bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing an instrument for measuring the effects of heuristics on investment decisions
Authors: Yalcin Kadir C. , Tatoglu Ekrem , Zaim Selim
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Based on a thorough review and synthesis of the literature in behavioral finance, the purpose of this paper is to develop three measures of heuristics that tend to influence investment decisions of individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using perceptual data collected from a sample of 167 individual investors in the USA, the reliability and validity of heuristics measures are assessed by confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling. Then, the second-order model is executed in order to indicate the paths among the study’s constructs. Finally, a multiple-group analysis is conducted to analyze the moderating effects of demographic factors on the relationship between the perceived level of heuristics and their constituent dimensions.

Findings

Of the three groups of heuristics, salience is found to be the most important followed by mental accounting, while representativeness features as relatively less important. Regarding the moderating effects, only investment experience is noted to have a significant moderating impact.

Research limitations/implications

The data utilized for testing and validating this instrument was acquired from a relatively small sample of individual investors in the USA, which makes the generalization of findings somewhat limited.

Practical implications

Both researchers and practitioners in behavioral finance can use these measurement scales to better understand the impact of heuristics on individual investment decisions and also to develop models that relate the critical factors of heuristics to the performance of individual investment decisions.

Originality/value

To date, there has been no systematic attempt in the extant behavioral finance literature to develop a valid and reliable instrument on heuristics which would aid to improve the quality of decision making in investment analysis.
Non-attendance at psychological therapy appointments
Authors: Binnie James , Boden Zoe
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Research demonstrates that non-attendance at healthcare appointments is a waste of scarce resources; leading to reduced productivity, increased costs, disadvantaged patients through increased waiting times and demoralised staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate non-attendance and implemented interventions to improve practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods service audit took place in a primary care psychological therapies service. Existing service guidelines and reporting systems were reviewed. A cross-sectional design was used to compare a year’s cohort of completers of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (n=140) and drop-outs (n=61).

Findings

Findings suggested contrasting guidelines and clinically inaccurate reporting systems. The overall service did not attend (DNA) rate was 8.9 per cent; well below rates suggested in the literature. The drop-out rate from CBT was 17 per cent. The most influential factor associated with CBT drop-out was the level of depression. The level of anxiety, risk ratings and deprivation scores were also different between completers and drop-outs. The main reasons given for non-attendance were forgetting, being too unwell to attend, having other priorities, or dissatisfaction with the service; again these findings were consistent with prior research.

Originality/value

A range of recommendations for practice are made, many of which were implemented with an associated reduction in the DNA rate.
A review and perspective on Lean in higher education
Authors: Balzer William K. , Francis David E. , Krehbiel Timothy C. , Shea Nicholas
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the accumulated body of research on Lean in higher education, draw conclusions to help guide successful Lean implementations and propose future research directions to establish a rich base of knowledge that informs both practice and research.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review examines the academic literature regarding the use of Lean in higher education across 64 publications. EBSCO definitions were used to assess and present the synthesized results, which are detailed at the department/unit level and at the organizational level.

Findings

Overall, Lean appears to have significant and measurable value when used to improve academic and administrative operations in higher education. Such improvements are effective at the department/unit level or throughout the entire institution. However, implementing Lean within an institution is a serious undertaking that is most impactful if it involves long-term, strategic planning.

Research limitations/implications

The groundwork has been established for the development of conceptual frameworks to further guide Lean initiatives in higher education. Such frameworks, together with further integration of organizational development and change management literature will define best practices when implementing Lean locally and throughout the institution.

Originality/value

At the time of this writing, there has been no systematic review or integration of the published literature about Lean in higher education. This review provides a highly useful starting point for researchers interested in further developing theory about quality in academic institutions.
Unmasking the enterprising nurse: migrant care workers and the discursive mobilisation of productive professionals
Authors: Olakivi Antero
Published: September 2016

Public care work organisations in Northern Europe often seek to increase their economic efficiency in ways that care workers criticise for reducing both their professional autonomy and the quality of care. Recently, the ideal of ‘enterprising nursing’ has emerged as a political belief according to which economic efficiency, care workers' autonomy and the quality of care can be improved in tandem by cultivating care workers' agential abilities. This article examines the reception of this belief among migrant care workers in Finland. Drawing on research interviews, the analysis demonstrates how migrant care workers may have difficulties in aligning themselves with the enterprising ideals but also in protesting them. Ethnicity, and the status of a migrant, can offer resources for both constructing enterprising subjectivities and reframing care workers' agency, and their organisational environment, in more critical terms.
Designing stakeholder consultations: Reinforcing or alleviating bias in the European Union system of governance?
Authors: BUNEA ADRIANA
Published: September 2016

