bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red clover vein mosaic virus—A Novel Virus to New Zealand that is Widespread in Legumes
Authors: Fletcher John , Tang Joe , Blouin Arnaud , Ward Lisa , MacDiarmid Robin , Ziebell Heiko
Published: December 2015

Red clover vein mosaic virus (RCVMV) is an important virus of leguminous crops that can cause devastating losses. During a routine survey of legumes conducted on the South Island of New Zealand, RCVMV was found in mixed infections in clover plants with Alfalfa mosaic virus and White clover mosaic virus. The full-length sequence of the New Zealand isolate RCVMV-NZ from clover shared 96% nucleotide sequence identity with a chickpea isolate previously described from Washington (United States). Targeted surveys of pea, faba bean, and pasture crops showed that RCVMV-NZ is widespread on the South Island in New Zealand. This isolate is causing mild if any symptoms on experimental hosts and naturally infected plants.
Development of SCAR Markers and an SYBR Green Assay to Detect Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Infected Wheat Leaves
Authors: Gao L. , Yu H. X. , Kang X. H. , Shen H. M. , Li C. , Liu T. G. , Liu B. , Chen W. Q.
Published: December 2015

Stripe rust, caused by the pathogenic fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is an important disease of wheat worldwide. A rapid and reliable detection of the pathogen in latent infected wheat leaves is useful for accurate and early forecast of outbreaks and timely application of fungicides for managing the disease. Using the previously reported primer pair Bt2a/Bt2b, a 362-bp amplicon was obtained from P. striiformis f. sp. tritici and a 486-bp amplicon was obtained from both P. triticina (the leaf rust pathogen) and P. graminis f. sp. tritici (the stem rust pathogen). Based on the sequence of the 362-bp fragment, two pairs of sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers were designed. PSTF117/PSTR363 produced a 274-bp amplicon and TF114/TR323 produced a 180-bp amplicon from P. striiformis f. sp. tritici, whereas they did not produce any amplicon from P. triticina, P. graminis f. sp. tritici, or any other wheat-infecting fungi. The detection limit of PSTF117/PSTR363 was 1 pg/µl and TF114/TR323 was 100 fg/µl. Both SCAR markers could be detected in wheat leaves 9 h post inoculation. An SYBR Green RT-PCR method was also developed to detect P. striiformis f. sp. tritici in infected leaves with the detection limit of 1.0 fg DNA from asymptomatic leaf samples of 6 h after inoculation. These methods should be useful for rapid diagnosis and accurate detection of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici in infected wheat leaves for timely control of the disease.
Germination of Fusarium graminearum Ascospores and Wheat Infection are Affected by Dry Periods and by Temperature and Humidity During Dry Periods
Authors: Manstretta V. , Morcia C. , Terzi V. , Rossi V.
Published: December 2015

The effects of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on germination of Fusarium graminearum ascospores, and of dry periods (DP) of different lengths and of temperature and RH during DP on ascospore survival were studied both in vitro and in planta. Optimal temperatures for ascospore germination at 100% RH were 20 and 25°C; germination was ≤5% when ascospores were incubated at 20°C and RH ≤ 93.5%. Viable ascospores were found at all tested combinations of DP duration (0 to 48 h) × temperature (5 to 40°C) or RH (32.5 to 100% RH). Germination declined as DP duration and temperature increased. Germination was lower for ascospores kept at 65.5% RH during the DP than at 76.0, 32.5, or 93.5% RH. Equations were developed describing the relationships between ascospore germination, DP duration and temperature or RH during DP. Durum wheat spikes were inoculated with ascospores and kept dry for 0 to 48 h at approximately 15°C and 65% RH; plants were then kept in saturated atmosphere for 48 h to favor infection. Fungal biomass, measured as F. graminearum DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, declined as DP increased to 24 and 48 h at 3 and 9 days postinfection but not in spikes at maturity.
A Global Analysis ofCYP51Diversity and Azole Sensitivity inRhynchosporium commune
Authors: Brunner Patrick C. , Stefansson Tryggvi S. , Fountaine James , Richina Veronica , McDonald Bruce A.
Published: December 2015

CYP51 encodes the target site of the azole class of fungicides widely used in plant protection. Some ascomycete pathogens carry two CYP51 paralogs called CYP51A and CYP51B. A recent analysis of CYP51 sequences in 14 European isolates of the barley scald pathogen Rhynchosporium commune revealed three CYP51 paralogs, CYP51A, CYP51B, and a pseudogene called CYP51A-p. The same analysis showed that CYP51A exhibits a presence/absence polymorphism, with lower sensitivity to azole fungicides associated with the presence of a functional CYP51A. We analyzed a global collection of nearly 400 R. commune isolates to determine if these findings could be extended beyond Europe. Our results strongly support the hypothesis that CYP51A played a key role in the emergence of azole resistance globally and provide new evidence that the CYP51A gene in R. commune has further evolved, presumably in response to azole exposure. We also present evidence for recent long-distance movement of evolved CYP51A alleles, highlighting the risk associated with movement of fungicide resistance alleles among international trading partners.
Variables Associated with Severity of Bacterial Canker and Wilt Caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Tomato Greenhouses
Authors: Blank L. , Cohen Y. , Borenstein M. , Shulhani R. , Lofthouse M. , Sofer M. , Shtienberg D.
Published: December 2015

