (or almost nothing) about the world around us, and epistemic success would likely be impossible. But do these negative consequences have any bearing on the truth of skepticism? According to many scholars, they do not. The impractical consequences of skepticism are typically regarded as orthogonal to its truth. For this reason, pragmatic resolutions to skepticism are regularly dismissed. I will argue, however, that skepticism is implausible because it is impractical. In particular, skepticism is implausible because it goes against the point of epistemic evaluation.
An Alternative Approach for Oil-immersed High Voltage Power Transformer Dissolved Gas Analysis Diagnostic Techniques
Authors: Mehrabadi Ahmad Karimi , Shemshadi Asaad , Shateri Hossein
Published: September 2019

This article presents alternative analyzing method of extracted dissolved gases related to insulating oil of power transformers. Analysis of soluble and free gas is one of the most commonly used troubleshooting methods for detecting and evaluating equipment damage. Although the analysis of oil-soluble gases is often complex, it should be expertly processed during maintenance operation. The destruction of the transformer oil will produce some hydrocarbon type gases. The development of this index is based on two examples of traditional evaluation algorithms along with fuzzy logic inference engine. Through simulation process, the results of the initial fractures in the transformer are obtained in two ways by the "Duval Triangle method” and "Rogers’s ratios". In continue, three digit codes containing the fault information are created based on the fuzzy logic inference engine to achieve better results and eliminate ambiguous zones in commonly used methods, especially in the “Duval Triangle method”. The proposed method is applied to 80 real transformers to diagnose the fault by analyzing the dissolved oil based on fuzzy logic. The results illustrate the proficiency of this alternative proposed algorithm. Finally, with utilization of a neural network the alternative practical inference function is derived to make the algorithm more usable in the online condition monitoring of power transformers.
Threats and Challenges of Smart Grids Deployments - A Developing Nations’ Perspective
Authors: Otuoze Abdulrahaman Okino , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Ibrahim Oladimeji , Salisu Sani , Mohammed Olatunji Obalowu , Oloyede Abdulkarim Ayopo , Gaya Zubairu Salisu
Published: September 2019

Considerable efforts in huge investments are being made to achieve a resilient Smart Grids (SGs) deployment for the improvement of power delivery scheme. Unsurprisingly, many developing nations are making slow progress to the achievement of this feat which is set to revolutionize the power industry own to several deployment and security issues. Studying these challenges from both technical and non-technical view, this paper presents a highlight and assessment of each of the identified challenges. These challenges are assessed by exposing the security and deployment related threats while suggesting ways of tackling these challenges with prominence to developing nations. Although, a brief highlight, this review will help key actors in the region to identify the related challenges and it’s a guide to sustainable deployments of SGs in the region
Italian ministry aids animal rights groups
Authors: Abbott Alison
Published: September 2019

Blindness researchers threatened after health ministry releases names.
Paths out of darkness
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: September 2019

A
Science
special package explores how researchers are tackling the devastating public health challenge of suicide.
CRISPR comes to the silver screen
Human Nature
Adam Bolt, director
Wonder Collaborative, 2019. 107 minutes
Authors: Winkleman Taylor
Published: September 2019

Slick visuals and compelling interviews render gene editing intelligible to nonexperts
Sharing data
Collecting Experiments
Bruno J. Strasser
University of Chicago Press, 2019. 420 pp.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov , Gerstein Mark
Published: September 2019

Scientific collections have long been lightning rods for data ownership concerns
Calvin F. Quate (1923–2019)
Authors: Rugar Daniel , Giessibl Franz
Published: September 2019

Nanoscience pioneer who invented advanced microscopes
Feasibility of face-to-face and online learning methods to provide nutrition education to midwives, general practice nurses and student nurses
Authors: Lucas Catherine Jane , Lyell Ellen , Koch Britney , Elder Victoria , Cummins Leanne , Lambert Sarah , McMahon Anne T , Charlton Karen E
Published: September 2019