Consultations with stakeholders are a policy instrument widely used by policy makers to design policies and prepare legislative proposals across national and supranational systems of government. The European Union has recently reviewed its stakeholder consultation regime and asked for stakeholders’ policy input. This offers an opportunity to examine empirically stakeholders’ own evaluation of the regime and to ask a fundamental question about its democratic credentials:Do stakeholders recognise the EU consultation regime as reinforcing bias in interest representation by benefiting policy insiders, or conversely as an instrument that alleviates bias in supranational policy making?Building on rational choice institutionalism, this article outlines the potential distributional outcomes of the regime and argues that they are likely to vary along the lines of a classic divide in policy making that opposes policyinsiderstooutsiders. Two competing narratives are discussed in relation to the expected direction of this variation by focusing on insiders’ incentives to support or oppose the regime. The observable implications are tested empirically on an original dataset containing information about stakeholders’ positions on the evaluation of the regimestatus quo, its proposed further institutionalisation and their recommendations for change. The findings describe a consultation regime that seems to have created conditions alleviating bias in stakeholders’ participation in supranational policy making. This is evident in the lack of systematic, significant differences between insiders and outsiders in the evaluation of the consultation regime. Where differences do occur, they are consistent with the image of a consultation regime that has not reinforced bias in favour of policy insiders. These actors are found to be more critical of the regimestatus quo, its institutionalisation and more inclined to recommend policy improvements. This supports an optimistic view over the democratic credentials and legitimacy of the EU consultation regime and outlines an additional scenario under which policy actors that are traditionally associated with exerting more power and influence find themselves stripped of their privileged position in the context of European supranational governance.
Efficiency Effects of Access to Information on Small‐scale Agriculture: Empirical Evidence from Uganda using Stochastic Frontier and IRT Models
Authors: Abdul‐Salam Yakubu , Phimister Euan
Published: September 2016

Low power home electrical items such as radios, mobile phones and televisions are an important source of agricultural information for small‐scale farmers in developing countries. To empirically test the effects of access to information from these items on efficiency in agriculture, we formulate a stochastic frontier model augmented with a technical efficiency model that controls for an index capturing farmers' ‘ability to access information’. The index is constructed with a 2‐parameter item response theory (IRT) model based on farmers' access to the electrical items. Using six rounds of panel data on small‐scale farmers in Uganda, we find empirical evidence of a significant and positive relationship between farmer ability to access information and farm efficiency. There is also evidence that the size of these effects is larger for more literate hence better educated farmers. Greater access to information also appears to be associated with increased variance of (in)efficiency and output although the form of the increased variances is underpinned by low risk of lower efficiency and output realisations and high likelihood of higher efficiency and output realisations. Our findings imply that access to limited quantities of electricity needed to power these electrical items can have positive farm efficiency effects, and hence the importance of off‐grid electricity (e.g. standalone solar panels) for small‐scale farmers in typically isolated communities in developing countries.
Shared Decision Making to Support the Provision of Palliative and End‐of‐Life Care in the Emergency Department: A Consensus Statement and Research Agenda
Authors: George Naomi R. , Kryworuchko Jennifer , Hunold Katherine M. , Ouchi Kei , Berman Amy , Wright Rebecca , Grudzen Corita R. , Kovalerchik Olga , LeFebvre Eric M. , Lindor Rachel A. , Quest Tammie E. , Schmidt Terri A. , Sussman Tamara , Vandenbroucke Amy , Volandes Angelo E. , Platts‐Mills Timothy F.
Published: September 2016

Background

Little is known about the optimal use of shared decision making (SDM) to guide palliative and end‐of‐life decisions in the emergency department (ED).

Objective

The objective was to convene a working group to develop a set of research questions that, when answered, will substantially advance the ability of clinicians to use SDM to guide palliative and end‐of‐life care decisions in the ED.

Methods

Participants were identified based on expertise in emergency, palliative, or geriatrics care; policy or patient‐advocacy; and spanned physician, nursing, social work, legal, and patient perspectives. Input from the group was elicited using a time‐staggered Delphi process including three teleconferences, an open platform for asynchronous input, and an in‐person meeting to obtain a final round of input from all members and to identify and resolve or describe areas of disagreement.

Conclusion

Key research questions identified by the group related to which ED patients are likely to benefit from palliative care (PC), what interventions can most effectively promote PC in the ED, what outcomes are most appropriate to assess the impact of these interventions, what is the potential for initiating advance care planning in the ED to help patients define long‐term goals of care, and what policies influence palliative and end‐of‐life care decision making in the ED. Answers to these questions have the potential to substantially improve the quality of care for ED patients with advanced illness.
Pleistocene glacial and lacustrine activity in the southern part of Mount Olympus (central Greece)
Authors: Bathrellos George D , Skilodimou Hariklia D , Maroukian Hampik , Gaki‐Papanastassiou Kalliopi , Kouli Katerina , Tsourou Theodora , Tsaparas Nikolaos
Published: September 2016