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, the causal agent of bacterial canker and wilt of tomato, is considered to be one of the most important bacterial pathogens worldwide. In the year 2000 there was an increase in the number of infected greenhouses and in the severity of the disease in Israel. As part of the effort to cope with the disease, a comprehensive survey was conducted. Scouts recorded disease severity monthly in 681 production units. At the end of the season the scouts met with the growers and together recorded relevant details about the crop and cultural practices employed. The results suggested an absence of anisotropy pattern in the study region. Global Moran’s I analysis showed that disease severity had significant spatial autocorrelation. The strongest spatial autocorrelation occurred within a 1,500 m neighborhood, which is comparable to the distance between production units maintained by one grower (Farm). Next, we tested three groups of variables including or excluding the Farm as a variable. When the Farm was included the explained variation increased in all the studied models. Overall, results of this study demonstrate that the most influential factor on bacterial canker severity was the Farm. This variable probably encompasses variation in experience, differences in agricultural practices between growers, and the quality of implementation of management practices.
A Physically Based Theoretical Model of Spore Deposition for Predicting Spread of Plant Diseases
Authors: Isard Scott A. , Chamecki Marcelo
Published: December 2015

A physically based theory for predicting spore deposition downwind from an area source of inoculum is presented. The modeling framework is based on theories of turbulence dispersion in the atmospheric boundary layer and applies only to spores that escape from plant canopies. A “disease resistance” coefficient is introduced to convert the theoretical spore deposition model into a simple tool for predicting disease spread at the field scale. Results from the model agree well with published measurements of Uromyces phaseoli spore deposition and measurements of wheat leaf rust disease severity. The theoretical model has the advantage over empirical models in that it can be used to assess the influence of source distribution and geometry, spore characteristics, and meteorological conditions on spore deposition and disease spread. The modeling framework is refined to predict the detailed two-dimensional spatial pattern of disease spread from an infection focus. Accounting for the time variations of wind speed and direction in the refined modeling procedure improves predictions, especially near the inoculum source, and enables application of the theoretical modeling framework to field experiment design.
The Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit Scale: Is It Reliable in the Intensive Care Unit? Can It Be Used to Determine Discharge Placement?
Authors: Ragavan Venkatesh Kenni , Greenwood Kristin Curry , Bibi Khalid
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To date there is little available information about the reliability of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU) scale in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment. The purpose of this study is 2-fold: first to determine the FSS-ICU scale's interrater reliability; second to examine whether a relationship exists between a patient's FSS-ICU score on the day of ICU-to-regular ward transfer and the patient's ultimate discharge destination.

Methods:

The interrater reliability of the FSS-ICU scale was tested among 6 physical therapists who routinely worked in the ICU. The FSS-ICU scores on the day of ICU-to-ward transfer and final discharge destination were collected prospectively from 26 patients who received physical therapy intervention. Discharge destinations were divided into 5 categories: home, acute rehabilitation unit (ARU), skilled nursing facility (SNF), assisted living facility (ALF), and others.

Results:

Interrater reliability of the FSS-ICU scale was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.992, 95% confidence interval) among the physical therapists who routinely worked in the ICU settings, and the median cumulative FSS-ICU scores on the day of ICU-to-ward transfer were significantly different among each of the discharge categories.

Conclusions:

Interrater reliability of the FSS-ICU scale was high among physical therapists who routinely worked in the ICU and who were familiar with the scale. This scale may have potential value to discriminate between different discharge destinations in a hospital setting, but further research is warranted.
Influence of Vision on Ocular Comfort Ratings
Authors: Rao Subam Basuthkar Sundar , Simpson Trefford L.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of blur on ocular comfort while systematically manipulating vision using habitual refractive correction, induced spatial blur, dioptric defocus, and under the absence of visual structure.

Methods

Twenty emmetropic subjects rated vision, ocular comfort, and other sensations (burning, itching, and warmth) under clear viewing condition, spatial blur, and dioptric defocus, each lasting for 5 min. During each condition, subjects viewed digital targets projected from a distance of 3 m, and vision and ocular sensations were rated using magnitude estimation. Dioptric defocus was induced using +6.00DS contact lens, and equivalent spatial blur was produced by spatially filtering the targets. In a separate study, 15 participants rated vision and comfort while viewing a ganzfeld and behind an occluding patch (each of which provided an absence of visual structure) in addition to the above experimental conditions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the ratings of vision and comfort under the different experimental conditions.