Midwives and general practice nurses are ideally positioned to provide nutrition education to pregnant women. However, it appears that they do not receive sufficient nutrition training to enable them to fulfil this role. This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a suite of learning resources developed specifically for midwives, general practice nurses and student nurses. A four-module suite of learning resources was developed based on recommendations in the Australian Antenatal Care Clinical Guidelines as well as formative evaluation with stakeholders. The feasibility of these modules was tested using a pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design with three arms using convenient sampling (face-to-face with midwives; online with student nurses; and online with midwives, nurses and practice nurses). Completion rates across the three study arms were poor (n=40 participants in total). For the combined data, there was a significant increase in knowledge scores across all modules from the pretest score (median (IQR): 3.46 (2.09–4.13)) to the post-test score (5.66 (4.66–6.00)) (p<0.001). Studies of high quality are required to determine if changing the nutrition knowledge and confidence in delivering nutrition care of health professionals results in sustainable changes to their clinical practice.
Reach- and mat-scale differences in Microcoleus autumnalis (cyanobacterium) accrual along velocity and nitrate gradients in three New Zealand rivers
Authors: McAllister Tara G. , Wood Susanna A. , MacKenzie Emma M. , Hawes Ian
Published: September 2019

Proliferations of the toxic, mat-forming cyanobacterium Microcoleus autumnalis are an increasingly recognized problem in cobble-bed rivers worldwide. This study explored how flow and nutrient concentrations influence mat expansion. Microcoleus autumnalis was inoculated into cobbles placed in runs, riffles, and pools in three rivers with different nutrient conditions, and mat size was monitored over 21 days. The following hypotheses were tested: (i) mat expansion will reflect cover increases at the reach scale; (ii) biomass and cover will be highest in high-velocity habitats; and (iii) under similar velocities, nutrient concentrations will be more important than other abiotic and biotic variables in determining expansion rates. Mat expansion accurately reflected the increase in reach-scale cover, and expansion was most rapid at intermediate water velocities (0.25–0.45 m·s–1). Mats persisted the longest in riffles. Accrual cycles were terminated earlier in runs than in riffles, as high expansion rates resulted in patches reaching maximum mat size rapidly. Although M. autumnalis accrual differed among rivers, this was attributed to differences in shear stress and grazing pressure rather than nutrient concentrations.
Effects of temperature and magnetic field on the ground state binding energy of the strong coupling magneto-polaron in an RbCl asymmetrical semi-exponential quantum well
Authors: Wang Xiu-Qing , Chen Ying-Jie , Xiao Jing-Lin
Published: September 2019

The ground state binding energy (E[Formula: see text]) and the mean number of LO phonons (N) of the strong-coupling magneto-polaron (SCMP) in an asymmetrical semi-exponential quantum well (ASEQW) are studied theoretically. Temperature (T) effects on E[Formula: see text] and N are acquired with the quantum statistics theory (QST). By using the Lee-Low-Pines unitary transformation (LLPUT) and linear combination operation method (LCOM), the variations of E[Formula: see text] and N with T and [Formula: see text] of magnetic field are discussed. The investigated results indicate that both T and [Formula: see text] have great influence on E[Formula: see text] and N of LO phonons.
Japan’s Foreign Talent Policy
Authors: LIM Tai Wei
Published: September 2019

The Abe administration is adopting a foreign talent policy as Japan is also interested in white-collar, highly skilled workers and individuals with skills that the country badly needs. To bring in the desired number of high-skilled workers, the Japanese authorities have adopted the points system that Western countries employed for evaluating immigration eligibility, based on criteria such as qualifications, language abilities, professional experience and so on.
Packet Clustering Introduced by Routers
Authors: Lim Chiun Lin , Lee Ki Suh , Wang Han , Weatherspoon Hakim , Tang Ao
Published: September 2019