Glacial activity affects landscape evolution in some parts of mountainous Greece. This paper deals with the southern part of Mount Olympus where the geomorphological impacts of Pleistocene glaciations are well presented. It is a preliminary study to demonstrate the landscape that has evolved as a result of glacial activity in these uplands. For this purpose, detailed field work and large‐scale geomorphological mapping were performed. A 25‐m sediment core was retrieved from the study area on which preliminary lithological and micropalaeontological–palaeobotanical analyses were performed. The intense glacial activity of the southern Mount Olympus area produced a number of landscape changes. Three cirques were identified in the uplands whose evolution has led to the formation of various types of moraines (ground, lateral, medial and terminal) down to an altitude of 1677 m. Intense glacio‐fluvial activity caused a major reconfiguration of the drainage network in this area and also caused the formation of a lake. The occurrence of a water body in the area is documented by the presence of aquatic vegetation in parts of a 25‐m core retrieved from this former lake basin. In recent times, the lake overtopped the fluvial deposits that bounded it, incising them and leading to the emptying of the lake.
Effects of Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and MDR1 Transporter on Pantoprazole Metabolism and Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Karaca R Ozgur , Kalkisim Said , Altinbas Akif , Kilincalp Serta , Yuksel Ilhami , Goktas Mustafa T , Yasar Umit , Bozkurt Atilla , Babaoglu Melih O
Published: September 2016

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Pantoprazole is a substrate for multi‐drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and MDR1 affect enzyme activity or gene expression of proteins and may alter plasma pantoprazole concentrations and treatment success in PUD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and MDR1 and pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole and therapeutic outcome in patients with either Helicobacter pylori‐associated [H.P.(+)]‐PUD or [H.P.(+)]‐gastritis. The plasma pantoprazole concentrations were determined by using an HPLC method at the third hour after a 40‐mg tablet of pantoprazole administration in 194 newly diagnosed patients with either [H.P.(+)]‐PUD or [H.P.(+)]‐gastritis. Genotyping was performed by using PCR‐RFLP and DNA sequencing. Among patients appearing for follow‐up examination (n = 105), the eradication rate for H. pylori was 82.8% (n = 87). The median pantoprazole plasma concentrations in poor metabolizers (PM), rapid metabolizers (RM) and ultrarapid metabolizers (URM) were 2.07, 1.69 and 1.28 μg/ml, respectively (p = 0.04). CYP3A4*1G and *22 polymorphisms did not affect plasma pantoprazole concentrations and H. pylori eradication rate. The MDR1 genetic polymorphisms did not affect plasma pantoprazole concentrations. MDR1 3435CC‐2677GG‐1236CC haplotype carriers had lower H. pylori eradication rate (60%) than the remaining subjects (84.9%) while the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). In conclusion, while CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms significantly affected plasma pantoprazole concentrations, polymorphisms of CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and MDR1 did not affect H. pylori eradication rates.
Unravelling the relevance of CLEC12A as a cancer stem cell marker in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Toft‐Petersen Marie , Nederby Line , Kjeldsen Eigil , Kerndrup Gitte B. , Brown Gordon D. , Hokland Peter , Stidsholt Roug Anne
Published: September 2016

Evidence of distinct disease propagating stem cells in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has emerged in recent years. However, immunophenotypic characterization of these cancer stem cells remains sparse. In acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), we have previously described aberrant expression of the C‐type lectin domain family 12, member A (CLEC12A) as a stable and reliable marker of leukaemia blasts and as a tool for assessing minimal residual disease. Furthermore, CLEC12A has been proposed as a promising marker of leukaemic stem cells in AML. The role of CLEC12A in MDS, however, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found CLEC12A aberrantly expressed on the CD34+CD38− cell compartment in 71% (22/31) of MDS patients, distributed across all Revised International Prognostic Scoring System risk groups. We showed that the CD34+CD38−CLEC12A+ cells were indeed malignant and possessed functional stem cell properties in the long‐term colony‐initiating cell assay. As opposed to reported findings in AML, we showed that cancer stem cells from MDS samples derived from both CLEC12A positive and negative CD34+CD38− subpopulations. Due to the absence of CLEC12A on normal haematopoietic stem cells, CLEC12A stem cell immunophenotyping may contribute to diagnosing and monitoring MDS patients and could furthermore add knowledge about disease propagating cells in MDS.
Cutaneous involvement of pre‐existing Rosai–Dorfman disease via post‐herpetic isotopic response
Authors: Malviya Neeta , Marzuka Alexander , Maamed‐Tayeb Mokhtar , Le Lu , Vandergriff Travis
Published: September 2016