Results

Vision under blurred conditions (both spatial blur and dioptric defocus) was rated significantly different (p < 0.001) from clear viewing condition. Vision was significantly different when targets were dioptrically defocused than when they were spatially blurred (p < 0.001). Ratings of comfort showed significant differences between clear and blurred conditions (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in comfort ratings between dioptric defocus and spatial blur (p value at least 0.28). There were also no differences in comfort (p value at least 0.99) between clear vision, ganzfeld viewing, and occlusion despite the lack of visual structure in the latter two conditions.

Conclusions

There does seem to be an association between clarity of vision and ocular comfort. Although the pathways for ocular surface pain and vision are perhaps exclusive, complex psychological influences such as nocebo or Hawthorne effects can subtly influence the participants to anticipate a change in comfort when vision is blurred.
Cost of Operating Central Cancer Registries and Factors That Affect Cost: Findings From an Economic Evaluation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Program of Cancer Registries
Authors: Tangka Florence K. L. , Subramanian Sujha , Beebe Maggie Cole , Weir Hannah K. , Trebino Diana , Babcock Frances , Ewing Jean
Published: December 2015

Context:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluated the economics of the National Program of Cancer Registries to provide the CDC, the registries, and policy makers with the economics evidence-base to make optimal decisions about resource allocation. Cancer registry budgets are under increasing threat, and, therefore, systematic assessment of the cost will identify approaches to improve the efficiencies of this vital data collection operation and also justify the funding required to sustain registry operations.

Objectives:

To estimate the cost of cancer registry operations and to assess the factors affecting the cost per case reported by National Program of Cancer Registries–funded central cancer registries.

Methods:

We developed a Web-based cost assessment tool to collect 3 years of data (2009-2011) from each National Program of Cancer Registries–funded registry for all actual expenditures for registry activities (including those funded by other sources) and factors affecting registry operations. We used a random-effects regression model to estimate the impact of various factors on cost per cancer case reported.

Results:

The cost of reporting a cancer case varied across the registries. Central cancer registries that receive high-quality data from reporting sources (as measured by the percentage of records passing automatic edits) and electronic data submissions, and those that collect and report on a large volume of cases had significantly lower cost per case. The volume of cases reported had a large effect, with low-volume registries experiencing much higher cost per case than medium- or high-volume registries.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that registries operate with substantial fixed or semivariable costs. Therefore, sharing fixed costs among low-volume contiguous state registries, whenever possible, and centralization of certain processes can result in economies of scale. Approaches to improve quality of data submitted and increasing electronic reporting can also reduce cost.
Effect of iodine contrast agent concentration on cerebrovascular dose for synchrotron radiation microangiography based on a simple mouse head model and a voxel mouse head phantom by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Lin Hui , Jing Jia , Lu Yi-Fan , Xie Cong , Lin Xiao-Jie , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: December 2015

Effective setting strategies using Monte Carlo simulation are presented to mitigate the irradiation damage in synchrotron radiation microangiography (SRA). A one-dimensional mouse head model and a segmented voxel phantom mouse head were simulated using theEGSnrc/DOSXYZnrccode to investigate the dose enhancement effect of an iodine contrast agent irradiated by a monochromatic synchrotron radiation source. The influence of the iodine concentration, vessel width and depth, protection with and without the skull layer, and various incident X-ray energies were all simulated. The dose enhancement effect and the absolute dose based on the segmented voxel mouse head phantom were evaluated. The dose enhancement ratio depended little on the irradiation depth, but strongly and linearly increasing on iodine concentration. The protection given by the skull layer cannot be ignored in SRA because a 700 µm-thick skull can decrease the dose by 10%. The incident X-ray energy can affect the dose significantly. Compared with a dose of 33.2 keV for 50 mgI ml−1, a dose of 32.7 keV decreased by 38%, whereas a dose of 33.7 keV increased by 69.2% and the variation strengthened more with enhanced iodine concentration. The segmented voxel mouse head phantom also showed that the average dose enhancement effect and the maximal voxel dose per photon depended little on the iodine voxel volume ratio but strongly on the iodine concentration. To decrease the damage caused by the dose in SRA, a high-Zcontrast agent should be used as little as possible and irradiation of the injection site of the contrast agent should be avoided immediately after the injection. The fragile vessel containing iodine should avoid being closely irradiated. Avoiding irradiating through a thin (or no) skull region, or attaching a thin equivalent material on the outside for protection are better methods. An incident X-ray energy as low as possible should be used as long as the SRA image quality is ensured. The use of the synergetic and synchronous shuttering technique in SRA is also very critical in order to effectively shorten the accumulative irradiation time inin vivoanimal irradiation experiments.
The first crystal structures of six- and seven-membered tellurium- and nitrogen-containing (Te—N) heterocycles: 2H-1,4-benzotellurazin-3(4H)-one and 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzotellurazepin-4(5H)-one
Authors: Myers Joshua P. , Fronczek Frank R. , Junk Thomas
Published: December 2015