In this article, we investigate a router’s inherent variation on packet processing time and its effect on interpacket delay and packet clustering. We propose a simple pipeline model incorporating the inherent variation, and two metrics—one to measure packet clustering and one to quantify inherent variation. To isolate the effect of the inherent variation, we begin our analysis with no cross traffic and step through setups where the input streams have different data rates, packet size, and go through a different number of hops. We show that a homogeneous input stream with a sufficiently large interpacket gap will emerge at the router’s output with interpacket delays that are negative correlated with adjacent values and have symmetrical distributions. We show that for smaller interpacket gaps, the change in packet clustering is smaller. It is also shown that the degree of packet clustering could in fact decrease for a clustered input. We generalize our results by adding cross traffic. All the results predicted by the model are validated with experiments with real routers. We also investigated several factors that can affect the inherent variation as well as some potential applications of this study.
Algorithmic Perception of Vertices in Sketched Drawings of Polyhedral Shapes
Authors: Company Pedro , Plumed Raquel , Varley Peter A. C. , Camba Jorge D.
Published: September 2019

In this article, visual perception principles were used to build an artificial perception model aimed at developing an algorithm for detecting junctions in line drawings of polyhedral objects that are vectorized from hand-drawn sketches. The detection is performed in two dimensions (2D), before any 3D model is available and minimal information about the shape depicted by the sketch is used. The goal of this approach is to not only detect junctions in careful sketches created by skilled engineers and designers but also detect junctions when skilled people draw casually to quickly convey rough ideas. Current approaches for extracting junctions from digital images are mostly incomplete, as they simply merge endpoints that are near each other, thus ignoring the fact that different vertices may be represented by different (but close) junctions and that the endpoints of lines that depict edges that share a common vertex may not necessarily be close to each other, particularly in quickly sketched drawings. We describe and validate a new algorithm that uses these perceptual findings to merge tips of line segments into 2D junctions that are assumed to depict 3D vertices.
Survey of Quality Attributes of Beef from Farmers Market Vendors
Authors: Kirkpatrick Rebecca R. , Arnold Ashley N. , Cross H. Russell , Savell Jeffrey W. , Gehring Kerri B.
Published: September 2019

Farmers Market steaks (n = 39 ribeyes, n = 39 top loins, and n = 38 top sirloins) were procured to establish a baseline for palatability characteristics and to compare consumer acceptance of retail steaks (n = 20 ribeyes, n = 20 top loins, and n = 20 top sirloins) to beef sold in niche markets. Palatability was evaluated using Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBS) and consumer sensory panels. No differences (P>0.05) were identified among Farmers Market steaks for WBS values nor between cuts for sensory panel ratings for Farmers Market or retail products. Overall liking and tenderness liking sensory panel ratings were lower (P=0.0493 and P=0.0058, respectively) for steaks from Farmers Markets when compared to retail. Farmers Market ribeyes and top loins were thicker (P=0.0107) than top sirloins. These results will help niche producers understand how their products compare to beef from traditional supermarkets and allow them to identify areas for improvement.
Integrated Acid Soil Management for Growth, Nodulation, and Nutrient Uptake of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Lay Gayint District, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Endalkachew , Kibret Kibebew , Melese Asmare
Published: September 2019

Soil acidity is one of the forms of soil degradation affecting sustainable crop production adversely in the Ethiopian highlands. In order to contribute to soil acidity amelioration and crop productivity improvement on acid soils, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of lime, mineral P, FYM, compost, and rhizobium on growth, nodulation, and nutrient uptake of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in cultivated acid soil under greenhouse conditions. Twenty treatments were tested in isolations as well as suitable combinations. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that application of 8 t FYM·ha−1 + 30 kg P·ha−1 + 5 t lime·ha−1 produced significantly (P<0.001) higher plant height (58.67 cm), number of branches (13.78) and leaves per plant (37.11), shoot dry weight (5.14 g per plant), tissue N (3.83%) and P (0.219) contents and uptakes, and soil N (0.28%) and P (7.61 mg·Kg−1) after harvest. However, significant increases (P<0.001) in nodule number (153.33) and nodule dry weight (131.33 mg per plant) were obtained due to application of 4 t FYM·ha−1 + 15 kg P·ha−1 + 10 t lime·ha−1. The increased above-ground biomass, and nodulation could be due reducing soil acidity, and the supply of N, P, and other nutrients in FYM through mineralization. Therefore, combined use of lime, FYM, and P fertilizers could improve the growth characteristics, nodulation, and nutrient uptake of faba bean in acid soil of Lay Gayint district. However, the treatments should be tested in the field to verify the greenhouse results.