We report the case of a patient with a long‐standing history of extranodal, sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai–Dorfman disease) and no evidence of original cutaneous involvement as well as a history of herpes zoster of the left flank with post‐herpetic neuralgia who went on to develop multiple, round‐to‐oval, red‐brown, atrophic macules and thin papules at the sites of herpes zoster scars on the left flank. Histopathology showed a dense nodular infiltrate of lymphocytes with some plasma cells and numerous large pale‐staining histiocytes (S100+/CD68+), consistent with Rosai–Dorfman disease. This case showed exclusively cutaneous involvement, as demonstrated by otherwise normal physical examination, laboratory evaluation and imaging. This is the second reported case of Rosai–Dorfman disease occurring at the site of zoster scars, and to our knowledge this represents the first case report of cutaneous involvement of pre‐existing Rosai–Dorfman disease via post‐herpetic isotopic response (Wolf's isotopic response).
Changes in butterfly distributions and species assemblages on a Neotropical mountain range in response to global warming and anthropogenic land use
Authors: Molina‐Martínez Arcángel , León‐Cortés Jorge L. , Regan Helen M. , Lewis Owen T. , Navarrete Darío , Caballero Ubaldo , Luis‐Martínez Armando
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess the changes in the elevational distribution of 151 butterfly species over a period of 22 years (1988–2011) and investigate whether these changes are related to regional global warming and land use change.

Location

Sierra de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Methods

Butterflies were surveyed at eight sites spanning elevations ranging from 117 m to 3000 m in 1988, and the same sites were resurveyed in 2010–2011. Changes in the elevational distribution of species and the structure and composition of species assemblages were compared between surveys. The results were interpreted in the context of land use and climate change in the region.

Results

Butterfly species had shifted their distributions uphill by approximately 145 m on average. Significantly more species (78) showed an uphill shift in their distributions than a downhill shift (32 species). Species occurring above 1000 m elevation had shifted their distribution to an extent that matched the range shift expected under the recorded temperature changes. However, for species occurring below 1000 m elevation, and for all species combined, uphill range shifts were significantly less than expected based solely on the increase in temperature. Land use change over the study period was more pronounced at low elevations, and these butterfly assemblages are now dominated by generalist species.

Main conclusions

Our results represent the first concrete evidence of shifts in elevation distribution of a large Neotropical butterfly community, attributable to increased regional temperatures. At high elevations, land use change is minimal and climate change appears to be the main driver of changes to distributions and assemblages, and the main conservation threat. However, extensive land use change has been the main driver of changes to butterfly communities at lower elevations.
Partner‐Language Learning Trajectories in Dual‐Language Immersion: Evidence From an Urban District
Authors: Burkhauser Susan , Steele Jennifer L. , Li Jennifer , Slater Robert O. , Bacon Michael , Miller Trey
Published: September 2016

Research has demonstrated that students in dual‐language immersion programs perform as well as, or better than, their peers in core academic content areas by late elementary school. However, the extent to which immersion education fosters bilingualism has received less attention in the literature. Using data from a four‐year efficacy study of dual‐language immersion education in the Portland Public Schools in Oregon, this study reports the skill levels that 1,284 dual‐language immersion students achieved in their classroom partner languages (Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese) between third and eighth grades. The authors found that by eighth grade, the average dual‐language immersion student, regardless of language, performed at least at the Intermediate Low sublevel, and often higher, on Standards‐Based Measurement of Proficiency assessments of nearly all language skills tested (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). In comparison, eighth graders in the Portland Public Schools who began taking Spanish as an elective in upper elementary or middle school scored only at about the Novice Mid sublevel. After four years of immersion learning (grades K­–3), fourth‐grade students whose home language was Spanish scored similarly in reading and speaking to their immersion peers whose home language was not Spanish; however, they outperformed their immersion peers in listening and writing.
Relative contributions of bleeding scores and iron status on health‐related quality of life in von Willebrand disease: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xu Y. , Deforest M. , Grabell J. , Hopman W. , James P.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder known in humans. Currently, studies investigating the health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) in VWD using standardized tools are limited, particularly among patients with mild decreases in von Willebrand factor or activity.

Aim

To determine HR‐QoL and its predictors among patients with mild, moderate and severe forms of VWD.

Methods

Patients with clinical diagnosis of VWD were recruited from a tertiary Inherited Bleeding Disorder Clinic. Upon informed consent, bleeding scores were obtained via a standardized, self‐administered tool. Each participant also completed a HR‐QoL questionnaire (SF‐36). Analyses included paired t‐test, independent t‐test, one‐way anova and multivariate regression.

Results

A total of 102 patients were recruited (consent rate = 95%). Participants were 38 years on average (SD 14.8), 78% were female and 80% were diagnosed with VWD Type 1. Compared to age‐ and sex‐matched normative data, VWD patients had clinically and statistically significant reductions in seven of eight HR‐QoL domains and the physical and mental component summaries. Adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status and rurality, there was a trend towards lower physical component summary with increasing bleeding score, and lower mental domains with iron deficiency status (P = 0.07 and P = 0.08 respectively).