There is a paucity of data concerning the structures of six- and seven-membered tellurium- and nitrogen-containing (Te—N) heterocycles. The title compounds, C8H7NOTe, (I), and C9H9NOTe, (II), represent the first structurally characterized members of their respective classes. Both crystallize with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. When compared to their sulfur analogs, they exhibit slightly greater deviations from planarity to accommodate the larger chalcogenide atom, with (II) adopting a pronounced twist-boat conformation. The C—Te—C angles of 85.49 (15) and 85.89 (15)° for the two independent molecules of (I) were found to be somewhat smaller than those of 97.4 (2) and 97.77 (19)° for the two independent molecules of (II). The C—Te bond lengths [2.109 (4)–2.158 (5) Å] are in good agreement with those predicted by the covalent radii. Intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonding in (I) forms centrosymmetricR22(8) dimers, while that in (II) forms chains. In addition, intermolecular Te...O contacts [3.159 (3)–3.200 (3) Å] exist in (I).
Four supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10-phenanthroline)cobalt(II): synthesis, structure characterization and isomerization
Authors: Chen Xiaocui , Han Shumin , Wang Ruiyao , Li Yuan
Published: December 2015

Crystal engineering can be described as the understanding of intermolecular interactions in the context of crystal packing and the utilization of such understanding to design new solids with desired physical and chemical properties. Free-energy differences between supramolecular isomers are generally small and minor changes in the crystallization conditions may result in the occurrence of new isomers. The study of supramolecular isomerism will help us to understand the mechanism of crystallization, a very central concept of crystal engineering. Two supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)cobalt(II), [CoCl2(C12H8N2)2],i.e.(IA) (orthorhombic) and (IB) (monoclinic), and two supramolecular isomers of dichloridobis(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)cobalt(II)N,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate, [CoCl2(C12H8N2)2]·C3H7NO,i.e.(IIA) (orthorhombic) and (IIB) (monoclinic), were synthesized in dimethylformamide (DMF) and structurally characterized. Of these, (IA) and (IIA) have been prepared and structurally characterized previously [Liet al.(2007).Acta Cryst.E63, m1880–m1880; Caiet al.(2008).Acta Cryst.E64, m1328–m1329]. We found that the heating rate is a key factor for the crystallization of (IA) or (IB), while the temperature difference is responsible for the crystallization of (IIA) or (IIB). Based on the crystallization conditions, isomerization behaviour, the KPI (Kitajgorodskij packing index) values and the density data, (IB) and (IIA) are assigned as the thermodynamic and stable kinetic isomers, respectively, while (IA) and (IIB) are assigned as the metastable kinetic products. The 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands interact with each other through offset face-to-face (OFF) π–π stacking in (IB) and (IIB), but by edge-to-face (EF) C—H...π interactions in (IA) and (IIA). Meanwhile, the DMF molecules in (IIB) connect to neighbouring [CoCl2(phen)2] units through two C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, whereas there are no obvious interactions between DMF molecules and [CoCl2(phen)2] units in (IIA). Since OFF π–π stacking is generally stronger than EF C—H...π interactions for transition-metal complexes with nitrogen-containing aromatic ligands, (IIA) is among the uncommon examples that are stable and densely packed but that do not following Etter's intermolecular interaction hierarchy.
How to capture the idea of a place? The case of five Moscow districts
Authors: Rozhkov Kirill Lvovich , Skriabina Natalya Il’inichna
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a methodological approach to place product analysis that aims to identify the distinctive ideas of places.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology included two stages: first, classifiers of place product uses and technologies were constructed on the basis of the product concept abstraction (Study 1) and then they were used as tools to systematize data about the attributes of city districts and the everyday activities of their residents to further identify product concepts (Study 2).

Findings

– Product concepts of five Moscow districts were formulated as sets of benefits or district uses (needs satisfied and activities encouraged) offered to residents. The concepts are expressed in terms of typical constructions but reflect the distinctive features and specificities of the districts.

Research limitations/implications

– Defining places as product concepts pushes the place product analysis, benefit and lifestyle segmentation forward. Additional place product dimensions and investigated places are advised to improve the reliability of the used classifiers as a tool for documentary research.