Conclusion

This study is the first to examine the impact of VWD on HR‐QoL across disease severity while incorporating socioeconomic status and rurality. Significant reductions in HR‐QoL among VWD patients, especially the relationship between iron status and mental HR‐QoL, strengthen the rationale for prospective studies to evaluate the efficacy of iron replacement in this setting.
The effect of border sprays and between‐row soil tillage on Drosophila suzukii in organic blackberry production
Authors: Iglesias L. E. , Liburd O. E.
Published: September 2016

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a major pest of soft‐skinned fruit. Females have an enlarged serrated ovipositor that is used to cut into ripening fruit and lay their eggs. Larvae develop inside infested fruit, rendering fruit unmarketable. Previous research has indicated that D. suzukii can move from adjacent woodlands into cultivated fields. Furthermore, multiple generations can occur in a single season as a result of fallen, infested fruit in the fields. Our hypothesis was that border sprays and soil tillage of field aisles can reduce D. suzukii presence in commercial blackberry fields (Rubus spp.). To test our hypothesis, we conducted split‐plot field trials in organic blackberry fields for 3 and 4 weeks in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Treatments were border sprays (whole plot, pyrethrins + azadirachtin) and tillage (subplot, ~15 cm). We evaluated adult D. suzukii in both years and berry infestation and natural enemies in 2015 only. We found that plots with border treatments had fewer D. suzukii (larvae and adults) than plots without border sprays. Tilling the soil between rows of blackberry bushes did not have a significant effect on adult captures or larval infestation of fruit. Natural enemies were unaffected by the border spray and tillage treatments. Our results confirmed our hypothesis that border sprays can be utilized to reduce populations of D. suzukii in organic blackberry fields, while maintaining populations of natural enemies. However, the effect of soil tillage is unclear and requires further investigation. Additional research should investigate the timing of border sprays and their effect on high infestations of D. suzukii as well as quantify fruit fall and depth of burial to reduce D. suzukii emergence using soil tillage.
Quality attributes of cassava‐fish crackers enriched with different flours:An optimization study by a simplex centroid mixture design
Authors: Coker Oluwafemi Jeremiah , Sobukola Olajide Philip , Sanni Lateef Oladimeji , Bakare Hakeem Adegoke , Kajihausa Olatundun Esther , Adebowale Abdul‐Razaq Adesola , Tomlins Keith
Published: September 2016

A simplex centroid mixture design (SCMD) was used to optimize ingredient combination comprising cassava starch (CS), high quality cassava flour (HQCF) and fish flour (FF) in the production of cassava‐fish crackers. The standard slurry method was used and the effect of ingredient combination on some quality attributes of the crackers fried at 180 °C ± 5 °C for 15 s was investigated. Ingredient combination has a significant positive effect on oil and moisture contents, texture but expanded less. Increase in CS and FF resulted in decrease oil uptake while it increases with HQCF. Lightness decreased with increase in FF while redness and yellowness increases. Regression analyses indicated that the quadratic, cubic as well as special cubic nonlinear terms were significant (p < 0.05) in many of the models derived. Optimum ingredient mixture resulting in lower oil content and breaking force with maximum expansion and desirable physico‐chemical properties was 85% CS, 10%HQCF and 5% FF.

Practical applications

This work provides valuable information on deep fat frying of cassava‐fish crackers using different levels of CS, HQCF and FF which are appreciated in many countries due to its pleasant sensory characteristics. The technique used is cost effective and produces fried cassava‐fish crackers of relatively good quality. This study could be used by small and medium scale food processors that are interested in producing cassava‐fish crackers of good quality due to availability of relatively cheap ingredients. The understanding of the influence of ingredient combinations on quality parameters is useful for deciding the appropriate level of each for an acceptable product. Predictive models generated can also be a viable tool for predicting product attributes as a function of the independent variables as well as designing of the frying process.
Age‐Related Sensory Impairments and Risk of Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Fischer Mary E. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Schubert Carla R. , Pinto Alex A. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Klein Barbara E. K. , Klein Ronald , Tweed Ted S.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the associations between sensory impairments and 10‐year risk of cognitive impairment.

Design

The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS), a longitudinal, population‐based study of aging in the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin community. Baseline examinations were conducted in 1993 and follow‐up examinations have been conducted every 5 years.

Setting

General community.

Participants

EHLSmembers without cognitive impairment atEHLS‐2 (1998–2000). There were 1,884 participants (mean age 66.7) with completeEHLS‐2 sensory data and follow‐up information.

Measurements

Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of <24 or history of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Hearing impairment was a pure‐tone average of hearing thresholds (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) of >25 dB hearing level in either ear, visual impairment was a Pelli‐Robson contrast sensitivity of <1.55 log units in the better eye, and olfactory impairment was a San Diego Odor Identification Test score of <6.

Results

Hearing, visual, and olfactory impairment were independently associated with cognitive impairment risk (hearing: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–3.26; vision:HR= 2.05, 95%CI= 1.24–3.38; olfaction:HR= 3.92, 95%CI= 2.45–6.26)). Nevertheless, 85% of participants with hearing impairment, 81% with visual impairment, and 76% with olfactory impairment did not develop cognitive impairment during follow‐up.

Conclusion

The relationship between sensory impairment and cognitive impairment was not unique to one sensory system, suggesting that sensorineural health may be a marker of brain aging. The development of a combined sensorineurocognitive measure may be useful in uncovering mechanisms of healthy brain aging.
Eliciting Preferences of Multimorbid Elderly Adults in Family Practice Using an Outcome Prioritization Tool
Authors: van Summeren Jojanneke J.G.T. , Haaijer‐Ruskamp Flora M. , Schuling Jan
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To explore an outcome prioritization tool (OPT) in eliciting individuals’ preferred health outcomes (remaining alive, maintaining independence, reducing pain, reducing other symptoms) in the context of medication review in family practice.

Design

Cross‐sectional pilot study with mixed‐methods design.

Setting

Family practice.

Participants

Multimorbid individuals (N = 60; aged ≥69) with polypharmacy (≥5 chronic medications) derived from the practice lists of a purposive sample of 13 family physicians (FPs).

Measurements

Participants were asked to prioritize each health outcome according the trade‐off principle, and FPs used this prioritization for medication review. The acceptability and practicality were measured using a questionnaire for FPs and participants and semistructured interviews with FPs.

Results

Ninety‐two percent of participants found the OPT understandable, and 55% could easily prioritize between health outcomes. Working with the OPT (mean duration 31 minutes) was a new approach for FPs, but they became more adept at using it. For FPs, the OPT provides better understanding of their patients. Participants and FPs thought that there should be a specific reason to discuss preferences, such as (expected) decline in health status.

Conclusion

The OPT appears to be promising in eliciting patient preferences but is not suitable for routine medication review at present. Further optimization before actual use is needed (e.g., knowledge in which clinical situations the OPT is useful). More information is needed on how individuals and their families perceive the tool.
Effect of smile index and incisal edge position on perception of attractiveness in different age groups
Authors: Chou J.‐C. , Nelson A. , Katwal D. , Elathamna E. N. , Durski M. T.
Published: September 2016

Changes in occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and age have been found to affect Smile Index (SI, width/height of smile). Limited information is available regarding the aesthetic effects of these changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the attractiveness of digitally manipulated smile images with differences in SI and incisal edge position (IEP) judged by respondents in different age groups. A total of 12 smile images were generated with varying SI (3·5, 5·3, 7·2, 9·0) and IEP (High, Medium, Low). Fifty respondents each in four age groups (15–24, 25–39, 40–54, 55+) evaluated the attractiveness of the 12 images using a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS, 10 being most attractive). A repeated‐measures three‐factorial mixed model assessed differences. SI, IEP and age of respondents were found to significantly influence attractiveness score (P < 0·01 for all). With all age groups combined, SI = 7·2/IEP = Medium was most attractive (VAS = 7·22), followed by SI = 9·0/IEP = Medium, and SI = 5·3/IEP = Medium (VAS = 6·53 and 6·48, respectively). SI = 3·5/IEP = High and SI = 3·5/IEP = Low were least attractive (VAS = 1·99 and VAS = 2·58, respectively). Age group significantly influenced aesthetic perception, with younger respondents more critical in differences in SI and IEP. SI and IEP significantly influenced attractiveness of the smile in all respondent age groups. Low SI (i.e. 3·5) combined with high or low IEP was unattractive. Medium SI to high SI (i.e. 5·3–9·0) combined with medium IEP were considered attractive.
The Effect of Bilateral Eyestalk Ablation on Signal Transduction Pathways of Ion Regulation of Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Li Li , Pan Luqing , Hu Dongxu , Liu Dong , Liu Maoqi
Published: September 2016