Practical implications

– The developed analytical procedure is a much-needed supplement to existing techniques used to shape the product strategies of places. Identifying contradictory uses helps make product decisions that are appropriate in concurrently supporting all these uses, including providing spatial differentiation of the place product. The study results are thus useful for the development of city master plans characterized by long planning horizons and a high degree of conceptualization.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a new method for place product analysis that combines the advantages of both standardized and narrative approaches, introducing a convenient way to address the issue of clarity when transforming a variety of place attributes into core place values and eventual place brands.
City brand strategy evaluation: in search of effectiveness indicators
Authors: Herezniak Marta , Anders-Morawska Justyna
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse a process for developing indicators of effectiveness for the city brand strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single-case study method is used as the analytical approach. The proposed indicators of effectiveness were developed in cooperation between the municipal government of a large, post-industrial Polish city and representatives from academia.

Findings

– The paper addresses three important considerations to be taken into account by city managers when they seek to develop criteria for measuring the effectiveness of branding: links between tangible and intangible effects of brand implementation; spillover effects that sectoral strategies such as those aimed at urban renewal have on the city brand and vice versa; and the adoption of a threefold temporal regime whereby the effects of projects that contribute to the brand strategy are measured in the short, medium and long term.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed approach offers a useful point of departure for place managers for the design of place brand strategy evaluation systems. The study is limited to the case of a single city.

Practical implications

– The merger of brand management and public management perspectives re-evaluates the existing attempts to measure place brand strategy effectiveness. The new approach stimulates place authorities to consider multiple perspectives on the methods and instruments of measurement. It also implies the organisational shift where a number of units from the city hall coordinate their efforts to contribute to the assessment of the brand strategy.

Social implications

– A more systematic approach to measurement of place brand strategy effectiveness can be used to increase the level of legitimacy of brand-related activities in the eyes of internal stakeholders and to increase the level of professionalism among the public officers responsible for effectiveness measurement.

Originality/value

– Theoretical considerations and the practice of place branding alike tend to give insufficient attention to criteria for measuring the effectiveness of place-branding strategies. This paper concentrates on the process of translating general strategic objectives into specific, measureable and time-bound operational indicators. The combination of theoretical insights into place branding together with public management grounds this approach in the administrative environment in which local authorities work.
An integrated fire safety assessment of a student housing facility
Authors: Sanni-Anibire Muizz O. , Hassanain Mohammad A.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach to fire safety assessment, through combining the outcomes of a checklist tailored to the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), and an evacuation simulation tool (EVACNET4), applied to a student housing facility as case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors reviewed relevant literature and previous studies pertaining to fire safety assessment and management. An assessment checklist was developed according to the requirements of the IBC. EVACNET4 simulation tool was utilized to model the evacuation of the facility under review. The results derived from the aforementioned steps were correlated to identify potential corroborating or conflicting issues pertaining to the safe evacuation of building occupants in the occurrence of a fire incident.

Findings

– Fire safety provisions were found to be adequate, and the building can be evacuated safely in about 190 seconds, should a fire occur. The architectural design aspects of the exit doors which might cause potential bottlenecks were identified.

Originality/value

– A completely fire safe building does not exist, and thus more integrative approaches to fire safety assessment and management will reduce to the least extent possible fire risks. A holistic fire safety management of campus housing is of paramount interest to the campus community, and the building industry at large.
Framework model for post-occupancy evaluation of school facilities
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Iftikhar Ali
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an IDEF0 framework model for the post-occupancy evaluation of school facilities, and the findings of a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework model consists of five sequential processes, namely: first, identify the performance requirements of school facilities; second, conduct a walk-through evaluation and a focussed group discussion; third, develop and administer a user satisfaction survey; fourth, analyze the collected data and report the findings; and fifth, develop a plan of remedial actions.

Findings

– The case study demonstrates the applicability of the framework through presenting the findings of an indicative evaluation of the major technical and functional elements of performance carried out on a school building in city of Khobar, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The school users were satisfied with the qualities of the thermal comfort, visual comfort, fire protection, functional spaces in the school and the interior and exterior appearance of the school. The case study also resulted in developing a plan of remedial actions to improve the performance of the school.

Practical implications

– The framework model provides a descriptive and systematic approach for evaluating the technical and functional performance of existing school facilities. The approach followed in collecting the data, designing the user satisfaction survey, analyzing and reporting the findings can be applied to any school building, upon the needed customization, irrespective of location.

Originality/value

– The paper is particularly beneficial for design professionals, school administrators and facilities managers responsible for the design and operation of school facilities.
Selection of site supervisors to optimize construction project outcomes
Authors: Ling Yean Yng , Tan Fenni
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– It is important to recruit site supervisors with the right attributes as they play an important role in raising construction productivity and improving project outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between a site supervisor’s attributes and project outcomes. The specific objectives are to: identify the attributes of site supervisors that are significantly correlated with project outcomes (cost, time, quality and client satisfaction); examine whether site supervisors with different educational levels and job experience have different attributes; and recommend the attributes to be considered when selecting site supervisors.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was designed based on the attributes identified from the literature review. The sampling frame was Singapore-based construction site supervisors. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.