A study was performed on the effects of bilateral eyestalk ablation on signal transduction pathways of ion regulation of Litopenaeus vannamei. The study included three treatments (starvation group, bilateral eyestalk ablation, and starvation and bilateral eyestalk ablation) in addition to a control group. The shrimp were sampled at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h. Results showed that the ablation of bilateral eyestalk had significant effects on the contents of three kinds of biogenic amines (BAs), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and the activities of three kinds of ion‐transport enzymes (P < 0.05). According to these results, bilateral eyestalk ablation had significant effects on the ion signal pathway of L. vannamei. The same changes were observed in 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) contents, Na+‐K+‐ATPase, and HCO3−‐ATPase activities, suggesting that crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) regulated the changes in ion‐transport enzymes, mediated by BAs and cGMP. The specific pathways may be 5‐HT → cGMP → Na+‐K+‐ATPase, HCO3−‐ATPase, and BAs → cGMP → V‐ATPase. 5‐HT contents, Na+‐K+‐ATPase, and HCO3−‐ATPase activities in the starvation group were ultimately higher than those in the bilateral eyestalk ablation group, while the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) contents increased slightly. Study results suggested that under the situation of bilateral eyestalk ablation, the shrimp could also use feed or its metabolites to increase 5‐HT or cAMP contents to regulate the Na+‐K+‐ATPase and HCO3−‐ATPase activities in gills.
Embodied Resources in Fish and Shrimp Feeds
Authors: Chatvijitkul Sirirat , Boyd Claude E. , Davis D. Allen , McNevin Aaron A.
Published: September 2016

Global averages were obtained for amounts of energy, land, water, wildfish, nitrogen, and phosphorus embodied in aquaculture feed ingredients. These data allowed amounts of these embodied resources to be calculated for typical feed formulations for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; hybrid catfish, I. punctatus♀ × I. furcatus♂; Vietnamese catfish, Pangasius spp.; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; tilapia, Oreochromis spp.; whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei; and black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Embodied resource use per m.t. of feed varied among species: energy, 4.90–12.48 GJ/m.t.; land, 0.082–0.312 ha/m.t.; water, 502–1227 m3/m.t.; wildfish, 0–2880 kg/m.t.; nitrogen, 3.08–8.63 kg/m.t.; phosphorus, 1.16–5.62 kg/m.t. These calculations did not account for variations in site‐specific factors related to embodied resources and feed composition and use. But they suggest that reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 0.1 unit for the seven species (species groups) could potentially reduce feed use by around 1.1 million tonne (Mt) while conserving 9.8 million GJ of energy, 270,000 ha of agricultural land, 1.4 billion m3 of freshwater, and 1.24 Mt of wildfish. Reduction of the FCR is a powerful means of lessening farm‐level production costs and negative impacts of feed production and use.
Didymodon mesopapillosus sp. nov. (Pottiaceae) from Tibet, China
Authors: Kou Jin , Feng Chao , Jiang Yan‐Bin , Shao Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2016

Didymodon mesopapillosus J. Kou, X.‐M. Shao & C. Feng is described and illustrated as a new species from Tibet, China. It is characterized mainly by its ovate to ovate‐lanceolate leaves appressed to weakly erect when dry, margins recurved from leaf base to apex, laminal cell superficial walls markedly thicker than the internal walls, laminal papillae present only on both sides of costa, short‐excurrent costa, undifferentiated basal cells and differentiated perichaetial leaves. This species is compared with similar species and its ecology is discussed.
Waking‐hour cerebral activations in nightmare disorder: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Shen Chanchan , Wang Jiawei , Ma Guorong , Zhu Qisha , He Hongjian , Ding Qiuping , Fan Hongying , Lu Yanxia , Wang Wei
Published: September 2016

Aim

The purpose of the current study was to explore the cerebral areas involved in nightmare disorder.

Methods

Fifteen nightmare disorder patients and 15 healthy volunteers were invited to undergo resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and to complete the Nightmare Experience Questionnaire.

Results

The nightmare disorder patients scored higher on the Physical Effect and Horrible Stimulation scales, had higher values of regional homogeneity in clusters within the left anterior cingulate cortex and right inferior parietal lobule, and lower regional homogeneity values within the left superior and inferior frontal gyri and bilateral middle occipital gyri. Physical Effect was negatively correlated with regional homogeneity values in anterior cingulate cortex and inferior parietal lobule in the nightmare disorder group, and was positively correlated with regional homogeneity value in the inferior frontal gyrus in the healthy control group.

Conclusion

To our best knowledge, this is the first neuroimaging study on nightmare disorder, and we have characterized the cerebral activities underlying altered hyperarousal and emotion regulation in nightmare disorder at resting‐state.
Government's Unequal Attentiveness to Citizens' Political Priorities
Authors: Flavin Patrick , Franko William W.
Published: September 2016

An accumulation of evidence suggests citizens with low incomes have relatively little influence over the policy decisions made by lawmakers in the United States. However, long before elected officials are asked to cast a final vote on a bill's passage, an equally important decision has already been made: the decision for government to focus its limited attention and agenda space on the issue at all. Therefore, it is possible that political inequality is infused earlier in the policymaking process at the agenda‐setting stage if the issues held important by some citizens are given attention while the issues held important by others are not. To investigate this question, we develop novel state‐level measures of citizens' issue priorities and find sizable differences in which issues poor and rich citizens think are most important and deserving of government attention. We then use bill introduction data from state legislatures to measure government attention and uncover evidence that state legislators are less likely to act on an issue when it is prioritized by low‐income citizens as compared to affluent citizens. These findings have important implications for our understanding of political equality and the functioning of American democracy.
Low‐cost grass restoration using erosion barriers in a degraded African rangeland
Authors: Kimiti David W. , Riginos Corinna , Belnap Jayne
Published: September 2016