Findings

– The results show that site supervisors who have IT skills are also likely to have projects that have good time, quality and satisfaction outcomes. In addition, the projects of supervisors with longer work experience show significantly better time performance and higher client satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations include low response rate, and the subjective nature of a Likert scale which was used to rate the attributes of site supervisors. While the importance of hard and soft skills is known, the contribution to knowledge is that this study showed the important role that educational qualifications play in site supervisors’ performance and their soft skills.

Practical implications

– It is recommended that contractors employ site supervisors who have at least a construction diploma, have IT skills and possess job experience in order to optimise their project outcomes.

Originality/value

– The study revealed that certain demographic characteristics of site supervisors (i.e. length of work experience and educational qualifications) have significant impact on project outcomes. Site supervisors with higher educational qualifications and more job experience also have better soft skills.
Management of acute agitation in Hong Kong and comparisons with Australasia
Authors: Chan Esther Wai Yin , Tang Cedric , Lao Kim Shi Jian , Ling Pong Leung , Tsui Matthew Sik Hon , Ho Hiu Fai , Wong Gordon Chi Keung , Kong David Chee Ming , McD Taylor David , Knott Jonathan C , Wong Ian Chi Kei
Published: December 2015

Background

Little is known about the use of sedation drugs for the management of acute agitation in Hong Kong's Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) and how it compares with Australasian practice.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine drug preferences, clinicians' perceived confidence in management, barriers/gaps in training and perceived usefulness of existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in Hong Kong.

Method

A validated questionnaire was used, with case vignettes typical of patients presenting to AEDs with acute agitation. The questionnaire was distributed by hand to all trainees and fellows of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine (HKCEM). Two reminders were sent.

Results

Of 483 HKCEM members, 280 (58.0% [95% CI 53.5–62.3]) responded. For monotherapy, 46.8% (95% CI 41.0–52.6) of respondents chose haloperidol to manage the undifferentiated patient, followed by midazolam (33.9%, 95% CI 28.6–39.7) and diazepam (13.9%, 95% CI 10.4–18.5). Most respondents (83.6%, 95% CI 78.8–87.5) would not administer combination therapy. Respondents were confident in managing agitation overall. The lack of local/institutional CPGs (55.7%, 95% CI 49.9–61.4) was perceived as an important barrier. Institutional guidelines were considered the most useful CPGs (66.4%, 95% CI 60.7–71.7). Most respondents (72.9%, 95% CI 67.4–77.7) perceived a HKCEM endorsed CPG would be useful.

Conclusion

Haloperidol and benzodiazepines are frequently used as monotherapy for the management of acute agitation in Hong Kong's AEDs. Management in Hong Kong differs from Australasian practice in that combination therapy is less common and clinicians' choice of sedation drugs are less variable overall. Results suggest that future work on CPG development and training regarding the safe use of combination therapy would be well received.
Oceanic fronts: transition zones for bacterioplankton community composition
Authors: Baltar Federico , Currie Kim , Stuck Esther , Roosa Stéphanie , Morales Sergio E
Published: December 2015

Oceanic fronts are widespread mesoscale features that exist in the boundary between different water masses. Despite the recognized importance of bacterioplankton (including bacteria and archaea) on the marine biogeochemical cycles and the ubiquitousness of fronts, the effect of frontal zones on the distribution of bacterioplankton community remains unknown. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing coupled with a high spatial resolution analysis of the physical properties of the water masses, we demonstrate strong shifts in bacterioplankton community composition (BCC) across the subtropical frontal zone off New Zealand. The transition between water masses resulted in a clear modification of the dominant taxa and a significant increase in community dissimilarity. Our results, linking physical oceanography and marine molecular ecology, support the strong role of oceanic frontal zones in delimiting the distribution of bacterioplankton in the ocean.
Evidence for the biogenic origin of manganese‐enriched layers in Lake Superior sediments
Authors: Palermo Christine , Dittrich Maria
Published: December 2015

Manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe)‐enriched sediment layers were discovered in Lake Superior within, above and below the oxic–anoxic interface. While the role of bacteria in redox reactions with Mn is known to be significant, little information exists about indigenous microbial communities in many freshwater environments. This study examined the bacterial communities of Mn‐enriched layers in Lake Superior to identify the potential Mn(II) oxidizers responsible for the formation of Mn oxides. Anaerobic Mn(II) oxidation occurring in the Mn‐enriched layers at the oxic‐anoxic interface was investigated using Mn(II)‐enriched cultures. High‐resolution microscopic and spectroscopic investigations provided evidence of the biogenic formation of Mn oxides on cell surfaces. Spectroscopic mapping confirmed high levels of Mn in structures resembling biogenic Mn oxides. These structures were observed in enrichment cultures and in Mn‐enriched layer sediment samples, indicating the significance of biogenic Mn oxidation occurring in situ. 16S ribosomal DNA pyrosequencing was used to identify the bacteria potentially responsible for Mnoxide formation in the enrichment cultures and Mn‐enriched layers, revealing that the Mn‐enriched layer contains classes with known Mn(II)‐oxidizing members. Pyrosequencing of bacterial cultures suggested that these bacteria may be Bacillus strains, and that anaerobic microbial‐mediated Mn(II) oxidation contributes to the formation of the layers.
Comparison of a New Miniaturized Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation System With Integrated Rotary Blood Pump to a Standard System in a Porcine Model of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Pilarczyk Kevin , Heckmann Jens , Lyskawa Kathrin , Strauß Andreas , Haake Nils , Wiese Ingo , Jakob Heinz , Kamler Markus , Pizanis Nikolaus
Published: December 2015

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, available ECMO systems are large and not well designed for fast delivery, emergency implantation, and interhospital transfer. Therefore, a new miniaturized oxygenator with integrated rotary blood pump (ILIAS) was developed and compared with a standard ECMO system in a large animal model. Acute lung injury was induced with repeated pulmonary saline lavage in 14 pigs until PaO2/FiO2‐ratio was <100 mm Hg with a positive‐end‐expiratory‐pressure of 5 mbar. Pigs were assigned to the following three groups: group 1 (n = 4): control group with conventional ventilation; group 2 (n = 5): standard vv‐ECMO; group 3 (n = 5): vv‐ILIAS. Gas exchange, hemodynamics, hemolysis, and coagulation activation were examined over a period of 8 h. No device failed during the observation period. PaCO2 decreased from 59.40 ± 4.14 mm Hg to 48.62 ± 4.50 mm Hg after 1 h in the ILIAS group compared with an improvement of PaCO2 from 48.86 ± 7.45 to 40.10 ± 6.02 in the conventional ECMO group (P = not significant [n.s.]). ARDS‐induced respiratory acidosis was controlled promptly with a pH of 7.2 ± 0.1 at baseline increasing to 7.4 ± 0.1 in both study groups after 60 min of ECMO support. Mean carbon dioxide transfer was comparable between the conventional ECMO and ILIAS (211.36 ± 78.39 mL/min vs. 219.99 ± 76.72 mL/min, P = n.s.). PaO2/FiO2 increased from 118.4 ± 15.5 mm Hg to 179.1 ± 72.4 mm Hg in the ILIAS group compared with an improvement of oxygenation from 107.1 ± 24.9 mm Hg to 179.0 ± 45.7 mm Hg in the standard ECMO group (P = n.s.). Mean oxygen transfer was calculated with 136.09 ± 30.25 mL/min for the ILIAS and 129.05 ± 36.28 mL/min for the standard ECMO. Hemodynamic instability or significant activation of the plasmatic coagulation was not observed. However, hemolysis was significantly higher in the ILIAS group compared with the conventional ECMO. As the ILIAS prototype provided excellent gas exchange with hemodynamic stability comparable with a standard ECMO system, we believe this study serves as a proof of concept. Further development and design modifications (optimized rotation speed and surface coating of rotor) are already done and another experiment is projected to reduce hemolysis and platelet consumption for clinical application.
Decellularization and Recellularization of Rat Livers With Hepatocytes and Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Zhou Pengcheng , Huang Yan , Guo Yibing , Wang Lei , Ling Changchun , Guo Qingsong , Wang Yao , Zhu Shajun , Fan Xiangjun , Zhu Mingyan , Huang Hua , Lu Yuhua , Wang Zhiwei
Published: December 2015

Whole‐organ decellularization has been identified as a promising choice for tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to engineer intact whole rat liver scaffolds and repopulate them with hepatocytes and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in a bioreactor. Decellularized liver scaffolds were obtained by perfusing Triton X‐100 with ammonium hydroxide. The architecture and composition of the original extracellular matrix were preserved, as confirmed by morphologic, histological, and immunolabeling methods. To determine biocompatibility, the scaffold was embedded in the subcutaneous adipose layer of the back of a heterologous animal to observe the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Hepatocytes were reseeded using a parenchymal injection method and cultured by continuous perfusion. EPCs were reseeded using a portal vein infusion method. Morphologic and functional examination showed that the hepatocytes and EPCs grew well in the scaffold. The present study describes an effective method of decellularization and recellularization of rat livers, providing the foundation for liver engineering and the development of bioartificial livers.
Trends in the exploitation of South Atlantic shark populations
Authors: Barreto Rodrigo , Ferretti Francesco , Flemming Joanna M. , Amorim Alberto , Andrade Humber , Worm Boris , Lessa Rosangela
Published: December 2015