Rangeland degradation, typified by extensive bare ground and soil erosion, is a serious problem around the world. In sub‐Saharan Africa, rangeland degradation threatens the food security of millions of people who depend on livestock and the region's large mammalian wildlife diversity. We tested the ability of five simple, low‐cost erosion barriers to promote grass and forb establishment in a bare ground‐dominated rangeland in Kenya. These treatments were: (1) trenches with small berms; (2) bundles of branches; and bundles of branches with (3) elephant dung balls, (4) burlap sacking, or (5) nylon mesh sacking inside them. We also tested whether barrier performance depended on (1) supplemental seeding with the grass Cenchrus ciliaris and (2) whether a barrier was located next to existing vegetation patches versus in the open. Within months, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had accumulated 20–50% more sediment than other treatments and had greater grass and forb seedling establishment. Seeding with Cenchrus resulted in higher herbaceous cover but was not necessary for other grasses to establish. After 3 years, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had created patches of new vegetation averaging 18–63% larger than patches created by the other treatments. Barriers that were initially adjacent to existing vegetation had created new vegetation patches averaging 65% larger than those created by solitary barriers. Results suggest that all barrier types increase grass cover but that trenches—especially if placed next to existing vegetation patches—are a particularly cost‐effective way to reduce bare ground and erosion in degraded rangelands.
Strikes and Labor Unrest in the Automobile Industry in India: The Case of Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Authors: Nowak Jörg
Published: September 2016

The growth of the automobile industry in India was accompanied by a series of strikes and lockouts since the mid‐2000s. A peak of this series were the strikes and the uprising at biggest car passenger producer Maruti Suzuki in 2011 and 2012. The article explores the changing forms of organization that the workers of Maruti created during their struggle. Although permanent and contract workers fought together in one of the two factories of Maruti Suzuki, the division between these groups of workers is still a challenge for trade unions and other forms of worker's organizations in the automobile industry.
Numerical Investigation and Nondimensional Analysis of the Dynamic Performance of a Thermal Energy Storage System Containing Phase Change Materials and Liquid Water
Authors: Teamah Hebat-Allah M. , Lightstone Marilyn F. , Cotton James S.
Published: September 2016

The dynamic performance of a thermal energy storage tank containing phase change material (PCM) cylinders is investigated computationally. Water flowing along the length of the cylinders is used as the heat transfer fluid. A numerical model based on the enthalpy-porosity method is developed and validated against experimental data from the literature. The performance of this hybrid PCM/water system was assessed based on the gain in energy storage capacity compared to a sensible only system. Gains can reach as high as 179% by using 50% packing ratio and 10 °C operating temperature range in water tanks. Gains are highly affected by the choice of PCM module diameter; they are almost halved as diameter increases four times. They are also affected by the mass flow rate nonlinearly. A nondimensional analysis of the energy storage capacity gains as a function of the key nondimensional parameters (Stefan, Fourier, and Reynolds numbers) as well as PCM melting temperature was performed. The simulations covered ranges of 0.1 <  Stẽ  < 0.4, 0 < Fo < 600, 20 < Re < 4000, 0.2<(ρCP)*<0.8, and 0.2<θm<0.8.
Toward ocean attenuation tomography: Determining acoustic volume attenuation coefficients in seawater using eigenray amplitudes
Authors: Tippmann J. D. , Sarkar J. , Verlinden C. M. A. , Hodgkiss W. S. , Kuperman W. A.
Published: September 2016

A deep-water experiment in the Pacific made in situ measurements of the volume attenuation coefficients of sea water in the mid-frequency range. The frequency, temperature, salinity, pH, and pressure dependent seawater attenuation coefficients were determined using a vertical line array that received and identified over 2000 unique paths from 1200 mid-frequency 3–9 kHz LFM source transmissions at a convergence zone range and depth up to 400 m. The results show no change in attenuation coefficients in this band compared to estimates from 30-year-old models previously determined from a combination of long-range ocean acoustic and laboratory experiments. The inversion also explores the feasibility of ocean acoustic attenuation tomography to further separate the depth-dependent chemical components responsible for the total attenuation loss through by isolating a group of deep-water refracting acoustic paths.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ensifer adhaerens M78, a Mineral-Weathering Bacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Wang Yuanli , Chen Wei , He Linyan , Wang Qi , Sheng Xia-Fang
Published: September 2016

Ensifer adhaerens
M78, a bacterium isolated from soil, can weather potash feldspar and release Fe, Si, and Al from rock under nutrient-poor conditions. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain M78, which may facilitate a better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in mineral weathering by the bacterium.