Approximately 25% of globally reported shark catches occur in Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries. Strong declines in shark populations have been detected in the North Atlantic, whereas in the South Atlantic the situation is less clear, although fishing effort has been increasing in this region since the late 1970s. We synthesized information on shark catch rates (based on 871,177 sharks caught on 86,492 longline sets) for the major species caught by multiple fleets in the South Atlantic between 1979 and 2011. We complied records from fishing logbooks of fishing companies, fishers, and onboard observers that were supplied to Brazilian institutions. By using exploratory data analysis and literature sources, we identified 3 phases of exploitation in these data (Supporting Information). From 1979 to 1997 (phase A), 5 fleets (40 vessels) fished mainly for tunas. From 1998 to 2008 (phase B), 20 fleets (100 vessels) fished for tunas, swordfishes, and sharks. From 2008 to 2011 (phase C), 3 fleets (30 vessels) fished for multiple species, but restrictive measures were implemented. We used generalized linear models to standardize catch rates and identify trends in each of these phases. Shark catch rates increased from 1979 to 1997, when fishing effort was low, decreased from 1998 to 2008, when fishing effort increased substantially, and remained stable or increased from 2008 to 2011, when fishing effort was again low. Our results indicate that most shark populations affected by longlines in the South Atlantic are currently depleted, but these populations may recover if fishing effort is reduced accordingly. In this context, it is problematic that comprehensive data collection, monitoring, and management of these fisheries ceased after 2012. Concurrently with the fact that Brazil is newly identified by FAO among the largest (and in fastest expansion) shark sub‐products consumer market worldwide.
Looking Inside the Black Box: The Effect of Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Jain Tanusree , Jamali Dima
Published: December 2015

Manuscript Type

Review

Research Question/Issue

This study provides a systematic multi‐level review of recent literature to evaluate the impact of corporate governance mechanisms (CG) at the institutional, firm, group, and individual levels on firm level corporate social responsibility (CSR) outcomes. We offer critical reflections on the current state of this literature and provide concrete suggestions to guide future research.

Research Findings/Insights

Focusing on peer‐reviewed articles from 2000 to 2015, the review compiles the evidence on offer pertaining to the most relevant CG mechanisms and their influence on CSR outcomes. At the institutional level, we focus on formal and informal institutional mechanisms, and at the firm level, we analyze the different types of firm owners. At the group level, we segregate our analysis into board structures, director social capital and resource networks, and directors' demographic diversity. At the individual level, our review covers CEOs' demography and socio‐psychological characteristics. We map the effect of these mechanisms on firms' CSR outcomes.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We recommend that greater scholarly attention needs to be accorded to disaggregating variables and yet comprehending how multiple configurations of CG mechanisms interact and combine to impact firms' CSR behavior. We suggest that CG‐CSR research should employ a multi‐theoretical lens and apply sophisticated qualitative and quantitative methods to enable a deeper and finer‐grained analysis of the CG systems and their influence on CSR. Finally, we call for cross‐cultural research to capture the context sensitivities typical of both CG and CSR constructs.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our review suggests that for structural changes and reforms within firms to be successful, they need to be complemented by changes to the institutional makeup of the context in which firms function to encourage/induce substantive changes in corporate responsible behaviors.
Building Interdisciplinary Research Models Through Interactive Education
Authors: Hessels Amanda J. , Robinson Brian , O'Rourke Michael , Begg Melissa D. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Critical interdisciplinary research skills include effective communication with diverse disciplines and cultivating collaborative relationships. Acquiring these skills during graduate education may foster future interdisciplinary research quality and productivity.

Objective

The project aim was to develop and evaluate an interactive Toolbox workshop approach within an interprofessional graduate level course to enhance student learning and skill in interdisciplinary research. We sought to examine the student experience of integrating the Toolbox workshop in modular format over the duration of a 14‐week course.

Methods

The Toolbox Health Sciences Instrument includes six modules that were introduced in a 110‐minute dialogue session during the first class and then integrated into the course in a series of six individual workshops in three phases over the course of the semester.

Results

Seventeen students participated; the majority were nursing students. Three measures were used to assess project outcomes: pre–post intervention Toolbox survey, competency self‐assessment, and a postcourse survey. All measures indicated the objectives were met by a change in survey responses, improved competencies, and favorable experience of the Toolbox modular intervention.

Conclusion

Our experience indicates that incorporating this Toolbox modular approach into research curricula can enhance individual level scientific capacity, future interdisciplinary research project success, and ultimately impact on practice and policy.